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.