Summer Entertainment in Pasadena

 

Over the weekend I attended a fantastic concert at The Arboretum in Arcadia, California.  The Pasadena Pops presented an impeccably rehearsed evening featuring the music of Queen.  The music was fantastic.  They always open the show with our National Anthem.  It's exciting and challenging to sing as a group.  It brings back memories of singing patriotic songs in childhood for me, growing up in San Mateo, California. 

I sat at the conductor's table with many talented actors and actresses, writers, directors, and former professional dancers.  The conversation over dinner was enthusiastic and stimulating.  Larry Blank conducted with mastery and authority.

This photo was from a previous concert featuring the divas of soul.  The women were so talented and glamorous.  It was thrilling to watch them.  Sitting outside, enjoying the mountains, electric blue peacocks who roam through the grounds, and observing the blazing sunset made it a relaxing and healing experience.  

These day trips are an ideal way to socialize, enjoy live entertainment, and not have to deal with the current hassles in the airline and travel business.

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Safe and Sound in California After Hurricane Hilary

 

Thank you for all the messages inquiring about my welfare after the recent storm in Southern California.  Fortunately, I had gone to the grocery store a couple days before it hit. I stocked up on dog food, fruit, vegetables, staples and supplies.  I am so glad that I did, because Highway 2 is now closed with four feet of mud piled high, and other damage from the wash.  It rained over twelve inches in 24 hours in Wrightwood!  It just was a constant downpour.  I have four spouts that drain from my upstairs balcony to the deck.  Through the sliding glass door it looked like a faucet was on all day.  

Fortunately, the cabin and land fared very well.  The man who built and designed it was from Germany, and a true master.  He really knew what he was doing.  I am so glad that I had the oaks and pines trimmed three weeks ago, as well as getting the cabin stained last year.  I had picked up all the spare branches in the yard, trimmed the lilacs, and carted all of the trash and green waste to the dump last week.   Preparation makes such a difference.

The cottage also withstood the storm.  Thank goodness LA County came to our street and did major flood control in the right of way last year.  The water flowed down our block to the storm drain into the wash, instead of pooling in my driveway and seeping under my front door, like it had done in the past.  I was so relieved to come home to dry carpet.  We had about six inches of rain down here.  The fruit trees look happy and healthy.

How about you? Have you experienced any extreme weather lately?  It sure helps having a stockpile, and staying up on home and yard maintenance. 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  I'm sorry, but those 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. 

Concerts, Ballet, and the Beach

 

I am sorry I haven't blogged in a while.  I have been organizing some important paperwork.  This summer has been filled with wonderful entertainment and nostalgic meetings with old friends from my dancing days.  I have been to see Westside Ballet, (where I taught for decades,) to Los Angeles Ballet, and to the Pasadena Pops for some fabulous concerts and picnics.  It has been a joy and honor to sit at the conductor's table with Larry Blank and his wife, Kaylyn.  We all toured together with "My One and Only" when I was 22.  The music has been thrilling!

I have also made time to drive down to the beach and enjoy the sunshine, crashing waves, and salt water.  There is nothing as therapeutic for me as being near the ocean.  I love to sit on the rocks with the birds and absorb the healing vibrations.

This is PCH. (The famous Pacific Coast Highway.)  It is such a joy to drive down it towards Malibu.  I time the trip so that I am not in traffic.  The landscape is just gorgeous.  I always admire the beach houses as I pass by...and take notice of the athletic surfers.  They are so fit and in shape.

How is your summer going?  

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Unexpected Expenses During Retirement

 One thing that many retirees don't plan on is the reality of unanticipated bills during their golden years.  The Fire Department may require you to pay for expensive tree trimming, even if the pines and oaks aren't on your property.  In Wrightwood, CA, we are required to maintain the vegetation ten feet from our property line to the road.  This can get very expensive.

You may need to paint you home more often than you expected.  Blistering, hot summers can be very hard on the exterior of a house, and cause your paint to peel.    Property taxes may go up, even with Proposition 13.

Inflation is another sneaky way you may find yourself paying far more for groceries, repairs, and home maintenance.  It is so important to factor in for these items.  The price changes over time can be shocking.  

Even the IRS could surprise you with an unexpected bill.  If you are paying quarterly on your retirement income, and your accountant makes an error, you are still liable.  Sometimes these mistakes can result in a letter requiring a large payment.  

The ever important emergency fund saves the day when these issues arise.  

Have you had any unexpected expenses arise recently?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  I'm sorry but those 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.