THIS and THAT - DECEMBER
THE WEATHER

I've been down here in Florida for almost three weeks now and have had all kinds of weather. The first week was in the mid 70's and then one evening we had some heavy downpours. When the storms hit the Northeast we had very cool mornings (in the 40's) and cool days and nights.



The first week I ran the air conditioner day and night, the next week I had the heat on in the morning to get the chill out. That's why when I pack for my winter stay here I need a little of everything. The one thing I did not pack was a warm robe - You should see my get-up in the morning or should I say you should NOT see my get-up in the morning. ;-) It doesn't pay for me to buy a robe now because before I turn around it will be HOT here.

THE MOVIES

Going to the movies in Florida is a lot different than when I am up north. First of all - There are three movie houses that are close by. Back home I have a good half hour ride to get to them.



When I plan to go to the movies here I have a short ride but I have to plan on arriving at least one half hour before show time. If you come any later you could wind up seating in the front row or the movie could even be sold-out.

No matter when I go to a film up north the theatre usually has a handfull of people - I don't understand why there is such a difference. The price of a ticket is a lot less in Florida but I don't think that's what makes the difference in attendance.

Retirees have more time on their hands and are looking to be entertained but I still think there has to be another reason. Maybe it's because they remember when movies were great and they are hoping to capture that feeling again. What do you think?

SAWGRASS MILLS OUTLET STORES

When Steve and Carol were visiting with me we took a ride to the outlet stores in Sunrise. The first thing that struck me was all the foreign languages I heard, second I saw many people with pieces of luggage. When I mentiioned it to Carol she told me that they COME to the mall with their luggage and put their purchases in the cases. Apparently their money goes further here.

I did a lot of people watching while Steve and Carol shopped. I saw a lot of young girls with very short skirts and very high heels - not only that - they were walking fast!!



I don't wear short skirts, don't wear high heels and certainly don't walk fast.

I do a great job sitting!!



I paid two dollars for a chair massage.



EATING OUT

My eating out has slowed down. As a matter of fact I'll be eating in tonight, not cooking, just heating up some lemon-pepper chicken that I bought today at Publix.



I'm ringing out the old year and in a few days 2010 will arrive.

Wishing you all good things in the coming year - good health, good fortune, happiness and loads of good luck!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 8:55 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
EATING OUT


One of the things I enjoy about Florida is the variety of restaurants that are good, reasonable and nearby. In the short time that I have been here I've had some wonderful meals. There are restaurants that have gone out of business, there are new places to try and than there are the tried and true ones that have been here for years.



One of the new places we tried while Steve and Carol were visiting was Finz which Steve found on "Yelp." One of the comments left on that site recommended the fish and chips. Yes, they were as good as what they said about that dish. What I particularly enjoyed was that one of the sides offered was a steamed vegatable. I had the treat of having some fried food but at least I had something that was good for me! ;-)

How can you be in Delray and not eat at the 3 G's - They been here for years, has the best of everything and is always busy.

One night we got there at 6:45 which is on the late side for senior citizens BUT there was an hour wait!

We opt to forgo the wait and went right next door to the Brick Oven restaurant which openend last season and was an immediate hit.



I had the chicken marsala ,which was outstanding, and Steve and Carol had a veggie pizza which they enjoyed.



The next night we were intent on having dinner at the 3 G's The plan was we would have a very light lunch and get to the restaurant by 4:45. It was raining cats and dogs when we left the condo so we figured that would deter people but NO, we got there and there was a half hour wait. Go figure!



We had a delicious dinner which included everything from soup to nuts.





By the time it came to dessert none of us could have another bite so we got doggie bags to take home. I elected the coconut pastry which is a new item this season. Later that evening the THREE of us shared it. It was the best!!



Reminded me of a pastry that I had when I was a child - An icicle. Anyone remember that treat?

Every season I wonder the same thing - If the restaurants are so busy - how come the supermarkets are always busy too!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 6:54 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 8 comments | Old

 
SETTLING IN AND SHOPPING
Where to begin! - with the help of Steve and Carol I have accomplish a lot in a week's time.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The very first thing we do when we get to Delray Beach is go to Comcast to pick up the modem.



First thing Steve does when we get to the condo is set up my computer

FOOD SHOPPING

The day we arrive the mission is to buy just what we will need for the next morning. After that it's one type of grocery store or another. Here's a sampling of where I spend my money!

There is a new Walmart Super Store near by. You name it, they have it.



I bought food staples and some housewares.

Next it was a stop at Publix which is a very popular market down here. You can't beat their chale - delicious.

Steve likes the store very much because they carry his favorite beer and has a large section of wines.



Another great place to shop is Famous.



That's where I picked up lox, chopped liver, plain cream cheese, chive cheese, sliced yogurt cheese and a plastic container of half sour pickles. Incidentally, Steve had a hard time openning the container and when he finally did open it he transferred the pickles to one of my plastic containers. I'll never buy those pickles again!!

For a few seasons now I've wanted Steve and Carol to experience "The Girls." We finally made it!

When you first approach the store it looks like a small quaint store but then it leads you to a huge outdoor garden where you can pick your own strawberries that grow above the ground.



In addition to the fruit and vegies that grow above the ground there's a mini zoo that adults and children can enjoy.



Another must place to shop is "The Boys." Like Carol said, "there is nothing like it in Boston." The parking lot is always loaded, you are lucky to get a place to park your car but once you get into the store and take a carriage, it's a challenge to get through the aisles. They carry everything and anything you could possibly imagine - cheeses, breads, fresh produce, fresh fish and lots of prepared foods - just to give you an idea of what is available.

Between stocking up and bringing home doggy bags, you should see my refigerator!!

Take a look:



posted by Mildred Garfield @ 2:49 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 17 comments | Old

 
I Can't Open It: Eggland's Best


Millie buys a package of Eggland's Best for the first time and has trouble opening the package. Also featured, Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 10:41 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
staSAFE HAND SANITZER
I recently received an e-mail from a representative of Argenius Worldwide, the makers of staSAFE hand sanitizer, asking me to review their product.

I don't usually do product reviews but I decided to make an exception in this case in light of all the concerns over H1N1.

From the literature they sent me I learned that this product is not alcohol-based, which only kills germs for a short time and hands can become re-contamined quickly.



My first impression about staSAFE was the fact that the dispenser worked easily, I got just the right amount, not too much, not to little. I have used products were I can't get the dispenser to work at all or when it finally does, I get too much lotion.

StaSAFE has a mild fragrance which I found pleasent.

The fact that this product does not contain alcohol is a big plus for me because even in warm weather I would find alcohol drying to my skin.

Oh yeah, one more thing, the package was easy to open.

staSAFE is an ALL NATURAL, green product formulated using Argenius,™ a proprietary technology, that does not evaporate like alcohol and in fact, stays on your hands for hours. staSAFE blends with the natural oils of your skin and continues to eradicate germs you come in contact with, eliminating the need to constantly sanitize. This notion will be liberating for many as they are constantly monitoring what they touch. Relax, staSAFE is on the job.
Because it’s all natural, made with aloe vera and other high quality ingredients, staSAFE moisturizes and protects your skin. It’s a high grade moisturizer, as well as a sanitizer.

Visit the staSAFE website for more information.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:52 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 4 comments | Old

 
IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE
Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner I thought this would be a good time to wish everyone in this blogging world a very happy holiday and a time "To celebrate growing older!"

How perfect, just last week I came across a column written by Regina Brett who writes for The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio. She wrote about the 45 lessons life taught her.



It's the most-requested column she's ever written.

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on by Regina Brett

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Enjoy your family and friends, enjoy all the fixings and after reading "To celebrate growing older" you should still have plenty to chew on!

Do you have life lessons to share? Leave them in the comments.

See also:

ReginaBrett.com

Regina on Twitter

Regina on Facebook

Sbopes: Lessons Life Taught Me

Life's lessons speed up on Internet; 90 years of living in 50: Regina Brett

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:28 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
THIS and THAT - NOVEMBER
WEATHER

New England is experiencing the tail end of a nor-easter - it's been raining all day today and for me that's a good thing. Last week I opened Pandora's Box and took out the boxes and bags that I need to pack for my winter in Florida. They pretty much sat there all week, they were ready for me but I was not ready for them.

Today, it's another story - who wants to go out on a rainy day like this so I stayed home and did get a lot done.

BOOKS

There is just so much I can do so every so often I took a reading break. I spent part of the afternoon reading "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See. It's a great novel about two sisters who live in Shanghi in the late thirties. Their father is a very prosperous business man and the girls are having the time of their lives but the picture changes. Dad loses all his money and he must sell the girls as wives to repay his debts. Then begins a new chapter in the lives of the Shanghai girls. Great read.



Speaking of a great read, I funny thing happened to me the other day, three different people recommended "The Help." by first time author Kathryn Stockett. A friend of mine is reading it now and she says, she can't put it down.




MOVIES

The movies that are playing these days are not my cup of tea. Finally "Coco Before Chanel" came to town, wasn't keen on seeing it but thought it might not be too bad, after all a story about a fashion maven could be of some interest.



Well, it was ok - Audrey Tautou does a good job as Coco - she's thin, doesn't smile, stares a lot, wants what she wants and knows how to get it!

In one scene Coco attends a ball where she wears a black gown that she whips up for herself. All the other ladies are wearing fancy, frilly pastel gowns. That scene reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara wearing a RED gown at a ball in "Gone With the Wind."

Another scene that I enjoyed was when her lover takes her to the ocean, which she has never seen. It was a beautiful summer day and all the ladies are sitting on delicate chairs - on the sand - dressed in all their finery holding beautiful lacy umbrellas. Reminded me of a painting - Renoir?



Good News!

Molly's coming to a nearby theatre next week in YOO-HOO, Mrs. Goldberg!!

Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg Trailer from Aviva Kempner on Vimeo.

I remember listening to Molly on the radio and than watching her on TV. It was so many years ago but I still remember her husband's name was Jake, her daughter's name was Rosalie and her son's name was Sammy. I even remember her neighbor's name was Mrs. Bloom!

Sometimes I can't remember the names of people in my life now but Molly's family I remember!



posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:27 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 6 comments | Old

 
HERE I GO AGAIN
Remember the commercial where the fellow says "It's time to make the donuts?" Well for me "it's time to start packing."



In less than a month my car will be picked up and transported to Florida which means I have to get cracking. Lot's to think about. For example the company that I ship with requires that there should only be a quarter of a tank of gas in the car. Last year I forgot about that and filled the tank up to close to the departure date. I took myself for a few long drives but still when the shipper picked up the car I had over a tank of gas.

No, they did not "yell" at me like what happens to me in Florida a lot. (I wrote about that in a recent post.)

In another television commercial that I have been seeing lately there appears to be a doll who walks very slowly and needs to be wound up. She's depressed and needs the medication that they are advertising. I am not depressed but I am moving very slowly and need to be wound up!!



It's a good thing Steve is not here filming me with his camera because if the marketing people saw what I look like they would hire me for that job!

Well, I made the supreme effort today and took out the boxes, duffel bags and garment bags that need to be packed.

What can I tell you, It's a job I'm not thrilled about doing but someone has got to do it. I've been doing this for many years and what I realize is, I spend more time thinking about packing than doing it - it really isn't such a big deal if only I would get moving and do it!

Another thing I am aware of is "I take too many clothes." Every year I say the same thing, "next year I will not take so much." If only I would listen to myself!!

I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 3:57 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 15 comments | Old

 
LARRY and ME
A few months ago my cable company made an offer I couldn't refuse. At first it sounded too good to be true but a friend of mine signed up and believe it or not there is no gimmick. The package includes HBO for less money than what I was paying without it. This special runs for two years.

What the company is counting on is that you get hooked and when the special is over you will sign up - and that is what will surely happen to me. I'm hooked!

One of my favorite shows is "Curb Your Enthusiasm" featuring Larry David. He and I seem to have a lot in common. He can't open things and neither can I.

In his most recent TV show he got into trouble because he took too many napkins at a fast food place and the owner yelled at him!

Well, that reminded me of an incident that took place in Florida in 2004. It was lunch time and I was shopping in a delicatessen, everything smelled so good, I was hungry and lo and behold there was a vendor selling hot dogs and drinks. Great, I thought "I'll "curb my appetite" and have my lunch than and there. I placed my order, got my dog, got my drink and took TWO STRAWS.

Well, the vendor yelled at me!! "You can only take ONE straw!!!



That's how I like it. Two Straws!

It looks like Larry and I have a lot in common. Tune in next week and see what other shared experiences we have. ;-)

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:09 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE
Do you have a folder, an envelope, or a drawer that you put things into that you don't know where else to put them? Well, I do.

I elected to stay home today and was in the mood to look through some of those odds and ends that I have had for years!

I found recipes that I'll never make, special thank you notes from family and friends, snapshots that need to be put away and newspaper clippings that I found interesting at the time.



I threw away lots of stuff but kept items that are still relevant and am not ready to part with yet.

Here is a "funny" that I have had for a long time. Maybe you have heard it before but I think it's worth repeating:

Four Jewish brothers left home for college, became doctors and prospered.

Some years later, chatting after a Hanukkah dinner, they discussed the gifts that they were able to give to their elderly mother.

The first said, "I had a big house build for Mama."

The second son said, "I had a hundred thousand dollar theater built in the house."

The third said, I had my Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL600 with a chauffeur."

The fourth said, "Listen to this. You know how Mama loves reading the Torah and you know she can't see very well. I sent her a parrot that can recite the entire Torah. It took twenty rabbis 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a year for twenty years but it was worth it. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it."

Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her thank you notes. She wrote:
"Milton, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks so much."

"Marvin, I am to old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes...and the driver is a Nazi. A million thanks."

Menachim, you gave me a theater with Dolby sound, it could hold 50 people, but all my friends are dead, I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind. Thanks anyway."

"Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. Such a delicious chicken."

I still laugh when I read this one - not throwing this "goodie" out yet!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:51 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
ONE WOMAN'S STORY
Last Friday I received a call from New England Cable News regarding a cover story that they were preparing about elderbloggers and wanted to know if I would be interested and available for the following Monday. Yes, I was interested and available!

After I hung up the phone I took a look in the mirror and saw that this ladies gray hair was showing, how could I be on TV and be "ah natural." I usually make an appointment every five weeks and make it mid-week when the shop is not busy but this was an emergency. I immediately called the shop, explained the situation and asked if I could come in the next day which was Saturday. " Yes, she said, but I'll be squeezing you in so prepare to spend some time here."

I don't get my nails or toe nails done but "getting color" makes me feel as young as an 84 year old can feel. Some women don't color their hair but are fortunate to have beautiful silver gray hair that flatters their appearance. I'm not one of them.

But all this is beside the point.

When I go mid-week I get taken care of quickly and am in and out before I know it. This time was different.


"The Drying Spacee by HotsauceJane, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

I got to talking to a woman who looked to be in her late 80's, she looked frail and used a cane. What I found out was that she lived in the mid-west for most of her life and for the past two years has been living in the Boston area to be near her daughter and son-in-law.

She lives in an apartment building and even though she's been here for a length of time, has not made any friends. Her children encouraged her to move close to them because they were concerned for her welfare. In the meantime while talking to her she mentioned that they were away for the week-end.

Sure, they have their own lives and are doing their thing but in the meantime mama is in a strange city, doesn't know anyone other than her immediate family. She would love to get into a bridge game and when I suggested looking into the local senior center she expressed no interest.

She told me a lot about herself, I'm a good listener and just let her go on and on about her life. Naturally I don't know the deep down circumstances but it's a sad situation no matter how you slice it.

I doubt that I'll see her at the shop again - I would hope that she makes some connection along the way and finds something to look forward to, like a bridge game with some compatible ladies.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:06 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 17 comments | Old

 
NECN Report: Elder bloggers dispel myths about who's online


Ally Donnelly from NECN produced ths great report: Elder bloggers dispel myths about who's online

(NECN: Ally Donnelly) - BRB, LOL, TTYL. Many of us consider this the language of the young.

But more and more senior citizens are becoming just as tech savvy as the so-called kids these days.

In tonight's cover story, Ally Donnelly introduces us to elder blogger and Facebooking grandma who are dispelling myths about who's online, in an online community.

Millie Garfield's microwave is on the fritz --- and while many sons might grab their tool belt, Steve Garfield grabs his camera.

84-year-old Garfield is a blogger --- the Swampscott, Massachusetts woman weaving her way onto the world wide web about 6 years ago, after she read about blogging in the newspaper.

Garfield: I had never heard of it. Sounded interesting and I said, gee, sounds good.

Garfield didn't even have a computer, but with the help of her son she started her own blog.

It's called "My Mom's Blog - by thoroughly modern Millie." It started with just a few tentative posts.

Continue reading the full text of the report.

Here's the video we made about Larry David not being able to open packages, A Special Message to Larry David from Millie Garfield:



posted by Steve Garfield @ 5:57 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
TIME TO MAKE A POST
This morning I had a "big out loud laugh." Jeff Jacoby who writes for the Boston Globe had an article entitled "Time to make the column" which struck home to me.

Jacoby starts out writing about William F. Buckley Jr. who I have always admired. Most of the time I didn't understand what he was saying but was fascinated by his accent, the tone of his voice, the words that he used and his appearance. Oh, and I always thought he sounded like he had a hot potato in his mouth!

Jacoby writes about an interview that Gene Shalit had with Buckley - Buckley once recalled, he was asked how he came up with topics to write about in his newspaper column.

"Gene, when you have been at the profession for long enough, "Buckley imprudently replied, "you can, if in a bind, close your eyes and point to the front page of The New York Times, and whatever story you are fingering when you open your eyes - you can write a column on that story."

Shalit didn't miss a beat. "Yes," he said, "I think I remember that story."

Jacoby goes on to explain how there are times it can be difficult to come up with an idea for a column and proceeds to give some examples. Funny!



Now, as you have been reading this post you can see what I am getting at. There are times when I just don't know what I am going to write about and THEN I read something in the Globe and say, aha - that's a good one - (that has made my day many times)

For example just Last Sunday I made a post entitled "Name Change." The Globe had a piece about Elderhostel changing their name to Exploritas and I thought that would make an interesting post. It jogged my memory and I had the opportunity to write about some of my experiences at Elderhostels.

Now you know what I do during the week, I read The Globe and keep my eyes open - maybe I'll read something that I can use for my next post!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 3:15 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 6 comments | Old

 
NAME CHANGE


The other day the Boston Globe had a write-up about a name change that was taking place.

Elderhostel was founded in 1975 to give seniors 60 and over an opportunity for a reasonable educational expereience. It will now be known as Exploritas, avaiable to anyone 21 and over.

Over the years my husband and I went to many of the colleges that offered a five or six day program. The most difficult part of planning for this "away from home experience" was looking through the huge catalog and deciding where to go.

This was our approach:

First: How far did we want to travel
Second: What classes interested us
Third: What type of accommodation would we have
Fourth: After the sessions were over, where could we go to extend our time in that area.

Sometimes our priorities changed: If we really wanted to go to a certain area and were not particularly interested in the classes that were offered, we went anyway. The surprising thing about that was, many times the class we were looking forward to turned out to be a dud and the class that held no interest for us turned out to be outstanding. It was the instructor who made the difference!

When we first started going to Elderhostel we relied on the catalog to give us some idea about the accommodations. Once we got acquainted with other attendees we learned about the pluses and minuses of other colleges.

Sometimes even with this knowledge we would wind up in a dorm where the bathroom was shared by both sexes or the time we were on the second floor and the ladies room was on the third floor. I was not a happy camper!

There were other times when we had a suite of rooms, private bath and a kitchen area.
One summer we were at a college where there was a lake right outside our dorm. (I skipped a few classes)

One summer we attended Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts in Rhode Island. We had HOTEL accommodations, maid service, health club and swimming pool.

The classes were held in a lecture hall, the chief conducted the class and once the entree was finished we were invited to taste and THEN we had to go to lunch!

In the meantime pastry chiefs were making all kinds of goodies which we HAD to sample after we had our dinner!!

We were not graded on these classes but if I were graded I would have received an A for my cooperation!!

We went to many different colleges, each one was unique in it's way but one thing was consistent: we always met wonderful people.

It seems to me that changing the name and lowering the age to 21 will change the whole idea of what Elderhostel set out to do in the first place.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had the good fortune to have experienced an Elderhostel getaway.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 2:34 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
A GARFIELD FAVORITE
On my last post there was a photo of the brisket that Steve and Carol made for the holidays.



It looked so good (and believe me, it tasted as good as it looked) that a few of my readers asked for the recipe so here it is!

HARPOON BEEF BRISKET

2 4 ounce cans mushrooms
1 onion, sliced
1 4 pound single beef brisket
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup ketchup
1 bottle Harpoon Beer
1 package onion soup mix

Spread mushrooms and onions on bottom of pan. Place brisket, fat side up, on top of mushrooms and onions. Add carrotts around the sides.

Mix together the ketchup, beer and onion soup mix. Pour mixture over the brisket.

Bake, covered , in a 350 degree oven for 2 l/2 hours. Remove from oven and let cool. (I like to cook the brisket up to this point the day before serving.) Place in the refrigerator.



The day you are serving, remove the brisket from the juices and slice against the grain. Put slices back in the pan, making it look like a whole brisket again. Baste with the juices. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.

(Steve used Harpoon beer but any beer will work)

Enjoy

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:46 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 8 comments | Old

 
A TRIP BACK IN TIME
I grew up in a small Massachuetts city with a very large Jewish population. When a Jewish holiday rolled around the schools were closed because most of the students and the teachers were Jewish.

My mother did all the cooking to prepare for the holidays, she even made her own gefilte fish and horseradish. She could walk to the local grocery store, fish market and butcher to get whatever she needed for the holiday. Funny thing would happen, the owners of the shops always raised the prices of the items that were most in demand, especially the fresh fish!

Even as a child, I remember the heated conversations among the neighbors, "the nerve of the butcher or the fishmonger."

Today the hardest thing the hostess has to do is find the store that sells what is needed to give the holiday the taste and memories of the past.

This past week-end Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year "5770" started.

For many years I have had family and friends for the holidays. Every year there are fewer people at the table. Even so, there is still lots do. I don't cook much from scratch anymore, but I still make my chicken soup and potato pudding.

This year Steve and Carol made the brisket and mandelbrot. The brisket was delicious and guess what one of the ingredients was?

"BEER." No wonder it tasted so good!



The chocolate mundelbrot was equally good - even though it didn't have any liquor in it!



Now getting back to what I said originally - one of the hardest thing that I had to do was find a store where I could get what I needed to make the holiday special.

Well as luck would have it, my friend asked me if I would like to join her on a trip to "The Butcherie" which is located in Brookline. She was willing to drive "over the bridge." The roads have changed, bridges have come up and driving through Boston "aint" what it used to be. If she was willing, I sure was!!

It was smooth sailing and we even got a great parking space. When you enter the store your immediate impression is "it's crowded, it's noisy, the isles are narrow and it's loaded with whatever you are looking for and MORE!"

I hadn't been to this area in years and it brought back so many memories - the wonderful bakery, the fish store and the Jewish Book Shop - they are still there, alive and well!!

What a wonderful way to start off the holiday!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:28 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
A QUIET WEEK
When the Friday edition of the Boston Globe comes out I look to see what new movies have come into town. It's been weeks since anything worthwhile has played - so no movie this week.

Usually I get out to eat at least once a week - not this week.

Mah Jongg game was cancelled.

Too cool to sit by the pool.

CANCELLED VISIT
I did have plans to meet with a friend who was visiting from Florida.



We arranged to meet at 10:00am at a local pancake house. It was way to early for me but that was the only time we could get together. The older I get, the slower I get - I had my concerns - how in the world was I going to make it?

Well, not to worry - A few days before the appointed date I received a call from her. She informed me that she had just come home after a four day stay in the hospital and had to cancel her trip to Massachusetts.

I was sorry to learn that she took ill but at the same time I was relieved that our date was cancelled. Looks like I won't get together with her until I get to Florida. (and that will be for either lunch or dinner)

THE DENTIST and the LIBRARY
This week I had an appointment with my dentist who's office is a short walk from the library. For some reason I just don't get to the library as often as I would like but this was the perfect time to visit. And what do you know they had a book that was recommended to me - "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by first time author Jamie Ford.



It takes place in Seattle, Washington in the 40's when Japanese immigrants were taken to relocation centers. The story is related through the eyes of Henry, a 12 year old Chinese boy who's father insists he wears a "I am Chinese" button. Henry befriends a 12 year old Japanese girl "Keiko" - There's a lot of food for thought in this historical novel.

That's just a tease - I'm half way through and just might finish it tonight.



Oh, and speaking about tonight - Mad Men at 10:00pm EST on AMC!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:40 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
NOW AND THEN
As we age changes take place, some are so gradual you are not even aware of what is happening, some can hit you like a bolt of lightening.

Our hair thins, we put on weight, we don't have the stamina we once had, our habits change, our friends change, our tolerance level changes and things that we were able to do in the past that we took for granted are now a big deal- if we can do them at all.

That all sounds pretty serious but "those are the facts maam"

What got me thinking like this was "an evening out to dinner with the girls."

It was a beautiful night, not a cloud in the sky, no threat of rain and a full moon. What better time to go to a restaurant that has an ocean view. No waiting to be seated, no loud music and to top it off, a wonderful dinner.

After dinner we elected to take a walk on the beach. Even though we live a short drive from this area we don't get there as often as we could. After a while we pulled up a bench and started talking about past summer memories and what we are experiencing today.

THE PAST



We all grew up on the North Shore and have fond memories of summers at the beach. When we were children our parents would take us to the beach for the day. As teenagers we would meet "fellas" - after we had children of our own we spent many happy times on the beach. (carrying chairs, blankets, food, and changes of clothing for the kids. You couldn't leave them in wet suits even though they didn't like being changed in a public place.)

THE PRESENT



Now the picture is totally different - Even when the kids were on their own we still would meet at the beach, still carry the chairs and all the other goodies that were needed. Then came the time we sold our homes and moved into condos that had swimming pools! Good-bye beach - hello swimming pools. There is only one senior that I know that still goes to the beach!

Going to the beach is too much of a hassle - the water could be cold - there could be loads of seaweed, low tide, rip-tide, hot sand, etc, etc.

Funny, when I was younger none of these things bothered me.

It's so much easier to just walk over to the pool - no problem parking the car - no chairs to carry and water that is always clean and the right temperature... and not coming home with sand between my toes!!

What we did in the past was good - as time goes by we adjust, and that's good too.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:33 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 12 comments | Old

 
THEATRE MEMORIES
In a recent comment from popps, he asked, "what is my earliest memory of going to the theatre?"

What a great question - that got me thinking about what a great post it would make.


Empty Theatre (almost) by Jaako, on Flickr

It had to be in the very late 30's or early 40's when my girlfriend and I decided it was time to go to Boston to see a play. Neither of us ever had a reason to go to the big city so this was a very big deal. We had to take a bus and a train which took us right into the heart of the city.

The play was "Life With Father."

Seeing a play was so much better then watching a movie, it was a" LIVE Performance" and we were hooked!!

After that experience we went to as many plays that we could afford. For the longest time our seats were in the second balcony but we got there! How I hated climbing those stairs - even then!

In the 50's I got to see "The King and I" staring Yul Brynner and Gertrude Lawrence. By this time I could afford a better seat. Yay!



What I remember vividly is the scene where the King and the teacher do the number "Shall We Dance." The two swung all over the stage and at one point the teacher's gown went over the head of one of the musicians in the orchestra pit! What a show stopper that was. (I'm sure that happened at every performance.)

Another play that I saw in the early 50's was "Mexican Hayride."



It never made a hit on Broadway but I enjoyed it very much. The scene that stands out in my mind took place in a nightclub were the set was all in shades of brown and blue.

That spring I bought myself an outfit in those colors!

In the 60's my parents and I went to see "Fiddler on the Roof." Orchestra seats!!



I wish I had the playbill so I could tell you who we saw in it but I can say this, they were all wonderful.

To this day, I never tire of hearing the songs from "Fiddler."

In the 80's we treated my sister-in-law on the occasion of her birthday, "La Cage aux Folles" and orchestra seats!!



Wonderful songs and wonderful costumes. I remember reading an article about how heavy those costumes were - they weighed a ton but were gorgeous.

And that smash number, "The Best of Times."

What is your earliest memory of the theatre?

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 1:48 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 23 comments | Old

 
OH WHAT A WEEK
It all started last Sunday night when I went to see "Jersey Boys." I hadn't been to the theatre in a very long time so that was a treat in itself, not only that, this was an amazing production, talented cast, wonderful music and ingenious staging!

Just to give you an idea of how well received the play was - when the cast performed "My Eyes Adored You" - the audience not only applauded, they gave them a standing ovation! I've never seen this happen in the middle of a production.

On Tuesday (the day of my birthday) every time I checked the comments, the birthday greetings were coming in fast and furious!!

What an exciting day I had.

In the evening my friends took me out to dinner. (Oh, What a Night)

Saturday, Steve and Carol took me out for a wonderful lobster dinner!

The Lobster:


My Mom's Lobster: Can Millie Open it?


Carol and Millie:


Everything that happened during the week was very special to me but I must say that hearing from all my friends, whether they are bloggers, lurkers or twitterers, was very gratifying to me.

Thank you all for your thoughtfulness.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 2:53 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 17 comments | Old

 
ANOTHER BIRTHDAY
It seems like just yesterday that I celebrated a birthday and here I am again. This one doesn't end in a 0 or a 5 but at this age, any birthday is special. On second thought, no matter what your age, it should be a time to celebrate.


When I was a child it was rare that anyone's birthday was celebrated. My parents were working hard just to make a living, putting food on the table, paying the rent and everyday expenses. There were no frills - with a few exceptions.

I do remember the Friday night dinners which welcomed the Sabbath and the families getting together for the Jewish High Holy Days. My mother made everything herself, and I do mean everything! She made the challah, gefilite fish, horseradish, noodles, chicken soup, chopped liver, roast chicken and a delicious strudel for dessert.

Many times I would ask her, "how do you make the dough for the strudel?" Her answer was, "put in just enough" Whatever she made, it was always "put just enough." - no recipe. That didn't work for me until I started reading cookbooks. As time went by I too learned to cook and "put in just enough!"

Now, getting back to the present time, my birthdays usually turns out to be like a "Greek Weding."

Tonight I'll be doing something that I have been looking forward to for a long time, I'm going to see "Jersey Boys". Ever since "Jersey Boys" opened in New York, that's the play I've wanted to see. Well, it's here in Boston and I'll be seeing it tonight!!!



Years ago when Boston was a try out city and the price of tickets was reasonable I got to see many productions and even got to see some of the actors backstage. It was an exciting time.

Well, I'm going to have some of that excitement tonight!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 12:48 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 82 comments | Old

 
A SATISFYING DISH
My friends and I have been hungry for a good movie and one finally came to town.

"Julie & Julia" is a movie about two women who are looking for something to do that they feel passionate about. Merle Streep is Julia Child in Paris in 1949. Her loving husband Paul is played by Stanley Tucci. He asks her, "what do you like to do?" Her answer is, "I like to eat!" That's it, she enrolls in Le Cordon Bleu culinary school.



Half the movie is spent 50 years later with Amy Adams as Julie Powell. She's an admirer of Julia Child and makes a commitment to herself to blog for 365 days, exploring "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Her husband Eric (Chris Messina) encourages her in this project, enjoys many a good meal and takes lots of Tums!

It was fun for me seeing "Julie" posting to her blog. At one point she had an argument with her husband, posted about it, got it off her chest and then pressed the delete key. There are other scenes that, as bloggers, we can relate to.



There are so many wonderful moments in this movie, I'll just relate one. When Julia first attends the cooking class she has a difficult time slicing an onion. She was determined to show the men in the class she could do it better than they could.

There she was in her kitchen, chopping away, looked like she had chopped millions of onions. When her husband Paul entered the kitchen , he had to turn back, the odor was so strong! That was the one opportunity for Tucci to be funny, and it worked!



When she went to class, she beat all the men. Practice made perfect!

I've always enjoyed whatever Nora Ephron has done but this time she really cooked on all burners. The story was great, the cast was outstanding, the food looked wonderful ( I especially enjoyed the scene when the waiter was deboning a trout) That's exactly what the waiter did for me when I was in Paris.

Everyone in the cast did a fine job but I must say Meryl Streep made the movie. She was Julia in every way - her voice, her appearance and her expressions . An award coming up?

Once the movie was over (guess what) we went out to eat!!



posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:58 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 17 comments | Old

 
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 Mildred Garfield @ 4:19 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
My Mom's Cookies


Millie opens a box of cookies and finds that the cookies inside the box don't look like the photo of the cookies on outside of the box.

Consumer product companies need to design packaging that fairly depicts what the consumer is getting, for both senior citizens and the general public.

Note:

Click [HD], at the bottom of the video, to watch in HD.

Trouble viewing? Watch on Blip.tv.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 8:07 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 16 comments | Old

 
MY PERFECT DAY
A few weeks ago the Boston Globe ran a story asking some notable Bostonians to envision their ideal summer day - my son Steve was one of the "notables" that they interviewed.



That inspired me to write about my ideal day - not necessarily a summer day but any time of the year.

8:30 a.m. Wake up - At my age, that's always a plus! Check e-mail - visit some blogging friends, check Steve's blog, twitter and flickr accounts. Have breakfast with Regis and Kelly. Read the newspaper - make a few phone calls.

11:00 a.m Do a few household chores. ( and I do mean a few!)

12:30 p.m. Have lunch with Meredith Viera, hostess for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" - Yell out to the contestants when they don't know the answer.

1:00 p.m. Mah Jong at the club house - When I'm in Florida it's Mah Jongg at the pool! Win or lose, I still enjoy the game.

4:30 p.m. Nap Time.

6:00 p.m. Usually a local restaurant for dinner. Stop at the market for a few things.

8:00 p.m. Read the current Book Club novel or look for a good "On Demand" movie.

10:00 p.m. Check e-mail. Lights out.

What is your perfect day?

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:26 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
VEGETARIAN APPETIZER
Years ago when I had company coming over for lunch or dinner I would make dishes that had lots of rich ingredients like butter, cream cheese or sour cream. I thought like Julia Childs did - the more butter the better.

Now-a-days people are more aware of the damage that can be caused by too much fat in the diet.



I don't do the entertaining or cooking that I used to but once in a blue moon I'll make an appetizer that is good for me, tastes good and I can even have it as a light lunch.

MILLIE'S VEGETARIAN APPETIZER

1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 small can drained string beans
1 small can drained green peas
1 small diced onion
salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion - Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix until well blended.

The hardest part of this recipe is opening the cans!

Enjoy!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 8:01 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 5 comments | Old

 
THE PEELER
Those of us who are in the "old-old" category know the many changes that can happen at this time of life. We move slower, we tire more easily, we don't see as well. we don't hear as well, have trouble sleeping, can't remember names and misplace things.

I have seen people get very upset when they can't find their keys. That's one thing I pride myself on. I always place my keys in a certain place - I can always put my hands on them.

When I go to a mall I usually park in the same location every time so I don't have any trouble finding my car. I must admit there have been times when I can't find my car in the lot and think, "my car must have been stolen!"

When I want to use a certain item in my kitchen I can always find it - when I use it, I always put it back in it's place. The only trouble I have in the kitchen is when I come back from Florida - I have an adjustment period - takes a little time to find things.

This leads me to what prompted this post.



I've have a wonderful peeler for years then one day I could not find it!! I looked high and low - no peeler. I was forced to go out and buy a new one. Well, it did not work like my old one, far from it. I was not a happy camper.

SO I went shopping for another peeler. Finally I found a reasonably priced one and it worked beautifully!!!!



Light weight, red handle and there when I needed it. A few weeks went by, needed my peeler and what do you know, it wasn't in it's place!! It's still missing so I'll have to buy another peeler!!!

Is it trying to tell me something - like - stop cooking - buy prepared foods that don't need peeling?

I could start worrying, maybe I'm losing it? On the other hand - It's one thing to go to the refigerator and not remember what you went there for so long as you know what the refigerator is for!

Maybe after I buy a new peeler the old ones will come out of hiding.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:41 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 15 comments | Old

 
THIS and THAT - JUNE
WEATHER

The calender says "June" but if you go by the temperature it's been more like April. I'd love to start wearing some of my SUMMER clothes but "No Way." It has been rainy, foggy, windy, humid and sometimes dowright chilly. One day I even had to put on the heat. Rain, rain go away - come again some other day!!

FIVE GUYS

A few weeks ago I happened to catch a news program that was showing the public what goes on at the White House. In one segment they showed President Obama running an errand for this staff. He went by limo with his body-guards to pick up burgers at Five Guys. Needless to say he caused a great deal of excitment at the place.

Well, Five Guys recently openned up in my neighborhood. If it's good enough for the president, it's good enough for me!

My friend and I decided to give it a try. All we knew about it was that the burgers were good and the price was right. The menu is small, it's pretty much burgers and hot dogs but there is a choice of "a regular burger" or a "little burger and a choice of "regular fries" or "large fries." We ordered the large burger and fortunatly decided to split one order of the regular fries! The regular burger was so large it was difficult to eat and we couldn't even put a dent in the fries!!

Next time we go we'll order a "little burger" and get all the toppings. I don't know how we'll handle the fries, maybe if there are four of use we'll be able to finish them!!

BOOKS

This month the book club that I belong to reviewed "700 Sundays" by Billy Crystal. Usually the club draws six to eight people.

His book was a big draw. A record breaking eighteen people came to learn about Crystal's life. Not only did we talk about his life, there was a lot of laughter and reminiscences about our own lives.

Next month we'll be reading "Saturdays Wife" by Naomi Ragen. Another light summer read.

MOVIES

Before I go to the movies I like to get input from friends and read the reviews on the Medacritic site. When I checked out "My Life in Ruins" it had an average rating of "34" and one reviewer rated it "zero!!" I have never seen that before and was turned off until a few friends said that they enjoyed the movie. Well, there was nothing to see so we took a chance and found that it was better than "zero." - What saved the movie for me was seeing Richard Dreyfuss act. I remember seeing him when he first started out, he was great then and he's still great.

Did you see this movie, what did you think of it? Are there any movies you would recommend?

I'm looking forward to a sunny and warm July. While there's life, there's hope. :-)

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:26 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
ANOTHER LOSS
We all have losses, over time we lose family members, friends and people who have touched our lives, even briefly. When a public figure, be it a politician, an entertainer or a writer dies, it's a loss. Even though we don't know the person personally we still feel a connection with them.

I was a youngest when Franklin Delano Roosevelt died and still remember when the paperboy was on the street with an "EXTRA" edition of the newspaper with the headline - "President Roosevelt Dead." I remember too getting the word that Glenn Miller died in an airplane crash overseas.

There are all kinds of losses - The other day the newspapers came out with the news that the North Shore Music Theatre is closed for good due to insurmountainable financial problems.

Their troubles started in 2005 when a fire destroyed the interior of the theater and led to $3 million in lost ticket sales, only half of which was covered by insurance.



I became a subscriber in the early 60's when the shows were held in a tent. As I remember it, the seats were like beach chairs and if it rained it drowned out the performer. In later years they put up a building with heat, airconditioning and comfortable seats.

Not only was it a wonderful theater experience, it was a great social event. I knew that once a month I would be getting together with friends for great entertainment and dinner afterwards.


Image: Courtesy Playbill

Even before the show started we had an opportunity to visit with friends who came from near and far which added to the enjoyment of the day.

One thing the newspapers did not mentioned is the fact that the grounds of the theater were beautiful. We attended matinee performances and on a sunny day we would pack a lunch, leave early and have lunch outside, surrounded by the most beautiful plantings. Not only that, we would have another opportunity to visit with friends.

I will miss everything about the North Shore Music Theatre.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:45 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
My Mom's Digital TV Conversion


Millie ordered a rebate coupon at the Digital TV Help website and has been watching the analog broadcasts explaining the transition from analog to digital tv while waiting for the coupon to arrive in the mail.

She expects that she'll need help after buying a convertor box.

Labels: digital tv, DTV, dtv2009, milliegarfield, mymomsblog, tv

posted by Steve Garfield @ 2:37 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 6 comments | Old