READ THE FINE PRINT
YOU GOTTA HAVE A GIMMICK
Do you remember the musical "Gypsy?" One of the showstoppers that stands out in my mind was the number, "You gotta have a gimmick."

Gypsy (1962) directed by Mervyn LeRoy, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Natalie Wood as Louise 'Gypsy Rose Lee' Hovick, Betty Bruce as Tessie Tura, Faith Dane as Mazeppa, Roxanne Arlen as Electra

"If you wanna bump it, Bump it wid a trumpet."

The three burlesque performers show the novice how to get attention, each one has something special that really fascinates the audience! And boy, did that work!!

So it is too in the retail world, you gotta have a gimmick, and if you are not careful you can be sucked in.

That's what happened to me recently.

THE FINE PRINT
I have a favorite sportswear store down here in Florida and even though I've been here for almost two months I just didn't get there until recently.

What finally got me to Bealls was an ad in Saturday's newspaper featuring a $10.00 off coupon after you spend $50.00.


Image Courtesy Bealls

I thought to myself, "I shouldn't have any trouble finding what I like at the store, they have name brands that I know will fit me. Happy day, I'll go, have fun and save $10.00!!

Well, let me tell you, it wasn't easy.

Most of the sportswear was made abroad. Size "large" was skimpy - size "x-large" was a little to large but after trying on a number of items I finally found a few things that fit properly.

Before I went to check out I totaled my items and still needed to buy a few more items to have them add up to qualify for the $10.00 discount.

By the time I got through I was exhausted and spent more than the $50.00.

After the cashier rung up my sale I questioned her because I saw she didn't take of the discounted amount!

Oh, she said, "you have to come back on Tuesday or Wednesday, make a purchase and THEN you get the "$10.00 Bealls Bucks."

Oh, Holy Cow - I wasn't going to put myself through that again.

Like I said earlier, "You gotta have a gimmick." That store sure has one!!

What I learned from that experience is, be careful, if it sounds to good to be true there must be a catch.

Be sure to read the fine print!

BONUS:

NatalieWood as Gypsy Rose Lee Gypsy










posted by Millie Garfield @ 7:51 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 5 comments | Old

 
My Week at the Movies
Since I have been down here in Florida I have seen four movies - the theaters are a stones throw from where I live, price of a ticket for a senior is $5.00.

There is also a nearby Temple that shows movies every Wednesday afternoon at no cost and the ones I have seen so far are films about seniors.

The capacity of the room is six hundred people and would you believe the room fills up quickly so for a movie that starts at 1:30 I plan on getting there no later than 1:00.

I think there are a number of reasons so many people attend the movies at the Temple:

The location
The subject matter
The afternoon showing
There is no charge
AND they serve beverages and cookies

I'm especially interested in seeing the films they show because they are usually about seniors, take place in foreign countries and and not the silly or cops and robber type that come out of Hollywood.

Last week I saw the film "Elsa and Fred." It was funny, sad and heart warming.

When the retired seventy-seven years old hypochondriac widower Fred moves to an apartment in Madrid, his daughter has an incident with his next door neighbor, the elder Argentinean Elsa. Later they meet each other and Elsa seduces Fred with her reckless behavior and they have a romance.

Fred is a reserved gentleman and Elsa is far from reserved. She's an attractive eighty-two year old senior, believes in enjoying life every minute and helps Fred get on with his life and he learns a thing or two from his lively neighbor!!

The Descendants
How can anything starring George Clooney be anything but good! - The story, the actors, the Hawaiian islands made for a sad/funny film which I enjoyed very much.



Even appreciated George in his Hawaiian shirts!!

My Week With Marilyn
The actors in the film were all great, especially Michelle Williams who was wonderful as Marilyn Monroe.



I felt that the content was repetitious and the movie was way too long.

I especially liked the character of the young man who played the part of an assistant and had a big crush on Marilyn.

War Horse
To put it in a nutshell the actors were great, the horse was wonderful but the war scenes were too much.



Have you seen any good movies?










posted by Millie Garfield @ 7:21 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SNOWBIRD
I could write about the movies, the shows, the places I have eaten, or the Mah Jongg games that I have been enjoying, but instead, I have decided to tell you about an ordinary day that I had today.

HOT AND COLD
Since I've been here in Florida, it's been an unusually warm December.

January is different!!

This morning it was cold and windy, had to put the heat on! That's why I pack turtle neck jerseys and long johns.

I needed some groceries, but didn't feel like parading through my favorite big supermarket. Instead, I elected to go to a nearby small market that carries lots of ethnic goodies.

Before I left the house I got my cold clothes together and prepared for the cold. Little did I know that at 1:00 pm the sprinklers are on and I had to dash between the water until I made it to my car!!

That's when I got my exercise for the day!

GOODIES WITH A SMILE?
To my pleasant surprise they have enlarged the store. It now carries a larger inventory of specialties that appeal to me. For example, they now carry a yogurt cultured semisoft part-skim cheese that I love and can not find that type of cheese up North. As a matter of fact I'm having it right now on some crackers and enjoying them with a gin and tonic with a slice of lime.

Yum!!

The market was very busy, you have to take number and wait your turn. It's worth the wait because there is a lot going on between the salespeople and the customers.

The gentleman before me was just finishing his order and when the clerk asked him if there was anything else he could do for him, the customer said, "I'd like a smile."

The salesperson had absolutely no response.


Store Clerk by Brian Fountain CC BY

The customer persisted and said again, "I'd like a smile."

By this time the clerk's face was turning sour just like the pickles I bought.

No way was he going to smile!!

The wagons they have in this store are the type that you can not take out of the store. It so happens that I bought a lot of goodies and needed help with getting the bundles to my car.

Well they have a "floor walker" that is not a smiler either.

As a matter of fact I would say he's a grouch. and if you need help with the groceries he will take them out to your car for you. He's not happy about it but does it.

Now that the store has more business than ever, people are buying more and need that service.

He's not a happy camper.

I'll be watching to see what happens.

Maybe he'll quit.

Maybe they will hire extra help.

Maybe they'll hire someone who knows how to smile.

Now I'm going to finish my gin and tonic, have more cheese and crackers, and get ready for an ordinary evening at home!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 4:47 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 5 comments | Old

 
THE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS
In the 50's I had a wonderful office job in downtown Boston.



I liked the work, the people, and the fact that the office was in the heart of the shopping district.

On my lunch hour I could scoot over to Filene's Bargain Basement store, and if I was lucky "get a designer label item for a steal." If you were a tourist Filene's Basement was the number one attraction in town. Not anymore though, they are going out of business.

One outstanding memory I have about Filene's is what they did to one of their display windows right after Christmas.

The display had jolly, smiling and fat Santa asleep on his throne. He had done his job, was content with himself, his elfs and reindeer!



Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing Mrs. Santa in the window! In those days maybe she was still in the kitchen cleaning up!!



As long as I worked in Boston I never missed a time to go see Santa snoozing away at the corner of Washington and Franklin Streets.

Is that how you feel after Christmas, snoozing away, or are you like Mrs. Santa Claus, cleaning up the kitchen?






posted by Millie Garfield @ 3:16 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
CHANUKAH NOW AND THEN
CHANUKAH THEN - FOOD
When I was a youngster growing up in the depression era Chanukah was celebrated with special foods, not gifts.

What I remember about the holiday was the lighting of the Menorah and the delicious potato latkes my mother made. In my adult life I have tried, time after to time to make potato latkes like she did but have never been successful. I gave up trying a few years ago!!

I think I finally figured out her secret!

Use a lot of oil in the fry pan.

Here's my recipe for Potato Latkes:

Millie's Potato Latkes
6 Russet potatoes
1 onion
2 eggs, beaten

1/4 tsp. baking powder
salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp flour or matzo meal

lemon juice

Peanut oil for frying

Peel and grate potatoes (I use the food processor) saves the fingers.

Pour off some of the water. Grate in the onion. Add beaten eggs and remaining ingredients. Add a little lemon juice to keep the potatoes from turning black.

Drop by tablespoon onto a preheated frying pan with about 1/4 inch of oil in the pan.

Turn and brown each side.

The secret of making latkes in advance is to fry them and remove them onto paper towels to drain, just for a few seconds. I then place them on a cookie sheet and freeze them.

When ready to serve, defrost the latkes, set oven at 400 degrees and heat until hot.

Serve immediately to the anxious guests.

Over the years the observation of the holiday has become a combination of a family dinner and gift giving.

I would have the family over for dinner and we would exchange gifts. Each person would give and get eight gifts for each night of Chanukah!!

As soon as the holiday was over I would start thinking about next year and keep my eyes open for some unusual gifts, some funny, or some practical.

The goal was to keep the cost down and at the same time give something that the recipient would enjoy.

Once I started wrapping the gifts I had another goal in mind. How could I wrap the gift up so that my son Steve could not guess what was in the package!! He was darn good at guessing!!! In all the years that we "played that game" I can only think of one hilarious time that he could not guess what the gift was, it was fireworks!!

CHANUKAH NOW - GUESS THE GIFT
We don't celebrate the holiday the way we used to but Steve and Carol still surprise me with some wonderful and thoughtful gifts - and mother tries to guess what's in the package!!!!!

Steve and Carol were here last week and I had the best time with them, and had the best time trying to guess what was in the package. I came close but "no cigar."

GUESS THE GIFT
I guessed "a calender."

Yes, right!! but what kind of calender?



MAD MEN 2012. It's hanging in my kitchen right now.



GUESS THE GIFT
I guessed "a book."

Yes, right!! but kind of book?



THE UNOFFICIAL MAD MEN COOKBOOK. Each recipe comes from a specific season and episode.



It's really interesting to read about the episode and what was served at the time.

GUESS THE GIFT
I guessed "a bottle."

Yes, right!! but what was in it?



A bottle of gin for my gin and raisin arthritis remedy.



GUESS THE GIFT
I guessed "something soft"

Yes, right!! but what was it?



A beautiful fringed scarf from India. Carol had recently returned from a trip to India!!

We all had the greatest time. And as far as the latkes go - we went out and had them at a restaurant.


Image: Kasha Varnishkas, Salmon Croquettes and Potato Pancakes at 3 G's

That's the way it is today!!

Here are two bonus videos from 2008:


Steve Wrapping Gifts


Millie Unwrapping Gifts


posted by Millie Garfield @ 5:05 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
BIG NEWS - IT'S 78 DEGREES IN FLORIDA
I hear it's cold in Massachusetts.

Residents up North need to have their heat on, but down South, here in sunny Florida, we need to run the air conditioners!



Steve and Carol came down with me and helped me get settled. The two of them were wearing shorts most of the time and loved the warm climate.




When I first arrive in Florida, my cabinets and refigerater are totally empty so the big job we have is to fill them up with all the necessities and the good stuff that is available at the markets down here.

Mission accomplished.

GETTING CONNECTED
The next important thing that has to be done is to go to Comcast and rent the modem. Their office is very large and they are set up to handle lots of people! Boy, it's a good thing they have an efficient system and lots of seats while the customers are waiting their turn.



My condo development includes basic cable but not HBO which I have up North.

I'm especially hooked on Boardwalk Empire and wouldn't you know, tonight is the finally episode. When I finally got to talk to an agent,  I inquired about what it would cost to add HBO. "$6.00 a month." Ok, that's reasonable, I signed up!

Previous years I have not signed up for HBO since I am usually very busy down here and always felt I didn't need it. This season could be different. At the moment I know two of my friends who are not going to be here. Another friend is on the fence, waiting for test results.

MAH JONGG
I've always had five ladies for a weekly Mah Jongg game but right now that looks questionable. Maybe there are other ladies who are having the same problem so maybe we can join forces with other players? Time will tell.

EATING OUT
Oh what a joy that is!!

One day it was just about 4:00 PM and we were ready for a very early dinner.

My daughter-in-law has been down here many times and she KNOWS that if you want to eat at "3 G's" you had better get there EARLY. Sure enough, when we got there we were seated immediately.


Matzo Ball Soup appetizer


Liver and Onions with Potato Pancakes and Apple Sauce


Chocolate Bobka!

I had the most delicious hot corned beef sandwich on fresh rye bread served with crunchy half sour pickles, cole slaw and a potato pancake.


Pickles!

Can't get anything like that up North.

One night we ate at Seasons 52 where we all enjoyed our dinners.







The portions at all the restaurants are large so I've been bringing home doggie bags. Looks like I won't be cooking for a while, and, that's a good thing. ;-)

So that's life in sunny Florida - so far, so good!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 5:17 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
ALMOST ON MY WAY
Every year about this time I make a post about all the things I have to do to get ready for my winter trip to Florida. This year is no different but I've had lots of additional stress. Here is some of what has gone on while I was trying to do my thing.

When I went to see my internist for a final check-up I told him how very exhausted I have been feeling. I've always complained about my low energy level but this was even more pronounced. SO, being the thorough doctor that he is, he had me going for all kinds of blood work and tests. He even wanted me to go for a "sleep study."

Fortunatly when I called to schedule that appointment they could not book me until the middle of December. I won't be here then. Great, if necessary I can do that when I return from Florida! One less test!!

Then there was the time I had to go for a special blood test. The next day the technician called to tell me that an error was made by a new employee - he did not complete the test. They wanted me to come in AGAIN for more blood work.

Well, I was very unhappy about that, until a light bulb went on!! I remembered that when a person is not able to come in for the blood work they send someone to the house.

I called the lab, explained what had happened and sure enough they arranged to send someone to the house the next day.

And so it went, one test after another until finally I had an Echocardiagram the day before Thanksgiving. That meant I would not have the results until at least the following Monday.

In the meantime I learned that my internist was having shoulder surgery and had to wait until today to learn about how I did on that test. The doctor called today, he's still recovering from difficult surgery.

He would like me to see a cardiologist to review the Echocardiagram with me before I leave town. Will let me know when he can arrange that! Has to be before Thursday!

There's more stress, but that's enough for now!!

Now, to change the subject - A while ago I asked to Steve to order me some new calling cards ( I don't call them business cards because I have no business).


Last time he ordered them for me there was no charge. This time I asked him to add some additional information to the card and lo and behold there was a charge for printing and shipping 250 new cards.

Now I have a challenge - I have to meet a LOT of new people!!

Once I get settled in Florida I hope to making a sunny post!!



posted by Millie Garfield @ 4:58 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ
When I say "Puttin' on the Ritz " I'm not referring to that jolly song that was popular, probably before many of you were born.


What brought this song to mind was a recent experience I had with Ritz crackers. I've used them for years when I want a tasty crisp topping on baked fish.

I recently bought a box of Ritz, opened the package and was getting ready to make this nice and easy fish dish. The crackers looks different! They didn't have that golden color that I am familiar with but without giving it much thought I went ahead and made the fish using those "pale crackers." I didn't think to taste them!


I don't have a specific recipe for this dish, I've made it so many times I make it like my mother would have. When I asked her how she made something she'd say, "put in just enough!"

Well, once the fish was done I was ready to enjoy a recipe that never fails.
"Wrong" - the fish had no taste - blah - just like the crackers looked.

The very next morning I called the 800 number that was on the box and spoke with a customer service representative. She listened to my story, asked for the code number on the box , where I bought the product and told me that the company welcomes input from loyal customers. Quality control will
look into the problem.

In the meantime she will send me some complimentary coupons to use for future purchases.

I've made calls like this a number of times, the service people are always very nice and are really glad to hear about "their product."

What do you do when a product does not come up to your expectations?

BONUS:



posted by Millie Garfield @ 4:42 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
ONE OF MY GREATEST MEMORIES
Last week I wrote about "severe writers block" and got some terrific feedback. One suggestion came from my "newest fan, Barbara" who suggested I write about my greatest memories.

I gave it some thought and realized I have never blogged about the fun that Aaron and I had planning our wedding and the great memories I have about sharing the evening with family and friends!

In those days there was nothing like an event planner but I really didn't need that kind of help since I had been to many weddings and knew where I wanted the event held, the rabbi, the florist, the photographer I wanted and most important of all the band that would "make music" and coordinate the evening.

I do remember a few problems we had to figure out -one was who to invite and where to seat them. That was a tough one.

The other problem wasn't such a big deal. I wanted to have a flower girl but I had a cousin with a lovely little girl and a close friend who had a lovely little girl. What to do?

I had two flower girls!!


The band played all the numbers I had requested, the guests were having a great time, Aaron and I were having a great time and then as the evening was winding down the bandleader told me it was time for me to change and get into my "going-away outfit." I didn't want to do it!!!! I remember that moment vividly!

OK, so Aaron had to get out of his tuxedo, into a suit and I had to get out of
my wedding gown and into my going away outfit.

When the coordinator saw that we were ready he signaled us to enter the hall. WOW!! The band played "Toot Toot Tootsie, Goodbye!!!


I thought that was the greatest thing!! I'm sure he played that song for other newlyweds but for me it created a special memory!


posted by Millie Garfield @ 5:00 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
AND THE DOCTOR SAID......
During the week I was trying to think of something to blog about ... unfortunately I was having severe writer's block - no movies to write about, not even something that I saw on TV. Nothing, zilch , nada!

The only things I could have made a post about was "more funerals" more about "assisted living" and more about doctor's visits. I just didn't want to get into any of those topics. Enough!!

Well, just today Steve forwarded a cartoon to me that really lifted my spirits.
It's as if he knew what I needed.

I'm going to follow the doctor's advice to the letter!!!


posted by Millie Garfield @ 11:03 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 15 comments | Old

 
THE MEN IN MY LIFE
Now don't get excited, I'm not going to tell you about "The man in my life" - I did say I'm going to tell you about "The Men in my life." Come to think of it even IF there was a man in my life, you wouldn't hear about it!!

Before I leave for Florida in December I get very busy seeing all kinds of men:

So far I've seen my ophthalmologist and my internist.

One thing leads to another - after my visit with the ophthalmologist - new eye glasses. After the visit with internist - blood work.

Next week seeing the podiatrist and the periodontist.

I try to take care of all my medical needs before I leave town because the doctors in Florida are very busy with all the snow birds that fly in for the winter.


No wonder I need a large calender - who could remember all the dates I have without writing them down!!

Now I have a question for you:

I have a very good long term patient - doctor relationship with my internist who recently cut down on his practice, but I'm still on his A list. ;-)

When I saw him recently he looked drawn and looked like he had lost some weight. I had occasion to call the office shortly after my visit and the nurse informed me that the doctor was going to have shoulder surgery and would be out of the office for a few weeks.

Aha!! he didn't look good to me, I felt that something was not just right - but how do you say to your doctor, "what's wrong doc, are you ok?"

That's his department.

Would you have said something?

My Florida doctors are there if I need them. The good thing is they are all nearby, no long rides to any of them and if you need to have a test when you are not able to drive they arrange transportation for you.

That's all well and good but I hope I don't have to see any of those men while I am in the sunshine state!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 6:10 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 6 comments | Old

 
OCTOBER: He Fell Out Of Bed, Two Funerals, and a Phone Call
I've been thinking all day today what I could blog about. The only things that come to my mind are sad things.

First - He Fell Out Of Bed:
When the Jewish New Year was approaching I thought of two of my cousins who were moving into a unit in my complex a day before the holiday. I thought, wouldn't it be nice to have them over for dinner since they would be overwhelmed with "just getting settled." They are both in their 90's and their children live in California.

I called about two weeks before the holiday and invited them to share the holiday with me and my family. They were extremely happy to accept and were looking forward to the evening.

Three days before the holiday my cousin called to let me know that he and his wife could not attend reason being that he had just come home from a three day stay in the hospital. He was hospitalized because he had fallen out of bed, did not break any bones but needed attention.



They were disappointed and so was I.

Second - Two Funerals:
I attended two funerals this month. They were for cousins on my husband's side.



I was apprehensive about going because I thought, "who would be there that I know other than the immediate family." What disturbed me was that the deceased cousins came from very large families.

Sure enough, I was the only one representing the family.

It meant a lot to me to be there but at the same time it was disturbing.

Third - Bad News, Good News:
I have a dear friend that is in an assisted living facility. I don't get to see her often enough but we keep in touch via that good old invention, "the telephone."



We talk, I bring her up to date on what's happening and she does the same. The thing is, our updates are mostly about - this one falling, that one had a stroke, that one had a heart attack, and on and on.

What usually happens is by the time we are ready to say, "goodbye" one of us says, " let's end this conversation with something cheerful!"

Well sometimes there is a PAUSE until one of us can think of SOMETHING.

The last time we spoke I was the one to come up with something!

This is what it was about.

This season my apartment complex has a new landscaping company that has done an outstanding job on the grounds. I particularly admire all the colorful mums they have planted, vibrant yellows, deep purples and cheerful lavender with yellow centers.



When I walk around the complex it's just a pleasure to see such beautiful plantings.

I wish they could bloom all year!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 4:59 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
THE MOVIES - NOW AND THEN
Once upon a time if it was a Saturday I'd be at the movies. This pattern goes back to when I was a kid. My mother would pack me a lunch and off I'd go to the matinee with my girlfriends. (all the mothers did that) ;-)

When I was a teenager and started dating I'd go to the local movie house with a fellow. In my twenties my date would take me into Boston to one of the BIG movie theaters.

One fellow introduced me to foreign films at a theater that had at one time been a church. That had to be around 1950 -1955. It was an old building, had no air conditioning but we went anyways. It never failed, every time we went we saw an outstanding film!

In later years my husband and I went to the movies on a regular basis. There was always something good to see.

As a widow I had a large group of ladies to go to the movies with. In fact the group was so large that many times we had to go in two cars. We went to the movies pretty much every Saturday, there was always something that we wanted to see.

We went to one particular theater so often that we got to know the theater manager and would discuss the movie with him afterward. One night when we arrived at the theater he asked what we were going to see and when we told him, he said, "ladies that movie is not for you!" We listened to him and sure enough, it was not for us. What a peach he was!

Now the picture has changed - many of those ladies have past on, are in assisted living or have moved to another state. Now IF there is something worth seeing we could go in a mini-van!

So what have I been doing on a Saturday night - It's a leisurely dinner out.

SOLUTION
During the week I have found some GOOD movies on TV. I recently saw "Frida" for the second time. It's a biographical movie about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo starring Salma Hayck as Frida and Alfred Malina as her husband Diego Rivera.



If you have never seen this movie, check it out - if you have seen it before it's still a very exciting and interesting movie to see again. I enjoyed it just as much the second time around!

Another movie I happened to stumble on was "Count Three and Pray."



Never heard of it but when I saw that Van Heflin was featured in the movie I had to see it, he was one of my favorite actors. He played the part of a preacher who does not know how to begin a prayer!

The movie also starred Joan Ann Woodward in her film debut. That was long before she was the wife of Paul Newman, another of my favorite leading actors. It was fun seeing her as a young rambunctious girl.

So forget the movies - I'll settle for what I can find on TV for now.

Let me know if you think there is something out there I might enjoy.

Still would like to go to the movies!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 10:15 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 8 comments | Old

 
THE JEWISH NEW YEAR AND A YIDDISH JOKE
It isn't often that I have the opportunity to speak Yiddish but when I do it brings back many wonderful memories. I think of my parents, my grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who are no longer with me.

I spoke Yiddish even before I spoke English. My grandmother who did not speak English, lived with my parents when I was a youngster, so in order to communicate with her I "spoke her language." I must say given a chance I still speak a good Yiddish.

What brought all this to mind recently is the fact that this week we welcomed the Jewish New Year.

Food is a big part of the celebration! Chopped liver, meat knishes, chicken soup with matzo balls and noodles, potato pudding, carrots, chale, roast brisket and to top it all, honey cake for a sweet new year.

Like I said earlier I relish the opportunity to speak Yiddish so here is a video of the only Yiddish joke I remember and love to tell.

Enjoy!!



posted by Millie Garfield @ 6:48 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
ABOUT FRIENDSHIP

Image: Irene Levine

Last month I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Irene Levine for a site that she contributes to, Play Goes Strong.

The time I spent with her on the phone felt more like a conversation with a friend than an interview. It turned out to be a very nice piece about "Millie the Blogger."

Here's a link to the post, Meet Millie: On the Way to Becoming the World’s Oldest Elder Blogger:

Millie is clearly smitten with blogging. "My life would be dull and empty without it," she says. "I'm able to learn from people all over the world. Then she adds: "When you're older, you don't have many listeners. The wonderful thing about blogging is that no one interrupts me."

In addition to that blog she has a blog of her own, "The Friendship Blog."

A September the post was titled "National Women's Friendship Month: 25 Ways to Make Yourself a Keeper."

25 Ways to Make Yourself a Keeper

1. If you make a promise, live up to that
   promise.
2. Be punctual, dependable, and reliable.
3. Show up when she needs you.
4. Be yourself. Who else can you be?
5. Accept that you are human and make
   mistakes. Apologize if you have said or done something wrong.
6. Accept that she is human and may make
   mistakes. Offer forgiveness.
7. Try not to moan too much.
8. Don't be guilty of giving out too much
   information (TMI) about yourself too soon.
9. Be loyal and trustworthy. Resist the urge to gossip or spread
   rumors about your friend.
10. Be a good listener, tune in to what
    your friend is saying, and try not to interrupt.
11. Let your friend know you are interested
    in her and make sure everything isn't about you.
12. Give her enough space so she doesn't
    feel boxed in.
13. Accept that you won't always be on the same page because you are
    two different people.
14. Be willing to make sacrifices and
    compromise.
15. Be a comfort blanket but don't smother
    her.
16. Remember if she detests olives in her
    salad or anchovies on her pizza.
17. Resist saying "I told you so" even if
    you did.
18. If she has three sick kids, offer to
    help out.
19. Don't sleep with her boyfriend or be overly flirtatious with her
    husband.
20. Share her successes and find ways to celebrate them.
21. Don't brag too much when she's feeling down.
22. Don't let too much time elapse between get-togethers.
23. Don't be shy about letting her know when her behavior is
    endangering her health or is likely to have other adverse consequences.
24. Don't harp and constantly remind her of her bad habits.
25. Let her know how much you value her friendship.

It's the best thing I've ever read about friendship! It's a keeper!!

Which ones would you choose to make you a better friend?

All of those listed are so meaningful, I think it will be hard to narrow them down! You might even want to add some of your own special ideas!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 8:18 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
I COULDN'T OPEN IT!
For those of you who are fairly new followers on this blog I would like to get you acquainted with my video blog, "I Can't Open It."

It all started in August of 2004 when I told my son Steve, a video blogger, that I couldn't open a jar of coffee. That was the beginning of a fun and helpful series where I showed my son the trouble I was having opening an item and he showed me how to "open it."

I couldn't get the plastic wrap, started, couldn't get the perfume spraying, couldn't open up the jar of cookies, couldn't get the medicine out of the container and many more items that I needed help with. The series flourished!


Video: I Can't Open It | Aussie Awesome Shampoo

We did that for seven years and finally I can just about open anything.

The things that still give me trouble are those little packets of salad dressing or the small containers of butter.

I keep a small scissor in my handbag and that solves that problem!

The other day I found myself in a very bad situation! I was taking a shower which has sliding glass doors.


Shower with water drops by espensorvik CC BY

When I tried to slide the door open, it wouldn't budge! The door had come off the track. I tried, I tried and tried - finally I got it open a few inches but not enough for me to be able to get out. If I were a size 0, I could have slipped out!

Fortunately I was wearing my Life Line-Medical alert pendant, pressed the button and within a few minutes someone responded to me.

"We'll send help."

While I was waiting I still tried to open the door - no luck - then I started to try the sliding door at the other end. No, it didn't work!! I kept trying and finally I got it open!

"The help" hadn't come yet - I dried off and got my robe on - no help yet!

When they finally arrived I asked what took them so long. They were looking for unit PHP - I'm in unit PHB. Someone got their signals mixed!!

I called the company to verify what information they had on my records.

There were a few things that needed updates plus I think what might have happened was when they got in touch with the emergency service they took the B for a P!

Lesson Learned: If you do have a Life Line make sure the company has the correct information and that they relay it properly to the emergency service!

Looking back at it now, it's a good thing I got out before they came - no need for those six guys to see a naked lady, or for me to be seen by them!! ;-)

posted by Millie Garfield @ 10:55 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
A DAY IN PARIS
In my last post I wrote about "Keeping Old Posts Alive." Well, I got inspired to do it again.

Steve and Carol just came back from a week in Paris and I went along for the ride by tuning in to all his sites.



I didn't have to pack a bag, go on a long plane ride or spend lots of money. I got to see all that Paris has to offer by just being an armchair traveler!

Thirty years ago my husband and I were in Paris and saw many of the sights that Steve and Carol took in. That reminded me that I had made a post about one of the experiences we had.



I enjoyed all the photos he put up and what I found most interesting was when they were at Louvre viewing the Mona Lisa, there was an enormous crowd!



Maybe it was a free admission day or a huge group of people were brought there by bus or it just might be that the painting still draws large numbers of tourists !

Something else I found interesting was that when they went to a restaurant the menu was not only in French but in English also. When we were there it was all in French and many times we were surprised with what we were served!! Many times the food was good, sometimes not so good - like the time my husband thought he had ordered fish (with the help of a patron) and it turned out to be snails. I tried them and they really were bad!!

Now to keep this old post alive - A Day In Paris:

Saul Friedman who writes a biweekly Reflection column for Ronni Bennett's Time Goes By, recently wrote about a family African Safari to Botswana. What an adventure they had! That got me thinking, what trip could I write about - nothing could come close to the sights and sounds that he and his family experienced. 

The trips my husband and I took were pretty tame but there was one day in Paris that comes to mind. It was the last day of our stay and there was so much more we wanted to do.


Among the roofs and chimneys by claudesf on flickr. (c) All rights reserved

First, we had lunch at a neighborhood restaurant that was a "do not miss" recommendation. Ordinarily I don't drink at lunch but this was Paris and it just felt right to have a glass of wine. The service and lunch was as good as what we had expected.

We had a lot more on our adgenda so before leaving the restaurant I thought it would be wise to use the ladies room - aha -I had to communicate my wishes with the hostess who did not speak english, evenually she got the message.

She directed me downstairs where I saw a door but there was no light-switch. I cautiously opened the door and felt around for a light-switch - ok, I found it and what I saw was a HOLE in the ground!!! To this day I remember my reaction - I'll say no more about that!!

After lunch we had scheduled an english speaking tour of the Louvre Museum. It was our last day in Paris and how do you not take that in.

As we were walking to the Metro I started to feel very tired and couldn't hold my head up. I just couldn't see myself touring the museum in my condition. All I wanted to do was go back to the hotel and lay down. Forget the museum.

Instead of taking the metro to the museum, we were going to take it back to the hotel. Fortunately we passed a gift shop on the way to the metro. How can you pass up a shop like that, especially your last day in Paris?

I did a little shopping and started to feel better.


On the way to the Louvre pyramid by claudesf on flickr. (c) All rights reserved

We were able to keep the appointment for our English speaking tour of the Louvre! 

No more wine for me at noontime!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 11:26 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 5 comments | Old

 
KEEPING OLD BLOG POSTS ALIVE
I wish I could tell you the name of the blog I came across recently that I found very interesting. Twenty lashes for me for not making a note or printing out the name of the blog.

There are times when I don't have anything of particular interest to write about, doesn't happen often but it does happen.

The main idea that this person put forth was, "Keep old blog posts alive!"

Your old post could be something that your new followers have never read.

Your old post could have some relevance to something new that you put up.

Your old post could show how times and your thinking have changed.

or

You could put up a post that your readers particularly enjoyed.

You could put up a post that meant a lot to you.

You could put up a post that shows how your style has changed.

Those are just a few of the ideas I remember.

Last week I made a post that had to do with using coupons - well - I made a post in July of 2008 about that very subject!



READ THAT POST: THE DINE-AROUND BOOK:

Years ago organizations sold what was referred to as a "Dine-Around Book." It was a very successful way to raise funds. As a matter of fact I think they still might be putting those books out but they are not as popular as they were years ago.

I must say, I enjoyed rereading about the fun day my husband and our friends had that day.

So, for the first time I will keep an old blog post alive!

Enjoy

posted by Millie Garfield @ 9:33 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
CHECK THIS OUT
The day after the storm I went out to do a few errands. As I drove to my destination I did not see any trees down or any other type of destruction. We were lucky in this area.



My first stop was to a CVS where I picked up some body wash that was on sale for $2.00. When I checked out, in addition to my receipt I was handed a coupon that entitled me to a free $2.00 purchase which had an expiration date.

In the past I would have taken that coupon, put it in my wallet and forgotten about it. By the time I looked at the coupon it would no longer be valid.

How many of us does that happen to?

After all these years I have finally smartened up. What I did was leave the store, put my bundles in the car, went back in and used that coupon for another bottle of body wash and got it for free!!

The next stop I made was to the supermarket.



The day before Irene hit this area I picked up a few things at the market. You know how that it is, you go in for a few things and you wind up with a cart full of groceries.

I've always wanted to try a certain brand of cereal and what do you know it happened to be on sale that day, good time to try it!

The store was extremely busy that day, lots of people, lots of noise and long lines at the cash registers.

Not until the next day did I look at my register tape. What do you know, not only did I not get the sale price but they had charged me even more than the sticker price on the box!!

A few days later I return to the market and got a full refund.

Lessons learned:
Watch those expiration dates!
Check the register tape - mistakes happen!!

Oh and by the way - that cereal wasn't that great. ;-)

posted by Millie Garfield @ 3:47 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 8 comments | Old

 
GETTING READY FOR IRENE

Image Credit: NASA/NOAA GOES Project

Today Hurricane Irene is working it's way up the East Coast and is expected to arrive in the Boston area sometime tomorrow.

With that in mind I've been doing what I can to get ready "just in case."

This afternoon I decided to go to the supermarket and the liquor store to stock up "just in case" there is a power failure.

I usually shop at a market that is about a fifteen minute ride for me, where the prices are reasonable. When I left my house it already looked threatening so I decided to go to a market and liquor store that is just around the corner.

Well, everyone and his brother had the same idea!

As I approached the liquor store I saw a very crowded parking lot and even before I parked the car I saw what was happening.

The place was so busy that people where lined up outside the liquor store waiting for their turn to get in!

Well, I didn't need to get involved with that. After all I still have a bottle of gin that I use to make my gin and raisin arthritis remedy mixture to alleviate my aches and pains!

So off to the market I went. There too the lot was crowded. I only go to this market for fill-ins since their prices are high. On an ordinary day you can breeze through the store but today was different. Loads of people buying loads of items.

The deli department was extremely busy. I don't usually buy cold cuts anymore but "just in case" we have a power failure I can make myself a sub and have a gin and tonic with it. It will have to be without ice cubes but what the heck!!

That reminds me, before I left the house I perked a pot of coffee which is now in my refrigerator.

"Just in case" the power goes out I can still have a cup of coffee even if it isn't hot. Have to have that coffee.

Hope all of you and your loved ones who are in Irene's path stay safe.

posted by Millie Garfield @ 7:20 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
AFTER THE CELEBRATION
First things first

Thanks to all my special visitors, you are all special, who left me those wonderful birthday wishes on the occasion of my "86th" year!

What a party!!



No cake, no drinks, no balloons but who needs all those superficial things when you have people who show they care by their words!!

Ever since I started blogging I have had the biggest and best birthday celebrations that I can remember.

Today the parents make huge parties for their kids. It all started by taking the kids to a place like McDonalds, latter it was Chuckie Cheese, and today I hear they hire a hall, an entertainer and even a band! I can't imagine what they will be doing next.

In my day I was lucky to be taken out for an ice cream cone!

The wonderful thing about this celebration is there was no clean up, it didn't cost a dime and we all shared a good time.

Blogging gets me out of bed in the morning, I could turn over and have another snooze but I have to get up and see if I have any messages and check up on what my friends have to say.

Thanks again for making my birthday such a special day!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 6:30 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
THE CELEBRATION BEGINS
August for me is like a Greek wedding. My birthday is smack in the middle of the month. I get together with old friends and family before and after my official birthday with a few surprises thrown in.

Every year Steve and Carol take me on a mystery ride, I try guessing as we are on our way, sometimes I figure out where we are going, usually I don't but one thing for sure, it's always fun!

On Saturday I arranged to meet some friends in Boston at Legal Harborside which just opened this spring.


Photo: Legal Harborside. Courtesy Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods restaurant started out in Cambridge, MA in the 50's. It was a casual place where you sat at long tables and shared space with other guests.
The seafood was outstanding, the price was right and the rest is history.
I can't begin to tell you how many restaurants they have today, not only in Massachusetts but in a number of other states. Read more about Legal Sea Foods.

The new Legal's is unique.

First: The location - it's right on the waterfront.

Second: It has three floors - it's like having three restaurants in one building.

First Floor - Casual dining - Open Kitchen - view of the harbor (that's where we ate)

Second Floor - High End Dining room with fabulous decor. Can just imagine what that would look like when the sun is setting over the water!

Third Floor - Delightful area to enjoy a drink and a light snack from the oyster bar. Oh, and it has a retractable roof. Again with a view that could knock your socks off!

The minute I walked into the restaurant there was a staff member who greeted me and called my attention to the tricky revolving door.

My friends arrived just about the same time I did. I had made a reservation and we were seated promptly on the deck with a great water view. The way the place is set up I think anyplace would have a good view!

The waitress was anxious to take our orders. That was the only thing that I felt was out of line with the restaurant.

I knew before I got there I was going to have a lobster roll!



The decor is fantastic, the view is fantastic and food was good.

What impressed me the most was the staff (except for the waitress).

When we finished lunch I inquired where the elevator was so we could see what the other floors were like. Well, what do you know, immediately there was a young lady who took us on a tour of the other floors and told us some interesting tidbits!

They couldn't have been nicer!!

I had taken "The Ride" into town and while I was waiting to be picked up I had a chance to people watch.

What I saw were a lot of young slim ladies wearing their very short colorful dresses and high heels. The fellows were wearing long pants or shorts.

I didn't see one young lady wearing slacks. We were the only ones wearing slacks - no short dresses for us but we were with "the in crowd."

Not a bad way to start my birthday celebration!!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 6:20 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 42 comments | Old

 
YOU WIN SOME - YOU LOSE SOME
Here's a story that took place many years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday!

It was a July 4th week-end and my husband and I were invited to join some friends who were going to an event held by the couples club they belonged to.

The event was being held at the home of a couple who had an indoor pool. Drinks, appetizers, lunch and dessert were all included at a minimum charge.

What did not appeal to me was the fact that it was summer time and it was not an outdoor pool. Our friends told us the event was called for 11:00 am and would be over by 3:00 pm.

I didn't like that either.

I was not happy about having to be there that early and having to leave by 3:00.

What do you do when the party is over smack in the middle of the day?


Photo: Tasty Punch by velvettangerine CC BY

Well, my friends were nice enough to issue the invitation, we had no plans for that day so we decided to check out this group.

My husband and I talked it over and decided that there was no reason to show at 11:00. We decided that 11:30 would be early enough.

We got there about that time and what do you know -- The snacks were all gone and so was all the food that they had put out for the lunch! (even the desserts were gone)


Photo: All Gone by Chiot's Run CC BY-NC

The hostess was very apologetic and guided us into her kitchen where she opened up her freezer and put something together for us.

She went on to explain that the guests came early and couldn't wait to be served!!

The pool area was not conducive to relaxing or for mingling.

As I remember it now, the party broke up before 3:00. That day was a total bust.

Needless to say, we did not join that couples club!!

You can't win them all!

posted by Millie Garfield @ 11:35 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 5 comments | Old

 
A VISIT TO A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
This past week I spoke to someone who I haven't been in touch with for a very long time.

I knew she had sold her home and moved into a condo with her husband. As time went on she saw changes in him and realized it was time to make another move. Their choice was an Erickson Community on the North Shore.


Image: Courtesy Ericson Living

Two years after their move her husband passed away. By this time she was settled in a community that provided much support for her. She is a very outgoing and down-to-earth person and has made many friends and life is good.

This past Saturday a concert was being held at her community and she invited me and my friends to attend. I accepted her invitation not so much because of the program but because it would give me an opportunity to see "the place" again.

A few years ago I attended promotional lunches and ice cream parties there but was not ready to make the move.

Recently I was thinking "I'm too old to make the move."

Well, when I saw the residents that attended the concert, I don't think I'm too old!

Maybe they are younger than me but they looked older.

My friend introduced me to a few of her friends and they were all very enthusiastic about their lifestyle. Others that I spoke with felt the same way, they love it!

I told them that I think the kitchen must be putting "happy pills in the food."

Two of the ladies invited me to see their apartments. Wasn't that nice of them?


Image: Courtesy Ericson Living

One apartment was a one bedroom and the other was a very large two bedroom.

To quote my friend, she says, "Millie run don't walk, Do it."

Maybe?

posted by Millie Garfield @ 9:18 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 12 comments | Old

 
Observations on Growing Older
I saw this one a while ago.

Wanted to take the easy way out today - nothing special to write about - this is a goodie.

Observations on Growing Older



Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them...but your grandchildren are perfect!

Going out is good..
Coming home is better!

When people say you look "Great"... they add "for your age!"

When you needed the discount, you paid full price.
Now you get discounts on everything... movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them.

You forget names.... but it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

The 5 pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds.

You realize you're never going to be really good at anything.... especially golf.

Your spouse is counting on you to remember things you don't remember.

The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

Your spouse sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he or she does in bed.It's called their "pre-sleep".

Remember when your mother said, "Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"?
Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident!

You used to say, "I hope my kids GET married...
Now, "I hope they STAY married!"

You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem....
were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table

You tend to use more 4 letter words ....
"what?"..."when?".... ???

Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.

Your husband/wife has a night out with the guys or gals but is home by 9:00 P.M. Next week it will be 8:30 P.M.

You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it.

Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!

What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

Everybody whispers.

Now that your spouse has retired ...
you'd give anything if he/she would find a job!

You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ...
2 of which you will never wear.

But old is good in some things:
old songs,
old movies,
And best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

Which one's rings a bell with you?

For me, most of them hit home!

posted by Steve Garfield @ 6:36 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old