My Mom's Blog by Thoroughly Modern Millie

READ THE FINE PRINT

2012-01-19T19:51:00.001-05:00

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

My Week at the Movies

2012-01-10T19:21:00.001-05:00

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?

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SNOWBIRD

2012-01-03T16:47:00.002-05:00

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!!

THE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T15:16:00.002-05:00

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?

CHANUKAH NOW AND THEN

2011-12-17T17:05:00.002-05:00

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

BIG NEWS - IT'S 78 DEGREES IN FLORIDA

2011-12-11T17:17:00.002-05:00

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!!

ALMOST ON MY WAY

2011-11-30T16:58:00.002-05:00

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!!

PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ

2011-11-19T16:42:00.002-05:00

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:

ONE OF MY GREATEST MEMORIES

2011-11-13T17:00:00.002-05:00

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!

AND THE DOCTOR SAID......

2011-11-06T23:03:00.000-05:00

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!!!

THE MEN IN MY LIFE

2011-10-30T18:10:00.001-04:00

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!

OCTOBER: He Fell Out Of Bed, Two Funerals, and a Phone Call

2011-10-23T16:59:00.001-04:00

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!

THE MOVIES - NOW AND THEN

2011-10-16T22:15:00.000-04:00

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!!

THE JEWISH NEW YEAR AND A YIDDISH JOKE

2011-10-09T18:48:00.000-04:00

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!!

ABOUT FRIENDSHIP

2011-10-02T20:18:00.003-04:00

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

I COULDN'T OPEN IT!

2011-09-25T22:55:00.000-04:00

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!! ;-)

A DAY IN PARIS

2011-09-18T23:26:00.000-04:00

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!!

KEEPING OLD BLOG POSTS ALIVE

2011-09-11T21:33:00.002-04:00

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

CHECK THIS OUT

2011-09-04T15:47:00.008-04:00

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. ;-)

GETTING READY FOR IRENE

2011-08-27T19:20:00.001-04:00

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.

AFTER THE CELEBRATION

2011-08-21T18:30:00.003-04:00

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!!

THE CELEBRATION BEGINS

2011-08-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

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!!

YOU WIN SOME - YOU LOSE SOME

2011-08-06T23:35:00.000-04:00

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!

A VISIT TO A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

2011-07-31T21:18:00.002-04:00

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?

Observations on Growing Older

2011-07-24T18:36:00.000-04:00

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!

AN ENJOYABLE VISIT WITH THE DENTIST

2011-07-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sure the first thing you are going to think is, how could she have an enjoyable visit with the dentist?

I'll tell you!

The reason I made an appointment with the dentist was that I wanted him to take a look at one of my back molars that felt scratchy when I ran my tongue over it. I suspected that I would need a crown and sure enough that was the diagnosis, a good part of the tooth was broken.

"Did I want to take care of it then and there?" Yes, I was there, had the time and wanted to get it taken care of.

It's been a long time since I had that type of work done and remembered that it took a few visits, was expensive, I experienced some pain and found the procedure uncomfortable.

Well, it was a totally different experience! There are new methods now and it's all done in one office visit. It did take 2 1/2 hours but let me tell how I spent that time.

The dentist has a setup where you can watch a movie while "all the work is being done." He pulled up Netflix - foreign films - I spotted "The Gods Must Be Crazy."

I remember seeing that movie in the 80' and loved it - Time to see it again!

I didn't need goggles, just a headset. He started his work and I concentrated on the film.

Loved the beginning of the film where the elephants, lions, tigers and giraffes were prancing around in the desert.

As the film proceeded I kept looking for the "big" moment in the movie where the African bushman finds a coke bottle that was thrown from a plane and causes all kinds of problems for the bushmen who think that it was dropped from the heavens by God.

Never saw that scene in this film.

I finally figured out that the movie I was watching was a sequel.

It was not as good as the original film but it was funny, had many slapstick scenes and some touching moments.

Sometimes I laughed out loud while I had all the stuff in my mouth!

All's well that ends well. The dentist did his job and I saw an enjoyable film.

Now I want to tell you why I was so responsive to my visit to the dentist.

For the past month I've visited three friends in assisted living facilities,
attended a memorial service for a friend, and attended a funeral for a relative.

So, that's why I can say I had an enjoyable visit with the dentist. At least no one was sick.

The only pain I experienced on that day was "a pain in the checkbook!"

THE WINNER

2011-07-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

In Massachusetts we have all kinds of winners. This season "The Boston Bruins" won the Stanley cup after 19 years! We were very excited and happy about that.

Image via 7News

That's one kind of winner - today I want to tell you about a totally different kind of winner.

The Boston Globe has been conducting a Recipe Box Project where readers are asked to share their favorite recipes.

Years ago the Globe had a column "Confidential Chat" were readers sent in their favorite recipes. As a matter of fact I have a scrapbook containing many of their wonderful dishes.

Recently they had a blueberry cake contest and it was discovered that the original recipe appeared in the Chat column decades ago sent in by "Cakes and Cookies." I have many recipes by her, she was my favorite lady!

Here's the winning recipe:

(Food styling/Sheryl Julian & Janine Sciarappa; Photo by John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Courtesy Boston Globe)

Blueberry cake with streusel topping

TOPPING

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) cold butter, cut up
1. In a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter.

2. Work the mixture with your fingertips until well blended; refrigerate.

CAKE

Butter (for the pan)
Flour (for the pan)
1 pint (2 cups) fresh blueberries, picked over
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1. Set the oven at 375 degrees. Butter an 8-inch-square metal baking pan. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess.

2. In a bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of the flour.

3. In another bowl, whisk the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt to blend them.

4. In an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until soft and light. Beat in the egg and vanilla until soft and light. With the mixer set to its lowest speed, blend in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with flour.

5. Remove the bowl from the mixer stand. With a rubber spatula, fold in blueberries. Transfer the batter to the pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the topping over the cake.

6. Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is brown.

Read more on this story: This winning blueberry recipe sure has gotten around.

Well, this little cake has really been around. Apparently it appeared in the Globe’s Confidential Chat column decades ago. “You should give credit to ‘Cakes and Cookies,’ ’’ wrote Roberta Berenson of Falmouth in an e-mail. “The recipe was printed with three others under the heading ‘Blueberry Basket.’ I have given this recipe to all my friends because it got rave reviews every time I made it. I always used to cut out her recipes because they were just wonderful.’’ Berenson does not know who “Cakes and Cookies’’ really is. (If you do, please tell us.)

MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE

2011-07-04T08:41:00.003-04:00

There is only one TV show that I make it my business to watch, "Men of a Certain Age."

It's on Wednesday nights at 10/9c on TNT.

What makes "Men of a Certain Age" so interesting to me is that it's about three middle aged guys who each have their individual problems. They are guys just trying to deal with life in their mid fifties.

Image: Ray Romano Courtesy TNT

Joe, played by Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond) is an easy going guy who is divorced, owns a party store, and is trying to control his gambling addiction. He's finding life as a single person at this time of life is not to his liking.

Image: Scott Bakula Courtesy TNT

Terry, played by Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap) is a single guy who is still playing the field, no longer trying to have a career as an actor, and working as a car salesman. His heart is really not in it.

Image: Andre Braugher Courtesy TNT

Owen, played by Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street) is a happily married man. His father retired from the Chevy dealership that he owned and put his son in charge of the business. Dad does not approve of anything the son does.

The performances are so real, I feel like I'm peeking in on their private lives.

They are not bad guys, they are just guys trying to find their way through some difficult times.

Sometimes there are laughs to be had, but mostly "it's serious business."

There have been a few episodes where I have come close to tears!

I have read that the show has been struggling in the ratings, and it may lose the battle.

Have you heard about the show? Have you watched it?

If you haven't looked in on it, try it you might like it!

More:
Men of a Certain Age on Facebook
Men of a Certain Age on Twitter

I REMEMBER WHEN

2011-06-27T12:17:00.000-04:00

I recently got together with a group of friends that I have know for over fifty years. We don't have the opportunity to see each other very often but when we do - boy there is a lot of catching up and reminiscing going on, mostly reminiscing.

When we started talking about the time that we were newlyweds the conversation turned to the cars we owned.

I love to talk about that time in my life.

We were newlyweds with a lot of expenses and very little money so buying a car was out of the question.

Before my husband married he lived at home with his sister and mother. They had a family car and did many things as a family. Aaron used the car to get to work, and when he had a social engagement.

SO the arrangement was that we would SHARE the car with his sister and mother.

Aaron would have the car during the week so he could get to work and his sister would take a bus to get to her job.

We shared the car on the weekends.

I was not happy about that.

After a few years we were able to buy our own car!! Hallelujah!!

We bought a pink and white Chevy Bel Air off the lot, it was certainly not my choice of color but it was what we could afford.

Okay, now we had a car - that was a great step forward, but what about me.

When I wanted the car for the day I had to drive my husband to work, and that wasn't bad, but the thing was that he had to be at work at 7:30 a.m!

I wasn't happy about that and only took the car when I really needed it.

Well better days were coming!

My sister-in-law bought herself a new car and we bought the old car from her.

Happy Days! I finally had wheels of my own!!!!

Freedom at last!!

What was the first car you owned?

"IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR"

2011-06-19T10:03:00.001-04:00

I'm on a roll here!

My last two posts were about age. The first one was about a twenty two year old waitress, the second post was about me when I was in my twenties.

This post is a video of Frank Sinatra singing, "It was a Very Good Year."

In the song he takes us through being 17, 21, 35, and more.

I love listening to Frank sing. I was a bobbysoxer when I was seventeen.

Enjoy!!!

Lyrics composed by Ervin Drake in 1961:

When I was seventeen it was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls and soft summer nights
We'd hide from the lights on the village green
When I was seventeen

When I was twenty-one it was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair and it came undone
When I was twenty-one

When I was thirty-five it was a very good year

It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls of independent means
We'd ride in limousines their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five

But now the days are short, I'm in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs, and it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year

It was a mess of good years

More:

Frank Sinatra on Wikipedia:

Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became a successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, being the idol of the "bobby soxers". His professional career had stalled by the 1950s, but it was reborn in 1954 after he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (for his performance in From Here to Eternity).

It Was A Very Good Year on Wikipedia:

"It Was a Very Good Year" is a song composed by Ervin Drake in 1961 for and originally recorded by Bob Shane of The Kingston Trio and subsequently made famous by Frank Sinatra's version in D-minor, which won the Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, Male in 1966. Gordon Jenkins was awarded Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for the Sinatra version. This single peaked at #28 on the U.S. pop chart and became Sinatra's first #1 single on the Easy Listening.[3] The song can be found on Sinatra's 1965 album September of My Years. A live, stripped-down performance is featured on his Sinatra at the Sands album.

The song recounts the type of girls the singer had relationships with at various years in his life: when he was 17, "small-town girls on the village green"; at 21, "city girls who lived up the stairs"; at 35, "blue-blooded girls of independent means." Each of these years he calls "very good." In the song's final verse, the singer reflects that he is older, and he thinks back on his entire life "as vintage wine." All of these romances were sweet to him, like a wine from a very good (i.e. vintage) year.

What's your favorite song that brings back memories about life and growing up?

WHEN I WAS IN MY TWENTIES

2011-06-11T17:18:00.003-04:00

In my last post I wrote about "The WAITRESS" who at twenty-two was happy at her job and just wanted to have fun. That got me thinking about what I was doing at her age.

Image: Millie Garfield High School Photo

When I graduated from high school a neighbor told me about a bookkeeping job in a nearby city. I got the job and stayed there until I was twenty-one.

In those days money was tight and "maybe" if the parents had a son - he was the one to go to college. If you were the daughter "forget it" - you got yourself a job and stayed with it until you got married and started a family. That was it, you became a stay-at- home housewife, just like Betty Draper on Mad Men.

Image: Betty Draper courtesy Mad Men AMC

Not me, at twenty-one I was very young and marriage was the last thing on my mind.

As I said earlier, after five years on my first job I decided to leave. There was no opportunity for advancement and I was not "having fun" on the job.

It was time for something different.

Image: Mille Garfield Photo Booth

I decided to take some time off that summer and figure out what I wanted to do next.

Well what do you know, My cousin worked for a restaurant that had a concession stand at the Suffolk Downs race track in a nearby city. They needed a clerk at the cigarette/cigar stand at the clubhouse.

Was I interested?

YES, that's just what I was looking for, certainly a change of pace, being in the great out of doors, meeting new people and being exposed to different lifestyles.

It proved to be a learning experience and "it was fun."

After that summer, it was back to the real world.

THE WAITRESS

2011-06-06T08:36:00.000-04:00

You and your friend go out to dinner at a restaurant on a Saturday night and if you are lucky there is not much of a wait. The hostess greets and seats you at a table you are not happy with but if you reject that table you know there could be a long wait for another table.

The hour is already way past your dinner hour so you say, "that will be fine"
and get seated.

Along comes the waitress and says, "My name is Cassandra and I will be your server this evening."

Ninety nine percent of the time I pay no attention to what the waitress or waiter says but this time it was different. I immediately listened to what she said and made note of her name.

I don't know if it was the way she said it, her voice, her appearance or the name itself but I immediately took a liking to her!

This very attractive looking young lady was very professional and yet there was a warmth about her as she took our orders. Her eyes sparkled, she had a well modulated voice and spoke at a reasonable pace. ( what is it with young people today, they talk as fast as a fright train moves!)

During our meal, we speculated about Cassandra - why would such a charming and bright young lady be a waitress? Was she going to college and needed the extra income? Was she an unemployed actress that was doing this until she got her big break in show business?

I always felt it was not proper to ask a staff member a personal question but at the same time I thought to myself, "if I don't ask her what her goal in life is I would kick myself. I don't remember just the words I used but I had to find out!

Well, she told me that she's twenty two, likes being a waitress and believes in HAVING FUN!! She stressed the fun part!

Boy, was I disappointed!!!

What I'm thinking now is, "maybe that was her way of saying, "mind your own business!" (in a nice way)

What do you think?

A NEW TWIST ON CINNAMON

2011-05-30T16:49:00.002-04:00

For years I've been using cinnamon when I bake cookies, cakes, baked apples, or when I make my wonderful apple crisp. I never knew it could also be used for medicinal purposes

Recently I've been reading about how cinnamon can help to stave off a cold, fight bad breath, aid digestion, help treat diarrhea and solve other problems of the digestive system.

It may help lower blood sugar and can also be used to treat a toothache. Oh and I just remembered, it can also help your memory! I'll really have to find out more about that!!

One of my favorite old-fashioned ways of using cinnamon is this recipe:

CINNAMON TWISTS

Photo by stevendepolo, on Flickr

1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together until well blended. Empty the mixture on a flat plate and set aside.

3 extra large eggs
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 oil
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups flour

Place eggs, brown sugar and oil in bowl, mix until blended. Add baking powder and flour, mix well.

Refrigerate dough for a short time. Using about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie, roll between palms to form a pencil shaped roll. OR you could shape into rings, crescents or any shape you prefer.

Roll dough in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until nicely browned.

Makes about three dozen cookies.

That's one of the ways I have used cinnamon in the past.

Now I'd like to learn how to use cinnamon with a new twist, not just for baking.

If cinnamon does help with all those "problems I'd like to know how to use it!

Someone suggested putting cinnamon in my coffee. I tried it but that didn't work for me.

Anyone have any ideas?

THIS AND THAT - MAY

2011-05-22T19:10:00.002-04:00

WEATHER

When I left Florida in April it was getting really hot, now I understand that some days are in the 90's. I wouldn't like that!

Here in New England it's been cold and rainy most days.

What surprises me is that I really don't mind it. I'm still wearing my turtlenecks, vests and jackets, and that's okay with me.

MOVIES, TV MOVIES and HBO SERIES

Since I'm been home I've only seen one movie. I've seen a few movies on TV and one series on HBO that I want to rate.

While I was in Florida I used an Orange Rating System.

Since it's baseball season I'm going to use a Baseball Rating System

A Single | A Double | A Triple | A Home Run

MOVIE - Water for Elephants A Double

It's about a veterinary student who abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. What I enjoyed most about this film was it was set in the depression era. When the circus came to town they would parade through the streets and than pitch the tents where all the action took place.

I remember sitting on those backless boards and watching the performers. That was pretty exciting!

TV Movie - Bugsy - Made in 1991 A Triple

Movie starred Warren Beatty and Annette Bening - What a sensational pair of actors, perfect for the roles of hot tempered Bugsy Siegel and his wife Virginia.

It's the story of how Bugsy started building in Las Vegas when there was nothing there.

TV Movie - Eddy Duchin Story - Made in 1956 A HOME RUN

Tyrone Power plays the role of the famous pianist and band leader of the 1930s and 1040s.

I forgot how handsome Tyrone Power was way back "when", not only that, he was a great actor. He was 41 years old when the movie was being made and had to portray Eddy as a young energetic fellow. He was amazing!!

HBO Series Mildred Pierce A HOME RUN

This series was playing on TV this winter while I was in Florida where I do not have access to HBO.

Once I got home I was able to get it "on demand." Kate Winslet took the role that Joan Crawford played in the 1945 movie.

I was so hooked on the story I watched the whole series in one sitting.

The heroine has to support herself and her girls during the depression era. Fortunately she makes a mean pie, becomes very successful but life is not a bed of roses for her.

What a story!!

Is there such a thing as a Double Home Run?

I love the movies but there hasn't been anything worthwhile. Am I missing something?

BLOGGING, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND ME

2011-05-16T19:01:00.006-04:00

What is a blog?
That's the question I asked my son about seven years ago. After he explained what it was, he asked me if I would like him to set one up for me. About two weeks later I had my own blog and have been blogging ever since.

Millie Garfield featured on ABC World News with Charlie Gibson

Blogging
When I started, blogging was in it's infancy and unique for someone in their seventies! What did I know?

It took a while for me to have a following and to find blogs I was interested in reading. Then I found Ronni Bennett's blog "Time Goes By."

Ronni helped me find a community that I could relate to, share ideas with, and develop virtual friendships.

Blogging is a two-way street where the blogger writes and the reader comments!

Chris Brogan and Millie Garfield

In those days I don't think there was a term like "Social Media" but that's what we were participating in.

Social Media
Social media can be many things - blogging, video, facebook, podcasts, flicker, twitter, YouTube and more!

Video Blogs
I love doing videos, especially the ones about "I Can't Open It."

Last year on my way home from Florida, I elected to have a bag of Stauffer's Animal Crackers which I decided not to have during the flight. I tried to open the package when I got home.

Steve and I made a video of that opening, "I Can't Open It: Stauffer's Animal Crackers from JetBlue."

Well a funny thing happened ONE YEAR later!

I received an e-mail from Stauffer's telling me that while they were in the process of making a new video for the crackers on YouTube, they found my "I Can't Open It video", and wanted to send me some animal crackers, in a container that would be easier to open, in appreciation for the plug!

The company uses their videos as an advertisement, and then they get feedback from their viewers.

Here's the video we did upon receipt of those delicious crackers!

When I think back about what Social Media was seven years ago, it seems to me that it was in it's infancy, and now it's a teenager.

What do you think?

A GREAT MISTAKE

2011-05-10T03:28:00.006-04:00

A LITTLE BACKTRACKING

When I arrived at the airport from Florida, Steve picked me up and since it was time for dinner we headed for a new restaurant, which had opened up while I was away. I had heard good things about it and was eager to try it.

A friend of mine had eaten there and had nothing but praise for the place - it is located right across the street from where I live so it certainly was a convenient place to get to. She said it was a very attractive place and even though it was a storefront restaurant she said the interior looked like what you would encounter in "The Big City."

She did say it was on the pricey side but what the heck, you only live once!

When we arrived at the mall we saw the restaurant and upon entering, my impression was, "this place is attractive but it doesn't look like what my friend had described to me."

It turns out we were in another restaurant that had opened up while I was away. It's called "Aikia Steakhouse: Japanese Asian Restaurant & Bar" and was right next door to the restaurant that we were supposed to be in, "City Bar & Grill."

Two restaurants had opened while I was away! I didn't know that!

Well to make a long story long, we had the greatest time!

There are cooking stations where a large number of guests watch the chef prepare their food. Tables for small parties are also available.

Surprise - there are also private booths which have rice paper doors! That's where the waitress seated us!

Image: Private booth with rice paper doors

Reminded me of some movies that I have seen where the lovers have a secret rendezvous.

The food we had was great!

Image: Sliced Filet with a Flower

Image: Salmon Sushi

On our way out we stopped and watched the chef as he put on a fantastic cooking show!!

What a great mistake we made!

Update:

I WAS LIVING IN A DUMP BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT!

2011-05-01T19:21:00.002-04:00

I've been home for about a week and a half now and am just starting to get my feet on the ground.

Going away for the winter doesn't get any easier, as a matter of fact as time goes by, it gets harder.

The good thing about getting home is that Steve picks me up at the airport, we bring my travel bag and laptop up to my condo, take a look around and see that everything is ship-shape and then go to the supermarket for the staples.

My Plant is Gorgeous

Image: Mom's New Plant

What a surprise he had for me!

For many years now he and Carol have been the caretakers of a large plant that needed looking after while I am gone.

Before I left for Florida they took a sickly looking plant home with them. We all wondered if it was going to survive. They both have "a green thumb" but sometimes no matter what you do, the time comes and you just can't save it.

Well, that time came and what do you know, he brought me the most gorgeous plant, bigger and better than the old one ever was!!

I was living in a dump but didn't know it!

Image: Mom's Home!

When I opened the door to my place and looked around, every room looked terrific, I exclaimed to Steve, "I was living in a dump but didn't know it!" He said, "Ma that would make a great post, write that down so you'll remember just what you said."

So that's what prompted this post.

My rental in Florida is comfortable, but the furnishings are from a past era. The development is one of the oldest around. It's not Boca!

The condo is located near family and friends, near the movies, restaurants, community center, library - you name it, it's all there for me!

Goes to show you, looks aren't everything, it's what you do with what you have that counts!!

PAST - PRESENT - FUTURE

2011-04-10T14:54:00.000-04:00

When I refer to the word PAST - I'm thinking of past winters I have spent in Florida.

If you have been reading my blog you know that the weather this season has been great, I've done a lot of fun things, seen some great shows and movies, gone out to eat a lot and gotten together with family and friends.

There is a Yiddish expression that explains what has been going on here. "Mit ein tuchus ken min nit tansen oif tzve chassenes." Translation - "With one rear end you can not dance at two weddings."

It's a lot funnier in Yiddish but you get the message. There is so much to do here, you just can't do everything.

There have been winters in Florida where I have landed in the hospital, once for something minor and once for major surgery.

One year when I was here with my husband he had major surgery and spent the winter recovering. One year we had to cut our winter short when my sister-in-law took ill.

Last winter I was very limited in what I could do. I needed hip surgery and waited until I got back North to have it done. Just going to the supermarket was a painful experience! So that winter was "for the birds."

This winter has been one of the most enjoyable, with good weather, good friends and good health!

THE PRESENT

Now it's time to close up shop here, close this phone, open phone up North, stop paper, start paper, disconnect computer, start computer, stop mail, start mail.

And then there's the packing!! I've started that job, I do bits and pieces whenever I can. My freezer and refrigerator are where they should be at this point, running on empty.

Just a point of information: I recently bought some gas, the price was $3.77 a gallon. When I first came down gas was $3.05 a gallon.

THE FUTURE

I know that when I get home it will still be chilly, but I really don't mind.

I can deal with that.

It will take me some time to get things put away.

I can deal with that.

It takes a few days until I find my way around the house. Where are the light switches, where are my pots, pans and dishes?

I can deal with that.

I might have to wait for a few days before my car gets delivered.

I can deal with that.

There is one challenge I will face when I get home - I don't expect to have the busy lifestyle that I have in Florida or the many opportunities to do different things that are available to me.

There is a senior center around the corner from where I live, never really looked into it. My impression is, "they play bingo." I have heard that they offer some day trips but they leave at 7:00 a.m.

That's not for me!

There is another center a few towns over, I'll check that one out.

The local library has an occasional program in the evening. The street is not well lit, the sidewalk is made up of irregular red bricks. (That's not a good thing for a senior)

So you see , my work is cut out for me. All I can do is keep my ears and eyes open and hope for the best!

Once I get settled I'll make a post from the North country.

TODAY IS RONNI BENNETT'S 70th BIRTHDAY

2011-04-07T07:00:00.025-04:00

Every birthday is special but when you hit a number like "70" it's really special.

Our blogging friend, Ronni Bennett, from "Times Goes By" is observing her birthday today.

Happy Birthday Cake. Photo by freakgirl cc by-nc-nd

I had the good fortune to discover Ronni's blog soon after I started blogging, what a find that was!

She was writing about what it was like to get older, in a serious way and sometimes in a humorous way.

At other times Ronni writes about issues that are important to seniors. She also writes about her work and life experiences - so interesting!

To this day, she writes about all of the above and once in while throws in a surprise post. I love those!!

After following her for some time, I really felt I knew her. That's the way it is, when you read someone's blog for a while you really "do know" them.

I have only met a handful of bloggers and one of them happens to be Ronni. When she lived on the East Coast we met for lunch one day and it was like meeting an old friend.

Ronni and Millie

If you haven't read her blog, go visit and discover a great lady.

If you are one of the lucky ones who reads her blog, go over and wish her a happy birthday!

"Ronni, enjoy the cake and have a very happy birthday!"

ONLY IN FLORIDA

2011-03-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

WEATHER

Photo by by Stuck in Customs, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

If you plan to visit Florida in the winter the best time to go is in MARCH. The weather has been perfect! If you want to shop, explore, play golf or tennis, take in some shows, go to the giant flea markets or just sun yourself at the beach or at the pool, this is the month to visit.

EATING OUT

Photo by by giveawayboy, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

Back home I might go out to eat once a week - here I go out at the drop of a hat. I play Mah-Jongg on a Monday. Who wants to go home and cook or even heat up something at the end of the day so someone is always looking to eat out.

The trouble with that is it can become expensive, not only does the money go out, the calories go in! There have been times when I say, girls - not tonight.

On Wednesday we go to an afternoon movie - after the movie who wants to go home and cook or even heat up something. (I know I just repeated myself but I did that to make a point. ;-)

Saturday night is a different story - we usually plan to go to a concert or movie and out to dinner. Most of the time I come home with a doggie bag. That helps the cook in the kitchen!

There are times when I meet friends for lunch or dinner depending where they are coming from. Most people I know who come from a distance don't drive at night so we meet for lunch.

I still drive at night if I am familiar with the area.

In my area the street signs are unusually LARGE and brightly lit. That is a big help to the majority of seniors who live here. (me included)

SOMETHING SPECIAL HAPPENED

Photo by by fpra, on Flickr CC BY-SA

The other night I arranged to meet some friends at a local restaurant. The hostess wanted to seat us near a large party of about twelve noisy people. We asked to be seated some distance from that group.

We were happy with our table, it was in a quiet area of the dining room so we able to have a good visit and enjoy our dinners.

During our meal a woman approached our table, looked at me and said, "I think I know you." I looked at her blankly and felt that she must have made a mistake. She didn't look familiar to me.

When she told me her name I realized that I DID know her! We hadn't seen each other in 50 years!! We were active members in the Lynnfield-Saugus chapter of Haddasah back in Massachusetts.

Once she told me her name, I looked more closely and recognized her blue eyes and her voice. We were so excited to see each other.

Only in Florida!!

THINKING ABOUT MY HUSBAND

2011-03-06T17:34:00.000-05:00

It's not his birthday, our anniversary or any special date in our lives together, it's just a day that I have been thinking about him a lot.

Many times over the sixteen years that Aaron has been gone I think and remember our times together. We shared the happy and sad times, helped each other through thick and thin, and made the most of the time we had together.

If he were alive today and I could ask him a question, I'd ask him this: "What were the happiest days of your life?"

I think the first answer would be:

"When my son Steve was born and I watched him grow up to be the person he was becoming."

The second answer would be:

"After I retired and started spending winters in Florida
I had an opportunity to get away from the New England winters, make new friends, explore new places, try new things and share quality time with my wife in a new life experience.

I wish I could get him to confirm what I just wrote, but I really think that's how he would have responded.

It seems that the longer he's gone the more I think about him.

Little things happen and they remind me of him.

For example, just yesterday I told a friend of mine that she would have to make the call on Monday to the community center to reserve her space for a movie that will be showing next Wednesday. (I usually make the reservation for us but I will not be able to attend that movie)

Her response to me was, "Remind me on Monday."

WHAT!!

When that situation presented itself to Aaron he would say, "I'm reminding you now!" And that's what I said!!!

My usual "nice self" would say, "Ok, I'll remind you on Monday," but it came to me loud and clear - "I'm reminding you now."

She was shocked!!

NEVER GETTING LOST

My husband was "a map man."

Before we set out on trip, he studied the map, and knew exactly how to get where we were going, never had to stop and ask for directions.

What brought this to mind is my friend and I recently went to visit a friend who lives a distance from us. We got directions, followed them but somewhere along the way we got lost, stopped and "the nice man" put our destination on Goggle, gave us a print-out and we got there, took us two hours where the trip home only took forty-five minutes.

Never would have happened with Aaron.

These are just a few of the things that come to mind about my husband - oh yes - and his favorite song was, "You Made Me Love You."

Me too.

"You Made Me Love You."

Barney's Version Was Wonderful

2011-02-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

Time flies when you are having fun and that's the way it's been this month. It seems that as time goes by, it doesn't walk, it doesn't run, it flies!!

I like to have a day when I can stay home and catch my breath - it doesn't happen very often but once in a blue moon I make it happen, like today for example. I'm home today but this evening I will be having dinner at a friend's house. (She's my only friend that still cooks)

After dinner we will be going to a show at the clubhouse. When we purchased the tickets we did not realize that tonight is an exciting night on TV - the Oscars are presented to the outstanding people in the movie industry, and I won't get home until at least 10:00.

I'm a movie buff and of all nights not to home to see the show from the beginning is not how I would have planned it. Oh well, I'll be seeing the highlights tomorrow morning on TV.

The most recent film I have seen is "Barney's Version" starring Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman, they were both wonderful in their roles.

I have followed Dustin's career since he was a young man and to see him in the role of the father of Giamatti bothered me. Paul is in his mid 40's and Dustin is in his mid 70's, so they could be father and son, but I can't think of Dustin that old!

The Graduate: Trailer

What a character Barney was!! He was impulsive, irascible, blunt and adolescent. Not only that, he was a slob!! I couldn't understand what those women saw in him.

Minnie Driver and Rosamond Pike were equally outstanding as two of Barney's wives.

At times I found the movie very funny and at other time very sad. After seeing a movie like this there's a lot to think and talk about, love it!

Have you seen it, what did you think of Barney, his relationships with his wives and the kind of person he was?

FLORIDA FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

2011-02-17T19:39:00.003-05:00

WEATHER

Finally I don't have to put the heat on in the morning to get the chill out! The temperature has been flirting with 80 degrees, hasn't made it yet but it looks like we might make it this week-end.

THE POOL

Pool days are few and far between. One day the sun was shinning, there were a few dark clouds hanging low but I really wanted to take a dip in the pool, so optimist that I am, decided to put my suit on and take my chances.

Well, once I got into the water, it started to pour. I quickly got out of the pool and found shelter. Eventually it stopped raining but it still looked threatening. I decided to make a quick get-away - well, the sky opened up and Millie got soaked! All things considered, better than getting stuck in a snow storm!!

THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA FOLLIES

I had the pleasure of attending an Original Florida Follies show, "Another Op'nin" Another Show" conceived, produced and directed by Cathy Dooley. The cast members are very talented with "show girls" between the ages of 60 to 94!!

The costumes were like what you would have seen in a production of the Ziegfeld Follies.

One of the outstanding numbers was when the cast presented a tribute to Abba in a medley from "Mamma Mia."

Another outstanding number was when they did "A tribute to Michael Jackson - "Beat It"

You had to see it, to believe what these ladies did!!!

MOVIES

The new community center in Delray offers many great programs. The one that I am hooked on is "Movies With Roger." This gentleman is a volunteer and shows his personal collection. After the movie is shown he conducts a discussion on the film that was shown.

All the films that I have seen so far, I have never heard of. Each one was a special experience:

East/West

Noodle

American Violet

Nowhere In Africa

One movie I missed was "Two Family House" I did see that movie in 1999 and wanted to see it again but the capacity of the room is 37 people and it was filled to capacity!

Have you heard of, or seen, any of these movies?

And February isn't over yet! ;-)

INTRODUCING: DEAR MILLIE

2011-02-06T08:56:00.003-05:00

I recently received an e-mail from a reader who is the devoted daughter of an 85 year old mother who's husband of 60 years is now in a nursing home.

The daughter and her sister live nearby and take care of their mother's needs. Their mother is a hoot, they enjoy being with her but would like to see her have some lady friends.

They have tried getting their lonely mum involved in various activities but to no avail.

She asked for suggestions from me.

This was my reply to her:

Dear Devoted Daughter,

Your mother is a lucky woman to have two daughters that care for her the way that they do. You say you have suggested things for her to do but she doesn't want to do them.

That's the rub - she has to help herself.

Maybe you could go with her to some Senior Center or an event at a library, get her to feel comfortable there and then gradually drop her off and see how she manages on her own.

Look for some other lady who is there by herself also, someone in the same boat as she is.

What interests does she have? Bingo, knitting, current events, books, movies, art, cooking - whatever- something to get her going! That way she might find another lady with the same interest.

It's worth a try!

Tell her, Hello from another 85 year old!! ;-)

Wishing you the best,
Millie

Now I'm asking Millie's readers for their thoughts. How can the daughters help their mum "get out there" and show the world that "she is a hoot?"

Also, if you have any questions, ask away!

WORDS THAT STILL RING TRUE

2011-01-25T17:42:00.000-05:00

The other day the Sun Sentinel had a very interesting article by Steve Rosen about Elbert Hubbard who described himself as a homespun philosopher.

In a recently found book titled "The Notebook of Elbert Hubbard" published by family members in 1927 there are many quotations from simpler times that still have meaning in today's world.

Here are some wonderful examples:

Talk less and listen more. (MORE PEOPLE SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ONE)

The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.

It is easy to get everything you want, provided you first learn to do without the things you cannot get.

The greatest mistake you can make is to be continually fearing you will make one.(THAT"S A GOODY)

Better mend one fault in yourself than a hundred in your neighbor.

Before you are fit to give orders, you must be willing to take orders. The leader of the orchestra has always been a man who has played second fiddle.

Do work with your whole heart and you will succeed - there is no competition.

The actual benefit of college does not come so much from curriculum as from the change of environment. New people, new scenes, new conditions with which to cope - these are the things for growth. (MY FAVORITE)

Enthusiasm is the great hill-climber. (SO TRUE)

What's your favorite?

TODAY I'M PLAYING CATCH-UP

2011-01-16T14:42:00.000-05:00

Today I'm doing something very unusual, I'm staying home all day!

There are bills to pay, laundry to do, calls to make, a wonderful book to read (The Sacrifice of Tamar by Naomi Regan) AND am finally able to sit down and make a post.

My calender is so full - I work with a very large desk calender which has big squares but I find the squares are just not big enough so what I have to do is make an arrow and go into another square. I could try to write smaller but so far I have not been able to do that.

Some days I have to choose what activity or event I want to attend. For example I had an opportunity to see a show at my clubhouse by an entertainer that I was not familiar with or attend a free event held at the Spanish River library in Boca Raton.

THE LIBRARY

I heard that the library was "something to see" and the entertainer for the afternoon was Steve Leeds and Trio who were going to perform Sinatra numbers - well that made my mind up!

What a wonderful afternoon. Steve has a great voice, great personality and had the audience in the palm of his hands!!

Oh, and the library was really something special - looks more like a beautiful resort. Leave it to Boca to build something so special.

MOVIES

I'm pretty much up to date on the movies. Here are my thoughts on some of the recent movies I've seen, rated using the Florida Orange system.

Photo by Gyorgy Weil CC BY-NC-ND

In my opinion:

King's Speech 4 Florida Oranges
The Fighter 4 Florida Oranges
Mao's Last Dancer 3 1/2 Florida Oranges
Burlesque 2 Florida Oranges
The Tourist 2 Florida Oranges

COMMUNITY CENTER

The Center is new in the area and has a lot to offer (if you can get your foot in the door)

I was able to sign up for a few classes. This coming week I will be attending a "Yiddish Conversation Group" and a Movie Review and Discussion Group.

So you can see where I am coming from and why I am so happy to be home today - I need time to recharge my battery!

I CAN SEE THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL

2011-01-02T22:19:00.000-05:00

First off - Wishing you and yours a "Very Happy New Year!

It's been less than a month since I arrived in Florida, everything is in it's place, the house is well stocked but there is one thing that is not in it's place.

There is very little routine here - the only thing that I know for sure is, Mah Jongg on Monday afternoons.

I had planned on spending a leisure afternoon at the pool (the sun is finally shining) but I received an invitation to join some dear friends for a late lunch (or call it a very early dinner) at the Sweet Tomatoes.

They are known for their soups, salads and bakery. How could I say no to that.

The place is so popular that if you arrive for lunch at 12:00 you could have a very long wait and if you arrive for dinner at 5:00 you could have a very long wait.

That's why I'll be picked up at 3:00. That's the way it is in Florida. I don't know if there is any other place in the country where you have to think ahead like that!!

I'm squeezing in this post before I take off for the day. My usual routine is to make a post every Sunday and I've been doing that for the past seven years.

As I said earlier, it's hard to have a routine here in Florida so as of 2011 I'll still be posting but not on a regular basis. When the spirit moves me or I have something special to post about I'll do my thing.

I'll see how it goes!

THE QUESTION IS "TO GO OR NOT TO GO?"

2010-12-26T16:21:00.001-05:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
the wind is not delightful,
since I have someplace to go,
Let it Blow!, Let it Blow! Let it Blow!

I just couldn't resist writing the above paragraph (with tongue in cheek.) ;-)

The weatherman reports that it is a very windy and cold afternoon and predicts that it will get much colder tonight.

This cold spell will not keep me home. My plan is to bundle up with a turtleneck, vest, jacket and gloves and go forth into the wild blue yonder!!

la neige n'a pas fondu partout by Bertrand Eberhard CC BY-NC

Parts of the country are being hit with huge snowstorms.

Funny, the thing that just came to my mind about snowstorms is the aftermath.

When my son was little I would get his snowsuit on, take him out for some fresh air, and no sooner were we outside, it was just so cold that we had to go back into the house AND I had to take his snowsuit off. What a job!!!

How do today's mothers deal with getting their kids into and out of their winter clothes?

Have things gotten easier?

The decision has been made, I'm going to get into my "skivies" and fight the wind!

WHAT'S UP IN FLORIDA

2010-12-20T07:09:00.000-05:00

TEMPERATURE

One thing for sure - the temperature in Florida has not gone up since I've been here, we've even had heavy rains yesterday. I've worn turtle necks, vests and jackets for days, just the other day finally just wearing lighter clothes so it's getting somewhat better.

SUPERMARKET PRICES

It seems that the markets down here are very happy with the arrival of the snowbirds. They know we need EVERYTHING so they up the prices of their merchandise. They have sales to entice us to buy more but "buyer beware." "Buy one, get one free" so - it may not be a good deal if you are paying a lot for one!

GAS PRICES

I know gas prices all over the country are high but Florida has to be one of the states that gets the prize for what it cost to fill up your tank. I just paid $3.09 a gallon - I don't drive any great distance down here but for the working person who has to drive to work, it is costly.

RESTAURANTS

Years ago you could get a nice breakfast, lunch or dinner here in Florida for a very reasonable price. That was a long time ago. Now the best deal in town is "BREAKFAST."

I'm not an early bird but when some newly arrived friends invited me to join them for breakfast I said "yes."

I had a small bowl of oatmeal served with raisins and brown sugar, two sunny side eggs, a toasted bagel, cream cheese and all the coffee you want for $3.59!!

The thing is I don't like getting out that early and I don't need or want a big breakfast like that. I won't do that again, I'd rather have my calories later in the day.

MOVIES

The one thing that is "DOWN" here in Florida is the price of a movie ticket. Up North I have paid as much as $9.50, and that's a senior ticket!

Here in Florida a movie ticket is $5.00 for a senior!! Anytime!!

Finally got to see Mao's Last Dancer - Movie got a poor review but "word of mouth" has kept the movie in one of the theaters here in Florida for the past FOUR MONTHS. It's a dramatic true story and if you love ballet, you will love this movie.

Another movie that got a poor review was Burlesque but "word of mouth" brought people into the theater, me included. I could have missed it. To quote one reviewer, "a ridiculous musical." I felt bad for Stanley Tucci who had to take part in this film. He did the best he could with the material.

What's up in your neighborhood?

I'VE LANDED BUT AM STILL FLYING HIGH

2010-12-11T19:33:00.002-05:00

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

From the minute my feet hit the ground the fun started! While I waited to pick up my luggage Steve went to pick up the rental car that he reserved, it was a Mercedes! Beautiful!

Photo: Mercedes Hertz Rental with Massachusetts Plates!

Steve and Carol checked into the Marriott Hotel in Delray Beach which is right across the street from the Atlantic Ocean! Beautiful!

Photo: Marriott Delray Beach.

Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. Where else to go for our first dinner in Delray but to our beloved 3 G's restaurant! Carol knew just what she wanted, her favorite hot pastrami sandwich on 3 G's delicous white rye.

Photo: Carol with 3 G's Hot Pastrami

Steve was overwhelmed by the choices - he liked everything and finally decided on a turkey dinner. Dinners include everything from soup to nuts.

Photo: 3 G's Turkey Dinner

I'm very familiar with the menu and noticed that the restaurant has added something new. The description of "Bubbies Bowl" appealed to me, it contains chicken soup, two matzo balls, two kreplahl, chunks of carrots and celery, noodles and one half of a boiled chicken!!!!! Oh, my goodness!!! That bowl could easily feed four people!!!!

Photot: 3 G's Bubbie's Bowl

Steve and Carol were very happy to help me out. It goes without saying I took a lot home!!!! I won't even tell you about the dessert we had.

The next morning my car was delivered, Steve and Carol helped me unpack, then it was off to the supermarket to stock up on groceries.

Before we knew it, it was time to think about "Dinner." Steve checked "Yelp" for restaurants in the area and found "Seasons 52."

What a fabulous place!!! All entrees contain no more than 450 calories. Carol had a salmon salad plate which I won't even attempt to describe.

Steve and I had broiled salmon on a plank. What an unbelievable dish that was. Here's a photo:

Photo: Season's 52 Salmon on a Plank

TIME FOR DESSERT

The desserts are served in small glasses, great choices, maybe six spoonfuls in each serving, just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photo: Season's 52 Desserts

Carol had carrot cake, Steve had Pecan Pie and I had key lime pie.

Photo: Season's 52 desserts

Most of their restaurants are in the South, one is in New Jersey. I hope some day they expand to the New England area.

WEATHER

It's a good thing I packed some clothes for cold weather, two days were cold, today warm and the same is predicted for tomorrow than the weather man says another cold spell will start Sunday night. Who cares, I'm having fun no matter what the weather is!!

"COME FLY WITH ME"

2010-12-05T17:05:00.000-05:00

UPDATE on the Jewish Federation of the North Shore "ish" video contest:

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to vote for me and am happy that you enjoyed "my joke." The news is, I didn't win. "C'est la vie."

COME FLY WITH ME

Photo: Millie at the airport

This is it, my last post before I fly off to Florida for the winter!

I want you to know how lucky you are:

You didn't have to make all those telephone calls to stop & start newspaper deliveries, stop and start phone service, disconnect cable and internet service, stop and start mail delivery, visit your internist, dentist, podiatrist, make arrangements for the car to be transported to Florida buy airline tickets and decide what to pack for the season.

I do think I did better this year, didn't take quite as many clothes as previous years. One reason is that before I packed the items I tried them on.

Oh my goodness, lots of clothes did not fit! Hopefully I'll find some clothes that fit while I'm in Florida.

I've been complaining about the shops here in the North. The clothes that I find in the stores are manufactured in places like Hong Kong, Indonesia, and countries I have never heard of, and most are made of cotton and SPANDEX!

Maybe people in those countries can wear spandex, but not the average senior.

Now all I have to do is clean out the refrigerator, change the linens and do the laundry.

Photo: Refrigerator

Looking forward to the time when I get on the plane, just relax and do nothing until I get to Florida AND THEN I have to connect the computer, go food shopping and UNPACK!

Photo: Shopping

See how luck you are - all you have to do read my blog and you to can have the Florida experience without leaving home.

I know, I know - in some cases you will have to deal with the freezing cold weather and shovel snow. ;-)

Whatever you do - Enjoy!!!

MEMORIES of HADASSAH, FRIENDSHIP and FUND RAISING

2010-11-29T09:00:00.001-05:00

The other day the Boston Globe had an article titled, "Age, changing society imperil the mission of women's clubs."

The article was about the Cabot Club of Middleborough Ma. that was founded in 1897 and over the years raised hundred's of thousands of dollars for scholarships for local students and many other causes.

After decades of shrinking membership the club is the state's largest women's group to shut down. They are just not getting enough younger members to join.

Now, like a growing number of women’s groups nationwide, the ladies in Middleborough have decided to disband.

“It’s a real shame,’’ said Margaret Atkins, 84, who joined the club in 1950 and is its longest-serving member. “We just are not getting enough younger members to join and learn the ropes. It’s sad because we have put thousands of hours into volunteer service into this community and the state. Who’s going to fill that niche?’’

Today's young women have careers and families, they just don't have the time to devote to a women's club.

How times have changed - there I go again - I've said it before and I keep saying it - nothing stays the same, everything changes and "CLUBS" are no exception.

The WAY IT WAS

I remember when I was a newlywed, moved into a new community.

I didn't drive and did not know a soul.

How lonely I was until I met a neighbor who told me about "Hadassah."

HADASSAH, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, was founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold. Since its inception, Hadassah has remained unwavering in its devotion to Judaism, Zionism, and American ideals.

As the largest volunteer organization and the largest women's organization in America, Hadassah is committed to strengthening the unity of the Jewish people. In Israel, we accomplish this through progressive healthcare, education, youth institutions, volunteerism, and land reclamation. In the U.S. we reach our goals through Jewish and Zionist education programs, Zionist Youth programs, and health awareness programs, as well as by advocating for issues of importance to women and to the American Jewish community.

I joined that group, became very active, made friends, and learned a lot about raising funds by running various events.

Photo: Hadassah Friends

I learned on the job - for example, when I first started out I would appoint a committee of eight women to help plan the event, come the night of the event my phone wouldn't stop ringing - she couldn't make it because the baby was sick, she couldn't make it because she couldn't get a babysitter and so on and on.

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned you have to have a committee of twelve!

I learned when you put out the cream cheese for a crowd, don't let them help themselves - you will run out!

I learned how to arrange for good "no charge" entertainment!

I learned if you do not want to chair an event, "do not make a suggestion about what to serve." They just might like it and say, "You should chair the event!

I learned that even though I can't carry a tune, I could still be in the show!

All in all, being the member of an organization that does good work, not only benefits the group, but the individual gets a feeling of accomplishment, makes friends,and has fun along the way.

Too bad the young people today are on a different track, many are working hard and have to do what they have to do.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to have had enriching life experiences and contributed to a worthy cause.

How about you, what's your "club experience?"

More:
Hadassah on Twitter
Hadassah on Facebook
Hadassah on YouTube

A Jewish Joke Could Win Millie an iPad

2010-11-21T15:39:00.007-05:00

Video Title: Millie's Yiddish Class: A Jewish Joke

Hi.

Steve here.

My mom entered this Jewish Federation of the North Shore video contest to win an iPad.

Here are the rules:

VOTE NOW for your favorite #ish video!

Watch the eight #ish video entries on Facebook.

Then vote for your number one video choice either using the Facebook form or by emailing mail@jfns.org.

Voting runs from November 16 through December 1. The top three winners will be announced on the first day of Hanukah-December 2.

Votes must be accompanied with email and video title to be considered valid.

ONLY one vote per email per day will be counted.

The First place winner will receive an Apple iPad, the Second place winner will receive an Apple iPod Touch and the Third place winner will receive an Apple iPod Shuffle. Prizes are generously sponsored by Lowell Gray.

For more information contact Liz Donnenfeld at ldonnenfeld@jfns.org

It's ironic that this contest has similar rules to Dancing with the Stars.

It ends up being a web popularity contest.

It's up to you to decide how you want to vote.

Thanks for considering voting for my mom.

VOTE HERE EVERY DAY:

Click here to vote for my mom via email.

It'll start an email for you that looks like this:

TO: mail@jfns.org
Subject: "VOTE: Millie's Yiddish Class: A Jewish Joke"
Body: "I'm voting for Millie's Yiddish Class: A Jewish Joke"

Feel free to customise the email however you'd like.

You can watch more of My Mom's videos on YouTube.

Me and DANCING WITH THE STARS

2010-11-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

Year after year when vacation time rolled around my husband, our son and I would make plans with our friends and their children to vacation the third week in July at Grand Lake Lodge in Lebanon, Connecticut.

It was a great family place, lots of activities for the adults and a day camp for the children.

On a sunny afternoon the pool was the place to be - you could swim, you could just sit and chat, you could participate in "Simon Says" or learn the latest dance steps. That's where my husband and I learned the Cha-Cha, the Tango, the Mambo and whatever else was IN at the time. We weren't the greatest dancers but we loved dancing!

Evenings at Grand Lake were spent in the Club House where there were nightly shows. No name talent like the Catskills but it was always a fun evening.

One evening they held a dance contest. The master of ceremonies asked for lady volunteeres - I don't know whatever possessed me - I put my hand up and was called to the stage with the other ladies. I was an ok dancer but had no business entering a competition.

The next thing I know, I'm doing a Cha-Cha with the gentleman. After that he danced with the other contestants and THEN he held his hand over each dancer and asked the audience to applaud - well, what do you know, I got the most applause and won a bottle of champagne!!!

You could have knocked me over with a feather - me - win a dance contest!!! When I pulled myself together I figured it out.

We'd been going to Grand Lake for years, not only did we go with our friends and their children ,and there were lots of them, we knew many of the guests who also came year after year!

They all clapped for ME!

What a thrill.

Now, I'll tell you what inspired this post

DANCING WITH THE STARS

I'm not a big fan of Dancing With The Stars but there have been times that I got hooked because I wanted to see certain celebrities perform.

This season I was especially interested in seeing Jennifer Grey dance.

Image Courtesy: ABC

Seeing her dance with her partner Derek Hough reminded me of her dancing with Patrick Swayze in "Dirty Dancing."

Image: Wikipedia

Oh, what a movie that was! The Grand Lake Lodge experience was just like that.

Watch: Dirty Dancing - Time of my Life (Final Dance) - High Quality

Now about Bristol Palin - She's still in the running - better dancers have been knocked off the show but she and her partner are still in the competition.

Image Courtesy: ABC

You can have lots of talent, be charming and good looking but if you do not have the right connections or know a lot of people you just might not win.

On the other hand if you "have a name" and know a lot of people you can be a winner!!

Look at me!!

A QUESTION FROM A LURKER

2010-11-07T08:07:00.003-05:00

I recently found out that a young lady who works with my daughter-in-law Carol, is an avid reader, loves my blog and is a lurker.

In Internet culture, a lurker is a person who reads discussions on a message board, newsgroup, chatroom, file sharing or other interactive system, but rarely or never participates actively. Research indicates that "lurkers make up over 90% of online groups".

She's been following me for some time and recently asked Carol how I was doing since I had my hip surgery in May.

What a timely question - For a while now I've had a question I've wanted to ask the surgeon but since my check-up visit was coming up, I decided I could wait until I saw him.

All this time I've been following precautions that where outlined to me by the physical and occupational therapist. I was very careful not to move the wrong way or do anything that would cause the "new hip" to pop out of place.

One thing I had to learn was "how to get dressed and not bend what I should not bend."

I used a sock aid to put on and take off socks. I also had a grabber that helped me put on underwear and pants.

What I was not able to do was wear shoes with laces. (I'd have to bend in order to tie the laces.) Fortunately I have several pairs of shoes that I can just slide my feet into so that was no problem.

Well, last week I saw my surgeon, he took x-rays of my hip and told me "it looks great." My question to him was, "can I bend down now to lace my shoes?"

His reply, "YES, YOU CAN!"

MARC CHAGALL limited edition giclee titled "CIRCUS CLOWN & DANCER"

It so happens that I saw the doctor on Monday. That Thursday I was going to attend the last of five lectures on the life of Marc Chagall. It rained heavily that night - a perfect night to finally wear shoes that I could lace!!

Thanks to the lurker who asked the question - gave me something to blog about!

Anyone else have a question for me - I'd be glad to respond - That would help me out when I don't know what to blog about.

It does happen!! ;-)

HOW BOY MEETS GIRL

2010-10-31T20:50:00.005-04:00

For the past few years I have been writing about the many changes that I have experienced and observed. Nothing stays the same, not even how boy meets girl!

MATCHMAKER

I'm no Spring chicken, but I can tell you that before my time when the parents felt that their children were of a certain age they would meet with a matchmaker and leave it up to that person to pair up a couple. The children had no say in the matter! Today, somewhere in this world, that's still the way it works.

HOUSE PARTIES

When I was a teenager my friends and I would go to house parties that were hostessed by our classmates. We danced to music on a record player, had cold drinks (no liquor) and chips. It was always a fun time!

DOUBLE DATES

In high school, we double dated, that's how we got to meet other people. I don't know if the kids today do that or even know what that means.

COLLEGE - WORK PLACE

If you attended college you had many opportunities to widen your circle.

If you went out into the working world, there was another opportunity to meet people.

DANCES

In the 40's my single friends and I would attend local temples that held dances where we had the opportunity to meet other singles. Sometimes we were successful, sometimes not. That's a whole other post!

CATSKILLS

In the summer when we had time off from work we would go off to places like Grossingers, Green Mansions or Banner Lodge. Sometimes we were successful, sometimes not. That's a whole other post too!

I digress, but when I think of those times, I always think of the night I first heard Sam Levenson. It was a Wednesday night, he was the main performer, not yet a big star but certainly on his way up, so I can say, I knew him when!!

BARS

Singles today still go to bars to meet but if I had a single son or a daughter I wouldn't be happy about it.

ONLINE DATING SITES

Darwin Dating web site by Colin Purrington CC BY-NC-SA

How times have changed - now you don't have to leave home, just go on the computer, find the site that fits your requirements, register and start your search.

I know a few couples who have found their mates online, are dating or have married.

One of the couples were living in the same city, same development, and lived across the street from each other! Now they are happily married!!

If anyone out there is looking to make a connection, an online site sounds like the way to go.

It's worth a try!

If you have had an experience using this "method", I'd love to hear about it.

IT'S APPLE CRISP TIME

2010-10-24T19:58:00.000-04:00

The supermarkets have lots of apples available at this time of year, the weather is turning chilly, so it's time to turn the oven on and make a good old fashioned recipe for "Apple Crisp."

When I say "old" - what I mean is, over the years when I had company or was invited to someone's home, apple crisp was what I made.

It's a never fail recipe, looks good. and people just love it.

I've posted this recipe before but for those of you who might have missed it, here it is again!

NICE and EASY APPLE CRISP

Apples
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 stick butter (or margarine)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c sugar
1 c. flour
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c chopped nuts

In a 9 x 13 inch pan (buttered), fill with peeled and cored apples until 3/4 full. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over apples. Melt the 1 stick of butter or margarine and add rest of ingredients. Spoon over apple mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Good warm with ice cream. If there is any leftover, it even tastes good cold.

Enjoy!! :-)

MOSTLY ABOUT MAD MEN

2010-10-17T20:51:00.000-04:00

UPDATE

Last week I wrote about my various household items breaking down. I was expecting a visit from Comcast to see if they could find out why my TV's were acting up. My wooden window shades needed to be repaired or replaced - well this is what happened:

I took a close look at my shades (twelve years old) and realized that they are in really bad shape and should be replaced. I'll just have to "go for it" and buy new ones.

I lucked out when it came to the TV's.

The day that Comcast was scheduled to come I had my maintenance man come over to see if he could figure out what the problem was.

It so happens that the day before the TV's broke down I had a new housecleaning person do some vacuuming for me.

He looked, looked and looked some more - found that the cleaning person had UNPLUGGED an outlet so he could connect the vacuum cleaner and never reconnected it!! That solved that problem, so quick like a bunny I called Comcast and cancelled the visit!!

Now for what is really on my mind.

I could blog about three good movies I've seen recently.

"The Town", "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" and "Secretariat." They were all worth seeing but I have other things on my mind!

I could blog about attending classes at a local Temple: Imagination: Inside The World Of Marc Chagall. Learning a lot about the artist I never knew but I have other things on my mind!

IT"S ALL ABOUT MAD MEN

I'm a creature of habit - My typical Sunday goes something like this:

Get up.

Go to the computer, check my messages and see what's new.

Go to the front door and take in the newspaper - separate the various sections, toss the ads I'm not interested in.

Have breakfast.

Read the Globe North, Arts, Movies, Metro, Business and World news sections.

This morning was different: when I saw the Arts section there was a huge write-up and picture of Don Draper (played by John Hamm on Mad Men).

Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm on "Mad Men") joins a select list of TV antiheroes.

Going deep. We know these TV men (and yes, it's always men) inside and out:

The fourth season of “Mad Men’’ ends tonight, and I feel as though I’m a therapist bidding farewell to client Don Draper.

The 2010 run of episodes has been a twisty journey into the psyche of a complex man, a long and detailed answer to the big question that opened the season: “Who is Don Draper?’’ With each new gorgeously written and acted hour of the AMC series, we’ve learned more and more about this dark survivor, a guy who always gets pushed up against the wall and always climbs out.

I said, the heck with breakfast, I have to read what Matthew Gilbert has to say.

Just yesterday in the Critic's Corner he wrote," I really, really, really don't want it to end."

That's exactly how I feel!

On the East Coast Mad Men is on at 10:00 pm.

Ordinarily I would put the lights out by ten o'clock, but I HAVE to stay up to see the show.

Then what happens is I go to amctv.com and read the comments about the show I just watched. I give myself a time limit and call it a night at midnight.

The next morning I get on the phone with a friend of mine who is equally hooked. We talk about the cast as though they are real people.

Now, you would think that should be the end of it BUT some night during the week I go to ON DEMAND and see the show again. There is so much to observe on this show that when I see it the second time I catch something I missed the first time.

I'm thinking ahead now, what am I going to do next Sunday night at ten o'clock - how can I survive without "Mad Men?" I know, I know - I know - I'll go ON DEMAND and watch the old shows!!!

Are you hooked like I am?

More:

AMC.TV: Season 4 Episode 13 - Open Thread

TESTING - ONE, TWO, THREE - TESTING

2010-10-10T20:36:00.003-04:00

For those of you who read last week's post about all the things that are breaking down at my place, take another look, see if you notice anything unusual about it.

UPDATE:

Kenju - Using the safety pins to repair the blinds did not work. Oh well, looks like I'll have to find a more permanent solution. (like spending money)

Mamma/Mary - The blinds are very heavy so shipping them back to the manufacturer that made them would be too costly. I'll give your suggestion a try and get in touch with the company I bought them from and see what they can do for me.

MORE TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Okay, I replaced the kitchen faucets, dishwasher and microwave. Hopefully the blinds can be repaired, otherwise a new window treatment will be on the horizon. I'm not looking forward to that! :-)

I'd say that should be enough of things to be repaired or replaced. That's what I say
but who listens.

NO RADIO

Instead of having the radio on for background music, I have several channels on one of my TV's that has a selection of music - swing, jazz, country and whatever I'm in the mood for.

Well, today I got a message on those channels, "One Moment please" I waited and waited, nothing happened.

I have another set in the living room that started being temperamental today too, no picutre or sound on ANY channel!!!

I called Comcast and finally got the right person to talk to - told me to do this, do that, nothing helped. The technician set up an appointment for someone to come to my house tomorrow between 5:00 pm and 7:00pm.

Depending on what the source of the problem is, it's a no charge call or I pay!

Wow!

There is a fellow in my building that might be able to help me so I'll keep my figures crossed and hopefully will cancel the visit from Comcast.

Now that I have updated you on the trials and tribulations of Thoroughly Modern Millie
it's up to you to see what was so unusual about last weeks post.

Testing - One, Two, Three - Testing

I'VE BEEN IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE

2010-10-03T20:02:00.003-04:00

Fortunately when I say that I have been in the breakdown line I don't mean, on the highway.

MICROWAVE

It all started happening in April when I returned from Florida. My microwave was not behaving, it wasn't doing what it was supposed to! For many years I lived without a micro and managed very nicely but once you have an appliance that performs magic, you don't want to live without it.

It so happens I was going in for surgery in May and realized I would miss it dearly if I didn't have one when I came home after surgery. I had to move fast. (me move fast, that's a feat) I had to replace it with a unit that would fit under my cabinet.

I was able to accomplish this over the phone with a local appliance store, gave them the dimensions, had it delivered and installed in no time! Done!!

KITCHEN FAUCETS

Photo by Nico Cavallotto CC BY-NC-ND

One day I noticed some discoloration of the wood under my kitchen sink. My maintenance man took a look and noticed that my faucets were leaking and found some water inside the cabinet, recommended new faucets. Okay, I had to replace what was causing the problems! Got new faucets!!

DISHWASHER

Photo by Suzi Duke CC BY-SA

Time went by and I noticed the stain under the sink was getting worse, had my maintenance man take a look and what do you know - he found my dishwasher had a broken part and was causing the water stain on the wood!!! If it got any worse it would have caused damage to my down-stairs neighbor's apartment!!

That left me wondering if my maintenance man was correct when he recommended I replace my faucets. Oh well, I now have a handsome set of faucets.

At this point in time I really didn't want to invest in a new dishwasher but how can you live without one so I searched the internet and narrowed my choice to the most reasonably priced one, without all the bells and whistles.

I found a General Electric dishwasher on sale at a Home Depot and since my husband was a GE employee I will be getting a rebate from the company. That made the purchase less painful.

The first time I used the dishwasher I thought something was wrong with it - I couldn't hear a thing!! My old one was so noisy, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet this one is.

All's well that ends well!

WINDOW SHADES

I have had horizontal wooden shades on my large windows in the bedroom for the past thirteen years. The other day I noticed one section of the shades was not hanging properly - the ribbon that keeps the slats together had torn apart!!

Well, no way am I going to replace that window treatment - what to do - I gave it some thought and came up with a temporary solution which I hope stands the test of time.

I went to my sewing box and found two large safety pins, pinned the worn ribbon piece together and am hoping for the best.

Years ago things seemed to last forever, now it seems manufacturers "plan for obsolescence."

Guess, we have to face the facts, nothing lasts forever, we just have to roll with the punches.

"OH, MY PA-PA"

2010-09-26T18:56:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite singers died last week at the age of 82. If I had missed the obituary in the Boston Globe I wouldn't have learned of Eddie Fisher's death. Didn't see anything about it on TV and none of my friends mentioned it either.

LOS ANGELES—Entertainer Eddie Fisher, whose singing career was overshadowed by scandals of his marriages to Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor, has died. He was 82.

His daughter, Tricia Leigh Fisher, told The Associated Press that Fisher died Wednesday night at his home in Berkeley of complications from hip surgery.

Fisher sold millions of records in the 1950s with hit songs including "Thinking of You," "Any Time" and "Oh, My Pa-pa."

His singing and good looks brought him a devoted following with teenage girls.

He married movie darling Debbie Reynolds in 1955 and they were touted as "America's favorite couple." Their daughter Carrie Fisher later became a film star herself.

But amid sensational headlines, Fisher divorced Reynolds and married Taylor in 1959. Taylor dropped him a few years later when she fell in love with Richard Burton.

Eddie got his big break in radio, television and records when the comedian Eddie Cantor adopted him as his protege.

When Cantor promoted Eddie Fisher I paid attention because I admired him and respected Cantor's opinion. It turned out, he picked a winner. Even though I was far from being a teenager at the time I still took a shine to Fisher's looks and his dramatic voice.

I read that one of the promotional gimmicks was to hire girls to scream and swoon when Mr. Fisher appeared on stage. They did that when Frank Sinatra appeared at the Paramount Theater in New York - I don't know whether that was before Eddie or after - anyway it created a lot of excitement and it worked.

I can still hear him singing songs like "Thinking of You," "Any Time," "I'm Yours," and my favorite "Oh,My Pa-pa."

Unfortunately his personal life shattered his stardom and even though he attempted a comeback, it was unsuccessful.

I think it had to be somewhere in the 80's when I saw Eddie Fisher at the Newport Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. That had to be the time he was trying a comeback tour. Well I tell you I still remember that performance! He was Great!!

Remember when Ingrid Bergman had a child out of wedlock - she was banished from this country. Look what's going on today!!

The times they are changing, I wonder if what happened at that time would turn the fans off today. What do you think?

NOTHING STAYS THE SAME - NOT EVEN MATTRESSES

2010-09-19T17:03:00.004-04:00

SHOPPING FOR A MATTRESS

Recently a local store has been advertising a "huge " mattress sale so I thought, "I've had my mattress for a very long time, this might be a good time to buy a new one."

What an education I got! I had a very well informed and helpful salesperson.

The mattresses are much deeper and higher then what I have. They also do not have handles on the sides which makes them easier to flip . When I asked him about that he informed me that since 1999 they do not make them with handles because these new models do not need to be flipped!

Every mattress I tried felt very soft but firm at the same time. I could see where a commercial could say, "It's like sleeping on a cloud." I was thinking, "These are wonderful, I should buy one"

Then I asked the price - mind you, there was a "huge sale" going on.

The price of a twin mattress and box spring averaged about $600.00 not including tax and delivery. The charge for delivery would be $80.00!

It so happens I live across the street from this shop and questioned the salesperson about such a high charge. Well, he explained that the company has a delivery service do the delivering for them but since I live across the street he would adjust the price to $40.00. By the time he totaled up the charges it would cost me close to $700.00.

By this time I was thinking differently and told him I would "sleep on it."

FORGET BUYING A NEW MATTRESS

After I left the store I was still thinking about what I could do to make my bed more comfortable. I remembered seeing an ad for a pillowtop mattress pad. If mattresses have changed so much, maybe mattress pads have too.

Sure enough, they are a lot different than what I have now, they are very well padded, maybe that will give me what I am looking for so I decided to buy one and give it a try.

Since the pad is so thick I had to buy a twin sheet set, since the old ones wouldn't go over such a thick pad. The salesman told me that the sheets that are available today are made to fit the thicker mattresses.

PUTTING IT ON

When my cleaning lady comes I'll have her put on all this new bedding and just in case it doesn't work out I'll have her fold and put everything back in the packaging they came in.

You know how hard it is for me to "open things" - it would equally hard for me to handle the bulky pad and get everything packed up in their original packages in case it doesn't work out!

Have you replaced your mattress in recent times? What was your experience?

I Can't Open It - Certified Frustration Free Packaging

2010-09-12T00:42:00.003-04:00

Millie encounters Amazon.com's Certified Frustration Free Packaging.

MEMORIES of HIGH SCHOOL - 1940's

2010-09-04T21:07:00.002-04:00

Recently a new Newton North High School opened up in the wealthy community of Newton, MA. When they first started working on the project the estimated renovation cost was $40 million, but because of the many problems they ran into it was decided to start fresh. The total cost was a cool $197 million!

The new high school features two theaters, an Olympic-size pool, a print shop, an auto body shop, two gymnasiums and a student cafe. (for all that dough, I'm sure there are many more features) Lucky for the students, but tough on the tax payers.

Reading about this new high school got me thinking about the high school I went to in the 40's.

WHEN I WAS YOUNG, I HAD TO WALK A MILE TO SCHOOL, UP HILL
First off, I had to get there - It was probably at least a mile away. In those days the girls wore skirts and ankle socks - I don't even remember wearing a hat or a hooded jacket in the winter.

Today kids can take the bus or drive to school and park their cars in the school lot.

LUNCHTIME
Then there was the relaxed experience of "lunch time." I'm saying that just to be funny! There were two reasons I was not happy with "lunch time." First reason - I had to rush down to the cafeteria because if you got there too late you might not find a seat and the second reason was, before you turned around you had to rush all over again so you could show up on time for your next class.

THE GYM EXPERIENCE
Then there was "the gym experience." Oh, how I hated gym! After the class which was held in the basement, you had to take a shower. That wasn't so bad, but my next class was on the fourth floor!! You couldn't cheat on the shower because Miss Brenner, I still remember her name, would check the students by feeling the back of their necks.

By the time I got to my next class I could have used a shower!

DON'T RUSH ME
Re-reading what I just wrote, I realize that I never liked to rush, it's just not my nature.

When I have an appointment I plan ahead and allow enough time so I don't feel stressed.
In high school I could not control the situation and had to go by the rules.

Some adults who should know how to manage their time still end up "rushing." How about you?

"THE RIDE" and "THE VISIT"

2010-08-29T20:31:00.002-04:00

"THE RIDE"

In order for me to get to visit a friend of mine who is in a rehab I had to take the MBTA ride. I still drive but the rehabilitation center is located in an area that I am not familiar with. When I called to book the ride, I told them I wanted to be at my destination at 3:00 p.m. and be picked up for the return trip at 4:30 p.m.

The night before they called me to let me know that the driver would pick me up at 1:30 p.m. ( by car it would probably take 45 minutes) Since I am not the only passenger, they schedule the ride according to where other people are going and make the pick-ups accordingly. One person had to be dropped off and another had to be picked up. That way you get a grand tour that you could do without.

There was an exception to what I just said. I was born in the city of Chelsea and this was my destination. I haven't visited Chelsea in years and if I didn't know where I was I would think I was in a totally foreign place. We drove down the main street which once was the main shopping center of the city. As I remember "Broadway" - there were dress shops, shoe stores, a bank, a coffee shop, a movie theatre, a bakery and a 5 and 10 cent store.

I saw nothing familiar - a few grocery stores and a number of "cash your check stores." I have been out of Chelsea for a good 50 years so what can a person expect? Change happens.

Even with that grand tour I did arrive at my destination at 3:00 p.m.

"The Visit"

My friend is at the Leonard Florence Center for Living. This rehabilitation center is the nation's first urban model Green House. All residents have their own bedrooms, bath and shower. A few feet away is a large dining room, living room and kitchen.

When I entered the lobby I felt like I was walking into the large lobby of a beautifully decorated hotel. To the left I saw a cafe, a bakery and a Kosher deli.

As the brochure said, "these amenities allow you to literally "get out of the house," socializing with family, friends and others in the community."

I checked in at the desk and was told my friend was on the 5th floor - I didn't get her room number and thought, when I get up there I would ask at the desk. Surprise - there is no nurses station - it still looks like a hotel - The floor is divided into two sections, each section has 10 rooms. I finally did find someone who directed me to her room.

She's getting the best of care, is in good spirits and hopefully will be able to return to her home in the near future. By the way, with all the good things that the center offers, it still has one improvement to be made - the food has to be better!!

Update 8/30:
Boston Globe: Model homes - A ‘Green House’ in Chelsea provides skilled or elder care on a family-like site

ZITS GETS THE SHOCK OF HIS LIFE

2010-08-22T17:21:00.000-04:00

Zits is my favorite cartoon and I just had to share this one with you!!

Usually it's his parents that are the ones who have a hard time with him, but the tables got turned today!

Poor kid, he realizes what could be in his future.

Enjoy!!

Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman's popular comic "Zits", the story of a teen and his parents trying to coexist (with humorous results), debuted in 1997 and has been running strong ever since. Pulitzer Prize winner Borgman collaborated with Scott after working as a cartoonist with the Cincinnati Enquirer, while Scott continued work on his other popular comic, "Baby Blues." Both minds behind "Zits" carry on multiple projects in addition to their collaborative work, which have earned them both multiple recognitions both together and on their own. The comic is now syndicated in over 1,300 newspapers nationwide, and has won the National Cartoonists Society's top prize for Newspaper Comic Strip in both 1998 and 1999.

Read Zits Now.

ArcaMax Publishing is a leading provider of family-friendly news and fun on the Internet. They send out more than 100 features and more than 700 books to 5 million subscribers by email -- all free of charge. More about ArcaMax Publishing

Complete list of newsletters

TIME GOES BY

2010-08-15T21:24:00.002-04:00

HOW WE THINK ABOUT AGE

Years ago when I was a child the admission price to get into the movies was .25 cents if you were under twelve years of age, over twelve you had to pay a few pennies more. Most children never got to be older than twelve!

The same thing was true on street cars, the older you were, the more you had to pay. This happened in the 1930's, money was tight and every nickel mattered.

On the other hand if you asked a child how old they were they would say, "I'm 10 1/2, going to be eleven soon. They were anxious to be older!

In my case if you ask me how old I am, I'm happy to tell you I'm going to be 85 in a few days.

When I was a lot younger I would not like to reveal my age. Funny how things change.

A BRIDAL SHOWER

This afternoon I attended the Bridal Shower for a young lady who's fiance is the grandson of a life-long friend of mine. I haven't seen her children and grandchildren in many years so this was a very special occasion for me.

I saw her children grow up, have children of their own and now "the children" are getting married! That's when you really see how "Time Goes By."

The guests were mainly women in their 20's and 30's wearing what is in the height of fashion these days - VERY short dresses, some dresses were strapless and the shoes were either high wedges or very high heels.

Even when I was younger I never wore a heel like that!

The future bride and groom had a great time opening their gifts which included a crock pot, a skillet and a wok. The groom was especially pleased with those gifts, it appears he's going to be the cook in the family. Now he's wondering where they are going to store all those wonderful gifts.

That should be their only problem!

The afternoon flew by with much enjoyable conversation about "remember when," a delicious brunch, a clever special bingo game and the unwrapping of all the presents.

Don't worry Adam, as time goes by you'll find a place for all those goodies!

Update:
Thanks everyone for the Happy Birthday Wishes! It's always exciting see all the comments from everyone!

I'd like to share this photo that Claude posted on her blog for me:

I Can't Open It - McCormick Sea Salt Grinder

2010-08-08T19:59:00.003-04:00

Millie bought a McCormick Sea Salt Grinder because she heard that it was good. Problem was, she couldn't open it!

So she waited for her son Steve to come over to help. In the video she explains her problem.

Watch the results!

Usage:
Remove cap. Turn upside down and twist.

McCormick Sea Salt Grinder 12/2.12 oz

On the web:
McCormick Compliment - Take this with a grain of SEA salt , Sea Salt Grinder

Music:
Secrets in Stereo - Tonight
Used with permission of Josh Ryan

Video:
Steve Garfield

STRESSFUL MOMENTS

2010-08-01T19:25:00.000-04:00

I Found these "STRESSFUL MOMENTS" on a placemat at a local restaurant.

Enjoy!!

I would rather lie on a sofa, than sweep under it.

Used to be my true love brought me chocolate. Now, my true love is chocolate.

Early to bed, early to rise... still doesn't give you enough time to get everything done.

No matter how long you wait for a phone call, it won't come until you step away from your desk.

Some people will take you right to the edge. Others will push you over.

No matter where you go or when you leave, somebody always beats you to the best parking space.

"A rose by any other name"... is still expensive.

"People who think they know it all":... write self-help books!

Don't feel bad. You still have everything you had when you were 17. It's just lower than it used to be.

"A dog is man's best friend"... except for the remote of course!

A FUN SUNDAY WITH GIRLS IN THE POOL, FRANK SINATRA AND DON DRAPER

2010-07-26T16:29:00.002-04:00

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and it was a beautiful day - time to spend an afternoon at the pool, visit with friends and take a dip. The conversation was flowing and the pool was delightful.

When I get into the pool my intention is to do some exercises but what usually happens is I do a little something and then join the ladies who are just standing in the pool talking. There are only a handful of women who swim or do any kind of exercise in the water. Funny, but the same thing happens in Florida - I guess the women would rather kibitz than exercise!

After a refreshing dip in the pool the conversation usually goes like this, "would you like to go out to eat tonight." Someone is always interested - next question - "where would you like to go?" Okay, place, time and driver are decided. Most of us do not drive at night so it's usually "Jan" who drives.

Last night, by the time we got home, it was 8:30 p.m.

Mad Men was not on until 10:00 p.m. so I had one hour to fill before Don Draper and his gang were on. I checked the TV page and found out that there was a PBS special featuring "Sinatra at Carnegie Hall." Frank Sinatra performed that concert in June 1980. What a wonderful show that was!!

Before I knew it, it was 10.00 p.m. and a new season of Man Men started.

Don Draper Photo courtesy AMC

I could make a whole other post about the show but all I'll say is - the characters are changing, times are changing and life is not the same for Don Draper.

Mad Men Recap: Ep. 401, "Public Relations"

All in all I enjoyed every part of my Sunday!

OUT AND ABOUT

2010-07-18T18:49:00.002-04:00

Now that I am able to drive again I've been doing the everyday things that need to be taken care of, going to the bank, getting a sticker for the car, going to the library, getting my hair done, going to the cleaners, doing the weekly food shopping and the best part - stopping for my 3:00 p.m. cup of coffee! (Usually I'll have it with a jelly donut!)

The Mundane
All those errands are the mundane things that people have to take care of but at this point in time - I take nothing for granted and am very thankful that I can do them!!

The Food
Would you believe I still have frozen dinners in my freezer so I still do not have to make anything from scratch. Once in a blue moon I've baked a piece of fish, cooked some pasta or made a salad. Usually it's out to eat once or twice a week and chances are I take home a doggie bag, so living is easy.

The Movies
It has been very hot for days now, really too hot to go to the pool - yesterday it was in the 90's so off to the movies I went.

The film was, "I Am Love" starring Tlda Swinton.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

The opening scene took place in Milan, Italy where it had just started snowing. The snow was light and was starting to accumulate on the trees and the roads were getting slushy. I loved those scenes since I don't get to see snow in the winter and it was so hot outside that it felt very good to see it and at the same time not have to deal with it.

This is the type of film that after you see it, there is a lot to talk about - I'm still thinking about it and remembering certain powerful scenes!!

I don't think this two hour film is everyone's cup of tea but for me, seeing where this wealth family lived, their life style, the architecture of Milan, Swinton's acting and the background music made it all worthwhile.

If you see 'I Am Love', let me know what your impression was.

Did you get the significance of ALL those doors closing?

TOO DARN HOT

2010-07-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

I can't stop thinking about the song Cole Porter wrote for his musical - Kiss Me Kate. The song says it all, "Too Darn Hot."

It's been just too darn hot for the past few weeks. Some days it's been hotter here in Massachusetts than what it was in Florida. As a matter of fact, it was never this hot all of last winter down South.

I've been running the air conditioner night and day - it helps a lot but it's working very hard to keep the place comfortable. And what an electric bill I just got!! Looks like next month's bill will be even bigger.

We've had a number of days where the temperature has been in the high 90's. On hot days like that I choose to stay home.

It's even too hot to think of anything funny, sad or entertaining to blog about.

Right now I'm going to go into the kitchen and get myself an ice cold popsicle!

I REMEMBER WHEN...

2010-07-05T20:31:00.000-04:00

It happened to me again - I didn't know what I was going to write about until this morning when I read a column in the Boston Globe by Sam Allis, Well, that was fun . . . wasn’t it?:

Hubby is overwhelmed by the volume and variety of orders from the assembled multitudes: burgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken, salmon. Each consumer has his own demands as to how the fare should be cooked. Think burnt to blue. How can you possibly remember it all?

Worse, people start changing their minds: I don’t want the cheese anymore. I’m not eating it if you don’t get rid of the cheese. And: I know I told you well-done, but I want it medium-rare. Well, get another one. Then this news flash: The bun supply has been exhausted.

I always enjoy whatever he writes but this morning I found his piece exceptionally funny. It's a must read.

While I was reading his piece about what can go wrong at a barbecue it reminded me of something that happened many years ago at a barbecue in my backyard.

At the time I was an ambitious cook and made most everything from scratch, even the cole slaw. At the time my kid was still in diapers, I had a washing machine in the basement, and had no dryer, so the clothes had to be hung on an outside line, and wasn't it wonderful, the way the clothes smelled when you took them off the line!

Even though I was having loads of company, I still had to do the laundry.

First things first!

Downy Detergent TV Commercial - 1960

While I was in the kitchen cutting up the cabbage, the wash was getting done. Since I was busy I asked my helpful hubby to go down to the basement, take out the laundry and hang it on the line outside. Great, he did that and as I looked out of the kitchen window I saw a strange sight - As he hung the diapers on the line it looked like it was snowing outside!!! What was going on??? It wasn't snow, it was shredded cabbage!!

I finally figured out what had happened - The kitchen disposal (somehow) was connected to the pipe that was connected to the washing machine. The disposal couldn't handle all that shredded cabbage so it wound up stuck to the diapers!!

After that experience I never made cole slaw from scratch.

How about you, What funny or unusual experience did you have at a cookout or a supposed "fun event?"

SIMPLE PLEASURES

2010-06-27T19:52:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about what I could make a post about this week. Nothing came to mind until this afternoon. Why not write about the simple pleasures that I have experienced recently, things that we take for granted, things that we just do without a second thought!

For example, just getting into your car and driving anywhere you would like to go.

Going to the supermarket, going up and down the aisles and experiencing no pain.

Buying items that are not on a list, just buying on impulse.

Not having to have someone present while you take a shower, just take one when the spirit moves you.

Go to your favorite hairdresser, get a great shampoo, hair cut and kibitz with the people in the shop.

On a hot night taking a walk on the beach and then going into a local "hot dog joint" for a Sinatra dog called "Have It Your Way."

Boston Hot Dog Company photo by Christopher Schmidt CC BY

I had mine with mustard, relish and sauteed onions. And to top it off, a dish of pistachio ice cream.

Spending an afternoon with friends playing Mah-Jongg - a little talk, a lot of playing, losing a little, winning a little and clearing the mind - not thinking of anything but "the game."

Being your own chef and bottle washer is great, you eat what you want, when you want.

I'm enjoying everything I make.

I even enjoyed something as simple as sunny side eggs. I better start watching the numbers on the scale!

What are your simple pleasures?

THIS AND THAT

2010-06-22T06:21:00.002-04:00

UPDATE ON HEALTH

Medicare has the policy that if a patient receives home health care they have to be "homebound." The only reason they are allowed to leave their residents is to go to the doctor's office, go to an adult-day-care program, attend religious services, or go to a salon to have their hair done! Well, that's what I did this week - I had my hair cut and colored. Someone in that department knew what they were doing when they made that rule. It sure helps your mental health!!

Steve Says:
I can understand how Medicare needs a strict definition to determine who needs benefits, but fear of losing benefits will keep some patients homebound, instead of getting them out and off benefits.

We took my mom out shopping yesterday and she's doing great. Soon she will be able to drive herself and not need these benefits anymore. That's a good thing.

THE MOVIES

I haven't been to the movies in months but from what I've read, I haven't missed much. The only one that sounds good to me is "Solitary Man" staring Michael Douglas as an aging New York rascal convinced against all evidence that he still has what it takes.

How time marches on - I remember him when he was a kid and his father Kirk was a handsome leading man!

READING

The only reading I've done in a while is the daily newspaper and some magazines, just starting to catch up with my blogging friends.

Once I get to the library I have a few books on my list that I'm looking forward to reading.

I recently read a review on a book entitled "The Love Song of A. Jerome Minkoff and Other Stores" by Joseph Epstein. It's a book of short stories that takes place in a neighborhood on the far side of Chicago called West Rogers Park in which a fragile, solitary man wonders what to do with his life. He's been a widower for three years and meets a pretty, vivacious widow in her early 50's from LA who turns out to be filthy rich.

Sounds like some light reading that I would enjoy.

TV

There's not much of anything on TV - The only show I've been watching on a regular basis is "Friday Night Lights."

Image Courtesy NBC

For whatever reason when I do tune in on "Glee" it just doesn't hold my interest.

Image Coutesy AMC via EW

Two shows I'm looking forward to are "Hung" which starts June 27, HBO and "Mad Men" July 25, AMC.

MAH JONGG

This coming Wednesday I'll be joining my group for a game of Mah Jongg - haven't played in a very long time, even if I lose all my money, it will be great to be back in the game!!

MAKING PROGRESS

2010-06-13T22:58:00.001-04:00

It's amazing how every day I see some physical improvement, I saw that, especially while I was in rehab. There were days when I could not move my left leg. I would look at it and will it to move but it was like a 100 pound bag of cement. The next day it was more like a 50 pound bag of cement and as the days went by I was able to move it easily.

And that's the way it was with my walking. At first it was an effort to walk using the walker (with an aide by my side.) As the days pasted I was walking in a normal relaxed manner, still with the aide by my side. At one point she said - "slow down, you are walking to fast)

At that point in time, whenever I had to get out of bed for whatever reason and whatever hour I had to call an aide and use the walker. ( I got up a lot during the night.) I keep those aides very busy!!

Eventually I got promoted - I could take a stroll with the walker without the aide accompanying me!!! That was a big deal!!

When I first came home I was using the walker and gradually I found myself "just walking around without it." When I leave my apartment and have to take the elevator to get my mail in the lobby, I do use the walker.

One day when my physical therapist came she observed that my balance was good and suggested we go for a walk without the walker. Well, I was OK with that but was disappointed that I tired easily and didn't go as far as I would have liked, so I realize I'm not quit ready to participate in a marathon.

A few weeks ago when I went for a check-up with the surgeon I asked the question, "when will I able to drive?" His answer to me was, "when you feel ready." A' ha - well, I'm thinking I'm getting ready but my next thought is, "when I get where I'm going, what will I be able to do?" Maybe I'll do one errand at the bank or just do "a little shopping at the market." I don't want to rush things, just thinking - "won't it be great to go to a store, browse around and feel no pain." Sooner than latter!

While at the rehab I had a few opportunities to take a shower using a shower chair and a hand held shower - it's not like a regular shower but a shower is a shower. I purchased that equipment and was instructed how to use the items at home - well, I was not happy taking a sit down shower, felt I was strong enough and since my stall shower has bars I now take a regular shower!!

Now, that's progress!!

I'M HOME: 8 Tips to Surviving Hospital Food

2010-06-06T18:20:00.003-04:00

I was at the hospital for three days, at the rehab for two weeks, and now I've been home over a week. I've got people coming and going, friends helping me, therapists, nurses, and homemakers. It's like Grand Central Station.

The good news is that I'm walking around like a teenager. Well, not really like a teenager, but walking without any pain.

Now that I have a new hip, I can think back to what it was like before the surgery, and it was painful.

Now I have no pain. After the surgey I had no pain. The nurse asked me on a scale of 1 - 10, if I had any pain, I told her "0." Then she said I couldn't get any pain medication. Well I wanted pain medication when I did my therapy. So I told her "three."

Here I am walking:

While at the rehab I found the staff outstanding - whatever I asked for was given immediate attention - the usually response was, "is there anything else I can do for you."

The only thing I found lacking was in the FOOD department. As time went by I learned how to insure that I got a meal I could enjoy.

8 Tips to Surviving Hospital Food

1. I ordered two entrees - I doubled my chances - that way, if one wasn't to my taste the other one might be good - sometimes even that technique didn't work!

Meal One: Hamburger Meal Two: Chicken with Rice

2. Mornings I would order a hot cereal - by the time it came to me it was cold - the staff was very busy in the morning so I didn't want to bother them. When I mentioned it to a therapist, she said, "that's what they are there for." After that if my cereal was cold I called and asked for it to be heated.

3. I love my cup of coffee in the morning. After a few mornings of getting coffee that was bitter I decided to request a cup of tea instead. I wasn't happy with that so I had a brilliant idea - "why don't I ask for a cup of coffee and a cup of hot water." That way I could dilute the coffee and it wouldn't be so strong. That didn't work - so I settled for just a cup of hot water.

4. One morning I ordered a banana as a fruit for breakfast. It was over-ripe. When I mentioned it to Steve he suggested that I specify on the menu that I do not want any brown spots on the banana. Would you believe after that I got a banana just the way I like it!

5. With time I found out that if I did not like the meal I received I could call the kitchen and request something else as long as as it was before 6:30p.m.

6. One day I mentioned to a therapist that I enjoyed the grilled cheese sandwich I had for lunch. She suggested that I could request a slice of ham and tomato as part of the sandwich. All I had to do was write in my request!

7. Some mornings I would wake up about 5:00 a.m - breakfast was delivered about 8:00 a.m. That was too long to wait so I called the aid and she brought me tea and toast to tide me over until my meal was delivered.

8. Every night about nine p.m. I would request some warm milk, graham crackers and peanut butter for a bedtime snack.

Not only did I learn some very helpful exercises at rehab I learned how to order and receive a decent meal.

Now that I'm home I'm having that great cup of coffee that I missed so much. Happy days are here again!!!

The Mother's Day Gift 2010

2010-05-10T18:25:00.008-04:00

Millie is going in for hip surgery so her thoughtful son Steve brings her the perfect gift for Mother's Day.

Update 5/11/10 12:10 PM:

The surgery was successful and Millie now has a new hip!

Update 5/12/10 10:17 AM:

My mom has two lovely ladies helping her to get up an do therapy this morning.

Update 5/13/10 12:44 PM:

Good News. Moving to rehab tomorrow.

Update 5/16/10 9:28 AM:

First full day at rehab yesterday. My mom is up and walking without the expected pain. She's gone the the 'gym' and is doing all the excercises that the therapists have scheduled. After yesterday's workout, she had cake and lousy coffee. Everything can't be perfect. :-) There's a computer in the activity room so she can read all your comments. She loves reading them.

Update 5/16/10 7:18 PM:

Today we took a walk down the hall, into the elevator, and out to the garden deck. We brought in Dunkin' Donuts coffee as a treat!

Update 5/19/10 11:00 PM:

Update 5/26/10 11:00 PM:

Mom goes home tomorrow. She's doing great and has been taking notes, on paper, in a notebook. She told me that writing is a lot easier with a computer.

Here she is walking down the hall in her scrubs:

Thanks for all your comments.

FILLING UP MY FREEZER

2010-04-25T18:08:00.001-04:00

Before I turn around I'll be going in for hip replacement surgery. From what the surgeon tells me I can expect to be in the hospital for four days and then be in a rehabilitation facility for about two weeks.

Oh, and what I just found out is that I have to be at the hospital at 7:00am - surgery is scheduled for 8:30 AM!

In the good old days you were admitted to the hospital the DAY BEFORE the surgery. Now the hospital saves money where ever they can and sleepyheads like me have no choice but to show up THE DAY OF THE SURGERY at the crack of dawn.

When I return home I'm sure I will have all kinds of people showing up, nurses, therapists and social workers, but no cooks.

With that in mind, the other day I was inspired to do something I haven't done in a very long time. I cooked!!!

I had a pound of hamburg in the freezer, defrosted it, and made a meat loaf.

Photo by Mr. T in DC CC BY-ND

Well, I happened to have two sweet potatoes on hand, so I tossed them in too. While I was at it I thought of the apples that I have had in the refigerator for a while. Why not bake some apples while the oven was on?

I mixed up some cinnamon, sugar, raisins and a little cranberry juice and poured it over the apples.

Photo by Starsammy in DC CC BY

While all this was baking in the oven, the kitchen had such a delicious aroma.

Once the meat loaf was done I sliced it into six generous portions and placed them in individual freezer containers. When the sweet potatoes cooled, I mashed them up with some butter and added a serving to each dish.

Into the freezer they went for use when I won't be inclined to cook. As far as the baked apples, I've been enjoying them every now and then, sometimes I top an apple with a splash of cool-whip. Yum!!

I enjoyed my session in the kitchen and hope to do more "filling up of the freezer" soon.

Freeze Milk for Emergencies

2010-04-18T15:40:00.000-04:00

Millie shares her tip for keeping milk in the freezer in case of emergency!

I'M BACK - SORT-OF

2010-04-11T22:47:00.000-04:00

It was 90 degrees when I flew into Boston on Wednesday! It never even hit 80 degrees the entire winter while I was in Florida. Go figure.

The Jet Blue flight was as smooth as silk, left on time and came in earlier than scheduled. After Steve picked me up, we went out to dinner and then to a supermarket for the basics.

First thing I did when I got into my condo,I looked around and found everything in good shape. One year when I came home from Florida I had water damage. This time everything was fine (or so I thought.)

First thing that Steve does for me is connect my computer. First things first!

When I started to use the kitchen sink I noticed a puddle gathering on the counter top. The next morning I called my maintenance person, he took a look and saw there was a lot of corrosion around the faucets and found a puddle under the sink! The next afternoon he put in a new set. It's good looking, does not leak but who wants to deal with this when you first come home!

Two days before I left for Florida I had the car transport company pick up my car. Usually it takes between six to eight days for delivery. This time I received a call early on the fifth day, they had my car and would deliver it that morning. By the time the car arrived it had started raining and as the day progressed it was raining buckets.

It was raining way to hard to unload the car so I had to wait until the next day for that operation.

That gave me a day to try to get used to where things are around here. This happens to me every year, where do I keep the reynolds wrap, where are my cups and saucers, pots and pans, light switches and so on and on. It's not a matter of age (really), being away for four months could get anyone confused!! (really)

Now that my car is unloaded I have the huge job of unpacking and getting things put away where they belong!

That's why I say, "I'm back, sort-of."

IT'S RONNI'S BIRTHDAY

2010-04-07T08:16:00.001-04:00

It's Ronni Bennett's Birthday!

Dear Ronni,

For your birthday, I'm sending you a box of chocolates!

There is a line in the movie "Forrest Gump" that Tom Hanks delivers that says it all. "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get."

In this box of chocolates I hope you find what you are looking for.

No pieces that are hard, chewy, bitter, or full of nuts.

Hope you find only good looking, tasty, sweet and satisfying chocolates that will be good for your health and life as you celebrate another year.

Happy Birthday Ronni!

Are you in PAIN?

2010-03-28T22:56:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago Ronni from over at "Time Goes By" made a post about all the annoying ads on TV about the elderly and their medical needs - pills for everything that ails them.

Well, here in Florida you should see ALL the ads directed at the elderly.

Here is just a sampling:

PAIN INSTITUTE - SUCCESSFULLY TREATING ARTHRITIS PAIN, BACK PAIN, HIP PAIN, SPINAL PAIN ETC. ETC.

HEARING CENTER - FREE Electronic Test

FREE Video Ear Inspection

FREE Hearing Aid Cleaning

DENTAL DREAM TEAM Implants, Aesthetics, and I.V. Sedation

FOOT CARE Peripheral Neuropathy

STOP Lower Back Pain and Sciatica NOW With Lasting Results

Eliminate Loose Dentures - Securely Anchor Your Dentures

ARE YOU IN PAIN? NEW PATIENTS SEEN SAME DAY

IMPLANTS A.M. DINNER P.M.

DENTURE REPAIRS - ADJUSTMENTS - RELINES WHILE YOU WAIT

OPTICAL SHOP - FREE LENSES WITH ANY FRAME PURCHASE

Believe it or not all the above ads appeared in the same issue of a daily newspaper. Not only that, I want you to know I didn't include all the health care ads that ran that day.

If I need a doctor down here I ask my friends for a referral. I suppose if you are new in town, you would take a chance and call a doctor who advertised.

One thing's for sure, if it weren't for those medical ads, car care and restaurant ads, the newspaper would not survive.

WINDING DOWN AND PACKING UP

2010-03-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

WINDING DOWN

My clubhouse offers several shows a month, since March is such a busy month I only signed up for one show. I wanted to leave some dates open so I could get together with friends I haven't seen all season.

Trying to make a date for lunch or dinner is a difficult thing to do. Everyone has commitments, they either have family visiting from out of state, play cards, have show tickets, or have doctor appointments. If you are trying to get together with a couple it's a sure bet one or the other has a doctor's appointment.

I finally got together with old friends who lives down here permanently. We spent a wonderful afternoon at a local deli where I had the very best hot corn beef sandwich on rye bread.

We had a great visit and a delicious lunch.

I have another friend who lives down here permanently, spoken to her on the phone several times but with one thing and another, we were not able to get together. She was especially busy going to rehearsals for a show that her condo was working on.

If your friend is going to appear on stage - you go see the show. That's how I got to see her. It was a fun production and my friend not only sang in the show, she did the make-up for the cast.

Another thing that I have been working on is trying to use up the food in my freezer. It has turned out to be a no win situation. Friends are starting to go back north SO we go out for a good-by lunch or dinner. I wind up taking home doggie bags, my inventory just gets bigger instead of smaller. I can just eat so much!!

PACKING UP

Most of the clothes I took down with me, I haven't worn. It's been such a cold winter I rarely wore any short sleeve tops or capri pants, forget the bathing suits altogether.

As a matter of fact I had to buy a long heavy bathrobe which I wore most mornings.

One of my blogging friends reminded me not to carry a scissors in my handbag otherwise the security at the airport would take it away from me. Thanks for the reminder.

The local supermarket has been running promotions - buy one - get one free. Well, I fell for that but how much can I use SO I'll be packing up the surplus food in my car.

What I don't put in the car will go to some friends and neighbors. They'll have lots of goodies to remember me by!

Pretty soon I'll be flying high, winding up and unpacking!

THE WEATHER - AGAIN

2010-03-16T02:29:00.000-04:00

There is a first time for everything - This is the first time in all the years that I have been blogging that I am writing about the same thing two weeks in a row.

Yesterday we had high winds, temperatures in the high 70's, heavy rain and tornado warnings.

Fortunately we did not get hit with a tornado but it was not a pleasant day.

Today we are having very heavy rains - no heavy winds, no tornado warnings but it's raining heavy enough so that I canceled the plans I had for the day.

Weeks ago while I was out shopping I came across an attractive bathing suit, the price was right, the colors were lovely and when I tried on the suit, it fit! Optimist that I am, I bought the suit with hopes of wearing it in the near future. It is laying quietly and patiently in a dresser draw.

I'll be leaving in a few weeks, the way things are going it looks like I'll have to wait until I get up north to get my suit wet!

Pretty soon I'll be packing all the clothes I brought down here, most of which have been hanging in my closet, not touched by human hands!

The only time I've been to the pool area this season is when we play Mah Jongg.

Photo by: justmakeit CC BY-NC

My group likes to play outside so even if it is cool out, we bundle up and play outdoors.

Last week we set up outside and played for about two hours and than it got so cold and windy we had to wrap up the tiles and gingerly carry them inside the clubhouse.

Forecast for the next few days - sunny and mild - I'll believe it when I see it!

THIS and THAT

2010-03-08T12:01:00.001-05:00

THE WEATHER

This is the big topic of conversation down here.

I have had the heat on practically every day since I arrived in Florida three months ago.

Some days have been, not only cold but windy and that makes it feel all the colder. Some days we have had heavy rains, they don't last long but if you happen to be driving - there is no visibility.

The other day I saw Boston's morning temperature was 49 degrees - our morning temperature was 48 degrees!! Go figure!

If you bumped into me one day you would see me wearing a turtle neck jersey, denim jacket and pants, bump into me the next day you would see me wearing the same thing but I would have changed the jewelry! Some days when it is really cold I wear what I wore on the plane coming down to Florida.

Today I was finally able to shut off the heat and open the windows.

One good thing about the weather this season - at least when it rains, we don't have to shovel it!!

THE ACADEMY AWARDS

Wouldn't you know, the night of the awards this movie buff will not be home to see the awards.

Months ago I signed up with a group to go by bus to Fort Lauderdale for dinner and a show at "Lips."

The awards run so late I'll probably get home in time to see the major awards.

I won't be home to see the entire show BUT Steve and Carol will be there!!!

Steve was invited by Kodak to attend the event, sit in the bleachers and take photos of the stars as they walk down the red carpet!!!

Can't wait to see the shots that he'll take and hear all about the evening!!!!

GOOD NEWS

2010-02-27T15:12:00.002-05:00

How many times have you been in a fast food restaurant, gotten a packet of mustard, ketchup or relish and struggled to open the packet?

If you read my blog on a regular basis you know I have had that problem.

Well, I have solved it by carrying a small scissors in my handbag and when I run into that situation "I can open it." It always makes me feel good to have a way to avoid that frustrating experience. Not only that, if I see anyone who is having that problem, I offer the scissors to them.

For years, consumers have complained the packets are too messy, too small and too hard to open.

I recently saw an item in the newspaper announcing that Heinz® has finally stepped up to the plate and has unveiled the first major packaging change for the to-go condiment, Dip & Squeeze.

"The new design has a base that's more like a cup for dipping and also a tear-off end for squeezing, plus it holds three three times as much ketchup as a traditional packet.

Heinz will continue to sell the traditional packet. The new packet is in test markets and will roll out at select fast-food restaurants in the fall."

Sounds good to me - I hope it is well received. If it is successful maybe other companies will jump on the bandwagon, improve their packaging and make the consumers happy!

See Heinz Ketchhup on Facebook.

ROLL BACK THE CLOCK

2010-02-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

For weeks now a friend of mine has been telling me about a Yiddish class that she attends on a Wednesday afternoon at a local temple. She knows I enjoy speaking the Yiddish language and have expressed interest in attending that class with her.

Every Wednesday afternoon there was always something that came up where I was not able to attend until this past Wednesday.

My first impression was of a very charming and goodlooking gentleman who was playing the piano as we entered.

Piano by J. Weissmahr, on Flickr

I have attended many Yiddish classes over the years and one of the first things the leader does is introduce himself and then goes around the room and asks each person to say their name and a little about themselves in Yiddish. That serves two purposes - we get to know who the leader is and the class gets to wet their whistle.

So all I got to know about him was the fact that he was a skilled piano player and spoke an excellent Yiddish. My friend clued me in to the fact that he was in his 90's.

He handed out song sheets that originally were in English and he transliterated them so that when you read them, they were in Yiddish. He played the piano, sang the tunes and we joined in. What Fun!

As I looked over the songsheets I saw the name "Nat Zumoff." I said to my friend, "I remember that name, so he's the one that translated those songs into yiddish?" "Oh" she said - That's Nat Zumoff conducting the class!!"

Well, did that bring back a flood of memories - The first winter my husband and I spent in Florida we attended a program at a temple that featured Nat Zumoff. That had to be 25 years ago!! He made such an impression on me that I never forgot his name. What I particularly remember was when he sang the Yiddish version of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

Immediately after the class ended I introduced myself and told him what I remembered about that afternoon years ago, especially his singing the ballgame song in Yiddish. He was so pleased to hear my thoughts and said, "funny, I was thinking I just might do that song next week."

What happened that day made me think of an expression my mother used to say, "If you don't go out, nothing happens." Well, I went out and something special happened!

My Mom's Blog: Best Blog in all of South Florida

2010-02-17T23:41:00.005-05:00

My Mom's Blog is a nominee for the best blog in all of South Florida.

The blog is nomintated in multiple categories:

Family
Humor
~~Personal~~

Please vote for My Mom's Blog.

VOTE: Family
VOTE: Humor
~~VOTE: Personal~~

Voting for the 2010 BOB Awards begins Feb. 15 at 10 am and ends on Monday, March 1 at 10 am.
You may vote once per category, per day. You may also vote once per day for Best Overall Blog (BOB). You must log in to your SunSentinel.com account in order to vote.

Once you log in, you can just click each category to vote.

Best of Bog Awards.

Update: 2/20 My Mom's Blog has disapeared from the personal category.

"AN EDUCATION" is WONDERFUL

2010-02-15T07:21:00.004-05:00

This afternoon I had the delightful pleasure of seeing "An Education" starring Carey Mulligan.

I've seen a number of good movies this season but this one takes the cake.

The acting was superb, the story line was very appealing, no blood, no murders and no car crashes.

The movie takes place in the 60's.

Carey Mulligan plays the part of Jenny, a sixteen year old English girl who plans to go to Oxford but at the same time wants to get away from the dull humdrum everyday life at home with her overprotective parents.

One rainy afternoon she meets a handsome and sophisticated man who is twice her age.

Peter Sarsgaard plays the part of David who charms her with his worldly ways. He even wins over her naive parents! (Sarsgaard reminded me of a young Jack Lemmon.) He opens up a whole new world for her, concerts, fine dining and even a weekend in Paris (with her parents approval - that part was unrealistic to me but it made a good storyline.)

In my day when "the girls" had negative things to say about a guy we would say "he was a jerk" David was more than a jerk, he as a downright scroundrel. I won't say any more about that, if or when you see the movie you'll see what I mean.

Jenny's father is played by Alfred Molina who I recently saw in "The Little Traitor." He was great in that movie as he is in this one. Cara Seymour plays Jenny's mother in the film and did a fine job in the role of the silent long suffering wife.

The film ran for 100 minutes and I loved every single minute of it!! What an education!!

Elsewhere:
'An Education' on Facebook.

YouTube:

It's Complicated

2010-02-07T21:21:00.002-05:00

COMPUTER PROBLEMS FIXED
First off, the problem with my computer has been corrected.

As I suspected it was similar to the problem that I had with the Comcast cabling last season. At that time, the service man got my computer going but took the easy way out and did not really do the job properly.

The fellow that came to service the computer connection this time had to move some furniture away from the wall and then was able to get to the source of the problem - a part had to be replaced. Now, I'm back in business.

MORE REPAIRS NEEDED
Now, for something else that needs to be repaired.

My hip has been giving me trouble for some time now. In November I went to see an orthopedic surgeon and was told that I needed joint replacement surgery. Needless to say, I was not happy about that diagnosis.

I had plans to leave for Florida in December, had my plane ticket, car transport arranged and all the other details taken care of.

The doctor said that after the surgery there would be a recovery time of about six weeks and then I could take off for Florida. My thought was, "sometimes things don't go smoothly and I could be stuck up North in the cold for a length of time."

I decided to go South as planned and made arrangement for the surgery when I return to Massachusetts. I'm not the run around that I usually am down here, limit what I do
in a day and am managing fairly well.

GAMES GO ON
The Mah Jong and card games go on.

POWERFULL AND WELL ACTED
Recently saw "Precious" - a powerful movie, very well acted by Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique.

Gabourey was great as a troubled tenn ager and Mo'Nique was amazing as her mother.

MY FAVORITE
Another movie that gave me some great laughs was "It's Complicated" starring Meryl Streep (my favorite actress) and Alex Baldwin.

What a peach of a pair they are.

HE STILL HAS IT
John Davidson performed at my clubhouse recently, I've seen him a number of times and he still "has it."

What a great talent - he comes across as a down-to-earth person, was on stage for an hour and a half - audience loved him, me too.

STILL IN THERE
Well, I haven't been running around as I usually do but after making this post I realize I'm still in there pitching!!

Computer Problems in Paradise

2010-01-30T17:39:00.001-05:00

Hi!

Steve here.

My mom wanted you to know that she's having computer problems down in Florida and won't be able to make a post this week.

She writes:

My computer is still not behaving - finally got a Comcast employee that set up a service call for me - not until THURSDAY - In the mean time I'll call my Florida buddy and tell him what's going on. Sometimes it works - mostly does not work.

Last year or the year before a service man came down and had to do something - (a power surge - a Florida problem? I think that's what it was.

Could you make a short post letting my people know that I have a computer problem?

In the meantime you could tell them about OUR radio spot.

My mom and I are going to be interviewed on Monday on Sirius Radio.

Doctor Radio at 5:30. I hope we will be able to get a recording to share...

A LOVELY AFTERNOON

2010-01-24T17:48:00.002-05:00

My friend Harriet invited me to join her for an afternoon Victorian Tea Party at Abbey Delray, a Life Care retirement community, in Delray Beach. Leave it to Harriet to come up with an invite to an enjoyable and informative afternoon.

Abbey Delray is unique since it offers three levels of living all within one community. You could move into an apartment and than if your needs change you could relocate to an assisted living unit on the grounds and still feel part of the community.

If your needs change Abbey Delray's Life Care concept provides unlimited access for full health care services which provides both recuperative care and short - and long term nursing care.

From what I understand even when you need more care the monthly fee will be virtually the same whether you're living independently or receiving health care. That's saying a lot - in otherwords you don't need to have long-term care insurance!

Oh and one other thing that impressed me - They offer one meal a day, AT YOUR CONVENIENCE!

That gives you some idea of what Abby Delray offers.

Now about the tea party.

We were invited into a private dining room and were seated at a table for eight. One of the ladies at our table told us she came to Abbey Delray when she was 80 years old and has been there for the past eight years!! My goodness, she looked wonderful, we complimented her and her response was, "I look and feel better now than when I first came. WHY, we asked? When she lived alone she was not eating right - now she's eating properly and enjoying the life style and the meals.

The table was set beautifully - we were presented with a lovely selection of wafer thin crust less tea sandwichs and delectable desserts. We each had indivdual tea pots. Oh and what my friend could not get over were the lovely decorated sugar cubes that were available to us.

To complete the afternoon one of residents who came originally from the Isle of Man told us some enjoyable stories and customs of a Manx tea party. She dressed the part of an english lady at an afternoon tea party - lovely long print gown and a matching large brimmed hat!!

Once the tea was over we took a walk around the grounds and saw the very inviting pool area - (it was a beautiful sunny day, one of the few we've had) found ourselves some comfortable chairs and topped off a lovely day at Abbey Delray!!

THE DAILY NEWSPAPER

2010-01-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

One of the pleasures that I enjoy is reading the daily newspaper, even if I have an early morning appointment I make sure I still have time to read the paper. I know, I know I can always get my news via the internet but I guess I'm old fashioned - I find it more relaxing to sit back and hold the newspaper in my hands. Sometimes my fingers get black from the newspaper print but who cares!

Back home I read the Boston Globe. There have been times when I have not been happy with the paper but all in all I still look forward to getting my morning fix.

While I'm here in Florida I get the Sun Sentinel delivered to my door every morning.

It still surprises me when I take the paper in and find there is very little to read, especially on a Monday and Tuesday.

By the time I get rid of the automobile and real estate section there is very little left. Things pick up later in the week when the food section, wine ads, restaurant ads and entertainment section are featured.

Sunday's paper weighs a ton because there are loads of ads and lots of coupons. That day I wind up with lots of trash to get rid of! I do cut out the coupons and have good intentions of using them but in the end I don't take advantage of most of them, especially the ones where you have to buy two to get .50 off. ;-(

What kind of deal is that?

Another section contains ads for "all kinds of doctors, hearing aid specialists, Auto repair shops, lawyers, home improvement shops, beauty salons and on and on!!

I've never seen ads in the Boston papers for doctors, I don't know whether they choose not to advertise or there is some restriction that prevents them from advertising.

What do you know about that?

Even though we have had a cold spell down here, some mornings in the 30's, it's a lot better than what is happening up north. That said, I don't miss being up north now but I do miss the Boston Globe.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

GET SEEN

2010-01-10T22:10:00.001-05:00

It's time for this mom to brag about her son.

Steve's book, "Get Seen" is now available at Amazon.com and at many book stores here in the USA and Canada. The front cover says, "Online Video Secrets to Building Your Business" but it's so much more.

The forward is written by David Meerman Scott. I have read the forward many times. I like everything that he says about Steve (naturally) but I especially like when he says Steve writes the book like a blog post and it reads like something that you'd study for fun rather than for work.

I'm not a techie person but there is so much that I can relate to and understand in this book.

For example, when Steve writes about the early days...

For many years Steve volunteered at public access TV stations in the suburbs of Boston. During that time he was also active in college radio. At one point in time he worked for a radio station from 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., then went in to work for a computer distributor from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

As parents we could not understand or appreciate his passion for what he was doing. In many cases he was volunteering his time, getting all kinds of experience and satisfaction from doing a good job.

When he writes about successful implementation of video strategy it's much like you do to be successful at blogging.

These are some of the things I have learned from Steve over the years:

Publish on a regular basis - I make it a point to publish once a week
Be Real - Tell it like it is
Have a conversation - Ask questions and encourage response
Listen - Listen to others and they will listen to you

And now I want to thank Steve for helping me "Get Seen." All those videos and photos that you see on my blog are done by my son, The Author!!

Oh yes, and if you happen to pick up a copy of "Get Seen", I'm mentioned on page 64 and 65. ;-)

I am very proud of the kind of person Steve is and what he has accomplished.

MORE ABOUT THE MOVIES

2010-01-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

In my last post I wrote about the movie going experience in Florida - how nearby the theaters are and how well attended they are. Well, last night I went to a neighboring town that has a new "Cinemark."

Everything is BIG about it. To begin with, the parking lot is huge but apparently not big enough because they have valet parking at a charge of $5.00. We did find a half decent place to park.

Upon entering the cinema, I can't refer to it as the movie theater, it's to big for that - there is a very large area to satisfy your every food craving at an exorbitant price.

How about a hot dog for $7.50 and a pickle for $2.25. Maybe they give you two pickles, I would hope so. Needless to say we didn't buy any of those goodies! Surprisingly the price of admission was only $6.50.

We got to the cinema long before show-time and had to wait in line until the earlier show broke. Well, after a while I found it was getting difficult for me to stand for such a long period of time. I needed to sit down, no seats anywhere to be found. It's like Las Vegas, not a seat in the house, only at the machines!

My friend said, "Millie, come with me I'll find you a seat" - She took me over to "The Arcade" which had plenty of seats. I found a seat at a machine and sat there until I couldn't stand the noise anymore. By the time I joined my friends in line there was only a short time before we were allowed into the theatre. It didn't take to long before the entire theatre was filled!

The movie we came to see was "UP in the AIR" starring George Clooney and Vera Farmiga.

It's about a corporate downsizing expert who loves his job. It's a very timely movie with so many people losing their jobs. There were a number of scenes where you were witness to the emotions that people felt when they were told they were being let go.

There were parts that were sad, some humor, some romance and if you are in the corporate working world it could really hit home.

I have always appreciated what Clooney has done but this time I think he really hit the nail on the head. He WAS the person he was portraying!!

The movie was great but I won't be going to that cinema again. Give me the little movie house around the corner anytime!

THIS and THAT - DECEMBER

2009-12-27T20:55:00.002-05:00

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!!

EATING OUT

2009-12-20T18:54:00.002-05:00

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!

SETTLING IN AND SHOPPING

2009-12-15T14:49:00.004-05:00

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:

I Can't Open It: Eggland's Best

2009-12-06T22:41:00.000-05:00

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