It is not pretty but...

 Our chair lift is in and it is the subject of many memes (I don't know what that is but it has brought great joy to the receivers of pictures of Mike riding up the staircase.) It is not the first time I have been the subject of these jokes that, I don't get, called memes. Once I sent a text to David by voice about a relative who wanted a roof.  Her name was Lynn Fox but the Fox came out f---. I went on and on about how badly Lynn Fox wanted the roof and how quickly Lynn Fox wanted the roof and it all went viral. I am glad I give my boys such joy.

Well, the lift is terrifying and useful.  We probably could have waited another few years, as MidWest said they would hold the price for me several years ago. No matter how long I waited and they kept their promise, so we got a great bargain, thanks to Jack and Martin and Martin's boy, Kyle, who put it in today. It is not pretty, but neither is going to an assisted living compound.  We plan to leave here feet first. We have had a ride up and down several times, but tomorrow morning, when I usually have to carry Bella (Yorkie) down the stairs, it will be very handy, and I will eat my words then. I know a little girl who will like the ride too.

I made soup today and a nice salad.  We are on salads with a couple of meals a day now. I like those mini bunches of artisanal lettuce from Kroger, or Whole Foods. There are four in a bunch each one different and very fresh.  And, they hold their freshness for several days. I like hardly any dressing on the salads and Andy takes about two teaspoons full. He is starting to watch his intake which has gotten out of hand with my constant cooking. If he goes on a diet, there will be no one to cook for on this property. I will lay around and eat bon-bons and watch soaps.

Talk to you later.

Time to call the nursing home?

 It's ten degrees, but the sun is out. Stay warm.

Don Lemon, the news commentator, is in the hot seat and has been fired according to some sources, I don't know. Other than that, he is involved in a product that is getting rave reviews for pain relief over the counter. It is called Rejuv Boost CBD. Has anyone tried this? Let me know because I am interested. I have asked my doctor about it and when he responds, I will let you know what he thinks. It will be exciting if it is safe. 

New note from my doctor: I looked up this product and see that it is a derivative of Hemp. There is no scientific basis for me to recommend this for clinical care. I would recommend you not use it. Neeraj H Tayal, MD.

Potato and cauliflower pearls sound like a lovely dish to make today. I am hungry just thinking about the cheese cascading over the potato slices.

The poor furnaces here at Many Branches.  They are having trouble keeping up in this weather. 

Talk to you later, hopefully. They are on their way to install the chair lift. Wish us luck. So...

There is more to it than that.  Since Monica and crew were coming today to clean, we had stripped our bed which is the size of Tom Sawyer's raft. Monica always puts fresh sheets on, which was once my job which I did in a flash.  It took Andy and me a good fifteen minutes to complete the job and even then the bedspread was upside down...we left it. Saturday Night Live could have done a skit on that fifteen minutes which resulted in a bad back for Andy. Still, we are foolishly happy and grin every time we pass the wonky-looking bed.

Sleet in the dark...scary

 Did you all survive the ice and snowstorm?  The sun is out and everything looks beautiful. Not so during the night and early this morning.  UPS was closed today because of this storm for the first time since the blizzard of '78. I think '78 was worse than this one although the ice storm in the dark of night was bizarre.

My second and last shot was yesterday and other than a sore arm, I felt great.  I slept so well last night and woke up with not one pain. Just like old times.

I didn't cook today but I made that catch-all Italian anti-pasta salad and now have to get to the Amish for supplies.  Their Jake and Amos or Amos and Jake pickled vegetables are delicious.  I enjoy putting the salad together with the pickled juice from the baby corn or cauliflower jars. I start with those two and then add whatever I can find: baby beets, okra, garbanzo beans or regular great northern beans, artichoke hearts, broccoli, squares of cheese,  sausage squares...well, you get the idea. Just put in what you like and pour the juice from either the baby corn or the cauliflower over the entire salad.  Don't drown it, but make sure each bite gets hit. Then, a shot of sriracha for a little kick and Bob's your uncle. Even Andy likes it...go figure.  You can't get him to taste a mushroom, but he likes this concoction.

Beth was fearless this morning she was on the road at a little after seven and can drive like a pro.  It is getting so Andy and I drive less and Mike and Beth picked up the slack.

Hello to my fellow Italy travelers, we are so lucky to have made the two-week trip before all hell broke loose.  I do think we are on the mend, however, and may travel again...but when? Until then, I am content to stay put.  I like it here.

Warm and safe in Columbus

 Well, I had my second shot this morning and I am still alive and well. I was there and out in twenty minutes. The Wexner OSU group is efficient and well trained. I think the weather threw some old people off and they stayed home, but it was not necessary today.

I just made a lovely pot of wild rice chicken soup.  This is so welcome on a day like this. JD says it really snowed in Austin and even his electricity is out--and he is working from his apartment. It is always something. You just feel your ducks are in order and wham, something else hits you.  My phone was dead for three days and now it "woke" by itself.  It was kind of nice not having a phone--it is not my favorite thing, but electricity is.

We have not had any more in house squirrels in the last few days.  I still mince around feeling one will jump out and demand acorns. But maybe the other squirrels heard of his demise and decided to stay out in the cold rather than risk the fate of squirrel one.

I have no real news but want to keep in touch. Stay warm and safe.

Having fun, are we?

 Long story short, the squirrel is dead and out of the house and it only cost $250.! I am trying to justify this in my head, but, we couldn't do it and it is a business, and they were kind and efficient and they got the job done.  We are simply going to have to watch what we are doing in this squirrel, coyote, deer riddled property. If they would only stay put and not try to join the family it would not be so costly, and they are pretty, and it is nature.  There, I have convinced myself.

Andy is leaving now to get his second shot. I hope it all goes as well as the first shot.  I go on Monday.

Preparing for old age, the chair lift goes in next week. They wanted to do it today, but we have so much happening right now. And, we are not in a hurry for that thing which is wonderful but not pretty. I am grateful that we can do it, but that does not make it pretty.

My shepherd's pie yesterday was not as good as the one a couple of weeks ago. But, it will have to do. I am not concocting today.

I wonder what you are doing today? Are you having as much fun as I am?

Squirrel Hill

 We welcome Monday with a squirrel roaming at will, in the house,  a plugged sink in the master bathroom, below zero temperatures...yet I am happy because when we finish with February spring will be coming around the bend. I could add a fridge full of food needing attention and few mouths to enjoy it. But, why add to that particular list?

Andy will be happy.  Beth bought two loaves of cobblestone bread yesterday for me to turn into garlic mozzarella croutons. It's an easy job and one I will start with while waiting for the wildlife rescue man to come to get the squirrel so that can be marked off the negative list.

I was in heaven last night. WOSU has a Sunday night line up that I am really enjoying and it went on until 11:00 last evening. Andy, Beth, and Mike watched the Superbowl and I watched public television which has a good Sunday night lineup that suits me. Plus I got a good night's sleep.  I am ready to take on this list of woes with a list of good things.

Enjoy the day, wish me luck, I am going to need it.

Steak and mushrooms, yum

 Sam's had lovely steaks a few days ago on our outing. They were at prices that once was until the beef price hike made it difficult to justify putting them on the table. We will enjoy them with the other box of mushrooms waiting to be used.  The first box I used in a favorite of Beth's, mushroom soup.  I like it too but Andy runs every time he sees it on the menu.  I think he fears we are trying to do him in.

I have been watching reruns of Escape to the Country. A United Kingdom offering.  I am still waiting with hope for Escape to the French Chateau which I will have to see to believe if the new series is a reality or just in my imagination.

JD, our grandson, is enjoying his foray into adult job territory in Austin. He is set up in his apartment and actually working from there in his training phase.

Andy and I have both had the first shot of the vaccine, with no negative reactions. We stay home and are comfortable and happy while looking forward to spring.

It is time to open the fridge and view the wealth of products that will keep me busy today. I keep thinking steak and mushrooms...

Note: There is a squirrel running through the house with 3 adults and one little dog chasing it. Never a dull moment on this property. We have called a wildlife catching service, but it is Saturday, so we may have to live with the little $#$%^&^&^ for the week end.

  

An outing

 Andy and I ventured out yesterday. Yes. It was like a shopping date at Sam's. (This shows that it does not take much to entertain us.)  We had the place to ourselves and all the electric carts were charged up so I did not have to transfer my precious cargo into a regular cart halfway through the store. Oh, I found lovely things and now they have spring products on the shelves which only ensures that spring will start by mid-March...at least in my eyes. We bought so much that somehow we got $30. off the final price.

As soon as I got home, I prepared the slow cooker with fresh green beans, potatoes, onions, and corn for a slow cook which we will enjoy today.

I am back into yogurt.  It has improved so much since the last I had it. With those fresh, extra-large blueberries, it is simply divine. We bought so much we had to put it in the basement fridge. I hope we don't forget we have it. I like the Greek yogurt best, but I don't say no to any other. Andy is not joyful about this product. He has a sweet tooth while I do not. I like a bite or two if it is not over the top sweet, but I can do without with no problem.  Chocolate is not my favorite either, so two safety nets there. I think most people might have put on weight with the stay at home edict...except Mike, our son.  He is down to 140 having found Nutri-system and it really really works for him.  He looks great.

I made sure I bought another couple of Hidden Valley seasoning mix. I put it in everything except sweets, of course.  If you have not tried it you are missing out.

Nate, our grandson who usually travels the world during winter's three months is keeping happy in Florida this year.  He loves it. I am hoping he buys some property down there before it is all bought up by the people fleeing New York and California.

Well, I have food to deal with so I had best stir the beans and get the other food in some safe and delicious form. Have a great day; spring is on its way.  Wait for it, wait for it...

Note:  I just put together a delicious chicken salad with a new Hidden Valley product (in a squirt bottle) called 'secret sauce.' I can think of many ways to enjoy this salad, especially on a toasted sandwich, or with baby bib lettuce wraps, or on grilled bread slices.

 

Preparations

 Now, Andy and I both have our first shot of vaccine. I  had mine Monday morning.  We left the house at 7:20 and Mike had us home by 8:30--so an hour and smooth sailing.  Andy's went a little faster which was a week ago.

Today we ordered a chairlift. Looks like we are getting ready for old age. There have been people in and out all day. We like to be prepared, that's for sure. Any adjustment to the home is better than an assistant living away from the home. We are, however,  both very well and on-foot.

January is out of the way and February is short, soooo Spring is in the air so to speak.

I am back in soupville.  We had pork, potatoes, and carrots in the slow cooker yesterday and soups on for today.

There is no reason to have flavorless food with hundreds of offerings in the markets today.  Trader Joe's chile lime seasoning blend is excellent and Hidden Valley's dry seasoning mix, both spicy and regular, hit the spot as well.  I put one or the other or both in just about everything. There are too many ways to count for seasoning mixtures looking to impart flavor to spark up your favorite dishes.

I hope you are all well and happy. Smile, it's almost spring.

Glass done china begun (Story 3)

Glass had begun to lose its luster and I had toy china in my sites as the next collection.  I have to say I liked this field very much and tended to hang on to a great collection for a short time while shopping for my new customers. It may be because it entailed many many trips to London and Paris and their surrounding areas easily accessible by train. I, however, found it easier to hire a driver and this made my life so much easier and safer especially in Paris. (One of the drawbacks to Paris taxi drivers is they are mostly Middle Eastern and they don't like Americans and are not shy about telling you, especially if you are a woman alone.) The London cab drivers knew what they were doing every single time and were great with Americans.  I was on the move constantly attending shows, hitting the markets, shops, and meeting with private dealers; it was hard work but exhilarating. There is always a learning curve when entering a new field, but it didn't take long if you liked what you were learning. I started in London with a summer study and tour program for college credit held at a London college and ranging with a guide over England in general. I was there in 1979 for the first time ever and it thrilled me to no end. I must say I had never endured heat like July and August while I was there. I never returned in July and August no matter the temptation of good buys. July and August were not good shopping months anyway, but then there were always Saturdays at Portabello Road. It remained my favorite in-city shopping ground being my first buying session in England at Portabello Road where I found a favorite glass set--a tumble up in miniature. Now it seemed fortuitous because toy glass is rare in England. So, I planned a quick Thanksgiving trip back to England in 1979 and never looked back. I arrived in London and quickly found a taxi and a great one at that.  We chatted all the way to the hotel in Earl's Court. I got settled in my room and after a few runs while I got settled he came back to drive me around to the antique shops. I spent all of my money in the first shop on King's Road! He drove me then to American Express where, if you had the right card you could get a cash advance.  The line was long at American Express, a place I would come to know and love. People kept getting ahead in the line and it was so frustrating. Finally, I said loudly, hello, I have a taxi waiting out there, so go to the back of the line.  Dead silence. I did not care, I was reckless at that point and I want my money! The line seemed to move a little faster and I was out in a flash and loaded for bear. People were still blinking and agape as I was leaving. I was there for only four vacation days and on Sunday back I flew to America while planning an entire Christmas in London with Andy in tow.

Cinderella shops story (2)

Having met thousands of people in all the years I collected, wrote about antiques, traveled, and sold antiques I have never met anyone meaner than the Cincinnati woman I was about to see way- too -often.  As it turned out, with my business, I actually paid tuition for two of her daughters to go through college with my glass buying, so  I don't know why she treated me like Cinderella, but she did and I took it because I wanted what she had to sell. Glenda and I arrived at her home invited and on time.   She met us at the door and was not going to let Glenda in the house. (Glenda was the one who found her and then called me over.) She was to wait in the car.  Well, I was having none of that, so I was reluctantly prepared to leave. The woman could see dollar signs driving out of sight. She sighed, and let us both in.  I must say it was a glorious old house and one that she did not fit into or deserve, but I digress. We were instructed to walk down the long hall and not to glance side-ways but straight ahead to the dining room with its long, very long, table. (As I write I am getting more upset by the treatment that we accepted.) We were instructed to sit, and like dogs, we did. She walked over to a closet and cracked open the door just enough to allow her fat ass to fit and block our view. She did not realize the view I had was a crack of light through the hinged part of the door and the view was astounding...an entire closet full of shelves of twinkling toy glass. I was stunned and Glenda noted the paleness of my face and feared I was going to faint. I, on the other hand, feared I was going to strangle the bitch.  She asked if I had brought cash and I said I did (kind of like a drug deal) and so it began. This went on for years until I had cleaned out her entire collection of glass and wrote a book about the subject, but I am getting ahead of the story.  Andy had driven me to Cincinnati every time after the only Glenda trip and she was not going to let him in the house either and he had the money!  He was to wait in the car. Well, I nearly let it go and again was ready to leave, but we were to make one last buy by cleaning out the remainder of the toy glass and pricing each and every individual piece as another kind of punishment.  (Seems she did not like men either.)  The eight-hour clean out of the closet was not fun. Yes, Andy and I sat there and piece by piece priced each and every piece of glass that was left in the closet.  She never asked if we needed the facilities (kind of like the movie The Help), never offered us any of the crackers and cheese she treated herself to in front of us, (kind of made me want to bake her a special pie)... and yet we put up with it for eight hours and were, in my estimation, now, very silly, kind, and accommodating. We were never rude to her and that seemed to insight more rudeness from her. I knew she had toy china too, but I was not willing to go through years of her company once the glass was gone. I had long been traveling and buying by then and had several book deals with two publishers and only saw her once at a Columbus show years later. She knew she would never see me or my money again. She flung her last insult at me and the next thing I knew someone told me she was dead. (I didn't do it.)