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.

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.

Do you Like the new Design?....

Hello All you Lovely Diva Darlings,

Do you like the new web page design? I do. I felt that it was time for a change and Blogspot offered it.

And change can be a good thing. Sometimes change is something you do, sometimes it's something that is forced upon you. For some people they are afraid of change, which is something I can understand.

There is a book that all you Darlings should read it's called "Who Moved the Cheese" and it's all about change. It will show you how you can make change work for you or to at least understand change and deal with it.

There are some things that I simply will not change, I have an old fashioned rotary phone. I have it in my living room because it is period correct for the retro style, but in my personal office at home I have a push button phone because many businesses require you to "push buttons". No matter what I still prefer to talk to a live person, which I make every effort of doing. But I still need that push button phone.

We have become so caught up in modern technology that it is stressing us, so it is important to carefully chose what technology you want in your home and in your work.

But with that comes a price, increased fees and rates, greater stress, lack of personal contact, and lack of simplicity and privacy.

But if you are a business, you need to be out there, many established businesses are on Facebook and My Space to advertise what they are doing and to keep a certain fan following. From a business point of view I can see that, it makes sense.

I know of a number of people who are on Facebook, I chose to not be one of them. Why? Because it moves too fast, the next thing you know you have friends on your page that you have no idea who they are and the world moves very fast---must like if you miss 5 minutes of that T.V. program "Lost". Of course I could never follow that program anyway.

My dear friend Mean Kitty said to me one day "Being on Facebook is like having your e-mail on crack, too hyper." and she is right. But I may consider it someday, if it's the only way to be in touch with family and friends.

Now what have I been doing? Relaxing and re-evaluating things, doing work on my home, enjoying being an adopted grandmama and enjoying the cool summer that is finally upon us.

I've recovered from my kidney surgery and am doing well, Princess and I are enjoying our walks. My ladies who lunch and I still meet, now we are talking about affordable vacations.

Juanita and her family are all doing well and so are my family and friends, oh there are some minor ups and downs, like a dental appointment, or the car is not running properly, but on the whole doing well.

Of late though I've been following the financial pages and I am very concerned about the moves that a number of banks, Bank of America included, that are going to do to charge people for having a checking account. Watch that very carefully my Darlings, and if you don't like what your bank is planning find out how you can avoid those fees or find another good and solid bank.

Some banks will not charge fees if you have direct deposit, so if you have several checking accounts have your company payroll deposit a little something into each account, even if it's only $10.00 per paycheck, it will do. And the beauty of it is that it forces you to save, so consider that.

Keep up with reading the financials we are not out of the woods and may never be.

Yesterday in the early evening I took a nice long walk with my little Diva Darling and although it was windy I enjoyed watching the waves making white caps on the water and all the para gliders who use these kites to surf on the waves, there were so many of them that I thought it was a race of sorts, but I found it so relaxing and entertaining.

Also of late I've been looking into places to stay that accept small pets, they do charge a fee, but for me I feel that it's worth it.

Now I must go, I'm driving over to my brother's today, he is having a Bar-B-Que with his children and grandchildren and my other Brother and his wife will be there, they finally found a nice little pied-a-terre in the City and close to BART as well.

It will be so nice to see them all and have a "catch up" with them.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Being "Frugal and Hunting Bargains" are in Style~~~

Hello All You Darling Divas!!

I know Darlings; I’ve been away for just too long. And don’t I realize that!

But so much has been happening in my life. Where do I start?

First, I am now an adopted Grandmamma, Juanita’s daughter Constance gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl on October 30. The baby was a surprise to everyone, and a welcomed one.

And why am I an adopted Grandma? Constance and her husband have medical insurance but it doesn’t quite stretch to meet all the bills and although she was and is working full time, he had been out of work for a while but getting by with temporary and odd jobs and now finally has a full time job, so with 4 other children to feed and clothe it does get hard, yes 2 boys and 2 girls. As Manuel says quite a full house, so I’m helping to pay the medical bills for the baby.

When Constance came home with the baby I gave Juanita time off to help get Constance settled in with the new baby, and what I’m doing is having Juanita have more days off to be with Constance so she can rest and get into a routine with the baby.

One thing has Constance and Manuel worried is baby care because Constance can only take 4 months off from her work. She took the final month of her pregnancy off and will only have 3 months to be with the baby before she goes back to working as a secretary/ receptionist at her job and with the economy being the way it is she doesn’t want to lose it.

So Moi made a suggestion, my house is right on the way to where Constance’s job is, she can leave the baby with Juanita, we can have a complete set of baby things at my home, including disposable diapers, and Juanita can watch the baby during the day and then Constance can pick the baby up on the way home.

Juanita was worried that she might not be able to do things for me at the house, but I said that with the two of us and with “Molly Maids” from time to time, we should be able to give Constance peace of mind. It’s not like I’m a handful to take care of and I’m quiet capable of grocery shopping, taking things to the cleaners and such, although with having Juanita around it does make it easier in case a repair person is needed and I have to leave to take care of business.

And Constance’s older daughters and the boys can watch the baby while Constance is preparing dinner and they can help around the house as well. Which as I understand it, is not a problem since that is part of their responsibilities anyway.

So it’s a matter of adjusting our routines. And I have another little one to spoil as well.

Now about the economy-----Well Darlings, I don’t have to tell you that it is in “the toilet”. And such changes that are happening, even I have a hard time to keep up with it.

Fortunately my “Ladies Who Lunch” still get together and so far they have been riding out the ups and downs fairly well, with adjustments.

Can I tell you what to do in general about things? Sad to say No I can’t, because each individuals situation is unique, but there are some general things that you can do.

An important thing is to pay attention to the business reports especially about banking policies; recently it came out that two banking institutions were in the process of charging fees on good customers. How ridiculous is that!

One of my “Ladies” told me that the minute she heard about that she started looking into another institution that doesn’t do that.

Another told me that she left her credit union because they wanted her to keep more in her savings than before and if it went below a certain amount she would be charged a “maintenance fee”, what also aggravated her is that the closest branch closed and moved away from the business hub to a less accessible location for her, and the ATM is never properly maintained, I would say that is reasons to quit that institution and go with another.

So all you Diva Darlings, always keep a close eye on those extra fees that they are charging, and always read those little extra mailers that they send you that “tell” you of those changes, they are required by law to do that. And if they don’t, COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN LOUDLY---if need be take it up a notch---speak with a supervisor---demand quality service---they are making money on your money anyway---the money that you put into their banks they use to make investments and purchases, so keep an eye if they are investing wisely.

One of my “Ladies” whom happens to know my dear friend “Mean Kitty” took a very hard hit, the bottom line is husband divorced her and left her in serious debt, she is of course trying to get some recourse, but it has been two years in the process, so she was forced to declare bankruptcy.

In a way she was lucky, she was awarded it, but she sold almost everything, there were no children involved, but she did find out that he had fathered a child by another woman who is going to be “new wifey” having seen an engagement ring with a rock big enough to choke a Shetland pony.

She met the woman in a friendly meeting, saw the baby, knew at once it was going to be an ‘ugly child’ and would need a lot of help, my “lady” told me that she hoped the child was ‘brilliant’ to help make it’s way in the world. Her words not mine.

Of course she didn’t say that to the Mother, no need to be cruel, but said that she hope the Mother and her Ex had an interesting life together. But also told her what her Ex-had done to her and warned the Mother to be on her guard with him and that she was compelled by law to seek some restitution from her Ex because it was not properly divided since this is a community law state.

She apologized to the new wife of her Ex and mother of his child, but said that it was the law, and she was only seeking that which is fair, and said she had no animosity towards the new wife and especially not to the idea of her Ex having a child.

She said that if the Ex would simply let their respective lawyers handle all the arrangements it would be nice to avoid court costs with the exception of the final judgment by the Judge and allow each of them to get on with their lives, and that either way her Ex would still come out of it in good shape. She even said that she would not seek any portion of her Ex’s retirement fund, if he allowed the lawyers to do “their thing”.

My lady told me that she at first thought that “new wifey” to be would become very upset, but instead was very reasonable, especially when she told “new wifey” about some of the hidden assets the Ex had that “new wifey” to be didn’t know about.

The final results were that she got what she wanted to make things better for herself, and she and “new wifey” are secret friends behind Ex’s back.

But because of the bankruptcy taking a hit on her credit score she cannot hold a credit card.

But she found out that check debt cards work like a credit card, so what she did is open a second checking account with the same bank and has been depositing extra cash into that debt card and maintaining running book keeping on it. She also has it linked to a savings account so that every month at the end of the month $25.00 is shifted into her savings.

She has found that with her no longer having to worry about those debts that she had, she has more freedom to exercise her choices on what she needs, or wants. And that is the difference.

One always has to discerned between the difference of a need and a want----

A NEED is something that you need to have if you want to have some function in life,--- for example if in your job it’s important to have a laptop, a DSL line or Wifi and a cell
Phone That is a NEED. Having an Iron and Ironing Board to press out your clothes is a Need. Being able to buy food is a need, having medical and dental insurance is a Need.

A WANT is something you desire, but is NOT necessary for you to function in life----

Example: a cell phone with all sorts of Apps so you can get onto Twitter and Face book, since that is not really necessary in your life it is only a Want. Expensive crystal wine glasses are a Want not a need. Buying a Gucci Handbag is a Want not a need. A plasma screen T.V. that is 72 inches is a Want not a need. Having a Mani-Pedi every two weeks is a Want not a need, when you can get by having it only once a month or not at all.

Another thing as all agreed upon by my “Ladies Who Lunch” being Frugal and hunting for Bargains is the new “In-Thing” even among those who can afford things.

One of my Ladies told me she got a CVS card with the CVS stores that use to be Longs in our Area; she gets coupons with purchases that she makes, especially if she purchases CVS products. She also buys her milk at CVS anyway because where she’s at it’s $2.49 a gallon compared to $2.99 at most grocery stores, and when she uses her CVS card it drops to $2.29 a gallon, and if she has an extra discount coupon that says “Real California Cows” she can get 50 cents to a $1.00 off a gallon of milk.

She has also discovered the 99 cents Hallmark cards, and uses them for birthdays, and special occasions, yes she does have to pay 44 cents for postage but she says that she enjoys the personal touch with a card.

She has also used the $20 dollar coupon from Wal-Mart that says you can buy a Thanksgiving dinner for 8 for $20 this includes a 12 pound turkey; she has used it and says that turkey is going to be used for dinner, soup, casseroles, and sandwiches.

So the word is to all you Darling Divas the New In Thing is being FRUGAL AND HUNTING BARGAINS.

But frankly my Dear Divas, as being a Diva that should also be your Mantra.

Must go my Dears Irma has come by to take me out to Brunch and since Juanita is at Constance’s home spoiling the baby, my time is my own.

Until Anon, Kisses.

Changes and Holidays

Hello Darlings,

Well the weather has finally turned chilly, and now they have put on these “Spare the Air Days” for fireplaces. Frankly Darlings there are factories that put out more pollutants than fire places do, and I burn Duraflame logs, which are made from sawdust and tends to put out less pollutants than a standard fire wood burner.

But one Must follow the rules, frankly I think the use of Duraflame logs is far more greener than burning perfectly good wood that could be used to make furniture or for flooring or cabinets. But I do have a stand-by when it’s the Spare the air day, I purchased from Victoria Trading company these resin fire proof logs that have inserts for tea lights, and it’s very cheerful as well.

Now my Diva darlings, if you would like to have a fireplace you can purchase those false front ones and burn candles in it, being careful of course, and it’s so romantic.

My dear friend, Mean Kitty, has a fireplace at her home but she said that the previous occupants painted the inside of it so she cannot use it as a fireplace. Eventually when she has the funds she can have it redone, but for now she too uses the tea lights and she says that even they make things feel warm.

So candles darlings (burning safely) when you want cheering up and it seems to take the gloom off of things.

And I can’t believe it! Koit radio is already playing Christmas music, as my friend Mean Kitty says “Now wait a minute, Santa hasn’t even shown up at the Macy’s parade!”

Well I have been a bit busy, I’ve put my spring and summer wardrobe into storage and have finally brought out the winter clothes and today was just the day for it. Picked up at the Dry Cleaners my wool coats, and picked up from the furrier my mink for those really chilly days. I know Darlings they say it’s not right to wear fur, but frankly that faux fur is very tacky looking, and I never get fur from endangered animals plus my mink is 8 years old. I do have some vintage fox furs but I only wear those to one of those art deco bashes during the winter, it is one way of reusing things.

And I’ve been making holiday plans again, Tom and Lois have invited me to their house for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Lois and I will do our spa treat again. Roger and his wife and his oldest son Richard and his wife and their dog, will be coming up for Thanksgiving as well, they’ll be staying at a bed and breakfast that is near Tom’s home.

Richard talked to me over the phone “Everything is gone Auntie, just everything but it’s only objects, we have the photos that’s irreplaceable, but I’m not sure we’ll rebuild there”

He told me that he got an offer with a company in Colorado, so he’s going to have his lawyer handle a lot of the legal work and Melanie his wife will see to things here and then join him. I asked him when does his job start “Dec 8, so I’ll have a chance to take my time getting there and avoid the holiday rush but we’ll miss having Christmas with the folks. It’s going to be hard, but Melanie has some aunts and uncles and cousins that live near by out there so we’ll see how things turn out”

Change, so much change is happening. I’m beginning to feel a little down, but change has to happen. And that is another thing that Diva’s must be aware of Change is constant and flowing and a Diva must flow with it, but always never let your high standards down.

Someone is at the door~~~~

Well Darlings, this Diva must tootle, my dear Friend Kenneth has just shown up to surprise me, and he’s been out of town for months! And we are going to see “Quantum of Solace” catch the 7:40 showing, and afterwards an aperitif at someplace lovely, it will be so much fun catching up on things.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings

Gaming Parties, and family events

Hello Darlings,

I know it’s been a while since my last post but so much has been happening in my life and in other people’s lives as well.

As you know the economy has gone into the “tank” as some people would call it, but I’ve been able to survive well enough that with only a little cutting things will not be so bad.

I was worried because I had promised Juanita a raise and we were looking into a better health plan for her. Fortunately that turned out well and I was able to give her the raise, and we got her on a much better health plan and includes dental as well.

My lawyer was able to help out on that.

Then my oldest nephew Hank, was in the hospital, it seems he got a nasty bit from a spider or something, and his thumb turned almost black, his wife was not able to get in touch with Tom, his father so she called me and I said “take him into emergency Now!!” and I joined her at the hospital, Juanita offered to watch the children to take the worry off of Janet.

It was a horrible infection, they had to cut part of the tissue out, he was in the hospital for a week on antibiotics and watching for any necropsy, if it had gotten worse they would have had to amputate his left hand.

Tom and his wife were up in Canada visiting friends and I managed to get in touch and let him know that things were going fine for Hank and he was on the mend.

Then this last weekend the fire in Santa Barbara, that was so frightening, I managed to get a hold of Roger and his wife, they said they were out of the fire zone and the fire was moving away from them, but his youngest son and his wife lost their house, they grabbed the dog, the photo albums, the laptop, and the important papers and got out ahead of the flames, so now they are staying with Roger in the guest house until they can decide what to do next. Roger said that his wife took their daughter in law shopping for some clothes and also purchased some clothes for his son as well, so they’ll have something to wear when they finally go back to work.

Roger said that he loves Santa Barbara but he’s going to reconsider where to move to make sure he’s out of any future fire path. I think he’s going to move more into town or closer to the beach. And to think Fire has struck my family twice this year, sometimes I wonder if God is trying to tell us something, perhaps to not be so prideful.

A very big sigh----My friends and I are thinking of more inexpensive ways to entertain ourselves, oh there are fun things, but now a days with prices going up, we were not sure what to do, the theatre, the movies, gas, food, just dining out there is much less disposable income.

Many of my friends are thinking of going to more community theatre events, and only going to very special big ticket items like “the Phantom of the Opera”. But I simply refuse to give up seeing the San Francisco Ballet’s “Nutcracker” it’s tradition for me.

But less opera, less symphony, less ballet, less dinning out, more museums and little theatre, movie rentals and at home gatherings, lately my friends and I have started having “game parties” that is where you have several tables with different board games of no less than 4 players, and it can be 3 or 4 different board games. Monopoly is one, Scrabble is another, Yatzee, and there are even different types of Monopoly games, like San Francisopoly. Everyone brings a different hoer’s deuve and makes sure that nothing is repeated food wise as well as a beverage; the Host provides tea and coffee and desert, and those that have them bring a folding table and chairs, with the food on the dinning room table.

There are different card games as well, so it pays to have a number of decks, I’ve found some beautiful ones at the White Elephant sale and a current book of Hoyle’s rules.
I’ve even indulged in children’s card games, and a puzzle table, you never can tell what is in the offering.

And it seems that these “Gaming Parties” are going very well. My brother’s are doing it and so are their friends, it’s relatively cheap, and not a burden on any one person, sometimes for small gatherings like 4 to 6 people a puzzle table is the best because it can promote conversation and people can dress casually.

So what is the lesson for all you young Diva’s out there? You can plan a party where loud music is not essential nor getting “bombed” on drink or drugs should be considered the norm, this is a good way for people to get to know each other, really get to know each other. It will help you also to weed out those that do not have class nor do not have any self control, it will help you choose those friends that are really friends in every sense of the word.

Well Darlings, I’m going to relax with a cup of tea and a movie, I’m not sure what I will watch, Hmmm I think a Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes film would be good, it’s that kind of evening. Juanita will be back from her family by 11 p.m. she’s been telling them about the idea of “Gaming Parties” as well, she told me on the phone that they’ve done several and the family really likes the idea.

To Inari, Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.

So now to relax, and forget worries.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Random Holiday Thoughts

Well Possums,

The weather outside is cold and frightful, but as the song says, thanks to central heating the temperature inside is delightful.

I hope all you Diva’s and Diva’s-in-Training had a marvelous Thanksgiving holiday, I know I did with my friends and then I had the opportunity to visit my Brother and his wife in Santa Barbara, they have such a wonderful Spanish style home with a magnificent view of the Ocean. Of course knowing how dry drought conditions can be and considering all the fires that have been happening, he has taken very serious steps to insure that his home will be as fire safe as possible. All the usual precautions but also a most interesting pump system in which the entire house and grounds will be sprayed with water in case of fire----all it takes is a telephone call to trigger it if he’s away at work.

He hopes he never has to use it.

And of course I got to see my nieces and nephews as well, and I’m happy to say that a couple of weddings are in the planning stages, I advised them to make it simple and to not over do anything, see what the catering firm and the banquet hall can offer and focus on the wedding vows. Who knows before long there will be (I hope) little Diva’s in training for an Auntie to spoil.

Juanita had a wonderful Thanksgiving with her family and friends, I called her and said to take a few more days off as I was going to be a while with my own family, who I must confess also spoiled my little Diva Darling, Princess.

And now Christmas time is here, All right Diva’s now what do you do for the holidays.

There is one thing that I always advise Diva’s---do not forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is the time of giving, not just the giving of expensive gifts that can totally crash one’s credit card----that is the commercial aspect drummed up by corporations to extract from you from your hard earned cash on trivial things.

No Darlings----give something that will help----there are charities that help the homeless, battered women, needful children, food for families that are in need, who can barely rub to nickels together for warmth. There are the elderly, the forgotten, and the sick.

Look for charities that will help them such as Toys for Tots, St. Jude’s Hospital, Doctors without Borders, any local Food Bank, a local Church’s soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels and many more. Check your newspaper to see where help is needed.

Not to brag but I donate to St. Jude’s hospital and since I do not have children of my own I give to Toys for Tots, and Doctor’s without Borders. As well as other charities. Does it salve my conscious because I have while many do not?

Well Darlings not to sound maudlin but I put that question to my dear friend Mean Kitty----now she can have the sharpest tongue on this planet, but she looked at me and said (and I quote her) “It is important in life to help those not as fortunate, because by any act of kindness it just may be the very thing needed to help someone get back on their feet, but do not seek praise for it---just do it and don’t look back----Jesus once asked his apostles several questions and when they responded in the right way he said, “Feed my Flock, Guard my Sheep” His Flock and Sheep were all of human kind---now it’s impossible to save the entire world, but you can help one corner of it---just do it and don’t think about it, but do it all year long.”

And she was right and that is a Diva lesson for everyone----now on the practical side of donating to charities---Keep the receipts because your generosity helps at tax time. No matter what---a Diva must be practical as well.

Now for something Frivolous----I must confess I had a wonderful time at the Art Deco Deco the Halls antique show and sale----and I found the perfect Desk and Chair with matching glass enclosed book shelves all in blond wood right out of the 1940’s they look perfect in my little office/library. I already have a work center for the computer and everything----but it is not the same as a beautiful desk and chair to hand write notes and balance one’s budget----of course I have an excellent accountant, but Darlings it’s a wise Diva who always keeps an eye on her accounts and expenditures. And to be able to do it at a real desk gives a certain elegance that a computer workstation just does not have.

And I’m still doing decorating in my lovely new home; it’s shaping up very nicely.

And for Christmas, already I have a few choice decorations placed around the house and Manuel has strung some light decorations in the Front, including a perfect miniature tree. So cheerful. Some of my neighbors go to great lengths in decorating but I can understand it, they have children and grand children so why not.

Betsy, Will and I will be going to the Dunsmuir house Christmas Tour a lovely event but one must dress warmly and then well take in the holiday lights that are on display all over the town. I’ve already seen the Dickens Fair with Kenneth; it just gets you into the holiday spirit. And of course the traditional Nutcracker Ballet that is offered by the San Francisco Ballet Co.

I’m giving Juanita time off for the few days before Christmas to just after the New Year, she has family coming into town to visit and there is never enough time to see family.

I am going to see my other Brother and his wife and their children and little grandchildren for Christmas dinner in San Francisco; it will be nice to catch up on all their events in their lives.

Remember Diva’s Christmas is a time for family and friends----but if you love to shop, wear comfortable shoes and get to the stores early.

And I also advise that you read my friend Mean Kitty’s blog about Christmas---she really knows the spirit of Christmas. Her blog is http://meankittynotpc.blogspot.com.

Possums I must confess it was her that got me into doing a blog, even if it is a vanity one.

But now I must tell you that for one day out of the entire year, I am humbled, it’s on Christmas Eve, yes Darlings, I go to church and there listening to the prayers, the singing, I reflect back on my life and how blessed I am and I think long and hard about that family on a cold night looking for shelter and the promise that was presented.

Darlings I do recommend, go to Church at least twice a year, on Christmas Eve and on Easter Eve it’s only then that you can truly understand the meaning of life. For all my frivolity I do read the Bible and I do ponder upon the teachings of the man from Nazareth, I am fallible, I make mistakes, I am vain, and maybe selfish, but no matter what I try to do the best I can, for all my sins.

And that too is being a Diva. So Happy Holidays Darlings, Enjoy! And if you don’t hear from me before New Years---well I’m having fun!

Until Anon. this Diva is snuggling up with her little Diva Darling and dreaming of Gucci, Prada, Chanel