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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.