Bulbs Are in Bloom

 

On Saturday I was happily surprised to receive two bouquets of gorgeous tulips from hollandridgefarms.com.  I wasn't expecting them.  I had started to place an order on their website for peonies, and then canceled it.  (once I realized that you need to order those in the fall.)  I will go back and reorder.  These bulbs are spectacular!  I am eagerly waiting for them to open and bloom.  I have been changing the water in their crystal vase each day.  They sent me both yellow and red ones...my two favorite colors when I was a little girl.  How thoughtful of them.  (and a smart business move.)

Many people are relaxing their Covid restrictions here, but I am still being very careful.  I shop for groceries at 6:00 or 7:00 a.m., and spend a lot of time bicycling, walking, and hiking.  I turned down a recent invitation to a fantastic party in Las Vegas.  I would love to connect with my friends, but I just don't feel like it's safe yet.  Patience is a virtue.  I chat with my close friends on the phone, and keep in touch with others online.  I don't feel comfortable getting the vaccine at this time.  I plan to wait a year.

Spring is definitely here.  I have been feeding the fruit trees homemade compost, added a layer of mulch, and have been giving them plenty of water.  They really respond to the care.

Lula and I have also been soaking up the sunlight and vitamin D.  It really makes a difference in how you feel, I think.  Is it sunny right now where you live?

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Experience the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

NYC to LA BY TRAIN | A 3000-mile no-fly travel film inc. Amtrak Californ...

Continuing to Exercise During the Pandemic

 One thing that has always made me feel more positive and healthy has been to get daily fresh air and exercise.  As the weather is warming up, and the days are getting longer, I find it easier to get in my daily walks, bike rides and yoga.  

I am fortunate to be able to walk through this beautiful neighborhood, enjoy the views of the tall trees, snow covered mountains, and the yellow daffodils that are starting to bloom.  Yesterday I rode my bike  at the paved bike path at Table Mountain.  There were only a few other people on the trail.  The weather was spectacular!  I stopped at a cliff and watched the skiers easing down the slopes at Mountain High.  They looked very relaxed and happy.  Enjoying the outdoors is healing for the heart and soul.

I came home, polished the furniture with orange oil, reheated my spicy chicken tacos, and sat by the glowing fire.  Lula followed me into the bathroom  when I  climbed in for a soak.  She made a circular bed for herself with the bath mat and throw rugs.  I guess it's getting warm enough for her to want to join me again.  The hot water and melted epsom salts felt soothing and comforting on my muscles.  I lit a couple of candles, and turned on the wall heater for a few minutes.   

After pulling the plug to release the water from the tub, I placed the strainer over the drain, and opened the windows.  We just had a tiny bit of light snow.  The air always smells moist and charged before it starts snowing.

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From the Beach to the Snow

 Last week the time we spent at the beach was relaxing and healing.  There is something so calming and spiritual about gazing at the ocean.  I can't wait to actually  get IN the water again!  We were just on the bike path.  I wore a sweater to cut the chill.  Hanging out seaside  helps me to appreciate the beauty of nature, and to forget about my perceived problems.  The sound of the ocean really broadens one's horizons.

Yesterday I drove back up to the cabin.  I placed an order for some dividend paying stocks in the morning with my broker.  I had researched the companies that I was interested in, and realized that the timing and price were right.  I like the stock market because it's fast, efficient, and liquid.  I just switched my accounts to the online version, and am very pleased with how easy it is to navigate the website  Having a new laptop makes all the difference.   No more paper statements hanging around...that's a relief.  On her last podcast, Suze Orman was recommending Chevron as a stock for us to buy.  That made me feel happy, because I have a large percentage of my portfolio with Chevron.  It's given me an excellent income in my late fifties.  Warren Buffett just purchased a tremendous  lot of it, as well.  

Today I paid the second half of my  property taxes for the land and cabin.  This time I did it online, using the county website.  There is no charge if you pay by e-check.  You have to carefully make sure that there aren't any mistakes in your paperwork, if you do, there is a $36.00 fee.  Yikes.  The transaction  went through immediately, and now I don't have to mail the bills or worry about them being received.

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"OFFSHORE" - Visit The Channel Islands with Pro Surfer and Patagonia Bra...

A Lovely Day at the Beach

 This morning Lula and I drove out to Piru to pick up some beeswax candles, honey sunscreen, and rich, honey jasmine hand lotion.  It was a gorgeous drive along the 126.  I decided to keep driving west, and to check out the beach bike path in Ventura.  I had forgotten how beautiful that route is.  I love the section where it turns into the 101 North.  The ocean views are spectacular!  How lucky I am to live in LA.  The woman behind the counter gifted me a jar of honey from their farm.  I was so touched.  I had just run out of it at the cottage, and hers is top quality. 

We pulled in at one of the campsites, and I bought a day pass.  I had packed plenty of water, a few snacks, and some dog biscuits for Lula.  I felt excited and  thrilled with the beauty of the bike path and beach scenery.  The outline of the mountains looked so blue and vibrant  The last few times we've been to Santa Monica, I was distressed by the number of disturbed and homeless people.  The vibe in Ventura was totally different.  It felt like we were mixing with the locals, rather than tourists.  Everyone was relaxed and groovy.  There were lots of happy, well socialized dogs.

The surfers were impressive.  I sat on a bench and watched them.  Lula laid at my feet.  I filled her water bowl and munched on almonds and a banana.  Lula enthusiastically crunched on her dog biscuits.  I was surprised at how many of the men carrying surf boards had grey hair.  I always assumed that surfers were much younger.   They were so talented.  There's a parking lot for the surfer beach; it only costs $4.00.  I think we will park there next time.  I paid $10.00 at the place that I picked.  It felt safe, and I am happy to support tourism there.  I wore my mask while breezing down the bike path and enjoyed the ocean breeze.  Lula got a lot of smiles.  

Have you been to the beach recently?

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Early Morning Grocery Shopping

 This morning I got up at 5:30 a.m. and had my usual stick and a half of celery on an empty stomach. I flicked on the switch for  fresh coffee, and clicked on the old fashioned handles of a couple of the antique lamps.   I always  set up my automatic drip coffee machine at night before I go to sleep.  It's a vintage Mr. Coffee maker that still works beautifully.  (as long as I run hot vinegar water through it every now and then...) 

While  sitting on the soft couch and writing in my journal, I admired the view of the snow capped pines outside the window.  I crept upstairs and changed into some warm clothing to head out to the store.  We had fresh snow last night, so I knew I was safe to drive on the roads; I had purposely left  the chains on my tires.  I love to get out there when the streets are empty.  The sun was just starting to rise.  I relish the feeling of  daylight savings time.  My body  anticipates it.

I pulled on my black leggings, and a long black wool skirt that I bought while on tour twenty years ago, at Nordstrom Rack.  I shrugged into an an old cashmere sweater under the Icelandic wool sweater that I knit a couple of years ago.  I bought the  bulky yarn that I used for it  from Webs with a birthday gift card.

After climbing up the freshly shoveled path in my driveway, I brushed off the snowy powder from the windows of my VW Beetle.  I let the car warm up, and pulled on my mask.  I had my grocery list, purse, rod iron bar for protection, and mittens that belonged to my mom before she died.  

The tire chains crunched securely  in the ice as I slowly eased the car down our narrow mountain road.  Once I arrived at the store's parking lot,   I found an frosty space near the entrance.  You're not supposed to drive with chains on bare pavement.  It felt like I was the only customer in the store.  The checker was very friendly.  I stopped at my p.o. box to check my mail.  I pay most of my bills online now.  I like having less paper in my life.

When do you do your grocery shopping?

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Living With An Identical Twin | Two Of A Kind | Spark

Focusing on What You Want to Create

 I have decided to take a break from absorbing so much news; it depresses me.  The headlines now seem more like gossip  than what I'd consider news stories.  They remind me of The National Enquirer.  I do want to know what's going on in the world. However, a constant diet of dysfunction, conflict, and battles is not good for the soul.

I think if we prioritize what is important to us, and put our focus there, we become happier and more balanced.  I know that when I was a young dancer, taking class put me on an emotional high for the rest of the day.  It was so exciting to learn all of those new combinations, and to push the body to its limits.  Eating well, getting plenty of sleep, keeping the house clean and organized, and exercising regularly are areas that really help me.  

I have even started limiting what I  watch, as far as movies.  If there's disturbing violence on the screen, I just shut it off.  So many of the documentaries now are about abuse. They used to be about art and talent.   Those disturbing images can really play into your psyche.  My mother didn't allow me to watch soap operas when I was young.  When I asked her why, she answered, "Because I don't want you watching other people's problems.  Go outside and play."  I see now how wise she was.  My closest friend had all the characters memorized: Luke and Laura, and all of their drama, history, and pain.  She had never dated a boy, yet was living through them.  I could see that my mother didn't approve.  It's addictive, and creates a fixation that has nothing to do with you or your destiny.  People did the same thing when Trump was in office.  We have to live our own lives.

Physical activities like shoveling snow, walking the dog, hiking, or riding the bike are much better options than fixating on other people's unhappy family situations.  For me it's always been better to detach from those who I find negative, draining, or difficult.  

What about you?

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Using Pine Needles To Start a Fire

 Recently when I was having my chimney swept, I talked to the man  about pine needles.  I had paid him extra to blow those that had collected off of my roof. "That's a good practice," he commented.  "I use them to start my fires; I don't even use newspaper," he added.

I decided to try the same thing in my own fireplace.  I had a large amount of dry pine needles stored in a plastic garbage can.  I used them under a handful under the kindling, and they worked beautifully.  They blazed right away.  

What do you use as fire starters?

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Learning from the Royals

 After watching snippets of the Oprah interview with Harry and Meghan, I came to several realizations.  Using your talents and following your dreams is crucial to happiness.  I was fortunate that I was able to train as a dancer and perform in Broadway touring musicals and nightclub acts.  It's what I always wanted to do.

As I've gotten older, I have put more focus on the home.  To me, a comfortable, peaceful living space is intrinsic to feeling safe and relaxed.  As I age, I see that having fewer possessions makes my life less stressful.  In my thirties, I had three dogs, a turtle, and two chickens.  Now I have one dog.  I prefer less responsibility at this stage of my life.  I also greatly value my privacy and independence.

Many people think that expensive weddings, a spouse, homes, and cars will make them happy.  It doesn't work that way.  You have to do the things you love, and spend time with people with whom you truly connect.  A deep soul connection is rare, and it's very valuable.  I love the spark of romance I see between these two.  I couldn't help but notice that the things that Harry enjoys most in California are the same simple activities that ignite a flame of enthusiasm in me: riding my bike, hiking, and going to the beach.  I hope they are able to enjoy their life together here, and can let go of the pain and unsuitability of the past.  I wish them the best.  They certainly have a gorgeous home.

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Princess Alice: The Royals' Greatest Secret - British Royal Documentary

A Visit to the Emergency Room

 Last month I drove myself to the emergency room to have my toe checked.  I had been shoveling snow, and somehow in the process, between numb toes, changing into dry wool socks, and thawing out by the fire, I ended up with a big toe that was black and blue and very swollen.  

I called Teledoc, and discussed my symptoms over the phone with a doctor.  I was concerned that it might be Covid toes.  It looked like the photos.  He said that it sounded like frostbite, but that I needed to go to the ER.

I was nervous to go to the hospital during this pandemic, but was pleasantly surprised.  They had three empty tents out in front of the main entrance.  I was the only one in the office.  A few employees helped me check in, and I was given a bed in the emergency room.

My doctor suggested that we take an x-ray.  It turns out, my toe was fractured.  They wrapped me my foot in an ace bandage, applied a splint, and let me go home.

Wearing a snow boot kept it immobilized, and it didn't hurt the way I expected.  I iced it, which really helped.  I didn't need to take anything for the pain.  They gave me a pair of crutches, but I found them cumbersome, so I just didn't put weight on it for a while.  

It has healed perfectly.  Soaking in the bath with epsom salts has really been soothing.  It makes the toe joint itch.  My mom always told me that the sensation of itching means that it's healing.  

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Stacking Firewood

 

I have been stacking firewood for the past couple of days.  We are expecting more snow.  The chains are strapped onto my car's tires, a fire is crackling in the fireplace, and Lula is fast asleep on the couch.  

Which do you prefer, gas heat or a roaring fire?  I'm finding that I enjoy a combination the two.  Quality firewood and delivery are getting very expensive.  I can keep my heater set at 55 degrees, and just warm up the room that I'm using.  It costs much less for me to heat the cabin with gas.  I do love the look and feel of a  fire, though.  I also like to have a stockpile of wood in case of an emergency or freezing situation like they recently experienced in Texas.

Wearing layers of clothing, using the wool and alpaca throws, and closing off the rooms in use makes a huge difference.  It's at times like these that I'm happy that I have a smaller home.  My parents owned a large house that was gorgeous, yet drafty and cold.  My mother would turn on the furnace, and my father would shut it off. My mom bought an Irish fisherman's sweater for my grandmother to wear when she  came to visit from Los Angeles.  It made all the difference. 

Last Friday I had the chimney swept and fireplace cleaned.  They also replaced some of my motion sensor lights for me, and blew the pine needles off of the roof with their blower.  It's such a relief to have those tasks done.  I was surprised at how dirty and clogged up the grates had become.  

Are you warm enough?  What kind of heating do you 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.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.