LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW
As a matter of fact, it isn't snowing now but it is very cold, colder then it's been in two years here in New England.


Image: Boston Area Weather

And you know what, it doesn't bother me one bit!

This is my first winter up North in many years and because I'm at Brooksby Village I don't feel locked in because of the weather.

If I need my hair or nails done, all I need to do is take a short walk over to the Salon and "I'm there."

Same  goes for the bank, it's right next door.

If I need any medical care, or pharmacy, I take "the shuttle" to a building that's near-by.

While I'm there I can stop by at the library and/or have a cup of coffee in the lounge.  You never know who you'll meet while relaxing with a good cup of coffee.

KEEPING TRACK OF EVENTS

A few weeks ago I wrote about the challenge of remembering the names of all the people I'm meeting.

I'm also trying to keep track of all the activities that are being offered.  Many times there are a few things going on at the same time.


Image: Brooksby Village Events

Choices, choices, choices!

For the month of February I have elected to do the following outside events, which the Brooksby bus takes us to:

An Evening with Award Winning Author Andre Dubus III.

He's the author of five books one of which is the New York Times bestseller, House of Sand and Fog.



House of Sand and Fog

I loved the book and saw the movie. As usual I enjoyed the book more than the movie.



I've  heard some authors say they have no control of what goes into the movie!  That explains it!

Met Opera Simulcast - Verdi's Rigoletto

I have heard many positive words about seeing an opera via "Simulcast."  "It's like seeing the opera LIVE."

I'm looking forward to a special experience, and I won't have to drive to get there!

And if it snows, it still won't stop us from getting there!

posted by millie garfield @ 11:04 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 6 comments

 
Vote for My Mom's Blog in the SeniorHomes.com Best Senior Living Awards 2013


My Mom's Blog has been nominated for Best Individual Blog in the SeniorHomes.com Best Senior Living Awards 2013.

CLICK HERE to go to the 'Vote for My Mom's Blog page', then CLICK on FACEBOOK LIKE or GOOGLE +1.


Image: Voting page. Click on FACEBOOK LIKE or GOOGLE +1

Thanks!

Check the STANDINGS for Best Individual Blog here, and see some other nominees.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 10:02 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 3 comments

 
RSVP and LIPSTICK #708
I have alway been proud to say that I am "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

Times change and we have to change with them. I could make a whole post about all the things that I have witnessed in my lifetime, many changes have been for the better.

Today I want to tell you about something that I just became aware of.

RSVP PLEASE
In one of those advice columns, I read the other day, the question was, "is it ok to RSVP via e-mail when you receive an invitation to a party?

The answer was:

"If you were invited to the party via e-mail, it is ok to response in a similar manner even if it's to a formal affair."

That very same day a friend of mine told me that she received an invitation to a wedding in the mail, one of those small return cards was not enclosed.



That's the card I would fill out, let the person know if I would be attending, and write a note of good wishes.

No. No little card was enclosed, but there was an e-mail address noted on the expensive invitation!

It so happens that my friend does not have a computer. Some people still aren't thoroughly modern. ;-) She had to ask her son to RSVP for her.

In my opinion, a formal invitation, to an event that is "a big deal," should have that little card enclosed, and used in the good old fashioned way.

LIPSTICK #708
I guess I'm like all the people that have been around for a while, "we don't like changes."

Some changes are hard to adjust to, but we have no choice, and do what we have to.

Some changes are minor inconveniences, like when the lipstick you have been using for a million years is DISCONTINUED.

About forty years ago I discovered Revlon's Apple Polish lipstick.



A few years ago I found that when I looked in that spot on the shelf that should contain number 708, it was empty!

Oh, what to do? I would go looking for that lipstick in other stores and when I found it, I would load up!

I think what might have happened at that time was, they were cutting back on producing that shade BUT the general public made them bring it back.

When I shopped recently for some new tubes, no more 708! I called the company and they told me Apple Polish was discontinued. The operator suggested I try Coral Berry #674.

OK, I'll give it a try. In the meantime I'll use my #708 until it's down to the bare bones!

Changes, changes, changes.

What minor changes bother you?

posted by millie garfield @ 5:29 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments

 
TWO HOURS WITH DOWNTON ABBEY
Last night was the long awaited start of season three of Downton Abbey.

If you are reading this post and are a fan you have become aware of the trials and tribulations that have affected the lives of the aristocratic household and their hard working and devoted staff.

So much happened in this installment that I just might do what I always have done when I have watched Mad Men...

I watch it again and catch so many details that I might miss the first time.


Image: Downton Abbey Cast

If you haven't seen Downton Abby before, this would be a good time to get familiar with the family and their staff. It will take time to get to know a cast of about fifteen people.


Video: Fun overview of Downton Abbey's first two seasons

Each member of the family has their own unique history and personality, the same can be said for the downstairs help.

The highlight of this episode for me was when 76 year old Shirley MacLaine appears as Martha Levinson, the mother of Cora, Countess of Gantham. She's visiting from New York and portrays a person so opposite any of her relatives.

What I'll write about now is not a spoiler, it's just something that I particularly enjoyed.

A very special evening has been planned for invited guests, extra special place settings, gorgeous flower arrangements, and extra special meats that the staff plans to serve.

Well, the night that all this is to take place - a lot goes wrong. Of all things, the OVEN breaks down and nothing gets cooked!

Leave it to the American, Shirley MacLaine (Cora's mother) to save the day!

She turns this elaborate and formal dinner party into a "help yourself buffet." Mind you, this takes place in the early 20's and you know what, the guests loved it!

That's just a small taste of what can happen at Downton Abbey!


Video: Downton Abbey, Season 3: The Wait is Over (Preview) | PBS

posted by millie garfield @ 5:23 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 6 comments