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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. 

 

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 :-)