11/9/2014
I remember when I was in high school and participated in the senior school play. I played a Swedish maid - no, not that kind with the short frilly skirt - the old lady in frumpy clothes and laced up shoes. My name was Magda Svenson and I was witness to a murder. As a teenager, I found it fun to spray my hair gray, and stomp around in the gymnasium in my old lady shoes.
Flash forward to the present day: I no longer have to spray my hair gray, Mother Nature is doing that for me! No longer a teenager, who was trying to make a fashion statement, I now opt for "old lady" comfort. I have never met an elastic waist piece of clothing that I don't like. Whoever thought that buttons and zippers on clothes was a good idea, has never met someone whose weight goes up and down, depending on the sugar intake! Elastic is so forgiving, oh and comfy too!
Now to the shoes. I am long past high heels. While they make your legs look wonderful, they aren't always comfortable. For both of the boys' weddings, I opted for dressy sandals with chunky short heels, which was a good decision on my part.
Thanks to my hip and back, lacing shoes is really difficult for me. I can get the shoes tied, sort of, but they never stay tied, and I hate a loose shoe. I finally gave in and bought myself some walking shoes with Velcro straps. You're thinking granny I know, and you'd be right. Easy for me to put on? You bet. A fashion statement? Not unless you're thinking old lady alert. Velcro shoes are easy for me to put on and I gave up caring about what other people think about me a long time ago.
So if you see me on the street, I'll be the lady with the elastic waist pants, probably a bit baggy and white Velcro walking shoes!
P
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Zippers
11/8/2014
The first "Automatic Continuous Clothing Closure" (i.e., the zipper) was patented in 1851. Forty-two years later a product called "A Clasp Locker" came along. Then for all the sewers out there, the company Talon, Inc. made zippers - all colors - all sizes.
I checked and there are many variations of zippers:
Lately, I have noticed that women's dresses and skirts have zippers down the back that are as much a part of the dress as the dress itself. I'm not sure when having this kind of zipper on clothes became so popular. It seems like every television show and/or movie has an actress who is wearing a dress with this large, hard to miss, zipper going down their backside.
Perhaps if my backside looked as good as theirs did, I might want to show off. But I can assure you that there is nothing about my rear end, that I want to bring attention to!
Who knows what the next fashion trend will be, but whatever it is, doubt that it will be something to flatter my body! Designers don't seem to have much to do with elastic waist clothing!
P
The first "Automatic Continuous Clothing Closure" (i.e., the zipper) was patented in 1851. Forty-two years later a product called "A Clasp Locker" came along. Then for all the sewers out there, the company Talon, Inc. made zippers - all colors - all sizes.
I checked and there are many variations of zippers:
- coil
- invisible (which my Mother used when she made my clothes for me in the 60's
- metallic
- plastic
- open or closed ended; and
- magnetic
Lately, I have noticed that women's dresses and skirts have zippers down the back that are as much a part of the dress as the dress itself. I'm not sure when having this kind of zipper on clothes became so popular. It seems like every television show and/or movie has an actress who is wearing a dress with this large, hard to miss, zipper going down their backside.
Perhaps if my backside looked as good as theirs did, I might want to show off. But I can assure you that there is nothing about my rear end, that I want to bring attention to!
Who knows what the next fashion trend will be, but whatever it is, doubt that it will be something to flatter my body! Designers don't seem to have much to do with elastic waist clothing!
P
Friday, November 7, 2014
Cougars - The Two Legged Variety
11/7/2014
Unlike when I was growing up, there wasn't much attention paid to marriages and/or sexual activity between an older woman and a teenager. I did have an Aunt who married a boy in my graduating class and they seemed happy together.
If you open up a newspaper, or watch the news, you are more likely than not to hear about adults involved with teenagers. The latest one involves a woman in her 40's and a 15 year old boy. Why is all I can think to ask. I suspect that teenagers today are light years away from the teens who grew up in the 60's - but still - he's really a boy.
What's the attraction? I think, again just my opinion, is that for older women it's sort of a "Hail Mary" while they still look good. Some women, and men too for that matter, age kicking and clawing all the way to being older. Perhaps being with a younger woman or man (teenager) fills some kind of void in their life. For me just thinking about it is simply creepy.
There are a lot of adult men and women who are lonely and would certainly love to have a special somebody in their life. Most of us are just regular people who have bodies and/or faces that won't stop traffic - unless we're too slow crossing the street! Even if you can afford to have "work" done on your body, the calendar doesn't lie. Each year on your birthday, you're older. Fact of life. Some people are terrified about turning 40, or heaven help them, 50! Next month I will be 65 and I'm okay with that. I have accepted, perhaps too willingly, that my body sags more than I like, my skin is dotted with "wisdom" spots, and I can't see things as well as I once could.
Fact of life: bodies age, I don't care how much plastic surgery you have done, you're still aging. Look at some of the older Hollywood stars like Helen Mirren for example, who are beautiful as well as older. You can age gracefully and accept what you can not change (your age), and find age appropriate partners.
If you feel the need to have someone younger than you in your life, which is okay, at least look for someone who has a "2" as part of their age!
P
Unlike when I was growing up, there wasn't much attention paid to marriages and/or sexual activity between an older woman and a teenager. I did have an Aunt who married a boy in my graduating class and they seemed happy together.
If you open up a newspaper, or watch the news, you are more likely than not to hear about adults involved with teenagers. The latest one involves a woman in her 40's and a 15 year old boy. Why is all I can think to ask. I suspect that teenagers today are light years away from the teens who grew up in the 60's - but still - he's really a boy.
What's the attraction? I think, again just my opinion, is that for older women it's sort of a "Hail Mary" while they still look good. Some women, and men too for that matter, age kicking and clawing all the way to being older. Perhaps being with a younger woman or man (teenager) fills some kind of void in their life. For me just thinking about it is simply creepy.
There are a lot of adult men and women who are lonely and would certainly love to have a special somebody in their life. Most of us are just regular people who have bodies and/or faces that won't stop traffic - unless we're too slow crossing the street! Even if you can afford to have "work" done on your body, the calendar doesn't lie. Each year on your birthday, you're older. Fact of life. Some people are terrified about turning 40, or heaven help them, 50! Next month I will be 65 and I'm okay with that. I have accepted, perhaps too willingly, that my body sags more than I like, my skin is dotted with "wisdom" spots, and I can't see things as well as I once could.
Fact of life: bodies age, I don't care how much plastic surgery you have done, you're still aging. Look at some of the older Hollywood stars like Helen Mirren for example, who are beautiful as well as older. You can age gracefully and accept what you can not change (your age), and find age appropriate partners.
If you feel the need to have someone younger than you in your life, which is okay, at least look for someone who has a "2" as part of their age!
P
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Christmas Card List
11/6/2014
Do you remember the yearly job, chore is too harsh a word, of buying cards, writing either a chatty how wonderful the year was letter, or just a note dashed off inside the card?
When Jeff and I were first married, I made a file folder labeled appropriately enough "Christmas Card List". Even when I was 25, I believed, and still do, that everything has a place, and that that place is not my kitchen counter or table!
Each year I dutifully wrote down the names of who I sent cards to, and next to their names whether I had received one in return. Early on I sent out a fair number of cards and always tried to write something in the card besides our name. The label is now yellow and the handwriting is faint, but I still keep the file. Why? No earthly reason, or no earthly good reason to keep it. I guess my old sentimental self just can't bring myself to toss out 28 years of lists. I know that if I toss out this old file, the world will not stop spinning. I think I keep the lists because I can look back as far as 1974 and see who has been in my life since then.
When we moved to Maryland, I was still sending cards to old co-workers and friends. Years passed, and my card list became smaller and smaller. We have lived in Maryland 28 years now and I have one dear friend living in California, who gets a card. Likewise, my sister gets a card. For all my other California co-workers, neighbors, etc. I have, and they have also, stopped sending cards.
The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 and has been big business ever since. Last year 6.5 Billion cards were bought in the U.S., and of that number 1.6 Billion of those were Christmas cards. Cards can range anywhere from fifty cents to $10.00. If you want your name printed on the cards that adds to the cost as does postage.
Christmas used to be the one time of the year when more cards arrived than junk mail and bills. Sadly, this is no longer true.
With all the social media, most of your friends and family can follow your life on Facebook, or on this blog for instance.
P
Do you remember the yearly job, chore is too harsh a word, of buying cards, writing either a chatty how wonderful the year was letter, or just a note dashed off inside the card?
When Jeff and I were first married, I made a file folder labeled appropriately enough "Christmas Card List". Even when I was 25, I believed, and still do, that everything has a place, and that that place is not my kitchen counter or table!
Each year I dutifully wrote down the names of who I sent cards to, and next to their names whether I had received one in return. Early on I sent out a fair number of cards and always tried to write something in the card besides our name. The label is now yellow and the handwriting is faint, but I still keep the file. Why? No earthly reason, or no earthly good reason to keep it. I guess my old sentimental self just can't bring myself to toss out 28 years of lists. I know that if I toss out this old file, the world will not stop spinning. I think I keep the lists because I can look back as far as 1974 and see who has been in my life since then.
When we moved to Maryland, I was still sending cards to old co-workers and friends. Years passed, and my card list became smaller and smaller. We have lived in Maryland 28 years now and I have one dear friend living in California, who gets a card. Likewise, my sister gets a card. For all my other California co-workers, neighbors, etc. I have, and they have also, stopped sending cards.
The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 and has been big business ever since. Last year 6.5 Billion cards were bought in the U.S., and of that number 1.6 Billion of those were Christmas cards. Cards can range anywhere from fifty cents to $10.00. If you want your name printed on the cards that adds to the cost as does postage.
Christmas used to be the one time of the year when more cards arrived than junk mail and bills. Sadly, this is no longer true.
With all the social media, most of your friends and family can follow your life on Facebook, or on this blog for instance.
P
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Off Limit Topics
11/5/2014
I have certain topics that I do not usually discuss either in person or in writing. They are: politics, religion and a woman's right to choose. I do feel strongly about a woman's rights but for the most part keep my opinion to myself, because it's so controversial.
Yesterday was election day and this morning the newspaper is filled with the election results. Okay it's over, so now I want all the nominees to take down their signs which have dotted roads and neighborhoods for weeks.
I love Tim Allen and enjoy his new television show "Last Man Standing". It's funny and I enjoy his humor which is reminiscent of his role on "Tool Time". What I don't understand and don't like is why the writers et al of the show feel it's necessary to put in their two cents worth about the political party they support. Clearly if you watch the show, everything is pro-Republican. The political agenda that is used on the show, takes away from my enjoyment. Everybody has a right to their opinion, and I'm fine with that. What I'm not fine with is taking a comedy television show and using it as a platform for politics. I assume that since the election is now over, the political jokes will stop, at least I hope so.
My opinion about Tim Allen's show is just that, an opinion. It may not be the same as yours, and that's okay. When I watch a comedy show, I want to be able to laugh at the silliness. If I want news and to hear opinions, I'll watch a news show.
P
I have certain topics that I do not usually discuss either in person or in writing. They are: politics, religion and a woman's right to choose. I do feel strongly about a woman's rights but for the most part keep my opinion to myself, because it's so controversial.
Yesterday was election day and this morning the newspaper is filled with the election results. Okay it's over, so now I want all the nominees to take down their signs which have dotted roads and neighborhoods for weeks.
I love Tim Allen and enjoy his new television show "Last Man Standing". It's funny and I enjoy his humor which is reminiscent of his role on "Tool Time". What I don't understand and don't like is why the writers et al of the show feel it's necessary to put in their two cents worth about the political party they support. Clearly if you watch the show, everything is pro-Republican. The political agenda that is used on the show, takes away from my enjoyment. Everybody has a right to their opinion, and I'm fine with that. What I'm not fine with is taking a comedy television show and using it as a platform for politics. I assume that since the election is now over, the political jokes will stop, at least I hope so.
My opinion about Tim Allen's show is just that, an opinion. It may not be the same as yours, and that's okay. When I watch a comedy show, I want to be able to laugh at the silliness. If I want news and to hear opinions, I'll watch a news show.
P
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Social Security
11/4/2014
Social Security, everybody who works have mandatory deductions made for Social Security come out of their paychecks. There are a lot of people who depend on income from Social Security for their very survival.
In numbers, there are over 59 million Americans who receive Social Security. I, for instance, along with 11 million other people receive disability from Social Security because I can no longer work. And, I have read all about the abuses of receiving disability checks. There is even a commercial that is running now for a firm that promises to help you receive a disability award. That they advertise on television, doesn't pass my sniff test.
Fewer workers support more retirees. In 1950 there were 16 workers per Social Security recipient. In 1960 it was 5 workers per recipient and by the year 2033 only 2.1 works will support one retiree!
Everyone knows that the longer you wait to claim your Social Security benefits, the more money you will receive. My official retirement age, based on the year I was born, is 66. I will turn 65 this December. Since I'm on disability, I'm unsure whether I can stay on disability or will I be forced at age 66 to retire. Time will give me the answers I'm sure.
I will tell you that signing up for Social Security, which you must do as you approach 65 and finding the right Medigap policy for your needs, is complicated stuff. For months our mailbox has groaned under the weight of offers from companies who want to be our Medigap carrier. Jeff did diligent research, made a decision and we no longer have to look at offers from companies wanting our business - thankfully.
Like Jeff, we have been contributing to the Social Security fund for years. I started working full time in 1967 and with the exception of a short break in employment when we moved to Maryland from California, have worked continually.
I had been planning on working for several more years, but then as they say "s..." happens and my long range plans had to be scraped. You can certainly plan for the future, but sometimes what you had envisioned for yourself does not become your reality.
P
Social Security, everybody who works have mandatory deductions made for Social Security come out of their paychecks. There are a lot of people who depend on income from Social Security for their very survival.
In numbers, there are over 59 million Americans who receive Social Security. I, for instance, along with 11 million other people receive disability from Social Security because I can no longer work. And, I have read all about the abuses of receiving disability checks. There is even a commercial that is running now for a firm that promises to help you receive a disability award. That they advertise on television, doesn't pass my sniff test.
Fewer workers support more retirees. In 1950 there were 16 workers per Social Security recipient. In 1960 it was 5 workers per recipient and by the year 2033 only 2.1 works will support one retiree!
Everyone knows that the longer you wait to claim your Social Security benefits, the more money you will receive. My official retirement age, based on the year I was born, is 66. I will turn 65 this December. Since I'm on disability, I'm unsure whether I can stay on disability or will I be forced at age 66 to retire. Time will give me the answers I'm sure.
I will tell you that signing up for Social Security, which you must do as you approach 65 and finding the right Medigap policy for your needs, is complicated stuff. For months our mailbox has groaned under the weight of offers from companies who want to be our Medigap carrier. Jeff did diligent research, made a decision and we no longer have to look at offers from companies wanting our business - thankfully.
Like Jeff, we have been contributing to the Social Security fund for years. I started working full time in 1967 and with the exception of a short break in employment when we moved to Maryland from California, have worked continually.
I had been planning on working for several more years, but then as they say "s..." happens and my long range plans had to be scraped. You can certainly plan for the future, but sometimes what you had envisioned for yourself does not become your reality.
P
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Cooking and Baking
11/2/2014
From a very early age, I was assigned chores in the kitchen, other than dish washing. In junior high I had to peel potatoes every night, before I could play or do homework. I have no recollection why potatoes every night, I just know that it was my job. Mom made me peel potatoes with a knife, which was terrifying and I could "peel" a large potato down to a nubbin in nothing flat. One of the greatest gifts I ever received was a friend gave me a potato peeler! I was able to peel faster, less cuts and while I don't think Mom appreciated the peeler, she at least didn't toss it out!
When I was in high school, Mom was working and by then I had moved up from potato peeler to making dinner every night. My sister is eight years younger than me, so I cooked dinner while watching my sister. Homework was done after I had done the dishes each night.
What I did learn from both my Mom and Grandma was how to cook and bake. What I didn't learn from either of them was how to keep my kitchen clean while doing so! I can whip together a casserole in minutes from food in my pantry and freezer - add some hot salsa and sour cream and you have a tasty dish. No two of these slap together casseroles are ever exactly the same. What I do know is that the men in the house always and I do mean always ate these dishes. And asked what the recipe was I'd have to say I have no idea. Start with a meat, add stuff, cook and stir and you have a casserole. Easy.
This weekend Jeff and I were going to a girlfriend's house for lunch on Saturday. I was bringing pumpkin bread and Mom's cherry cheese dessert. Both of these items are easy to make and yet when I finished cooking and/or baking them, my kitchen was at least a 4 on the hurricane scale! I managed, as always, to use all of my counter space, multiple measuring cups and bowls. Flour tends to end up somehow on the floor and splatters from the mixer beaters "dots" a large area. To put it bluntly - I am somewhat of a sloppy cook. I don't ask anybody to clean up after me, which is probably a good thing, since they likely would refuse.
By the way both dishes turned out exactly as they should and were enjoyed by everybody. I don't do a lot of cooking and baking these days since it's just Jeff and I, as we tend to operate on difference schedules. Dinner at my house is at 6:00 and has been since the beginning of time. If I actually make dinner and Jeff's not home, I settle myself on the sofa with my dinner.
I love all things pumpkin. So at this time of year you can buy pumpkin bread mix, pumpkin cheesecake mix, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin ice cream, just to name a few "pumpkiny" things. So if you love pumpkin, now's the time to enjoy some!
P
From a very early age, I was assigned chores in the kitchen, other than dish washing. In junior high I had to peel potatoes every night, before I could play or do homework. I have no recollection why potatoes every night, I just know that it was my job. Mom made me peel potatoes with a knife, which was terrifying and I could "peel" a large potato down to a nubbin in nothing flat. One of the greatest gifts I ever received was a friend gave me a potato peeler! I was able to peel faster, less cuts and while I don't think Mom appreciated the peeler, she at least didn't toss it out!
When I was in high school, Mom was working and by then I had moved up from potato peeler to making dinner every night. My sister is eight years younger than me, so I cooked dinner while watching my sister. Homework was done after I had done the dishes each night.
What I did learn from both my Mom and Grandma was how to cook and bake. What I didn't learn from either of them was how to keep my kitchen clean while doing so! I can whip together a casserole in minutes from food in my pantry and freezer - add some hot salsa and sour cream and you have a tasty dish. No two of these slap together casseroles are ever exactly the same. What I do know is that the men in the house always and I do mean always ate these dishes. And asked what the recipe was I'd have to say I have no idea. Start with a meat, add stuff, cook and stir and you have a casserole. Easy.
This weekend Jeff and I were going to a girlfriend's house for lunch on Saturday. I was bringing pumpkin bread and Mom's cherry cheese dessert. Both of these items are easy to make and yet when I finished cooking and/or baking them, my kitchen was at least a 4 on the hurricane scale! I managed, as always, to use all of my counter space, multiple measuring cups and bowls. Flour tends to end up somehow on the floor and splatters from the mixer beaters "dots" a large area. To put it bluntly - I am somewhat of a sloppy cook. I don't ask anybody to clean up after me, which is probably a good thing, since they likely would refuse.
By the way both dishes turned out exactly as they should and were enjoyed by everybody. I don't do a lot of cooking and baking these days since it's just Jeff and I, as we tend to operate on difference schedules. Dinner at my house is at 6:00 and has been since the beginning of time. If I actually make dinner and Jeff's not home, I settle myself on the sofa with my dinner.
I love all things pumpkin. So at this time of year you can buy pumpkin bread mix, pumpkin cheesecake mix, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin ice cream, just to name a few "pumpkiny" things. So if you love pumpkin, now's the time to enjoy some!
P
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