Friday Roundup

 A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.

Thomas Keller

Well, Friday has arrived and it is going to be a lovely day.  In fact, they say the entire weekend is going to be clear and cool.  Definitely time to get out of the house and enjoy. I am planning making a fruit salad and heading out for lunch in the park tomorrow, so today I am off to the fruit stand. Sounds like a good way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

What a lunch we had yesterday!!!  Sure overdid my daily sodium level but once in awhile doesn't hurt.  At least that is what I like to tell myself.  Makes it sound less sinful.  They served manicotti, meatball, sausage, salad, roll, jello, and a cannoli.  Both cooks are from Italy so you just know that the food was authentic and delicious.  I went home feeling like a stuffed goose.  

And it was a darned good thing my intuition told me to go to the Center earlier than usual.  The place was packed.  Any later and I may not have been able to sit with my friends. 

You may think I am crazy, but lately I have been missing work.  Not substance abuse counseling, but doing something.  I'm not sure what. I just feel as if I am missing something.  I know it is irrational, and I AM very happy with retirement.  I love not having to answer to anyone.  But then there are times  I watch the workers at the Center and wish that I was one of them.  Of course, that's not going to happen. A change of careers at 68?  That would mean back to school, and I don't think that is going to happen.  I don't have it in me.  Will definitely have to find out what planetary transit may be at the root of  this restlessness within.

Perhaps it is because sometimes I find it hard thinking of myself as a client.  I've had my own clients for so long, I sometimes have difficulty with the fact that I am on the opposite side now.

Got my reimbursement check back from the health plan.  I can't believe they had the nerve to deduct their monthly payment from it.  What about the $30 I had to lay out in a late fee because of the stupidity of the person who opened the check and assumed I was paying 96 years in advance.  Can't believe the bank that accepted the check was none other than Chase.  I would expect better from them.

Well, that's about it for now.  Not going to the Center today.  Never go on Friday because they always serve fish, and I have never liked it.  Only fish I eat is a nice tuna sandwich.  

See you all on Monday.  May your weekend be filled with lots of love and laughter. 

A Little Bit of Nothing

 Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year’s end and day’s beginnings. 

Terri Guillemets

Good morning, everyone.  It's a nice day out there today.  The rain of yesterday has passed and in its wake we have some clear, cool air.  I've said it before.  I think we are in for an early fall, and you won't get any complaints from me.  Along with Spring, it is my favorite time of the year. 

I'm in such a hurry for it to begin that I've dug out my harvest cookbooks and have been marking down some new recipes I plan to try. I also purchased the following book 'Seasons of Our Lives - Autumn'.  The book is a compilation of memoirs of the season from different women.   I am reading it now and loving it.  I love anything that opens up memories long forgotten.

From the description: 

These memoirs from different women are fascinating. Each reveals a moment in time for the authors takeaways or mini-lessons that will help you reflect on the seasons of your own life. And, they just might help you write more dynamically if you decide to share your stories with family, friends, and even more widely.

I was a wee bit  disappointed with lunch yesterday.  I went in all hyped over Chicken Parmesan, and instead, we just had plain breaded cutlets.  They were tasty, yes, but they do make some of the best Chicken Parmesan I have ever had.  I do understand, though.  Today we are having Italian, and not everyone is like me.  I can eat it every day.

Our super has been busy setting up cameras in front of the building.  I love the idea. There  has always been one in front, but now he has four set up in different areas.  We've never had any problems in this building, and I have always felt safe, but even in the safest neighborhoods one must be careful nowadays.  Just a few days ago a 72 year old man was sucker punched on his way home.  He wasn't bothering anyone, just innocently walking home when some young thug turned around and punched him in the face sending him sprawling.  He's now in the hospital, awake and alert, but has a blood clot near his brain.  The building has a camera, and it caught the coward as he did it.  Now, let's hope the police can catch him.

This happens too frequently in today's world. We never thought of hurting an adult when we were young.  Too much respect.  Oh, they had their gangs back then but they basically fought each other over territory.  There was none of this violence just for the fun of it.  Today there are too many guns, too much violence.  These young cowards have no respect for human life.  I am not going to lie.  There are times I see a young man/men loitering on the sidewalk, and I get nervous.  I've even gone so far as to cross the street.  One can never be too careful. 

I must leave early today so it's time to stop rambling and get myself in the shower.  For the next month lunch will be 25 cents in honor of us senior citizens. People are going to come from far and wide for these lunches, so I must be early if I hope to keep my seat.  Talk to you all tomorrow. 




 

Wednesday Ramble

 Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. 

Rabindranath Tagore

Good morning, everyone.  It's a rainy day out there.  I usually don't go to the Center on days like this, but they are serving something I love today...chicken Parmesan.  I love Italian food.  And they are serving it two days in a row.  Tomorrow is even better.  Stuffed shells with sausage.  That kind of meal is always reserved for a special day, and tomorrow is a celebration for Senior Citizen's Day.  It's actually not until next week, but they already have an 'end of summer' Polynesian party planned for next Thursday.

End of summer.  Hard to believe, isn't it?  This summer just seemed to fly by. Not one heat wave.  Unbelievable.  I think we had a bit more rain, but I am not sure.  Yesterday was a strange day.  When I stepped outside in the morning, it felt like I had entered fall.  In fact, the wind was blowing so hard that it had the feel of a hurricane on the way.  Yet, when I got off the bus only about 12 blocks away, it was hotter and more humid with no breeze at all.  I just assumed that it had warmed up quickly, but when I got back home,  a little over an hour later, it still felt like fall.  The wind was so strong I had to cover my eyes to keep dirt from getting in.  I guess that is because I live closer to the water.

I didn't go to the Center yesterday.  My refund check from HIP didn't arrive, and I really don't want to end up with bad credit with my landlord.  I pride myself in paying my bills on time.  Sadly, this time they were paid early, but didn't get to the right places.  I called HIP yesterday and was informed that it would be 3 to 4 weeks, and I blew.  I really don't like to get so agitated because I can actually feel my BP rising, but sometimes it can't be avoided...especially when someone finds a large money order and assumes you are paying 96 years in advance. 

It wasn't until I threatened legal assistance because fraud had been committed that the woman changed her tune, and I was told to be patient, my check would arrive at the end of the week.  She would not give me the name of the bank that cashed the check.  That's okay.  When my replacement check arrives, I'll find out.  And you'd best believe I am not going to let this go.  Fortunately, I have an understanding landlord and a good payment record...and fortunately I had enough money in the bank to afford a second rent payment this month.  What if I didn't?  What then?

I still can't believe that Robin Williams is gone.  I once had the honor of meeting him, and he was the nicest man.  My ex was an actor and worked in one of his early films.  After the last scene is shot, there is almost always a cast party where everyone celebrates the completion of the film.  This party was held in the River Cafe, and not only did  hear that Robin Williams footed the bill, but he also stood at the entrance with a smile on his face as he greeted everyone with a handshake. May he RIP.

We don't do much for birthdays anymore, not like we used to.  Both of us prefer a quiet evening at home. I gave hubby a card with some cash and fixed him his favorite meal for his birthday...pork chops, arroz con gondules, and okra.  I have never liked okra so my plate had spiced cauliflower instead.

Happy Birthday Ralph

Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again. 

Menachem Mendel Schneerson

One day in July, 1991, I was seated on a bench in Washington Square Park. I was so lost in my book that I didn't notice this handsome man as he approached the bench. "Would you mind if I sit here?" he asked, startling me. I looked up, annoyed that he wanted to invade MY bench when there were so many others free. But then I looked into those eyes, and I instantly knew. I had found my soul mate. Fate had once again led us to each other. We celebrated your birthday in August. I remember how  I didn't have much money so I gave him a card and took him to the movies.  We had such a wonderful time. 

And now, here we are, 23 years later. We have laughed together and cried together. We have given each other strength and encouraged each other to be the best we can be. It was his encouragement and support that We've been through a lot together and we've always come out on top. It was the hard times that made us stronger. If I could give this man the world, I would.  I am so blessed.

Happy Birthday Ralph

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