Five for Friday - 5/18/18: Mother's Day, FIL hospitalized & dog scores 2nd breakfast

Got you interested with the dog's 2nd breakfast didn't I?

1. My FIL was hospitalized on this past Friday and went home on Tuesday doing much better. This is why we moved close to him as my Hubby was able to spend a lot of time with him in ER and then the hospital without having horrible commutes to do so.

2. We had a lovely Mother's Day weekend despite FIL being hospitalized on Friday. We spent the weekend with my older son and his fiancee and their dog staying over at our house on Saturday. A fun time playing ping-pong and bocce ball after walking the dogs and then a very enjoyable dinner out. Sunday everyone but me fixed brunch and while they were busy our dog cleaned out the other dog's breakfast bowl. She sauntered into the living room licking her chops with a very full belly and very happy! After breakfast we all went to visit FIL and then came back for more time together before they headed home to get ready for the work week. This kind of time together is what moving back to California was all about.

3. I'm doing two wardrobe challenges right now to find more ways to use what I have. The first is 100 outfits in 100 days - all unique - and I've made it to Day 13 so far. The second is a 10 items plus 5 accessories for a week. So far these are my favorite new combinations. I seem to be in a flower  period.

4. It seems to be pets have priority week. I am cat sitting for a neighbor and finally switched vets for our dog. I wasn't thrilled with the one we had lined up during our move and hear really good things about this one. Bonus is that the new vet office is within walking distance.

5. I finally have a wedding prep project that doesn't involve looking for clothes to wear! I am sewing pillow covers for large pillow that will be on quilts on the grass to add seating at the event. Easy peasy.

Five for Friday - 5/11/18: Pho and More

1. Indeed we did go to a restaurant called Pho N Mor over in Oxnard as part of our expanding our horizons effort. Turns out there is the same restaurant in Camarillo LOL. However we went to a "food court" that was lots of fun and in a converted warehouse so there were other restaurants too and the place was decorated with lots of interesting things to look at including the mural above.

We had Banh Mi sandwiches that were excellent!

2. The first Saturday of each month Studio Channel Islands has artist studio open house. We had a really good time talking to various artists, seeing their work and petting lots of dogs. I had been considering taking a glass art class and after talking to the artist I am going to do it!

3. I think the list of books for the next 6 months of the library book club turned out good. Have you read any of them?

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate 
Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann 
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See 
Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr 

4. Lots of cooking. I looked for recipes to use up the buttermilk and cream I bought for making the chocolate cake last week. I ended up making banana bread and spinach quiche (which also used up a frozen pie shell left from Thanksgiving pumpkin pie making). I also made homemade enchilada sauce (for black bean and avocado enchiladas) which surprised me by having cocoa in it. All were yummy!

5. I went to my second Women's Club lunch meeting and am really glad I joined. Such a nice group of friendly people!

Five for Friday: 5/4/18 - Cake!

So you know how you should read the recipe all the way through before you start but don't and end up running to Target first thing in the morning to buy an electric hand mixer that ends up not being the best ever?

It started out being that kind of week but I plowed forward with this as my motto.

1. The mixer was purchased because after Hubby said we would bring a small chocolate cake to his aunt's house Sunday evening as our contribution for dinner I mentioned that we hadn't yet found a decent bakery in town. I decided to make one using a recipe from The Smitten Kitchen Every Day cookbook, bought the ingredients and a square plate to put it on and only then read the instructions. Both the cake and frosting called for a mixer if possible (although of course cakes were made for centuries without electric appliances LOL) so I decided to replace the one that died right before our move. It worked but not loving the beaters for this purpose so need to see if there are others that can be purchased.

In the process of making the cake I learned
- that Trader Joe's carries small cartons of shelf stable cream,
- you can freeze leftover whole cream (I had to acquire an ice cube tray first - did that on Monday thanks to CVS),
- you can use a vegetable peeler to shave semisweet chocolate to put on top to make it fancy, and
- I need to buy a metal square cake pan if I am going to continue to do this as it took too long to bake in my glass one!

But here it is in all it's chocolate, butter and cream glory.

In the end only 3 small pieces were eaten, half the remainder was left with aunt and uncle and we brought the rest home! Should of just bought 4 cupcakes somewhere LOL.

We all had a lovely and loving time though which is what matters.

2. Saturday I went to yoga despite having been up in the middle of the night for 2 hours with problems sleeping. I did meet a woman there who lives in my community and is one of the people who can certify you to use the gym and encouraged me to call her to do so! BTW, yoga did help but the afternoon nap on the couch helped more.

3. I went to the dermatologist because of one concern and it was also way past time for a full skin check. Turns out she agreed with my concern and we are starting with freezing the spot on the side of my nose and will see if it heals back to normal skin. If not, then it is biopsy time. The challenge is that I had a growth that was growing into my nose removed surgically about 25 or 30 years ago. The main thing I remember is that it was precancerous and I had black stitches on my nose for a couple of weeks. This dr. says it was probably a basal cell growth. No other areas of concern although she did measure some moles for the record. Over the years I've had lots of things sliced, cut or frozen off my skin probably thanks to early life sunbathing with sun tan lotion and fair skin.

4. I found a dime in a parking lot and yes I did pick it up.

5. In my never ending quest for finding new favorite places to eat and go nearby, I learned that there is a trendy food court and craft venue in a refurbished warehouse not too far away. Field trip!

Five for Friday: Slow, minimal spend week - 4/27/18

I looked at the calendar and there was nothing scheduled for the week except yoga. I decided to embrace it!

1. Poor little dog got another bee sting after the vet was closed for the weekend. We gave her a small dose of Benedryl and put baking soda paste on it and the swelling went down.

2. Sunday was a gorgeous day so we headed to the coast late in the afternoon to walk along the beach boardwalk and out on the pier. Then we stayed for a drink and dinner. Love looking at the ocean.

3. Finished a delightful book - The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald.

4. We have been invited to Sunday dinner by Hubby's aunt and uncle. He said we would bring a small chocolate cake. I decided to make a cake and frosting from a recipe in Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites  which produces an 8"x8" cake. Perfect for 4 people. I've cooked 2 things from this cookbook so far and both were great so will be tried out. So the question is, what to do with the leftover heavy cream and buttermilk?

5. While I'm on the topic of books here are the ones waiting for me in piles in my office. There are two other partially read ones around the house. My older son made the dolphin sculpture in shop class in high school 30+ years ago.

If you love to read, The Modern Mrs. Darcy frequently has interesting lists of books I have never encountered elsewhere.

Five for Friday: Car recall, anniversary celebration and more

Another week of exciting (?) retirement. I'm not sure what would be exciting though. For me it was the times we traveled to new places and explored lots of sights and experiences, granddaughter time and major hard work learning complex things.

Perhaps next week LOL.

1. Anyone else have a car that was caught up in the Takata air bag recalls that took years to finally get them fixed? I was able to get the second one replaced at last and it is reassuring to know that if they deploy there won't be pieces of metal shooting into us.

2. Sunday we celebrated our 37th anniversary. It actually was on Thursday of last week but we spent that evening taking Chinese food to my FIL and spending the time with him. We had tickets for a play at a local all volunteer theater that we wanted to try out. It is located in an old elementary school near the Camarillo Airport. The play, Sylvia A. R. Gurney, was a laugh out loud comedy and we really enjoyed ourselves. The dog, Sylvia, is played to great comedic and dramatic effect by a person.

We were going to try out a new to us wine bar that serves some food, but found out it was closed. So we went to what we have heard is one of the best restaurants in town and had the best meal out we have had in a very long time. Really a great evening!

Trying new things is one of our favorite things so we were happy so we talked about what we might like to do this coming year. Gold panning, visiting Santa Fe and taking a tour of S. Cal with a geologist were all on the brainstorming list.

3. I was thinking I wouldn't replace my hair dryer that shorted out and slightly burned my hand but then I realized I need one to dry the dog after her baths! I bought a little travel one with a folding handle. And then I go my hair cut even shorter LOL. New hairdresser seems good though and had to go very short to fix the problems with the prior cut that I complained about.

4. Planning ahead and invited local son and his fiancee to spend Mother's Day weekend at our home. We have come up with a bunch of ideas of what to do so once they confirm for sure we can move forward with reservations, tickets and so on.

5. I went to a movie and out for coffee with some women from the Women's Club I just joined. I liked them a lot so progress in the socializing realm.

Five for Friday

I started out taking care of business and then moved on to other activities.

1. On Friday I booked the recall air bag inflator replacement work at car dealer, scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist, and finally got the results of my 3/28 ultrasound. Good news: no evidence of an abdominal aorta aneurysm. Moved on to giving myself a manicure, cleaning dog's ears, taking a walk and ordering 2 more dresses to try.

2. Hubby spent the weekend helping our son paint in Berkeley in prep for selling their house. He also go to spend time with our granddaughter. I just got a photo, but it is a very cute one! And he had some good stories to share about her at 16 months.

3. Poor dog had diarrhea again for 2 days. I am always afraid that it means her liver is having problems which can be a consequence of Addison's disease. More likely she ate some rabbit poop or something else while on a walk! Anyway, I had pills on hand that I gave her and also fed her rice and cottage cheese. She was still perky and has a good appetite so I simply waited it out rather than going to the vet, but it did keep me at home.

4. I am still on the search for clothes for the 3 day wedding weekend in September and now for another of Hubby's aunt's 90th birthday party in July. I decided to go to Ventura to a different Macy's and tried on a bunch of dresses which was instructive as to what styles and colors might work. I also learned better how to get to that mall. I have 6 dresses ordered to try on from 4 different vendors. Whew! Hopefully some will be just right.

5. Trying new things Introvert version:
- I went to a book club at the library and it was an interesting discussion with little opportunity to get to know people. However, I did see one of the women later at the clubhouse in my community so maybe it will work over time.
- Went to a lunch meeting at the local women's club chapter. Lovely, vibrant group and so social I needed to have time alone afterwards LOL. What a demonstration of how an introvert feels in a group of extroverts.

Five for Friday - Easter Edition

We spent Easter weekend at my son and his fiancee's home in Pasadena. The rest of the week was the usual mix of random and planned activities.

1. Saturday midday we went to view their fall wedding venue. It will be outside and the space is perfect for a BBQ with a wedding ceremony in the middle. The ceremony will be in front of this.

2. Saturday night they hosted a dinner party for which I made The Prudent Homemaker's carrot cake with cream cheese frosting .  Sunday morning they hosted a brunch and egg decorating get together for which I made a coffee cake that won't be made again! Still it was almost all gone as were half the banana nut muffins I took along in case it wasn't good. They always throw such a nice party with special touches such as these edible pansies in the mimosas.

3. After stating that I never find any clothing at my local Goodwill, I popped in to look for some decor wanted for the wedding and found a perfect for me cardigan. So this is my favorite outfit of the week.

4. After over 2 decades of knowing it existed, we stopped by the Somis Nut House which is a rather ramshackle building in a farming area. Turns out they survive by doing a big online business but we found a few things we wanted to buy and then headed to lunch at the Somis Cafe and Market. We used to eat there with my FIL and MIL back when they lived in Somis. Glad we went but its all not on our list to revisit.

5. Thursday the termite specialist drilled holes in our living room floor to inject pesticide underground in an effort to kill the subterranean termite colony that has been munching on our home for who knows how long.

AND one more -

Felt an earthquake midday on Thursday for the first time since moving back to California. It was quite a ways off the coast so just a little short shake. Guess we truly are Californians once again. The dog didn't like it BTW.

Five for Friday and some favorites of the week

Family, preventive health care screening, home maintenance, exercise, finances and food prep for Easter fun. This week had it all.

1. Saturday evening we took a trek across the San Fernando Valley to attend Hubby's aunt's 90th birthday gathering. She had been looking forward to and talking about this milestone party for 2 years. It was a nice gathering and people came from far away to celebrate. Always lovely and encouraging to see the 20-something nieces, nephews and cousins doing so well.

2. My father had an abdominal aorta aneurysm that was found while they were trying to diagnose a back problem so he was able to have it fixed. He fell into the high risk category for this - white, male, smoker early in life. However although I am not male and never smoked since he had one I fall into the high risk category too and could get a free ultrasound scan to check once I was on Medicare. I went on Wednesday and had it done because it is fixable and potentially deadly if you have it and don't fix it. Thanks to Medicare and our secondary insurance it was no cost to me. The tech said "no need to worry but I didn't tell you anything". Still will get the results from the Dr's office.

3. I've vacuumed up all the dead termites I can find and the termite professional says we have to pull back the carpet along one wall in the living room. Then he will drill through the slab quite a ways into the soil and inject a pesticide to hopefully kill the subterranean termite colony. Price is just a little more than what we paid last Spring for a different treatment that worked in that it caused them to enter the house in a different location! We will probably have to get a carpet installer out to re-stretch the carpet, but we'll see how it looks once it is back in place. Home maintenance is endless isn't it?

4. I'm 7 days into my 21 day walking challenge and haven't missed a day yet. My legs are feeling tired at night!

5. Remember my complaining about shopping online? I took advantage of a one month free offer to get 10% off and a $10 return cost rebate for the dress I bought in 3 different sizes before I got one that fit right. I made sure to cancel the membership before the monthly fee kicked in.

Bonus: I only took a year to get this one hung up. A hand painted memento of our time in Atlanta. I used a photo of a flower on our own magnolia tree as the model.

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This week's favorites?

Meals out: We tried to go out for pizza and beer at the local Institution Ale brewery but it was packed with an event in progress so we went to The Curry Leaf for Indian food. That led to a discussion of how many Camarillo restaurants we have found are ones we return to. Add in Bandit's Grill and Mama Hummus and there is the list LOL. We are still searching for favorite Mexican and Thai restaurants.

Dinner at home: Pan fried tilapia with mixed veggies and rice.

Outfits: Apparently it was blue and ivory week!

Five for Friday

Another week:

1. Despite my moaning about online clothes shopping I did order some more items but this time from Macy's so I can return them in store as needed. I'm keeping one pair of capris. I also finally found new Asics walking/athletic shoes that are comfortable and kept both white and silver pairs. Thanks Amazon for the free return policy.

2. I bought tickets for a play at a small theatre in town so we can try it out.

3. We found out that the Reagan Library has a big Genghis Khan exhibit going on until mid-August so we will pick a time to go.  I went there once long ago when my younger son was in elementary school and had to write a report on a President. It was generally interesting as a lot of the exhibit was about the presidency and its history in general and then there is the chance to step into a decommissioned Air Force One.

4. We finally bought 2 desk chairs. It is like the Mama and Papa bear chairs in that we each chose a different one that was really comfortable for us. Much better than our extra dining room chairs!

5. Just when we thought we had our home repairs under control we got a termite swarm. Termite guy coming on Tuesday morning!

Five on Friday

I was busy with appointments and meetings this week but we had fun too.

1. Last Friday night we went to a Beatles tribute band concert in our 55+ community. It was quite good but did not fill all the seats like the Beach Boys tribute band did previously. $5 a person and 2 hours of good music = fun.

2. Last minute invite to join FIL, great aunt and a cousin for brunch at his assisted living facility. Despite having eaten late breakfasts due to the time change we both managed to eat a full meal LOL.

3. Pet club meeting on Monday evening was for the cat lovers. Have you heard of cat cafes? There is one nearby. The cats are all from the Camarillo shelter and up for adoption. Not my thing but it is clearly fun for others.

4. Appointments galore: vet for monthly Addison's disease shot, haircut, massage plus last art history class for a while.

5. Went to the local brewery with a cousin and enjoyed pizza and beer plus a good visit.


My attempts to add carefully to my wardrobe resulted in lots of returns this week. A top supposed to be exactly like on that fits well was probably 2 sized smaller, the hunt for new athletic shoes may have produced a pair (white but I don't care at this point!), and a skirt I had hoped might work for the wedding BBQ was really crummy material. Sigh.

Any one else hating the advent of mostly online clothes shopping coupled with an abundance of clothes that no one seems to want or gaps in sizing stock in the traditional stores?

Five on Friday

A nice week overall!

1. Our older son's fiancee stayed overnight to make it easier to get to an early business meeting near us and got to help us try out a recipe from one of my Christmas presents - Smitten Kitchen Everyday. I made pork tenderloin agrodolce with butternut squash instead of acorn squash as that is what I had at home.  It was delicious! This website has the recipe if you don't want to get the book (recipe). I'm definitely going to make more recipes from this cookbook. In fact there is a banana cake roll that just might appear for Easter brunch.

2. We took advantage of being retired and drove to Ventura to walk the boardwalk and have tacos for lunch on the pier. It was very windy with the water very choppy. Always different at the ocean.

3. I had my annual blood test and got all 3 prescriptions refilled. Happily the quite expensive one was less than half of what I paid before we switched insurances.

4. I walked 1.5 to 2.5 miles each day for the last 5 days. That is my baseline for exercise I think.

5. I bought 2 tops and a pair of capris which I happened upon at Macy's and a dress that I had ordered a second time in a smaller size.

I was shopping for a dress for my son's wedding picnic & BBQ in September but this may not be casual enough. Or it may simply be too hot to wear it. There will be a pub crawl the night before and brunch at Santa Anita the next morning so more shopping to round out my wardrobe for my new lifestyle and family events. I do like the versatility of this dress with toppers I already own.

What made you happy this past week?

5 for Friday: 2018.3

Working on my 2018 ABCs (Adventure, Beauty & Comfort) led to this -

A week of exercise and socializing more than usual. Glad that our calendar is starting to fill up!

1. We took Hubby's 88 year old aunt and 91 year old uncle out for lunch. I always enjoy their company. It was lovely but a bit sad how grateful they were that we came to see them. We must do it frequently. They are not geographically close to their son and his family so we are trying to step it up now that we live here again.

2. I had ordered 8 warm weather tops to get free shipping with the hopes that 1 or 2 would be keepers. I was right and feel I look good in this one although it obviously wasn't so warm when I took this picture. I confirmed that it was a keeper with my Facebook style group - an international group of women who are so helpful and kind. I've met a few in person and they were so nice.

 3. We went to see "The Post" on Sunday afternoon and it was very engrossing despite already knowing the ending. I see why the actors didn't win at the Golden Globes though as it was more of an ensemble performance movie despite having 2 top stars in the leading roles. Then we went to our local brewery for beer and pizza and the last quarter of the Saints-Vikings playoff game. What an exciting ending!

4. Hubby saw that there were going to be 6 to 8 foot waves so we headed to the beach to watch the surfers. He no longer surfs but the pull is strong! A walk along the boardwalk followed by gourmet tacos on the Ventura pier. Retirement life in S. Cal is so hard lol.

5. Had lunch with a friend from way back in my working life who I haven't seen in years and we scheduled lunch with some other old friends from grad school.

5 for Friday: 2018.2

Working on my 2018 ABCs (Adventure, Beauty & Comfort) led to this -

1. I'm excited to take my reading in some different directions by taking ideas from different reading lists. Starting with Heminigway's To Have and Have Not as well as Eleanor H. Porter's Pollyana to meet the "read a classic you haven't" category. Reading different types of books is it's own kind of adventure isn't it?

2. I can see quite a few stars in the dark sky here. On Sunday morning in the just lightening sky there was also a jet trail which was quite beautiful against the darkness.

3. Started a very short home comfort increasing list. So far it has a candle holder for a pillar candle which is languishing in a cupboard and a dining chair seat cushion of some sort so my FIL will be comfortable at our table.

4. With the first rain storm since we moved here 9 months ago hitting on Monday afternoon, it was pleasant to sit in the house and hear it hitting the roof. As it turned out the storm had a horrible outcome nearby with mudslides (caused by the recent huge fire denuding the hills) killing at least 13 people.

5. I finally made a tomato poached pork over raisin kasha recipe for dinner that Hubby declared was the best meal we have had in a long time. He also asked that I remember to make it for guests. Oddly, it was the first time I had cooked a pork tenderloin.

And 5 retirement financial items - 

1. Emailed the reasonably priced tax accountant back in Georgia who did our last set of complicated returns (2014) and in the process found that I had made an error for several years that saved the whole cost of doing the work. She can do our 2017 complicated returns - yeah! Now to collect all the documentation needed.

2. Completed all of my year end summary financial spreadsheets and updated our important record document. I keep these in Dropbox so our sons can access them too if need be.

3. We lent a significant sum of money to a relative last year and just received repayment! They had promised but as anyone who lends money to family knows you have to lend it with the idea that it may become a gift.

4. I am systematically assessing what additions to my wardrobe will actually make it more functional and be worn given my current lifestyle and location. Ordered a bunch of knit tops from Kohls. No shipping cost and I can return them to the nearby store if they don't work out. I expect to only keep a couple. Bought some underwear from the nearby Jockey outlet after determining that they sell overruns not lower quality items.

5. Got a filling repaired in a tooth that had a root canal previously and even with insurance discount $237 later it is good to go. Bad tooth!!!

5 for Friday: 2018.1 - Family time

I had adventure, beauty and comfort in good doses this first week of the year.

1. I posted about our Rose Parade adventure. It was the second time I have gone but the first time with our granddaughter. She really watched the horses and bands.

2. We went to visit my FIL and Hubby's great-aunt with our son, DIL and granddaughter. I like this interaction between the triple great aunt and triple great niece. That is great-Grandpa's room key which is making such a good toy and was given back and forth many times. Six adults spent the whole time watching one baby although some discussion of football and bitcoins may have occurred LOL.

And the 4 generation photo along with a separate ones of happy grandparents with her.

3. Every time I felt uncomfortable in some item of clothing this week I tried to solve it. One shirt is in the recycling pile and two items had tags cut out. Small steps but improved comfort.

4. We are still having glorious sunsets as there are still smoke particles in the sky and increased moisture. I grew up in the central Illinois and summer sunsets were usually sensational and I do get great pleasure out of a nice one.

5. I started my Dry January on the 3rd mostly in an attempt to lose weight but also in hopes of sleeping better.

And 5 Retirement Finances:

1. We had our semi-annual dentist visits and bought their dental insurance plan which should save us money. By switching our medical plan, both being on Medicare and buying this I think our insurance costs will be about $150 less than last year and we will have fewer medical bills to pay as well.

2. However, we found out we both need dental work and Hubby's will be expensive. Then I picked up a prescription and found the cost went up 33% with the new year. Sigh.

3. We were given a dozen delicious tangerines as our son and DIL were given more than they could eat before they spoiled.

4. I have decided we will need an accountant to do our taxes this year and have started collecting all the documents and recommendations for a good person.

5. I stopped by Goodwill to drop off some items and found 2 stainless steel dog bowls and a tray to hold the soap and sponge by the kitchen sink - all for $5.36. Can take those off my list now.

5 for Friday: Edition 6 and the end of 2017

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas weekend and are looking forward to the new year that is almost upon us!

1. We had the best time at our son and his sweetie's Christmas Eve dinner and then stayed over for Christmas Day. I haven't had a stocking to open for many years but this year I did! We all had a good time and on Christmas day the guys got their new BBQ put together while the girls and dogs sat and watched.

2.  We took In-N-Out Burgers to my FIL and hubby's great aunt for lunch on Wednesday. They love them and it does have a family history element as my FIL and Hubby have both enjoyed eating them for decades. We came home with some luscious leftovers a cousin had left for them that they weren't going to eat.

3. Exchanges, returns, different purchases - what would Christmas be without those tasks.

4. Facetimed with our 1 year old granddaughter: got some smiles, she tried to touch our dog via phone and generally was the center of our attention despite our charming and talking son LOL.

5. Getting ready for company!

5 for Friday: Edition 6 - Twas almost the night before Christmas

This week sort of zoomed by.

1. I found out my son and his sweetie are doing Christmas stockings so I went to Trader Joe's and bought wild rice for one and the honey sampler for the other. They will be happy with both.

2. Took the 1 1/2 hour yoga class on Tuesday morning. I would like this to become routine. The challenge is to figure out how to be able to move on Thursday after all that exercise LOL.

3. Back to routine dog care and vet treatments thankfully. The princess poodle had her monthly shot for her Addision's Disease and got groomed - or poodle spa day as we call it.

4. Hubby admitted that retirement was sort of boring. For me too.

5. Thinking about what will be my word for the coming year.

5 for Friday: Edition 5 - Looking forward

Whew! We are back to normal now that the winds have stopped and the fires are more easily addressed. So many people and so much wildlife habitat was impacted though.

I'm focused on the future for this week's round up -

1. Currently contemplating trying the word for the year type of New Year's resolution again. Have you ever picked a word that set your intentions for the coming year? 

I'm considering "Determination" - as in being determined, self-determination, overcoming obstacles, staying the course, stubborn pursuit of goals, dedication, etc.

2. I signed up for 2 OLLI classes (one art; one jazz) and Hubby signed up for one. Great resource if you are near a program and love learning new things in the company of others over 55.

3. Christmas is coming and we will spend Christmas Eve and day at my local son's home in Pasadena. I'm asked to bring the makings for an overnight egg bake. Anyone have a favorite?

4. I've decided to shop for clothes and ignore the return fees when doing so as I keep not buying anything which is good for the pocketbook but not for my having things to wear that are weather appropriate! Went ahead and placed orders this week and hoping many of them work out.

5. I also must look forward and face up to finding out how to redo our wills. Has anyone used legalzoom.com for this?

5 for Friday: Edition 4 - Where there is smoke there is fire

There is certainly a lot of smoke and fire in our area right now. I'm sure you are hearing about all of the horrible wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Ours is the Ventura one (Thomas fire) but it is not endangering our community.

My heart goes out to everyone with losses and to the animals suffering now and later as their habitat is destroyed. My heartfelt thanks to all the firefighters and volunteers helping the evacuated humans and animals. May the winds end soon so the fires can be put out.

1. We have seen flames at the top of a mountain ridge one night while driving home from dinner out (3rd Thai restaurant was a winner!). We also have smelled smoke and greeted people who are sheltering with neighbors while evacuated from their homes in the fire area.

2. Yesterday was the first day I was really concerned for our home and health but fortunately it turned out to not be a problem. I was finally taking a walk as the winds had died down so the air quality was better and I really needed some exercise. A bit into my walk I saw a smoke plume rising nearer to us than before. By the time I got home from my short one mile walk there was a huge black smoke cloud.

We finally learned where this flare up was and were able to pull back on our personal concern. I did sleep with the cell phone by bed though so if an alert came through I would hear it. Instead email updating woke me up at 3:30am LOL.

3. My emergency preparedness now that we are back in California had been focusing on earthquake readiness. Now we are talking about potential fire evacuation routes and what we would try to take if we had to leave very quickly vs having time to pack.

We are so fortunate that we have places to stay with family if we even need a break from smokey air or just from concern. Not everyone is being as fortunate as these fires have devastated over 100,000 acres so far and displaced hundreds of thousands of  people.

4. 2018 will be our first year on Federal retiree benefits and Medicare. We took the time to research our Federal health insurance options as it will be secondary to Medicare. We changed to a different health plan with lower costs but our same doctors. Since the combined insurance and Medicare will eliminate copays and annual deductibles, it looks like we will be able to keep total health care costs about the same for another year even with adding dental insurance. That is a huge accomplishment I think. Even better? Hubby took care of the registration/insurance change while I was out.

5. On a more cheerful note, I sold tickets for the Pet Club holiday dinner and bought tickets for a holiday brass band concert.

How was your week?

5 for Friday - Edition 3

It's December already - wow! The year is fast coming to a close and we are busier than usual.

1. We have volunteered to help my husband's 89 year old aunt and her daughter pack for their upcoming move. At least we have expertise in this LOL.

2. My DIL has asked me to help her with a work related project and I'm feeling pretty honored.

3. I went shopping for clothes for my 1 year old granddaughter and wanted to buy everything because it was all so cute! I limited myself to 4 outfits and 2 pairs of pajamas in the size she is transitioning into. It was fun.

4. I treated myself to a one hour massage to try to get my body back in alignment after travel, Thanksgiving and packing. Went ahead an booked another 2 weeks out because of more packing ahead.

5. I am so thankful that this move has worked out as we had hoped.

What about your week?

5 for Friday - Edition 2

Since we were visiting family last Friday this is a 2 for 1 edition.

1. It is so great being near to our nuclear family. First birthday, engagement and 65th birthday celebrations plus Thanksgiving during these 2 weeks.

2. Having a guest room means our sons and their families stay over when they visit which is the best.

3. Our recent time in Berkeley proved that the dog's eye problems are an allergic reaction to something in our new location of Camarillo just as the vet said. No problems while in Berkeley but immediately upon returning home they started again. I will have to routinely put medication in her eyes I guess.

4. I am ready to get back into more exercising and less eating starting with yoga tomorrow.

5. Buying a cooked turkey and ready made gravy was so worth it and will be repeated next year!