I know I haven’t “blogged” in the last few weeks, but Moi developed a cold, and so did my dear Juanita, so here we were both of us coughing and sneezing, and just so sick.
Thank God Constance, Juanita’s daughter came to our rescue, with nourishing soups and teas, and getting us our medicines, she also wanted to clean the house, but I told her “no’, she had enough just making sure we were getting well. Well, both Juanita and I had to relent and allow her to change and wash the sheets.
Darlings’, getting sick is ‘no fun’, even though we did get our flu shots it does not prevent coming down with the common cold. Because of that I missed out on some of my usual Christmas events, but at a ‘certain age’ one’s health comes first.
***Sigh***
As my friend “Mean Kitty” would say “Its God’s and your body’s way of saying ‘time to slow down and rest’”, and she’s right. So I skipped going to the Art Deco Societies Deco the Halls event, the Ballet and seeing the Nutcracker, skipped seeing “A Christmas Carol”, seeing the decorations and Christmas Tea at Dunsmuir House and going to the Christmas Revels.
But the day after Thanksgiving, Lois, Tom, the family and I did go the Dickens Christmas Fair and we had a wonderful time, so much to see and do. I really can’t begin to start. But it did get us into the mood. And over the remaining weekend, I set up the Christmas tree and decorated it with Juanita’s help, and Manuel her son-in-law put up the Christmas lights, and then--- “Achoo!”
There was nothing either of us could do but stay in bed and get well. Fortunately Lois bought the Christmas gift certificates for me and I reimbursed her. She told me I had to get better for Christmas, especially for the after Christmas sales.
Ahhh the Christmas sales, I can’t miss that!
All day Friday Juanita and I have been wrapping the Christmas Presents to her Grandchildren that she had managed to buy before she came down ill. Her family has decided that although the adults can do without, the grandchildren can’t and so once again we were covered with tissue and wrapping paper, sticky tape, bows and curling ribbon and constantly looking for the scissors, with Princess attacking every stray piece of wrapping paper that floated down to her and growling at the unknown intruder.
So Darlings, even though I have been laid low by this “bug” I haven’t been lazy, resting yes, lazy no. And now that I have emerged from my “cave” I’ve been able to look over things and this is my recommendations to all you dear Diva’s.
Recommended Diva Reading for 2009~~~~~~~~
The January issue of Money Magazine and the December 22, 2008 issue of Fortune Magazines, their recommendations are well worth reading about and investing in.
The articles in Money Magazine especially on how the secrets of America’s top advisers and is well worth reading and implementing especially if you are young, get into the financial habits that they recommend starting On New Years Day 2009.
Surprisingly the articles in the January 2009 issue of Family Circle are also worth reading to organize your life and lower your carbon footprint, so I recommend that as well. But also read the AARP Bulletin, especially if seniors have been treated in a shabby manner by companies or find themselves in an upsetting financial situation, it can help you decide if the company is the one you want to invest in and secondly to be on the watch for any scams or underhanded dealings.
The January 2009 of Reader’s Digest is running a short article about 9 new scams to avoid and Oprah Winfry’s “O” magazine for January 2009 has an excellent article by Suze Orman on “10 ways to protect your money now”. Photocopy those articles from the magazines that your public library will have and put it on your work bulletin board in your home office.
On the entertainment front-----
With January just around the corner I always recommend that the time between Christmas and New Years, be a combination of taking in the sales and getting started on getting ones’ life in order, personally for me Christmas isn’t over until January 6, the traditional date for the Feast of the Epiphany.
What many people do not realize is that the real 12 days of Christmas is from Christmas to Epiphany when traditionally the 3 wise men presented their gifts to the baby in recognition of his special place in our lives.
And on “Little Christmas”, as some people call it, that is time to start taking down the Christmas decorations, you can even has a little after Christmas party, with everyone bringing something to eat, and have it as a joint effort.
As for me, well Darlings, I’m going to have a little party today, Sunday, with my “Business Ladies Who Lunch”, again Pot Luck. We will be discussing what has been working well for us in the “saving mode” and other plans to save even further.
I will be sending Juanita off to join her family for the Holidays and I told her to not come back until the evening of January 11. I had a Maid Cleaning service in to clean the house before this weekend’s party and I’ll have them in again after New Years that way Juanita won’t have to worry about having to face a major house cleaning or tiring herself out and getting ill again. When I had the Cleaning Service in earlier this week I chased Juanita off so she could find some more Christmas presents for the Grandchildren.
Any if any of you wonder why I’ve hired a maid service, please look at my Dec 2007 blogs and you’ll understand why.
As for Christmas, once again I’ll be going to Tom and Lois’s home for a delicious few days of family fun and wicked indulgences, (again back to the Gym for me later) Lois and I will be going back to that wonderful Spa that she discovered last year, and of course the Christmas sales!
It will be good to hear Tom’s plans for his country place that was destroyed by fire earlier this year and I’ll see how my Darling little Princess gets along with their dog Smokey. Roger and his wife will be up for a few days, they are thinking of getting a Pied a Terre here in San Francisco, I was wondering why but Roger told me in an earlier phone conversation, that some of his business investments have expanded to the East Bay and it gives his wife a chance to shop in the City.
And now with the terrible winter chill, I always look forward to a nice hot toddy and if the “Air Police” will permit it, burning a nice warm fire in the fireplace, I have found out that although there are a number of pre-packaged fireplace logs, Duraflame is the only one that is without any petroleum products in it so it can “burn green” and it’s much better than wood.
But it has been so cold even Princess is wearing a warm sweater tucking her tiny little paws to stay warm, poor Darling, I bought at Walgreen’s a couple of those inexpensive fleecy throw blankets, one for me, one for Juanita and one for little Princess to lie upon while she waits in her chair for me to finish writing.
Ahhhh Juanita is playing some Christmas CD’s big band music of the old favorites, she does know my moods. And Kevin is on the phone calling from Hawaii, so Darlings I must go, so much to do before my ladies get here.
I hope to “Blog” again soon before Christmas, but if not----Then Merry Christmas to all of you and Best Wishes for a Better, Richer Diva New Year.
Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Gold Standard, economic studies
Hello Darlings,
First I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Quantum of Solace, it’s different in its own way, and obviously they are re-inventing the Bond Universe, but for just plain fun, and lots of popcorn (back to the gym for me) I do recommend it.
Afterwards, Kenneth updated me on what is going on in his life, it seems that with working with a certain company he is being forced to have to travel more to make sure that all parts of it are running in the same direction and it does look like they may have to do cut backs, Kenneth is recommending to hold off on the cut backs until after the Holidays, and see what they can gain through attrition (retirement) which can mean less layoffs than expected and he’s looking at last hired first to let go, unless it’s a specialization. He has a lot of headaches on this, but his feeling is that we won’t see the beginning of a turn around until this time next year. He’s planning to ride this out, make sure that as much as possible is in place with his company and then look at retirement, his finances are in good shape, but he’s thinking of freelancing, there seems to be a demand for that and he says he doesn’t have to remain in one place for a long time.
I’m inclined to agree with him. The news in Barron’s is mixed, the stock market doesn’t know where to go, and I do hope that Mr. Obama will put serious regulations on profit taking.
I am so glad that my head has finally stopped whirling around and around from all the election “hype”, now a President elect is in place. I sincerely hope he does the right thing, especially with the economy.
There is an opinion article in the (Nov. 17, 2008) Christian Science Monitor; the author postulates that it would be good for our economy for the United States to go back to the Gold Standard.
Personally Dahlings I feel that in the long term it would be a very wise move, one needs to look at the various economies of different nations over the last 100 years and see that when they went off the Gold Standard, it was rampant recession and inflation, with goods not being priced at their true value, if we were on the gold standard we would have a true value of what our goods are worth.
But there are some caveats to all of this:
There are over 100 countries that mine gold and sell it on the market.
The five biggest producers are
China
South Africa
United States
Australia
Russia
As you can see only the United States and Australia are the least volatile in gold production or mining.
China out stripped South Africa because labor is cheap there, for they, like some other countries hold life as being cheap.
Here in the United States the primary gold producing countries are Nevada, Alaska, Colorado and California. And we are the second largest holder of gold in the world, yes Dahlings, there is gold in Fort Knox. Approximately about $134 Billion dollars worth as of the gold value in April 2008.
But here is the crux of the problem how does one mine the gold without it becoming an eco-environmental danger. Open pit mine is safest to the laborers but is an environmental disaster. Closed mining is far more dangerous. One can only find so much in placer mining.
And the cost of mining, so what is the best way to get that gold out of the ground? Considering all the up to date mining techniques I think I’d leave that to those qualified.
But I know some of you are asking is the Gold Standard really the way to go?
Lawrence White wrote a paper on that and even answered any objections in his paper that was published in the CATO newsletter of which I will print the summary here and if you go to the CATO website you will be able to read his paper in full.
His paper was presented on Feb. 8, 2008
SUMMARY~~~~~
Is the Gold Standard Still the Gold Standard among Monetary Systems? By Lawrence H. White
Lawrence H. White is the F. A. Hayek Professor of Economic History at the University of Missouri St. Louis and an adjunct scholar of the Cato Institute. He is the author of Competition and Currency, Free Banking in Britain, and The Theory of Monetary Institutions.
No. 100
Critics have raised a number of theoretical and historical objections to the gold standard. Some have called the gold standard a crazy idea.
The gold standard is not a flawless monetary system.
Neither is the fiat money alternative.
In light of historical evidence about the comparative magnitude of these flaws, however, the gold standard is a policy option that deserves serious consideration.
In a study covering many decades in a large sample of countries, Federal Reserve Bank economists found that money growth and inflation are higher under fiat standards than under gold and silver standards.
Nor is the gold standard a source of harmful deflation.
Alan Greenspan has testified before Congress that a central bank, properly functioning will endeavor to, in many cases, replicate what a gold standard would itself generate.
This study addresses the leading criticisms of the gold standard, relating to the costs of gold, the costs of transition, the dangers of speculation, and the need for a lender of last resort.
One criticism is found to have some merit. The United States would not enjoy the benefits of being on an international gold standard if it were the first and only country whose currency was linked to gold.
A gold standard does not guarantee perfect steadiness in the growth of the money supply, but historical comparison shows that it has provided more moderate and steadier money growth in practice than the present-day alternative, politically empowering a central banking committee to determine growth in the stock of fiat money. From the perspective of limiting money growth appropriately, the gold standard is far from a crazy idea.
So Dahlings, what does this all lead to? Simple, if the new president-elect is wise, he should push for the Gold Standard with all nations, and that they should switch to this standard on the same day so that no one country is left dangling as the first.
Of course those countries with a greater gold production will have a certain amount of financial power, and that should be regulated as well.
People are taught to save, if they are wise, and savings is important but the money that you are saving is fiat money, only alleging being back by the governments guarantee that it will buy you a certain amount, but if you look at the value of the dollar against the Euro it has devalued and buys less. Why is that?
Because people speculate; with the gold standard it will reduce that speculation and you will have a guarantee that your dollar is a dollar. Fiat money is only credit dollars and can be rendered worthless if safe guards are not in place.
But do save, to do those emergency repairs that come up, it’s not a bad thing, but remember prices, because of this inflation will go up, so be prepared for that.
And study economic principals to aid you in your Diva life style.
Now this Diva having gone to the gym yesterday and did her aerobic walking this morning, is going to freshen up and meet her friend Irma for a bit of lunch in the City and a bit of shopping, my brother Tom has said that it’s best if we exchange gift certificates for the Grandchildren (my great nieces and nephews) and they can select what they want, an excellent idea and fortunately their parents told me what is their children’s favorite stores.
Must go, my Diva Darlings.
Until Annon, Kisses Darlings.
First I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Quantum of Solace, it’s different in its own way, and obviously they are re-inventing the Bond Universe, but for just plain fun, and lots of popcorn (back to the gym for me) I do recommend it.
Afterwards, Kenneth updated me on what is going on in his life, it seems that with working with a certain company he is being forced to have to travel more to make sure that all parts of it are running in the same direction and it does look like they may have to do cut backs, Kenneth is recommending to hold off on the cut backs until after the Holidays, and see what they can gain through attrition (retirement) which can mean less layoffs than expected and he’s looking at last hired first to let go, unless it’s a specialization. He has a lot of headaches on this, but his feeling is that we won’t see the beginning of a turn around until this time next year. He’s planning to ride this out, make sure that as much as possible is in place with his company and then look at retirement, his finances are in good shape, but he’s thinking of freelancing, there seems to be a demand for that and he says he doesn’t have to remain in one place for a long time.
I’m inclined to agree with him. The news in Barron’s is mixed, the stock market doesn’t know where to go, and I do hope that Mr. Obama will put serious regulations on profit taking.
I am so glad that my head has finally stopped whirling around and around from all the election “hype”, now a President elect is in place. I sincerely hope he does the right thing, especially with the economy.
There is an opinion article in the (Nov. 17, 2008) Christian Science Monitor; the author postulates that it would be good for our economy for the United States to go back to the Gold Standard.
Personally Dahlings I feel that in the long term it would be a very wise move, one needs to look at the various economies of different nations over the last 100 years and see that when they went off the Gold Standard, it was rampant recession and inflation, with goods not being priced at their true value, if we were on the gold standard we would have a true value of what our goods are worth.
But there are some caveats to all of this:
There are over 100 countries that mine gold and sell it on the market.
The five biggest producers are
China
South Africa
United States
Australia
Russia
As you can see only the United States and Australia are the least volatile in gold production or mining.
China out stripped South Africa because labor is cheap there, for they, like some other countries hold life as being cheap.
Here in the United States the primary gold producing countries are Nevada, Alaska, Colorado and California. And we are the second largest holder of gold in the world, yes Dahlings, there is gold in Fort Knox. Approximately about $134 Billion dollars worth as of the gold value in April 2008.
But here is the crux of the problem how does one mine the gold without it becoming an eco-environmental danger. Open pit mine is safest to the laborers but is an environmental disaster. Closed mining is far more dangerous. One can only find so much in placer mining.
And the cost of mining, so what is the best way to get that gold out of the ground? Considering all the up to date mining techniques I think I’d leave that to those qualified.
But I know some of you are asking is the Gold Standard really the way to go?
Lawrence White wrote a paper on that and even answered any objections in his paper that was published in the CATO newsletter of which I will print the summary here and if you go to the CATO website you will be able to read his paper in full.
His paper was presented on Feb. 8, 2008
SUMMARY~~~~~
Is the Gold Standard Still the Gold Standard among Monetary Systems? By Lawrence H. White
Lawrence H. White is the F. A. Hayek Professor of Economic History at the University of Missouri St. Louis and an adjunct scholar of the Cato Institute. He is the author of Competition and Currency, Free Banking in Britain, and The Theory of Monetary Institutions.
No. 100
Critics have raised a number of theoretical and historical objections to the gold standard. Some have called the gold standard a crazy idea.
The gold standard is not a flawless monetary system.
Neither is the fiat money alternative.
In light of historical evidence about the comparative magnitude of these flaws, however, the gold standard is a policy option that deserves serious consideration.
In a study covering many decades in a large sample of countries, Federal Reserve Bank economists found that money growth and inflation are higher under fiat standards than under gold and silver standards.
Nor is the gold standard a source of harmful deflation.
Alan Greenspan has testified before Congress that a central bank, properly functioning will endeavor to, in many cases, replicate what a gold standard would itself generate.
This study addresses the leading criticisms of the gold standard, relating to the costs of gold, the costs of transition, the dangers of speculation, and the need for a lender of last resort.
One criticism is found to have some merit. The United States would not enjoy the benefits of being on an international gold standard if it were the first and only country whose currency was linked to gold.
A gold standard does not guarantee perfect steadiness in the growth of the money supply, but historical comparison shows that it has provided more moderate and steadier money growth in practice than the present-day alternative, politically empowering a central banking committee to determine growth in the stock of fiat money. From the perspective of limiting money growth appropriately, the gold standard is far from a crazy idea.
So Dahlings, what does this all lead to? Simple, if the new president-elect is wise, he should push for the Gold Standard with all nations, and that they should switch to this standard on the same day so that no one country is left dangling as the first.
Of course those countries with a greater gold production will have a certain amount of financial power, and that should be regulated as well.
People are taught to save, if they are wise, and savings is important but the money that you are saving is fiat money, only alleging being back by the governments guarantee that it will buy you a certain amount, but if you look at the value of the dollar against the Euro it has devalued and buys less. Why is that?
Because people speculate; with the gold standard it will reduce that speculation and you will have a guarantee that your dollar is a dollar. Fiat money is only credit dollars and can be rendered worthless if safe guards are not in place.
But do save, to do those emergency repairs that come up, it’s not a bad thing, but remember prices, because of this inflation will go up, so be prepared for that.
And study economic principals to aid you in your Diva life style.
Now this Diva having gone to the gym yesterday and did her aerobic walking this morning, is going to freshen up and meet her friend Irma for a bit of lunch in the City and a bit of shopping, my brother Tom has said that it’s best if we exchange gift certificates for the Grandchildren (my great nieces and nephews) and they can select what they want, an excellent idea and fortunately their parents told me what is their children’s favorite stores.
Must go, my Diva Darlings.
Until Annon, Kisses Darlings.
Friday, November 21, 2008
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
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
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Budgeting--don't do what the state of California did
Well Darlings,
It’s been a while, but I was having such a lovely time at my Brother Richard’s home in Santa Barbara.
But return home to the Bay Area I had to, my house sitter, a lovely person said that she could only commit herself until the 21st of this month and then had to go to her parents to watch their home while they went to visit other relatives.
So now I’m back in my own home, watching the ducks and other water fowl in the lagoon out my window. Princess, my little Diva darling goes out to the deck to warn them away but they don’t seem to mind a bit.
Juanita will be here later this evening, I told her to take her time as there was no urgency, my house sitter has done a wonderful job watching things, and my lawyer has been taking care of the bills, so no problems at all. Not that I want any.
And I have not been ignorant of the news either. This ridiculous hold out on the state budget by our own legislators is criminal and negligent of their commitment to the people of California and now after almost 3 months they finally come to an agreement. It is criminal.
The Governor’s attitude thinking that reducing the wages of state employees would bring the legislators to heel is foolish and harmful. If he wants to punish people and bring the legislators to finalizing the budget he should put the pinch on their wages not on the state employees.
My dear Friend “Mean Kitty” reminded me of an action that was taken by the people in the 1500’s when the college of Cardinals were taking their sweet time, over a year, choosing a Pope, what they did was lock them into the main meeting hall, without food or water, or heat (since it was winter) and told the Cardinals they could not come out until a Pope was chosen, they did it within 24 hours.
Perhaps that is what the people of California should do to the legislators, there is no possible way that the budget can be perfectly balanced or reconciled, if they over budget but use less money, that is excellent, but if they under budget and use more money, then they will know where to do Healthy cut backs, perhaps starting with the legislators own wages.
You do not put staff wage earners, seniors, people on disability, schools, educational support systems like Libraries, safety systems, and such at jeopardy that is irresponsible on the part of the State Legislators and the Governor. The only one who had any sense was the State Comptroller; you do not put hundreds and hundreds of staff people into bankruptcy and have them lose their homes and their lives.
All Diva’s should take a lesson from this fiasco and learn that budgeting is the most important thing a Diva can do. I believe it was Ben Franklin who once said, spend 19.90 from a working wage of $20 is happiness, spend $20.10 from a working wage of $20 is misery. That is how you budget.
There are many articles appearing in women’s home and money magazines that talk about budgeting and organizing. It appears to be the primary subject in people’s lives, the overspending 80’s and 90’s are gone now, the ‘chickens have come home to roost and peck you to death with debt’.
Now dear Diva’s if you are in financial debt, now is the time to get help from a financial planner, based according to your indebtedness, your income, and your needs, a good financial planner can tell you what is necessary and what isn’t. You may even have to get a second job to pay your bills.
If you own a home, one of the best things you can do is get an equity line of credit and use that to pay off all credit card bills, the equity line of credit is used against your home and is tax deductible, and if the interest rates are good will be lower than the credit cards, then cut up and cancel the credit cards that have the highest interests. It is important to have a credit card for emergencies, but shop around for one that has the lowest possible interest and if you have to use it, pay off as much as possible on it and pay it ON TIME.
Save up at least $3,000 for an emergency rainy day fund and if you use it replenish it immediately.
Do not be taken in by those offers that have 0 or very low Arps that are only temporary that can harm your credit. Work towards improving your credit rating, the higher your rating the better chance of obtaining that equity line.
It is a wise Diva who budgets and saves and can get the best for bargain rates. Do not be over spending and be wiser than our state legislators.
And now my Dear Diva’s, Moi is going out to have nice little dinner at a charming and inexpensive place, and I can sneak my little Diva darling in her little carry all. Later we will take a nice walk along the beach, Fall is here, I can feel it, that little tip towards winter, I think I'm going to have to stock up on firewood and candels to ward off the coming winter gloom.
Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
It’s been a while, but I was having such a lovely time at my Brother Richard’s home in Santa Barbara.
But return home to the Bay Area I had to, my house sitter, a lovely person said that she could only commit herself until the 21st of this month and then had to go to her parents to watch their home while they went to visit other relatives.
So now I’m back in my own home, watching the ducks and other water fowl in the lagoon out my window. Princess, my little Diva darling goes out to the deck to warn them away but they don’t seem to mind a bit.
Juanita will be here later this evening, I told her to take her time as there was no urgency, my house sitter has done a wonderful job watching things, and my lawyer has been taking care of the bills, so no problems at all. Not that I want any.
And I have not been ignorant of the news either. This ridiculous hold out on the state budget by our own legislators is criminal and negligent of their commitment to the people of California and now after almost 3 months they finally come to an agreement. It is criminal.
The Governor’s attitude thinking that reducing the wages of state employees would bring the legislators to heel is foolish and harmful. If he wants to punish people and bring the legislators to finalizing the budget he should put the pinch on their wages not on the state employees.
My dear Friend “Mean Kitty” reminded me of an action that was taken by the people in the 1500’s when the college of Cardinals were taking their sweet time, over a year, choosing a Pope, what they did was lock them into the main meeting hall, without food or water, or heat (since it was winter) and told the Cardinals they could not come out until a Pope was chosen, they did it within 24 hours.
Perhaps that is what the people of California should do to the legislators, there is no possible way that the budget can be perfectly balanced or reconciled, if they over budget but use less money, that is excellent, but if they under budget and use more money, then they will know where to do Healthy cut backs, perhaps starting with the legislators own wages.
You do not put staff wage earners, seniors, people on disability, schools, educational support systems like Libraries, safety systems, and such at jeopardy that is irresponsible on the part of the State Legislators and the Governor. The only one who had any sense was the State Comptroller; you do not put hundreds and hundreds of staff people into bankruptcy and have them lose their homes and their lives.
All Diva’s should take a lesson from this fiasco and learn that budgeting is the most important thing a Diva can do. I believe it was Ben Franklin who once said, spend 19.90 from a working wage of $20 is happiness, spend $20.10 from a working wage of $20 is misery. That is how you budget.
There are many articles appearing in women’s home and money magazines that talk about budgeting and organizing. It appears to be the primary subject in people’s lives, the overspending 80’s and 90’s are gone now, the ‘chickens have come home to roost and peck you to death with debt’.
Now dear Diva’s if you are in financial debt, now is the time to get help from a financial planner, based according to your indebtedness, your income, and your needs, a good financial planner can tell you what is necessary and what isn’t. You may even have to get a second job to pay your bills.
If you own a home, one of the best things you can do is get an equity line of credit and use that to pay off all credit card bills, the equity line of credit is used against your home and is tax deductible, and if the interest rates are good will be lower than the credit cards, then cut up and cancel the credit cards that have the highest interests. It is important to have a credit card for emergencies, but shop around for one that has the lowest possible interest and if you have to use it, pay off as much as possible on it and pay it ON TIME.
Save up at least $3,000 for an emergency rainy day fund and if you use it replenish it immediately.
Do not be taken in by those offers that have 0 or very low Arps that are only temporary that can harm your credit. Work towards improving your credit rating, the higher your rating the better chance of obtaining that equity line.
It is a wise Diva who budgets and saves and can get the best for bargain rates. Do not be over spending and be wiser than our state legislators.
And now my Dear Diva’s, Moi is going out to have nice little dinner at a charming and inexpensive place, and I can sneak my little Diva darling in her little carry all. Later we will take a nice walk along the beach, Fall is here, I can feel it, that little tip towards winter, I think I'm going to have to stock up on firewood and candels to ward off the coming winter gloom.
Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Blogging From Santa Barbara
Hello Darlings,
I’m blogging from Santa Barbara, it took me a bit longer to get here than expected, just so much to do. I’ve been busy taking care of business at home, such a bore but it needs to be done.
Juanita returned for a few days, but I sent her back to her family so she has more family visiting time and a wedding to go to, so she is going to be busy for the next few weeks as well. My house sitter is back on duty, so I tied up a few things and then I was off with my darling Princess in my car, Ms. Wicked.
Some people have asked me if I am afraid to travel by myself, taking into account the dangers of a woman traveling alone. Well they are right about that, but there are some things one can do.
I’m going to post here some suggestions for you, there is much, much more that you can research but this should give you a good idea.
1. Never travel in clothes that scream “tourist” that is only for when you are at your resort. Travel in clothing that matches in colors, and choose neutral colors like black, grey and khaki, it’s easy to mix and match things that way and you carry less shoes to match you can always accesorise with a colorful scarf.
2. Remain low-key a much as possible do not wear expensive jewelry while traveling and that includes watches, purses etc. I have a watch and a purse that I bought at what my dear friend Mean Kitty calls “Wally World” (Wal-mart), I chose them to not be flashy and that is important. Some pieces of costume jewelry are fine as long as it’s not flashy.
3. Pack as much of your luggage into the trunk of your car as possible, anything that you put into the back seat, cover with a dark blanket so it will blend in. Get good but non-descript luggage if at all possible. (I’m afraid I sort of over indulged when I purchased my new, well now nearly new, Samsonite Retro collection---just love it) Just make sure that your luggage will hold up to heavy use. When you are traveling on a Airplane, train or Greyhound bus you can use something to make your luggage stand out, like a colorful ribbon or identification tag.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings and the people in it. Try to spot possible trouble makers. When walking to your car or to your room, always turn around to see who is behind you, have your cell phone ready to take a picture just in case.
5. Have 911 on your speed dial on your cell phone. Carry Pepper spray and don’t be afraid to use it. (Not good to take on an air plane because of cabin pressure)
6. Park your car as close as possible to the restaurant doors or Hotel that you are staying at and in a lighted area.
7. Never get a room that is too close to the emergency stairs or elevator, it’s too easy for a trouble maker to invade and escape. But make a note of where the emergency stairs are.
8 Never carry your purse just over your shoulder; always carry it so it is mounted across your body, that way the thief would have to pull it over your head, instead of snatching it off of your shoulder.
9. Never carry identifiable things or credit cards in your purse, there are little travel pouches that you can pin to the underside of your clothing or the inside of the pockets of your jacket.
Only have a little cash, some aspirin, and a lipstick, a cheap purse can always be replaced.
One time I was stopped for going over the speed limit (Yes, bad Moi) and the officer needed to see my driver’s license and I told him I had to un-pin it, He was surprised that I had it pinned to my bra strap, but he understood.
10. Never flash a large amount of money or large bills, if need be use your debt or credit card, never carry a check book while traveling, but get American express travelers checks they can always be replaced.
11. Always carry in your car a first aid kit as well as a disposable camera and car insurance information in case you are in an accident. Call the police and get an incident report if need be and contact your insurance agent right away.
12. Designate one credit card and one debt card for traveling only (you can have a separate checking account for that purpose). Put your travel money that you have saved onto the debt card, and never use that credit card for anything else except hotels, food, and gas. On the credit card make sure you have a high credit line, incase there is an accident and you have to pay for repairs while traveling. But when you get home pay that credit card off.
The extra debt card is only to hold your traveling expenses money. I know some people who sell things on line like e-bay and they have a pay-pal card, the money they make on-line is used for their travel expenses and they use the pay-pal card for traveling.
Keep the phone number of the debt and credit card company in your hidden travel pouch in case the cards are stolen or to find out what your balance is. Report stolen cards immediately.
13. If you are traveling for business, whether your company or your own, always keep an expense list and mileage list for tax purposes.
14. If you are a woman alone and a charming young man tries to make your acquaintance to the point of romancing you, be very aware that he maybe charging all those meals, drinks, and services to your room. Check with the front desk and insist that all charges must be approved by you in writing or else in person; no one else is to sign for it. Also beware of handsome young charming men who try to romance you, they are not in love with your but only after your money, your body or a way of becoming an American citizen---there are too many scam and con artists. Remember all those news stories of young girls disappearing, never to be found.
15. When staying at a Hotel always make a note of where the fire escapes are so in case of an emergency you can find it quickly even in poor visibility. Always have your most important things on your night stand when you go to bed, in case of an emergency you can sweep it into your tote bag that should be next to your bed, and always have good solid flats next to your bed in an emergency. Slippers do not hold up well.
16. If the Hotel has a safe and you want to make sure you don’t have important things stolen make use of it.
17. Always use the hotel locks, if they don’t have those special locks, you can buy them at a travel store, or put a chair angled in front of the door and under the door knob.
18. Always find out about the roming limitations on your cell phones, there are parts of the United States that may not have your cell phone service, select a cell phone service that is nation wide and have full roming service. Be aware that there maybe dead zones.
19. Have a good reliable Road Side Service that is nation wide, AAA is almost everywhere, keep the 1-800 number for Road Side service in your purse or glove compartment along with your insurance. Also have the phone numbers for Car Rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Enterprise.
Remember a person may come along and offer help if you break down, but always be careful, use your cell phone to let a relative know if you've had a break down tell them when and where and what your situation is, update them frequently. So even if a good Samaritin comes along do call Road side service, never leave your car unless you are with the Highway patrol.
Now these suggestions are fine if you are traveling within the United States. There is more if you are traveling overseas, but unless you are doing it for business then always travel with a tour group, in that situation Never, Ever travel alone.
There are many more suggestions on how to travel safely, like always carry a bottle of water in your car; you can become dehydrated easily, especially in hot weather.
There are new laws now when driving your vechile such as you must use a hands free device if you are going to use your cell phone, I have blue tooth myself. Do not wear an IPOD to listen to music you cut yourself off from hearing the outside sounds and that could put you at risk. NEVER, EVER Text Message anyone while driving, just one second your eyes are off the road and you could be killed.
Do not drive when tired, if you fall asleep at the wheel, it will be permanet.
Stay at Reputable hotels or motels that have AAA approval, of course some of them may not be the Hyatt or Regency and the pillows maybe flat, but they have been inspected.
I have stayed in some of the "funkiest" motels while traveling, but I've always judged by the manger and if I found them to be agreeable then their rooms while aging have been agreeable.
But always inspect the sheets, even 5 star hotels have been found to be infested with bed bugs, and it's not so much the hotels cleanliness but the previous travelers filtiness.
How to travel with your pet, how to pack for a trip, etc. All these suggestions can be found on line by just googoling it all in, or by going to Wiki-How and typing into the search engine “how to pack for a trip” “How to be safe on a trip”, etc. print the information out and create a binder to refer too and also include a master copy of a check list that you can print out and use over and over again for each trip.
I travel with one tote bag that is my medicine chest, you can get sick while traveling and it can be hard to get to a drug store, although many of the better hotels have a small concierge service they may not have what you need.
If you travel frequently then you will eventually use some of the things in your medicine tote, but in January of each year check the expiration dates of some of those items use them before they expire if you need to at home and keep a list in the medicine tote of what you should have in there.
Never wear on a vacation what you would never wear at home; always make sure your clothing is comfortable. I have no idea why some women wear muumuus and silly straw hats, and the men in Hawaiian shirts, shorts to the knees and sandals with socks, it’s just so tacky.
Mean Kitty use to tell me that when traveling up North towards the “Trees of Mystery” you always knew who had been up there, they would have this wired on bumper card that said “Trees of Mystery” it labeled them as vacationers, she said she doesn’t see it so much anymore, the bumper stickers usually say “Beat Bush” or “My cat is smarter than your honor roll student”, but bumper stickers like that label you as a tourist and as a target, besides Darlings, bumper stickers are so tacky.
Souvenirs—your pictures are your souvenirs and postcards work well because they can always be put into the photo album, just be sure to label your photos. Those tacky trinkets just take up so much space. Keep a journal as well and add the journal pages into your photo album.
Oh darlings there is just so much more, just check on line or read the Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine. Wiki-how will tell you what to pack and everything else.
Another thing that I’ve known for a long time, when people reserve their hotel reservations through either Expedia or Travelocity or other online discount reservation services via the internet, it is the policy of a hotel if it’s over booked to look at the internet reservations and “bump” them because many times those people cancel and the hotel is never informed, also the hotel makes the least profit off of internet reservations.
If you want to guarantee a hotel room, call the hotel directly yourself. You do not have to accept what is called the “rack rate” you can inquire about discounts and many times they have them plus special packages, especially now with the gasoline prices and the economy being what it is and you will always get better service because you do not use the internet reservations. When you call you always get a confirmation number. That means the room is guaranteed, of course you must notify the hotel if you have to cancel and if it’s at the last minute you will be charged for at least one night. BUT Dahlings you will get good service.
Now there are many hotels that will accept pets, call to inquire, there will be a non-refundable fee for this but it’s worth it and always ‘crate train’ your pet, and inquire on the hotel policy for pets. Traveling with pets is not easy, and requires very careful planning. Never travel with your pet on an airplane, they put them in the luggage compartments, and many times the luggage compartments are not pressurized, killing your pet, or they will lose your pet at the baggage handling, this has happened more frequently than you can imagine.
I prefer to travel with Princess in my Car, no matter what, and be sure to carry copies of all your pets’ shots.
Princess is ‘crate trained’ but because she is so tiny (only 4 pounds) I’ve managed to sneak her into places in her little carry all, as long as she has water and can relieve herself and has her favorite chew toy she is fine.
Zoos will not accept your pets, not even seeing-eye dogs, an animal quarantine thing.
Well Darlings that is all I can think of about traveling as a woman alone.
But I have to admit for the last few weeks I’ve been having fun, I had chance to go to a Fall/Winter fashion trunk show for all the top line designers, I must say I think I’m going to be looking forward to the fall/winter fashions that will be coming out.
Before I left Kevin treated me to dancing to the Glenn Miller Band on the U.S.S. Hornet, we had the admiral seating, so had a great view of the Band and the Andrew Sisters Tribute, very good food, so much fun to see everyone in costume or dressed up, I had to be careful with my ankle but Kevin and I danced to the slow tunes.
I came across my friend Mean Kitty and her wonderful man, she couldn’t dance poor dear, a very nasty injury to her knee, she is not sure if she will ever be able to dance again, but one can hope, but she was enjoying everything food, music and people. I, of course was dressed in my glamorous best ala la Marlene, and we had our photos taken. The men in uniforms, the women looking beautiful, it was a delightful evening that ended all too soon.
So now today I’m at my other brother’s home in Santa Barbara, Ms. Wicked is always ready to roll, and so is Princesses she knows when I pack her things it’s going to be something special. Of late the open road has been frequently beckoning me, and I get a restless feeling that I can hardly wait to see what is around the next bend or over the hill.
I e-mailed my friend Mean Kitty and she said that I should tour Highway 49 and stop and stay at some of those quaint bed and breakfast places in those old time gold mining towns she said I should select some harvest festivals and see what looks interesting. I think she has a point.
My brother Tom has called me and he is going to purchase a small, gently used trailer to put on his home site in the next few weeks, that way he and Lois and Smokey have a place to stay while they make plans to build their new cabin ala “Ponderosa” Lois has made contact with some people who knew the set layout as well as the layout of the actual physical Ponderosa up at Lake Tahoe, she said she is going to have to do some back extensions for the Bedrooms that will be up stairs because if one looks at the pictures there is no real upstairs there, because of the window factors. So this will prove to be interesting. But Lois is going to have fun and that is what is important.
Must go Darlings, there is a wine tasting and art exhibit fund raiser that my brother and his wife are invited to this afternoon and I’m included as their guest, who knows I may come across something I’ll simply adore.
Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
I’m blogging from Santa Barbara, it took me a bit longer to get here than expected, just so much to do. I’ve been busy taking care of business at home, such a bore but it needs to be done.
Juanita returned for a few days, but I sent her back to her family so she has more family visiting time and a wedding to go to, so she is going to be busy for the next few weeks as well. My house sitter is back on duty, so I tied up a few things and then I was off with my darling Princess in my car, Ms. Wicked.
Some people have asked me if I am afraid to travel by myself, taking into account the dangers of a woman traveling alone. Well they are right about that, but there are some things one can do.
I’m going to post here some suggestions for you, there is much, much more that you can research but this should give you a good idea.
1. Never travel in clothes that scream “tourist” that is only for when you are at your resort. Travel in clothing that matches in colors, and choose neutral colors like black, grey and khaki, it’s easy to mix and match things that way and you carry less shoes to match you can always accesorise with a colorful scarf.
2. Remain low-key a much as possible do not wear expensive jewelry while traveling and that includes watches, purses etc. I have a watch and a purse that I bought at what my dear friend Mean Kitty calls “Wally World” (Wal-mart), I chose them to not be flashy and that is important. Some pieces of costume jewelry are fine as long as it’s not flashy.
3. Pack as much of your luggage into the trunk of your car as possible, anything that you put into the back seat, cover with a dark blanket so it will blend in. Get good but non-descript luggage if at all possible. (I’m afraid I sort of over indulged when I purchased my new, well now nearly new, Samsonite Retro collection---just love it) Just make sure that your luggage will hold up to heavy use. When you are traveling on a Airplane, train or Greyhound bus you can use something to make your luggage stand out, like a colorful ribbon or identification tag.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings and the people in it. Try to spot possible trouble makers. When walking to your car or to your room, always turn around to see who is behind you, have your cell phone ready to take a picture just in case.
5. Have 911 on your speed dial on your cell phone. Carry Pepper spray and don’t be afraid to use it. (Not good to take on an air plane because of cabin pressure)
6. Park your car as close as possible to the restaurant doors or Hotel that you are staying at and in a lighted area.
7. Never get a room that is too close to the emergency stairs or elevator, it’s too easy for a trouble maker to invade and escape. But make a note of where the emergency stairs are.
8 Never carry your purse just over your shoulder; always carry it so it is mounted across your body, that way the thief would have to pull it over your head, instead of snatching it off of your shoulder.
9. Never carry identifiable things or credit cards in your purse, there are little travel pouches that you can pin to the underside of your clothing or the inside of the pockets of your jacket.
Only have a little cash, some aspirin, and a lipstick, a cheap purse can always be replaced.
One time I was stopped for going over the speed limit (Yes, bad Moi) and the officer needed to see my driver’s license and I told him I had to un-pin it, He was surprised that I had it pinned to my bra strap, but he understood.
10. Never flash a large amount of money or large bills, if need be use your debt or credit card, never carry a check book while traveling, but get American express travelers checks they can always be replaced.
11. Always carry in your car a first aid kit as well as a disposable camera and car insurance information in case you are in an accident. Call the police and get an incident report if need be and contact your insurance agent right away.
12. Designate one credit card and one debt card for traveling only (you can have a separate checking account for that purpose). Put your travel money that you have saved onto the debt card, and never use that credit card for anything else except hotels, food, and gas. On the credit card make sure you have a high credit line, incase there is an accident and you have to pay for repairs while traveling. But when you get home pay that credit card off.
The extra debt card is only to hold your traveling expenses money. I know some people who sell things on line like e-bay and they have a pay-pal card, the money they make on-line is used for their travel expenses and they use the pay-pal card for traveling.
Keep the phone number of the debt and credit card company in your hidden travel pouch in case the cards are stolen or to find out what your balance is. Report stolen cards immediately.
13. If you are traveling for business, whether your company or your own, always keep an expense list and mileage list for tax purposes.
14. If you are a woman alone and a charming young man tries to make your acquaintance to the point of romancing you, be very aware that he maybe charging all those meals, drinks, and services to your room. Check with the front desk and insist that all charges must be approved by you in writing or else in person; no one else is to sign for it. Also beware of handsome young charming men who try to romance you, they are not in love with your but only after your money, your body or a way of becoming an American citizen---there are too many scam and con artists. Remember all those news stories of young girls disappearing, never to be found.
15. When staying at a Hotel always make a note of where the fire escapes are so in case of an emergency you can find it quickly even in poor visibility. Always have your most important things on your night stand when you go to bed, in case of an emergency you can sweep it into your tote bag that should be next to your bed, and always have good solid flats next to your bed in an emergency. Slippers do not hold up well.
16. If the Hotel has a safe and you want to make sure you don’t have important things stolen make use of it.
17. Always use the hotel locks, if they don’t have those special locks, you can buy them at a travel store, or put a chair angled in front of the door and under the door knob.
18. Always find out about the roming limitations on your cell phones, there are parts of the United States that may not have your cell phone service, select a cell phone service that is nation wide and have full roming service. Be aware that there maybe dead zones.
19. Have a good reliable Road Side Service that is nation wide, AAA is almost everywhere, keep the 1-800 number for Road Side service in your purse or glove compartment along with your insurance. Also have the phone numbers for Car Rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Enterprise.
Remember a person may come along and offer help if you break down, but always be careful, use your cell phone to let a relative know if you've had a break down tell them when and where and what your situation is, update them frequently. So even if a good Samaritin comes along do call Road side service, never leave your car unless you are with the Highway patrol.
Now these suggestions are fine if you are traveling within the United States. There is more if you are traveling overseas, but unless you are doing it for business then always travel with a tour group, in that situation Never, Ever travel alone.
There are many more suggestions on how to travel safely, like always carry a bottle of water in your car; you can become dehydrated easily, especially in hot weather.
There are new laws now when driving your vechile such as you must use a hands free device if you are going to use your cell phone, I have blue tooth myself. Do not wear an IPOD to listen to music you cut yourself off from hearing the outside sounds and that could put you at risk. NEVER, EVER Text Message anyone while driving, just one second your eyes are off the road and you could be killed.
Do not drive when tired, if you fall asleep at the wheel, it will be permanet.
Stay at Reputable hotels or motels that have AAA approval, of course some of them may not be the Hyatt or Regency and the pillows maybe flat, but they have been inspected.
I have stayed in some of the "funkiest" motels while traveling, but I've always judged by the manger and if I found them to be agreeable then their rooms while aging have been agreeable.
But always inspect the sheets, even 5 star hotels have been found to be infested with bed bugs, and it's not so much the hotels cleanliness but the previous travelers filtiness.
How to travel with your pet, how to pack for a trip, etc. All these suggestions can be found on line by just googoling it all in, or by going to Wiki-How and typing into the search engine “how to pack for a trip” “How to be safe on a trip”, etc. print the information out and create a binder to refer too and also include a master copy of a check list that you can print out and use over and over again for each trip.
I travel with one tote bag that is my medicine chest, you can get sick while traveling and it can be hard to get to a drug store, although many of the better hotels have a small concierge service they may not have what you need.
If you travel frequently then you will eventually use some of the things in your medicine tote, but in January of each year check the expiration dates of some of those items use them before they expire if you need to at home and keep a list in the medicine tote of what you should have in there.
Never wear on a vacation what you would never wear at home; always make sure your clothing is comfortable. I have no idea why some women wear muumuus and silly straw hats, and the men in Hawaiian shirts, shorts to the knees and sandals with socks, it’s just so tacky.
Mean Kitty use to tell me that when traveling up North towards the “Trees of Mystery” you always knew who had been up there, they would have this wired on bumper card that said “Trees of Mystery” it labeled them as vacationers, she said she doesn’t see it so much anymore, the bumper stickers usually say “Beat Bush” or “My cat is smarter than your honor roll student”, but bumper stickers like that label you as a tourist and as a target, besides Darlings, bumper stickers are so tacky.
Souvenirs—your pictures are your souvenirs and postcards work well because they can always be put into the photo album, just be sure to label your photos. Those tacky trinkets just take up so much space. Keep a journal as well and add the journal pages into your photo album.
Oh darlings there is just so much more, just check on line or read the Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine. Wiki-how will tell you what to pack and everything else.
Another thing that I’ve known for a long time, when people reserve their hotel reservations through either Expedia or Travelocity or other online discount reservation services via the internet, it is the policy of a hotel if it’s over booked to look at the internet reservations and “bump” them because many times those people cancel and the hotel is never informed, also the hotel makes the least profit off of internet reservations.
If you want to guarantee a hotel room, call the hotel directly yourself. You do not have to accept what is called the “rack rate” you can inquire about discounts and many times they have them plus special packages, especially now with the gasoline prices and the economy being what it is and you will always get better service because you do not use the internet reservations. When you call you always get a confirmation number. That means the room is guaranteed, of course you must notify the hotel if you have to cancel and if it’s at the last minute you will be charged for at least one night. BUT Dahlings you will get good service.
Now there are many hotels that will accept pets, call to inquire, there will be a non-refundable fee for this but it’s worth it and always ‘crate train’ your pet, and inquire on the hotel policy for pets. Traveling with pets is not easy, and requires very careful planning. Never travel with your pet on an airplane, they put them in the luggage compartments, and many times the luggage compartments are not pressurized, killing your pet, or they will lose your pet at the baggage handling, this has happened more frequently than you can imagine.
I prefer to travel with Princess in my Car, no matter what, and be sure to carry copies of all your pets’ shots.
Princess is ‘crate trained’ but because she is so tiny (only 4 pounds) I’ve managed to sneak her into places in her little carry all, as long as she has water and can relieve herself and has her favorite chew toy she is fine.
Zoos will not accept your pets, not even seeing-eye dogs, an animal quarantine thing.
Well Darlings that is all I can think of about traveling as a woman alone.
But I have to admit for the last few weeks I’ve been having fun, I had chance to go to a Fall/Winter fashion trunk show for all the top line designers, I must say I think I’m going to be looking forward to the fall/winter fashions that will be coming out.
Before I left Kevin treated me to dancing to the Glenn Miller Band on the U.S.S. Hornet, we had the admiral seating, so had a great view of the Band and the Andrew Sisters Tribute, very good food, so much fun to see everyone in costume or dressed up, I had to be careful with my ankle but Kevin and I danced to the slow tunes.
I came across my friend Mean Kitty and her wonderful man, she couldn’t dance poor dear, a very nasty injury to her knee, she is not sure if she will ever be able to dance again, but one can hope, but she was enjoying everything food, music and people. I, of course was dressed in my glamorous best ala la Marlene, and we had our photos taken. The men in uniforms, the women looking beautiful, it was a delightful evening that ended all too soon.
So now today I’m at my other brother’s home in Santa Barbara, Ms. Wicked is always ready to roll, and so is Princesses she knows when I pack her things it’s going to be something special. Of late the open road has been frequently beckoning me, and I get a restless feeling that I can hardly wait to see what is around the next bend or over the hill.
I e-mailed my friend Mean Kitty and she said that I should tour Highway 49 and stop and stay at some of those quaint bed and breakfast places in those old time gold mining towns she said I should select some harvest festivals and see what looks interesting. I think she has a point.
My brother Tom has called me and he is going to purchase a small, gently used trailer to put on his home site in the next few weeks, that way he and Lois and Smokey have a place to stay while they make plans to build their new cabin ala “Ponderosa” Lois has made contact with some people who knew the set layout as well as the layout of the actual physical Ponderosa up at Lake Tahoe, she said she is going to have to do some back extensions for the Bedrooms that will be up stairs because if one looks at the pictures there is no real upstairs there, because of the window factors. So this will prove to be interesting. But Lois is going to have fun and that is what is important.
Must go Darlings, there is a wine tasting and art exhibit fund raiser that my brother and his wife are invited to this afternoon and I’m included as their guest, who knows I may come across something I’ll simply adore.
Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Fire Vacation~~~~
Well Darlings,
My brother had decided that it would be best to cut short our vacation at his cabin.
And what an adventure it had been.
For a while we were not worried about fires because most of them were far from us, but a new fire started a bit nearer to us and at first it seemed that things might be fine, but my brother has a bit of a sixth sense and decided to call his other son, Ronnie to rent a large U-Haul truck and get some of his friends up to the cabin quickly; we were going to pack as much out of the cabin as possible.
Lois and I didn’t argue with my brother’s decision, so we started boxing all the small things first while we waited for the truck to get here. My brother checked on his neighbors and they too were considering packing some of their things just in case.
It was a few hours but Ronnie and two of his friends got here, so we started with the boxes first into the overhang, we had already put the important papers into Tom’s car. The boys made quick work of everything thanks to the fact that Tom, Lois and I had already dismantled the beds and took down all the curtains and unplugged and boxed up everything. Amazing what one can do in a hurry.
Tom made reservations at a motel that was safely away from the area, so all of us could stay there overnight to rest before we came home. The last thing that was packed besides my little Princess was Lois’ western town painting, while Tom took pictures of the cabin and property “For the Insurance” he said. Lois put the painting into their car. “I’m not taking my eye off of that painting” and she was right, she even took it into the Motel Room instead of leaving it in the car. It turns out that her $25.00 painting is worth several hundred dollars, it had been painted by a minor western artist in the 1940’s.
So now Princess and I are home, my house sitter is still here and I told her to stay a while as I was planning to go someplace else, it’s just making up my mind what to do next. I called Juanita at her daughter’s house and updated her. She wanted to come back home right away but I told her to stay and have fun with her family as I was going to plan another trip and I would update her on that.
The air has been so poor here from the fires that I need to find a place where it’s as clear as possible and since I was here, I needed to refresh my wardrobe and take care of any bills, while I was gone I had my house sitter delivered any bills to my lawyer so he could take care of them for me, I’m not ready to do bill paying on line yet.
My house sitter has done an excellent job of taking care of the house, neat, clean and the plants are doing well thanks to the drip irrigation. So I think taking another few weeks off would be good but I just need to think of where to go, considering all the smoke haze we’ve been having.
I’ve called my friends and let them know I am back for a little while, Keith came by the other evening to take me out to dinner, he had some suggestions and then dear Kenneth is coming by today to treat me to lunch, so we shall see.
I just feel so bad about my sister-in-law and brother, Lois took one last look at the cabin and then straightening her shoulders she said to me “If it burns it can be re-built, we are in a more fortunate position then some of our neighbors, but we’ve had it for 20 years.” I said to her “Lois you were always saying that except for the fire place there were a lot of things you wanted to change, if it burns think of it as serious home remodeling” and she laughed “That’s right, I really want to do it in all old fashioned knotty pine and river rock, maybe like the Ponderosa” referring to the homestead in the T.V. program “Bonanza”.
We shall see; I just hope everyone else comes out of this disaster well. We had heard on the news the night at the motel that one person had died in the Butte Fire, and we kept looking at each other then we hugged, realizing we are blessed.
I’ve not seen anything like this in 40 years or since the Oakland Fire Storm. We can just hope for the best for everyone, for many they are losing the only home they’ve known. But I’ve realized and this is a lesson for all you Diva’s, material things can be replaced, but family and good friends cannot.
If anything save your pets, your family photos and important papers, all else just have good insurance because it’s transitory.
And I’ve found out just how transitory I just received a telephone call a few days ago from Lois, she and my brother had got their things all packed away in a large storage unit but had decided to go back up to check on the status of their cabin.
She told me they had not been permitted to go to the area, so they went to a shelter for up dates, and she told me a very sad story, which has a happy ending.
They had tried to get to their cabin but had been turned back by the fire department, as they were driving down they noticed a dog slowly limping along the road, he looked like an Australian Cattle Dog and was in pitiful condition.
Lois and Tom managed to persuade the dog to allow them to pick it up and gave it some water, poor thing was thirsty. They had no idea where the poor thing came from; Tom knew none of his near neighbors had a dog of this type, so they took the poor thing to a Veterinarian.
Tom gave all the particulars and said to charge the bill to him, and if possible see if anyone had reported a lost dog answering that description.
Lois told me that the poor thing’s fur was singed, and he was soot covered, and its paw had been burned, the Vet said that it was also hungry and dehydrated, but should be fine. The strange thing is Lois was calling the dog “Smokey”.
She and Tom stayed in a Motel near their cabin area and keep checking on things.
During that time Moi had been in touch with her brother Roger in Santa Barbara and said that the air quality was good and to come down and spend a few weeks with them; Tom’s other son Richard and his wife and children had changed their plans because of the fires and will be visiting Roger instead in August, so it’s good to know they are safe.
So for now I’ll be staying at home for a few weeks and then off to Santa Barbara, my house sitter can accommodate the arrangements so she is going to visit relatives and then come back to house sit. Juanita will be with me for a few weeks make sure to her satisfaction that everything is just right.
I’d been in touch with my friend “Mean Kitty” and she told me and I quote “I think your brother and his wife are going to have themselves a dog, when you start giving some critter a name it starts becoming a part of you” and I think she’s right.
I’ve asked her if she and her husband wanted to join me at my brothers but she had to say no, “Work has got me tied up here and I’ve got some plans to do a yard sale or two, so I’m going to have to beg off.”
She showed me some of the vintage stuff she was planning to sell and I offered to buy this Victorian plant stand, I think Tom and Lois will like it for the cabin or new cabin which ever happens, it needs some restoration, but I think Lois will like the challenge.
“Mean Kitty” has been telling me how much the terrible economy has affected her and her husband, but she thinks some things may improve, “I have a plan and I just need to keep to my goals” she says. She is trying to stay positive about it “My house is in no way in danger ‘cause I’ve got a fix loan, through a good bank, so just have to stay with the budget.” I’m glad for her.
In the mean time I treated her to our favorite restaurant, after all one has to have a bit of fun in all this doom and gloom
I’ve been in touch with my brother Roger and he told me he has been looking around at things in his home, knowing about all the fires that have happened in his area and he has come to a conclusion. All the things that have extreme monetary value he is going to have auctioned off and simply put the money into some good long term investments.
He’s renting several safe deposit boxes to hold the originals plus negatives of family photos, what he has put up are copies.
I asked him about what he would do with his bare walls after he’s sold his art work and he told me that there are some painting galleries for people that just want a pretty picture on the wall that are inexpensive, so he’s going to do that.
Most of the antique furniture he’s going to sell, and just put in reproductions that are far more comfortable.
It’s this ‘Wildfire’s/Firestorm” attitude or feeling, just getting down to basics. And I can understand that. My brother said that since he has a guest house in the back I could always move in there if I wanted to. I thought that was very dear of him to suggest that, but I said that right now I just simply could not leave my current home, but to not be surprised if one day I show up with a U-haul and all my Samsonite retro collection luggage.
Now just an hour ago I got word from Tom and Lois, their cabin had burned down, the shed that held the ski’s and bikes was spared and most of their neighbors came through it fine, with only a couple of exceptions. Tom said that it looked like the fire just rolled through the trees but left the upper half of the trees alone; he said he’ll know better how much he may have to clean up after the first rains.
Lois said she gets to do her house remodeling, and about “Smokey” the dog they rescued a few days ago? Well they found Smokey’s owner, a very elderly man who had been pulled from his home by his neighbors, but they couldn’t find the dog at that time, the old gentleman thought that Smokey was dead. Lois told me the tears that were in that man’s eyes to know that Smokey was just fine and healing made her cry.
Lois said that they are now Smokey’s new owners, it seems that his former owner’s heart is in a bad way and he has to go to a care facility, he had a minor stroke and now he has no home to go to since it burned, but the old gentleman said that as long as he knew Smokey was fine and with good people he could go to the “old people’s home” with a clear heart and soul.
And, here is the surprise, Smokey is his real name, Lois said she had no idea that was the dog’s real name but it felt right and he responded to it.
So all’s well that end’s well---well as well that can be expected.
Tom is going to see what he can do to help his neighbors that lost their homes, put them in contact with some agencies that can help them. And Tom and Lois are going to see that Smokey’s former owner gets to see Smokey from time to time and make sure that the old man is doing o.k. it turns out that he has no family, so Tom is going to make sure a trust is in place for the old man’s care, the doctors’ said he really doesn’t have much time left and seems contented to go, so Tom has been talking with him about final arrangements.
It really doesn’t surprise me that Tom and Lois are doing this, they always wanted to do more for our father and mother, but sometimes things simply got bollixed up and it was left to Roger, not that Roger ever resented that, he’d always simply shrugged his shoulders and said “Man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.” And Tom and I always supported Roger’s decisions.
So in about a week or so I’ll be heading off to Santa Barbara, I do hope things will be better, but just knowing that some things have turned out well is enough for me.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
My brother had decided that it would be best to cut short our vacation at his cabin.
And what an adventure it had been.
For a while we were not worried about fires because most of them were far from us, but a new fire started a bit nearer to us and at first it seemed that things might be fine, but my brother has a bit of a sixth sense and decided to call his other son, Ronnie to rent a large U-Haul truck and get some of his friends up to the cabin quickly; we were going to pack as much out of the cabin as possible.
Lois and I didn’t argue with my brother’s decision, so we started boxing all the small things first while we waited for the truck to get here. My brother checked on his neighbors and they too were considering packing some of their things just in case.
It was a few hours but Ronnie and two of his friends got here, so we started with the boxes first into the overhang, we had already put the important papers into Tom’s car. The boys made quick work of everything thanks to the fact that Tom, Lois and I had already dismantled the beds and took down all the curtains and unplugged and boxed up everything. Amazing what one can do in a hurry.
Tom made reservations at a motel that was safely away from the area, so all of us could stay there overnight to rest before we came home. The last thing that was packed besides my little Princess was Lois’ western town painting, while Tom took pictures of the cabin and property “For the Insurance” he said. Lois put the painting into their car. “I’m not taking my eye off of that painting” and she was right, she even took it into the Motel Room instead of leaving it in the car. It turns out that her $25.00 painting is worth several hundred dollars, it had been painted by a minor western artist in the 1940’s.
So now Princess and I are home, my house sitter is still here and I told her to stay a while as I was planning to go someplace else, it’s just making up my mind what to do next. I called Juanita at her daughter’s house and updated her. She wanted to come back home right away but I told her to stay and have fun with her family as I was going to plan another trip and I would update her on that.
The air has been so poor here from the fires that I need to find a place where it’s as clear as possible and since I was here, I needed to refresh my wardrobe and take care of any bills, while I was gone I had my house sitter delivered any bills to my lawyer so he could take care of them for me, I’m not ready to do bill paying on line yet.
My house sitter has done an excellent job of taking care of the house, neat, clean and the plants are doing well thanks to the drip irrigation. So I think taking another few weeks off would be good but I just need to think of where to go, considering all the smoke haze we’ve been having.
I’ve called my friends and let them know I am back for a little while, Keith came by the other evening to take me out to dinner, he had some suggestions and then dear Kenneth is coming by today to treat me to lunch, so we shall see.
I just feel so bad about my sister-in-law and brother, Lois took one last look at the cabin and then straightening her shoulders she said to me “If it burns it can be re-built, we are in a more fortunate position then some of our neighbors, but we’ve had it for 20 years.” I said to her “Lois you were always saying that except for the fire place there were a lot of things you wanted to change, if it burns think of it as serious home remodeling” and she laughed “That’s right, I really want to do it in all old fashioned knotty pine and river rock, maybe like the Ponderosa” referring to the homestead in the T.V. program “Bonanza”.
We shall see; I just hope everyone else comes out of this disaster well. We had heard on the news the night at the motel that one person had died in the Butte Fire, and we kept looking at each other then we hugged, realizing we are blessed.
I’ve not seen anything like this in 40 years or since the Oakland Fire Storm. We can just hope for the best for everyone, for many they are losing the only home they’ve known. But I’ve realized and this is a lesson for all you Diva’s, material things can be replaced, but family and good friends cannot.
If anything save your pets, your family photos and important papers, all else just have good insurance because it’s transitory.
And I’ve found out just how transitory I just received a telephone call a few days ago from Lois, she and my brother had got their things all packed away in a large storage unit but had decided to go back up to check on the status of their cabin.
She told me they had not been permitted to go to the area, so they went to a shelter for up dates, and she told me a very sad story, which has a happy ending.
They had tried to get to their cabin but had been turned back by the fire department, as they were driving down they noticed a dog slowly limping along the road, he looked like an Australian Cattle Dog and was in pitiful condition.
Lois and Tom managed to persuade the dog to allow them to pick it up and gave it some water, poor thing was thirsty. They had no idea where the poor thing came from; Tom knew none of his near neighbors had a dog of this type, so they took the poor thing to a Veterinarian.
Tom gave all the particulars and said to charge the bill to him, and if possible see if anyone had reported a lost dog answering that description.
Lois told me that the poor thing’s fur was singed, and he was soot covered, and its paw had been burned, the Vet said that it was also hungry and dehydrated, but should be fine. The strange thing is Lois was calling the dog “Smokey”.
She and Tom stayed in a Motel near their cabin area and keep checking on things.
During that time Moi had been in touch with her brother Roger in Santa Barbara and said that the air quality was good and to come down and spend a few weeks with them; Tom’s other son Richard and his wife and children had changed their plans because of the fires and will be visiting Roger instead in August, so it’s good to know they are safe.
So for now I’ll be staying at home for a few weeks and then off to Santa Barbara, my house sitter can accommodate the arrangements so she is going to visit relatives and then come back to house sit. Juanita will be with me for a few weeks make sure to her satisfaction that everything is just right.
I’d been in touch with my friend “Mean Kitty” and she told me and I quote “I think your brother and his wife are going to have themselves a dog, when you start giving some critter a name it starts becoming a part of you” and I think she’s right.
I’ve asked her if she and her husband wanted to join me at my brothers but she had to say no, “Work has got me tied up here and I’ve got some plans to do a yard sale or two, so I’m going to have to beg off.”
She showed me some of the vintage stuff she was planning to sell and I offered to buy this Victorian plant stand, I think Tom and Lois will like it for the cabin or new cabin which ever happens, it needs some restoration, but I think Lois will like the challenge.
“Mean Kitty” has been telling me how much the terrible economy has affected her and her husband, but she thinks some things may improve, “I have a plan and I just need to keep to my goals” she says. She is trying to stay positive about it “My house is in no way in danger ‘cause I’ve got a fix loan, through a good bank, so just have to stay with the budget.” I’m glad for her.
In the mean time I treated her to our favorite restaurant, after all one has to have a bit of fun in all this doom and gloom
I’ve been in touch with my brother Roger and he told me he has been looking around at things in his home, knowing about all the fires that have happened in his area and he has come to a conclusion. All the things that have extreme monetary value he is going to have auctioned off and simply put the money into some good long term investments.
He’s renting several safe deposit boxes to hold the originals plus negatives of family photos, what he has put up are copies.
I asked him about what he would do with his bare walls after he’s sold his art work and he told me that there are some painting galleries for people that just want a pretty picture on the wall that are inexpensive, so he’s going to do that.
Most of the antique furniture he’s going to sell, and just put in reproductions that are far more comfortable.
It’s this ‘Wildfire’s/Firestorm” attitude or feeling, just getting down to basics. And I can understand that. My brother said that since he has a guest house in the back I could always move in there if I wanted to. I thought that was very dear of him to suggest that, but I said that right now I just simply could not leave my current home, but to not be surprised if one day I show up with a U-haul and all my Samsonite retro collection luggage.
Now just an hour ago I got word from Tom and Lois, their cabin had burned down, the shed that held the ski’s and bikes was spared and most of their neighbors came through it fine, with only a couple of exceptions. Tom said that it looked like the fire just rolled through the trees but left the upper half of the trees alone; he said he’ll know better how much he may have to clean up after the first rains.
Lois said she gets to do her house remodeling, and about “Smokey” the dog they rescued a few days ago? Well they found Smokey’s owner, a very elderly man who had been pulled from his home by his neighbors, but they couldn’t find the dog at that time, the old gentleman thought that Smokey was dead. Lois told me the tears that were in that man’s eyes to know that Smokey was just fine and healing made her cry.
Lois said that they are now Smokey’s new owners, it seems that his former owner’s heart is in a bad way and he has to go to a care facility, he had a minor stroke and now he has no home to go to since it burned, but the old gentleman said that as long as he knew Smokey was fine and with good people he could go to the “old people’s home” with a clear heart and soul.
And, here is the surprise, Smokey is his real name, Lois said she had no idea that was the dog’s real name but it felt right and he responded to it.
So all’s well that end’s well---well as well that can be expected.
Tom is going to see what he can do to help his neighbors that lost their homes, put them in contact with some agencies that can help them. And Tom and Lois are going to see that Smokey’s former owner gets to see Smokey from time to time and make sure that the old man is doing o.k. it turns out that he has no family, so Tom is going to make sure a trust is in place for the old man’s care, the doctors’ said he really doesn’t have much time left and seems contented to go, so Tom has been talking with him about final arrangements.
It really doesn’t surprise me that Tom and Lois are doing this, they always wanted to do more for our father and mother, but sometimes things simply got bollixed up and it was left to Roger, not that Roger ever resented that, he’d always simply shrugged his shoulders and said “Man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.” And Tom and I always supported Roger’s decisions.
So in about a week or so I’ll be heading off to Santa Barbara, I do hope things will be better, but just knowing that some things have turned out well is enough for me.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
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