Swimming In a Fresh Water Lake

This morning I drove back up to the cabin.  I stopped on the way at a campground, and took a dip in the lake.  The scenery was gorgeous.  The jagged mountains were lined with tall pines.  The sun was sparkling on the lake.  I could hear the fish jumping and bubbling in the water.  The whole place was teeming with energy and  life.

Lula and I were the only ones there.  We had the entire lake and campsite to ourselves!  I hung my Adventure Pass on the rear view mirror, and  changed into my swimsuit in the public restroom.  We went for a walk and stumbled upon a Bible Camp that had incredible facilities.  No one was staying there, but there were some workers on the premises.  I could hear a generator and some voices shouting over it.  We headed back to the peace and stillness of the lake.

I had forgotten how invigorating it feels to swim in fresh water.  Lula dog paddled around and tried to lean on me as I was swimming.  Her nails were scratching my skin, and I kept laughing.  Labs always want to have contact with you, like guide dogs.   She is so funny.  We both were in a state of pure joy.

Here are a couple more links to the area. stayinwrightwood.com has a hysterical episode of Judge Judy deciding on a court case about a rental cabin up there.  I love Judge Judy.  She's such a New Yorker.   She always makes me laugh with her comments to people who don't want to follow the law.  She is so cut and dry; nothing gets by her.   

This article shows some gorgeous swimming holes across America.  I explored one in Yosemite when I was there.  There is something so simple and pleasurable about them.  I am looking forward to the change in seasons,  but am still soaking up the healing sunshine and beach opportunities while I can.  Hope you enjoy...

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

Wrightwood, CA

The Cabin - Wrightwood, CA Cabin - Film by: Matt Maxwell

Wrightwood

A Visit To The New Cabin

We are in escrow now.  Things are moving along well, on schedule.  I was thinking of taking the Beach Bus to Santa Monica today, but I just wasn't in the mood.  It gets very crowded there on the weekends.  I was longing to go back to the mountains to look at my new cabin.  I am so excited about it!

I took Lula with me, and we drove up together.  I packed some snacks, plenty of water, and my knitting.  We arrived around noon, and went walking around what will be my new neighborhood. It's really breathtaking.  I found the country club, which is spectacular.  There were several kids playing in the lake.  There are trees everywhere, buildings that look like cabins, and happy families.  I just love the vibe.

The street where I will be living (part time,) is exquisite.  I have been wishing that I could be in an area with such artistic homes and gardens for years.  The only reason I can afford this one is because it is sixty miles from my cottage.  The further you get from the city, the cheaper the prices are.  I also have inherited money from my parents.  Their home was paid off, and that has enabled me to purchase this one.

I had lunch at my favorite cafe, and met a nice man and his two young, adorable children.  They enjoyed Lula and we had fun chatting.  He's a teacher, and he loves the peacefulness up there.  He invited me out for coffee.  Everyone I meet in the area seems very happy, laid back, and friendly.

I took a test ride on an ebike.  It was kind of scary, but also fun.  The leader seemed like he was racing around to me, but that's because I'm older.  The bikes are too expensive for me, but they are really cool.  There's no one to fix them if you have a flat tire, or need a repair. Still, I can see why they are so popular.  I may just buy a folding Schwinn mountain bike. The trails up there are so special.  At Inspiration Point, you are above the clouds, gazing down at the tops of the mountains.

Lula and I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.  There are all kind of campsites and retreat spaces to rent.  Maybe I will have a yoga and knitting retreat somewhere.  I think it would be fun.  The setting is just gorgeous! I wanted to take photos, but I didn't have any storage space on my ipad.  Too many apps...I will get some. You will love them.  I will post some Youtube videos of the area. It's a lot greener now.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

Looking At Cabins Up In the Mountains

Today I spent the morning looking at small homes and cabins in the mountains.  The prices there are very reasonable, especially for California.  For years I have been imagining what it would be like to have a get away up in the clean air, with tall pine trees, and majestic views.  I drove an hour and a half from my cottage. 

I made an offer on a gorgeous small home that has a sauna.  It feels so Finnish.  It's delightfully decorated, and is on four lots.  There's nothing like having land around you for privacy.  There are pine trees everywhere.  It feels like you are living right in the woods.

There are steps that take you down to the front door.  It's heavy and green, and has beautiful artistic lighting.  My realtor called me this afternoon to let me know that my offer had been accepted.  I cried.  It's such a lovely place.  I've always dreamed of living in a neighborhood like this one.  I love the feel.  People up there seem to be very spiritual, and they enjoy nature and simplicity.  Everyone I have met so far has been my kind of person.  They all feel like old friends.  It reminds me of how California used to be, when I was a child.

Thank you for your comments.  They add  so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them. 

 

Thinking Ahead Twenty Years

heading towards Naples on NCL's  Epic

As you get older, time seems to pass more quickly.  I remember my dad telling me that it is like a cassette tape.  As the tape plays, there is less of it left on the left side. It speeds up at the end of the tape, spinning until it is all on the right.

What will your life be like in twenty years?  Where will you live?  Will you stay in your current home, or do you plan to move?  It helps to visualize the steps that we need to take in order to transition into our future.

I plan to travel in my fifties and sixties.  On the agenda is a cruise to Greece, Italy, and Mallorca.  I booked it a year in advance and got an excellent deal.  I also enjoy visiting my friends in Las Vegas and New York, and attending our reunions and get togethers.  These dancers are my show business family, and I feel very close to them.  We met in our twenties, and now we area growing old together. 

My little cottage is perfect for retirement.  It has everything I need;  it's simple and modest.  Many people move several times in their life.  Once I bought this home, I really put down roots.  I have always loved California, especially the mild weather.  Now that I've discovered the Beach Bus, I can see staying here forever.  How about you?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.   

Back To Soapmaking

It's been ages since I made soap.  When my dad was going downhill, I just didn't have the energy or motivation.  My inspiration is back! Today I made a batch of Shea Butter Goat's Milk Soap with blueberry fragrance oil.  It's for an Etsy order that I received last week.

It was really enjoyable to melt the oils and shea butter, let them cool down for a couple of hours, and then add the lye, goat's milk soap ice cubes, and blueberry flavored scent.  It smells incredible ! I put the tray molds in the freezer for a half hour, and then transferred them into the fridge.  Once they have hardened, I will pop them out of the molds.

I've been on a cooking frenzy, too.  Since my dad died, I have started making and baking really delicious meals again.  Today I seasoned some chicken breasts and browned them in olive oil for tacos.  I whipped up some guacamole, and had a delicious lunch.  I love Mexican food.  It's so satisfying and flavorful.

What have you been having for meals lately?  Do you usually eat at home?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.   

Reconnecting With Old Friends

Thirty-four years after we met

Yesterday I drove to Las Vegas and attended a lovely memorial for my friend Kate. There were several people there that I had danced with at the MGM Grand in Reno, Nevada.  It was so exciting to see them again; I felt elated.  We had such happy times performing together when we were in our twenties.  It was an absolute thrill to dance on that huge stage.  It's the largest stage in the world.  The show had a real lion, horses, an ostrich, a dog act, and spectacular special effects.

a backstage birthday celebration with my friends at MGM

I met with my friend Darya for breakfast this morning.  We used to sit next to each other backstage.  We would always chat as we put on our make-up and changed our costumes.  It was a very relaxed, social atmosphere, and there was always something fun happening.

I am wiped out from the long drive in the heat, so I am now heading to bed.  Do you have any old friends that you are still in touch with?  Where did you meet them?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.    

Saving Money on Fruit

During the summer, I eat a tremendous amount of fruit.  From June until October, our weather is very hot and dry.  Eating watermelon and other melons helps to cool the body down, and the taste is divine.  I add some fresh lime juice to mine, it really brings out the flavor of the  fruit.

Yesterday I stewed the rest of the rhubarb that I had purchased last week.  I added some water and sugar, and let it simmer on the stove for about twenty minutes.  I stored it in a rectangular pyrex dish, and chilled it in the refrigerator.  It's so refreshing to enjoy as a snack.  I've been trying to eat less baked goods, and find that  the stewed fruit is just as delectable as a cobbler, crisp, or pie.

Today I bought some nectarines that were only .50 a pound.  The bananas are always a good deal, but when it's super hot I slice them up and store them in the fridge with the sliced melon.  Otherwise they get brown, mushy,  and overly ripe.

I defrosted some bbq sauce that I had made a while back and stored in the freezer.  It was delicious on the chicken breast filets that I picked up on sale at the Armenian market today.  I rode the bus to the store and back home with my friends.  We always have a animated chat  when we see each other.  It's a little public transportation community.  Some of them ride the Beach Bus, as well. 

I came home to an Etsy order for six goat's milk soaps, in the blueberry scent.  I was elated.  I still get so excited every time I make a sale.  I checked my supplies and there is still have plenty of the blueberry fragrance oil.  It's one of my favorites.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  

Reducing Your Expenses

Yesterday I took the Santa Clarita Beach Bus again to Santa Monica.  It only runs through the summer, so I want to take advantage of the low fare and opportunity while I can.  The ocean, as always, was gorgeous.  I rode a shared Breeze bike up Montana Avenue, along the popular beach path, and down Ocean Avenue.  The views are spectacular.  Each time I go, I enjoy it.  That $99.00 yearly membership has definitely been worth it.  I fell off the bike in the afternoon, but did not get hurt.  They  new models  are VERY heavy, and they tip over easily.  The key pads are much better, though.  The guy in front of me fell over on his, too.  It you look at the scenery, and slip from the pavement onto the sand, it's over.  The bike starts tipping and it's not light enough to adjust like a normal bike. Oh well. I met some friendly bike riders who asked if I was okay. Yes, just embarrassed.

I brought my Hermione's sock with me.  I have finished the gusset, and am now working on the foot. I should be able to complete today. It feels satisfying to be knitting from my stash yarn, kind of like eating up the leftovers.  It is so tempting to buy new wool, but I have plenty stored away for my retirement. So many people have given me their extra; I'm very fortunate.

I packed a snack to take to the beach.  I did splurge on a salad at a cafe on Montana Avenue, but will probably continue to bring a sandwich, fruit, and water from now on.  Eating out at restaurants really adds up quickly.  It can also become a habit, once you get started.  I asked the waitress if the salad came with bread and butter, and she answered, "We don't serve bread and butter."  She acted  horrified that someone would eat such a thing.  It seems like all the younger people here eat vegetarian, gluten free, and organic.  I might make a loaf of bread tonight.  It felt weird to have a salad without bread.  I guess it's part of the generation gap.

Instead of buying coffee, I waited until I got home and drank the leftovers that I had saved in my French press.  Santa Monica beach provides stations with free sunscreen, so I used theirs.  The dispensers squirt out a small amount when you place your hand beneath them.  I applied it liberally, all over my face and body.

I brought a library book with me for entertainment.  I am rereading The Money Class, by Suze Orman.  It's a very thorough book on what we learned from the last recession. The older I get, the more I understand it.

I did a load of laundry this morning with homemade laundry soap.  It's very hot, so the clothes will dry quickly out in the backyard.  Once they are folded and put away, I will mop the floors using homemade liquid soap and hot water.  I make a hot vinegar water for the rinse.  What are your plans for today?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.   

The Frustration of Dementia

my dad and I in Seattle, Washington

When a parent has dementia, it completely changes their personality.  They go through different stages.  If you read books on the subject, you will probably recognize the behaviors.  It's very helpful to learn about other people's experiences with it.  No one thinks it's going to happen to them, but it is all too common in the elderly.  I actually sometimes wonder if it is a natural stage of life, like puberty or menopause.

One of the most stressful parts of having a parent with dementia is dealing with the denial around you.  The wives and daughters are usually the most in tune.  Others may refuse to believe that it's happening, and make excuses for the erratic and unpredictable behavior of your parent.   Unfortunately, as time passes, it gets worse.

The personality gradually changes.  Sometimes the eyes go blank.  A normally sensitive and caring individual might display a  lack of empathy, or they could form an extreme attachment to a new friend or love interest.  They might latch on to a  family member, and obsess about them. Inconsiderate behavior is common. Angry outbursts, verbal attacks, and unkind insults may occur.

Women with dementia will often revert to acting like teen aged girls.  They can become catty, or preoccupied with their looks.  (especially if they were the beauty queens when they were young.)  Many will put down others, yet act like they still possess the youth and beauty of movie starlets.  They will often lash out at  the people who are the most loyal and honest, saving their worst behavior for them.  Many become swept away by those who will exploit them.  They can't see what's obvious to a whole person.

Elder abuse usually happens within the family.  It is often committed by in laws and those who are caretakers.  Power of attorney can sometimes whirl into a nightmare, if the person who holds it gets drunk on the possibilities.  These final decisions in life are so important, and can wreak havoc in a family when put into the wrong hands.  Sometimes it's better to choose a fiduciary, rather than a family member. This way your wishes will be executed, and not changed or ignored.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them. 

 

A Simple Dishcloth Pattern

Mellie's Crochet Dishcloth and Hermione's Socks

This is one of my favorite crochet dishcloth patterns. It's called Mellie's Crochet Dishcloth. The terms used are American.

Cotton yarn and H hook

Chain 27

Row 1: SC in 3rd chain from hook, DC in the next, [SC, DC] all the way across. SC in last stitch
Chain 1, turn.

Row 2: DC in SC [SC DC] across. Chain 1 and turn.

And this is how you will keep the pattern up for the rest of the cloth. You'll be doing a DC in each SC, and a SC in each DC, with 1 chain at end.

When you've reached around 22 rows or so, (depending on your tension), you should have a square.  Finish off your yarn, and it's ready to use!   

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

Therapeutic Sock Knitting

The other day I started a pair of Hermiones Everyday Socks.  I tried  making this pattern once before, but I messed up the eye of the partridge garter stitch edged heel. I  ended up frogging them.  This time I decided to do a pair  in just one color.  It's easier than changing balls of yarn to making contrasting cuffs, heels, and toes. I'll work up to using a second color the next time I do this pattern.  It's a free and very popular one on Ravelry.


So far, so good.  I goofed up the heel the same way I did the first time, but ripped it out and started again.  I had forgotten to start  on the wrong side. I should have known, since the instructions said to pearl to the end of the row. It's very relaxing and soothing to knit outside on the porch again.  I also love to get at 5:00 a.m., light a beeswax candle, and knit on the couch with my coffee.  Socks are one of my favorite projects.  This one has texture, but it's still fairly easy.

I baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies and took them to some sweet little kids in my neighborhood.  I also did my grocery shopping and splurged on some new and exciting foods.  I made fettuccine with a tomato meat sauce, and plan to bake rhubarb crisp tomorrow.  It's amazing how eating new foods jazzes up  life.  I bought some red grapes on sale for .99 a lb.  They are a rare treat around here.  I am out of butter, so I will pick it up in bulk at Costco.  They have it at the best price.

I stopped at the library and checked out a couple of books. I have been reading a lot about retirement.  Now that my parents are both no longer living, I feel like I am in a new phase of life. I don't have to worry about them anymore.  I didn't realize how much energy I expended in that direction until now.   I feel like I have taken flight.  The retirement preparations have gone into effect.  There are many plans for adventure in the works.  How are things going with you?

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  

  

Keeping Up An Exercise Routine As You Age

When we exercise,  we are not just working our muscles, we are working our systems.  We have many of them: the cardiovascular system,  nervous system,  circulatory system,  reproductive system, and our lymphatic system.

One feeds the other. Just walking regularly makes a huge difference in how you age. We have become a very sedentary culture.  With all of the time people spend behind a computer screen and on their phones, they are losing the habit of being in the body.  Many no longer experience  the pleasure of being in excellent physical shape.

I enjoy walking barefoot on the beach.  The effort and energy it takes to walk on dry sand  really works the leg muscles. Riding a bike in the fresh air and sunshine is something that is carefree, exciting, and it gets the endorphins going.

Practicing yoga and the breathing exercises really helps one to feel calm, centered, and in tune with the truth.  Dedicated practice also keeps the body youthful.  It takes discipline to exercise each day, but it's totally worth it.  Your skin, body, and hair will reflect your health.

I rode the bus with a friend yesterday and he commented, "You and Carmela just don't age." It was so sweet of him.  Carmela, (another bus regular,) is in her eighties, is very disciplined, and she walks miles each day.  She used to be a hula dancer.  People that stay physical as they get older feel better, and they have an easier time maintaining emotional balance.  Among other benefits, exercise discharges negative energy.

What kind of workout do you do?  How does it help you?

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.   

A Bunny in the Garden

This morning I snapped a photo of a bunny that was snacking on the flowers in my garden. He looks so healthy and serene. I love the natural color of his coat. He blends in so well with the environment. 

not very uniform, but practical

I made several dishcloths with some kitchen cotton yarn that I bought on sale.  My old ones were falling apart, after seven years of use. They were  mindless and easy to make, and getting back into knitting and crocheting was very therapeutic. It's a relief to be knitting again.  I'm getting my self  back.  I even started on a pair of blue and green socks today.  I have plenty of sock yarn in the stash.  Are you making anything special?

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.