When Women Get Sick at Holiday Time

 I was thinking recently that one of my favorite ballet teachers from England, (she danced with The Royal Ballet,) got sick every year during the Nutcracker.  No wonder, I thought.  There is so much for women to during the Holiday Season.

Yesterday I baked some orange squash that I had purchased last month.  I also broiled a marinated chuck steak from Aldi.   The bottom edge of the squash looked overly ripe, so I cut it off and composted it.  After cutting it in half, placing small pieces of butter on top, and sprinkling it with salt and black pepper, I baked it in the toaster oven for  about an hour.  I eagerly tasted it, and it was dreadful.  It was sour, in spite of the kitchen smelling heavenly.  I thought pumpkins and squash kept well. 

Unfortunately, I swallowed enough to make me violently ill.  I had forgotten what it’s like to throw up everything you have eaten.  Jacques sat next to me, gazing into the toilet bowl.  He was quiet and concerned.  He seemed pensive. He really is like a service dog, highly sensitive and always at my side.

Fortunately, once the supposedly special meal was all out of my system, I recovered very quickly.  It is so easy to take your health for granted.  Another one of my friends had to cancel her Thanksgiving dinner because she became ill.  Maybe we shouldn’t do so much as we get older.  

This afternoonI baked a batch of cranberry lemon scones, and I plan to knit the heel of my grey wool sock.  What are you up to today?

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Learning From Past Journal Entries

 

My neighbor kindly gave me a gift certificate for Hobby Lobby, and I picked out some Grinch kitchen towels and cotton yarn.   have been crocheting some cotton dishcloths with it.  The hand knit ones I had been using for ten years had become frayed and were developing holes.  They last for many years, but not forever.  I find the crocheted patterns last much longer.  The stitches are sturdier.  The knit ones are prettier and more decorative.   Maybe I will make a few of each type.

While going through my paperwork recently, I found a journal from when I first moved up to the cabin.  It was eye opening to read the entries, and to relive what my life challenges were at that time.  Reading your own words from the past is the best way to evaluate the present and the future.  You can see your passions, relationship challenges and joys, and what activities you love.  I still enthusiastically knit, bike, spend time taking care of my home and dogs, and enjoy cooking and baking delicious food.  None of these things cost much money.  They just take time, effort, and discipline.

I also reflected back on the activities, parties, travel, and events that I attended.  It's important to see which ones are worth the money, and which drain your time, energy and bank account.  For example, one of the reunions I attended ended up being with a group of performers that I didn't even really know.  Their main focus was drinking.  I enjoyed my one-on-one time with a few close friends, but wouldn't spend that much on a trip to that part of the country in the future.  That particular city is too expensive, stressful, and crowded.  Hindsight really broadens one's perspective. 

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A Gala Event at The Nutcracker

 

Last Saturday I attended Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker at The Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica.  I reconnected with old friends from my ballet training days.  We all performed in the Nutcracker together in 1982.  Tessa and Russell went on to become successful actors, and Tresa and I had rewarding dance careers.

It was so much fun to laugh at old stories and to hear their familiar voices again.  Looking in their eyes  and reconnecting made my soul feel grateful and emotional.  We were all students of Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, two incredible master teachers.  I did a videotaped interview about what is was like being a young dancer at Westside before the house opened.   I lived with both ladies, and they were incredible women.  Yvonne was a principal with New York City Ballet, and Rosemary was a principal with The Royal Ballet, in London.  They really shaped us with love and care.

The Gala Event had delicious food, drinks, coffee, desserts, and a stunning atmosphere.  It was beautifully decorated with flowers, a loaded Christmas tree, lights, and a sled for photos.  They plan to hold a few parties like this one each year.  I can't wait for the next one!  

Have you been to any festive holiday celebrations this season?

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Preventing Fraud

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of your who celebrate it.  I just made this persimmon cake.  It's very moist and flavorful.  I gave some to my neighbor who loves persimmons.  My one tree gave us a huge harvest this year.  It had hundreds of Hachiyas.  I still have more fruit at the top of the tree to pick.  It's difficult to reach, so I will buy a fruit picker with a basket on the end.  It's so rewarding to plant a baby tree and have it continue to produce and feed you decades later...

As a senior, I have been shocked at how much fraud is occurring in our society, much of it by phone.  You have to be extra diligent these days.  It's wise not to answer calls from numbers you don't recognize.  If they hang up and keep calling you, that's a red flag.  

The other day a woman called here, claiming to work for a well-known health insurance company.  She told me they were updating their records, and asked for my birthdate.  "I don't give out that information over the phone," I answered, matter of factly.   She quickly thanked me and said raced off the phone, nervously.  

Whether it's protecting your cash, investments, land, home or possessions, our intuition is an excellent predicter.  I utilize my cameras, listen to the dogs, (and check why they are barking,) and I don't carry a phone that has my information stored on it.  A simple senior flip phone is fine with me.  The alarm is on 24 hours a day.  I have some excellent neighbors who keep a close eye on my place and I do the same for them.  We call each other if we see anything suspicious and take video.  

Have you experienced any fraud?  Did you catch it in time?

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Scones Baked at Home

 

Last week I studied several of Martha Stewarts's scone recipes, and chose one that uses dried cranberries.  The first one that I baked was disappointing.  It was dry and crumbly.  I almost threw out the rest of the dough, but I didn't want to waste it.

I stored the rest of the triangles in a glass container in the fridge  I baked one in the toaster oven each day.  They must have absorbed the heavy whipping cream over time, because they came out very moist and tasty.  I plan to make these regularly.

Are you doing any baking this week?

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Enjoying Fall

 These gorgeous red apples were spotted on my walk to town last week.  There are apple trees everywhere in Wrightwood!  I love seeing all of the different varieties.  Some of the trees look decades old.  The branches are pruned, but the trunks look ancient and gnarly.

I have not noticed as much bear activity this year.  I think because of all the snow and rain we received, they have had more water.  Last Halloween I had one outside of my cabin at 7:30 p.m.  I think he or she smelled the candy from the trick or treaters.

There are several different types of berries out in nature.  I am hoping that my raspberry and blackberry plants do well.   It takes time for them to get deeply rooted and produce.  The Pink Lady apple tree that I planted is growing and looks happy.  I removed some baby pine trees to give it more sun.

The weather has been gorgeous down at the cottage.  I went for a lovely bike ride in Marina del Rey the other day.  I followed this section near Fisherman's Village, then turned south on the beach bike path and enjoyed seeing the wide expanse of ocean. It feels never ending.  The sound of the waves crashing always thrills me.  This is why I moved to Los Angeles.  (Well, also to pursue show business.)  It all worked out beautifully, and I am still so happy to live here.

Do you like where you live?

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Extreme Self Care

 

I was chatting with an eighty-year-old dancer friend of mine recently.  She sounded much happier and more grounded than the last time we had spoken.  I mentioned it, and she explained that she had been practicing extreme self-care.  What a difference that makes.  Nobody around us has to change.  We can improve the quality of your lives through food, exercise, spiritual practices, and small luxuries.  

For me, being outside in nature and high up in the mountains makes me feel happy and at peace.  The views this time of year are spectacular, and there are very few people out on the trails.  It feels so expansive and freeing to meander up and down the paths, studying the trees, the clouds, and the position of the sun.

Yesterday I picked half of the persimmons from my Hachiya Persimmon tree and delivered bags of them to my neighbors.  (I know a few women who love to make persimmon cookies.)  They are always so appreciative this time of year when I bring them to their door.  Persimmons are expensive in the stores.  It is inspiring to pick hundreds of fruits from one standard sized tree.  I plan to plant more fruit trees for the future.  It's so rewarding to have your own supply in the front and backyard.  

What do you do to practice extreme self-care?

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Finding New Trails

 

Yesterday I took Jacques on a new trail for our bike ride and hike.  Dogs love adventure, just like people.  He seemed to enjoy the new smells, the majestic views, fresh air, and elevation.  It's a beautiful time of year to explore unknown areas; I want to get out as much as I can before the mountains are covered with snow.  The trails become icy and slippery; I don't venture out up here in the winter months, it's too dangerous. 

We are fortunate to live just a few miles from some of the most magnificent hiking trails in California.  It saves on gas to be able to park the car close to the cabin.  My vehicle gets excellent mileage.  I buy a yearly Adventure Pass, which I can use at most of the hiking trails that we frequent.  The Jeffrey Pines and Oaks are tall and grand.  I love the energy of old trees.  They are so comforting and stable. 

There are numerous campgrounds in our area.  The Pacific Crest Trail has a trail head at this one.  It's a fantastic place to view the fall colors this time of year.  The leaves are turning red, yellow and orange.  Soon the oaks will go dormant.  Raking those dry, brown leaves is on my list of chores this week.

Have you been doing any hiking or walking where you live?

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Staying Grounded in Tumultuous Times

 

We are definitely living in tumultuous times.  Watching the news and observing all of the violence and conflict can be depressing.  Staying grounded can help us enjoy each day and get set in healthy routines.

For me, that means getting a good night's sleep and getting up before the sun rises.  I love to watch it slowly come up and peek over the mountains as I sip a mug of French pressed coffee.  The dogs are taken out and fed as the water is boiling.  They climb onto the couch, get comfortable, and take a nap.  The orange flames flicker over the hot coals in the fireplace.  It adds a soothing touch to the atmosphere. 

Making the bed, cooking nutritious meals, and cleaning the cabin all help me to appreciate what I have.  There are so many people in the world right now that don't have the basics.  It's a strange time to be alive.  

Today I plan to mend my winter sweaters and socks, spend some time knitting, and read a library book.  

What are you plans?

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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.  

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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?

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Staying Outside of Palma in Mallorca

 

On my trip to Mallora last spring, I decided to spend one night in the mountains.  Prices at pensions outside of the tourist areas are much more affordable.   It can be very difficult to get a taxi from the airport in Palma, but I got straight to the front of the line and jumped in one.  I had a friendly female driver and gave her the address to my home for the night outside of the city. 

It was a pastoral setting, so I spent my time relaxing, taking walks in the area, stopping for a pizza at the nearby restaurant, (there was only one,) and reading.  The soil and animals looked healthy and natural.  

The inn where I stayed had a sparkling pool with a lovely garden.  The sound of the water was so relaxing.  Breakfast, which was included, was a delightful spread with lots of variety.  This bed and breakfast is run by a couple who relocated there.  Their young daughter was with them in the morning; she was such a cutie.  The stonework was impressive, inside and outside the home.

Stumbling upon these sheep excited the knitter in me.  It was such a quiet and peaceful area, in contrast to Palma, Mallorca, where I spent the next three nights.  That was a thrilling finish to my European vacation.  I think when I return, I will stay for a week in Palma.  The hotels, restaurants, and sights were first class.   It just appealed to me on so many levels.  May was the ideal time of year to visit.  It wasn't too crowded, and the temperatures were warm and pleasant.  Summers can be extremely hot there, according to my taxi driver.

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Using Your Time Wisely in Retirement

 

One thing I commonly hear from people nearing retirement is that they don't know what they will do all day!   Many of them identify strongly with their work/career role.    They worry that once that form of expression ends, they will be bored, lonely and have endless hours stretching out in front of them each day.  They imagine a depressed and lonely existence. 

I have found the exact opposite to be true.  With so many hobbies, in addition to the responsibility of taking care of my home and garden, I find that it's difficult to fit in everything I want to do in twenty-four hours.   Each day in retirement for me is full and busy. 

I love to be outside with my dogs on our gorgeous, sunny California hiking trails.  The shot above is taken on a long walk that I took last week in Agua Dulce.  That is the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  The damp caves, sparkling stream, and flagstone staircase made the journey feel enchanting. Parts of the landscape are rocky, stark and memorable.  Vasquez Rocks in pictured in the background. 

Although in the past few years I took some magnificent trips to Europe, in 2023, I have stayed home.  The plans I carefully made to visit the Panama Canal, London, and the British Isles collapsed, because all three of my flights were canceled.  That disappointment dampened my excitement.  I lost the passion, due to not trusting in the airlines, travel insurance carriers, and other merchants.  There is so much to do close to my home, so I have been kayaking at our local lakes, paddling in the ocean, and biking on the bike trails and through our neighborhood. 

You don't have to sit in front of the tv and veg out as you age.  If you stick to a routine, you can enjoy making delicious meals, get in your daily exercise, grow a lush garden, and take care of your home and pets.  I savor watching my favorite television shows and documentaries on Netflix and Max each evening.  For many of my lean years I didn't have tv, so now it feels like a real treat.  I definitely get my money's worth from the two streaming services I have.  

Retirement is what you make it.  If you fill it with things that you love to do, it can be a rewarding and fantastic time. 

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