No Power On Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving  our power was shut off from 1:00 p.m.  until 3:00 p.m. the following day.  Fortunately, my neighbor had warned me the previous afternoon that the power company was concerned about high winds and fire danger.  She suspected we might lose power.   So, I made all of the side dishes a day early.  She had her whole meal finished, including the turkey.  I put my stuffed chicken in the oven at 9:00 a.m. and it was fully cooked by 11:00 a.m.  I ate at noon.  

Thank goodness my neighbor had seen the notice on our local radio station's website. The power company sent me a warning call  at 12:45 p.m. on Thanksgiving day.   Many families were right in the middle of their preparations.  I feel so badly for them.  The expense, the time, energy, and excitement had really built.  (Especially during Covid-19.)  What a shame for all of those people who lost their food.

I drove to the gas station to buy more candles at 5:00 p.m.  I tripped in the dark kitchen when I got home, and broke half of them.  It was hard to sweep up the glass with just a small flashlight.   I had a hurricane lamp, but the oil must have evaporated since the last time I used it.  It flickered enough for me to take a bath, and then the flame died.  I thought I had some extra lamp oil in the cupboard, but I don't.

I ended up going to bed at 7:00 p.m.  because it was so dark.  There was nothing else to do.  You couldn't use your computer or Kindle.  It's hard to read at this age by candlelight.

The next morning, I packed up my freezer contents and Thanksgiving feast, and brought everything up to the cabin.  I had phoned my neighbor to make sure there was power up here.  I carried all of my perishables in cloth shopping bags and unloaded them into the fridge once I arrived.  I was so grateful to have a place to go, and a working fridge and freezer.

The first thing I did was to make a pot of coffee.  I had forgotten to replenish my emergency coffee supply at the cottage.  I used to keep a tin of ground coffee in the freezer for that very reason.  Without electricity, I couldn't use the coffee grinder or plug in my one cup coffee maker.  I need to leave my French press there.  I had relocated it to the cabin, because I love the flavor that it gives the coffee.  It reminds me of when I was working in Paris.  

Some people on our street had their generators running.  They are expensive and complicated to install.  I plan to buy more lamp oil, a lantern, several of those religious candles, and a huge flashlight.  My emergency radio/flashlight didn't work, because it is solar.  Live and learn.  We were very fortunate.  

All's well that ends well, as my dad used to say.  Have you ever experienced a power outage?  Were you prepared?   

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Living into your 90s

Would You Bake A Pie For One Person?

 

I met up with my neighbor this afternoon, and we were discussing what we were baking and preparing for Thanksgiving.  She enthusiastically told me that she was making her pumpkin pie with a butter pie crust, eggs, and whipped cream.  She looked so happy and excited that it made me go home and do the same thing. 

I used to make pumpkin pie for my mom, my brother, and I, when I was growing up.  Just a few of us in the family liked it.  I would make a fruit pie for everyone else, too.  (usually apple or berry.)  My mother was always so appreciative when I made them, telling me that my homemade crust was much better that the store bought pies.  It does make a difference.  So does the freshness.  She'd have me bake the pies the  day before Thanksgiving, , then on Thanksgiving morning, we would cook all day together.  My dad always helped.  ( and he did the shopping and dishes.)  We started early, chopping onions and celery for the stuffing.

I  baked an apple crisp yesterday, but decided to go ahead and make a pumpkin pie today, too.  Why not?  I had the ingredients. I whipped together the eggs, sugar, spices, pumpkin, and canned milk.  It brought back memories of making this dessert for so many years for my family.  I rolled out the homemade crust, and placed it in a beautiful hand painted pie dish from Poland that used to belong to my mom.  

 After placing the pie dish on the rack, I carefully poured the pumpkin mixture into the shell.  Ever so slowly, I inched the wire rack back into position, closed the door,  and let the pie bake for one hour.  I wish my mom was here to have a slice.  As I carefully removed it from the oven, I told her to help herself, if she was listening.  You never know, she might be around...  "It looks so pretty," I felt like she whispered back to me.  The filling had come together, and the top was lightly browned.  When you come in the front door the cottage smells buttery and delightful.

I'll enjoy it tomorrow, after the stuffed chicken with all the trimmings.  All of the side dishes are already made.  I may give some pie to some of the kids in the neighborhood, if they want it.  I will ask a couple of the women who live on my street.  It will last in the fridge.  How is your cooking going?

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A Bike Ride Along the Beach in Santa Monica

Yesterday morning after breakfast I packed up my backpack with some tortilla chips, a large  bottle of water, and a few pieces of Ghiradelli peppermint bark.  I followed Lula to  the car, (she couldn't wait to go on an adventure!) lifted my bicycle onto the bike rack, and drove down the uncrowded  405 freeway to Santa Monica.  

I parked carefully at the mall, and made a note on my ticket of my parking spot, the floor, and the color of the bulding.  Lula and I rode on the Colorado Street bike path to the pier.  She galloped along beside me as we both gazed at the ocean.  I loved her excited reaction.  The beach is so vast and expansive.  There were other people out walking and running, too, leaving plenty of space for everyone to socially distance.  Many of us were wearing masks.  The other dogs were well behaved and on leashes.  It was calm and peaceful. 

We stopped after turning around, and sat on an empty bench.  I gave Lula a bowl of water, and one of her dog biscuits.  I quietly munched on the chips, and watched the other passers by and their dogs.  Everyone seemed comfortable and relaxed.  The weather was sunny and warm, in the 70's.  It's heavenly here this time of year.  It is a pleasure to drive the thirty miles to the beach.  I didn't take advantage of it for decades when I was busy with my work.  Now I relish the time and the scenery. 

We may be under lockdown again soon, so I wanted to take advantage of a short day trip while we could.  I drove home down San Vicente, passed through picturesque Brentwood, turned right on Wilshire,  and merged back onto the freeway, this time heading North.  There was very little traffic-one positive aspect of the pandemic.

I sang along to Christmas carols on the way home.  I love Holiday music.  Once home, Lula slept like a log for several hours.  I think the beach run exhausted her, but in a healthy way.  Where do you go to get your outdoor exercise?     

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Shopping at Cost Plus World Market Felt Like a Trip to Europe!

 Today I was researching prices for a Mamamango, an Italian moscato that I adore.  Cost Plus World Market came up on the search, and it showed an excellent price.  I decided to drive over there and see what they had.  I hadn't visited the store in nearly twenty years.  The last time I went I was with my parents.  I got my first loveseat for the cottage there.  It was so soft and comfortable.   

Boy was I in for a treat!  They had all kinds of Christmas goodies on display.  I bought a tin of award winning Swedish gingersnap cookies.  They are called Peppar Kakor.  They definitely deserve that award!  I had a few earlier this evening, (well, actually I had more than a few, but they are small wafers...)and they are addictive.   

I browsed through all of the gourmet foods; it brought back so many memories of when I was living in Europe as a professional dancer.   I splurged on a bag of Lavazza espresso, a bottle Torani vanilla syrup, and  several bottles of moscato in different flavors: mango, cranberry, and cherry.  The prices were better than I found at Target.  I really am turning into my mother.  I never thought I'd be one of those women with a shopping cart full of wine.  I also was given 15% off for joining their membership club, which was my excuse.

I plan to return and buy my Christmas gifts there.  It was so much fun to read the labels from all of the different countries where my friends and I toured together.  They had German cider and Christmas glog.  I got such a kick out of reading all of the festive labels.  One lady was trying to find something for a woman who she described as "a real snob."  I chuckled.    

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Enjoying Free Movies on Youtube

I have been happily watching documentaries and movies at home, since the virus hit.  (I never used to be a movie buff.)  I don't care for car chases or violence.  Last night I watched Hello Dolly, and absolutely loved it.  I was heart warming for me, because  both Tommy Tune and Michael Crawford became stars after filming it.  They each helped my career as a performer tremendously, giving me opportunities to break out of the chorus.  I just love seeing their early work.  How fortunate it  was to cross paths with them in my career.  They both were exciting, energetic, and outstanding in the film.

Yesterday I took a long walk with my neighbor.  Lula joined us.  The weather was spectacular!  It is so pretty up in the mountains with the sun is shining.  We meandered down the narrow streets returned along the Wrightwood Trail.  Our walk took an hour and a half.  I really enjoy living in such a walkable town.  It saves  so much money on gas, and it feels healthy to get out in the mountain air each day.

I just watched a fascinating documentary called The Hearst and Davies Affair.  Once it is safe to travel again, I want to visit Hearst Castle.  I am going to research the trip online.  It's a few hours drive from the cottage.  Cambria is supposed to be a gorgeous area.  I love that whole era: the glamour, furniture, clothing, and architecture... 

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I Hope I'm Not Turning Into a Wino

 When I visited Catalina Island for my birthday, I enjoyed a glass  of  sweet, sparkling wine out on the verandah at the Wrigley Mansion.  There were a few other guests attending Happy Hour, as well.  We had wine, cheese, crackers, cold cuts and fruit.  I loved chatting with them and enjoying the stunning view of the water.  Travelers are such fun people.  

When I arrived home, I decided to buy a bottle of the same wine and recreate the experience.  It really does seem to bring out the flavors of my meal.  I just have a small amount, but do enjoy it by the crackling  fire each evening.

The only problem is, it is upsetting my evening yoga routine.  I think I will have to do that in the afternoon, instead.  It's pretty dark and cold at night, anyway.  Not the most ideal time to be stretching on the floor...   

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Norman Rockwell Documentary

The 2002 VW Beetle Passed the Smog Test

Today I took my red VW Beetle in to be smogged.  I was a little nervous that it might not pass, since it is eighteen years old, but it did.  Phew!  I used the coupon that the company had sent me, which saved me $25.00.  The discount was excellent.  I think they mail them to repeat customers.  

I waited outside while they were doing the testing, so that I could social distance.  There were a few people in the office watching television and talking politics, which is the last thing that I want to do.  The men that work there were very nice.  I had called them before I left, so they let me pull into the garage before the other cars.  In the old days you made an appointment.  I guess people don't do that anymore.  I still like to check and see if they have time to work on my car, in case they're busy. 

They entered all of the information into the computer for me, and it was sent directly to the DMV.  I wrote out a check for $147.00, put a colorful stamp on it with a German Shepherd design, and mailed it at the post office.  No one was working there.  It was eerie.  The mail boxes still listed a 4:30 p.m. pickup time, though.

I arrived home and prepared a beef stew.  I dipped the small pieces of meat into flour, seasoned them with salt and pepper, and browned them in olive oil.  I used the cast iron pan that my mom and I used to cook with when I was a little girl.  Life is strange after your parents die.  After chopping up the onion, shallots, garlic, carrots, celery and potatoes, I let them simmer together in my Le Creuset pot.  I added some parsley, oregano, rosemary, and sage from the garden.  

It was a hearty and delicious meal.  I had two helpings.  My friend Vicky told me last week, "I am my own husband."  I got a kick out of that line.  She learned it from her mother, after her father died.  When you live on your own, you need to still be disciplined with cooking, cleaning, and finances.  What are you cooking these days?

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Judge Judy interview on her Life and Career (2009)

Exhausted, But Thankful

 

This evening, as I was reading an article on my mini ipad, I nodded off and fell asleep.  I find that this is happening almost every night.  My dad and aunt were the same way, once they were in their fifties.  My brothers and I would laugh at them as they snored.  Now I understand.  The thing is, it's only 5:45 p.m.  I could easily climb under the down comforter and flannel sheets in bed!  It feels so late.  I love this time of year, but I get tired so early!  When I was in my thirties, I worried that it was depression, but then realized that it's a seasonal thing.  Once we turn the clocks back, and the days get shorter and colder, I have less energy.

How about you?  Are you feeling sleepy earlier now, too?  The long summer days are behind us.  I so enjoyed spending most of my mornings or afternoons at the lake.  I had always wanted to live somewhere where I could swim in a fresh body of water, someplace within walking distance of my home.  I found it at age 55.  Lucky me! 

Do you feel the need to hibernate at this time of year?

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Fixing Things At Home

 

 Today I am doing some small tasks that need doing before the rain and snow arrives.  The deck has completely dried, and it looks fabulous!  They used a brown  Australian stain for timber that has the sealant built into the mixture.  It's a relief to know that with the snow we are expecting this weekend, the deck is protected.  The weather stayed warm enough for the workers to complete it and the California sunshine helped, thank goodness!

I also applied a coat of water based clear semi gloss to the door that I had replaced at the cottage.  That's a relief to have done.  I had been putting it off; it really didn't take long.  Next I need to put a coat of sealer on my redwood fence.  It's been almost a year since I've done it.  I'll wait till the weather is warm again, and the wood is nice and dry.

I bought a pair of slippers for winter at TJ Maxx this morning.  My nightgown and pajamas are still in good shape from last year, so I don't need to replace them.  I splurged on some treats: snickerdoodle caramels, mint chocolate cookies, and peppermint bark.  It's fun to have something new for dessert.  

I stopped at Target and picked up some staples on sale.  There were very few people there, which was nice.  I bought some Greenies for Lula.  My mom used to give those to my dogs every Christmas, and they loved them.  She was such a shopper!  Lula gobbled hers down this morning.     

How are you doing?

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The Ann Miller Story

Had Internet Connected Up At The Cabin

 

On Friday two of the workers from UIA came to the cabin hook up internet service for me.  They did a fantastic job.  They were on time, polite, enthusiastic, and efficient.  I love having people work at my home who are honest and dependable.  I was amazed at their climbing skills.

For the past year, I have been walking to the library and using their computer.  It is such a relief to have access from home now.  The cold weather is coming, and if the roads are filled with snow and ice, the librarians won't be able to  make it up the hill to get to work.  There were times last winter when I would trudge over there in my snow boots to find the door locked and closed.  Now I can just switch on my computer by the fireplace. 

Small details really do make our homes more comfortable.  Having  the wood stacked neatly by  the fireplace brings a feeling of security and warmth.  There is a vintage glass jar filled with matches, and several books and DVD's available for entertainment when we can't go outside...

This morning I will be raking leaves and adding them to my compost pile.  The roses are blooming again, and have been enjoying this mild weather. I will feed them some compost tea today.  The tangerines are starting to turn orange, now that the days are shorter and the temperatures at night have dropped.  

I harvested the persimmons last week; they are sweet and juicy.  For years that tree didn't produce.  I think last season's rain and the compost and mulch I applied gave it the energy and strength that it needed.   

How are things with you?  I hope you had a happy Halloween.

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