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

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

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

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

This leads me to what prompted this post.



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

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



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

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

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

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

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:41 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
THIS and THAT - JUNE
WEATHER

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

FIVE GUYS

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

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

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

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

BOOKS

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

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

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

MOVIES

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

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

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

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:26 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

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

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

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

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



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

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


Image: Courtesy Playbill

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

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

I will miss everything about the North Shore Music Theatre.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:45 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
My Mom's Digital TV Conversion


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

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

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

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

 
I Can't Open It: Stauffer's Animal Crackers from JetBlue


In this video Millie tries to open a package of Stauffer's Animal Crackers that she got on a JetBlue flight.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 7:35 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 10 comments | Old

 
A VISIT to the DENTIST
In my lifetime I have gone to many dentists, some closed their practices, some I chose to leave for various reasons.

One dentist always yelled at me for not doing a good job, I didn't want to put up with that.

One dentist relocated to an area that was not covenient for me.

One dentist suggested a major procedure that I was not comfortable with.

One dentist was not gentle, as a matter of fact, whatever he did was painful.



DENTIST VISIT by snowriderguy, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

Finally, after all these years I have a great dentist - as a matter of fact I have an appointment with him this week.

His office is located across the street from the ocean which is a short distance from my home, doesn't keep me waiting and has a very capable hygienist. Now, you know what happens when you get into the dentist's chair - you try to have a conversation with the hygienist inbetween "open wide" and "rinse." Somehow we manage to comunicate very nicely. She gets my mind off the procedure and before I know it, I'm done.

Once I leave the office, if the weather is good I take myself for a walk along the beach. I get to see mothers with their babies, people walking their dogs, runners, old people walking and some sitting on benches. Me, I walk a little and then pull up a bench.

Before I call it quits I go over to an ice cream stand, have myself a butter pecan ice cream cone, pull up another bench and enjoy the sunshine.

From there it's just a short walk to the library, I pick up some books and head home. I've had a great day and didn't even have to move the car from once spot to another!

How do you feel about going to the dentist?

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:01 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 10 comments | Old

 
I Can't Close It: The Suitcase


In this video Millie tries to close her suitcase handle.

Update to the earlier Gin and Raisins story:

Alcohol & Seniors: A new study released by UCLA shows light to moderate consumption of alcohol prevents senior citizens from developing age-related infirmities that can cause elders to be unable to walk or dress and groom themselves.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 7:46 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
"IS ANYBODY THERE?"


It was about 40 years ago that I saw the film "Alfie" which stared Michael Caine in the lead roll. He made such an impression on me that whenever he appeared in a film I had to go see it.

When "Is Anybody There" staring Michael Caine came to town I had to go see it! I hadn't read much about the film but what I did read was that at 76 he was portraying an elderly gentleman and did not want any steps taken to look younger than his age. Sure enough, he looked his age but still looked good to me!

The film is about Clarence Parkinson, a grumpy old traveling magician who reluctantly goes to live in a retirement home. A young couple has converted their home to accommodate the elderly residents. When Clarence arrives at the home the couple's 10 year old son, Edward, played by Bill Milner, has to give up his room to the new resident. He's not happy about that!



Even though Clarence and Edward have a rocky start, their friendship grows, they need each other. Clarence teaches Edward some magic tricks, and the boy helps the magician out of his depression. He even gets Clarence to put on a magic show for the residents. Sometimes things can go wrong and boy, do they ever.

The residents at this retirement home are "old-old" characters. There was one in particular that looked famillar to me. Everytime the camera was on him, his hands were shaking and I was wondering if perhaps that actor really has "a problem."

I was the one that suggested this movie to "the girls" and thought they would enjoy it. As it happens one of "the girls" was VERY upset about the content of the movie. She said,"if I had known what it was about I would not have gone to see it."

Hearing that, and having seen the movie, it got me thinking. It can be too close to home for "a person of a certain age" and can't imagine that "the young people" would care to see it either. With all that said - I'm glad I saw the movie - Watching Michael Caine in this film made me feel that HE was Clarence - just like he made me feel that HE was "Alfie."

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:19 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
Arthritis Remedy: Gin Soaked Raisins

Labels: Arthritis Remedy, Gin Soaked Raisins

posted by Steve Garfield @ 8:00 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
HOME SWEET HOME
HOME AGAIN

It has taken me a "good week" to get back to my normal self.

It's a good thing Steve hasn't been around to video me trying to find things. You would have quite a laugh! Most days I do a dance in the kitchen. I'll explain - In Florida I keep my plastic containers in a draw to the left of the sink. Here in Massachusetts I keep them to the right of the sink. I find myself reaching for the containers to my left, then I turn to the right and there they are!! I guess you could call that dance "the can-can."



When condos were built in Florida in the 80's they were allowed to put the light switches on the inside wall of a bathroom. In my condo here in the north, the switches are on the outside wall. Well, you guessed it, I'm still reaching for the switch on the inside wall.


NEIGHBORS and NEIGHBORHOOD CHANGES

While I was away I kept hearing about changes that were taking place in my neck of the woods.

A number of neighbors have either moved to assisted living residents or nursing homes.

More young families with childred have moved in.



There is a mall right across the street from me which had some great places to shop. Now the mall looks like a lot of malls that I saw in Florida, many empty stores. I did hear that one of the vacant stores has been rented to a Petco!

There are three condo developments in my immediate area that do not allow pets. What in the world are they thinking!? What kind of market research did they do?

A new restaurant will be openning soon - "5 Guys" - it's a chain that specializes in burgers. That could be a good addition to the neighborhood since we only have a handful of places in the area.


FOOD

I just mentioned a new place to eat up here which makes me think of ALL the choses I have when I'm in Florida. If I wanted to, I could go out day and night for at least a month and eat at a different place every time!




Now that I'm home I'll probably eat out once a week. In Florida it is a totally a different experience. It's a social event - " meet you for lunch" - "get together for dinner" - "coffee and" after a movie.

But I must say the week before I left for home I was eating out TOO MUCH." I couldn't say no because they were "Good By, see you next season get togethers."

That's just one of the reason I'm glad to be home - I can control my eating out!!

UPDATE:

While in Florida I started "the raisin and gin remedy" in order to get some relief from my arthritic pain. Well, it worked - I don't know whether it was the combination of the raisins and gin, the gin it-self or the Florida sunshine, whatever it was, it made me feel better.

I still have plenty of raisins in the house but am out of gin. Next chance I get will have to buy a bottle and start that treatment again.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:18 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
I Can't Open It: The Elevator



Millie comes home from Florida to find her elevator out of service. She can't open it! How is she going to get all her luggage and groceries up the stairs to her apartment?

posted by Steve Garfield @ 9:23 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 12 comments | Old

 
A BIRTHDAY TOAST TO RONNI


The wine mellows with age and the same has happened to you Ronni.

Enjoy your "DAY" and all the days ahead! Wishing you good times, good health and good luck!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 6:29 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 8 comments | Old

 
HERE and THERE
While I was preparing to come down to Florida this winter I knew that a few of my close friends would not be joining me this season. In my mind I figured that it would be a quiet few months but at least I won't be in the freezing and snowy north country.

Well, it has turned out to be one of the busiest and happiest winters in a long time. Haven't spent much time at the pool since it's been so cool BUT the few times that I went, I renewed acquaintance with any old Florida friend and met a few new ladies.




When I stop to think about it, I have some friends who love to cook and bake, some don't know what the kitchen is for, some love the movies, some never go, some love to shop, some hate it, some are reader, some not, some could go out to eat every night, some only want to go out once in a blue moon. And, you know what, that's a good thing - variety is the spice of life so if you feel like a movie, you have a movie buddy, if you feel like going out to eat, you have a buddy for that too.

One of my friends is always on the look-out for a fun or unusual activity that doesn't cost much money. She introduced me to Paradise Bank in Boca Raton. She has an account with this most unusual bank that sponsors a complimentary lunch every Wednesdasy for clients and their friends. I'm one of her lucky friends that has enjoyed some delicious lunches.

As a matter of fact, I'll be going to the bank for lunch this coming Wednesday. Once you are out with my friend you can count on doing something interesting after the lunch, we'll be going to a temple nearby that will be offering a program presented by a musical group. Admission is $3.00. The programs are usually enjoyable.

That's just a taste of what she comes up with!!

Now, it's getting to be time for me to pack up and head North. My thoughts now are, I have a big adjustment coming up.

Over the past few years the population in my development back home has changed, so instead of going 75 miles an hour, I'll be going 25 miles an hour. I might like it at first, till I get settled again but then I'll be looking to make waves.

"Seek and ye shall find." I'll try.

Lot's to do before I leave so I just might make one more post before I close shop here.

Bye for now.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 3:37 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 12 comments | Old

 
Here's a "cool way" to peel a potato!


Dawn Wells, aka Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island, demonstrates a unique way to peel an Idaho potato...without the use of a potato peeler!

posted by Steve Garfield @ 6:52 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 7 comments | Old

 
THIS and THAT - MARCH
WEATHER

I've been down here since December and it's finally "pool weather." Today's temp was in the low 80's and, what can I say, it was gorgeous. Perfect day for a dip in the pool, as a matter of fact I went in twice!

Not only do I enjoy the water but that's where you find out about the good places to eat, movie recommendations and if you are looking for a "good doctor" or a "handy man" - the "maven" will tell you.

HEALTH

Last month I wrote about "The Raisin and Gin" remedy for arthritis. Well, I finally bought the raisins and a small bottle of gin. I have them soaking in a bowl right now, it should take a few days before the gin evaporates and them I will start eating nine raisins a day.

In the meantime I have a bottle of gin sitting there doing nothing SO last night I had a gin and tonic with a twist of lemon! I'll have to buy some lime next time I'm in the market.

BOOKS

I'm on Anita Shreve kick - just finished reading "Light on the Snow." Good but not great.



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

 
DISAPPOINTED in "THE GAME"
"Play the Game" just opened in South Florida - before bigger markets such as New York and Los Angeles.



The film has a terrific cast - Andy Griffith, (remember him in Mayberry R.F.D.?, Doris Roberts, Raymond's mother and Liz Sheridan, Seinfeld's mother. So far, so good.

Grandpa Joe (Griffith) is finally seeking companionship years after his wife died. His grandson David (Paul Campbell) instructs grandpa how to "play the game." Tells him where to meet a lady, play hard to get and let them chase you.

David plays that game with Julie (Maria Sokoloff) but his game doesn't work on her.

Grandpa makes out much better then David!

I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't care for either of the young people in their roles. Maybe the idea of "The Game" bothered me. It was all just to cute!

The word "hemorrhoids" was used a number of times, I just didn't think it was funny.

There were a few good moments, a few laughs but all in all not my cup of tea.

There were a few scenes where Grandpa Joe and his grandson David are sitting by a lake on SAND CHAIRS!



Now tell me, what 82 year old senior can not only sit in one of those chairs but, GET OUT OF A SAND CHAIR!! I haven't been able to do that in years!!

I haven't seen any reviews of this movie but I'll be looking forward to reading what "they" have to say.

My opinion: "Andy Griffith should have stayed in Mayberry, R.F.D."

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 3:14 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
REDECORATING IN THE LATE THIRTIES
Even though money was tight in the thirties, when it came to doing any interior painting the families that I knew hired a painter. I guess it was before the "do it yourself era."

When it came time to put on a fresh coat of paint my parents engaged a "paintner." That's correct, my parents called the man "paintner."

He came, looked the place over and quoted a price for his labor and the paint. Once that was agreed upon the next big thing was to chose the color of the paint. I was included in that decision making.


Yellow Kitchen Dec 07 by lindabutterfly, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

The kitchen was going to be yellow with green accents. The bathroom was to be painted green.

The day the "paintner" came I went off to school and when I returned he was gone, the job was done. The kitchen was yellow with green accents. The bathroom was a hideous PINK!! (I still remember that awful color)

Ma, "What happened?" - The "paintner ran out of GREEN paint." And that's how it remained until the next paint job.

The same "paintner" had a job in the upstairs apartment. The job was the same as what we had done - the kitchen and the bathroom. There was one exception.

In those days you could not replace a toilet seat with a new one. As I'm typing this it just occurred to me that maybe you could, but the people could not afford to buy a new one so "the paintner" would put a fresh coat of paint on the seat!


"The Squishy-Seated Toilet (Pink) by Vicious Bits, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

Well, the girl who lived in that apartment went to work that day, came home in the evening and not knowing exactly what was done, went to the bathroom and sat down on that freshly painted toilet seat!!!

That "paintner" surprised us with "Pink" and turned her face "Red."

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:19 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
THIS and THAT - FEBRUARY
THE WEATHER

It's been a cool, sunny and dry month. I'm not the pool person that I was years ago so having temperatures in the high 60's and low 70's is just fine with me.



The only time I have gone to the pool this month is on a Monday when I play Mah-Jongg. It's pleasant to sit by the pool, relax and try to win some money. We play for $5.00, that's all you can lose. One day I was the big winner, $3.50!

MY HEALTH

It's advisable to have a doctor down here just in case you need help. When I came down this winter I found that my doctor had retired. I asked around and a few friends referred me to someone nearby that they were happy with. I called to make an appointment and was told to come in one half hour before the appointed time so I could fill out a seven page form.

Sure enough it took me a half hour to fill out this detailed form. Before I saw the doctor a nurse came into the examing room and went over the questionnaire with me. When she asked me, "do you drink" - I couldn't resist and said, "not often enough."

I was told by my friends that the doctor "LISTENS" and sure enough he does. It's a good thing because I would hate like heck having to start all over again with another doctor.

Speaking of health I was talking to a friend of mine recently, she told me about something that could help people with arthritis -


"Golden raisins by pbev, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

Take one package of golden raisins and put them in a pint of vodka, place in the refigerator and let stand for a week - then take a drink every so often!! She was serious!! Have you ever heard of this?

See:Do Gin-Soaked Raisins Really Help Arthritis Pain?

BOOKS

Last month I wrote about how much I enjoyed reading "Sea Glass" by Anita Shreve. Holly Nappo Collins left a comment recommending "Fortune's Rock" by the same author. I read it in short order! At one point it had me close to tears! What a surprise ending!!




MOVIES

I haven't been to the movies as much as I would have liked this month.



The one movie I saw was "Last Chance Harvey." The reviews were so-so. The people that I spoke to that saw the movie thought it was pleasant, I thought it was great!!

Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson were terrific in their roles. I don't think it's a movie that young people would appreciate - but surely people of a certain age could relate to some of the goings on in this movie.

TONIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT


Photo courtesy Academy Awards

The academy awards!! I hope they are over before midnight!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:30 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 10 comments | Old

 
CHOCOLATE, CLEARANCE and CONNECTION
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

My friend Harriet is a great one for finding interesting things to do at little or no cost.


Chocolate Fountain by jgarber, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

This past Thursday I joined her for a Chocolate Festival that was held at Stratford Court in Boca Raton. I was more interested in seeing this senior living community then indulging in the chocolate refreshments. Most people I know love chocolate, I can take it or leave it!

Upon arrival we were greeted with live music and lots of Valentine decorations. Once I was there, I thought, "it seems to me that one of my friends from up north might have relocated to this community."

I searched the crowd and sure enough SHE is a resident!! She gave us a mini tour and filled us in on her new life style. From what she told us there are many activities she enjoys, the meals are very good but unfortunately she has gained weight!

When it came time to participate in the chocolate festival, there were two fountains, one had dark chocolate and one had white.

I must admit I had fun dipping the various fruits, cookies, cakes and pretzels in the chocolate!

CLEARANCE at SEARS

When you go with Harriet you just don't go to one event, there is always something else on the agenda - She asked if I won't mind going to Sears, big sale going on. - Sure -



We poked around and I found a zippered sweater with a hood, originally priced at $48.00 - now reduced to $9.00, less 30% which made the cost of the sweater $7.00!! What a deal!!

Since it was such a small amount I decided to pay cash for the sweater. The salesclerk asked if I had a charge at Sears, "No, I don't." Well, she said if I open an account I would get the sweater at no charge!!!

I opened an account and then she informed me that when you open an account you get a credit on your acccount of $15.00.

Not only did I get the sweater at no charge, I now have a credit on my account of $8.00. Looks like I'll be going back to Sears!


CONNECTION

The next day I attended a show at my clubhouse, "Let's Hang On." The theme of the show was, "A Tribute to Frankie Valli."

Four young men took center stage and started singing some memorable songs from the 60's.



As soon as they appeared on stage I was taken with their clean-cut looks, no beards, no mustaches, hair cuts from the 60's and suits and skinny ties from that era. Immediatly I thought of my husband who dressed like that when he went to work, had that kind of haircut and would never stop wearing those skinny ties.

I was tapping my toes and smiling all over the place.

The show also had two lovely young ladies who sang, at one point they left the stage and invited two men to dance with them.

My thought was, "I hope that lead young man does that too - I want to dance with him." I have been to many shows at my complex but never had such a clear thought!

Well, what do you know - he did leave the stage and came right over to me and said, "I saw your great smile and want to dance with you!!"

I can't tell you the name of the song, whatever it was, it was wonderful!! (I sound like a teen-ager)

When they did their final number they came down from the stage and what do you know, he came over to me and thanked ME for the dance!

I'm still flying high!!

Visit William Clare to see a video of Let's Hang On.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:56 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments | Old

 
The Subject is "BIRTHDAYS"
This weekend I had the pleasure of sharing in the celebration of my friend Nanci's birthday. We had dinner at the well known Kee Grille in Boca Raton. I finally had the opportunity to have Chilean Sea Bass which is not featured at most of the restaurants that I go to. Delicious!!

Great atmosphere, good service, fine food and most of all good company!

Since we were there to celebrate a birthday the conversation turned to "Birthdays."


Sweet 16 Cupcakes by clevercupcakes, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

Some of the girls shared their special birthday memories. The "girls" talked about their sweet sixteen parties. One girl had her party at a country club, another at a hotel and still another had her party at home where her mother took all the furniture out of the living room so there was room for dancing!

Me, I didn't have a party. I was a depression baby, times were tough - just getting food on the table and paying the rent was top priority. My friends and I were in the same boat so we didn't feel deprived.

The only thing I remember about my birthdays as a child was a special time when my family went on a day trip and my aunt brought a birthday cake for me.


A Strawberry Shortcake For You! by Smaku, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

Other times I remember my mother making my favorite strawberry shortcake for my birthday. It's still my favorite cake!!

Today when my birthday rolls around Steve and Carol take me on a mystery ride, I never know where I'm going, could be near-by or it could be out-of-state. Half the fun is speculating about where the finally destination is.

Once in a blue moon I figure out where we are heading!

What special memories do you have about past birthdays? For my "girl" readers, did you have a "Sweet Sixteen" party?"

Now speaking of birthdays, it just so happens that it's Steve's birthday, so I want to wish him "A Very Happy Birthday."

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:16 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 16 comments | Old

 
ONLY IN FLORIDA - PART THREE
Last week I got yelled at!

I can't remember a time that I ever got yelled at - I was a good little girl so my parents never yelled at me, I was a well behaved student so the teachers never had cause to yell at me, I was a good worker so my employers never yelled at me BUT here in Florida it's a different story.

Here's what happened:

There is a very popular privately owned deli in a near-by small shopping mall, the lot is small so getting a parking space is a challenge. They sell all kinds of goodies that makes life easy when you don't feel like cooking. From the business that they do, LOTS of people that live in this area don't like to cook!


102_2346 by jcarwil, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

Well, one day I decided to get myself over there and buy some of "that good stuff." As usual the parking lot was pretty full so I had to drive around a few times until I spied a couple going to their car - aha - I found a spot - put my blinker on and waited for them to pull out.

It looked to me like the couple was in their mid-80's, she had a walker and he was the strong one putting the groceries in the car.

People are very impatient down here and the person in the car behind me started to honk his horn, he wanted me to move on but I wasn't going to budge, he was just going to have to wait!! He was so angry that he finally got out of his car and started to yell at me!

I stood my ground and eventually the man and his wife pulled out of that parking spot and it was MINE!!

I got yelled at two more times last week but I think you get the picture.

This is life in sunny Florida

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:54 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 12 comments | Old

 
THIS and THAT
A little bit about lots of things!

The Weather


We've had a cold spell here in Florida. Last week morning temperatures were in the 30's and 40's, afternoon temperatures reached the mid 60's. According to the weather man, it hasn't been this cold in six years!

My Health

Cold by Aeioux, on Flickr CC BY-NC [ Note: Not Millie Pictured in photo ]

Attention doctors: Old people say they feel better when it's warm out. I can attest to that - this past week I have been aching all over. When I first came down to Florida it was warm and I felt great, can't wait for that good weather to return!

Books



The other day I dropped into the library at my clubhouse. They don't have current best sellers but there is plenty to choose from. I picked up "Sea Glass" by Anita Shreve. The story takes place in a New England seaside town in 1929 and she recounts how the characters are effected by the times.

I finished the book in two days!

Movies


Finally got to see "Slumdog Millionaire" - One reviewer referred to the movie as "seriocomedy." No way was it, in any way, a comedy! I found it very disturbing to see such extreme poverty. If you do go, be sure to stay for the credits, they were a pleasant surprise!

Doubt


Without a doubt all the cast members of Doubt deserve an award for their performances! In the opening scene Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as a priest, gives a sermon - I was hooked right away. Meryl Streep can do anything, in this film she's a nun. Boy is she tough. Fortunately I never had a teacher like her!

Freddie Roman

Tonight I'm going to my clubhouse to see a master comic, Freddie Roman. Freddie was a hit on Broadway in the play, "Catskills on Broadway." He's performed all over the world and tonight as the comics like to say, "tonight I've really made it big, I'm at Kings Point."

That always gets a laugh and I sure could use one tonight!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 1:16 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
I REMEMBER WHEN ......
It had to be the early 70's and "the natives were getting restless." I was a wife, mother, friend and an a Avon Lady. It was time to do something more.

My thought was, maybe I could get a part time job but the problem was we only had one car and when I needed the car I had to drive my husband to his job at General Electric and pick him up at the end of the day.


57 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Hardtop CC BY-SA

I was not a happy camper because I had to get him to work at 7:30AM and pick him up at 4:30PM. I only did it when I really needed the car.

We were not in a financial position to afford a new car, or even a used car. My husband and I talked about it and he realized I was dead serious about wanting a part time job. He gave it some thought and said, "if you get a job I will drive you to your place of employment and pick you up at the end of the day."

Great, all I had to do was find a job! At that time temporary employment agencies were popular, I registered and before I knew it there was an office job available in a nearby town!!

That first morning my husband drove me to my job and made arrangements to pick me up at the end of the day. Well, I got to talking to one of the girls and come to find out she lived in the same city as me and offered to drive me home!!!! I called my husband and said, "Honey, you don't have to pick me up, I have a ride home!!!" For the rest of that assignment I had transportation.

On another occasion the agency had a job for me at General Electric - great - no problem - that's where my husband worked so we rode into work together.


Aircraft jet engine : GE90-115 by FrancoisRoche, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

My job was in the Jet Engine Department, answering the phone and typing reports, all in all a pretty dull job with one exception. There were many reports that were about "Bird Ingestion." The company had birds on the grounds and did tests to see how they would affect the engines!!

Now I guess you can realize what prompted this post

The other day the US Airways flight 1549 was forced into an emergency landing probably due to "bird ingestion." Imagine that, after all these years they still can not solve the "bird" problem. It's a tough one!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:50 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
ONLY IN FLORIDA - PART TWO
Going to a beauty shop up North and going to one in Florida is a totally different experience. The shops here are large, noisy and always have lots of ladies getting their hair and nails done. It's a weekly ritual for them.

It was time for my monthly cut and color so off I went to what they call down here, "the beauty salon."


Woodland Beauty Salon by Куртис Перри, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

While I was waiting to be taken I started a conversation with another lady-in-waiting. The more we talked the more interesting the conversation became. Come to find out this lady lives in the same development as a friend of mine. (I only know one person who lives there) I asked - "Do you know Annette?" She not only knows my friend but gets together with her on many occasions! Wow!

This bubbly 85 year old lady became a widow four years ago and was not looking for a relationship with a member of the opposite sex.

One day while she was in the gym a gentleman who lives in her development started a conversation with her and asked her out to dinner!

Well, she didn't give it a second thought and said "YES."


Restaurant table 15 by Cedric's pics, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

I enjoyed hearing her tell me about her reaction to the dinner invitation. She surprised herself by her immediate, "yes." She's been going with him for a year now, and sees him on her terms and if she doesn't like something about him, she lets him know. She says, "At my age I say whatever I feel like."

Before I knew it, It was time for me to get my hair done.

Now, this is not the end of my day.

Once I left the beauty salon I went to the nearby Carnival Flea Market. As I was strolling down an aisle I saw someone that looked familiar but you know what, there are a lot of people down here that look like someone I know!

This time it was someone who is a neighbor of mine up North, she's visiting her daughter who lives down here.

Like I say, "only in Florida!"

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:41 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 4 comments | Old

 
THERE ARE ALWAYS CHANGES
It never fails, every season when I come down to Florida there are always changes, some good, some not so good.

LIBRARY

The old West Atlantic library has been replaced with a spanking new LARGE building, The Delray Public Library. The old library was closer for me, it met my needs and had an adequate parking lot. Once a month I attended a book review given by a charming and knowledge person. Nora's favorite expression was, "in my opinion." I learned from that!

In order for me to get to the new library I have to travel a little further. Once you approach the building it's like you are going to an high-end development. The road has many curves, then finally you get to the HUGE parking lot!


Handicapped by roujo, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

This community has loads of seniors who have all kinds of physical limitations. Even when they park in a handicapped spot, it's still a long walk to the building. The planning committee must have been "young" not to realize that design is not good for "elders."

While visiting the library I inquired about "Nora's" scheduled book reviews. She is no longer doing them at that branch, she's doing them at a library in another city! My friends and I enjoy her so much, we will make the effort and try to catch her at her new location.

GAMES

The once a month card game is still intact.


Straight Flush by stevegarfield, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

We meet in the afternoon and then go out to eat, makes for an enjoyable day.

MAH JONGG

Last season we had six players. The game only requires four but it's always good to have more than you need, someone is sick, has company or is going on a trip.


Mah Jongg Rack by AngerBoy, on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA

So far this season there are only two of us available. Two "girls haven't come down yet, one "girl" is just getting out of rehab and another "girl" is not coming down any more.

Hopefully we'll start playing in a few weeks.

THE WAGON

The newer developments in this area have coffee shops and bars in their pool areas. My community is one of the oldest and does not have that available BUT this season they have a wagon that visits each pool area twice a day with coffee, cold drinks and snacks.


drinks by LinksmanJD, on Flickr CC BY-ND

The news is out, they now will be selling beer and wine also! I'll drink to that!!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 5:05 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 57 comments | Old

 
A BOY, A DOG and A MAN
I've only been down in Florida less than three weeks and have already seen some good movies and a wonderful one man show.

A BOY - "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"



Some of my friends chose not to see the movie because they knew it was about the holocaust. True, the theme is about a terrible time in history.

There have been many films that tell the story in different ways, always difficult to see but never the less, worth seeing.

This time it's seen through the eyes of an eight year old. boy. He befriends an eight year old boy who is in a concentration camp.

He has no idea of what is going on but sees some things that he questions. To give you an example of one such moment: the family has a prisoner working in the parents home as a servant. One day the boy falls and injures himself, the servant tells the boy that he is a doctor and knows just what to do.

That day the boy sees the prisoner peeling potatoes and questions his parents, "why would he chose to peel potatoes if he is a doctor?"

If you do see this movie, be prepared for a shocking ending.

A DOG - "MARLEY & ME"



I've never owned a pet, but I must say I thoughly enjoyed this movie. The movie is about Work, Play, Fun, Love and a Dog!!

The movie was largely filmed in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. I particularly enjoyed some scenes that took place in Boca Raton which is a short disance from where I live.

The cast was great! It's the first time that I saw an appealing Owen Wilson act in a film where he was not just a silly guy. Jennifer Aniston was his devoted and understanding wife.

I was pleasently surprised to see Alan Arkin as Owen's editor at the Sun-Sentinal, that's the paper I read here in Florida.

And another surprise was Kathleen Turner as a dog trainer! If I hadn't heard her voice I would not have recognized her.

Enough said.

If you feel like a fun movie, this is it!

A MAN - MIKE BURSTYN



Over the years I have seen Mike Burstyn at least three times. Has he gotten better over time, or has my appreciation of his talent grown? I think it's the latter.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Mike, his father, Pesach Burstyn and mother, Lillian Lux were stars in the Yiddish theatre. He shared the stage with them at the age of three and stole the show!

He has performed on Broadway in "Barnum", "The Rothchilds", "Jolson" and will be doing a show on Broadway, "Lansky."

Mike sings, acts, tells jokes and is a storyteller. Whatever he does, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. Speaking of hands, I was aware of how he was using his hands to get the message across.

After he did his final number the audience yelled out in unison, "MORE." And, he did MORE.

I feel privileged to have seen Mike Burstyn again and to have shared that experience with the audience.

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 4:56 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 14 comments | Old

 
Happy Holidays!
Hanukkah Wrapping ( from 2004 )



Hanukkah Unwrapped ( from 2004 )



The Garfields wish you a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Xmas, Feliz Navida, Joyeux Noël, Happy Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, Happy Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 12:55 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old

 
ONLY IN FLORIDA
Jury Duty Almost Kept Steve in Massachusetts
A week before Steve was preparing to leave for Florida he received a notice for jury duty and had to report to the court house.



The judge that qualifies the jurors explained that she is very tough and would not put up with any flimsy excuses. (It was going to be a murder trial.)

When it was Steve's turn to explain why he could not serve, he said, "I'm planning to take my 83 year old mother to Florida and help her open up her condo and get settled ." The Judge said, "you are excused."

ONLY IN FLORIDA
One day last week a friend called and asked if I would like to join her for breakfast the next morning. Well, I am not an early bird and don't really care to go out to breakfast. I haven't seen this friend since last winter since she lives in Chicago, was anxious to get together so I agreed to meet her at a new breakfast place. They offer a $3.29 breakfast special until 11:00am.

The special includes two extra large eggs, oatmeal served with raisins and brown sugar or home fries, bagel, cream cheese and coffee.

No sooner did we get seated when two ladies were seated near-by. They looked vaguely familiar to me but I couldn't place them. My friend looked over at that table and immediately recognized them!



We meet them three years ago at Senior Summer School in Flagstaff, Arizona. One lady lives in Florida and the other lives in New York! What a wonderful time we had catching up and reminiscing about our great time at Flagstaff.

That experience reminds me once again of my mother's expression, "If you don't go out, nothing happens." If I didn't go out to breakfast that morning I would have missed an opportunity to renew friendships with two lovely ladies!

posted by Mildred Garfield @ 2:53 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 12 comments | Old

 
Day 2 in Flordia: Amazing Breakfast and Some Shopping
We started day two with a nice walk outside. Well, Carol and I did. We met a nice neighbor who was walking too and he told us all the different routes he takes on his walks. If I was living down here, he'd be my personal trainer. What an inspiration.

After our walk, we collected my mom and went off to breakfast at 3 G's Gourmet Deli. We had a great hot pastrami sandwich from there yesterday, and went back for breakfast today.

We missed the breakfast menu by an hour, but the lunch menu included some breakfast items.

My mom and Carol shared the Spinach, Bacon and Feta Omelet:



I had the most amazing Fruit and Nut French Toast. It's a homemade with fruit nut bread with raisins, dates, walnuts, dried apples, dried cranberries, and cinnamon dipped in egg batter and grilled golden.

Amazing!

On a Sunday they go through 20 loaves!



Here's Carol leaning up against our Chevy Impala Hertz Rental Car. My mom thinks this is the best photo.



The parking lot for 3 G's is insane with lots of people stopping in the middle of the road to unload old people and their walkers. This parking lot is not for impatient people.

After breakfast we took a road trip to Festival Flea Market on Sample Road in Pompano Beach, FL. This is the big one. It's so big that you need to make sure you remember the door you came in so you can find your car in the parking lot when leaving.



There are lots of great bargains here on clothing, eyeglasses and jewelry.

Here's what one of the tables full of wathces looks like:



There was a very interesting wig store there and I was intrigued by the sample heads with wigs on display:



In this picture you can see how mammoth the flea market is. There are rows and rows that look like this. My mom is trying on a hat she'd never buy. Carol looks on.



Our next stop was the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, Florida. The mall is said to be the country's third largest. We shopped in the Colonade area of outlet stores. It was lots of fun and Carol got a few things for great deals.



After shopping we stopped in at the Grand Lux Cafe. It's the parent company of the Cheescake Factory.



Inside it looks like a casino:



On a technical note, I used my iPhone version 1.0 Google Maps to see where we were and follow the route home.



Google Maps on the iPhone is a great program.

Carol and I leave tomorrow, so from here on in, my mom will be filing updates from sunny Florida.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 8:32 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments | Old

 
Down in Florida, Getting Settled
Hi everyone! We're down in Florida and I'm posting this batch of photos I took while we get my mom settled.



Waiting for the flight at Logan Airport while reading the Boston Globe G section.



Good bye cold weather!



Publix has a great bakery.



You've got to watch your basket though. My mom's got stolen!



We turned around and my mom's carriage was gone! We finally found it. This guy took it and walked away. Thought it was his.



Chevy Impala Has Lots of Trunk Room for Groceries and Luggage.



To connect a new modem on Comcast, after hooking it up to the computer, call Comcast and they'll turn it on for you.

Don't bother with the installation disk or website.



My mom's condo does not have a wide selection of glassware. Carol is forced to drink wine from a Coca-Cola glass.



Relaxing with a Yeungling. I love it, can't get it in Boston. Part of the reason I love it.

Stay tuned for more from Florida.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 3:35 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 9 comments | Old