What do you make time for?

I decided I needed to make a list of activities for myself and tape it to my bathroom mirror to make sure I keep the promises to myself. Some I do faithfully and some I slack up on…….sigh!

I currently enjoy my bi-weekly trips to my local library. My new local library is quite inspirational. I try to take time to read away from my home. Those cell phone people are forced to mind their manners at a Library! Thank goodness, as I enjoy the quietness and calming tranquility there. The place is simply beautiful.

Checking the local papers (online of course) for daily events and activities that are open to the public like art, music and fairs allows me to find something new and possibly challenging and of course, enjoyable. I have a gal friend and her name is Deby, she has created an Event Calendar Online for Singles over 40 which is fabulous. I have also shared some of my graphics with her for her site called: http://www.steppingoutflorida.com/.

Occasionally, I attend seminars without making a commitment. I just like to collect investment information to gain more personal knowledge. I have even attended some seminars at some pretty expensive restaurants…….hey, free great dinners! Not bad!

Why is it that exercising is such an effort? I don’t know a single person that actually loves to exercise do you? We all make a super effort to exercise daily for health purposes. I do my workout routines with DVDs. Some days I get into a slump. I think I’m going to purchase some hand weights. Nothing heavy…probably start off with 3lbs weights and work myself up to 5lbs. Don’t laugh…I’m a considered a Senior Citizen! I have to take it slow and easy. LOL

It is an absolute must that I set aside time each week for my personal bookkeeping and errands and of course, the never ending housework! I know most Boca women here in South Florida have cleaning ladies but NOT this Italian Boca Babe! Even if I could afford it, I don’t know if I would want someone in my home touching my personal possessions. I guess it is my Italian upbringing! LOL Yeah, I have a rug cleaning guy I try to call in once a year and the same with my outside windows…Trying to keep windows clean in a condo is nearly impossible to do it by yourself.

Of course, all single women need a “Handyman”! I, fortunately found a great guy but he lives so far away so I try to accumulate a list of repairs before calling him. Oh my, I recall the days when living up in New England, all I had to do was call one of my brothers, brother-in-laws or nephews and the job would be done and for FREE! My handyman’s prices are fair and reasonable and he does great work so he is a “keeper”.

I’m a member of a weekly widow’s group. And, I don’t join them for dinner every week but I like to see them at least once a month or so.

I’ve been trying to force myself to get out more and mingle with people with a purpose and that does not mean meeting the opposite sex all the time. I mean like going to a park or going to a specialty store or a Wine Tasting or Coffee Tasting. I remember when I used to enjoy taking a nice long walk along the beach by myself and feeling the breeze on my face and stopping at one of the benches and just people watching…now that is always fun….people are hilarious and sometimes do such stupid things that it cracks me up! I used to love to People Watch especially in Boston at Faneuil Hall….oh my….just too funny! I loved spending my lunch hours outdoors unless it was payday then was in Filene’s basement hunting for the designer clothes at bargain prices!

I think it is a good idea to have lunch at least once a week with a good friend or do a Happy Hour.

I devote many hours to my two blogs: Roses Are Read and The Lantern. I am a member to several graphic sites, so I can enhance my blogs with cute animated graphics. I consider my blogs the “Cutest Blogs” on the block! I love reading other Blogger’s Blogs. Some have become very special Internet Friends which is nice. I’m also a member of Facebook, Twitter and gosh hope there isn’t anymore new ones coming out anytime soon. I just don’t have the time! LOL

I love to cook but cooking for one is not always impressive but sometimes I treat myself like company and put out a place setting in the dining room just for me…..candles and all….even music! I sometimes have Sully serenading me with some of his own singing that he sends to me via the computer! I’m referring to Jimmy Sullivan, a great Blogger Friend.

I try to swim every day in my condo pool weather permitting! It is Hurricane Season right now and the daily thunderstorms are preventing me from enjoying my pool. Exercising in the pool hurts less and is more enjoyable than sweating it out at a gym or power walking on a hard pavement. Power walking in place in the pool is wonderful.

I guess I have included just about everything on my list that I make time for. Perhaps I should add a few more activities. Dancing was always at the top of my list years ago but I have not found the right dancing places here in South Florida. Bummer! Dancing several nights a week also kept my figure quite svelte in days gone by! I never had to go to a gym then. LOL

Absolutely Nothing is Forever!

Everyone has this beautiful family tree and then all of a sudden one falling leaf forever alters the tree. With families, each relationship has changed us individually and it always has a rippling effect somehow.

Those falling leaves first start most times with our grandparents, then our parents, then our spouses and so on. Then we all become more vulnerable, more sensitive, more confused, angrier and definitely more frightened.

Nothing is forever, no one knows that better than the Widow, because suddenly nothing is the same. The drastic change comes with a jolt and a crash………..sort of like an earthquake…….never quite settles back to its original place. Time to make changes in your life even though X amount of years have gone by, it still feels like it was just yesterday.

I’ve always been a very independent person but for some reason getting older takes on a different twist on trying to be that brave person again. I have no clue what happens. All of a sudden children behave like parents and parents behave like children! Ever notice?

Sometimes I start to feel out of balance with the world. I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. I suppose because I’m not the same person I was 20 years ago and things change. Accepting change is the challenge. I also notice the change in my widowed friends……..they are not the same person they used to be, as widowhood alters your life.

Trying to make a new life…….oh my, now that is a super challenge! I don’t know if I want to let someone in my life again, yet I do miss being a couple.

My body is not the same anymore…this really bothers me because I’m uncomfortable with my weight gain. I packed on a few before I stopped smoking but the additional pounds after I stopped smoking……..Oh my….can’t seem to knock those lbs off…….so frustrating! Like I said………Nothing is Forever! But, I’m now challenged to make the change both with my body and mind!

Mind Your High Tech Manners!

I love high technology but come on people---where are your manners?

There is absolutely no doubt that email has increased productivity in offices worldwide, but it's important to remember that even though it's a quick and easy form of communication, the messages you send should still be well thought out and professional.

I can understand teaching Tweens to Mind their Manners regarding their cell phones and texting but YOU adults out there should know better!

I was out three times this week and each time whether it was a Happy Hour or meeting a friend for lunch. The damn texting begins. Did you ever notice while sitting at a bar or a restaurant the first thing a person does is put their cell phone on the bar or the table in front of them?

Listen up------Texting while talking to someone is considered rude. Gosh, while having a face-to-face conversation with another individual, it is best to wait to use a cell phone until the conversation has ended. It is also better to wait to answer a ringing cell phone while talking, unless the person knows an important call is coming.

When the Texting feature first came out on cell phones, I personally had “texting” blocked from my cell phone because I was being charged for each text message that came in whether I read it or not. At the time, I didn’t even know how to use this feature and I still care not too.

Isn’t it plain common sense that when you are having a face-to-face communication, it should prevail over the use of texting?

I believe that Texting is a great tool when used properly and in the right scenario. Texting while driving should be outlawed! It is disgusting and causes so many accidents. Yeah, I know that its abbreviated spelling is all the rage, it's easy to let “text-talk” spill over into your emails. Unless you're a Tween……try to resist the temptation to abbreviate. It is so juvenile to hack up the English language. An educated individual should know better.

Repeat after me: read and reread your email before you hit send. Does it make sense? Does it accurately convey your message? Is it grammatically correct? Put yourself in the recipient's shoes. How will they interpret it? It's well worth your time to make sure your email gets your message across especially in the office.

Once you've read and reread your email, double check the recipient's address. Not only will this save time, but it could also save you some embarrassment. Once it's sent, it's sent. And, try to stay away from the "Reply All" button! We all know why. We have all learned from our mistakes regarding email Etiquette! Now, someone needs to post “Texting” Etiquette for Tweens and Adults!

Give the cell phone a rest!

I have a dear friend that just told me her divorced daughter is now dating again. She claims she met this wonderful, handsome, wealthy man but there is one problem. He never calls her on the phone. He only sends text messages! Dah! I don’t consider that “Romantic” do you? Her daughter brought this topic to his attention and his reply was that is how he communicates in work and pleasure! She dumped this guy! Wonder why?

Are you one of those cell phone abusers??? Do you text when in company of others?

What did we all do before cell phones and texting? One ringy dingy....two ringy dingy!

Laughter Yoga! No Joke!

There are actually Laughter Yoga classes! I thought it was a joke!

I read that across the globe more and more people are laughing and not just because something is funny. There are actually certified laughter yoga instructors. Do you believe this? Even though yoga is in the name, it doesn’t involve challenging poses or meditation. Laughter Yoga International defines laughter yoga as “a unique exercise routine that combines group laughter exercises with yoga breathing and allows anyone to laugh without using jokes, humor or comedy”.

I read an article that Mayo Clinic suggests you find items that make you chuckle and then put them in places where you will see them. Well, I’ve always heard of “Laughter is the best form of Medicine”. But Laughter Yoga?????

I do agree that laughter’s health benefits are no joke. Mayo Clinic’s article stated: In the short term, laughter can stimulate your organs, relieve stress and soothe tension and stomach aches. In the long term, laughter may improve your immune system, relieve pain and increase personal satisfaction.

There is a site http://www.laughteryoga.org/ and I was shocked that there are DVDs for sale costing over $100. to teach you how to fake laugh! Today there are more than 6,000 laughter yoga clubs in over 60 countries! I was shocked. Has anyone ever heard of these clubs????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi1WPUeNDJI
It is a must see.

Well, I can refer you to a site that won’t cost you a dime and I promise it will have you in stitches laughing; it is called Jimmy’s Journal http://jimsulliv3.blogspot.com/.

Hey Sully, you are doing great things for my health. Thanks!

Hugs, Rose

Involuntary Choices!

This Memorial Day weekend left me with nothing to do. I have some friends that are away on vacation and others busy doing the “Couple” thing, so I decided to head out to our new amazing library in Boca. The place is so beautiful and enjoyable to read a good book.

Such a rainy, nasty day out. Normally, I prefer to sit outside in the beautiful patio area of the library but the weather forced me inside. I noticed, many others had the same idea to spend the day at the library and most tables were full in the cafeteria section.

Two nice ladies looked at me with my book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other and said “Please join us, we have two other chairs here at our table”. I felt a bit uncomfortable but thanked them and sat down. We exchanged our names and where we lived, yatta, yatta.

Since they looked like they were in my age group, it didn’t surprise me that one stated she was also a Widow and the other was Divorced. Sad.

Well, they didn’t seem to feel uncomfortable spilling their personal life and chatting in front of me while I was reading my book which is why I went there in the first place. They kept asking each other “How are you doing”. I used to hate that question because it is a foolish and stupid question to ask a Widow or Divorcee, as the answer to that is already obvious. Plain awful! A squeeze of the hand or a hug from a friend goes far more than stupid questions like “How are you doing”!

The Widow was expressing how lonely she is and her discontent with her four children who all live in other states and lucky if she receives a couple of phone calls a week from any of them. Hmmmmmmmmm I was thinking to myself……having children is no insurance policy and guarantee that you will not be left alone as you get older.

The other lady was terrified of living alone after her divorce. She was so dependent on her spouse for everything. The divorce was not a mutual consent. He left her for a younger woman. Hmmmmmmm Some women prefer to stay in a marriage even though it is emotionally draining them but they are more afraid of what’s on the other side and the financial situation, yatta, yatta. She too, also expressed that she thought her children and grandchildren should spend more time with her but they have their own lives.

Sigh! Thinking to myself, I’ve been on both sides of the track and I could relate to both their fears and concerns but ladies.......get a life!

Then they turned to the topic of aging and losing that youthful look. One was trying to convince the other to do the Botox thing. They then included me in the conversation and asked if I were interested in joining them for a Botox party. I declined not because I don’t want to get rid of some wrinkles and would love to look a bit younger but I refuse to put toxins such a poison in my body through a needle! Plus, it is so costly and you have to keep it up every three months to maintain that look even if you keep it light without heavy doses of that toxic liquid….I don’t like that “Plastic” look. Just stroll down any avenue in Boca and you will see that look! Not pretty! Men don’t like it either so listen up ladies!

I have, however, seen some good facelifts on some friends that weren’t pulled too tight and they did not go overboard trying to look like “Barbie”.

If it is your choice to go under the knife and try to regain your youth……go right ahead and if you choose to let your wrinkles show the character in your face…….by all means leave them there.

Bottom line, we all have choices……. some choices are not voluntary ones…….. some are! Becoming a Widow is not by choice……….being left for another woman is also not by your choice……….Choosing to do something with your life to make yourself happy is your “Choice”.

A Delightful Mother's Day in Boston!

It seems like all of us Widows make our solo trip straight to the comfort of our children and friends. Back home visiting with children is a safe haven with fewer unknowns. The visit is always consoling along with the security of being enclosed in caring arms.

My flight up to Boston was a flight from hell with a three hour delay and a very turbulent flight. Yes, I had my rosary beads in my hands!

There is something about that New England air that makes me sleep like a baby!

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day! I was showered with beautiful gifts. Rhonda prepared a fabulous dinner for all of us. She is the Hostess with the Mostess!

My son and daughter have so much energy and I think they forget I’m getting older and can’t keep up with the pace! LOL My son, daughter and I spent a great day that included a picnic on the beach in Salem. We discovered Winter Island located in Salem which we had never been before and there were very narrow trails….up hills and down steep hills…scary for me….these old bones can’t chance a fall plus my lower back was hurting.

However, it was very enjoyable even for the fainthearted like me that thinking of doing something a little more courageous is usually not in my daily schedule. Most times, I sit on my duff and feel safe or get off my duff and feel scared! I guess we all have our own level of courage when we get older. My son claims that since I live in Florida, I’m used to walking on flat ground all the time! No inclines whatsoever. LOL This is true if you think about it.

Winter Island is the type of place to spend a sunny afternoon exploring. It's got enough nooks and crannies and so many trails........one was too steep for me to travel so I begged to take another route back........I'm a wimp!

We also took in a short movie featuring the historical Salem! Walking in and out of quaint little shops with Saks Fifth Avenue prices! Gosh, I lived in Massachusetts for 44 years and I have never had the time to visit these places when I lived there! It is a warm feeling instead of the huge Malls we are accustomed to today. But, they all have those strong scented potpourri in each store…….wasn’t great for my allergies.

We enjoyed many restaurants, so many laughs creating a recipe for a wonderful trip.

I also had the pleasure of having lunch with my former classmates that I have not seen many of them since 1962. They wanted to thank me for creating and maintaining a separate Blog for our class! I was flattered with the wonderful speech a dear friend recited with such kind and complimentary words. Of course, I was fighting back the tears!

My flight home was so pleasant…small world…I was sitting aside of my girlfriend’s sister. The company and conversation made the flight pass by quickly. But, my luggage was damaged and a note inside stating they checked the contents of my baggage! Oh, the thoughts of someone rummaging through my personal belongings makes my skin crawl. So, the germ-a-phobic me washed everything……even articles of clothing that I didn’t even wear during my stay.

I did report my damaged luggage to the Airlines. I’m sure that will be a long drawn out claim form, etc.

My children keep me on the go everyday in Boston.......now that I'm back home.........sigh! The slow pace of life is back and makes me lazy again. I enjoy being on the go even with my bad back.

I hope all Mothers enjoyed their special day like I did.

P.S. I feel younger with my new hair color and cut............Jimmy, you are the best! I received compliments from total strangers in the Wharf Restaurant where the luncheon was held with my classmates. The Hostess at the restaurant asked me if I was a hairdresser because my hair looked so fabulous.....she also asked if I had a business card to hand out...which of course I did have and proudly handed my son's card to her.

PSSSSS. I just got an email from Thommy:
"Rose, I think you missed someone out of your nice to sees!!!!!!" Forgive me Darling! I guess the caffeine didn't kick in when I was composing this entry. Of course, I always adore seeing you..........you know that don't you???? Yes, you do!

This Pandemic is giving me the crazies!

The News is reporting that the situation continues to evolve rapidly. Scary!

They stated that there are officially reported 257 cases of influenza infection. Yikes! The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 97 confirmed human cases of infection, including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (19), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).

Every News station that I watched all are saying for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. But, I don't know about you but I'm not going to eat pork anytime soon.

The only advice they are giving us is to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Well, germ-o-phobic me, went everywhere to purchase some face masks. CVS, Walgreens, etc were all sold out. Then I thought of Home Depot in their Paint Section and they have plenty on their shelves as of yesterday. I guess most people were thinking of going to drugstores. The drugstores all informed me they are all waiting for another shipment. N95 style is recommended if anyone is interested.

I met the girls for Happy Hour last night and I must have used the liquid sanitizer several times throughout the night, after reading the menu for some appetizers, then again after I ate, then again and again. Yikes! This Pandemic is giving me the crazies!

I've noticed signs all over Palm Beach County here in Florida to "Be secure in an unsure world".

The stores are now selling emergency kits including disaster supplies that will help you be secure in any natural or man-made disaster including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, flu pandemics, fires and other emergencies. The prices for these kits and fancy suitcase style compartments with wheels are quite pricey. I'm sure you can obtain all the necessary supplies and put them in an overnight type suitcase. Most all the kits contained the face masks and sani wipes and water tablets.

Stay safe my friends and let's pray this will all be under control. Why don't they kill all the pigs like Egypt did? It will take some fears away.........not all but perhaps some. Let's all keep this pig off of the Internet and out of our countries! Swine!

Spring is in the Air!

It is hard to tell what season it is living in Florida!

When I grew up and lived in New England....yes you can actually smell Spring in the Air!


I was sitting out in my patio enjoying my coffee this morning admiring my orchard plant that has grown three new shoots......looking forward to seeing it bloom. I love orchards but I have never had the luck of having them rebloom for me....I have high hopes for this one! My daughter purchased this orchard for me during her last visit.

Did you ever notice in nature, the color palette never clash. The beautiful green lawns and the streets lined with palm trees and all the beautiful flowers in various colors. Something very pleasant to wake up to each morning. That is one plus for Florida!

Yet, I do miss the change of seasons up north. The beautiful foliage, the trees covered in snow, the tulips blooming during spring time. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.

Hey, wasn't that the name of the Indian Princess that was on Howdy Doody children's program?

Spring Cleaning!

I said to myself this week "The heck with housework"....the dust bunnies can dance around all they want until next week......I just plain refuse to lift a broom! There is more to life than constantly cleaning.....I was always such a "Clean Freak".......yes, it's nice to have a sparkling clean house but lets face it....how much of a mess can one person make in a small condo? Hey, plus there is no "Spring" in Florida! There is no seasons! Just hot and hotter!

Hey, I still need to do my laundry.....you need clean bloomers and clean sheets on the bed! But as far as the rest of the house....I'm on strike this week and grabbed an interesting book to read and got comfy on a lounge chair by the pool sipping on my "Bottled" water and munching on "Soy" chips.....yeah, it's on my diet. I would have preferred a Pizza and Scotch on the rocks instead! Where is Johnny Walker?

Well, perhaps I will catch up with Johnny Walker later this week, as I plan on going out for a change and check out the nightlife once again. I'm getting cabin fever and I need to dance! I miss mingling with ease and allowing gentlemen to flatter me in their effortlessly charming way! Well, I'm remembering way back when a gentleman could still do that! Charm me that is! LOL Perhaps, it's just because it's "Spring" that I want to go out.............LOL Or maybe I'm just getting jealous that Sully is having a blast in Miami and I'm further up in Boca bored out of my mind! I need to find my own "Area 51"! All the good hangouts closed.

A special thank you to Sully for sending me some great music!

To Rhonda, glad you took the first step to stop smoking! You go girl! So proud of you. Just hang it there, no one said it would be easy!

Is it Easter Yet??????????

Hi Everyone!

Happy Easter and hare's hopping you find eggsactly what you're hopping for in your Easter basket! You know, after all of these years something finally dawned on me. Bunnies don't lay eggs! No one ever heard of the Easter Chicken......It's the Easter Bunny!

Sending love and candy kisses to all of you on Easter! Hope you are all enjoying your colored eggs...chocolate bunnies...baby marshmallow chicks...Treasure hunts....and a seat at the bar at Area 51! That one was for you Sully! Oh and Rhonda too! LOL

Social Networking!

Wow, I can’t believe that there are so many social networking sites out there now. It’s hard to keep up. Some I like and some I just don’t feel comfortable with.

Let’s see…in my research I naturally found the most popular network site which is Facebook (www.Facebook.com) which gives you the opportunity to share and stay connected with friends and making new friends. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school and region to connect and interact with others. Once you become a member you can add friends, send messages and upgrade your personal profile to notify friends about yourself. I personally don’t like this site for some reason. Maybe, it’s because I don’t care if someone is eating an apple right now or just got through brushing their teeth with sensitive toothpaste! I get many emails inviting me to join their Facebook and half these people, I don’t even know.

Then I found Eons (www.Eons.com) Eons is a social networking site for baby boomers. Once you become an Eons member, you’ll find like-minded people on the site and the Eons team is eager to answer questions, respond to comments and help you get started quickly. This site like all others, allow you to express yourself and share your life and your passions and interests, yes your photos and videos and play games to build your brain and challenge others. I think this site is for the real elderly that is just learning the computer world. A good place to start if you are new to the computer.

I also found another site called LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com) which is a business-oriented social networking site. It is mainly used for professional networking. When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments. You can then invite trusted contacts to join and connect to you and I emphasize the word “trusted”. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to a vast number of qualified professionals and experts. I personally think this site can be very useful if you are still employed or looking for employment.

I feel the older generation like myself who are past 60 use and enjoy the benefits of new technology. I find a lot of my friends get frustrated easily trying to learn how to navigate through our increasingly digital world. If it requires more than one click…….they will not step up to the challenge and will not make the effort. They are satisfied with just a simple email back and forth and will stop at that. They also refuse to read a manual to find out how something works or do some troubleshooting! Perhaps, just lazy or simply lack of interest????

Well, there are some high tech stuff that simply does not interest me either like an MP3 Player or Texting Messages. But I love my computer and graphics and writing and I do spend hours and hours per day on my computer which I am self taught because I had to learn it in order to survive in the world for my jobs that I had.

Just when I thought I was caught up with all the new digital devices…..up pops Twitter which is a social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 bytes in length. Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. Do you believe I learned about this by watching the Dr. Phil Show.

How many devices do we need? So, what is your favorite high tech electronical digital device?

I’m happy with my Blogs and feel more comfortable with it than Facebook or any of the above listed sites. This electronical world is getting a tad complicated with way too many gadgets.

Don’t fret, I manage to get my exercise in during the day and clean my house and I still cook! Hey, I’m Italian….we all cook and partake of the vino!

Everybody's Irish on St.Paddy's Day!

I never downed a pint of green beer nor have I ever got pinched for not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day! I'm Italian so I wore Orange! LOL P.S. I hate beer!

I have a friend that is from Ireland and she says it is a religious holiday and the first thing that the Irish do is go to church. She claims that here in America, March 17 is a day of beer-fueled frivolity for many, a secular holiday filled with visions of shamrocks and leprechauns more than penance and prayer. I personally think they are partaking of the green beer in Ireland and she is not admitting it! LOL

She said they never ate corned beef and cabbage on St. Paddy's day either. Really????? Nor is Dublin's River Liffey tinted green, she said, referring to Chicago's tradition of dying its river green.

This year, thousands will celebrate at Irish pubs and festivals throughout South Florida, including parades in Hollywood and Delray Beach as well as the Irish Fest on Flagler in West Palm Beach and the Irish Fest on Atlantic in Delray. And is there a more Irish city in the United States than South Boston?

The festivals are a way to celebrate Irish heritage, its music, food and dance.

"Everybody's Irish on St. Paddy's Day."