Gee, somebody wants to be my friend on Facebook. That makes me feel good, even though I rarely look at Facebook. I should be into it, as I specialize in superficial relationships. But whenever I look at it, news streams by about people who are totally marginal in my life. I did get contacted by an old college friend. I do love when that happens. Then I ran into an old high school friend at yoga. Now we are getting really far afield. I didn't even recognize her.
Finished an audiobook of Here lies the librarian, by Richard Peck, read by Lara Everly. I had trouble paying attention to it at first, but then I got into it. It starts out with a tornado, making me think that maybe I had gotten the discs messed up. But no, it was disc number one. Of course, I picked it up at the Vineland Public Library (AUD CD YA FIC Peck Richard) because I love anything to do with libraries or librarians. Actually, the librarian referred to is already dead and buried at the beginning of this book, but there is a continuing library theme. Pewee is a tomboy and Jake is her brother. They seem to be orphans and run an auto mechanic business. Some lovely young ladies tour through town to look at the tornado damage and they become acquainted. The young women are students of library science. They end up getting hired to reopen the town library (from which Peewee has been banned for life at the age of 10 for bad language). There is also an automobile race, a wicked family of rival auto mechanics and a possibly budding romance between one or more of the girls and Peewee's brother. This all takes place in Indiana in the early years of the 1900's. It is a delightful listen.
Taxes, taxes, taxes...I really should get help with my taxes but am reluctant. Should I get someone I KNOW or someone I DON'T know? Life gets more complicated every year and especially last year simce I retired in the middle of the year. And it is already almost MARCH. Yikes. I am about to panic. I dutifully try and read the booklets cover to cover and it is very time consuming. The federal booklet isn't even available yet! I know once I do it online, I will never get a booklet again. Thus, my stubborn desire to continue doing it by hand.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Neighbors, the good and the bad
I am about to get new neighbors. It is an adjustment. I do love my peace and quiet, although currently I may have TOO much of it. The houses on either side and across the street from me are empty. Now, people are moving in downstairs and I can hear EVERY sound....the door opening and closing, footsteps, the murmur of voices. Sometimes I hear conversations that I DON'T want to hear.
I don't think I make much noise...only my television, my radio and my shredder. (No, I don't do any vacuuming).
Driving around yesterday I was disgusted with the amount of TRASH all along the roadsides. We are The United States of Trash, or is it just New Jersey, or is it just Cumberland County? February is depressing enough without having to see that. I wouldn't mind picking some of it up if the weather was nicer, but it is an overwhelming task.
Finished a book: Major Pettigrew's last stand, by Helen Simonson. I like the title and greatly enjoyed the book. Major Pettigrew is an older British guy who becomes interested in a woman from another country (Pakistan). Despite the local prejudices, he follows his heart where she is concerned. There is also a story of the family guns and Major Pettigrew's relatives, which include an adult son and his girlfriend. I picked this book up at the Vineland Public Library book sale.
I picked up another book, The London train, by Tessa Hadley. I read a story by her in the New Yorker which caused me to search for her at the Vineland Public Library (FIC HADLEY TESSA).
Another story taking place in England. It almost seemed like two unrelated short stories, but I think the two characters meet on the London train. About a man, his ex-wife, his current wife and his daughter from the first marriage, who leaves school and gets pregnant and lives with a Russian couple. The second part is about a woman and her situation.
I don't think I make much noise...only my television, my radio and my shredder. (No, I don't do any vacuuming).
Driving around yesterday I was disgusted with the amount of TRASH all along the roadsides. We are The United States of Trash, or is it just New Jersey, or is it just Cumberland County? February is depressing enough without having to see that. I wouldn't mind picking some of it up if the weather was nicer, but it is an overwhelming task.
Finished a book: Major Pettigrew's last stand, by Helen Simonson. I like the title and greatly enjoyed the book. Major Pettigrew is an older British guy who becomes interested in a woman from another country (Pakistan). Despite the local prejudices, he follows his heart where she is concerned. There is also a story of the family guns and Major Pettigrew's relatives, which include an adult son and his girlfriend. I picked this book up at the Vineland Public Library book sale.
I picked up another book, The London train, by Tessa Hadley. I read a story by her in the New Yorker which caused me to search for her at the Vineland Public Library (FIC HADLEY TESSA).
Another story taking place in England. It almost seemed like two unrelated short stories, but I think the two characters meet on the London train. About a man, his ex-wife, his current wife and his daughter from the first marriage, who leaves school and gets pregnant and lives with a Russian couple. The second part is about a woman and her situation.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Who are all these people who are tweeting?
Well, the Pope has started and stopped and I haven't even started yet. I only know one person who tweets and she is an author. According to the popular press, EVERYONE is tweeting. Not sure what I am missing. One of the blogs I read now is just her tweets and they seemed really BORING.
Got a late start today. Remembered my exercise instructor is away, so I didn't jump out of bed to make it to the class at 8 AM. Instead I lolled about until 9:15. By the time I got organized to leave the house and get to McDonald's and talk to a friend who just happened to be there, it was 11 AM before I got started on my computer chores. After about two hours, the wireless starts acting up here so then I will be off to the health club. I decided it is better to go during the day. It is just too crowded and crazy at night. Guess I could say that about a lot of things, including the libraries. So, I guess I will just have to go home and stay there in the upcoming rain and READ. I shouldn't be out driving around in the dark and the rain anyway.
Have a busy week coming up. Today, not so busy. NO events on the calendar.
Got a late start today. Remembered my exercise instructor is away, so I didn't jump out of bed to make it to the class at 8 AM. Instead I lolled about until 9:15. By the time I got organized to leave the house and get to McDonald's and talk to a friend who just happened to be there, it was 11 AM before I got started on my computer chores. After about two hours, the wireless starts acting up here so then I will be off to the health club. I decided it is better to go during the day. It is just too crowded and crazy at night. Guess I could say that about a lot of things, including the libraries. So, I guess I will just have to go home and stay there in the upcoming rain and READ. I shouldn't be out driving around in the dark and the rain anyway.
Have a busy week coming up. Today, not so busy. NO events on the calendar.
Monday, February 25, 2013
A satisfactory spread
I only watched the end of the Academy awards and, of course, I was only rooting for the films I had SEEN, such as Silver linings playbook (twice), Amour and Lincoln. I liked the fact that it wasn't a sweep by any one film. That always makes me feel bad for the losers. Seth McFarland and Kristen Chenowith sang a song "To the losers" as the closing credits went by. I'd like to watch that again on Youtube? Was happy about Daniel Day Lewis and Jennifer Lawrence wins. (I'm in love with her and he is AMAZING)
Missed the first part of the awards as I went to a comedy show with a friend from work. Paula Poundstone did not disappoint. There was a good audience which always helps. You never know when you live in Cumberland County. We have TOO MANY VENUES right now, a lot of competition in the performing arts. She was hilarious from start to finish and it totally seemed like ad-libbing, with a lot of audience interaction, especially the front row (but she didn't get down to us) She talked about being bad with computers. She likes the laptop cause "you can go door-to-door begging for help".
Audiobook review: Hand of evil, by J.A. Jance, read by Karen Ziemba. This was a browsng choice as I never read J. A. Jance before. Not sure if I will again. There were two stories going, an interaction with an old friend who is acting weird and a runaway teen daughter of another friend. The runaway was highly annoying and I found myself getting frustrated with a lot of the behavior of the characters and their lies and just not saying what was really going on. Also a lot of saying one thing and doing another. I got this audiobook at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB M JANCE)
Missed the first part of the awards as I went to a comedy show with a friend from work. Paula Poundstone did not disappoint. There was a good audience which always helps. You never know when you live in Cumberland County. We have TOO MANY VENUES right now, a lot of competition in the performing arts. She was hilarious from start to finish and it totally seemed like ad-libbing, with a lot of audience interaction, especially the front row (but she didn't get down to us) She talked about being bad with computers. She likes the laptop cause "you can go door-to-door begging for help".
Audiobook review: Hand of evil, by J.A. Jance, read by Karen Ziemba. This was a browsng choice as I never read J. A. Jance before. Not sure if I will again. There were two stories going, an interaction with an old friend who is acting weird and a runaway teen daughter of another friend. The runaway was highly annoying and I found myself getting frustrated with a lot of the behavior of the characters and their lies and just not saying what was really going on. Also a lot of saying one thing and doing another. I got this audiobook at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB M JANCE)
Friday, February 22, 2013
Squidoo
This is a really cool website that I discovered today while trying to investigate the soundtrack of the movie Identify thief. You can get a list of all the songs from the soundtrack AND the original songs and listen to snippets of them on Amazon. Now I am going over to playlist.com to see if I can capture the songs. There was a lot of music with which I was not familiar. Good intent by Kimbra....Right thurr by Chingy....I eat boys like you by Ida Maria, to name a few. So far, having pretty good luck with it.
Identity thief was kind of good movie, in spots. Melissa McCarthy has quite a range and is good with physical comedy, which is somewhat amazing, considering her size. She is alternately cute, scary, funny and sad. All the other movies playing at the theater are too gory or too horrifying. I can't deal with that!
Guess I am going to have to resign myself to DRIVING AN HOUR to see arty films with lots of conversation instead of killing.
The weather is so grim today. My life is so predictable today. Unfortunately, I had several calendar malfunctions. My massage appointment was YESTERDAY, as it turns out. My date with my girlfriend also was YESTERDAY, I was dismayed to realize. I need some ART or some LOVE or some FOOD or some PALM TREES or some SUNSHINE. Instead I am having some COMPUTER and some EXERCISE. Ho hum. Alright, the MUSIC was unanticipated and is making me happy and preventing me from hearing the bleed-through from the other computer patrons headphones.
Identity thief was kind of good movie, in spots. Melissa McCarthy has quite a range and is good with physical comedy, which is somewhat amazing, considering her size. She is alternately cute, scary, funny and sad. All the other movies playing at the theater are too gory or too horrifying. I can't deal with that!
Guess I am going to have to resign myself to DRIVING AN HOUR to see arty films with lots of conversation instead of killing.
The weather is so grim today. My life is so predictable today. Unfortunately, I had several calendar malfunctions. My massage appointment was YESTERDAY, as it turns out. My date with my girlfriend also was YESTERDAY, I was dismayed to realize. I need some ART or some LOVE or some FOOD or some PALM TREES or some SUNSHINE. Instead I am having some COMPUTER and some EXERCISE. Ho hum. Alright, the MUSIC was unanticipated and is making me happy and preventing me from hearing the bleed-through from the other computer patrons headphones.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Playing Sorry
Had a great night a few days ago hanging with two 6 year old twins. They are very loving and within 5 minutes of seeing me, they are kissing me and saying "I love you". We watched a really fun movie, the old Disney Swiss family Robinson. Then I tried to entertain them during dinner preperations by playing Sorry with them. It was somewhat of a struggle. They thought they knew the rules, but they couldn't read the info on the cards and they had trouble counting the squares. The other problem was that if anything bad happened to one of them he cried in frustration. This did have somewhat of an inhibitory effect on my ability to play. But we got through it. I think it is a difficult age for games (losing).
Another cold and windy day. I am SICK of it.
Went shoe shopping. I really needed some Easy Spirit shoes. They only had white in my size. Oh well. All the shoes seemed to be "on sale" but I think it is a racket. An effective racket, at that. I feel much better buying something if I think it is on sale, no matter what the actual price is. I bought some other shoes, which I am not sure are really appropriate for someone 65 years old, but just for something different. Now I need to go home and get rid of THREE pairs of shoes, all in the interest of cllutter control. Plus, my women's group is recycling shoes.
Another cold and windy day. I am SICK of it.
Went shoe shopping. I really needed some Easy Spirit shoes. They only had white in my size. Oh well. All the shoes seemed to be "on sale" but I think it is a racket. An effective racket, at that. I feel much better buying something if I think it is on sale, no matter what the actual price is. I bought some other shoes, which I am not sure are really appropriate for someone 65 years old, but just for something different. Now I need to go home and get rid of THREE pairs of shoes, all in the interest of cllutter control. Plus, my women's group is recycling shoes.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Shoes or groceries?
I have some personal spending rules in order to be able to afford retirement. I try to curtail my daily spending in a certain way. So each day I have to decide, "Shoes or groceries today?" I am desperately in need of some Easy spirit shoes of a certain kind. I used to have four colors of this shoe. Now I only have blue. The black ones were accidentally left in a motel in Berkely, CA, the white ones are too awful to wear and the tan ones just came unglued so are also due for the trash. I thought of going down to the outlets in AC tomorrow, but just found out that all of the "brick and mortar" stores in my area have closed. Guess I will have to go online and try to find a deal. I am too afraid to buy stuff online with which I am not familiar because I am not very good with the mailing back part of the equation.
Too much drama, not enough time - article about why some people are leaving Facebook. So, I am feeling better about the fact that I cannot really get into it. I do have the time ( not the skills) , but I don't like a lot of drama.
Another lazy day - I seem to be sleeping later and later. This is the problem with retirementl If you can do NOTHING, you might do nothing. (Not that there is anything wrong with that)
Too much drama, not enough time - article about why some people are leaving Facebook. So, I am feeling better about the fact that I cannot really get into it. I do have the time ( not the skills) , but I don't like a lot of drama.
Another lazy day - I seem to be sleeping later and later. This is the problem with retirementl If you can do NOTHING, you might do nothing. (Not that there is anything wrong with that)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Do something active every day
Trying to keep it up. I need to do a variety of things, even if they are not always so very active. OK, Saturday I missed. Was working and grocery shopping. Sunday I lifted weights (the gym closes early on Sunday so I am always rushing). Monday I SWAM at a new pool I never went to before. They have a sauna, which I am not sure how I feel about. Today I did beginner's Tai Chi and tried to tell myself it was a workout. I think it all helps. Just enjoy moving and knowing I am still standing (I know a lot of people who aren't).
My friend tells me we are in the "danger zone". Apparently, a lot of things can go wrong in between age 65 and age 75. If you make it through the danger zone, you might sail on for awhile.
It is a gloomy day. Supposed to be warmer, but who can appreciate that when it is raining? Always switching out my coats. I have one for when it is in the 30's, one for when it is in the 40,s and one for the 50's. Unfortunately, only today will be in the 40's. Then colder again, grrrrr.
My friend tells me we are in the "danger zone". Apparently, a lot of things can go wrong in between age 65 and age 75. If you make it through the danger zone, you might sail on for awhile.
It is a gloomy day. Supposed to be warmer, but who can appreciate that when it is raining? Always switching out my coats. I have one for when it is in the 30's, one for when it is in the 40,s and one for the 50's. Unfortunately, only today will be in the 40's. Then colder again, grrrrr.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Winter has lost its allure (if it ever had any)
Our minister spoke these words on Sunday, making me feel better about the fact that I do not like winter at all.
One of my favorite authors is Walter Mosley. He has several series and non-series. I just finished an audiobook, When the thrill is gone : a Leonid McGill mystery. Read by Mirron Willis and available at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB M Mosley). Leonid is a dangerous man, trying to be less dangerous and work as a private detective in New York. There are a lot of women in his life and interesting characters and clients. His current case involves a case of women who pretend to be other people and many levels of frustration trying to get to certain other people to check things out. An old friend dying of cancer, a wife who is sleeping with who knows how many other men, a girlfriend who is kind of distant, the connections keep getting more intriguing all the time.
This book was recommended somewhere. It was OK. Laura Lamont's life in pictures, by Emma Straub. Themes are fame and the losing thereof, losing and gaining family, and the passage of time. Laura comes from a theater family and marries her co-star and then her director. It is a story of success and failure in Depression era Hollywood. You can get the book at the Vineland Public Library (FIC Straub Emma)
One of my favorite authors is Walter Mosley. He has several series and non-series. I just finished an audiobook, When the thrill is gone : a Leonid McGill mystery. Read by Mirron Willis and available at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB M Mosley). Leonid is a dangerous man, trying to be less dangerous and work as a private detective in New York. There are a lot of women in his life and interesting characters and clients. His current case involves a case of women who pretend to be other people and many levels of frustration trying to get to certain other people to check things out. An old friend dying of cancer, a wife who is sleeping with who knows how many other men, a girlfriend who is kind of distant, the connections keep getting more intriguing all the time.
This book was recommended somewhere. It was OK. Laura Lamont's life in pictures, by Emma Straub. Themes are fame and the losing thereof, losing and gaining family, and the passage of time. Laura comes from a theater family and marries her co-star and then her director. It is a story of success and failure in Depression era Hollywood. You can get the book at the Vineland Public Library (FIC Straub Emma)
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Hangin' with the beautiful people
Using the laptop at Starbucks. Relatively speaking, for this area, here are the beautiful people. It is a great day for sunshine, but horribly cold and windy. Hmmm...they just started playing a great CD - I think it is Andrea Bocelli.
Last night had a nice civilized grocery shopping experience in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at Wegman's. They have a great buffet and I enjoyed spending time there. Cute babies and polite people. And the prices are not too bad, either. Whenever I work, at my job that I do once a month, I like to go to Wegman's or to the Container store afterwards.
The day is waning. Not much more sunlight left. I did exercise but now I am cancelling out the benefits by drinking a vanilla latte. Watching all the people do their President's day shopping. I bought GAS today, no money left for shopping. I did feel sorry for the gas attendant due to the weather. Hope this is the low point for weather this week. In other words, the only way to go is UP.
Last night had a nice civilized grocery shopping experience in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at Wegman's. They have a great buffet and I enjoyed spending time there. Cute babies and polite people. And the prices are not too bad, either. Whenever I work, at my job that I do once a month, I like to go to Wegman's or to the Container store afterwards.
The day is waning. Not much more sunlight left. I did exercise but now I am cancelling out the benefits by drinking a vanilla latte. Watching all the people do their President's day shopping. I bought GAS today, no money left for shopping. I did feel sorry for the gas attendant due to the weather. Hope this is the low point for weather this week. In other words, the only way to go is UP.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
I need help with my narrative essay
Had to learn a new something today - Gimlet - for recording reference interactions online instead of on paper. It is always something. I meant to get to work 15 minutes early today to get ahead of all of the new stuff. The last time I worked was two months ago and a lot can change in two months. So far, so good. Couldn't sign in as my password had expired. Jeez...I don't remember getting any notice of that! Managed to get that changed so I could get into the "password keeper" so I could find out how to log into Gimlet. The day is moving sort of slowly. Got to work with my favorite Saturday co-hort. I go for months without working with her. Today it was a surprise gift. We both brought snacks. So much for my diet.
Tomorrow I will exercise. Also have to make sure to watch 60 minutes. Maggie Smith is going to be on. Certainly Downton Abbey is the crowning achievement of her career. Later on tomorrow evening will be the finale of season 3. Dreading finding out what is going to happen to Matthew. I heard he does not want to continue on to season 4. Auurgh! I adore him.
Last night watched a bit of 8 mile, with Eminem. I love that movie. Didn't really get to hear much music in the parts I watched. Went back to reading.
Tomorrow I will exercise. Also have to make sure to watch 60 minutes. Maggie Smith is going to be on. Certainly Downton Abbey is the crowning achievement of her career. Later on tomorrow evening will be the finale of season 3. Dreading finding out what is going to happen to Matthew. I heard he does not want to continue on to season 4. Auurgh! I adore him.
Last night watched a bit of 8 mile, with Eminem. I love that movie. Didn't really get to hear much music in the parts I watched. Went back to reading.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Who has time for Twitter?
Is that why everyone is always playing with their phone?
I survived Valentine's day and it wasn't half bad. Went with my French club to Philadelphia to see a movie called Amour. A slow moving story of an elderly couple and their decline. Lots to think about, even the day after. Before the movie we dined at Fork, 306 Market Street. Had a yummy kale salad with creme fraiche. Then my sister and her boyfriend invited me over for dinner and served Duck a l'orange. This all kind of came together at the last minute and was an enjoyable day. I even exercised at 8 AM.
Weather is sunny and temperate. Winter is so much more bearable when the temperature is in the 40's.
And it is already February 15th! How much more winter could there be?
I survived Valentine's day and it wasn't half bad. Went with my French club to Philadelphia to see a movie called Amour. A slow moving story of an elderly couple and their decline. Lots to think about, even the day after. Before the movie we dined at Fork, 306 Market Street. Had a yummy kale salad with creme fraiche. Then my sister and her boyfriend invited me over for dinner and served Duck a l'orange. This all kind of came together at the last minute and was an enjoyable day. I even exercised at 8 AM.
Weather is sunny and temperate. Winter is so much more bearable when the temperature is in the 40's.
And it is already February 15th! How much more winter could there be?
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
I can do whatever I want
but I don't want to do anything. Slowing down lately. Too many "driveway moments" and "Vitamin D baths". All I want to do is take a rest.
Just finished a delightful compilation of short stories...Are we there yet? (selected shorts : a celebration of the short story, a presentation of Symphonyspace) Stories by Eudora Welty, Annie Proulx and others. My favorite story was A ride with Olympy, by James Thurber, read by David Rakoff (that guy who sounds like David Sedaris, but isn't). The author takes a ride with Olympy, a helper with whom he speaks only in French, to teach him how to drive a big car around the hair pin curves of Cap D'Antibes in France. Hilarity, miscommunication and catastrophe ensue. This audiobook is at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB F ARE).
Just finished a delightful compilation of short stories...Are we there yet? (selected shorts : a celebration of the short story, a presentation of Symphonyspace) Stories by Eudora Welty, Annie Proulx and others. My favorite story was A ride with Olympy, by James Thurber, read by David Rakoff (that guy who sounds like David Sedaris, but isn't). The author takes a ride with Olympy, a helper with whom he speaks only in French, to teach him how to drive a big car around the hair pin curves of Cap D'Antibes in France. Hilarity, miscommunication and catastrophe ensue. This audiobook is at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB F ARE).
Monday, February 11, 2013
My life doesn't interest me
Lately, when I make the bed, I just want to get back in it. I did get back in it today and lounged around for several hours listening to NPR. I have a daily routine, but am losing interest in it.
- one hour of chores
- exercise
- computer work
I know I am retired, but I can't spend the day in bed without feeling highly guilty. I am falling behinder and behinder.
Valentine's day is this week. Not one of my favorite holidays. Liked the words heard in a song on the Lawrence Welk show last night..."somebody soon will love you, if no one loves you now." One can always hope. I really miss those old sing alongs we used to have at the Quadrangle where my mother was incarcerated
So, why was I watching The Lawrence Welk show? Trying to get ready for Downton Abbey. We watched if for three hours....very satisfying. A one hour show is never enough. Watched the repeat from last week and the two hour show from last night. I am already experiencing withdrawal symptoms as next week is the season finale. There are people I LOVE on that show (Matthew, Mary, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore) and people I HATE (Miss O'Brien, Mr. Barrow).
- one hour of chores
- exercise
- computer work
I know I am retired, but I can't spend the day in bed without feeling highly guilty. I am falling behinder and behinder.
Valentine's day is this week. Not one of my favorite holidays. Liked the words heard in a song on the Lawrence Welk show last night..."somebody soon will love you, if no one loves you now." One can always hope. I really miss those old sing alongs we used to have at the Quadrangle where my mother was incarcerated
So, why was I watching The Lawrence Welk show? Trying to get ready for Downton Abbey. We watched if for three hours....very satisfying. A one hour show is never enough. Watched the repeat from last week and the two hour show from last night. I am already experiencing withdrawal symptoms as next week is the season finale. There are people I LOVE on that show (Matthew, Mary, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore) and people I HATE (Miss O'Brien, Mr. Barrow).
Friday, February 8, 2013
A horrible weather day
Well, here it is just raining but TOO MUCH. Sometimes it rains INSIDE my house, so I dread any forecast that says, rain, heavy at times. Other people north of here are having a lot of snow, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Just trying to get through the day distracting myself because rain depresses me.
Just finished 100 ways to happy chic your life, by Jonathan Adler. I picked up this book because the author was born in my town. But, like all the other famous people from my town, he doesn't live here anymore. He started off making pottery in his parent's cellar and has moved on to decorating, life advising and production of many items. The book is mainly photographs, featuring his beach house on Shelter Island (Long Island?) He is funny and delightful and urges one to have their signature behavior....his is to wear white pants. Described as having an "empire", he has been told that he is like waterfront property with hurricane damage. Craft projects, decorating advice, and organizing tips are all numbered, and yes, there are 100. #28: Adopt a signature folly #45: Reuse and repurpose #90: Find a way to hang it. Even if it is not your style, the book is delightful and inspiring.
Always say goodbye : a Lew Fonesca mystery, by Stuart M. Kaminsky. I listened to the audiobook I borrowed from the Vineland Public Library. One of those hard boiled detectives, getting over a tragedy.
He goes back to Chicago to try and find out who killed his wife and why and to get revenge. When he finds that the guy did it accidentally, he doesn't have the heart to kill him. Another story gets in there at the end, which didn't seem to go with the rest of the book.
Just finished 100 ways to happy chic your life, by Jonathan Adler. I picked up this book because the author was born in my town. But, like all the other famous people from my town, he doesn't live here anymore. He started off making pottery in his parent's cellar and has moved on to decorating, life advising and production of many items. The book is mainly photographs, featuring his beach house on Shelter Island (Long Island?) He is funny and delightful and urges one to have their signature behavior....his is to wear white pants. Described as having an "empire", he has been told that he is like waterfront property with hurricane damage. Craft projects, decorating advice, and organizing tips are all numbered, and yes, there are 100. #28: Adopt a signature folly #45: Reuse and repurpose #90: Find a way to hang it. Even if it is not your style, the book is delightful and inspiring.
Always say goodbye : a Lew Fonesca mystery, by Stuart M. Kaminsky. I listened to the audiobook I borrowed from the Vineland Public Library. One of those hard boiled detectives, getting over a tragedy.
He goes back to Chicago to try and find out who killed his wife and why and to get revenge. When he finds that the guy did it accidentally, he doesn't have the heart to kill him. Another story gets in there at the end, which didn't seem to go with the rest of the book.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The "instability" ball
You know that big ball that they have at the health club? I took a class today called Stability ball/yoga. I didn't do real well. It was challenging but I might do it again. There was crouching involved and pushups, two things I have been avoiding.
My brother-in-law apologized to me for doubting me. I said that the Baltimore Ravens was the only football team named for a POEM. Since Poe lived and died in Baltimore, the team was named after his poem called The Raven.
Checking out the book The blind side from the Bridgeton Public Library. Since I saw the movie and since Michael Oher is on the winning Superbowl team, I am interested in learning more about him. You don't hear much about him, but he is still on the team, so he must be doing an OK job. Perhaps you never hear about people on the defense side.
My brother-in-law apologized to me for doubting me. I said that the Baltimore Ravens was the only football team named for a POEM. Since Poe lived and died in Baltimore, the team was named after his poem called The Raven.
Checking out the book The blind side from the Bridgeton Public Library. Since I saw the movie and since Michael Oher is on the winning Superbowl team, I am interested in learning more about him. You don't hear much about him, but he is still on the team, so he must be doing an OK job. Perhaps you never hear about people on the defense side.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
10 classic Grammy performances
Enjoying watching these. Will try to provide a link over to Rolling Stone magazine, where I found these treasures. I am going to watch them, each and every one.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/video-10-classic-grammy-awards-performances-20110210
Yesterday enjoyed reading a blog post by a guy who doesn't have the Internet at home with a list of his reasons why. On a blog called The minimalists. Made me feel better about my lack in this area.
It could be a principle. It could be a lifestyle.
After using the computer, I am going to the health club to lift weights and do the treadmill and the bike. I do feel somewhat better today and found out that I have lost 5 pounds in a month. Not too shabby. Day after day of deprivation trying not to eat between meals. Felt a bit better when I read about a woman who lost 212 pounds. She exercised for one year before she even tried to do anything about her eating.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/video-10-classic-grammy-awards-performances-20110210
Yesterday enjoyed reading a blog post by a guy who doesn't have the Internet at home with a list of his reasons why. On a blog called The minimalists. Made me feel better about my lack in this area.
It could be a principle. It could be a lifestyle.
After using the computer, I am going to the health club to lift weights and do the treadmill and the bike. I do feel somewhat better today and found out that I have lost 5 pounds in a month. Not too shabby. Day after day of deprivation trying not to eat between meals. Felt a bit better when I read about a woman who lost 212 pounds. She exercised for one year before she even tried to do anything about her eating.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Communication problems
The problem is I just don't feel like communicating. I feel out of it since the world seems to be all about communicating. Facebook, twitter et al.
Light from heaven, by Jan Karon. The audiobook is read by John McDonough. I was so excited to find this audiobook in the Vineland Public Library. I thought I had read or listened to all of the Mitford series. In this one, Father Tim and his wife, Cynthia, are housesitting out in the country several years after his retirement. A new project comes his way and more and more people get involved in his life. He is put in charge of an old abandoned church in the mountains. I know these books are kind of corny and quite religious, but I just love them. So what if people say things like "Dad gum it!" On the container it says it is the last one in the series, but I think she wrote one or two more (that I didn't really like). Mitford is a small town in North Carolina and Father Tim Kavanagh is an aging Episcopal priest. According to the box, the books are "welcome reminders of the simpler and gentler pleasures of life".
Washington : a life, by Ron Chernow. I got this book on my Nook and it was quite fascinating. You can only borrow the books for two weeks through the Overdrive system available through many libraries. The book was 1193 pages and I didn't finish it in two weeks. I have to keep a paper list to record such problems as this. So, I borrowed it again and like a miracle, the book didn't expire. I don't know why. Sometimes they hang around for an extra week as long as you don't go around a wireless connection. But this one lasted more than one week longer than it was supposed to. Now I want to go to Mount Vernon. The book followed him through his military career and through his presidency. The inauguration was in New York City and I was reading it during the inauguration of Barack Obama. Some of the features of George Washington's inauguration are still with us today, such as using the actual Bible and having the ceremonies outdoors. I forgot that Philadelphia was the capital for awhile around 1790. In fact, even though Washington started planning Washington, he never got to live there. Interesting sidelights were his difficulties making ends meet and his actions and thoughts around slavery. He didn't want to sell anyone, but did not want to deal with the problems of liberating his slaves. But, as more and more children were born, he ended up with over 300 slaves (many of them elderly or young) to support. His goal was to live until the year 1800 but he died shortly before the previous year ended.
Light from heaven, by Jan Karon. The audiobook is read by John McDonough. I was so excited to find this audiobook in the Vineland Public Library. I thought I had read or listened to all of the Mitford series. In this one, Father Tim and his wife, Cynthia, are housesitting out in the country several years after his retirement. A new project comes his way and more and more people get involved in his life. He is put in charge of an old abandoned church in the mountains. I know these books are kind of corny and quite religious, but I just love them. So what if people say things like "Dad gum it!" On the container it says it is the last one in the series, but I think she wrote one or two more (that I didn't really like). Mitford is a small town in North Carolina and Father Tim Kavanagh is an aging Episcopal priest. According to the box, the books are "welcome reminders of the simpler and gentler pleasures of life".
Washington : a life, by Ron Chernow. I got this book on my Nook and it was quite fascinating. You can only borrow the books for two weeks through the Overdrive system available through many libraries. The book was 1193 pages and I didn't finish it in two weeks. I have to keep a paper list to record such problems as this. So, I borrowed it again and like a miracle, the book didn't expire. I don't know why. Sometimes they hang around for an extra week as long as you don't go around a wireless connection. But this one lasted more than one week longer than it was supposed to. Now I want to go to Mount Vernon. The book followed him through his military career and through his presidency. The inauguration was in New York City and I was reading it during the inauguration of Barack Obama. Some of the features of George Washington's inauguration are still with us today, such as using the actual Bible and having the ceremonies outdoors. I forgot that Philadelphia was the capital for awhile around 1790. In fact, even though Washington started planning Washington, he never got to live there. Interesting sidelights were his difficulties making ends meet and his actions and thoughts around slavery. He didn't want to sell anyone, but did not want to deal with the problems of liberating his slaves. But, as more and more children were born, he ended up with over 300 slaves (many of them elderly or young) to support. His goal was to live until the year 1800 but he died shortly before the previous year ended.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Oreo's cookie or creme whisper fight
This was my favorite super bowl ad since it takes place in a LIBRARY. It was funny because people are having a knock down, drag out fight, but they are whispering since they are in a library. Even the firemen and the policemen are whispering.
It looks really cold and windy outside. Am enjoying hanging around my sister's nice, clean house and puttering around with her husband, using the computer and reading the New York Times. Not real enthusiastic about returning to my life. I am losing interest in my life. Big event for the day is going to the eye doctor, which I desperately need to do. I am having trouble seeing the computer and many other things. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy new glasses, which cost as much as a small vacation.
It was fun watching the super bowl. I won $15 and got to watch some of it from the hot tub. It was a pretty exciting, nerve-wracking game. I wanted Baltimore to win just because of Michael Oher, who was the subject of a book and a movie called The blind side. He is on defense so you don't hear much about him, but his rags-to-riches story is very heart warming.
It looks really cold and windy outside. Am enjoying hanging around my sister's nice, clean house and puttering around with her husband, using the computer and reading the New York Times. Not real enthusiastic about returning to my life. I am losing interest in my life. Big event for the day is going to the eye doctor, which I desperately need to do. I am having trouble seeing the computer and many other things. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy new glasses, which cost as much as a small vacation.
It was fun watching the super bowl. I won $15 and got to watch some of it from the hot tub. It was a pretty exciting, nerve-wracking game. I wanted Baltimore to win just because of Michael Oher, who was the subject of a book and a movie called The blind side. He is on defense so you don't hear much about him, but his rags-to-riches story is very heart warming.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Not much to say
I think I am losing interest in this blog, along with many other things. Is it the winter blues?
Dedicating a large part of today to reading the Sunday New York times. I usually only do that when I am visiting my sister in North Jersey as she has a subscription. I find the actual paper so much more enjoyable than the online version.
Managed to fit everything in this weekend. Friday night I volunteered at a concert of Ben Williams and the sound machine. It was jazzy and very compelling and exciting. I should go to more concerts, even if I don't know what I am going to hear, like with this group. Out to breakfast Saturday morning at Dodge's Market in Elmer. A tasteful array of healthy foods. Joined some woman friends for a lunch at a friend's house and then up to North Jersey for a family reunion of sorts. The highlights of the evening were watching Downton Abbey (unfortunately a segment I had already seen TWICE), watching one episode of The killers and going out into the hot tub while it was snowing.
Dedicating a large part of today to reading the Sunday New York times. I usually only do that when I am visiting my sister in North Jersey as she has a subscription. I find the actual paper so much more enjoyable than the online version.
Managed to fit everything in this weekend. Friday night I volunteered at a concert of Ben Williams and the sound machine. It was jazzy and very compelling and exciting. I should go to more concerts, even if I don't know what I am going to hear, like with this group. Out to breakfast Saturday morning at Dodge's Market in Elmer. A tasteful array of healthy foods. Joined some woman friends for a lunch at a friend's house and then up to North Jersey for a family reunion of sorts. The highlights of the evening were watching Downton Abbey (unfortunately a segment I had already seen TWICE), watching one episode of The killers and going out into the hot tub while it was snowing.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Another week of winter
Not forecast to get out of the thirties for the next week. I hate it. Today snow (OK, it was pretty), sun, and wind. Not fun shoveling, but I did it. Schlepped all of my stuff to the library but an hour will pass and I won't have time to USE any of my stuff.
I DID throw out one bag of trash today and took one box of stuff to the donation store. I SHOULD feel some sense of accomplishment but I just feel overwhelmed. Trying to part with anything which has fallen to the floor. Also, I found a box of stuff which said "too small, 2001". So, I just got rid of it. It was somewhat painful, but I am overwhelmed with clothes, papers, books, etc.
I guess I should return this book, since I am in the library from which it came. However, I will miss it when the book club discussion comes around. Galileo's daughter : a historical memoir of science, faith and love, by Dava Sobel. I admit I wasn't very enthusiastic about reading this book as we just got done with another historical book and I am not that wild about science. The book was pretty interesting and it was amazing how scientists were punished for coming up with theories which disagreed with the Bible. Galileo's eldest daughter lived in a convent not far from where he lived in Florence. He placed her there when she was 13. Suor Maria Celeste wrote many beautiful letters to her father and they were both involved in each other's lives, even if from afar. Hard to believe that someone would know enough about a topic to consider writing a book called, Discourse on bodies that stay atop water or move within it. Galileo's contention that the earth moved around the sun was the cause of much distress for him as the Bible contradicts that theory and states that "Thou fixed the Earth upon its foundation, not to be moved foerever". Because of his theories, he was brought before the Inquisition and had to live out his life under house arrest. He and his daughter sent each other different types of birds that they liked to eat and she was his constant supporter. Galileo Galilei lived from 1564 to 1642. His clash with Catholic doctrines continues to define the schism between science and religion.
I DID throw out one bag of trash today and took one box of stuff to the donation store. I SHOULD feel some sense of accomplishment but I just feel overwhelmed. Trying to part with anything which has fallen to the floor. Also, I found a box of stuff which said "too small, 2001". So, I just got rid of it. It was somewhat painful, but I am overwhelmed with clothes, papers, books, etc.
I guess I should return this book, since I am in the library from which it came. However, I will miss it when the book club discussion comes around. Galileo's daughter : a historical memoir of science, faith and love, by Dava Sobel. I admit I wasn't very enthusiastic about reading this book as we just got done with another historical book and I am not that wild about science. The book was pretty interesting and it was amazing how scientists were punished for coming up with theories which disagreed with the Bible. Galileo's eldest daughter lived in a convent not far from where he lived in Florence. He placed her there when she was 13. Suor Maria Celeste wrote many beautiful letters to her father and they were both involved in each other's lives, even if from afar. Hard to believe that someone would know enough about a topic to consider writing a book called, Discourse on bodies that stay atop water or move within it. Galileo's contention that the earth moved around the sun was the cause of much distress for him as the Bible contradicts that theory and states that "Thou fixed the Earth upon its foundation, not to be moved foerever". Because of his theories, he was brought before the Inquisition and had to live out his life under house arrest. He and his daughter sent each other different types of birds that they liked to eat and she was his constant supporter. Galileo Galilei lived from 1564 to 1642. His clash with Catholic doctrines continues to define the schism between science and religion.
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