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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Staying in Your Budget in Retirement

 Today I listened to a story on YouTube about a couple who financed an expensive RV during retirement.  It is eating a huge chunk out of their monthly budget.  I thought about my own strategy.  I drive an older car, and combine errands to save gas.  My hobbies are extremely inexpensive.  I ride my used beach cruiser with my dogs, read library books, play table tennis, and cook and bake.  Most of these activities are free.

I do splurge on travel, but get discounts through a close friend.  I also research and find what is most valuable to me.  As professional dancers, we traveled all over the world  together.  The company manager arranged our flights and the buses to the hotel.  With the Internet, you can really find the best deals and read up on boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfasts.  I have been very fortunate with the places I’ve stayed.  I can usually tell right away from the photos.

I have a few practice partners I meet with regularly to play table tennis.  We do exercises for accuracy  and work on drills.  It’s fun, social, and excellent exercise.  It’s much less expensive to attend the local senior programs than to join a club.  I still would like to have my own ping pong table at home.  My family had one on our back patio, growing up.  We would all play for hours.

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Party for the Medal Winners of the 2025 Pasadena Senior Games

 

This afternoon I attended a party for the medal winners of the Pasadena Senior Games.  “Wear your medals!” The invitation stated.  I got ready early, walked the dogs, and drove down the mountain onto the 15 South, and then took the 210 West to Pasadena.  It was a sunny and quiet day.  I found parking near the Metro station and the senior center.

Since we arrived early, I chatted with a couple of men in the lobby.  Both were lean and athletic.  They pushed themselves very hard, and let me know their accomplishments and times.  Both were gold medalists.  “Lots of Type A’s,” I chuckled to myself.  The woman sitting next to me at lunch had a backpack full of medals that  she had accumulated this year!  She has plans to complete a triathalon tomorrow.   It sounds like a demanding and exhausting lifestyle.

Some were headed to the Nationals and World Games.  I will wait until next year.  I am mostly interested in private lessons and training.  I love the learning aspect.  It makes the games so much easier, by giving me a toolbox.  Some people never lose that competitive edge.  It’s still nice to relax and take a rest, though.  

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Shifting Your Expenses in Retirement

 As the years pass in retirement, you may find that your priorities change.  You could become more interested in travel, or decide to take up a new hobby.  If you keep track of what you’re spending, you can cut back in a separate area of your budget to make up the difference.

For example, while in Anacapri, I chose to stay in an inexpensive bed and breakfast, with a simple room.  I was able to take the local bus to my favorite restaurant each afternoon, right on the water.  I could walk around and visit the  local shops, markets and cafes.  It was easy to entertain myself by knitting on the patio, reading a book, or writing in my journal.  The views and people were exquisite.

This year, since I am spending money on private table tennis lessons, I will most likely cut out a trip to Europe next Spring.  The extra gas and drive time to get the best training have to be accounted for,  and I’ve already made adjustments made to the budget.

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Avoiding Scams as a Senior

 

More seniors than ever are reporting being tricked and robbed by predators, relatives, and “friends.”  As my father became elderly, I was upset to find out how many people close to him had taken advantage of his kindness, prosperity, and trust.  He became naive, and trusted people who my mother would have vetted when she was alive.  If I pointed out to him that someone was stealing from him, he could become like a little boy and cry, “No!”

Because seniors often have money set aside in a retirement account, certain people may try to gain access to it.  When I was a customer at our local credit union, a few people who worked in card services tried to swindle me out of money through a website overcharging for hotel rooms. Fortunately, I provided screenshots of the advertised rate and the hotels one site’s jacked up rate as proof.  The credit union had to refund my money.

The woman on the phone tried to intimidate me by yelling and through intimidation.  “This is a scam” I replied, hanging up the phone.  I reported it to a government agency, and they  investigated.  My money was returned.  After another episode that happened on a cruise, I closed all my accounts.  An elderly woman standing in line in front of me was also closing hers.   Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away from manipulators.

Have you experienced any scams as a senior?  How did you handle it?

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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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Made My First Stock Sale on Schwab

 

On Friday, I took out my required minimum distribution from my Stretch IRA account.  Charles Schwab has a 24 hour hotline, and they will walk you through any sales or purchases you want to make.  The operators are very helpful and knowledgeable.  I love not having to pay any fees.  They are often hidden when you use a broker. 

I contacted the woman who helped me set up my retirement account there.  It was very easy.  We used an online calculator to give us the numbers.  With her guidance, I set up the sale and transfer.  It’s important to remember that it takes time for the money to reach your bank or credit union.  

I expected the money to arrive in my account on Monday, but it was already sitting in the account by Saturday.  I was also able to have the taxes taken out, so I don’t get hit with an unexpected tax bill next year.

It takes discipline and attention to detail to get your taxes paid on time.  Having it all written on a calendar or in a datebook is helpful.  If your stocks have done well, you may have enough to pay for a nice trip!

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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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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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Financial Routines

 

Spring is tax time in California.  Last week I diligently kept a running total of all of the taxes I owe for this quarter.  Property taxes and estimated taxes are due next month.  It is always a shock for me to see the numbers.   Each year it costs more money to live here.

It requires financial discipline to have enough in liquid savings well before the bills are due.  That cash needs to be liquid.  For me, that means the money is stocks and CD’s is not used.  

I double check my account balances daily, to be sure the checks have cleared.  I also mark the items with a check in my checkbook register.  It’s important to examine every detail before mailing them in, or paying online.  Dates, social security numbers, and numbers must be accurate.

The accountant needs to be paid, and there are still all the regular costs of running a household that are occurring, as well.  Staying disciplined with grocery purchases, heating, electric and water usage insures that there will be enough dollars to pay for the luxury of living in California.

How are you doing with your taxes?

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Do You Sleep Well?

 

One of the top difficulties that many seniors face is that they have trouble sleeping.  Before I had my hips replaced, I was one of those people.  I would dread going to bed, because I knew that the pain radiating down my legs would increase.  If someone or something woke me in the night, I would feel enraged, because it was so difficult to get back to sleep, or to get any sleep.  This sets up a vicious cycle.

Thankfully, I now fall quickly into a deep slumber after heading to bed.  It is such a relief to be pain free and to experience the peaceful, healing qualities of deep sleep. It is restorative and rejuvenating.

These fresh flowers are something I started splurging on in the last year.  I showcase them in  vintage crystal vases the previous owner left at the cabin..   I buy the bulbs from a local woman in Wrightwood.  I also grow tulips, daffodils. and irises of my own.  They are so lovely to enjoy while living life inside the cottage.

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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.  

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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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