Martin Guerre

In 1996, the writer/composer of my favorite musical Les Misérables debuted a new show in London. It was based on the true story of Martin Guerre (Circa 1548) and although it didn’t rival Les Miz, I immediately bought the CD and fell in love. I was turning 50 and Cassandra asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate my birthday. She suggested a party, but I told her my dream was to fly to London and see Martin Guerre. She said why not? And so, off we went to London.

It was a perfect mini holiday. The play was memorable and afterwards Casey and I went to the stage door where we got to meet the star, Ian Glenn. Once home I sent him a thank you note. Imagine my surprise when a few weeks later I received a postcard from Ian Glen thanking me!

Last week I happened to see an article about the "new" musical Martin Guerre. It was being revived in London after 30 years, just in time for my 80th birthday. Although I won’t be heading off to London, I do get the opportunity to relive the memory. 

That is gift enough.

 

Let's Party

For the last year and a half, I have been making bracelets to give away at protest rallies. After making over 1000 bracelets, I have finally run out of steam…and letters.

I dream of the day when the orange turd departs this world. And no matter what time it is, Tony and I will head down to Victory/Topanga for the party. I will be handing out these bracelets. My very last bracelets to celebrate the end of fascism and the return to democracy.   

 

BOO!

Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. Halloween is also my most difficult holiday of the year. Here's why I feel so tortured during this very scary season. 

Whenever I go shopping in the month of October I have to wear blinders. Target is the worst. Last week I made a quick trip to Target and temptation was on every aisle - Halloween ghost plates, Halloween black cat shirts, Halloween skeleton earrings...I think you get the idea. The problem is if I could, I would decorate me and every room in my house – both inside and outside - with bats, goblins and pumpkins. 

But at my age, I just can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on costumes and decorations to use just once a year. So, I just take out my bat sweater and earrings for that one special day of celebration. And we eat Halloween candy. 

Sadly, no one knocks on our door and screams Trick or Treat.  Guess the spirits that roam the earth on October 31st are on a diet!

 

911 Glitter Fire

One of my favorite Halloween memories happened in the late 1970’s. It started innocently enough when I went to get the mail. I opened the mailbox and saw a cardboard mailing tube. Curious, I didn’t wait until I returned to our condo but opened the tube in the entryway. As I did, the tube spewed glitter and black plastic spiders. So many that I literally had to go to my condo, grab a broom and sweep up the Halloween confetti.  

But back to the tube - It was an invite to a costume party given by a friend, and I immediately went into costume mode. I spent weeks searching for 2 fireman costumes which included hats and boots. We looked adorable and the party was amazing. But I do have regrets. I so wish I had at least one photo. 

Think this one will have to do.

There's Never Too Much Love

I love my little 9’ x 12’ backyard shed. Originally, it was my craft studio, but it has morphed into our home gym. Both Tony and I use the treadmill at least 4 times a week. He listens to music while I watch films on Netflix and Amazon. 

The room is filled with my favorite things. Frida, RBG, and of course pictures of Cassandra. Still, I needed just one more thing to make me smile. So, I purchased a small magnetic board where I could post photos. Currently I have 2 of Cassandra with her 2 loves – Sean and Whitney, 1 of Tony with his love - baseball and 1 of me at Yoko Ono’s Art Show, which I loved. 

 

It’s Tap Time - With the Family

Who would ever have thought that little ole me would be tapping my heart out twice a week? It's getting easier and I'm having more fun. To be honest, each lesson is just 30 minutes, and I am taking the easiest class on YouTube. But what matters, is that I am not allowing my age to determine what I can or cannot do. I think The Adams Family, who loved their bizarre hobbies, would have approved of my tapping. 

“So get a witch's shawl on
A broomstick you can crawl on
We're gonna pay a call on
The Addams Family.”

 

The falling leaves drift by the window... Nat King Cole

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year - Halloween, Thanksgiving, flannel pj’s and falling leaves. Growing up, a common Fall ritual was dumping bundles of fallen leaves into garbage cans and setting them on fire. The scent of smokey leaves is still one of my favorite scents. Yes, I knew it was a fire hazard, but I had no idea it was also a health and environmental hazard.

It seems that when galvanized steel heats up, it releases zinc-oxide which can cause a disease called Metal Fume Fever. This condition can result from exposure to the toxic fumes produced during the heating process. Symptoms resemble those of the flu, and typically include muscle aches, chills, nausea and fever.

Eventually burning leaves in garbage cans was banned, but no one can ban my memory.

 

To die would be an awfully big adventure – Peter Pan

Tony and I have a list of important things we need to do before we pass. It’s called "The Death List" and last week we checked off a very important thing – our cremations. We signed up with the Neptune Society and afterwards we celebrated with wine and toasted to our good health. It is a bit weird preparing for our death when we are in good health, but death is a part of life.

 

Change

My high school was approximately a half mile from the most popular store in Elizabeth, NJ - F. W. Woolworths. Also known as the original five and dime store, they carried a wide variety of items guaranteed to fulfill the wish list of every man, woman and child. 

I loved their pizza – freshly made – and after school we gals would sit at the lunch counter for gossip and malted milk shakes. All that changed in 1960. The South was still segregated and that included Woolworth’s lunch counters. In Greensboro NC, four heroic black students said enough was enough. In just five months their small protest grew to 55 cities in 13 states. And on Monday, July 25, 1960, Woolworth’s lunch counter was finally integrated.

I still shopped at Woolworths, but I never again sat at the counter. A small section of the actual lunch counter with 4 bar stools is on display at the Smithsonian’s African American Museum. Let's hope the orange turd doesn't remove it.

 

Requiem for the Tooth Fairy

I was about 7 when the tooth fairy died. It was a very traumatic experience for me, and even now, almost 73 years later, I remember the moment it happened.

It began when I lost a tooth and placed it under my pillow. The following morning, I excitedly looked under my pillow…and the tooth was still there. Heartbroken, I ran downstairs and in tears told my mother that the tooth fairy never came. She tried to assure me that I must be mistaken, so together we went upstairs to search for the missing money.

I saw my mother slip a quarter between the sheets. And then she triumphantly held it up and said that it must have slipped down when I was looking. Not believing her, I asked why the tooth fairy hadn't taken my tooth? She innocently replied that the tooth fairies' purse must have been full.

But I knew.

 

My Glass Slippers

I discovered Naot shoes about 25 years ago. The first time I tried on a pair I felt like Cinderella. Perfect fit but alas, not in my budget. I was working at the time and as an Event Coordinator I needed to dress well, so I splurged and bought my first pair. Over the next 5 years I continued to buy more Naot shoes. Not because they wore out, on the contrary, they still looked practically brand new. I bought more because I liked feeling like a Disney princess. When I retired, I owned 3 pairs of sandals (each a different color) and that original pair of navy-blue Mary Jane’s.

Fast forward another 10 years and I am now down to one pair of sandals and the original Mary Jane’s. The sandals that survived were teal and tan, which didn’t go with any retirement outfit I owned. So, before I broke the bank for a new pair of black sandals at now almost $200.00, I decided to try dying them black.

How’d I do?

Oldie but Goodie

I didn’t know what to write about today, so I asked AI, “What are the current most popular blog topics?” According to Mr/Ms AI, one of the hottest blog topics today is home decor. Home decor refers to the art and practice of designing and beautifying living spaces to reflect personal style and taste.

Because I strive to be popular and up to date, I’d like to share with you how we beautified the most important room in our house - the kitchen. The centerpiece is our 1950’s O’Keefe and Merritt stove. And yes, it does reflect our personal style. Like the two of us it may be old, but it still works!

 Arf! Arf!

I know, I know...I have blogged at least 5 times about my favorite fruit the Humble Lemon, so let me apologize in advance because I have another lemon product to share. But trust me, this one is a winner!

A few weeks ago, during our awful hot spell, I was craving something tart with a bit of spirit. I was at T. J’s, walking down the wine aisle when I stumbled upon Renegade Lemonade. Lemon Wine? Wine Not? It was only $10 so I decided to give it a try. One sip and I was addicted!  

Curiosity got the best of me, and I did a little digging. It all began in 2020 when 2 people with a passion for wine and a lot of time on their hands decided to turn lemons into lemonade and then into wine. Best of all, the wine is named after their beloved dog Renegade. Great story and great summer wine.

A Typical Monday
 

I am a list maker. According to AI, people who make lists often exhibit specific personality traits, such as being organized (yep) and detail-oriented (yep). This habit can enhance memory (?), reduce stress (yep), and improve productivity (yep) by providing structure and clarity to tasks and goals. 😊

 

Don’t stop me now
I’m havin such a good time, I’m havin a ball

It was way back in the early 80’s when I first heard the British Band Queen. At the time it wasn’t my fancy because I was more into nursery rhymes than rock music.

Fast forward 40+ years later when I really listened to Queen. I GOT IT! They were wonderful and IMHO deserved all the accolades they received. I have since seen 2 Queen documentaries and the wonderful film Bohemian Rhapsedy, starring Rami Malek.

I always thought as an almost 80-year-old that I couldn’t change, but I did. Change is inevitable and how we approach it makes all the difference. For me, aging is just another phase of life. One that is full of potential, discovery and endless possibilities.

 

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Long time ago I read an article about writing a letter to your younger self. I’ve thought a lot about doing it, but until recently I had no clue as to what I could say to little EllenB that would make a difference. That is, until yesterday.

I saw my reflection in the mirror and frowned when I looked at my hair. And then it hit me. One of the things I have spent a lifetime hating about myself is my frizzy hair. I was bullied about my Brillo hair in school, but I never told anyone. I knew the bullies were right. I did have ugly hair. 

Dear Sweet EllenB,
You are loved just the way you are. You have wonderful frizzy hair, and it frames your face like a halo. A living angel.
Love, 

You, all grown up

Starting today, I am going to look into the mirror every day and tell myself that I like my frizzy hair.

 

9/11

In 2016 Tony and I went to NYC. We had 3 goals for our visit, see Casey, a Broadway show and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. I have many happy memories of our mini holiday, but what still haunts me is the 9/11 Museum. As we entered, it was so quiet that I felt as if I was in a house of worship.

In one area there was a small alcove where photos graced the walls. I glanced over and saw a man in a wheelchair quietly sobbing. His hand was caressing one of the photos, and I knew it was of a loved one of his who had been lost in 9/11. I quickly turned away because it was such a private moment.

When we left the Museum, I told Tony that they needed to supply free tissues because I knew that no one could view the remnants of such sadness and terror without being brought to tears.

 

Plane Tips - that no one talks about!

1. For woman only - Wear a sleep bra. Lightweight, no wires and the girls will thank you.

2. Do not wear wide legged pants if you plan on using the restroom. Remember, you will be sharing it with lots of men. Use your imagination.

3. I have read that under the seat in planes is just plain nasty. If you plan on putting anything under the seat in front of you, this tip is for you. Prior to your flight, take a plastic garbage bag, cut in half and fold. Once on the plane, unfold and place under the seat in front of you. Your expensive purse will stay clean.

Bon Voyage and have a safe trip!

 

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Thrilled to announce that The Great Pumpkin has arrived at my local Trader Joe’s. Tony and I went shopping at 8 AM yesterday and spent $138.98. Here’s the menu at our house for the week.

1. Pumpkin Bisque Soup with Mango Stilton Cheese & Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers.

2. Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce.

3. Sweet Potato Bowl with Tofu, Roasted Butternut Squash and Dried Cranberries.

4. Pretend Turkey Sandwiches with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce.

I still have 3 more meals to plan but am consumed right now with the Perfect Pumpkin Dessert. Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies? Pumpkin Cheesecake? Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants? I’m heading back to TJ’s tomorrow to finish my shopping spree for The Great Pumpkin Menu Marathon!

 

Five Hours in the Air

Before I travel to NY, I like to watch YouTube videos to see what other travelers take on their plane trip. Before my recent trip, I watched a video of a gal who brought 43 items, not including her phone and wallet. This includes everything but the kitchen sink - from a mini sewing kit to chopsticks. Not to be catty, but I did wonder how she manages to leave her home without carrying a suitcase filled with “what if” items.

In comparison, besides my phone and credit cards, I take just 8 items. Earphones, hankie, pill case, hand sanitizer, wipes, glasses, back pillow, mints and a folded piece of a garbage bag. 

PS. For more on the garbage bag check out my next blog.

PSS. I am happy to report that I made it to NY and back home safely. Without the need of chopsticks!

 

Say Cheese

I can’t remember my 7th grade science teacher’s name, but I do recall an adventure she took during the summer break. She went to Africa on a photo safari. She told us all about it and I was mesmerized as she took us along on her trip of a lifetime. As she spoke, I said to myself that one day I would also take a photo safari.

It never happened. And, at 79 ½ I know even if I won the lottery I wouldn’t make it to Africa. Surprisingly I am not sad, because one thing I have learned is that sometimes having a dream is enough.

 

Aunt Jean’s gift #2

Aunt Jean was a wonderfully colorful artist. She loved color in her art, in her dress and in her life.

Once I told her that if I could have a meal with anyone who had passed, it would have to be Van Gogh. I dreamed of taking his hand in mine and sharing with him how he is considered the greatest post-impressionist artist the world has ever known. If only.

Aunt Jean understood my love and gifted me this painting she did of Van Goghs Entrance
To The Public Gardens in Arles. I framed the painting and it hangs in our bedroom. I look at it every day and smile knowing that this gift from Aunt Jean is also a gift from Van Gogh.

 

My Current Favorite Quote

"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born."

Albert Einstein

 

A Gift From The Heart, To The Heart

Years ago, after a trip to Paris, Cassandra gifted me a beautiful necklace. It was from the Rodin Museum and has an engraved quote on the pendant by Auguste Rodin –“une vie a plein bond.” Which translates to “a life that’s full to the brim.”

Unfortunately, because the silver chain was very delicate, it eventually tangled and broke.
The other day I remembered I had this very special necklace and decided to give it a new life. One that’s full to the brim. I can’t wait to wear it again, close to my heart.

Follow Your Dreams

Yesterday, a hawk visited the Hawkins. He sat on the grass by our apricot tree for at least 10 minutes. Calmly, without a care in the world, he directly looked at us as if he had an important message he wanted to deliver.  

According to legend, a hawk visiting you is seen as a powerful sign of heightened awareness and intuition, urging you to focus and observe your surroundings more closely. This encounter can symbolize a call to action, encouraging you to trust your instincts and seize opportunities in your life.

 

Father, I Can Not Tell a Lie: I Cut the Tree

The cherry tree myth is one of the oldest and best-known legends about George Washington. In the original story, when Washington was six years old, he received a hatchet as a gift and damaged his father’s cherry tree with it. 

In a strange way this story was a part of my childhood. Growing up we had a large cherry tree near our garage. Once a year, one of our neighbors would drag over a ladder, pick a load of cherries and then bake yummy cherry pies.  We always got the first pie and it was delicious. 

I just went on Google Earth to look at my childhood home. I am sad to report that the cherry tree is gone. Guess the ghost of George Washington cut it down. 

 

Hillside Road

It seems the older I get, the less brave I am. For example, I absolutely hate being a passenger when the driver (Tony) is speeding, as he usually does. I tend to close my eyes and hope for the best. But despite my fear of speeding, as a child I loved sledding down Hillside Road after a winter snowfall. The faster the better. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I was never a brave child. But I do recall my mother shared that as a toddler they actually had to tie me to the crib because I used to crawl out when no one was looking. I wish I could recapture that brevity, but alas at least I have the memory.

 

Geraniums symbolize Friendship, Protection and Happiness

For the last 10 + years we have had white azaleas in the front yard. Azaleas are nice flowers, but they never added anything to our mid-century ranch. Recently a memory from my childhood resurfaced and I recalled how much my mother loved the geraniums that grew on the side of our house. I asked Raoul, our gardener, if geraniums would do well in place of the azaleas and he enthusiastically said YES! The front yard would be the perfect spot to grow geraniums.

That is, until he planted 4 tiny pots of geraniums. I was so disappointed because they looked so lonely and I lamented how they would never look as good as my memory.

And then as if by magic, they started to grow and filled the front lawn with vibrant coral/red flowers. The memory is now perfect.  

A gift from Cassandra

Life is not made of the number of breaths we take, but of the moments that take our breath away.

SOURCE UNKNOWN

Our true home is the present moment. To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment.

THICH NHAT HANH

My favorite piece of music is the one we hear all the time if we are quiet.

JOHN CAGE

You and I are flesh and blood, but we are also stardust.

HELENA CURTIS

 

Start Spreading the News

Every New Year’s Eve at 9:00 PM PST, Tony and I watch the ball drop in Times Square. After a quick kiss we attempt to dance to NY NY. I never tire of our ritual and as we sip our prosecco we laugh and dream about the upcoming year. Will we finally get rid of the orange turd? Can we plan for a future where equality matters? It’s a bit early to celebrate 2027, but not to early to plan my trip to NY. I’m ready. Set. Let’s GO!! 

 

Three strikes and you’re out!

I was never a big fan of the Dodger Baseball team. What happened last Thursday confirmed my decision not to support the team. The Dodgers went to the White House to celebrate their 2025 World Series Win, and the owners of the team gifted the OT* a world series ring, jersey and hat. All the players who attended smiled at the cameras and shook hands with the OT*. However, there were three brave players who chose not to attend.

Introducing my new favorite baseball players - Kike Hernandez, Mookie Betts and Edgardo Henriquez. They had the courage to stand up for democracy and not bow down to the OT*.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

*OT Orange Turd

 

Aunt Jean’s Gift #1

When my wonderful Aunt Jean at 90+ young decided to move to a retirement home, she began giving away some of her beloved belongings. Because she and Tony shared a deep love of martinis, the first gift she gave me was a martini glass for Tony. She didn’t remember who had given it to her, but whoever had, obviously knew her well.

At the time, nearly 10 years ago, I was a wine drinker. If I ever indulged in a martini, it was a Lemon Drop. And then as if by magic, everything changed a year ago when I tasted an Espresso Martini. Indescribably delicious. I will admit that I did steal Aunt Jean's martini glass from Tony. In my defense it wasn't entirely my fault. I blame the crime on Trader Joe’s for selling $10 bottles of pre-mixed Espresso Martinis. 

Yes, I love the martini glass, but the best gift she gave us was her love. We miss her.

Life is a journey enjoy the ride

In the 62 years that I have been driving, I have owned nine cars. My first car was a 1964 Ford convertible and my last/current one a 2007 black hatchback Yaris. I’ve never been a car aficionado, but there is one car that I always dreamed of owning - a vintage Volkswagen van. For me the van, decorated with flower decals, will always be the quintessential symbol of the 1960’s - an era that celebrated the ideals of peace and love forever. I will admit that I was never a true hippie. Rather just a pseudo hippie, but despite my advanced age, inside I still feel that calling of nature and harmony.

I know I will never own a VW hippie van, so last night I came up with the brilliant idea to transform my Yaris into a hippie car. And how to do that? Why just order a packet of daisy decal stickers. My goal is to decorate my Yaris to resemble a real hippie car.

When I told Tony my plan he immediately broke out in song – "If you’re going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair…"

Ummm, to complete the picture, maybe I also need a flower for my hair?

 

 

Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my!

During the day, seeing squirrels in the backyard is the norm. It is only at night when the wild animals visit. No, not lions, tigers and bears but skunks, racoons and one very friendly black cat.

But, over the last week or so, we have seen three very young and very happy skunks playing in the backyard as if it was recess in the school playground. The very next day, one very large racoon, we assume was the mama, and 2 smaller racoons decided to explore our backyard for a late afternoon snack. And of course, the black cat who stops by every day, his/her favorite spot being under the lemon tree for a nice long snooze fest.

According to AI, during the summer wild animals are more active during the day due to longer daylight hours and warmer temps. I humbly disagree. I think they just wanted to say hello. 

 

Puttin on the Ritz

I’ve decided to visit London’s Ritz Hotel instead of Oz. I tried to Dance Tap through Life, but life is hard enough wearing tennis shoes, no less tap shoes.  Just a bit of searching on You Tube and I found a beginner Puttin on the Ritz tap class. Less challenging, but oh so much more fun. I ain’t no Ginger Rodgers, but I’m proud that at 79 ½, I am learning how to tap dance.

 

"Ode to a Lemon" by Pablo Neruda 

A poem that explores the beauty and significance of a lemon, using rich imagery to convey deeper meanings about nature and life.

The freezer is stocked full with lemon loaf, lemon brownies and lemon ice cubes. Since the lemon tree is currently overproducing, I am always seeking new ways to use my favorite fruit. 

Some of the more interesting ways I found on the web include: 

•  Freshen your fridge by placing lemon halves inside
•  Clean cutting boards by rubbing with lemon
•  Deodorize garbage disposals with lemon peels
•  Use lemon juice to remove stains from fabrics
•  Mix with baking soda for a natural cleaner
•  Brighten dull aluminum cookware with lemon
•  Freshen laundry by adding lemon juice
•  Clean glass surfaces for a streak-free shine
•  Apply lemon juice to lighten dark spots on skin
•  Use lemon peels to repel pests in the garden

I can get behind some of these, but waste a precious lemon to kill some bugs? No way. Ummm, might be time for a Lemon Drop Martini. I think Pablo would agree. 

 

DOLLAR TREE SHOPPING LIST

1. Two One pail for the garden

2. Two tubes of Creamy Petroleum Jelly

3. Two bottles of Comet Classic All Purpose Cleaner

4. One bottle of Liquid Bleach

5. One Two small + one large glass bowls for storage

6. Any/all colors of Essie Nail Polish

My list was ready, and I was one of the first customers when the store opened on July 1st at 8:00 AM. Didn't find everything, but that didn't matter. It felt wonderful shopping at the $1.00  $1.25-$1.50 TREE.

 

No Spend June Update

I only made it to June 13th. But in my defense, it wasn’t my fault. I repeat – it wasn’t my fault. Obviously, Old Navy heard about my No Spend June and took it as a challenge.

This is how they did it. I had been looking for new sleep shirts to be purchased on July 1, 2026. They had to be blue, and they had to have great graphics, preferably NYC. And, most importantly, they had to be on sale.

Regularly $16.99, now $6.00 each! Should I break my No Spend June? I went to my financial advisor, Tony, and we discussed the pros and cons. Bottom line, Old Navy won.

 

YoKo OnO 

It was a perfect day. Sunday Brunch at Massilia's and then off to The Broad for the Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind exhibition.  

I was always under the assumption that Yoko wasn't really a talented artist in her own right. Yoko, please accept my apologies. She is one fabulously talented woman. Highly educated and although I don't always understand conceptual art, I do appreciate her gift of expression.  

Let me try and explain the above photo. Part of the interactive exhibit was for visitors to nail something (?) onto the exhibit board. There were notes, receipts, dollar bills and just random odds and ends. One of the suggestions was to wrap a strand of hair onto a nail. Hence the photo of me pulling out my hair. Not out of intense frustration, but as a piece of art.  

 

Lost and Found

In the last years of her life, I was in charge of my mother's care. After I moved her out of her condo and into a care facility, I sold her condo. I divided the contents of the condo between my sisters and I and then sold/donated what was left. One thing I kept was her vintage jewelry box filled with costume jewelry from the 50’s.

There was so much chaos in cleaning out the condo that somehow the jewelry box of costume jewelry never made it to my townhouse. I didn’t care about most of the jewelry but there was a set of bunny pins, that I never saw my mother wear but that I loved dearly. I never knew whether she had bought them herself or if they were a gift, but she kept them for years, so I assumed they were special to her.

The other day I randomly thought about the pins so went on Ebay and there it was. Vintage Rhinestone Rabbit Bunny Head Brooch Pin Prong Set Costume Jewelry 1950’s. Did I buy it? No. But I had a lovely visit with a long-lost friend.

 Fridge Tour?

Happened upon a new thing for me on "YouTube" - refrigerator tours. I did wonder if these videos were real life or just pretend because most had perfectly organized shelves with matching containers full of freshly washed fruit/veggies. Everything was in clear containers, some even labeled. A few pertinent questions, why would a clear container filled with identical yogurt cups need a label and why are there never any half-filled bottles?

For us, the contents and order of our fridge depend upon the day. I typically shop on Sunday morning, and by Sunday afternoon every shelf of the fridge is filled and somewhat (?) orderly. By Wednesday the fridge is a bit messy and by Saturday it’s nearly empty.

After pondering it a bit, I think I’d be open to tours on Monday morning. Starting at 9:00AM. Wanna sign up?

UPDATE: Due to circumstances beyond my control (lack of interest), all tours of our fridge have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

 

Truth Stranger Than Fiction

The other day I happened upon a list by Rotten Tomatoes of their top 50 films of all time. I wondered if any of mine were on the list, so I scrolled and scrolled until I almost reached the bottom and there it was - number 47 - Spotlight.

Spotlight, with a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, is on MY top 5 list of favorite movies. I have it taped and I watch it several times a year. It never ceases to amaze me that a group of dedicated people from the Boston Globe managed to uncover a secret decades-long coverup of widespread and systemic child sex abuse by numerous priests of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

The acting, the passion, and the horror this film portrays is gut wrenching. It took years for the truth to emerge, but in the end, it did. Obviously, pedophiles still exist. (White House) And cover-ups continue. (Epstein Files) When will it ever end?

 22 Year and Counting

Traditional gifts for the 22nd wedding anniversary are typically made of copper, symbolizing durability and flexibility. Two characteristics of a long-lasting marriage.

Since I am currently on my "No Spend June," I couldn’t take the easy route and go shopping for an Anniversary gift. But hey, I’m a crafty gal and open to the challenge. Can I make something that would celebrate our marriage at zero cost?

I started by searching for 22 copper pennies. Found them. Next, I had to clean them with vinegar, salt and water. Done. Lastly, make an Anniversary Card.

PS. Tony loved the gift, and we celebrated at North Italia - pizza plus a Lemon Drop Martini for me and a Dirty Martini for Tony. A perfectly delicious afternoon!

Ain't She Sweet

For close to ten years, I worked at the Motion Picture & Television Fund. I liked the job but was never passionate about the organization.

However, one thing I did love was working for/with my boss Andrea. She was a very special person, and I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to know her. She always made me feel as if I had the ability to reach the stars. She also had the talent of asking people questions and then listening, as if what they said was important.

We have lost contact, but I occasionally see her post a photo, so I know she is doing well. That makes me smile.

 

Another reason to support Minnesota

I never tasted an avocado or dinned on Mexican cuisine until I moved to LA in the 70’s. I remember my first Mexican meal. After just one bite I was hooked, line and sinker. Where have you been all my life?

A few years ago, I heard about Taco Tuesday. I found out that the phrase became popular in 1989 when Taco John’s, a restaurant chain in Wyoming, began using it to attract customers on typically slow Tuesdays.

A lot has changed since then. They currently have almost 400 restaurants in the Midwest, and their headquarters are located in Minnesota!

I have tried endless times to make tacos, but the shells drive me crazy. They just fall apart so easily that I always served Tacos with a fork. Which got me thinking. How about a deconstructed taco? So, I invented Taco Tuesday Salad. Iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, tofu sprinkled with taco sauce, corn, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes all topped with a generous serving of guacamole.

I know, I know it’s not original but damn, it is so DELICIOSA!

 

You Can Try, But You Can't Break My Spirit

I am officially onto my 9th week of healing from my proximal humerus break. I still can’t use roll on deodorant without a ton of pain, but it seems every week there are definite improvements.

I no longer wake up during the night in pain, so it’s farewell for the need of ice packs. I am also now able to lie on my side and sleep. Granted just for short periods of time, but hey, that is a win. Lastly and more importantly, I no longer need pain pills.

I wish I could say that every week I saw improvement. Not so. However, I am healing. And that is a Mastercard Moment.

 

NO SPEND JUNE

A no spend month is a financial challenge where you commit to eliminating all non-essential purchases for (choose one) 28/29/30/31 days to reset your spending habits.

By focusing on core necessities, you can effectively curb impulse buys (Dollar Tree/Amazon) and build financial discipline while identifying areas where your money often disappears on items you do not truly need. (You mean I didn't need that new cactus purse charm?) WRONG!!

 

 

The other day Tony asked me if I wanted him to pick more lemons...the rest is history. Introducing Traditional British Lemon Curd!

Ingredients

3 large lemons (zest and juice)

¾ cup sugar

3 eggs

½ cup butter (cut into small pieces)


Directions

Step 1 – Prepare the Lemon Mixture

In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs.

Whisk the mixture until smooth.

Step 2 – Cook the Curd

Place the saucepan over low heat.

Stir continuously as the mixture begins to thicken.

Add the butter pieces gradually while stirring.

Continue cooking until the curd coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3 – Strain and Cool

Remove from heat.

Strain the curd through a fine sieve for a smooth texture.

Pour into a jar and allow it to cool before refrigerating.

 

TWO 79 YEAR OLDS GO ON A DATE

We don't go to the movies often, so when we do I give a silent prayer that the flick is worth the time and money. BINGO! The Sheep Detectives was wonderful! We topped the day off with a Lemon Martini and Italian Chocolate. Who needs to go to Italy? Not us :-)

 

TAP DANCE UPDATE

Let's Do the Time Warp Again ✔

I am proud to report that despite a broken arm I aced the 3-minute routine. To celebrate the occasion, I purchased a pair of Rocky Horror Picture Show Socks to go with my Time Warp t-shirt. 

Excited to start my next routine. Dancing Tapping Through Life.