Politics and Money

Hello Dahlings!!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Holiday.

Currently I am blogging from my brother's computer system. I am staying at his place with his dear wife, Lois until Friday.

Today we are going to the SPA and treat ourselves to being pampered. Lois has chosen the place and I haven't a clue where it is. I love things like that.

Another thing is I'm going to invest in a laptop computer, my brother has strongly suggested that it would be a good thing, because when I travel I can link in through a hotels' wi-fi when I want to know about investments. And frankly I have to agree with his assessment.

I had been holding off because I don't buy one day and sell the next I select stocks and funds for the long haul. But it can tell me which way "the wind is blowing".

I have been doing this since I knew how to do math when I was child and I can thank my parents for that and my brothers and late husband.

I've had several of my blog friends ask me if I have an "office". Well yes and no.

You see I use to go to my husbands and his business partners office, and he'd have a desk and phone for me to use (so much has changed since those early days)and I would invest only my own independent funds.

Upon his death, I made a deal with his business partners, that I could have a small office (with windows thank you) and continue to do my investing. But I also maintain an office at home as well, Wallace my friend, joined my husband's firm after my husband's death and we've continued this business relationship.

It works out well, because sometimes they will come to me for my opinion on things, which I can talk to them more freely than I can here on this blog (there are laws about that you know), but please be aware that when I talk to them I don't "darling" them at all. I talk to them as an equal and they know it. (please see my earlier posts).

The other day there was concerned about North Korea and Iran, especially around transportation of oil through one of the main water ways. There were private rumbles about that.

And if you have recently read the news Iran is threatening to block the strait that many oil cargo ships use, even though the strait is international waters.

Saudi Arabia to keep the peace and good relationships with us and Europe has done and end run which has lowered the cost of oil, but transporting it may raise the price.

We are concerned about all this "saber rattling", is this going to be another war?

Frankly my dears, if my husband were alive he'd say bomb Iran back to the stone age, and take out all the nuclear reactors. If I wasn't so concerned about repercussions I'd say the same thing, it can get very frustrating.

Now North Korea---we are dealing with an unknown quantity, personally don't be surprised if Kim's son eventually disappears from the scene, or he is used as a figure head.

But getting back to my "office" I am much like that gentleman who is 106 years old and goes to his office everyday, he has retired from the company but he keeps his office as a private investor, and he stays up with the technology. I just adore him. BUT I am not 106 years old.

Now I must go, Lois is ready and we are going for lunch first.

So what is this post all about Darlings? Remember you are the CEO of your life, what happens politically and economically, both local, state, nation and internationally, affects you. You cannot change things, but be prepared for them to "weather the fall out" so to speak.

That is why the media, newspapers, radio, television, Internet, magazines are so important to making careful judgements. Always be "the ant" not "the grasshopper" if you remember Aesop's fable.

Untill Anon, Kisses Darlings.

Diamonds, Taylor & Christmas

Well Darlings I am amazed!

Darling Elizabeth Taylor’s fantastic Jewelry and other items went for nearly $150 million dollars!!!

Christie’s estimated some of her pieces at 1 million or so and they went nearly 10 times as much.

Scripts estimated at 2 or 3 thousand dollars went for over a hundred thousand!

And all to her AIDS foundation. Such a worthy charity. The lady knew how to live and she knew how to plan her final kickoff even being late to her own funeral.

One of the last of the True Diva’s of the world, there is no one else like her and there never will be.

I’ve managed to save her White Diamonds commercials, well I have a friend who knows someone and they made copies for me, next will be the J’adore commercial where they show Grace Kelly and Sweet Marilyn along with Charlene Therzon, wonderful splicing.

All these young actresses only borrow their jewels for the big events; they don’t OWN them and choosing one to make their own statement. They make enough money, and with a bit of shrewd understanding of the value they can have it as an investment.

Mae West bought and was given diamonds all her life, and she even sold some to finance several of her plays such as “Sex”, “The Constant Sinner” and most importantly “Diamond Lil”.

From that investment she was able to “bankroll” the incomes into buying land, beach front property, and even the apartment building that she lived in.

Darlings do you see what I’m getting at? Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari, Winston are all good investments as well as personal adornment. Just don’t brag about it, let them guess but you feel good wearing the real thing, it’s like knowing that you’re wearing a simple but well-made business outfit, but wearing sexy lingerie underneath.

I invested in the Christie’s auction catalogue for the Taylor auction, it was not cheap, but I’ve also bought her book “My Love Affair with Jewelry”.

Hmmm it’s no wonder Mae West said “Diamonds are my career.” She is so right.

It reminds me of that song from the James Bond movie “Diamonds are Forever.”

Diamonds are forever,
They are all I need to please me,
They can stimulate and tease me,
They won't leave in the night,
I've no fear that they might desert me.
Diamonds are forever,
Hold one up and then caress it,
Touch it, stroke it and undress it,
I can see every part,
Nothing hides in the heart to hurt me.

I don't need love,
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll luster on.

Diamonds are forever,
Sparkling round my little finger.
Unlike men, the diamonds linger;
Men are mere mortals who
Are not worth going to your grave for.

I don't need love,
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll luster on.

Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Forever and ever.

(written by John Berry/Don Black)

But that is not to say that relationships are not important, they are and to always have good friends, wonderful family and a wonderful relationship with people that you know and work with is always important. For those are the most precious diamonds of all.

And now my Diva Darlings, tonight I’m going to take a wonderful bubble bath and relax, the holidays are not over yet. Because I will be plunging into the holiday crowd and look for goodies for myself. I’ve already bought things for others, Juanita and I had fun finding toys for her grandchildren, my “adopted grandchildren” and I had fund finding things for my great nieces and nephews, and thank goodness their parents were able to tell me what they needed and desired and what they had already got for them, in some cases all I needed was to get accessories for them.

Tom and the family and I will be going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, I’ll be spending the Christmas Holidays with them as usual and Juanita will be with her family. Ralph informed me last night that his new landlord, very apologetically informed Ralph that the painters would be available to paint Ralph’s apartment just before Christmas, and Ralph is worried that the paint smell would give him headaches, so I invited him over to house sit for me, since I and Juanita will not be home, I told him to be sure to turn on the outside lights and make like someone is living in the house.

Ralph leaped at the chance, all he has right now is a cheap bureau and a bed frame with mattress and box spring and just one set of bedding, he hasn’t even thought of getting anything else because of the Christmas crowds, so right now he is going to pack all his clothes, store the bedding, cover the bed and the bureau with painter’s plastic and let them go to it, the landlord said that if Ralph wanted to he could remove the old carpeting after all the painting is done, especially since he found beautiful hardwood flooring underneath. I’ll have to do a separate post about Ralphs’ find of an apartment. Just a precious jewel.

So Darlings all of you have a wonderful Christmas Holiday, Be Merry and Bright and be Safe.

Until Anon, Kisses.

Hello Darlings,

Again a long time and no blogging, I’ve been bad and busy as usual.

Mostly watching the stock reports, having my health check up and Princesses’ as well, attending fund raisers, I’m on the board of several local charities, but come January my term will be up with several of them and with relief I must say, although I’ll still keep my hand in it but on a less demanding level.

Thanksgiving was a quiet affair with the family in San Francisco, Tom is having second thoughts about selling his home, although one of his boys has suggested that he buy it off of his Dad, since he will be moving back to the Bay Area for his company, and until Tom and his wife feel comfortable in finding a Pied a Terre in the City, they can stay at the house when they come down from the Lake, Tom is determined to move up to his Lake property, but over October when the trick or treaters were coming around he started wondering if he was going to be doing the right thing. Then his son came to the rescue, and frankly I think it’s a wonderful idea.

So next year they will be putting their plans forward, in the mean time his son is renting an apartment for the family as a temporary measure with much of their extra belongings in storage.

My friend Ralph has found a month to month apartment to rent and it’s possible he may decide to stay there on a permanent basis, he feels very comfortable with it, the neighbors and its location.

Juanita and her family are all doing well, the little ones are excited that Christmas is coming and lots of family are visiting, her other 2 sons and their families and extended relatives and friends.

And I?

Well I have been and will be doing my usual plans that I do every year this holiday time, writing out Christmas cards, seeing the nutcracker, attending the Dickens fair, the Christmas revels, touring Dunsmuir house, the sing a long messiah, seeing A Christmas Carol, the Art Deco societies Deco the Halls, donating Toys for Tots, food for the food banks, buying a tree from one of the church lots and trimming it, lights on the house (thank you Manuel), feeding our local bird life, then towards the last few days before Christmas touring Christmas tree lane and other Christmas holiday lights with my friends, and I hosting a fund raiser dinner party last weekend and also shopping, shopping, shopping but not necessarily buying.

Whew!!! That is a lot when one thinks of it. I had not realized how busy I get during the Holidays.

But it’s not all play and no work; I have been working in my own way. Reading the news, watching the media and trying to make determinations.

I’m happy to say that my “Mac and Cheese” type of investing has been paying off, Smucker’s is showing a nice upswing as well as Mattel Toys, children always want toys and you can never go wrong with old reliables, although Hasbro has not fared well, but I’ve always preferred Mattel toys over Hasbro over the years. The latest Barron’s talks about these two companies and their performance.

Christian Science Monitor has an article about Occupy Wall Street and their local branches and it appears they have out worn their welcome. I know locally the local branches appear to be falling apart or at least wearing out their welcome, for they have lost their focus and their message and are currently doing more financial harm than good.

I for one, can understand at least the heart of the message but I strongly feel that they are going about it the wrong way, you do not in anyway interfere with the working people trying to earn money, you do not disrupt them, instead become more cohesive, really research what needs to be done, expose the greed of the financial institutions and how they are working hand in glove with politicians, something that everyone has known for decades but expose it, name names, show the paper and money trail, don’t in anyway harm the working person, do not in anyway disrupt their earnings. Become an organizational party that will work to vote in those needs and persons who will work for the greater good and in doing so be careful to not become communistic.

Newsweek for December 12, 2011 has articles about why we need Europe, the foolishness of expensive art and the disaster by investor Corzine. Popular Mechanics for Jan 2012 has articles about Digital spies and how China’s secret war threatens our economy, security and us as individuals. Articles I certainly would not pass up and I’d keep on file for future reference.

Once again I’ll be making plans for the New Years, and also taking time for a relaxing Spa vacation, after the fund raiser holidays it’s needed. And then I’ll be able to tackle----ahhhh yes Darlings, the dreaded income taxes and paying the property taxes.

So what is this blog all about---I would say to relax and enjoy the holidays, to not over do, rotate your Christmas events, Nutcracker one year, Christmas Carol the next, but always keep the easiest to do as an annual event. With New Years, plan on one year to go out and the following year to stay home, by doing that it helps keep one’s sanity. The simplest gifts are always the best, focus on family events and doings, my Christmas shopping has been focused on the children and with the adults looking more forward to just getting together and enjoying the company, doing games, exchanging recipes, turning off the T.V. the Ipod, I pad, the internet and just being with family and reconnecting, which is the best gift of all.

Also something I recommend, keeping a journal of your ups and downs, your thoughts and hopes, your sadness and joys, sometimes it may seem trivial and sometimes profound. But it will be your own ‘snapshot’ of your life to think about and also a possible historical connection from the people of the future to our past.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings, with or without mistletoe.

9/11 Ten years later~~~

Hello My Darling Divas,

It is not often that I post on something that is tragic or sad, but today I feel I must.

It has been 10 years since that terrible day, a day which changed our lives and our complacency.

We thought we were invincible, but we weren't, no country is. Globalization came home and stabbed us in the heart. It was a moment in time of sacrifice, heroism, fear, sadness, courage and love.

And it is something we should not forget, not ever.

Young people do not understand about what happened at Pearl Harbor, I was not born yet when that happened, but I remember how my parents felt.

Then all those years that I lived with only bumps on my road---the worst being the death of my husband, but I managed to "deal" with that.

But this...This...and still young people do not understand. They feel it does not affect them. My Dear Diva's it does affect them and us, in ways they cannot comprehend. It affects us personally, globally, economically, and in safety.

I remember just a few years ago, I had decided to take the bus home from S.F. something I rarely do, but BART was having delays. I remember looking out the window and saw a Coast Guard helicopter flying along side the bridge, I remembered we were on condition orange, and they were checking things on the bridge. I felt fear, their eyes and any decisions they made had my life in their hands.

And that is how we are still affected, and will always be affected.

Our lives are always in other peoples hands.

So what can you Dear Divas do?

Never forget there is always someone somewhere who seeks to do harm, so always be on alert.

If you are in a building try to spot the emergency exits, this is especially true in restaurants, theatres, nightclubs any large gathering place.

Nightclubs especially are extremely dangerous places where they have dancing and are cramming a large group of people in, if you do not see an emergency exit or if you see that the exit doors are chained locked...leave immediately demand your coverage charge returned because of unsafe conditions and leave immediately and immediately call the fire department and tell them what you have seen, you may save a lot of lives.

There were and are, a lot of nightclub fires in which people could not get out because of narrow exits, unsafe conditions, chained emergency doors and highly flammable materials.

If you are drinking never accept a drink handed to you that you did not see mixed by the bartender, there could be knock out drops in it.

Do not smoke pot, take Ecstasy, or any kind of drugs just to be part of the crowd, you could die or do serious damage to your health.

If you drink do not drive, take a taxi home and make sure ahead of time that your house key is securely in your purse, so you won't have to fumble around for it.

Never ever leave with a stranger.

Learn to shoot a gun, I own a revolver. I keep it in a secure gun safe that I can open with a push button combination. I've taken the gun safety course and practice at the range on a regular basis. I renew my gun safety card every 5 years. A revolver is the easiest to handle, clean and load.

Since I own a home I also have an alarm system if either I or Juanita are going to be gone for any length of time. I also will have a reputable House sitter stay if we are going to be gone longer than a day.

Go to courses that will teach you how to be secure both at home, and when you travel.

And most of all, never ever assume everything will be fine. If anything can go wrong it will.

That is the legacy that we have from 9/11. You only have one life this time around, make sure that you live it to the fullest, but safely.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Thoughts on Things~~~

Hello My Diva Dahlings,

I know---What!!??? A second post in the same month??!! Well I've been thinking on things and laughing about things.

My little Labor Day vacation has come to an end. And what did I do? Well there was the Scottish Games this weekend, Bill and Irma took me to them, lots of fun and different too.

I did vegetate a bit, tried to sleep in but my little Diva Darling refused to let her "Mommy" sleep in. Well it really was good and healthy for me to get up and walk anyway.

Juanita is back this afternoon, and she is fussing over things, it seems we've had to call in the plumber, as much as she has tried the sink is stopped up. Usually we'd have Manuel work on it, but he is working longer hours this week as one of his co-workers is out with an injury. The plumber is here and Juanita is handling it, I do not argue with her about these matters.

I saw on the news that Obama is having a low rating with the public and so are the Republicans, but what about the Democrats there is no talk about their ratings.

Obama is talking about putting people back to work, he's talking about construction jobs, but there are other jobs out there that need to come back to the States.

Now this is just my opinion, but if companies were penalized for outsourcing and if higher tariff taxes were placed on imports, then jobs would have to come back here, now because of unions and wages things would cost more, but if the unions would work with the government on having people working, things would level out. The fact of the matter is that when people invest and expect a high rate of return on their stock holdings, it sends prices up sky high, and we should go back on the gold standard so that a dollar truly equals a dollar.

Of course if the U.S. were to be the first to go back to the Gold and Silver Standard there would be an economic shake up, but if countries like, Switzerland, Germany, England, the U.S., Canada were to go on that standard at the same time, it would equalize.

Ahhh wishful thinking on my part, and someone would point out flaws, BUT it is TRUE no matter what, jobs MUST come back to the U.S. the outsourcing MUST STOP.

And now onto something Fashioniesta----Well this weekend I will be going through my annual closet clean out, Constance and her oldest daughter will be here to help me, and I know that since they are also my size, who is going to be expanding their closets.

But I also have to go through and weed out what is worn out as well, and then do a list of what to replace, first on my list is my bed room slippers---it seems that Princess has taken to chewing on them, so they will become her new toys.

And what Constance and her daughter Isabella do not want and are in excellent shape I will take to the consignment shop for some extra change.

And here my Diva Fashionesta's is where you can make some money and save money too. The first is to weed your closet, what doesn't look good on you take to the consignment shops to sell for you for either cash or credit, that way you can shop there without putting out much in the way of funds.

What doesn't sell or is taken by the shop then have a yard sale, then what doesn't sell at the yard sale, donate to a charity, either way it is "cash" either having it in hand or by tax write off.

Another thing, the other day by chance I was going to the local Thrift store and found a brand new purse by Guess, and another that was Kate Spade also brand new and the prices were a steal. So if you need to build up your wardrobe check the consignment shops and the better Thrift shops for bargains, but don't buy any thing if it doesn't meet your requirements or has a serious defect. I did make an exception I bought a Paloma Picasso handbag and all it needed was one strap repaired and my shoe maker did a marvelous job.

So if it's an easy fix then get it. Also check out the bargains at Marshall's and T.J. Max, but remember always go for a classic style that will last, never a flash in the pan. If in doubt always buy the September and March issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Allure, Harper's Bazaar, In Style and any other fashion magazine that you like, granted they weigh a ton, but rip out the styles you like and put them into a cheap binder that way you can refer to them when you go shopping.

Another thing that I do is take pictures of my purses, shoes, clothing, coats, hats, that way I know what I have and in what colors as well. It's a good way to keep inventory, also keep the receipts for 1 year in case of fire or theft.

Another thing is to go through your makeup, anything that is more than 6 months old, with the exception of perfume, should be tossed to avoid infections, especially mascara.

So spring and fall do your closet clean out, and yes you CAN wear White after Labor Day. I'll explain why that rule came about another time.

Must go, the plumber is done, time to pay the bill.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses

Riding the Roller Coaster~~~~

Hello My Diva Darlings,

Now it is the beginning of September and where HAVE I been?

Visiting both of my brothers and taking a wonderful trip to Lake Tahoe.

I first enjoyed my younger brother’s country house on the lake, up north (not at Lake Tahoe); it was a wonderful reprieve although not as warm as expected, but lovely just the same.

Princess and I had been taking a lot of walks around my brother’s property, well I was walking and she wanted me to carry her, not that I blame her, she is such a tiny thing.

But it’s been fun to watch her and my brother Tom’s dog Smokey interact, she just bosses him around and he takes it. And then after an exhausting day of fun in the sun they fall asleep together.

With all the building and re-landscaping, they’ve made sure about having what is called a “defensible” area. Although my sister-in-law, Lois, insists on planting red geraniums for color and it’s looks wonderful.

It does have the look and feel of the Ponderosa; they hunted for a modern stove that looked old fashion and found Elmira products, and they are just wonderful. The kitchen has everything one could need and still look old fashion, including a farmer’s stone sink, and a chopping block that one would see on the T.V. series.

Although among the furniture it’s not an exact replica of the Ponderosa but as my sister-in-law says bit by bit they will get there.

Out of the dinning room area as well as the better bedrooms on one side, one has a fantastic view of the lake, my brother made sure that it was a little longer than the one pictured in the series, so that two comfortable chairs could look out onto the lake while indoors.

On the other side a view of the mountains and forest that is just as pleasing.

My brother also had a deck built on the back to enjoy the lake and mountain views in the evening but out of sight when one comes up on the road.

My brother and his wife are planning to move here permanently, get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, although they do plan on getting a pied a Terre in the City, like my other brother, just a one bedroom, small but comfortable, that way if the children come to the city they have a place they can go to.

I asked Tom if now was a good time to sell his house and he replied “No time is a good time to sell” When they bought their home some years ago it was very reasonable, and even now they will still get a very good price for it, enough to pay off what is still owed on their country place and buy the planned pied a Terre. So he will come out ahead.

Although he does sympathize with people who have low incomes their difficulties in home buying, “It’s the American Dream to own your own home, but it’s a nightmare now for almost everyone except the very lucky or the very rich.” He pointed out that Juanita’s children are very lucky to have their homes, and that they were able to re-finance them, but he asked “Why doesn’t Juanita buy her own home?” I couldn’t answer that, I hadn’t thought that maybe Juanita would like to have a place of her own to call home and I was both embarrassed and ashamed that I had not thought of that, I felt that she was content with the current arrangements, so I resolved to ask her as soon as possible.

He did suggest that if one is moving out of state and has a house to sell and the market is slow, to lease it out through a reputable agent, that way if an offer is made for the house at the price one wants they can do it, the new owner can finish out the lease. By doing it that way the agent is the one who has to deal with emergencies and make sure the house is in good condition when vacated.

We were looking at the Stock Markets crazy ride and what Standard and Poor’s has done, and could only shake our collective heads.

When I returned home, I had a chance to have dinner with my friend Wallace and his wife Sherry, and the consensus between my brothers, Wallace and myself is this, ride out the “roller coaster” and not to panic. I have been doing that and I always factor that as long as a certain amount is available I can always pay the bills, taxes, buy food and medicine, anything extra I slot over into a savings account for just in case.

If you feel very anxious then do a 50/50 mix of stocks and bonds, but depending upon your age you can start with a 80/20 mix of stocks to bonds ratio, as you approach middle age then go to 60/40 but it all depends upon your comfort level.

If you are young but prefer staying with the Treasury’s’, CD’s or savings account then it means a lower interest rate which means you’ll have to work longer, save a lot more and have less to live on when you retire.

I have a mixture of Stocks, Bonds, CD’s, Treasury and the old standby savings accounts, as I do not put all my “eggs in one basket” it’s a big mistake to do that.

Remember what happened with those that trusted Bernie Madoff. And I look at stocks that will withstand the long haul, and I make sure that that it’s not concentrated in just Europe or Asia, be sure you’re spread around.

A little gold in an exchange-traded fund is fine but only if you have bought it at a very low rate, with gold climbing to the $2,000 level I’m not sure it’s a good investment at this time. Some real estate investments trusts or (REIT’s) are fine just be sure to check them out.

But no matter what, My Dear Diva’s, a cash reserve for emergencies is important---plan on at least 3 but even better 6 months of savings, to cover your rent, bills, food etc. for any job loss, medical emergencies or even when the Stock Market faints, until things recover. Although my “Ladies Who Lunch” tell me that the minimum of 1 year’s savings is by far the best, considering how the economy is going and I am inclined to agree with them, this is a very, very bad economic situation.

Just remember if you have 50 dollars in your saving account you’ll always have 50 dollars in a FDIC-insured account but if you have 50 dollars in your bond fund brokerage account there is no guarantee, because it could become $45.00 tomorrow.

My Father always said it’s hard to go against the crowd but that is how the House of Rothschild did it. And even the legendary “Witch of Wall Street” Hetty Green did it, her motto was “Buy cheap, sell dear” or buy low sell high, which means that if one is very astute buying stocks can be a fire sale right now, especially if you buy the right stocks.

I have systematically contributed to my 401(k) and by doing that have reaped the rewards of the upswing in the stock market in the last few years. I will buy stocks that are on sale but by doing it through my 401 (k), IRA and my other retirement accounts it’s far better than shopping for individual stocks.

Manage your portfolio by sticking to a balanced, diversified mix of stocks and bonds, and do not try to time the market, you will come out better in the long run, do not run in fear towards gold or cash when things dip or over buy, in better times, stocks, you will be just following sheep and you my Dear Diva’s are not sheep.

On stocks as I recommended before, go for something that no matter what, the consumer will need, what I call my “Mac and Cheese” stocks. I mean no matter what children and adults will always want Mac and Cheese, or John Deer Tractors, or Tires etc. Find out who is the holding company, check out their ratings and how well they are doing, even with a slow growth rate if they are weathering this bad economy then they are the ones to buy.

And now for something completely different----

I visited my older brother down in Santa Barbra, he sold his house in the Santa Barbra hills, the fires that they had made him too nervous, and he has paid off his house with a wonderful view of the Ocean on the beach. “I don’t have to worry about beach erosion” he said in an oblique reference to the condo’s that are just south of San Francisco that are in danger of falling off the sandy cliffs.

Of course he has his Pied a Terre in San Francisco for when he travels up for business, and his wife Diana can shop till she drops(and I do love her). They sold off most of their collection of paintings and antiques, only keeping a few that are their favorites at their beach house.

It was relaxing in Santa Barbra, we went to a few Summer Fund raising events, but watching the Ocean is hypnotizing in its own special way. One of my nephews’ and his family came to visit as well, it was good seeing them and we all made plans to get together for the holidays.

My great-niece Cynthia (aka Cindy) has discovered Etta James and Dina Washington on CD and begged me to take her to this music store in town to see what one could find, realizing that I had nothing by these two artists I was able to pick up two Etta James CD’s and suggested to Cindy a CD of Julie London that had her signature tune “Cry me a river”.

Then it was time to return home, so driving Ms. Wicked I enjoyed listening to Etta as I and my little Diva Daring, Princess, drove up 101, then flipping over to 880 and home.

Juanita elected to stay in my home while I was off vacationing, taking a day here and there to visit her children, but I made arrangements with my friend Ralph who had been burned out of his apartment, he still hasn’t found a good place to stay and is just staying in a studio apartment that he’s sub rented on a month to month.

Anyway Ralph was happy to stay at my house for a week while my friend Michelle swooped me up to Lake Tahoe in a friends’ private jet. That way Juanita could visit with her oldest Grand Daughter in Los Angeles and have fun in Disneyland.

I know Dahlings---A Private Jet??!!! Well why not! Michelle had a friend who needed to fly up to Tahoe to conduct business and offered to take Michelle and “a friend” (Moi) for the long weekend, it was a beautiful Falcon Jet, off white cabin interior with pale beech wood trim, the most comfortable seats, and we could conduct business on the plane if we wanted to.

It was good seeing her again, so off we flew on a Wednesday morning, landing at the Lake Tahoe airport, it had been years since I’d seen it and it has improved so much. A private Limo was waiting for us to take us to the MontBlu Resort and Spa and while we were there enjoying the beauty that is Tahoe we enjoyed a Gatsby weekend at the Valhalla Arts festival, with Friday a Gatsby Dance with the Tahoe Dance Band, followed on Saturday by Murder Mystery Radio Theatre with a local play titled “Lights! Camera! Murder!” about murder at Lake Tahoe 1920’s style, wine and hors d’oeuvres included, we finished off on Sunday with a Gatsby’s tea on the lawn of the Valhalla hall, that included a fashion show of vintage clothing just right for a 1920’s summer.

It was more than enough for a vintage fashion maven like Moi, I felt that I was back in the Lake Tahoe of the 1920’s and the money’s to go to the Tahoe Heritage Foundation to help preserve Lake Tahoe history and those locations that could easily disappear if they were not saved.

We also contributed to the Tahoe Youth and Family services organization, although we could not attend their Gatsby Gala, we felt it was a very worthy cause.

But all too soon our Gatsby fantasy came to an end and by Tuesday afternoon we winged our way back home and reality, Ralph was just fine taking care of the house and Princess (she couldn’t come on the plane) and she was terribly spoiled by Ralph. Ralph was going to stay at another hotel for a week, until he could line up another apartment, he still preferred month to month until he could make up his mind where he wanted to stay.

Juanita returned as well saying she needed to rest from her Disney Vacation. I could only laugh at her remark. Princess was happy to have her “Mummy” back home.

And “Mummy” also needed to rest from her vacations as well. Michelle stayed with me for the week so she could rent a car and visit her family in San Francisco, then she flew back to L.A. over the weekend. I’ll miss her company, we had so much fun catching up and enjoying everything. But I HAD to get back to going to the gym and my walks with my little darling, not that I’ve gained any weight, as a matter of fact my clothes are a little loose, but I know the holidays will start putting on the pounds again---can’t be helped.

After I got my head back to reality, one evening I had a chat with Juanita about the possibility of her owning her own home, I was surprised when she said “I am home Senora, I’m with you, where would I find a home with a beautiful view with the birds, where I work is only steps away, I have my own comfortable room, I make meals that we both like, and little Princess to play with. My family know I am safe, I can call them anytime, they are like family to you. When I am too old to work, then I move in with Constance, by then the children will have moved away and she will be lonely…or not…I have both things, for that I am lucky. You are ‘La Senora’ I am Juanita, but we do things together and you are very kind to me and my family, many of my friends they are not so lucky and are treated badly, but you … you see me…you see my happiness and my pain…but you do what you can to ease my pain…your family they are kind to me, you always see that I have plenty of time with my family, so why do I want to buy a home? I am home.”

Well that left my head spinning, she was fine with the way thing are, all I could do was hug her. And with that we had fun watching a tellanovella that we both enjoy.

The Labor Day weekend is here and I suggested to Juanita to spend time with her grandchildren…I mean I’ll be fine for the few days she’s gone, and she does love seeing her family. There are a few local events that I and a few friends are going to take in, or I might “vegetate” for the whole weekend, sleeping in is such a delicious thought although my little 4 legged darling might have different ideas. We shall see.

So what is this post all about??? Well Darlings, first an update (and I was bragging a bit), but also what to expect when the Stock market goes insane, just hold tight is the best thing, and thirdly, if you are going to have fun make sure it’s a tax right off as well. You’ll get more “bang for the buck”.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

"Egg Money"

Hello All My Diva Darlings,

It's been a while since I last blogged, but as in anyone's life things have been busy for me.

To enumerate I've been sprucing up the garden with Juanita's son-in-law's help.

Repairs to gutters on the house, those rains did stress them. A new Roof as well.

Having my lunches with my "Ladies who Lunch" whom I'm happy to say are doing very, very well.

My late husband's company (or office) is doing so well that they are expanding, not too big but to accommodate a few new hires. This benefits me indirectly.

I've been visiting my family here and there and will be going up to my brother's cabin in a week or two for a delightful vacation.

My investments are holding steady, my health is good, little Princess, my family and friends, Juanita and her family are all doing well despite this economy. We are all learning to do more with less.

And that is the my lesson for today, learning to do more with less.

As everyone knows it pays to comparison shop, it pays to decide if it's a want or a need, it pays to find out if it's cheaper to fix or replace, and it pays to have "Mad Money".

Now what is "Mad Money"? Well my Mother told me to always have "Mad Money" in my purse but to not inform my date that I have it. So I always made sure that there was a special compartment in my purse for the secret stash of funds.

But where did the term come from? Well back in the 1920's during the time of speak-easys and prohibition, if a girl got mad at her date and wanted to depart, if she had on her cash for a taxi or bus fare that was called "Mad Money" so she would not have to be dependent upon her date or the kindness of strangers for a ride home.

In a way it was a way for a young lady to "Flex her muscles" to show she was independent and not under the control of someone else be it boyfriend or husband or even the friends she was with.---"Mad Money"

Besides "Mad Money" there is also the "Rainy Day fund", the "Egg Money", the "something put aside" fund.

So what are all of these?

Let's start with "Egg Money".

One of the easiest ways for housewives or farmer's wives to earn a bit of extra funds was to raise chickens---chickens were a self renewing animal crop--- with a dozen or two dozen hens and one rooster, you had eggs, new chicks both for food and sale. Yes for sale, lots of grocers or butches would get their eggs or chickens for sale from these little homemakers, who would sell their excess eggs or chickens for profit, back then feed was cheap. The woman then had extra money that she got from selling her eggs and excess chickens. "Egg Money" This was set aside for something special or for emergencies. But it did give the woman a sense of independence.

"Rainy Day" fund---this is a savings account or a jar or some holding spot where any spare change was put aside for emergencies, one never knew if the roof was going to leak during a bad rain storm, and if that happened, at least you had money for supplies or to hire someone to repair the roof or fix the porch or car or wagon or pay for the unexpected Doctor's visit when someone came down ill.

"Something Put aside" Fund---this was important eventually there would come a time when it was difficult for one to work at least full time---this was really a retirement fund, to have something to live off of when one couldn't work anymore.

But in the old days pretty much everyone worked until they died, so if nothing else it paid any left over bills, the funeral, and would leave the surviving spouse with something.

And dear Diva's that is what you should do as well, if you manage to be able to finance yourself so that you can live on less than your income, set aside that spare change for your "egg fund", "Mad Money", "Rainy Day", "Something Put Aside" funds.

O.K. in today's modern terms how would this translate?

"Something Put Aside"---this can be called your retirement fund, your 401 K's, your investments, Your Roth IRA's, and yes even the retirement fund from your company and anything in Social Security---they all do add up.

"Rainy Day Fund"---This is something that you can set up as a savings account granted the interest rate is low but at least it's set aside for emergency repairs, be it your car, the toilet, a broken window, no matter what you should have funds set aside so you won't have to worry about where you are going to get your money for it.

"Egg Money"---This is to save up for either something special or to just have to draw on should you be laid off, how does one get this money? Yard Sales, selling your unwanted clothing on consignment, recycling those cans, bottles and plastic, picking up those unwanted pennies that people toss out of their pocket. Extra lose spare change in the bottom of your purse. Even money you earn from a 2nd part time job.

"Mad Money"---This one is easy---always have a secret stash of funds in your purse to cover any transportation, find out what are taxi fares, discover the best bus routes home, have a transportation card with funds on it all the time. For example in my area we have what is called "Clipper Cards" for our Bus service, we also have Rapid Transit as well, I always keep funds on those cards in case my car breaks down or if I should get very upset with my Date. You can also have cash as well, but these cards are a life saver.

Now there is something else you should consider---your income tax refund---if you are lucky enough to get a refund there are several ways you can utilize it. Some people will apply it to their property taxes, some will put the whole amount into their retirement fund, I suggest that you split it up into those funds that I have mentioned, with the exception of the "Mad Money" unless you want to add an extra $100to be safe.

No matter what you can always find ways to find those little extra coins to put aside, and there is always something wonderful, a comfortable feeling knowing that you have those funds to tide you over without having to put an unnecessary dent onto a credit card.

If you are just coming on to my blog my Dear Darling Divas, be sure to read my earlier postings for more suggestions and information.

Until Anon Kisses Darlings.

Investing, gardening and Staycations

Hello All you Darling Divas,

I know I haven’t been blogging for some time; I have to confess I’ve been busy, busy, busy.

The rains have done “a number” on my garden so I’ve been working on getting it up to par, thanks to Juanita's son-in-law Manuel, I'm so glad that he's willing to take on some side jobs besides his regular work.

I'm happy to say that Juanita and her family are doing well, Constance and Manuel have such a nice large back yard that they are planting vegetables and several fruit trees and are getting into the food canning and preserving. Manuel knows some small holding farmers and he is even able to buy fruits and veggies that he is not growing. Constance told me that there is something very special in having a vegetable garden, a sense of time and purpose, something she really can't put into words but I know what she means.

Of late both Juanita and I have gotten into going to the Farmers' Market for much of our groceries and the variety and freshness is so wonderful, and it's so easy to over buy, so now in the garage Juanita has started a pantry of preserved foods.


Princess my little Diva Darling had a serious tummy ache a few weeks ago, seems she swallowed something she shouldn’t have, well as all you dog lovers know having your beloved pet going in for surgery is always a worry, but I’m happy to say she is just fine and her fur is growing out after surgery, we'll have to be more watchful from now on.

This brings me to the question of pet insurance. Should one pay for pet insurance especially in today’s economy? Only if you can budget for having a pet, otherwise I suggest that you not own a pet beyond a goldfish, although goldfish are not exactly huggable, in the right aquarium they can have a wonderful calming effect after a stressful day, far better than Valium.

But if you are considering owning a dog or a cat, I first would have to say you need to look at your life style, many Divas’ work 12 to 15 hour days at this time, or they love to travel or go out partying when they can afford to, or they are caregivers, or they maybe facing layoffs or budget crunches.

If you are in that category then do not get a pet, stay with gold fish.

But if you are more stay at home, love to jog, have a solid job with nearly normal hours and can give the attention that a pet needs, then a pet companion is worthwhile, and pet insurance is also a good investment, but you have to make sure that the insurance covers a lot of things, remember if you buy cheap you will get cheap and not have what you need covered.

Much of the vet visits are check ups, shots or the fox tail embedded in the skin or ear, the latter can cost you $400 if you are going after hours. Also find out what kind of pet insurance your vet takes or recommends, that can save you much worry.

It is a wise Diva who is thinking of being a pet owner to consider those things.

Now about finances: The state of the Union with its debt is not good, unless changes are made, and if they can raise their debt ceiling it still will not put us in good shape.

I recommend reading Thomas G. Donlan’s editorial in the June 20, 2011 Barron’s magazine, page 51, it is worth the read.

Unless the U.S. can bring back jobs to the U.S., increase it’s export of goods, get businesses back in American hands, stop giving money to countries that do not pay us back, become a credit nation as oppose to a nation in debt to others, then the U.S. will cease to exist as a great nation and be under the thumb of foreign interests which it already is.

And even owning gold will not help, unless we give up fiat money. We are paying more than the value owed, so it’s not real.

I Recently read in Fortune Magazine June 13, 2011 the article about Robert (Bob) Rodriguez (page 136) he predicted the last two market crashes when most other investors just poo-pooed his prediction and they were caught flat-footed, and he’s predicting another one---currently he’s refusing to invest in a bond market that is being distorted by government interference and he’s sticking with this approach, frankly I’m with him on this. READ THIS ARTICLE IN FORTUNE!

Currently his fund FPA Capital is closed to new investors but there are three others that have his approach such as risk aversion, emphasis on cash flow or a focused portfolio---they are The Jensen Portfolio, Yacktman Focused Fund and Sequoia Fund. I’m inclined to go with Sequoia Fund myself but all three are excellent.

More than ever people are looking at what they can truly afford; they are cutting back on useless things and taking a hard look at what they really need.

And Divas should do the same, you don’t need 10 pairs of Jimmy Choo’s shoes, shoes can have style and be sensible as well. Just the other day I ran into an acquaintance of mine and she had on the most stylish but sensible heeled shoes I’ve seen, I asked her where did she find such lovely things and she said that she found them at Nordstrom’s and on sale, they can go from Summer to Winter and back again, perfect for work meetings as well as going out.

The dear sweet young thing said to me “I’m going back to the ‘three basic black skirts’ concept” and it works! So what are the three basic black skirts? Three skirts of three different lengths, above the knee (but only if you have great looking knees and thighs), just below the knee, and ankle length, each one fills a perfect need, the ankle length is excellent for formal affairs, the below the knee is excellent for work and informal occasions, above the knee is fine for going out and having fun---but again that length only works if you are a certain young age.

She was surprised to find out in “The Week” magazine June 24, 2011, that back in 1930 women owned on an average just 9 outfits, now in 2011 the average woman has at least 60 pieces of clothing, and this is not including underwear, nylons, shoes, purses and for some—hats.

I know of one young man who is putting together a basic working wardrobe for young men or Divos (male divas) he said that as soon as he has it figured out he will let me know to post on my blog since he follows it as well.

Getting back to finances I still recommend following the investing articles in all the previous money magazines that I’ve suggested and I still recommend investing in commodities that withstand the test of time and economic fluctuations and companies that build support products for computers, such as printers, software, etc, but with electronics you have to be constantly on the watch for any sudden changes. Continue to avoid the dot.coms start ups as much as possible, a company such as Apple only comes along once in a generation.

Currently IBM (International Business Machines) is holding up very well, so if you want to invest is something like IBM or Apple, research it carefully, see if it has "legs" and is not "Pie-in-the-sky". I was very lucky, my Grandfather saw the solidness of IBM many years ago and in time I inherited a portion of his stock, which I built upon, and I did take "a flyer" on Apple many years ago because I felt it had "legs" but it is a bit scary when a stock on a company goes up and down based on the health of it's CEO. IBM doesn't do that, again I suggest look into companies to invest in that will hold out for the long haul, it may have a slow growth rate but you want it to be able to withstand the fluctuations of the economy.

On electronic equipment---Do I suggest going out and getting the latest ipad or ipod? No---what I do suggest is looking at what you really need to keep up with your job, what will work best.

Although I do have a cell phone I do not go in for all those apps, I feel they are a waste of money, unless you take public transportation, that application can come in handy, especially if time is of the essence and the calculator.

I still keep my hard wire land line only because the voice quality is so good, I’m not big on skyp, again I find the voice quality poor, but hard wire comes in handy when you are doing an order over the phone or you need to talk to someone about something and it’s going to take a long time to talk about whatever you need to discuss.

One thing I’ve been very discussed with is the phones that are hardwired to the wall but then you pick up the phone and can roam over the house with it, what one forgets is that the batteries in those phones die, so I prefer to have the head/hand set hard wired to the phone base, nothing dies although it’s difficult to roam all over the house but that doesn’t count when one is conducting business.

Alright enough of that----So vacations are becoming staycations, and gaining a certain amount of interest. Of course Mommy misses out on not having to cook or clean, but staycations can include that if everyone else pitches in on the cooking and cleaning and making mommies work easier, especially during the Summer.

Riding the bus, going to a park, camping in the back yard, visiting the local museum or Zoo, many people are amazed as to what is close to home that are either free or low cost---of course some young people need to go to that huge amusement park, but this is when the entire family should save up for it, save those pennies, nickels and dimes, recycle those cans and plastic bottles and see what one can get, have a yard sale or two, with a big event as the goal, with everyone joining in and working together towards the same goal it makes it more memorable.

Now that is for the family, but my dear Divas you can do it as well. Select the local spot that you are just wishing to spend a night or two at and be spoiled, by doing those savings, that is what makes it so much more splendiferous.

And for Moi? Well once again my brother and sister-in-law have invited me to their Ponderosa cabin in the mountains, I’ll get to see what improvements and special touches has been made on their home away from home, as I understand it some progress has been made but with the snows it had been a bit slow, but they are making up for lost time. Either way it will be nice to have a little get a way and do a bit of catch up with the family.

Until Anon my Darling Divas. Kisses.

Hello 2011

Hello Darlings!!

I know Just where Have I been?? Busy My Dears, just simply Busy.

The Holidays were fabulous, but then being with my family is always fabulous.

Juanita and her family are doing just fantastic, the baby is growing, discovering things, and is just so beautiful.

I have been busy with the Holidays, Taxes, and house hold repairs---the roof for one, it developed a leak over the kitchen so it was decided to replace the whole roof instead of layering over it, which I could have done but I wanted to see if there was any serious structural issues. Of course the heating bill went up until the work was completed, but the good thing is that during that time we had a wonderful window of opportunity to get the work done.

Princess is trotting around with her new hair do and pedicure from the Doggie Salon, I’ve found a wonderful one that also is a day care center for dogs if one has to be gone for the day. And yes she is spoiled.

My brother Tom and his wife Lois are making plans to “attack” the Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale, they’ve already made early purchases by donating some goodies, mostly for their newly build cabin---and yes Darlings it DOES look like the Ponderosa, with 4 bedrooms on the second floor, the master bedroom has it’s own bathroom, walk in closet and a small fireplace, the two smaller bedrooms share a bath, and the 2nd largest bedroom has it’s own bath.

There is a half bath down on the main floor, and off the main living room is a Library and it too has its own fireplace for heating, although it is propane driven.

Towards the back of the house is a two car garage that has a door that leads into the hallway of the house, separated by a mud room which will hold boots and such.

Some of the trees that were close to the house had to be cut down, they were so badly burned that there were deemed a danger, so my brother got some plantings to replace the burnt trees.

Lois is going to plant red geraniums around the grounds for color. The furniture from the original cabin has been installed and already Lois is thinking of changing some things, the painting that she saved has been placed in the Library, and she’s think of having a rotating collection of books there, although bound volumes of the Louie L’Amour westerns will have pride of place, as well as a thesaurus, dictionary and a Encyclopedia.

Now there is another room just off the mud room on the way to the living room and it has a pool table in it, all knotty pine, Lois is going with the Western Victorian theme, she also wants to put a pot belly stove and a card table like you see in the western movies, but in much better shape.

Right now the snows are much too heavy to go up there, but earlier when there was a nice break in the weather they were able to get much of their things up there.

Their dog Smoky, that they rescued a few years ago has settled in with them just fine and seems to have his own routine, Tom and Lois love taking walks with Smoky, but being a Cattle Dog he needs extra mental stimulation, Lois said that Tom is looking far more trim than ever thanks to Smoky.

And for myself, well for the last two days I’ve been putting together all that needs to be done for our annual “Oscar Party”. A number of friends including my “Ladies who Lunch” came over for the festivities; Costco has such wonderful bargains for entertaining. And passion was high between “Black Swan” and “The King’s Speech” not having a chance to see either of them I couldn’t make a choice, so I will have to wait until they are out in DVD, ***sigh*** “such is life” (I’m joking of course). And, of course, “The King’s Speech” won.

And where is all the snow that we were promised??? Although I do remember it snowing in 1976 and even earlier, but we really don’t need it now.

Now on entertaining---Darlings it’s always best to do it at home and have your friends get involved as well to bring over goodies. Being a member of Costco is very good if you can afford the annual membership, but it really only works if you entertain a lot, have an at home business and/or a large family. But for a number of people that I know the annual fee seems worth it.

Right now gasoline prices are devastating, I don’t need to tell you that it’s nearly at $4.00 a gallon. My Ladies who lunch are being Frugalistas by taking the bus or other public transportation, even car pooling if need be. One of my Ladies took advantage of an offer at her job, they are offering in conjunction with the local transportation organization bus passes that she can use unlimited, coming into the city, going around the area. She even uses it to help with shopping. By doing that is has lowered the mileage on her car and she is getting a break on her car insurance.

Some of my ladies are trying to see if they can take a tax write-off by using public transportation to get to work as a work related expense, if they have to pay for their passes. Always check with your tax preparer to find out if you can.

In the Feburary 26, 2011 New York Times, a short article by Floyd Norris talks about the prices for oil and natural gas and touches briefly on what is driving the oil price up and what could bring it down. He mentions that Libyan production was falling (as we know because of the rebelling that has been happening) and has influenced the rising of oil, but since Libya produces only 2 percent of the world oil and the United States does not buy Libyan oil that should not drive up the prices---it is what is called “panic pricing” being done by those who are investing and manipulating the upward oil prices.

The United States needs to look at its untapped oil fields that are in the Rocky Mountains and also back in the outlying areas of Los Angeles, we have vast oil pool reserves that have not been tapped, and there are better more eco-friendly ways of getting to that oil, if anything it will give the United States a chance to get back on top again, have prices based on the U.S. dollar, between that, budgeting on the Federal and State Level, bring back manufacturing to the U.S. and stop selling our patents to foreign countries the United States can be back at the top of the mountain where it is now topping from.

If the U.S. doesn’t, we will be taken over by China and the U.S. will be made a “slave.”

Am so sorry to give one those bits of bad news but one has to face facts, but by being frugal, and by slowing down oil demand it will make the oil rich countries have a hard time and only if the Asian markets (China ) stumble and decrease their demand for oil will we have a chance to truly recover and give our manufactures a chance to develop a fuel that is not dependent upon corn or any other high-end product, so that the U.S. can be independent again.

Again my Dears be Frugalistas’ to be Divanestas.

More later.

Until Anon. Kisses Darlings.