Flooding Disaster in Wrightwood California

 

Hello, Everyone.  I have been meaning to post, but am still in shock over the flooding we experienced up in the mountains on Christmas Eve.  I chose to weather the atmospheric rivers up there, thinking it would be safer on high ground.  My cottage is in a flood zone, so I packed up the car and the dogs, and got everything prepared for the storm.

We were fortunate in many ways.  I had spent hours stacking firewood, and brought plenty inside so that it would be dry.  The wood burning fireplace insert keeps the cabin warm, especially upstairs, since heat rises.  The previous owners left stacks of wool blankets, which I piled on the bed.  

My Jackery charger kept my phone and mini iPad charged, and I can also plug a lamp into it.  The power went out for days, so I relied on the food stockpile and tried not to open the fridge.  I did not want to cook outside with my camper stove in that violent storm, so I heated water for tea and coffee in the hot coals of my fireplace.  Good thing I still have a vintage Melita coffee maker!

My hot water heater was working, so the luxury of soaking in a hot bath each night was sublime.  I received numerous messages and calls from friends who were watching in horror on the news.   It helped tremendously to talk with them and with no Internet, I had not yet seen the images.

I checked in with a local friend of mine who is also my realtor.   She knows all about houses and has decades of experience in Wrightwood.  She had been evacuated, and was down staying in La Verne with her son.  Our power didn’t return when expected, so I drove the long way down to my cottage, making a large two hour circle to avoid the flooded and damaged roads.  It was a huge relief to arrive home and have heat, lights, Internet, a working fridge, stove and oven, and safety.

I talked with my neighbor who is a singer and listened to she and her husband’s take on the situation.  They were doing well and had ham radios.  Many people were hit very hard.  Some of the homes are filled with mud, and have been condemned.  It is tragic for the owners.  That could have been any of us.  The burn scar from last year’s fire has left us in a very precarious situation.  I worry that it will be like Malibu.  

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You Need an Income in Retirement

 

I recently spoke to a woman who is very concerned about having enough money in her old age.  She mentioned that she had fears of becoming homeless or a bag lady.  The pressure in her situation is real.

My father taught me that you need an income during retirement.  He pointed out to me that net worth is not income.  This is so important. I have talked with women who tell me, “God is my security.”  This is not a viable plan.  We have to take action.  They could consider using their talents in a job that may be simple but helpful.  Even working as a cashier or at the front desk at say, The Senior Center can provide cash for groceries, utilities, and auto needs.

In my case, dividend paying stocks give me the money I need to stay on my budget and to continue investing.  Your money has to grow and last,  or it will deplete and disappear.  Some women don’t face this fact.  It is a hard truth. Caretaking and being domestic will not pay the bills.  These are very valuable activities, but unfortunately, oftentimes they are just expected, for free.

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Renewing A CD From Home Online

 

This morning, I checked my accounts and researched the latest rates for CD’s.  One had just matured, so I followed the prompts to renew it.  In my case, the eight month CD was the most lucrative.  I thought to myself, “I just secured some of my retirement savings, on a Sunday, from my rocking chair!”  Wow!  Technology is amazing.  It took me a few tries to do what I wanted, but the goal is now completed.  

The front garden is budding and blooming.  I bought this Pink Jasmine last year in a small pot at Trader Joe’s.  It is now happily climbing my front fence.   I love the fragrance and the vibrant color.

I picked up a Foxglove at our local nursery.  I have always wanted one…I love the speckled flowers.  As I gently put it in the ground, I noticed several earthworms, turning and aerating the soil.  I was so pleased.  I fed everything some fish emulsion and kelp.  

We are expecting rain in California, and snow in the mountains.  The car has a full tank of gas, the firewood is stacked inside and by the front door, and a pot of beef stew has been simmering on the stove.  We are prepared!  How about you?

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Trimming the Trees and Feeding the Soil

 

Today I trimmed more branches off my Locust tree in the front garden.  After the green waste bins are collected tomorrow, I can refill them with the branches I cut today.  I should be able to finish the tree Thursday.  It is always such a feeling of accomplishment to get that completed.  It’s great exercise, and doing it myself saves me a tremendous amount of money.

The tangerine and navel orange trees have been providing delicious fresh fruit every day.  I gave my fruit trees a top dressing of compost.  It makes such a difference in the flavor of the fruit.  The rain soaked it in nicely.

I made my second loaf of sourdough bread yesterday.  I put it in the oven after spending the afternoon at one of my knitting/crochet groups.  It is a tasty loaf, but did not come out sour,  like my first one.  I think I need to let the starter sit in the oven for 36 hours to get that  superb flavor.  The recipe said just three to five hours.  It seems to take time, like cheese.  This one did have a better rise, though.  I used a tad more yeast.  It still came out with a wet spot in the center.  I just put it back in the oven.  

How are things with you?

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Very Happy With My First Attempt At Sourdough Bread

 

After reading my fellow bloggers’ comments about failed attempts at sourdough bread, I started to worry.  I had to make some tweaks to get mine to work, but am ecstatic with the results.  I will just have to be careful not to overeat it.  It is very moist and extra sour, like what we used to get at the fancy restaurants in  San Francisco.  It was definitely worth the effort!

This was the starter that I used.  I picked up this envelope at one of the gift shops in port on my cruise to Alaska last year.  I made some mistakes in the recipe, but it still worked out.  I accidentally followed the bread recipe at first when making the starter.  This one uses yeast, which I think made it much easier.  

I kept it in my oven for thirty-six hours, and stirred it with a wooden spoon several times each day.

My dough didn’t quite double in size, so I let it rise for forty-five extra minutes, and turned the oven on to its lowest setting.  That did the trick.

I had to add more flour than I expected, and after the second rise my dough was quite sticky.  I turned off the oven after about ten minutes.  This recipe is kind of a hybrid of a vintage French bread recipe I used to make, and The New York Times’ No Knead Bread.  

I  dumped the sticky mound into my Le Crueset Dutch oven and baked it for fifteen minutes.  It was undercooked and had a wet spot in the middle, so I put it back in the oven, this time covering it with the lid.  

After many small changes, I had my loaf of sourdough bread.  It was a thrilling experience.  I hope my blogging friends can have an easier time with a recipe with yeast, and possibly a warmer environment.  Let me know how your baking is going.  What kind of bread do you like to buy or bake?

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Healthy Routines for Seniors

 

During retirement, you have the whole day ahead of you to plan and seize.  You have time to go for a walk, to hike, cook nutritious and satisfying meals, or engage in your favorite hobbies.  Yoga before bed is my favorite routine.  It stops any numbness or tingling in the extremities for me.  It just requires commitment and effort.

This week, I am making my first loaf of sourdough bread.  initially,  it felt like too much work.  To my surprise,  I am enjoying the process of stirring the starter, replacing the plastic wrap on the glass bowl, and covering the project with a dish towel.  The wet, sticky dough is methodically bubbling and developing.  Tomorrow I will add the flour, knead the dough, let it rise, and bake it.  The anticipation and growth is very satisfying.  Bread is so ancient and universal.  It will be a treat to dip it in some extra virgin olive oil and salt.

I recently canceled my streaming service.  Instead, spending time gardening barefoot, knitting with groups and at home, and reading Barbra Streisand’s autobiography have become my new chosen  activities.   It is such a relief to choose healthy, talented company.  How are you using your free time?  Does it suit your needs, your soul and personality?

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Growing Roses in the Forest

 

Last week I spent several hours digging into my rocky mountain  soil and planting shrub roses.  The effect is gorgeous.  I love the mixture of roses, pine trees, oaks, and berries.  The height of the trees makes it so theatrical.

The Hollyhock seeds that I sprinkled in this sunny. corner have sprouted.  Next year they should be tall and colorful.  I love the tall, cheerful, old fashioned flowers.

This is the first season I have had fresh blackberries.  They are sweet, juicy and delicious!  I need to move the other berry bushes into full sun.  

How is your garden doing?  What are you growing?

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Cooking School in Italy

 

One of my favorite experiences while in Umbria was going to cooking school.  Contessa Amelia instructed our group.   She is such a dynamic teacher.  I love her beauty, talent, energy and discipline.  The kitchen is phenomenal, and her assistants were excellent.  Italians seem to value excellence, from what I observed.

Here we are peeling carrots for the vegetarian lasagna.  We made a huge meal, and then all ate it together later that evening, out on the patio.  It was exceptional.  

This was taken on our field trip to Perugia.  The sculpture was fabulous.  We saw a wedding at the church, and the bride had on the most exquisite dress.  They were running out after the ceremony.  She had married a handsome, much older man...

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Culture Shock

 Although I absolutely loved the week that I spent in Italy, I have to admit I did struggle with culture shock.  I normally get up at 5:00 a.m. and make coffee.  Where we stayed, breakfast was not served until 8:00 a.m.  I got into the habit of taking an early morning walk, and then relaxing in the sleek bathtub to kill time.

The trip made me acutely aware that I am one of those Americans who eats all day long…I am a grazer.  In Italy, they eat three meals a day.  They don’t snack.   I normally have a second meal at 10:00 a.m. Even as a child in school, I would wolf down a sandwich at my locker during recess.  My mom packed me two  in my lunchbox for that reason.  She understood that I got hungry mid morning, and that was her idea to tide me over until our school’s lunchtime.  I still eat that way.  I prefer to have very little food in my stomach when I sleep.  I also practice yoga before bed.

Lunch at our resort was 1:00 p.m.  I trained myself to eat a heavier breakfast, since my body is not used to having several hours between meals.  I never quite adapted, I just felt like I was overeating.  The food was exceptional, though.

Dinners were looked forward to and revered.   I dressed carefully and put on smoky eye make-up.  An Italian supper felt like three meals to me.   I enjoyed sitting with our group and devoured the delicious pasta, main courses, local wine, and light and tasty desserts. It was a huge adjustment though, since I normally eat three salads a day, several pieces of fruit, and have dinner at 4:00 p.m.  I did my best to go with the flow, and made sure to enjoy and taste everything.  

I felt full for a week upon returning to LA.  I guess the long international flights, extensive layovers, and stress took their toll on my body.  I was sick and weak for several days, though I am normally very healthy.  But, it was all worth it, and I learned that am not as young and invincible as I used to be.  Traveling that far by plane is really not a very natural thing.  I would like to take a transatlantic cruise next year.

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Travel Teaches You About Your Habits

 

I arrived with my suitcases in Umbria at about 10:30 p.m.  Although the kitchen at our resort was closed, one of the waiters was still there, and he prepared a beautiful tray of sliced bread, salami, and cheese for me. He brought it upstairs to my room.  I wolfed it down appreciatively.  He was so sensitive and kind, and he looked me right in the eye.  Waiters in Europe are such dedicated professionals.  They really take pride in their work.  My father commented on it when he and my mother visited me in Vienna.

My bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept thoroughly and soundly.  I kept the windows open, and the crisp mountain air felt fresh and soothing. 

I swam in the pool nearly every day.  The atmosphere was serene and nurturing.  As with everything there, it was kept in immaculate condition.  The garden amplified its beauty.

The tables below are where our delightful meals were served.  I never tired of the spectacular scenery.  What a lovely place!

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In Love With Umbria, Italy

 It sounds like many of you share my passion for Italy.  I took many photos…the settings were breathtaking.  This was across from the restaurant where we had dinner on our second evening.  

I loved the decor at our villa.  The antiques, orchids, charging station, and candy dish were such attentive touches.

The stone walls of the restaurant made it feel so authentic and charming. The couple in front organized our tour.  

We were surrounded by the Tuscan countryside.  The greenery of the vineyards, olive trees, and gardens made it feel like a storybook setting.  The mountain air felt crisp and healthy.  I noticed it as soon as we arrived.

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Home From Italy!

 Hello Everyone!  I am sorry that I haven’t posted in so long…I was in Umbria, Italy, for a delightful week.  I spent the last week recovering from Covid.  I guess I got it on the long plane trip and lengthy layovers returning home.  All is well now.  The food, scenery, people and sights were out of this world!  

I was with a group of nine people.  We stayed together in an incredible villa out in the country.  The tiny village was surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and lovely Italian gardens.  It felt like we were in a foreign film.  

I was able to take long walks in the mornings, before it got too hot.   This restaurant was just a five minute jaunt from our bed and breakfast.  They served us delightful lunches and dinners, as well.  The food was perfect and incredibly colorful and fresh. 

What an inspiring time and place!  How have you been?  I plan to catch up on all your blogs this week.  I hope you are enjoying your summer and look forward to hearing from you.

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Baking Cream Scones

 

Today I tried a King Arthur recipe for cream scones.  It was a much easier one to make, than others I’ve sampled. Theresults were fantastic!  You don’t need to cut in butter, mix eggs with cream, or any of the other American techniques. (that I found in Martha Stewart’s recipes.)

This version makes twelve scones, so I plan to roll out the second half of the dough and store the triangles in the fridge.  First I will brush them with heavy cream and then sprinkle them with sugar.  They baked up nicely in my vintage toaster oven.  I served the, with strawberry rhubarb jam.  Heaven!

As a child I thought I didn’t like scones.  The ones that our San Mateo bakery sold were huge, dry, crumbly, and stale. 

I finally tasted scrumptious scones after fifty at The Simpson House Inn, and then again at Hotel  41 in London.  Enjoying them at the cottage, out on the front porch makes me feel like I am on vacation.  What are you baking?

Why I Don’t Want to Live Off Grid

 Recently I have been watching shows  like Homestead Rescue, and YouTube videos of people attempting and struggling with their dream of grid living.  What most of them don’t realize is how expensive and exhausting it is.  I personally greatly appreciate having electricity, snow plow services, Internet, septic,  gas and water.  

These conveniences make it much easier to do chores, cook, and keep your food from spoiling.  They also provide safety, space, organization, and cleanliness.  Personally, I think many of these back to the land people are simply drawn  to the pull of nature and a majestic mountain view.  When I moved into my cottage, a yoga student described the yards here as “having just dirt and rocks, and nothing growing.”  As you can see in the above photo, I planted a front garden, and now have an inspiring cocoon.

After seeing my backyard orchard, some of the neighbors planted their own fruit trees.  They look stunning, especially when they are in bloom.  The trees have room to reach upwards and stretch. The couple who live behind that white fence bought their home and land, improved and remodeled the house, and turned the acreage into an alpaca farm!  My neighbor and I get to enjoy watching the peaceful animals while eating meals and drinking coffee on our front porches.

We can hang our clothes to dry in the sun, cook and bake from scratch, and enjoy a hot bath before bed without transporting ourselves to a remote location with no amenities.  Sometimes it is better to keep what you have and improve it.

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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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