Taking a Break

 

I am taking a short break.  I will start posting again in a few weeks.  This is a darling cottage in Wrightwood, California that used to belong to a Disney animator.  It is so special.

The roses that I planted in my woodland garden are doing beautifully.  I fed them some liquid fertilizer and top dressed the soil with planting mix.

The deck has been stained and is ready for winter.  I have a lot of chores to do in preparation.  I placed my firewood order for eucalyptus and mixed wood, and had the chimney cleaned.

This is a video of a new bear that was walking up the hillside just steps from my cabin.  This one has a more angular face.  The wildlife is literally right at our doorstep.  What a magnificent animal!  

Blogger did not post the video.  It won’t let me delete the space.  I’ll try again when I have more time.  How are you doing?

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  I’m sorry, but those with links will not be published.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.

A Well Built Home

 

Recently I have been watching some of the real estate and homesteading shows on Max.  It is fascinating to see how other people live.  The older I get, the more I appreciate having an older home, antiques, my mom’s vintage cookware, and the quality materials that were used.

Unlike many real estate agents in California, I prefer to restore, rather than remodel.  The cabin I own was built by a talented and disciplined man from Germany.  His two sons helped him.  You can see the love and care that went into this home.  They took pride in their work, and spent money on supplies that would last for decades.

With RV traveling becoming so popular, many people are living full time or part time in vehicles.  Myself, I put great value in residing in a physical house.  During a storm like the one we have experienced recently, it is reassuring to be in a solid and safe structure.  

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  I’m sorry, but those with links will not be published.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 posters here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

The Importance of Relationships in Retirement

 

Once you have retired, you will have many relationships that make a huge difference in your stress level.  If you are staying in your home, you will need a reliable plumber, handyman, tree trimmer, electrician and house painter.  If you have developed a rapport with these people over the years, it will make things much easier.

Your car will still need repair, you may need a driver to take you to the airport, and a reliable pet sitter or boarding kennel is essential for dog and cat owners.  It can be difficult to find these people in smaller towns.  The best are usually booked.  If you are already an existing client, and the business owner likes working with you, it makes all the difference.

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.

Freeing up Psychological Energy by Preparing for Winter

 

Have you ever noticed that when you take care of chores that are nagging at you, you have more energy?  This week I had my firewood delivered, took my beach cruiser into the shop to be repaired, and lined up Lula's vaccinations.   Phew!  It feels like such a relief.  Most of the firewood is now neatly stacked, and I am carrying loads of what's left up the steps each day.  The snow tires on the red Beetle, and my mechanic just checked the transmission fluid this afternoon.  The oil was recently changed and the tank is full of gas.

As the birds were starting to zing their beaks into my apples, I picked what was left from the trees.  They have made fragrant apple crisp and tart and flavorful unsweetened applesauce.  Wrightwood is filled with several different varieties of apple trees.  It used to be an apple orchard.  Well, part of it did.  Pears grow very well here, too.  I love walking by all of the fruit trees this time of year.  Two different people gave me apples today.  It was an unexpected surprise. 

  I think you really have to enjoy working with contractors if you own a home.  I find it all very rewarding.  The same thing goes with the car.  I so appreciate paying talented people to use their skills and knowledge in areas where I don't have it.  

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. 

Keeping Your Cottage Instead of Moving Into Assisted Living

 

Time and time again, seniors are encouraged to sell their homes, downsize, and move into assisted living.  Is this the right advice for you?  In my case, it isn't.  Not everyone has the personality to live in those types of situations.  You need to really like being in groups.  Some senior living homeowners  report problems with residents who drink too much, are inconsiderate, and won't follow the rules.  

My parents both spent their final days in their home. They owned a gorgeous Spanish style house that they had taken impeccable care of, restoring it lovingly and nurturing the vibrant garden.  They could afford help in their later years.  A housekeeper came every couple of weeks and took care of the cleaning.  My dad eventually hired a gardener to manage the front and backyard when he was in his early eighties.  He took care of all the plants until that time.  He was very proud of how lush and healthy the front and backyard looked.  

As a person who likes one on one time and privacy, I don't think I would feel comfortable in assisted living.  I like my privacy, spend much of my time on this porch, and I would miss my garden.  I love watching the alpacas frolic on the hillside, observing the bees and butterflies, and seeing the color of the sky shift and change at night.

 Each of the plants I picked out myself and planted.  The soil was clay when I bought the bungalow.  I amended it regularly with straw and compost over the years so that it would support the flowers, trees, herbs and wildlife.

Do you plan on moving in retirement, or will you stay where you are?

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. 

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. 

Hollyhocks, Roses, and a Green California Front Garden

 

With the change in weather we've been having, our gardens are lush and green!  Normally it is very hot and dry this time of year.  Right now, the weather reminds me of London or Alaska.  The roses love it.  If you zoom in on this photo, you can see the baby Algerian Tangerines on that tree on the left.

I was afraid that this rosebush had died last year, but it came back with a vengeance!  It's very fragrant and healthy.  The mulch seems to do an excellent job of slowly feeding everything.  I did notice some small snails out there, crunching under my hiking boots, this morning, though.  I plan to collect and remove them all this afternoon.  You always have to keep an eye on your plants and protect them.

The scarlet Hollyhocks are still bright and beautiful.  They are my favorite old fashioned flower.  They are so tall and colorful.   People stop and gaze at them when they walk by the house.  The vinyl fence has been an excellent investment, too.   It is such a relief not to have to paint it or worry about termites.  I may have the gates replaced, too.  My neighbor gave it to me. 

How is your garden growing?  I just finished the last of the ripe, orange apricots.  They were so sweet and juicy.

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. 

Gardening Chores and Gorgeous Flowers

 

We had some snow in this month up at the cabin.  I was worried about my tulips and daffodils, but they did just fine, and are still standing tall and proud.  I love seeing the bulbs push through the soil in Spring.  Soon the purple Lilacs will be in full bloom.  Their fragrance is intoxicating!  They grow wild in our area.

Today I met with a man who owns a tree service.  His crew will trim a few of my trees to prepare for the warmer weather.  He told me, "We will make it look very nice."   I can tell that they will, and am excited to get it all done.  I pulled weeds last week and filled two large green waste bins.  I still have more work to do, but the most difficult portions are finished.  

Have you been puttering around in your garden?  What's in bloom?

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. 

Lessons From My Neighbors

 Yesterday I took my Burley Travoy Bike Trailer/Grocery Cart into town, on foot.  I ran into my neighbor and her sister on my way home.  They stood on their porch and we discussed all that we had learned from this blizzard.  Although I saw in the forecast that we would receive at least five feet of snow, I didn't factor in the berm from the snowplow driving down our street.  That made it so much higher.  It was also extremely wide. 

It took us eight days to completely dig out our cars.  That was working several hours a day.  I learned to stop at a set time in the afternoon, take a bath, and rest.  I got in my pajamas early, after taking a hot bath.  You need extra sleep and more carbs when you are shoveling snow all day.

You need to be very strong and fit to survive these types of circumstances.  Several people up in Crestline died.  I knew that was going to happen.  Their situation was far worse.  I think it's wise to practice for emergencies.  You learn where your weak spots are, and what to change for the next time.  

I plan to buy a Jackery battery, store far more firewood inside and on my porch, and keep at least a month's worth of food in the stockpile.  Now I understand why The Red Cross recommends storing canned and dried goods.  I ate several Spam and cheese quesadillas that week.  They tasted amazing.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  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.  

Frightening Floods in California

 

As many of you probably know, we have been experiencing severe flooding in California.  The rain has been constant.  Fortunately, I had contacted our county flood control a few weeks before the first intense storm.  I let them know that the water had seeped under my front door, and that my carpet was soaking wet.  

They sent out five bulldozers and removed an enormous amount of dirt, and then paved it over and built up the area in front of my cottage.  It took several days of work.  Thankfully, after their efforts, the water flowed down to the waterway that leads it into the wash behind our homes.

The winds have been extreme; in some places over 100 miles per hour.  Never before have I been so thankful for my stockpile.  It is not safe to drive in this weather.  The last thing you want to have to do is head out to the store for a loaf of bread or carton of milk.  The most common way people die in floods is being trapped in their cars.  The water can rise so quickly.

This morning I made a batch of chicken and vegetable enchiladas, broiled three marinated Tri-Tip steaks, and baked  six  russet potatoes.  If the power goes out, tasty and nutritious meals are ready.  Some of the residents here have said that their gas bills have quadrupled.  Switching to the fireplace insert and having the electric radiator heaters as an option has definitely saved me money.  I keep my gas water heater on low.

The challenge now is to keep the firewood dry.  My wood pile is soaked.  (Even though I covered it carefully with a tarp.)  But, I had spent hours stacking wood near the door, and bringing it in early to dry by the fire.  That wood was sheltered from the rain and snow.  So far so good...

How are you faring in this wet weather?  I hope you are safe and dry.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  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. 

Winter Chores Keep You in Shape

 

When you heat your home with wood, there are numerous trips to the woodpile that have to be made.     The logs need to dry out, you must plan for raging storms and dark nights, and you certainly don't want to run out of fuel.

It's important to clear the snow and ice off of your deck.  All of that water does damage if it's just sitting there for days.  The snow does melt it, but it will leave a mark on the side of your cabin if it's not removed.  I had a lot of discoloration on my home's exterior because the cabin had been sitting empty for two and a half years.  

It's invigorating to be out in the mountain air, shoveling snow.  You don't need to pay for a gym membership, and your muscles will feel it!  It also provides the trees with much needed water.  Clearing your deck means you are far less likely to slip, which is easy to do when it's icy and the temperatures are at or below freezing.

The more of these chores you can do yourself, the less expensive it will be.  If you get out and clear your driveway while it's still powder, the work is much lighter and easier.  I invested in winter tires this year, and I haven't needed to put on my chains.  I still keep them in my trunk, in case we experience extreme conditions.  It's important to start your car regularly, so that you don't wind up with a dead battery.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  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. 

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.

Thank you for your comments, they add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  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. 

Preparing For The Snow Up At The Cabin

 

Yesterday as I was setting my clock back, I dropped it on the floor.  Crash!  It broke.  I think it belonged to the original owner, and was  probably from the 1970's.  I drove down to Alice's Vintage Cottage and purchased one that I had been eyeing for months.  I climbed up on a kitchen chair, and carefully hung it on the wall.  It has hand painted pink roses and says "Paris"...it's so pretty.  I love the Roman numerals.

We have a snowstorm on the way, so I put the chains on the VW Beetle this morning.  It was still clear outside.  I wasn't sure if I would remember how to do it without watching a Youtube video as a refresher, but it all came back to me.  It's so much easier to fit them around the tire when it's not freezing cold and you aren't under any pressure or stress.  I got the dogs exercised as it began drizzling, too.  Weather has no bearing on their desire to go for a long walk.  

For the past several days I have been carrying several loads of firewood to my porch.  It's a secure feeling to have plenty of wood for the fireplace insert close to the house, stored in a dry place.  It's so much easier than lugging a snow-covered tarps and wood during a storm.  The weather can be extreme in the mountains.  We need the rain, and I am grateful that the snow is coming.  I am so glad that the house painters finished their work before this weather hit.  I also went to the grocery store on Saturday and stocked up on essentials and bought a large bag of dog food.

How about you? Are you prepared for the cold weather?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  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.

I Had the Mountain Cabin Stained

 I finally found an excellent crew of painters to stain my cabin.  They were worth the wait.  Many locals paint theirs, because paint lasts for years.  I just love the look of the natural wood, though.  You have to have it reapplied more often, but to me it's totally worth it.  

They pressure washed it, used some chemicals to bring out the beauty of the wood, and then applied a natural-colored stain.  It's beyond what I had imagined.  I had been worried about the winter snow causing damage, and now the house is prepared.

I took the bedside lamp in to Alice's Vintage Cottage in Wrightwood, where I bought this set.  The handle felt stripped.  She took it apart and fixed it for me.  Now it's working perfectly again.  These are hand painted, and I love them.  Those are my mom's lace curtains in the window.  I gathered them up with some of her other treasures after my dad died.  I think she would like this room...

My mom used to have antique lamps all over our home on Edinburgh Street.   I begged her for one, but at thirteen, she said I was too young.  She was afraid I would break it.  They change the whole mood of a room.  I love to put the night lights on when it gets dark.  It creates such an atmosphere. 

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. 

Your Lifestyle in Retirement

 

I have been surprised at how different my daily routine is in my late fifties, compared to when I was a busy dancer in show business, and later, as an enthusiastic dance and yoga teacher.  Work was my life.  I thought I would be teaching students donned in a leotard and tights into my late seventies.  

How wrong I was.  Two replaced hips later, that chapter is in my past.  Fast forward to now: I never dreamed that I would be traveling as much as I do, enjoying cruises and hotels, and spending a large amount of my time taking care of my investments.  A great deal of my energy goes into the home: scheduling repairs, cleaning, cooking and food shopping.  Those things I took for granted as a young artist, but now I find they take more energy.  They are still my foundation and a top priority.  My mother always taught me to take care of my house and animals, and my father kept a close eye on his stocks.  

The trees and garden are very dear to me, and keeping up on both is on the schedule at least three times a week.  My neighbor told me that before I bought the cabin, he would look up at my land and saw that the pines and oaks were turning yellow.  A huge number of those sick trees had to be removed, due to a bark beetle.  "Now the trees are green," he mused.  That gave me a relieved feeling of satisfaction.  I sense that they like the extra space, the natural layer of mulch, and the consistent watering schedule.  Also, they know that they are my babies.  The wildlife greatly enjoy and use this corridor, as well.  I keep it as natural as possible.  

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

A Home Alarm

 

I recently had a professional alarm system installed at my home.  The new "Smart Alarms" are exceptional.  They are so thorough.  Each time you open a door or window you hear the Alexa voice call out, "Front door open!"  "Sliding door open!"   It makes me chuckle.  

There are different settings, depending on your situation.  The most common mistake people make is to not set the alarm.  It has to be on in order to do its job.  I keep mine on all the time.  You can have a delay for when you enter and exit, (usually thirty to sixty seconds,) or you can program it for no delay.  You may also access the keypad from your phone or ipad.  They have an app that is easy to use.  

If you are using a certain door, or want to have a window open, you can enter that into the system so that it won't set off the alarm while you are home.  There are motion sensors that activate when you have it set on "Armed Away."  

There is also a setting without a delay that is useful to use if you are asleep or if you have been dealing with a stalker or trespasser.  Combined with the cameras, it gives the homeowner a secure feeling.  Of course, large dogs who bark are also excellent for alerting us to when people are on or near our property.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but those with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Replies may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Mulched the Front Yard to Prevent Flooding

 We have had a significant amount of rain recently.  It is wonderful for the soil and plants, but I live in a flood zone.  If I don't apply straw mulch in my front yard and on my porch, I will end up with a soggy living room carpet.  

After arriving home, I noticed a small patch of wetness by my front door. It concerned me.  I placed towels on it and walked on them to absorb the moisture.  I had to do this several times.  I sprinkled baking soda on the affected area this morning and vacuumed it up eight hours later...I don't want any moldy or musty smells.  

There is always something that needs doing when you own a house.  The straw breaks down over the winter and really nourishes the soil.  It makes the tangerines burst with flavor, and the irises burst into colorful bloom.  

How was your Christmas?  Did you have fun?

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

Had the 1950's Cooktop Fixed

 After our power outage up in the mountains, neither my cooktop nor oven was working.   Both are olive green General Electric appliances, from the 1950's.   I studied the reviews for appliance repair online, and   chose a five-star repairman.

The burners immediately turned bright red after he switched on the breakers.  I had tried that, but didn't realize that there was fine print next to each side of each switch.  It has to say "On," and I had only noticed the ones on the right side.  

The oven is still cold.  It needs something simple from an electrician; only one side of it is working.  I was relieved that I didn't have to purchase a new stove or oven.  Both of mine are very small.  The cooktop measures just twenty-six inches.  Everything I researched online is so much bigger.  

He fixed the water dispenser on my Kenmore fridge while he was here.  He had a kit in his truck.  He said that Kenmores are actually Whirlpools.  Once again, I was so pleased to find that I don't need to replace the fridge, either.  Appliances from that era were made to last a lifetime.  

The whole fix was only $250.00!  Phew.  I am so thankful that the previous owners bought quality items and took such good care of them.  How are your appliances running?

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?

Had My Vintage Oven Repaired

 Today I had my O'keefe and Merritt oven fixed.  The pilot light wasn't working.  I made arrangements for a repairman to come here Saturday morning, but asked them to call me if they had an opening during the week.

While I was at the beach this morning,  my phone rang.  It turns out they could send someone to my home in fifty minutes.  I explained that I would have to ride my bike to the parking lot in Malibu, and then drive down Sunset Blvd. to the 405 North.  The man on the phone said that the technician would wait for me if it took me longer to arrive.  When I pulled in the driveway he was already here.  

It turns out it was an issue with the oven flame sensor.  He did some testing, and replaced it.  He told me that I was fortunate that I had already had the valve replaced.  It can be difficult to do work on appliances from the fifties.  Sometimes they no longer make the original parts, and you have to buy them used on EBay.

I had a gas leak in the kitchen last year and had to shut off the gas and replace the line.  This can cause trouble with gas appliances.  I also hadn't been using the oven during the summer, because it gets so hot.  He told me that gas appliances need to be used.  (like plumbing.) 

When my my mom was still alive she bought an expensive Viking stove and regretted it.  She told me that she wished she had one like mine.  Her new one kept breaking and having problems with the electric parts.   I found mine used, for $250.00.  Sasha said that the simplest models are the best.  Even if we have a power outage, (which happens often,) I can still cook and eat.  

It's a wonderful feeling to be cooking and baking in the oven again.  Life is calmer and more secure when we can repair and fix what we own. 

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.