Winter Activities

 

Today the Newhall Community Center set up a festive table with cookies, candy canes, and devil’s food cupcakes,  They offered steaming coffee and hot chocolate.  It was beautifully done, and very thoughtful.

The women who work there went to a lot of work decorating the gymnasium where we play table tennis.  They did a lovely job.  I thought it was very touching.

I have been making some hearty meals this time of year.  Above was a dinner of pork chops and skillet Russet potatoes.   The days are short and the dogs and I feel very sleepy early in the evening.  I love this time of year.

How are things with you?

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Snow in Wrightwood

 

We had a peaceful snowfall the other night.  Everything was so clean and quiet around the cabin.  It has become foggy and wet.  I love the peace and stillness of winter.  Sitting by the fire, baking, reading library books, and going to bed early all heal me.  The long nights are comforting, and we sleep soundly in the mountains.

On Wednesday I made a batch of cauliflower cheese soup.  The recipe is on the blog; you can search for it. Homemade stews and casseroles are so satisfying in the cold, dark weather.  I used a rich homemade chicken stock with fresh herbs that I also shared with the dogs.  They love to have hot broth as gravy on their kibble.

It is more challenging in these frigid temperatures to do yoga at night.  I spread out a down comforter as a mat, and wear layers of merino wool and alpaca.  This is the weather for knitters!  The sauna is heating up for a purging sweat and cold plunge this afternoon.  The dogs are curled up comfortably, snoozing on the coach.  They are soaking in the heat from our wood fireplace insert.  It makes the cabin feel so cozy.  

Are you staying warm?

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Energy Clearing Bath

 

This afternoon I filled my cast iron bathtub with hot water, and poured in a cup of epsom salts, and a cup of baking soda. This is an effective way to cleanse any outside energies from your aura.  I used to take them regularly when I taught dance and yoga.

When we are around groups of people from different cultures, or who have opposing views to ours, there can be a clash of belief systems.  This can also occur when you are from a country where women have equal rights, and you are mixing with people from a place where women do not have any rights.

I find it helpful to get grounded and to reconnect with nature.  Earlier today I browned and seasoned some cubes of beef, added water and vegetables, and simmered a pot of beef stew on the stove.  Having that home cooked meal got me centered again.

Being in these situations always makes me appreciate my home, career, retirement, and independence.  

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Italian Charm

 

Cooking is a central activity in Italy.  Buying or growing the freshest ingredients, using what is in season, and shopping at the local farmers’ market is typical.  On one of my early morning walks, a lady from our tiny village slowed her car down and asked me if I would like a ride. I could tell she was on her way to buy her groceries down the hill, in town.  That would definitely not happen in LA!  I smiled, thanked her profusely, and declined.  If I had been traveling on my own I would have gone.  We had a schedule to keep.

Beauty was everywhere.  The bright green herbs and vibrant flowers were carefully tended, on a daily basis.  I loved the attention to detail, and the appreciation of nature.  The stone walls made such sweet backdrops.

The above video was taken in Gubbio.  We rode a little red train throughout the magnificent stone city.  It was enchanting.  It’s a place I would love to return to and stay for a few nights.  I spotted the perfect hotel, old and majestic.   In our case, our driver drove us home in an hour and a half, and we enjoyed another sumptuous meal back at the resort.  

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Making Your Golden Years Golden

 

I  recently read a thread on Reddit discussing what happens to older people who didn’t save for retirement?  Unfortunately, many of them end up in neglectful nursing homes that are depressing and understaffed.  The conditions are dreadful.  As the saying goes, “Fail to plan and you plan to fail. “ Some of these retirees have to live in a run down mobile home in a relative’s backyard.  It’s a strain on everybody.

Earning a low income as a dance and yoga teacher motivated me to study personal finance.  I poured over books, and listened to financial podcasts and YouTube videos.  At that time, I didn’t really have more areas where I could cut expenses, what I needed to do was to increase my income.  Many women have no interest in learning about money or investing, and that hurts them when they are older. 

Any windfall I received I invested.  I read up on dividend paying stocks, and purchased them when they were on sale.  All of the dividends were automatically reinvested.  Creating a long term plan helped me to visualize the eighty or ninety year old lady I would someday become.

Sticking to frugal habits for decades, whether or not I had extra money, made all the difference.  Not getting hooked into addictions like gambling, drinking, or drugs kept my body lean and healthy. It also kept  expenses low.

Most important is to have a Can do attitude.  Being self motivated, organized, and disciplined means that you will find creative ways to make your retirement a happy, fulfilling, and nurturing time of your life.  

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Cooking Your Own Healthy Meals in Retirement

 

Yesterday I made a batch of bone broth using leftover chicken wings, celery, celery leaves, carrots, onions, fresh garlic and salted water.  After simmering on the stove for a few hours, the stock had formed, I added some herbs from my garden.  Bay leaf, thyme, fresh sage, and creeping rosemary were tossed into the pot.  They make all the difference.

The dogs enjoyed some of the flavorful hot liquid on their kibble, as gravy.  They licked their plates clean.  I sipped on several mugs of I it throughout the day.  It has so many benefits.  I feel like it helps me to achieve and maintain homeostasis.  It is flavorful, relaxing and nutritious.  I also boiled some  Brussels  sprouts in boiling, salted water, and drank that green broth, as well.

The green gnocchi in the top photo are from Aldi.  They are so easy to cook, drain, and serve.  I like mine with melted Irish butter, freshly pressed garlic, sea salt,  and freshly ground pepper.  When you cook your own meals in retirement, you can nourish your body simply, healthfully and inexpensively.  The better we eat, the better we will feel and sleep as we age.  

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Making Your Own Sweet Potato Tortillas

 

Last week I tried a recipe for sweet potato tortillas.  The ingredients are simple: baked sweet potatoes, flour, and salt.  I used one cup of each, with a half teaspoon of salt.

The dough came out a beautiful pastel peach color, and it felt elastic, even though there is no yeast in the recipe.  I patted small ball of the dough onto my floured cutting board. Using a dry cast iron skillet, I cooked the flat bread up quickly.

I was thrilled with the result!  I layered  the above quesadilla with grated Tillamook cheddar cheese.  They keep well in the fridge.    I cut the recipe in half.  You can use two cups and of flour, sweet potatoes, and a full teaspoon of salt if you have more mouths to feed.

Let me know if you try them.  Some people use spelt flour.  I just scooped out what I had on hand.  They are fantastic!  My gluten free neighbor turned me on to them.  

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Vegetables For Breakfast in California

 

This morning I boiled some green beans on the stove in a small amount of salted water.  After draining them in a colander, I swirled them in their original pot in a small amount of Danish Creamery butter, and pressed a clove of fresh garlic over the surface.  The warmth of the saucepan will melt the butter.

Sunchokes are a vegetable that I was recently introduced to through our local farmers.  I expected them to taste like artichokes, of which I am a huge fan.  Instead, they remind me of homemade potato chips with a sunflower flavor. They are addictive!  I couldn’t wait to make them again.

Shaped like a bulb, they resemble  ginger.  I sliced them width-wise,  thinly, and baked them in olive oil, seasoning them with salt and pepper.  They cook very quickly, and make a delicious side dish to any meal.  I enjoyed  them last night, for dinner, with spicy chicken wings and a vegetable salad.

What do you eat for breakfast?

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Five of My Friends Have Covid

 Last week I heard from five different people I know, they all got Covid the same week.  It is really circulating again.  I decided to immediately schedule my second booster shot, and had it this morning.  I got mine for free at Vons.   I went at 9:00 a.m., when they opened.  They will  be charging for them in May.  I think it costs $130.00!

The woman who helped me was very nice.  I told her that I experienced intense reactions to the previous vaccines.  She advised me to drink lots of water, to flush it through, and said no alcohol for three days.  She also encouraged me to use my arm if it was sore.  The tiny needles they use now are much less painful than the first ones.  It makes such a difference!  The first experience was a bit traumatic, but this time it was easy and quick.

I came home and made a pan of chicken enchiladas, simmered a pot of beef bone broth, and tossed a large salad.  I like knowing that I have plenty of healthy meals in the fridge, in case I get sick again.  After the previous vaccine I felt poisoned.   This is the new one, the bivalent version.

My friends who contracted Covid were sick for two weeks!  They felt nauseous and tired, but have now fully recovered.  They didn't get the vaccine.  One has had Covid previously.  It concerns me when people get it repeatedly.  From what I have read, repeat cases can cause more severe health problems in the future.  It's such an intense experience.

My other friend is eighty, and even though she tests every week at work, she still got it.  She said it was kind of depressing, and she felt a malaise.   She decided to take the treatment that her doctor recommended, since she is older.  

My friend in Australia fell ill with it on his trip here, so did his wife.  He is still coughing...it's weird how it lingers.

What is your status with Covid?  I am still masking and taking precautions.  It seems the Moderna vaccines have worked for me, so far.  I have only had Covid one time that I know of, in 2019, before we knew what it was. 

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Choices That Will Make Your Retirement Easier

 

Learning to cook and bake from scratch will save you heaps of money.  It is also very enjoyable.  You're spending your time in a positive way, and your home or apartment will smell divine.  The quality leftover food can be enjoyed for days.  By making what you eat yourself, you avoid chemicals, unhealthy ingredients that you can't pronounce, and you don't waste packaging.  I transferred this apple cranberry crisp into a pyrex dish with a lid to keep it fresh.  

Choosing to live in an area with a low cost of living will also help you to keep your expenses low.  You may have to drive further to get to the grocery store, but you can stock up on your staples, and plan ahead with a grocery list for what you need.  Up in the mountains, we are used to keeping a stockpile of food in anticipation of power outages, snowstorms, or busy roads due to out-of-town visitors who want to ski, hike and snowboard.

Staying in shape through hiking, carrying firewood, walking your dog and bicycling will make your health expenses lower or even nonexistent.  Most of us will encounter some health challenges as we age, but being physically active and spending time outdoors can make a huge difference.  The longer you are strong and fit, the better your retirement will be.

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Beautiful Snow and Inexpensive Home Cooked Meals

 

The three Blue Spruce trees that my tree trimmers helped me plant and doing very well.  I think that this one looks lovely flocked with fresh snow.  I may decorate it for Christmas.  It will be exciting to watch them grow and mature. 

I had my firewood delivered for the year.  I will be spending several hours this week stacking it.  There are constant chores that need doing when you live in the mountains.  I used to just flip a switch on for heat.   Now, I keep the fire going day and all night.  I love the feeling of a cabin that is heated with wood.  The furniture and bathroom fixtures all absorb the heat.  It feels totally different than other methods of warming a home.  It reminds me of how people used to live.

The other day I made a batch of dumplings.  I cooked them on top of my chicken soup.  My mom made them once when I was little, and we loved them.  She never made them again, in spite of my begging.  She didn't do much baking.  Instead, she usually put potatoes in the oven to bake with our meat or a casserole.  With four kids, she had her hands full.  I took over the baking at a young age, which helped her.  She enjoyed the pies and cakes.  

  Dumplings are economical and they really absorb the flavor of the broth or stew.  I froze half of the dough to use next week.  They are a great way to stretch the grocery budget.   I also picked up some meat on sale at Stater Brothers.  The skirt steak I bought was delicious.  I marinated it as I described in my last post for several hours, and then broiled it. I am a convert to marinade!   It only took four minutes on the first side, and three minutes on the second.  It was fantastic with a baked potato and salad.  I used the leftover bones this morning to make a vegetable bone broth.  I've been enjoying that all day, and will finish it this evening.

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Snow and a Power Outage

 

Our power went off this morning at 9:00 a.m.  Fortunately, I had gotten up early and made enchiladas.  That gave me a flavorful hot meal for lunch, even though my stove and oven weren't working for part of the day.  I sauteed onions and red peppers, and stuffed them inside the white tortillas with leftover roast chicken.  Topped with enchilada sauce, Tillamook cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, it made for a very satisfying meal.  It's a strange feeling when the electricity abruptly stops; you don't know when or if it will return. 

We had intense rain and strong winds last night.  The fireplace insert has been doing an excellent job of heating the cabin.  I have to continually feed it with wood.  That entails getting out of my warm bed and padding down the stairs in the middle of the night.  

In the afternoon, layers of warm clothing and hand knit blankets insulate my body heat.  I've been wearing my alpaca hat and woolen mittens inside during the day.  Having long hair also helps with warmth.  

We lost power again for a short while this evening.  Thank goodness I had candles and oil lamps ready.  It can be a shock when the room goes dark.  The tiny Christmas bulbs went out, and the only light was the flickering flames from the fireplace.  It has come back on again; I hope it lasts.  I will make a pot of coffee for tomorrow, just in case.   I guess I could heat the water up over the fire, if needed.  I'm so glad that I stocked up on beeswax candles and lamp oil.  

How is the weather where you live?

It's Good To Be Home

 Traveling always makes me appreciate the little things  in life.  I love brewing a steaming pot of coffee each  morning in my French press.  It's the perfect compliment to watching the glorious sunrise from my large windows. 

Laying in the hot sauna at the cabin feels healing and luxurious.  Relaxing in a warm bath with lavender tea feeds my soul.  (Thank you, Anita, for the home grown dried lavender!)

Seeing Lula again always makes me feel whole.  She is the one being I miss when I am out of town.  Her sweet disposition and consistent affection make her the perfect roommate.

I also have been enjoying the homemade spinach salads I prepare this time of year.  Restaurant salads are never quite the same, although I devoured the homemade bread at the Italian place next door to Casablanca Hotel.  I rarely eat bread these days, but slathered with butter, theirs was divine! 

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!  My favorite meal of the year...

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Back To Natural Health

 For the past few days, I have been experimenting with some of the  natural health remedies.  Part of the change has been with diet.  Over the past year or so, I have developed a hacking cough.  It doesn't occur when I'm up in the mountains, but when I am down at the cottage it returns like clockwork.  I realized that it's my body's way of expelling mucous.  I sound like an eighty year old man who has smoked for decades.   Why?  I remember how I stopped having aches and pains when I eliminated lattes.  Hmmm...

I analyzed how my diet has changed.  I never used to eat ice cream.  My ballet teacher, Rosemary Valaire taught me that Dr. Bieler, (who wrote, Food is Your Best Medicine,) believed that it was the cause of disease in many children.  He said that eating a frozen protein is completely unnatural.  If I remember correctly, he linked it to the  polio outbreak.   Anyway, I had been treating myself to a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream each night topped with fudge sauce.  Why not?  Such a nice treat before bedtime...

I also realized that I started having a small glass of wine each evening during the pandemic.  Although I enjoy it, I'm not sure it's the wisest decision.  I am going to experiment and  see if I feel better without it.  

The naturopaths teach the importance of daily sunlight, fresh air, hydrotherapy, exercise, and eating mostly fruits and vegetables.  How many of us have rewarded ourselves for staying home by stocking up on all kinds of packaged treats from the grocery store?  I realized something else: I had started adding mozzarella cheese to my daily salads that I've eaten without it for decades.  That could also be connected to the hacking cough.  It wouldn't hurt to use less cheese.  That's easy to do.  

Have you developed any weaknesses with age that you could change through your diet and  habits?  

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Cooking Delicious Food

 Yesterday I made another batch of seasoned chicken wings and small drumsticks.   My mom used to prepare them as appetizers for her fancy dinner parties.  I don't know if women entertain the way she did anymore.  That was a different era.  People would get dressed up, and go to each others houses for drinks and supper.  She would cook the poultry with butter, salt, and white pepper.  It tasted amazing!  The flavor was perfect, and the chicken parts developed a lovely brown color on theirskin.  

I basted this batch in olive oil, and seasoned the meat with garlic salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and white pepper.  I used the spicy olive oil that was left in the pan as a sauce on a few baked potatoes.  Yum!  Absolutely delicious!  It really makes a difference to cook food that you love, and to choose the spices and flavorings that excite you.  It also feels good not to waste.  Normally, I would have poured the chicken drippings into a grease pan, eventually freezing it, and dumping it in the trash.  Using them on the spuds gave them an entirely new and a delightful  flavor.  My family has a long history of heart disease, so I felt better about substituting the olive oil for the butter.  

This morning I made my mother's tuna and noodle casserole recipe.  I wanted to get my cooking done early, so that I didn't heat up the cottage.  We are expecting a heat wave.  I even prepared my dinner salad before noon.  I ate half of it for lunch, with the leftover chicken from last night's dinner.  Cold chicken is one of my favorites.  

Have you been cooking or baking lately?  What's happening in your kitchen?

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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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Shoveling, Shoveling, Shoveling!

 

I have been spending hours outside the past few days shoveling snow.  There's the driveway to clear, my parking space, and a large rectangular area I leave  for the snow plow to deposit the snow.   The deck and benches have also needed scraping.  It feels invigorating to be outside.  I enjoy chatting with my neighbors about winter tires, chains, four wheel and front wheel drive vehicles, and other mountain life subjects.

Today I made a pot of cream of broccoli soup.for  It came out rich, cheesy, and silky.  I used the broccoli heads that I had saved up from our local co-op.  Cruciferous vegetables last a long time in the fridge.  Tomorrow we will be picking up our baskets early, since a snow storm is headed our way Thursday night.  I defrosted a bison steak and have plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit available for meals.

Yesterday I took off the chain on my passenger's side, unhooked a link that had gotten caught and twisted, and put it all back on the wheel.  It took me several attempts to get everything lined up properly.  You have to undo all of the connections if you start over, otherwise the fit is too tight.  I pulled the car forward a few feet, and then tightened up both sides.  It's so important to have the chains snug and secure on the tires.  I went for a short trip to town, and the car drove like a dream on the ice.  Chains supply such a good grip.  It's empowering to  know that you won't slip and slide. 

The other day I observed several cars on our street struggle and get stuck in the snow.  They were spinning their wheels, and unable to travel uphill, even with all wheel drive.   I like to wait until the plow has done its work before driving.  That flat surface makes such a difference.  I'm fortunate that I can also walk to town if I need to, although I only do that when the weather is clear.  

How is the forecast where you are?

Snow Covered Cabins

 The recent  blanket of snow that we received made all of the local homes and cabins look so Christmasy and peaceful.  We live among all kinds of wildlife:  deer, mountain lions, big horned sheep, raccoons, bobcats, and woodpeckers.  It's such a special setting.  I love it.

Last night I received a phone call from one of my close dancer friends who I sent a check to...she was so enthusiastic and appreciative of the gift.  It feels good to be sending donations to people that I know directly.  (That way I am not concerned about how much of the balance is eaten up by fees.) 

I picked lots of fruit yesterday.  The Navel Orange tree had nearly forty oranges on it. They are so sweet and delicious.  I stripped it entirely, and  shared some of them with my neighbor.  The Algerian Tangerine tree in the potager garden is also loaded.  Citrus grow so well here.  

I got my laundry done, it's drying in the sunshine, and I am busily cleaning the house.  All of the Christmas decorations have been put away until next year.  I made a batch of chicken enchiladas, and will toss a salad to enjoy with it.  I found out that Vons opens at 6:00 a.m. I went there early this morning and got my grocery shopping done.  What have you been up to lately? 

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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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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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