My First Time in London

 After cruising for nine nights from Barcelona to Southhampton, I spent three fabulous days and nights in London.  What a spectacular city!  I am in love with that place.  The people, architecture, shopping and gardens absolutely thrilled me.  

My friend Sara and I took photos in this gorgeous art deco bathroom at The Ivy.  I love those pink marble sinks.  It reminded me of old San Francisco in so many ways.  My grandparents had majectic grey marble steps leading up to their 1920's house on Taraval Street.  I was always in awe as I walked up them to their stately front door.   

 I found this charming rose cafe near Hotel 41, where I was staying.  I  stopped in for a cup of tea.  Don't you just love the decor!   It reminded me of my cottage in LA.  Some of my ancestors are from England, and I really felt at home there.  It was as if I was connecting to my roots and style.  

This is the magical view from my hotel window at sunset.  It took my breath away; it was such a lovely scene.  The hotel itself was absolutely gorgeous.  I will post more photos of Hotel 41 in future posts.  

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Eating Out While On Vacation

As most of you know, I normally cook all of my meals at home.  I wait until I am traveling to splurge on restaurants.  Europe was no exception.  These photos are from Hotel Can Bordoy in Mallorca.  The food that they served was divine!  The dessert above was my absolute favorite.  It's called a Pavlova.  It tasted absolutely heavenly.

This is the gate that leads to the pool area.  The garden was so lush and colorful.  It inspired me to continue to develop my outdoor living spaces at home.  There is nothing like dining al fresco.  The flowers, birds and fresh air gave each meal such a delightful ambiance.

I went to the beach every day.  The water there is so clean and clear.  It feels incredibly healing.  I love contrast of the rocks against the Mediterranean Sea.  Mallorca really is a spectacular and magical island.  

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Why I Loved Cruising on NCL's Norwegian Star

 

Quite often I read articles written by first time cruisers on why they don't enjoy cruising.  I, on the other hand, absolutely love it!  My most recent cruise was from Barcelona to London on the Norwegian Star.  This photo was taken from my balcony.   I love to sit outside and gaze at the water.  It is so relaxing and mesmerizing.  It puts me in a trance.  Chores and responsibilities seem so very far away...

I love the fact that once I have unpacked, my work is done.  I can just enjoy the delicious food, entertainment, people and scenery.  I feel like I get so much more for my money when cruising.  The chefs on the Star were exceptional.  I was highly impressed with every meal that I had.  Because I booked my travel during the height of Covid, I got some excellent deals.  I was afraid that the journey might be canceled, but everything went as planned.  I bought travel and Covid insurance, just in case.  Our ship was only sailing at half capacity, so it wasn't crowded.  It was easy to get a lounge chair at the pool, find a seat in the bars, and quickly be sat at a table in the fantastic restaurants.  

To my delight I received a letter stating that I could enjoy my breakfast and lunch in the restaurant that is usually reserved for The Haven guests, only.  That was such a fantastic and unexpected perk!  The specialty restaurants are my favorite, especially Cagney's Steakhouse.  Basically, I was given two first class meals per day.  I felt so spoiled and pampered.  I even splurged for a massage, which was excellent.

Cruising suits my personality because travelers are so friendly.  I made friends wherever I went.  The staff went out of their way to make the trip exceptional.  I find it a wonderful way to travel solo.  You can have privacy if you want, or can join in on group activities when you feel like being social.  

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Back From Europe!

 

Hello Everyone!  I'm sorry that I haven't posted in so long.  I was on holiday in Europe.  We had an amazing time.  I went to Mallorca for my friend Rich's destination wedding.  It was glorious!  Here we are at the party after the ceremony.  We were dance captains together thirty years ago at Theater des Westens in Berlin, Germany.  The show was Anything Goes.

Since I was traveling all the way from America, I decided to stay a while, and booked a cruise on NCL.  It began in Barcelona, went through Spain, Portugal, Luxemburg, France, and ended in London.  This was my first time there.  What a spectacular city!  I stayed at the impressive Hotel 41.  My friend Sara and I met up a couple of times.  She and I danced together at MGM.  Here we are at The Ivy.

This is sweet Caroline.  We met on the Catamaran and became fast friends.  Everyone wore white to the party and we danced for hours.  

It was exciting to travel abroad after all of the Covid challenges.  The entire trip went very smoothly.  A negative Covid test was required to enter Spain.  It had to be take within 48 hours of leaving home, and also to get back to the USA.  To my relief, I passed it both times.  

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When Your Dog Food Sickens Your Pet

 Last night I was up with Jacques on ten different trips in the dark to go to the bathroom.  He had horrible diarrhea. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but he was miserable.  He kept panting and pacing in the bedroom.  Normally he sleeps quietly and soundly.  He had an urgent need to get outside to avoid having an accident indoors.  I praised him for being so considerate.  

Each time he woke me, I turned on the outside light, checked for wild animals, and listened to him squirt more liquid onto the bare earth.   I was getting very concerned.  This had started a week ago, and it really escalated last night.  I decided to Google the brand of food that I had bought for him, Iams.   I had even purchased a second bag, in case the first one happened to be a bad batch.

It turns out other pet owners have had the same problem.  Like their dogs, mine didn't express any interest in eating the kibble after feeling sick.  I decided to try Rachel Ray's brand.  They already seem much more energetic, and it's only been a day.  I normally would switch gradually to a new pet food, but not this time.  Whatever was in the last two packages was very toxic.  They acted like they had food poisoning.  (Lula's case was milder.)  She had blood in her stool.  Ugh!  

Hopefully tonight will be peaceful and serene.  They slept most of the day to make up for the rest we all lost last night.  I even nodded off during my Suze Orman podcast.  Quality pet food is so important.  What do you give your pets?

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Weeding in the Woods

 I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while.  I have been busy with repairs and responsibilities.  As you can see, Jacques has grown.  His bark has deepened and he is maturing.  A natural  guardian and protector, he brings a sense of safety and security to our home.    I wrap his leash around my waist and he joins me as I do my chores on the mountain.  The monks of New Skete recommend training German Shepherds this way.  The dogs get used to being right at your side, and will stay there off leash in time.

I bought a new electric weed whacker that runs off of a cartridge.  Each day I have been removing the tall weeds and grasses.  I plan to turn the leaves into the soil to help keep it rich.  We are experiencing a drought in California, so I water sparingly and rely on the natural mulch.  It makes such a difference.  We had a few inches of snow last week, which helped.  It melted very quickly.  

The tulips, daffodils, and irises have been flowering.  Spring is here!  The herbs have returned, as well as the violas, poppies, artichoke plant, and roses.  It's an exciting time in the garden.  Soon the Hollyhocks will unfold their colorful beauty.    

We have had a surge of deaths in LA county from Covid recently.  Over seeven hundred people in the past two weeks.  I'm glad I bought more masks.  I received  my Moderna booster about a week ago.  It made me feel very sick, but I recovered quickly.  How is your health?

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What Hobbies Will You Enjoy in Retirement?

 

Doing the things you love is a huge part of retirement.  If the activities that you enjoy are affordable, that makes it much easier, financially.  Maybe you will take day trips, ride your bicycle, watch movies, or garden.  

Catching up with friends on the phone or Zoom, kayaking, and hiking are healthy and positive ways to spend your time.  I am seeing more and more seniors out on the water during my kayaking trips.  Kayaks are simple to maintain, they don't require  any fuel, (except muscle power,) and they are far cheaper than owning a boat.  You still can get out on the water, pack a lunch and enjoy the lull of the ocean or the stillness of a lake.  Paddle boarding has become extremely popular in Los Angeles, too.  You are out in the sunshine and fresh air, and getting an excellent workout.

If you are a food enthusiast, you might enjoy making delicious meals, baking, and shopping for your favorite foods.  Cooking your own meals saves a great deal of money.  Taking the time to eat well, and prepare fresh salads and vegetables will go a long way, health-wise.  

Do you like to read or write?  Journaling and blogging are rewarding pastimes.  They are a pleasant and relaxing way to spend your time at home.  If you are passionate about knitting or crocheting, having a stash of yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks will come in handy.  I found this to be particularly helpful during the lockdowns we all experienced during the pandemic.  I also ended up with some warm and colorful socks to wear and gift to friends.  

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The Thigh Master

 

Last week I received my thigh master in the mail.  I have just started using it.  I bought it from Suzanne Somers' website.  I used to be a backup dancer for her at MGM.  She has the most beautiful legs!

I have only used it a few times, but already see and feel a difference.  It's a real workout.  Suzanne says it's like having a gym in your home.  I like that it's portable.  I can take it with me to both locations.  

I took the dogs on a long bike ride this morning.  There's nothing like intense cardio and fresh mountain air.  I passed some of my neighbors on the way and stopped to chat.  Jacques gets so many compliments.  He is a gorgeous dog.  His voice has deepened and matured.  

I got my taxes completed and paid.  Phew!  It's always a relief to get that done.  I will mail the returns tomorrow,  I have a fabulous accountant.  She's intelligent, kind and wise.  The older I get, the more I appreciate trustworthy personal and business relationships.  It makes life easier.

Have you done your taxes yet? 

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Living Near the Beach in Retirement

 

My bungalo is thirty miles from the ocean.  Although that sounds far, on the 405 South it is a fast and convenient trip.  (As long as you drive during off peak times.) 

Yesterday I took Jacques to Fisherman's Village, and discovered a new bike path.  It led us into Toe Beach, which is quiet, unpopulated and magnificent.  You could feel how excited everyone was to be there.  From the accents I heard,  it sounded like many of the visitors were tourists from Europe.  They were beautifully dressed and polite. I smiled at the women  I passed while parking my bicycle and entering the public restroom.   I could feel that they perceived I was a local.  I remember the chills I got on my first road trip to Santa Monica beach as a teenager.   I was a babysitter traveling with a family.  I knew then that I intended to live here someday.  

It can be much cheaper to live a short drive from the ocean.  Beach houses are extremely pricey.  There also is the issue of privacy.   I am so glad that I kept my first home for my old age.  It has plenty of parking, is close to the freeway, and is in a perfect area for bicycling.  Our bike paths on the west coast are thrilling.  The weather has been sunny and warm.  How fortunate we are to live in California.

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The Emotional Climate of Where You Retire

 One thing that is very important when choosing the place you will retire is the thought processes of the people around you.  Many people seek out small towns for their later years, citing the lower cost of living.  But what is the cost on other levels?

Will the locals in that place accept your lifestyle?  Are people open minded?  If you love art and culture, is there an abundance of that in the new place?  Is everyone the same religion?  Will they judge you if you practice yoga, are a Buddhist, or if your family is Jewish?  What if you're not married and you chose not to have children?

My favorite part about retirement is having the time to pursue hobbies.  I am close to fantastic kayaking spots, incredible hiking trails, and have access to live performances.  I love the symphony, museums, Broadway shows, the ballet, and fine restaurants.  I didn't realize how important this would be.  I have always worked with other professional artists in my field.  They are talented, disciplined and successful.  (the creme of the crop.) I still keep in touch with many of these people online and by phone.  We are a tribe.

Another thing to consider is your neighbors.  Are you comfortable where you are?  I have several people on my street who I enjoy chatting with and discussing how our lives are going.  There's an easy, relaxed vibe between us.  I like the familiarity and comfort of being here.  

Often people over fifty sell their homes to move closer to their adult children.  This doesn't always work out for them.  What if the kids get transferred?   There's no going back, once your house has sold.  If you are a private person, a city can give you some anonymity.  This may suit you better than a tiny town with a vigorous rumor mill. Moving is an expensive proposition, and sometimes it's better to stay where you are.

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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.  

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Surveillance Cameras

 Hello, Everyone!  I'm sorry that I haven't been posting here for a while.  I am back.  I have been busy having an alarm and surveillance system installed.   I also have been working diligently with Jacques. He is incredibly smart, and is a fantastic companion dog.  He learns extremely quickly and is eager to train and practice.  He and Lula spend hours together, playing.  I also run him alongside my bicycle on the Walkydog for several miles each day.  That tires him out so that he naps and is relaxed during the afternoon.   As the saying goes, "A tired dog is a happy dog."

I am very impressed with the cameras and alarm that I had put on my land and around my home.  The pictures are clear, and I can see and play back what has been going on at all times, from anywhere.  It's amazing how much you don't realize is happening when you are indoors.  

Cameras are helpful to see all of the cars, people, and activity on your street.  I can see why law enforcement relies on them for solving crimes.  They pick up everything!  (Including wild animals like coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats.)  Even if you are on vacation, or away from home, you can always review the tape.  You will immediately see who has been near your place and on your street.   They are a fantastic tool, and well worth the expense.  

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