Day Trips

 

Day trips are a great way to feel like you've had a vacation while still saving money.  If you live fairly close to the beach or a lake, it can be a relaxing getaway that is still close to home.  Lula and I love to jump in the car and head off to the beach.  PCH has some scenic bike trails, (some right near the sand,) that are completely free from cars.

The dogs that we've met there are well socialized, calm,  and happy.  Everyone follows the leash law.  You can tell by the pets' body language that they don't have any aggression issues.  Canines at the beach always seem to be relaxed and smiling, like their owners.  We often stop and chat; everyone is so friendly.   I get a lot of questions about Lula's Walkydog.  It makes it so easy to ride her alongside me on the bicycle.  The bar keeps her stable  at my side.  It's safer than a leash; I can keep both hands firmly on the handlebars.

It's quick and easy to pack plenty of water, a lunch, dog biscuits for Lula, and fruit and dessert for me.   A sun hat, sheet, towel, and sunscreen are all that I need to toss into the beach bag.  

Parking is often free, and I can lock up the bike if we want to dip our toes in the water.  Watching the surfers is so entertaining.   They are still wearing wet suits.  They are in top physical condition,  I am amazed at how calm they are.  Yesterday we saw a lone paddle boarder and just one  man in a kayak.  The paddle boarder was surfing, and he was one of the best out there.  I feel in awe of their balance and control.  One was a complete master; he looked older than the others.  He was walking on his surfboard on the water!

It's exciting to be out in the sunshine again.  Summer is one of my favorite times of year.  How about you?

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Why do I hike | Award Winning Documentary 2020 (English)

Where Did Your Grandmothers Live When They Were Older?

 My father told me that during the Great Depression, his grandmother came to live with them in San Francisco.   They had a beautiful home  on Taraval Street, in West Portal.  The poor woman had run out of money. 

 His parents slept in the master bedroom, his sisters shared the back room, and my dad had to sleep in the middle room with his grandmother.  He was a little boy, and he didn't like it.  "She smelled like Ben Gay," he told me.   "And she snored," he added.  I giggled.  I guess many  older people come off as unappealing to young children.  We don't realize that we will be in their shoes someday.

She would stay four months with my dad's family, then go for four months with another one of her children, and spend the remainder of the year with her third child.  They took turns taking care of her.  Her husband had died, and she didn't have the means to live on her own.  There was no assisted living in those days.

It's important to look at our family history with money and retirement.  We can learn so much from the past.  Do you know what happened to your parents' grandparents?

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Planning For Old Age

 

This morning I talked on the phone  with my friend about our financial plans for retirement.  We discussed how much income we will have, where we will live, what housing and living expenses will cost, and other subjects.

It is so important not to let retirement sneak up on you!  I can't tell you how many of my dancer friends have had to have unexpected surgeries at around the age of fifty.  None of us had purchased disability insurance.  (which is very expensive.)  When you are self employed, if you can't work, you don't get paid.  No one thinks that they are going to be the one on the operating table, but it is highly common.

I never imagined that I would be having my hips replaced at age fifty.  Fortunately, I had six months of living expenses in my savings account.  I also had a large stockpile of food, a productive garden and orchard, and a paid off home.  Many others aren't so lucky.  

It's wise to rehearse for your retirement.  Practice living on the amount of money that you anticipate receiving.   Factor in for inflation.  That surprises many people.  How long will your car last?  Will you need to replace it?  Can you walk or bicycle places so that you aren't wasting trips?   Keeping your mileage low really saves money.  Older cars are much cheaper to insure and register.

Will your home need a new roof?  How about your appliances?  How old is you water heater?  Do you have mature trees that need trimming?  All of these costs can sink a budget, if you haven't planned for them in advance.

I personally think an older person should have five years worth of living expenses in savings.  If there's a downturn in the market, you can pull on that cash and not lose a huge percentage of your principal.  

It's helpful to keep track of your net worth.  You can check your home's value on Zillow or Realtor.com.  If you add up the totals on what you have, you can get a visual picture of whether or not you are headed in the right direction.  Planning is everything.  Just getting started is the main thing.  

How does your future look?  Do you feel confident and optimistic about the old lady or man that you will become?  Will that person be secure and comfortable?

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Building a Dividend Portfolio for Monthly Income

Choosing Stocks, As A Woman

 I have recently gotten very involved in the stock market.  After my dad died, the brokerage firm where he had been doing business kept calling me and encouraging me to sell my Chevron stock.  It had dropped significantly in value.  I did not have a diversified portfolio, it was just a few stocks, with most of what I owned in Chevron.  I declined, and told them that I planned to hold the stocks for twenty years.  My approach at that time was one that  came to me intuitively: a third in land/real estate, a third in stocks, and a third in cash.  I just felt that it made sense.   I learned later that this was an ancient Jewish tradition.  Interesting, since I'm not Jewish.

As time went on, and my deceased parents' home sold, I started researching dividend paying stocks.  I watched Youtube videos made by investors who live off of their dividends.  This is what's called passive income.  That's what my dad did.  He sold his business before retiring, and invested that money in the stock market.  He checked his statements online daily, and didn't trade.  He lived off the interest and reinvested the dividends.  He also owned some land and a paid off home that went up in value.  California real estate has soared.  

I decided to mirror his approach, on a smaller scale.  I researched the companies that interested me, and linked my bank account with my brokerage account.  After finding the stocks that are at the price I feel comfortable with, I transfer the money for the desired amount, and then send my broker an email.  He calls me back to take the order over the phone, and it shows up on my computer screen once it's executed.

Many women are afraid of the stock market.  Suze Orman recommends only investing there what you can afford to lose.  She suggests having at least twenty different stocks, so that if one goes down, the others will probably equalize it.   It's not hard at all.  Once you start looking at your stocks each day, you memorize the companies, what you paid, what you've made, and which ones have dropped or risen in value.  It's kind of like checking what your home is worth on Zillow.  Just because it goes up or down doesn't mean you sell it.  This strategy is buy and hold.

My dad used to tell me that he managed his investments instead of working.   Now I see how wise that was.  I make far better money in quality stocks than I ever made teaching ballet or yoga.  Many artists struggle, and put everything into their art.  

I think that women can be excellent, disciplined, and successful investors.  Many trust other people to manage their money, and those advisors may behave in a reckless or self interested manner.  I believe strongly in making your own decisions with your money.  No one is allowed to touch or trade my stocks.  If you understand the companies, and feel that they'll be around for the long haul, you will probably feel safe with your portfolio.  

Once the dividends start coming in, it gets exciting.  You do need to plan for taxes, so that you aren't surprised when you owe money.  It's all part of the discipline, and helps you to earn interest on your money.  This way you beat inflation.  

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Got My Taxes Done!

 

I visited my accountant today and we discussed my taxes.  We went through my income, investments, health insurance payments, and the remaining  paperwork with my dad's estate.  I explained my retirement plan, and named  the stocks that I have purchased.  My goal is to have twenty different stocks, for diversification.  I learned that from Suze Orman.  I have been very happy with the dividends.  They are consistent, plentiful, and enable me not to touch the principal.  I told her that I had considered buying real estate, but that I far prefer the stock market.  "I can do it at home on my computer.  I study the charts.  I don't have to deal with personalities or the responsibilities of owning property and managing tenants."  She agreed.  My dad taught me to keep my expenses low, regardless of my income.   I paid my quarterly taxes, and she did an estimate for me for this year.    "You're doing really well," she observed.  "Most people live paycheck to paycheck."  I told her that my dad had taught me well.  Following his example, I drive a twenty year old car, have inexpensive hobbies like hiking, bicycling, and yoga, and my one splurge is gourmet groceries.  She assumed that I was eating and cooking more at home, but I've always done that.  Restaurant meals were rare, except when I  on a cruise or vacationing.   I had planned to travel in my fifties, but that is on hold, due to the pandemic.

Have you filed your taxes?  

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Hydrotherapy and Sauna

 

Since the pandemic hit, my intuition has been nudging me to take a weekly sauna, and to shower in cold water between the heat sessions.  Hydrotherapy is used in many cultures as preventive medicine.  Going from extremes of hot and cold is very healing and strengthening.  Over time, the cold water no longer shocks you.  You build up your tolerance.

When I lived in Europe, the general public visited the sauna bads regularly.  After showering, we would start with a warm jacuzzi.  From there we would head into the hot sauna, and then plunge into the cold water.  I own a wonderful custom built sauna here at the cabin.  It was carefully crafted by the same German man  who constructed the house.  It's a marvelous luxury to finally have.  I had always dreamed of having my own personal sauna at home.

My sense is that using hydrotherapy is also an effective  preventive  measure during this pandemic.  The more we can do to stay relaxed, healthy, and balanced, the better.  Sweating helps release toxins from the body.  When we are young, we tend to sweat every day, if we exercise regularly.  We still need this release for our health as we age.  

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Back to Yoga Amongst the Bullies

 I have been focusing on my daily yoga, meditation and chanting practice again.  It always calms me down and brings me back to center.  If I read too much news, or spend time among people who are in bullying mode, it makes me anxious.  Bullies always want attention.  They choose people who are conscientious, quiet, and studious.  They never pick on people their size or larger.  They always select someone small, slight, unassuming, and who follows the rules.  They hate to be videotaped in the act.  Insecure and struggling in their lives, they usually see something in you they will never ever have.  It might be your gift with animals or plants, your discipline, cleanliness, fit body, or calm demeanor.

I once lived near a man who was a terrible bully.  He would park near me in his truck,  yell angrily at me, try to make eye contact, disrupt my house guests, and fixate on me.  I maintained my distance and didn't react.  I prayed for Divine Justice.  He had a stroke.  After that, he made bird calls, (that were shockingly identical to the actual birds he was communicating with,) and smoked.  He didn't have friends, he lost his health, and deteriorated over time.  I always thought it was linked to his dominant, abusive behavior.  My policy with bullies is to wait and watch.  Their own negativity, need for control, and desire to instill fear seems to poison them.  I've seen it again and again, even with one of my own brothers.  What you project out comes back...

So, I return daily  to yoga.  I have posted some videos below showing a more yogic view of the virus.  I find these men very intelligent and relaxing.  I hope you do, too.  I'm getting more notes from other people who are also listening to their bodies as far as any and all health decisions.  You can always sleep on something.  You should never feel forced or rushed into  a procedure that is irreversible.  You only get one body, and it's yours, and yours alone.  Namaste.

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What If I Get Coronavirus?

Why I HAVEN'T yet taken the COVID VACCINE: A Scientific Debate

Trusting Your Intuition During the Pandemic

 This morning I read in the news that they are halting the Johnson and Johnson virus, due to blood clots found in a handful of the women who received it.  I am so glad that I decided to wait to get the vaccine.  I signed up, but when I received my call a few days ago, I got a knot in my stomach   My intuition warned me to wait.  The texts I received were very high pressure.  I felt uneasy with the tone of them. 

My sense of foreboding  specified that the brain and the blood were involved.  I really noticed that having Covid in November of 2019  affected my short term memory.  It has improved over time, but right after recovering from the virus,  I was very concerned.    One morning I took a shower, and realized that my towel was wet.  I had no recollection of already taking a shower.  It was a shock.   I could relate to many people's stories of being disoriented.  I also have noticed that friends of mine who have HIV develop a dementia that is similar.  Since the Covid virus contains the AIDS virus, I worry that the vaccine could cause these issues in people.

We all have to do what is best for us, and I am not trying to influence anyone.  I have just noticed an intense pressure from the media and some people to hurry up and get vaccinated.  I'm not so sure.  My mother died shortly after developing a blood clot in her leg following heart surgery.   I know how serious blood clots can be.  Her treatment for it at the hospital was also traumatic and horribly painful.  My dad said she was screaming like an animal, and that you could hear her all the way down the hall.  Hospital workers can go into a panic in these situations.  She was given no anesthesia.  It's different when the doctors and nurses have a treatment that's fine tuned and polished, and everything goes as planned.   There is a lot of doubt and confusion right now.  The answers are not consistent.

My father had problems with his platelet counts when he contacted a rare form of blood cancer.  Without blood transfusions, he went downhill very quickly.  Once he stopped treatment,  he died in three weeks.  

I plan to still take all the precautions.  I ignore the people who make sarcastic comments to me about wearing a mask.  One  lady even accusingly told me, "That mask doesn't do any good."  I pointed out that the number of flu cases has dropped dramatically.  I told her that I wasn't interested in fighting with her about it.  

There's a lot of corporate and financial pressure to reopen businesses, but I wouldn't be surprised if we experience more lockdowns.  Some things can't be rushed.  Everyone's body chemistry is so different.

Has your response been okay if you have had the vaccine?  I appreciate people being vaccinated,  I just don't feel comfortable doing it myself at this time. 

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8 Reasons Why Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]

Planting Rhubarb, Artichokes, and Flowers

 

This morning I fed my flowers some compost with bat guano, and watered it in well.  The tulips and irises are budding and are almost ready to bloom.  I love seeing them  transform.  It's amazing what goes on beneath the soil.  The daffodils look so healthy and bright.  

My neighbor stopped by and we had a passionate discussion about gardening.  She uses cocoa hulls for mulch, and enthusiastically described their scent to me as divine.  She loves inhaling the fragrance of chocolate as she's gardening.  She pointed out a house near ours  where the previous owner had planted a thousand bulbs.  Can you imagine?  I think they need to be fertilized to rebloom each year.  Mine love compost tea.  (and straw mulch.)

I fed the cherry and apple trees this morning.  The buds are starting to open and flower.  I need to buy a couple more bags of compost for the other beds.  I dug one artichoke plant in the fertile soil,  and will place the other one at a separate spot in full sun.  They are one of my favorite vegetables to grow.  They like the frost.  I am excited to grow them in the mountains.

I visited with another neighbor who was enthusiastically watering her flowers and  trees.  Everyone is excited that Spring is here.  There's a lot of planting being done.  Are you growing anything new this season?

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Enjoying the Weather

 

It's been an incredible week-Lula and I have been loving the sunshine!  The flowers are blooming, and soon the huge oak trees will be leafing out from their dormancy.  There are clusters of daffodils everywhere.  They add so much cheer and color to the neighborhood.  I love how they look surrounded by carefully structured stone walls.  

I've been watering the cypress, pines, and fruit trees.  Everything looks so healthy at this time of year.  Lula and I took a gorgeous hike together this morning.  We stopped at a bench for a short break and a snack.  There were just a few other hikers on the trail.  All were friendly and happy.   Everyone was enjoying the gorgeous vistas, pleasant weather, and fresh air.

On the way home, we sat by a stream and listened to the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall. Lula crunched on some snow laying on the embankment, and eagerly devoured her dog biscuits.

If you enjoy free or inexpensive hobbies, you spend far less money. (especially in retirement.)  I'm looking forward to a bike ride later this afternoon.  The longer days are inspiring.  Summer is on its way!

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Ladies in Lavender

Staying Patient During the Pandemic

 It's been an entire year since the virus and first lockdown  hit.  Actually, it's been much longer than that, in my opinion.  I have actually adjusted to this lifestyle, and plan to keep taking things slowly and carefully as we proceed.  I have learned not to let people rush me or push me into anything.  Listening to your body is, in my opinion, foolproof.  The body never lies.

I am grateful that I recovered from Covid in November of 2019.   I did notice some lingering symptoms that concerned me, but over time, they have dissipated.  My strength and power have returned.  I see strong parallels between this virus ad the AIDS crisis in the eighties.  I was close with many dancer friends who died during that time.  I sat at their hospital beds, brought them soup, and observed their painful decline.  I remember being shocked at how hard and fast the virus hit them.  They had been so muscular, vibrant, and healthy.  Suddenly they were skeletons with lesions.  Their bodies were listless and their eyes were hollowed.  All of them were all so young...in their twenties and early thirties.  How they used to look didn't matter, the horrifying effect was the same.

Each person has to make up their own mind how they will handle this current situation.  Some feel safe after getting vaccinated, some prefer to wait.  Others have ignored all precautions and flaunt the fact that they are breaking the rules.  

We can only control ourselves.  It's possible that highly sensitive people may know or sense things that you don't know.  Time will tell.  Each of us has to do what is best for us in this situation.  People are at different stages of life.  They have different priorities, agendas, financial and living situations, and reasons for their choices.  Time will tell...

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