Oprah Winfrey Narrates This Is Broadway Short Film

Knowing What You Want in Retirement

 Retirement comes for many of us sooner than we expect.  It is crucial to have a plan for this stage of life.  It takes preparation, self knowledge, discipline, and focus.  For those over fifty, it can be shocking how difficult it is to find a new job if you become unable to work.  We don't realize we have gotten  behind in technology, or that an  injury or surgery might set us back and change our physical abilities.

I think one of the most important pieces to the retirement puzzle is owning your own home.  Having a paid off living space gives you peace of mind.  You don't have to worry about your rent being raised, or being evicted.  Timing is crucial, and finding a place with affordable property taxes makes a huge difference.

Smaller is better, in my opinion.  One of my friends lives in a tiny home.  It is challenging in some ways for her.  She has to climb up into a loft and jimmy her way into the bed at night.  She has back issues and has had her hips replaced.  She told me that she plans to move to another model with a bed on the main floor.  

Hers also only had a bench for seating.  She said it was extremely uncomfortable to sit there at her age.  There is not room for a couch.  She now has a recliner and is much more relaxed when she is lounging, talking on the phone, or reading.  She can pay her bills, though.

I basically rehearsed  my retirement for decades.  I learned to live on less, wrote out a detailed budget, and planted numerous fruit trees, vegetables, and berries.  Since I love my antiques and vintage items, I didn't need to go out and make any major purchases.  What I own is very well made, and will last me the rest of my life.  I have been making final upgrades to my home so that I don't have to worry about things like a new roof when I am a little old lady.

Are you prepared for retirement?  Will you stay in your current location?

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Bernstein : Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

I Got Vaccinated!

 Last week I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine.  I went to Vons and had it done there.  I was surprised at how painful it was, even though I used my yoga breathing to relax.   I had just been kayaking for several miles in Marina del Rey, so that may have had something to do with it.  The nurse told me to relax my arm even though it was relaxed.   The injection reminded me of a novocaine shot.  It was definitely worth it, though.  I appreciate that we have these vaccines available and that they are free of charge.

I have been watching the Youtube videos of parents in their thirties and forties dying of Covid.  It is just tragic.  So often both parents suffer with severe breathing problems  and then leave the planet together.  I am very worried about all of the orphans.  Covid is such a frightening way to die.

My arm was tender and swollen for a few days.  Last night I also had some intnse pain deep in my hip joint.  It caused me to limp and lose sleep, but all is well now.  I iced it last night and took a hot bath in epsom salts this morning. 

 I had some lower abdominal cramping the day after I receive my vaccine.  It felt like when you are on your period.  I normally never got cramps, thanks to yoga.  I have read cases of women menstruating after having after the vaccine, even though they have gone through menopause.  I also developed some small pink spots on my arm, but they have faded.  Phew!

If you have been vaccinated, did you have any side effects?  

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.

Lining Up Contractors for Home Repairs

 Yesterday I received a beautiful, hand painted mailbox in the mail that I had ordered for my cottage.  The old one, (which was handmade,) needed to be replaced.    I ordered the replacement on Etsy from TheFlowerPicker@etsy.com.  I knew as soon as I saw her work that she was the artist for me!  The outside looks like a romantic painting.  I love the pastel shades and the exquisite detail.

I have  a representative from a vinyl fence company coming to take measurements to replace my very old and worn wooden fence.  Keeping it painted and repaired has been a hassle.  It's time for a change.  He asked if I want to install a picket fence, but I am going to stick  with the ranch style.   Its suits this area, where the neighbors have horses, chickens, and goats.  It also frames a small home nicely.    Simpler is usually better, I find.   I will have them replace the mailbox post, as well.  

I am also looking into having some masonry done on the outside of the cottage.  The paint tends to peel along the bottom of the house.  I think the stone work would alleviate that; plus I like the look.  I will even get a quote to see how much it will cost to cover the entire house with rocks.  Less work in the future as I age appeals to me.

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. 

No Gas For a Week

 Last Wednesday, the gas was shut off at my cabin.  The gas company informed me that my usage had increased, and they were concerned that I had some  leaks.  I didn't smell gas, and my carbon monoxide alarms hadn't gone off, so I didn't understand where the leaks could be.  My intuition had told me that I would probably need to replace the heaters from the fifties very soon. 

My bill was about five dollars higher than last year at this time.  I checked the history and usage.  At first they thought it was the sauna, but that was wrong.  It turned out to be the gas lines under the house that went to the floor heaters and to where the dryer used to be.  

I may purchase an insert for my fireplace that will turn it into a wood stove.  That way the whole house will be heated.  There are small electric heaters in the bathrooms and pantry.  I am replacing the hardwood floors this month, so the timing is perfect.  They can place the oak panels over where the vents used to be.

The girls who did all the work were amazing!  They laughed together as they crawled through the crawl space, wearing their coveralls and knee pads.  I was so impressed with their talent, enthusiasm, and positive energy.  They went way beyond the call of duty for me.  They were delightful to have in my home.  Tonight I was finally able to take a bath and use the sauna again.  All's well that ends well.

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.

Sleeping Under the Stars, Walking Barefoot on the Grass, and Stepping on Wet Rocks

 

I have been implementing more of my favorite naturopath remedies and habits over the past week.    I have to say that the results are incredible!   A lot of these behaviors are things that many of us did naturally, as children.  

 As a little girl, I always wanted to sleep outside on the chaise lounges with my best friend.  I regularly  spent the night at her charming  home in Hillsborough, California.  It was surrounded by oak trees, and there was an abundance of wildlife in the area.  Raccoons, mountain lions, deer, and squirrels were frequent visitors.   We agreed to camp outside one night, placing our sleeping bags on her family's plush, redwood lawn furniture.  I loved it, the sound of the crickets, the fresh night air, and the excitement,  but  Karen decided that she wanted to go back inside, and sleep in her own bed.   She ignored my begging, and  I reluctantly followed.  I didn't want to get eaten by a wild animal, and was too afraid to stay out on her deck alone.  

Nudity is also an element of what some of the naturopaths teach.  In Europe, people are relaxed and comfortable with using the sauna, whirlpool, and cold plunge naked.  Sunbathing in the nude can be incredibly liberating, but you need privacy.  (or to be in a country where it is considered acceptable.)  Some balconies are built in such a way where you can't be seen.  They look like boats, and are usually upstairs, away from prying eyes.

When I was in Vienna with "42nd Street," I loved to visit Krapenwald, an outdoor swimming pool set in a gorgeous lawn, with my show friends.  The place was filled with swanky people, all very beautiful and chic.  It felt like a resort.  The women sunbathed topless, and the pool was surrounded by the enchanting Vienna Woods.  I remember watching some of the women, (who looked like models,) drinking buttermilk from slender milk cartons.  It was very popular with them.  Their bodies were smooth, feminine, and sleek.

The last time I was in Malibu, I pulled over to the side of Pacific Coast Highway, and climbed down on the large, black rocks that were stacked on the shoreline.  Lula and I listened to the waves crashing and absorbed the salty air on our skin.  It was hypnotic.  I swear the energy from those rocks charged me up in a way that I've never felt before in  my life.  They were huge, and felt like vast storehouses of life force energy.  

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.