Hello again Darlings,
I am happy to say that I am making excellent although slow progress, last Sunday I was able to take my little Darling Diva Princess for a walk, granted it was only two blocks, but it was a start.
I am hoping that the weather will warm up mildly; I’ve had just enough of the chill and the wind for one winter.
The other evening I had a wonderful telephone conversation with my Brother Tom, he has invited me and Princess to join him and his wife up to his cabin in the mountains for a few weeks, the grand children will be up as soon as school lets out, they spend a few weeks up there, then off to see a fantastic place like Zion National Park, or historic places, then they come back and spend August with the grand parents. But part of their arrangement as encouraged by their parents is to write a two page essay about each of the places they saw and how it historically created our society. I was very surprised to hear what their parents are doing but they told me it was to help expand their education and awareness---of course they will go to Disneyland, that is their treat for keeping their grades up, poor grades no Disneyland. I think it’s a fair deal.
But even I have found it to be so restful out under the stars, which is why my niece and nephew love to go camping with their children and have them see historic places as well. Good education they say, and I have to agree.
But interesting enough my brother and his wife are going up and staying there for a while because of some legal business, not that he is having trouble but he’s decided to make sure the Homestead on his property is up to date and he is having the land re surveyed to make sure the property lines are still correct.
Then he informed me that he was going in to buy the timber, mineral and water rights as well as any other rights to his land where the family cabin is located plus making sure that the right of way is correct. He told me that the rights were still available, but many people do not realize that when they buy property they forget all these other property rights and the homestead option to protect their holdings.
Especially if you are buying land in the country, by having the homestead and all these rights, no one can get the land out from under you, if nothing else they will be forced by law to pay fair market value, and they will have to pay you for the rights or to lease the rights from you. I don’t know all the ins and outs of this but to you my Dear Diva’s and Diva’s in training one other person to add to your people to assist you is a real estate lawyer or property lawyer.
Never assume that your property is going to be safe, not with the government trying to condemn the land right out from under you and then giving them over to private developers.
Always Darlings protect what is yours, never surrender it without a good fight and then make sure they pay dearly for it.
Hetty Greene, whom some people referred to as “the witch of Wall Street” was a very sharp investor, her policy was buy cheap and sell dear, invest in something that there will be a demand for. The thing of it is, what is it that they will want, that is the trick.
Personally I’ve been looking at food products and products that people will always need, a child will always love to eat Mac and Cheese, so who makes a good product that sells well? Then find out who owns it, and then find out who is the ‘parent company’, that would be the best one to invest in for the long term. Other products as well such as toilet paper, Supermarkets, commodities. But go in for the long run, the sustainable run, not a quick profit.
Gold besides being used for jewelry is used in electronics, dentistry, and other applications, that will always go up. But I also invest in Silver as well.
And how are all you Diva Darlings doing?
I hope you are all doing well. Especially with all the sticker shock that is going around.
My “Business Ladies Who Lunch” and I had a gathering this last week and had been talking about the economy.
We do agree that part of the problem is the cap on oil production with demand increasing especially in China and India. As well as the useless and dangerous concept of using Corn for a Bio-Diesel fuel.
As one of my Ladies said “We can’t all convert to Bio-diesel or buy a Hybrid or Electric Car. Our current budgets simply don’t allow such purchases and there are places we want to go where such resources of that type of fuel, or plug in’s are not available. So we are stuck with gasoline/oil.”
Another said that the use of Corn, a staple of most food products, is financially dangerous, “We should look into other products such as sugar cane, or a form of sedge grass that seems to work well, even soy---something that grows fast, is quickly renewable and is not the foundation of the food economy, even reusing cooking oil from our homes or restaurants, didn’t they do something like that during World War II (yes they did as an oil/glycerin substitute). Looking into what Brazil is doing is important.”
I have to agree but for many people who have cars that run on gasoline, if they do not have a vehicle that runs on diesel such a conversion is not possible, the only thing is to hope for that more people will buy diesel engines, run on bio-diesel and in turn lower the cost of gasoline because the demand will be less.
And currently the investment return on Hybrids would be a long time in coming.
Another of my ladies said that Bamboo is an excellent wood crop for floors, plywood, furniture, and even paper products, etc., it’s fast growing, strong, and quickly renewable
“Cissy” mentioned that she re-discovered her LP collection when she was given as a gift a combination record-player with Radio, CD player and Tape player recorder. She loves it because it looks so old-fashioned.
She began to look over her unused Long Play 33 1/3 speed vinyl records, especially the classics, so carefully cleaning her records she began to play them and tape some of her favorites so she could play them over and over again without wearing out the records, and she tapes some of her favorite songs off the radio. Granted she has to put up with a brief bit of commercials but it’s worth it and again a saving instead of buying the entire CD she gets the music she wants---“later on” she said “I’ll buy the best of ‘so and so’ but I’ll save up my cans and plastic for that.”
Other suggestions were ~~~~
Plans your meals in advance, see what you already have in your pantry and then only shop with a grocery list; avoid impulse buying at the Supermarket or anywhere. Make a check list of your pantry so you’ll know what you have and what you’ve run out of, and only buy store brands if possible and be sure to use coupons.
If you simply have the urge to shop then go to Garage or Yard Sales, but also go with a list, only get what you need. Another suggested Holding a Yard sale at least twice a year, “cleans out the closet and you make money, then what is left over I list and donate and get a tax write off.”
The concept of cans and plastic for money was also brought up---Crush them (cans) so you can store more, but be sure to spray for ants and such, they get attracted to the sugar.
One of the ladies said that she was sure if she saved the money from turning in the cans and plastic she could save up for a nice vacation.
Another said that when she bicycles she carries several bags with her to collect the cans she finds (wear gloves as well). She also is fairly close to her grocery store, so she bicycles there, she found a place that sells second hand sports items and she found what she calls a tag-a-long, mostly people put their kids into them, but she found that it works well to carry her groceries, especially that she uses the recyclable cloth bags from the store. It works very well but put a flag on it so people in cars can see it since it rides low and follow all the vehicle laws, don’t just blast through a stop sign and stay to the far right of the road.
She saw someone who didn’t follow the rules, run a stop sign and got hit by a car, she told the police that the bicyclist was in the wrong, which ticked the bicyclist off, but as she said---he broke the law.
Several of the ladies said that the idea of Ipods and other portable electronic equipment are “…just useless” with the exception of the cell phone, “… there are times when you have to be in touch with the office and your clients…or if the car breaks down….emergencies…..if you can write if off as a business expense that would be good, check with your tax person…it’s stupid to use that at your main means of communication with friends to just ‘chat’ that’s what e-mail and land line phones are for…..I still need my lap top for my job but to write that off in taxes would be good.”….this was all the round-robin talk on electronics.
But one of the ladies mentioned a news article that appeared in the May 25, 2008 issue of the Los Angeles Times that said that the old services that most people had abandoned are coming back, railroads, Steel Companies, mining concerns, and agriculture, what is old is now new again.
All the tech. industry has offered things that occupy our minds and entertain us but it seems that in the long run people are now running back to that which you can hold, whether its cotton, cooking oil, or metals like copper or steel or fertilizer for food crops. In comparing U.S. Steel to Microsoft, Microsoft has flat-lined while Steel has shot up 1,000% in recent years.
Now I had told the ladies several years ago just after the dot coms had deflated that in time the old-fashioned tried and true will become the new wave of the future, I had been saying one needs to look to what is China demanding, what China demands is the wave of investments of the future.
I kept my U.S. Steel stock because it was given to me by my grandfather and I held it out of sentiment and just allowed it to grow and do what it does, granted it’s fortunes have been up and down and when it was down is when I bought more stock, and just let the funds come in.
Yes there are towns in the mid-west that are dying, but they can be re-vitalized with the new demands in solid tangibles, mad cow disease be damned. Although it could be at the expense of the coastal areas, unless one invests in shipping or Ports, the U.S. can increase its export potential.
The only problem is that job growth in these sectors is slow and in some areas jobs have been lost. The ladies believe that it’s because of improved ways of farming that use less labor.
But it’s much more---If any of you can, do read this article from the May 25, 2008 Los Angeles Times it is written by Peter G. Gosselin, and he’s right---one just needs to look at the raw materials demands of China, India and Brazil which the U.S. is rich in.
That may be the wave of the future and a possible bull market for 20 to 40 years, even if the U.S. dollar maybe slow to bounce back.
In the meantime, the ladies and I are still looking for ways to budget and cut back, another thought is overextended consumerism.
One of the ladies is going to try for a year to only buy food, medicine, hygiene products, just pay bills, insurances, purchase only what is needed for the upkeep of her car, and see about getting for free her magazines, books, DVD’s and CD’s at the Library and avoid buying clothes. Of course she does need to maintain her hair cut, and she will get her shoes re-heeled and such. But she’s going to try to put some of our suggestions into action and see what happens.
As a matter of fact all of us are going to try to do the same, it will be interesting to see how much we can save.
But in the meantime I’ll also be packing and selecting my clothes for my little vacation, it will be nice to be out under the stars and enjoying peace and quiet.
Until Annon Darlings, Kisses.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
An Update
Hello Darlings,
To all of you who personally know me, Thank you, Thank you for all the wonderful get well cards. I will have by now been in touch with most of you, don't worry I will catch up with everyone.
Just an update darlings who have been following me on my "Blog". I am getting better, I can get around now quite well, but I will need to use a cane from time to time and a light weight wheelchair if I have to stand or walk for more than a half an hour.
But I can move around my home again, drive my car again and generally take care of business again.
The Doctors have told me that I injured the tendons around my ankle a bit more than what was first realized, and as with anyone of a 'certain age' it will take me longer to heal, but heal I will.
I know can get around with out the use of my nurse, and I was very sorry to see her leave, but all is not lost. My dear friend Dolly is having her elderly mother live with her instead of those care homes, the dear lady is very alert and in her own way very active, but she does need assistance. So when I told Dolly about my nurse, Dolly immediately interviewed her and since her mother and her are fluent in Spanish and other languages, it worked out very well.
So arrangements were made that as soon as the doctor said that I no longer needed Isabella that she was available to go to Dolly's home. Dolly told me that with having Isabella to watch her mother and take her mother places, she has much less worries while she is at work.
Juanita does miss her, but since she knows where Isabella's new place is they will still be able to visit.
Oh but Darlings it is just so wonderful to finally be able to get out and do things again, even if at this time I'm still a bit limited but to be able to have my spa and beauty treatments again is just so wonderful.
Alright I'm vain, but it does feel so good.
Now to all you Darling Divas, it is good to budget especially during these bad financial times, but on my routine trips to the city (which I'm so glad to be able to do again) I've managed to 'chat up' several young ladies who are in the business world and we manage to get together for lunch once a week.
(side note to Lauren who I know checks this blog every day---don't sell those rings yet---I have a suggestion for you and I'll tell you about it when we meet for Lunch this coming Tuesday)
Any way Darlings, in talking to these bright young ladies, we've come up with suggestions to save some money here and there.
Now this is only a few ideas and there will be more added---
One young lady use to have a weekly mani-pedi but by only having it just once every 6 weeks, and bringing her polish choice from home, she can do touch ups at home and save over $200 every 6 weeks.
Another young lady use to drive her car to work every day, pay for monthly parking, and Fast Track as well as the cost of gasoline, now she leaves her car at home 4 days a week and takes public transportation, she has stopped the monthly parking, lowered her gasoline costs, and dropped fast track. Especially since she found out that the transbay buses have WiFi, so she is able to start on her work sooner.
And in just two months she has been able to save, in her words, "A Bundle". She only drives her car on Thursdays so she can do her grocery shopping straight from her job.
Another young lady brings her coffee and lunch from home instead of buying the 5 dollar coffee's at Starbucks and eating out. With the exception of our weekly lunches, and even she has noticed more money in her checking account.
They are are using coupons, watching sales on products they want, buying store brands, and using the public library to save money, they plan their shopping errands and keep a note book so they will know the times when some shops open and close when they plan their trips.
One of my young ladies has said that in stead of buying a gift she gives a gift card for a certain amount at a store that they know their family member or friend likes to go to. It saves money.
And this is only the start.
Now I do recommend my dear Divas to look for "Money" Magazine for June 2008, in it there is an article for creating a good investment portfolio for each stage of your life towards retirement.
Now there is one thing that all my young ladies have said, getting a spa treatment or a massage every two to 3 months as a treat is a must just to feel good.
But it seems that the adventure of Saving Money seems to be catching up with them, how creative can they be?
One young lady told me that because she has been working on saving money that she has reduced her attendance at some of the hot spots, and when she does go she has found that falling back on the most inexpensive drink (not beer) has been a savings for her as well as not having more than two during the whole of the evening, she told me that she has found it to be more of a 'prop' to have in front of her than as a drink. And she has found more fun and educational things to do that are free. For her she has put her savings into her investment portfolio.
So much to think about---Now to all you Darling Diva's and Diva's in Training---I put the challenge to you. What can you do to save money and still have fun? Time to put your "thinking caps" on.
Until Anon. Kisses Darlings.
To all of you who personally know me, Thank you, Thank you for all the wonderful get well cards. I will have by now been in touch with most of you, don't worry I will catch up with everyone.
Just an update darlings who have been following me on my "Blog". I am getting better, I can get around now quite well, but I will need to use a cane from time to time and a light weight wheelchair if I have to stand or walk for more than a half an hour.
But I can move around my home again, drive my car again and generally take care of business again.
The Doctors have told me that I injured the tendons around my ankle a bit more than what was first realized, and as with anyone of a 'certain age' it will take me longer to heal, but heal I will.
I know can get around with out the use of my nurse, and I was very sorry to see her leave, but all is not lost. My dear friend Dolly is having her elderly mother live with her instead of those care homes, the dear lady is very alert and in her own way very active, but she does need assistance. So when I told Dolly about my nurse, Dolly immediately interviewed her and since her mother and her are fluent in Spanish and other languages, it worked out very well.
So arrangements were made that as soon as the doctor said that I no longer needed Isabella that she was available to go to Dolly's home. Dolly told me that with having Isabella to watch her mother and take her mother places, she has much less worries while she is at work.
Juanita does miss her, but since she knows where Isabella's new place is they will still be able to visit.
Oh but Darlings it is just so wonderful to finally be able to get out and do things again, even if at this time I'm still a bit limited but to be able to have my spa and beauty treatments again is just so wonderful.
Alright I'm vain, but it does feel so good.
Now to all you Darling Divas, it is good to budget especially during these bad financial times, but on my routine trips to the city (which I'm so glad to be able to do again) I've managed to 'chat up' several young ladies who are in the business world and we manage to get together for lunch once a week.
(side note to Lauren who I know checks this blog every day---don't sell those rings yet---I have a suggestion for you and I'll tell you about it when we meet for Lunch this coming Tuesday)
Any way Darlings, in talking to these bright young ladies, we've come up with suggestions to save some money here and there.
Now this is only a few ideas and there will be more added---
One young lady use to have a weekly mani-pedi but by only having it just once every 6 weeks, and bringing her polish choice from home, she can do touch ups at home and save over $200 every 6 weeks.
Another young lady use to drive her car to work every day, pay for monthly parking, and Fast Track as well as the cost of gasoline, now she leaves her car at home 4 days a week and takes public transportation, she has stopped the monthly parking, lowered her gasoline costs, and dropped fast track. Especially since she found out that the transbay buses have WiFi, so she is able to start on her work sooner.
And in just two months she has been able to save, in her words, "A Bundle". She only drives her car on Thursdays so she can do her grocery shopping straight from her job.
Another young lady brings her coffee and lunch from home instead of buying the 5 dollar coffee's at Starbucks and eating out. With the exception of our weekly lunches, and even she has noticed more money in her checking account.
They are are using coupons, watching sales on products they want, buying store brands, and using the public library to save money, they plan their shopping errands and keep a note book so they will know the times when some shops open and close when they plan their trips.
One of my young ladies has said that in stead of buying a gift she gives a gift card for a certain amount at a store that they know their family member or friend likes to go to. It saves money.
And this is only the start.
Now I do recommend my dear Divas to look for "Money" Magazine for June 2008, in it there is an article for creating a good investment portfolio for each stage of your life towards retirement.
Now there is one thing that all my young ladies have said, getting a spa treatment or a massage every two to 3 months as a treat is a must just to feel good.
But it seems that the adventure of Saving Money seems to be catching up with them, how creative can they be?
One young lady told me that because she has been working on saving money that she has reduced her attendance at some of the hot spots, and when she does go she has found that falling back on the most inexpensive drink (not beer) has been a savings for her as well as not having more than two during the whole of the evening, she told me that she has found it to be more of a 'prop' to have in front of her than as a drink. And she has found more fun and educational things to do that are free. For her she has put her savings into her investment portfolio.
So much to think about---Now to all you Darling Diva's and Diva's in Training---I put the challenge to you. What can you do to save money and still have fun? Time to put your "thinking caps" on.
Until Anon. Kisses Darlings.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Twisted ankles and frustration~~~
Well Darlings,
I guess you've noticed that I had not posted for almost a month. ***sigh*** Sometimes life can be so frustrating.
Here I was, taking care of things, enjoying life, content that I've paid my income tax, took care of the property taxes, paid the house and car insurances--(I like to get all of that out of the way by April)---and then I think, I'm going to have a bit of fun.
It was not to be, a few weeks ago I was planning to post on my blog, but I decided to take Princess for her walk first, she loves to go to the beach, not that she gets dirty in the sand but there are so many nice people with their little dogs, and it's fun for her to exchange greetings.
I have fun too meeting on occasion a friend or acquittance that I've not seen for a while, I thank the Gods above that it was not raining and the weather was mild for March. Princess and I walked home and I was just even with my house, just 30 more steps and we would be home, when I tripped over an elevated portion of the side walk. I landed heavily, but I kept my hand on Princess leash.
I have to confess I was frightened, I found that I could not get up, my ankle was sending sharp pains, and I feared it was broken, all I could do was call out for help, but it was a late Sunday evening and most of my neighbors were out for the evening. Thank God Juanita was in her room, and her window was open to allow fresh air in and she heard me.
Running out to the front she found me helpless on my back with poor Princess just whining with fear, she helped me sit up as best as the pain would allow, then she used her cell phone to call 911. And the firemen and the paramedics showed up***sigh*** they are so handsome and as "mean Kitty would say" hunky.
Well the up-shot was my ankle was so swollen that they could not tell if it was broken or sprained, and they were concerned about any other fractures I might have received, so I got Juanita to get my purse and while the ambulance transported me to the ER, Juanita took care of Princess and called my brother Tom in San Francisco.
So spending 4 hours in the ER (and I'm not complaining--there were people coming in who had life threatening injuries, so they had a higher priority) They found that my blood pressure was severely elevated, my ankle was very badly sprained and I would need to be off of it for several weeks, seems some tendons were injured as well. But they kept me in the hospital for 3 days to make sure that my blood pressure would come down to normal. And the Television programing was such a bore, one can stand Jerry Springer and Maury Povich for just so long, my room mate an older woman just loves them, so I endured it, I felt she was much closer to meeting her end than I was so who was I to deny her what pleasures she got.
Fortunately Tom and Lois came by and we all had a chance to talk to the doctor who wanted me to have a practical nurse for a week or two to help me bathe, get to the bath room and monitor my blood pressure, which was good thing, I didn't want to put any strain on Juanita, but Juanita took a bit of a personal affront about all of this, but I talked to her privately and told her that she had enough to do without injuring her back helping me, I wanted her to stay healthy or we both would be bed-ridden, then who would take care of Princess?
With that she was satisfied, and then it turned out that the practical nurse that Tom had found was a friend of Juanita's daughter Constance, so with the two of them helping me I began to make my recovery, the hard part was driving, I couldn't drive with my ankle, so Isabella my nurse drove me to the Doctor's office in her car.
It was very nice, and as a treat for all of us, since Isabella was going to be staying with me for a while in the guest room, we all watched the Telenovella stations (I do speak and understand Spanish) and I didn't feel bored.
But sometimes my ankle would throb so badly that I couldn't think straight and I hated taking pain pill, but to sleep I had to. I put off any decision making, both financially and otherwise which was a good thing, by letting some of my investments ride, they came out better and stronger in a fluctuating market.
We finally reached a point where I could finally maneuver myself into the shower and with one of those shower stools I could bathe and wash my hair, what a blessing!!!
I now can get around the house with a cane for support, but to do any shopping or any walking my ankle was not well enough, I was given a temporary handicapped placard, and Juanita insisted that I use the electric carts that the grocery stores have. Wheeee it was fun and Princess could ride in my lap.
But my friends were concerned, there were several events that we had all planned to go to, so I rented a small lightweight wheelchair---not one of those big clumsy ones---it just folds up and fits into a trunk.
And it was wonderful to finally have my hair styled again.
In another month or so the doctor says I should be well enough to do away with the wheelchair and the cane, but I have to say that what concerned me was the feeling of helplessness, I began looking at my lovely house with a different eye, and as soon as I am able I'm going to install things to help me get around especially when I get older. I never thought of becoming old and frail, but this was a wake up call.
Diva's need to know that to everything there is a season, you can be glamours at any age, but you have to acknowledge that there will come the time when you have to look at the frailties of old age, and to consider being prepared for it.
If nothing else My Dear Diva's please learn from this personal lesson.
I guess you've noticed that I had not posted for almost a month. ***sigh*** Sometimes life can be so frustrating.
Here I was, taking care of things, enjoying life, content that I've paid my income tax, took care of the property taxes, paid the house and car insurances--(I like to get all of that out of the way by April)---and then I think, I'm going to have a bit of fun.
It was not to be, a few weeks ago I was planning to post on my blog, but I decided to take Princess for her walk first, she loves to go to the beach, not that she gets dirty in the sand but there are so many nice people with their little dogs, and it's fun for her to exchange greetings.
I have fun too meeting on occasion a friend or acquittance that I've not seen for a while, I thank the Gods above that it was not raining and the weather was mild for March. Princess and I walked home and I was just even with my house, just 30 more steps and we would be home, when I tripped over an elevated portion of the side walk. I landed heavily, but I kept my hand on Princess leash.
I have to confess I was frightened, I found that I could not get up, my ankle was sending sharp pains, and I feared it was broken, all I could do was call out for help, but it was a late Sunday evening and most of my neighbors were out for the evening. Thank God Juanita was in her room, and her window was open to allow fresh air in and she heard me.
Running out to the front she found me helpless on my back with poor Princess just whining with fear, she helped me sit up as best as the pain would allow, then she used her cell phone to call 911. And the firemen and the paramedics showed up***sigh*** they are so handsome and as "mean Kitty would say" hunky.
Well the up-shot was my ankle was so swollen that they could not tell if it was broken or sprained, and they were concerned about any other fractures I might have received, so I got Juanita to get my purse and while the ambulance transported me to the ER, Juanita took care of Princess and called my brother Tom in San Francisco.
So spending 4 hours in the ER (and I'm not complaining--there were people coming in who had life threatening injuries, so they had a higher priority) They found that my blood pressure was severely elevated, my ankle was very badly sprained and I would need to be off of it for several weeks, seems some tendons were injured as well. But they kept me in the hospital for 3 days to make sure that my blood pressure would come down to normal. And the Television programing was such a bore, one can stand Jerry Springer and Maury Povich for just so long, my room mate an older woman just loves them, so I endured it, I felt she was much closer to meeting her end than I was so who was I to deny her what pleasures she got.
Fortunately Tom and Lois came by and we all had a chance to talk to the doctor who wanted me to have a practical nurse for a week or two to help me bathe, get to the bath room and monitor my blood pressure, which was good thing, I didn't want to put any strain on Juanita, but Juanita took a bit of a personal affront about all of this, but I talked to her privately and told her that she had enough to do without injuring her back helping me, I wanted her to stay healthy or we both would be bed-ridden, then who would take care of Princess?
With that she was satisfied, and then it turned out that the practical nurse that Tom had found was a friend of Juanita's daughter Constance, so with the two of them helping me I began to make my recovery, the hard part was driving, I couldn't drive with my ankle, so Isabella my nurse drove me to the Doctor's office in her car.
It was very nice, and as a treat for all of us, since Isabella was going to be staying with me for a while in the guest room, we all watched the Telenovella stations (I do speak and understand Spanish) and I didn't feel bored.
But sometimes my ankle would throb so badly that I couldn't think straight and I hated taking pain pill, but to sleep I had to. I put off any decision making, both financially and otherwise which was a good thing, by letting some of my investments ride, they came out better and stronger in a fluctuating market.
We finally reached a point where I could finally maneuver myself into the shower and with one of those shower stools I could bathe and wash my hair, what a blessing!!!
I now can get around the house with a cane for support, but to do any shopping or any walking my ankle was not well enough, I was given a temporary handicapped placard, and Juanita insisted that I use the electric carts that the grocery stores have. Wheeee it was fun and Princess could ride in my lap.
But my friends were concerned, there were several events that we had all planned to go to, so I rented a small lightweight wheelchair---not one of those big clumsy ones---it just folds up and fits into a trunk.
And it was wonderful to finally have my hair styled again.
In another month or so the doctor says I should be well enough to do away with the wheelchair and the cane, but I have to say that what concerned me was the feeling of helplessness, I began looking at my lovely house with a different eye, and as soon as I am able I'm going to install things to help me get around especially when I get older. I never thought of becoming old and frail, but this was a wake up call.
Diva's need to know that to everything there is a season, you can be glamours at any age, but you have to acknowledge that there will come the time when you have to look at the frailties of old age, and to consider being prepared for it.
If nothing else My Dear Diva's please learn from this personal lesson.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Have Been Busy---White Elephant Sales and all~~~
Well Darlings,
You are just going to have to forgive me for not posting for so long, but I have been very busy.
First of course, were the taxes and fortunately they were exactly as I had expected. My tax preparer is always so happy that I keep excellent records; well it does help to work with him throughout the year, especially if one has any questions. When I was with my friend Michelle in Reno, I did have some substantial winnings, but they will be for the 2008 taxes.
Then the garden, while we had some good weather I had my gardener work on the garden to make sure that I would have blooming flowers all year round and right now the plum and cherry trees are in magnificent full bloom, but it does aggravate one’s allergies, but I’m a bit fortunate in that regard, just some sneezing and sniffles and it’s worth it to see all that beauty.
I hired Manuel, Juanita’s son-in-law to work on the platform dock that I have to make sure that it is solid and to upgrade it so that when the weather is fine one can have coffee or cocktails without it sinking into the water. He did a wonderful job, and I was surprised to discover that he is such a fine craftsman with wood furniture, an artist really; I’m going to recommend him to a number of my friends who are doing some remodeling in their homes.
And I’m still decorating my home, well Darlings it never stops. I had a spare bedroom that I had not furnished yet, I wanted to continue my art deco/art moderne theme, but it was finding the right bedroom set. Now my house has 3 bedrooms, mine, and one that I converted for Juanita’s use and one spare bedroom but it wasn’t ready when Michelle stayed a couple of nights earlier this year.
But finally I found it and could get a nice tax write-off, The Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale, my brother Tom and his wife, Lois and I never miss it and this year we were prepared as always, Tom’s two sons and their wives were also coming with us and we had their trucks with rented trailers attached for our haul.
I asked Juanita if she wanted to come with us and she did. It was there that I found it, the perfect bedroom set, it had that wonderful round vanity mirror with the vanity and matching chair, two night stands, a dresser, double bed and an armoire with a mounted mirror. And a bonus, I also found the perfect table that would go with my Bogart Lux Dinning chairs; I just could not believe my luck with all of that.
My brother found some furniture to go into his cabin to replace some odd pieces that were there and that would match the décor a bit better and Lois, the girls and I found some jewelry we couldn’t live without (I know it sounds so, well you know, but it was fun). I also found a statue in the art deco style, my sister-in-law Lois came across a painting of an old western town street scene and we agreed that it was perfect for the cabin, Tom and the boys fell in love with it.
Juanita was also very lucky, she found the perfect chaise lounge chair and reading lamp that she had been looking for her room, just right to rest in with one’s feet elevated to read or watch T.V. and also a good sturdy table for her T.V. and DVD player.
So with all the loading and unloading we were delightfully tired, but it didn’t end for Tom and his boys, they all were going up to the cabin at Donner Lake to take the furniture and to check on the Cabin for needed repairs. So after a late lunch off they went while Juanita and I dusted and polished our hard won prizes.
But poor little Princess was feeling a bit neglected so I moved her little bed into the spare bedroom while I polished and cleaned everything to my satisfaction and she had the fun of trying to curl up in my lap as I sat on the floor cleaning every single bit of carving on the furniture. She even fell asleep. Juanita came in and laughed at the fact that I dared not move with my little darling sleeping in my lap, but move I must much to the little darlings’ complaints.
Juanita was very proud of her finds and they fitted into her room just perfectly.
Just when we took a break to have a bit of coffee the door bell rang and it was my sweet darling Kenneth, asking if he could treat me to dinner and an auction preview and I said only if I could go casual.
Then I took a look at Kenneth’s shirt and it was the exact type that Charlie Sheen wears on “Two and a Half Men” (well I do like the humor in that show), so with my (dare I say it) jeans, flannel shirt, tennis shoes and my hair it a cherry print scarf, and his Dockers and Charlie Sheen bowling shirt if that is not casual, then we don’t know what is, so off we went. But I had to sneak Princess with me; she had been neglected enough for one day.
Juanita was fine as her daughter called and she and Manuel were coming to pick her up to go to a relatives house for dinner, so freshening up my face, bundling Princess in her carryall off we went and had fun at the auction preview and made plans to come back the next day for the auction itself.
All in all it was a wonderful weekend, Tom and his family arrived at their cabin just fine without any problems and would be staying there for the week I had asked my friend ‘Mean Kitty’ if she had wanted to go with us to the White Elephant Sale but she had to work that day and hoped she would be lucky on Sunday.
I got lucky at the Auction as well and was able to purchase some jewelry at below their value. And here is where there is another lesson for all you Darling Diva’s.
Jewelry is also a good investment, no matter what, the value of gold and silver is always going up, so are gems, there is only a finite amount to go around, the only one that can be manufactured is pearls and to a certain extent coral, but if the seas or waters are not the right temperature then even pearls will not be available.
There are two prices to look at in terms of jewelry, their cash value (that is the amount of gold or other precious metals or gems) and their design value (that is the design if it is unique and by a well know company or designer) the second can be more valuable than the first.
I have a friend of mine and she will buy what she calls “casual jewelry” at Mervyns or T.J. Max, and sometimes at Macy’s on sale---what she does is takes photo’s of the pieces, puts them in a catalogue binder, tapes the purchase price and what was the original price next to each picture of each piece, this way when she plans to sell them she’ll know what to ask for it. And she has always made a profit.
But this is also true with your good pieces as well, always keep the receipt for the purchase price on file, and then after 5 years get an updated appraisal on it as well.
And all you Diva’s out there who get engaged, remember this---there are several rules about the engagement ring, one of which is traditional, if you break off the engagement you are suppose to give the engagement ring back, if he breaks off the engagement you can keep the ring because it is also a gift or promise to be married.
The only time I would absolutely give the ring back even if it is he who breaks the engagement off, is if the ring is a family heirloom from his family, even if you are the one who breaks the engagement off and the ring is a family heirloom return it, since it would not have any sentimental value to you, by giving the ring back (since it’s an heirloom) you would be looked upon as being an honorable person. If you keep it then be prepared to be sued in court for the ring or its value. A true Diva does not wish to have the head ache of going to court. But always find out first if the ring is an heirloom or if he bought it.
Now there is a gray area here, if he bought the ring and you break off the engagement, then you should give the ring back, but sometimes the ring is kept by the ex-future bride, in that case one of two things will happen either the ex-groom will demand the ring back and even go to court (so be prepared to be sued) or he will walk away and forget the whole thing, the latter rarely happens so it would be best then to give the ring back when you break the engagement, but anything else he gave you (and make sure even in writing) that these are gifts, so you may keep them---if he includes a card or something that indicates it was a period of gift giving, write on the card the date and what he gave you, this will be at least limited proof of his gift giving. Whether this will hold up in court will be up to the judge, but by having the gift cards with the dates it could help your defense. If he asks any questions just say you’re sentimental and also for insurance purposes.
If you do go ahead and get married and then eventually divorced, the rules are this, if he bought the rings you keep them. If they are family heirlooms give them back, it is so much simpler that way---but any jewelry that he buys you or you buy your self---that is yours, only family heirloom jewelry that is from his family should go back. Unless it is stipulated that it is to go to your daughters, in this case it would be best to be magnanimous and speak to your mother-in-law in regards to the heirloom jewelry without interference from your soon to be ex-husband and let her know that you wish to know her feelings on that matter. She will look upon you in a different and positive light, even if her feelings towards you maybe hostile and she acts like a witch, she cannot deny that in regards to the matter of the family jewelry you were honest.
But if you are single and having fun and your man of the hour gives you “bling”, then be calm and collect it, and make sure that the gift card lists the date and the item he gave you and then lock it up in a bank safe deposit box where he can’t get his hands on it.
Just on the news last night, I heard about gold going over $1,000, of course weakening the dollar, but I knew that was coming, since I follow the business and stock news. That is why I have been looking at stocks with growth potential that can weather this unsettling economic situation so remember even jewelry is going go to up in price , don’t waste you money on something that is 10k unless you regard it as just above costume jewelry, make sure it is at least 14k or 18k.
And also about all those little doggies that were going to the Marin animal shelter being rescued from an elderly couple that had over 800 dogs in their home!!! Well I wrote out a check as a donation to help out with the feed and care of those poor things.
Now before anyone thinks that I think more of animals than of people, I do think of people, there is this one charity that I donate regularly that supplies wheelchairs to needy disabled people, I also donate to a women’s shelter and several others that help women in need and children. Women, Children and pets are the one’s that have no voice in this world.
Of course some of you are going to say to me, “but you don’t have children” I have nieces and nephews so I know how it’s like for a child, I am a woman so I know how it’s like for a woman. And yes I do eat meat and I do wear fur, but those are from animals that are specifically bred for that, but even then I do believe that when an animal is made for human consumption it should be done humanely. And I will make no further excuses. Diva’s never make excuses Diva’s just do it.
Well Darlings, it is now Friday and I have plans for this weekend, so Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
You are just going to have to forgive me for not posting for so long, but I have been very busy.
First of course, were the taxes and fortunately they were exactly as I had expected. My tax preparer is always so happy that I keep excellent records; well it does help to work with him throughout the year, especially if one has any questions. When I was with my friend Michelle in Reno, I did have some substantial winnings, but they will be for the 2008 taxes.
Then the garden, while we had some good weather I had my gardener work on the garden to make sure that I would have blooming flowers all year round and right now the plum and cherry trees are in magnificent full bloom, but it does aggravate one’s allergies, but I’m a bit fortunate in that regard, just some sneezing and sniffles and it’s worth it to see all that beauty.
I hired Manuel, Juanita’s son-in-law to work on the platform dock that I have to make sure that it is solid and to upgrade it so that when the weather is fine one can have coffee or cocktails without it sinking into the water. He did a wonderful job, and I was surprised to discover that he is such a fine craftsman with wood furniture, an artist really; I’m going to recommend him to a number of my friends who are doing some remodeling in their homes.
And I’m still decorating my home, well Darlings it never stops. I had a spare bedroom that I had not furnished yet, I wanted to continue my art deco/art moderne theme, but it was finding the right bedroom set. Now my house has 3 bedrooms, mine, and one that I converted for Juanita’s use and one spare bedroom but it wasn’t ready when Michelle stayed a couple of nights earlier this year.
But finally I found it and could get a nice tax write-off, The Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale, my brother Tom and his wife, Lois and I never miss it and this year we were prepared as always, Tom’s two sons and their wives were also coming with us and we had their trucks with rented trailers attached for our haul.
I asked Juanita if she wanted to come with us and she did. It was there that I found it, the perfect bedroom set, it had that wonderful round vanity mirror with the vanity and matching chair, two night stands, a dresser, double bed and an armoire with a mounted mirror. And a bonus, I also found the perfect table that would go with my Bogart Lux Dinning chairs; I just could not believe my luck with all of that.
My brother found some furniture to go into his cabin to replace some odd pieces that were there and that would match the décor a bit better and Lois, the girls and I found some jewelry we couldn’t live without (I know it sounds so, well you know, but it was fun). I also found a statue in the art deco style, my sister-in-law Lois came across a painting of an old western town street scene and we agreed that it was perfect for the cabin, Tom and the boys fell in love with it.
Juanita was also very lucky, she found the perfect chaise lounge chair and reading lamp that she had been looking for her room, just right to rest in with one’s feet elevated to read or watch T.V. and also a good sturdy table for her T.V. and DVD player.
So with all the loading and unloading we were delightfully tired, but it didn’t end for Tom and his boys, they all were going up to the cabin at Donner Lake to take the furniture and to check on the Cabin for needed repairs. So after a late lunch off they went while Juanita and I dusted and polished our hard won prizes.
But poor little Princess was feeling a bit neglected so I moved her little bed into the spare bedroom while I polished and cleaned everything to my satisfaction and she had the fun of trying to curl up in my lap as I sat on the floor cleaning every single bit of carving on the furniture. She even fell asleep. Juanita came in and laughed at the fact that I dared not move with my little darling sleeping in my lap, but move I must much to the little darlings’ complaints.
Juanita was very proud of her finds and they fitted into her room just perfectly.
Just when we took a break to have a bit of coffee the door bell rang and it was my sweet darling Kenneth, asking if he could treat me to dinner and an auction preview and I said only if I could go casual.
Then I took a look at Kenneth’s shirt and it was the exact type that Charlie Sheen wears on “Two and a Half Men” (well I do like the humor in that show), so with my (dare I say it) jeans, flannel shirt, tennis shoes and my hair it a cherry print scarf, and his Dockers and Charlie Sheen bowling shirt if that is not casual, then we don’t know what is, so off we went. But I had to sneak Princess with me; she had been neglected enough for one day.
Juanita was fine as her daughter called and she and Manuel were coming to pick her up to go to a relatives house for dinner, so freshening up my face, bundling Princess in her carryall off we went and had fun at the auction preview and made plans to come back the next day for the auction itself.
All in all it was a wonderful weekend, Tom and his family arrived at their cabin just fine without any problems and would be staying there for the week I had asked my friend ‘Mean Kitty’ if she had wanted to go with us to the White Elephant Sale but she had to work that day and hoped she would be lucky on Sunday.
I got lucky at the Auction as well and was able to purchase some jewelry at below their value. And here is where there is another lesson for all you Darling Diva’s.
Jewelry is also a good investment, no matter what, the value of gold and silver is always going up, so are gems, there is only a finite amount to go around, the only one that can be manufactured is pearls and to a certain extent coral, but if the seas or waters are not the right temperature then even pearls will not be available.
There are two prices to look at in terms of jewelry, their cash value (that is the amount of gold or other precious metals or gems) and their design value (that is the design if it is unique and by a well know company or designer) the second can be more valuable than the first.
I have a friend of mine and she will buy what she calls “casual jewelry” at Mervyns or T.J. Max, and sometimes at Macy’s on sale---what she does is takes photo’s of the pieces, puts them in a catalogue binder, tapes the purchase price and what was the original price next to each picture of each piece, this way when she plans to sell them she’ll know what to ask for it. And she has always made a profit.
But this is also true with your good pieces as well, always keep the receipt for the purchase price on file, and then after 5 years get an updated appraisal on it as well.
And all you Diva’s out there who get engaged, remember this---there are several rules about the engagement ring, one of which is traditional, if you break off the engagement you are suppose to give the engagement ring back, if he breaks off the engagement you can keep the ring because it is also a gift or promise to be married.
The only time I would absolutely give the ring back even if it is he who breaks the engagement off, is if the ring is a family heirloom from his family, even if you are the one who breaks the engagement off and the ring is a family heirloom return it, since it would not have any sentimental value to you, by giving the ring back (since it’s an heirloom) you would be looked upon as being an honorable person. If you keep it then be prepared to be sued in court for the ring or its value. A true Diva does not wish to have the head ache of going to court. But always find out first if the ring is an heirloom or if he bought it.
Now there is a gray area here, if he bought the ring and you break off the engagement, then you should give the ring back, but sometimes the ring is kept by the ex-future bride, in that case one of two things will happen either the ex-groom will demand the ring back and even go to court (so be prepared to be sued) or he will walk away and forget the whole thing, the latter rarely happens so it would be best then to give the ring back when you break the engagement, but anything else he gave you (and make sure even in writing) that these are gifts, so you may keep them---if he includes a card or something that indicates it was a period of gift giving, write on the card the date and what he gave you, this will be at least limited proof of his gift giving. Whether this will hold up in court will be up to the judge, but by having the gift cards with the dates it could help your defense. If he asks any questions just say you’re sentimental and also for insurance purposes.
If you do go ahead and get married and then eventually divorced, the rules are this, if he bought the rings you keep them. If they are family heirlooms give them back, it is so much simpler that way---but any jewelry that he buys you or you buy your self---that is yours, only family heirloom jewelry that is from his family should go back. Unless it is stipulated that it is to go to your daughters, in this case it would be best to be magnanimous and speak to your mother-in-law in regards to the heirloom jewelry without interference from your soon to be ex-husband and let her know that you wish to know her feelings on that matter. She will look upon you in a different and positive light, even if her feelings towards you maybe hostile and she acts like a witch, she cannot deny that in regards to the matter of the family jewelry you were honest.
But if you are single and having fun and your man of the hour gives you “bling”, then be calm and collect it, and make sure that the gift card lists the date and the item he gave you and then lock it up in a bank safe deposit box where he can’t get his hands on it.
Just on the news last night, I heard about gold going over $1,000, of course weakening the dollar, but I knew that was coming, since I follow the business and stock news. That is why I have been looking at stocks with growth potential that can weather this unsettling economic situation so remember even jewelry is going go to up in price , don’t waste you money on something that is 10k unless you regard it as just above costume jewelry, make sure it is at least 14k or 18k.
And also about all those little doggies that were going to the Marin animal shelter being rescued from an elderly couple that had over 800 dogs in their home!!! Well I wrote out a check as a donation to help out with the feed and care of those poor things.
Now before anyone thinks that I think more of animals than of people, I do think of people, there is this one charity that I donate regularly that supplies wheelchairs to needy disabled people, I also donate to a women’s shelter and several others that help women in need and children. Women, Children and pets are the one’s that have no voice in this world.
Of course some of you are going to say to me, “but you don’t have children” I have nieces and nephews so I know how it’s like for a child, I am a woman so I know how it’s like for a woman. And yes I do eat meat and I do wear fur, but those are from animals that are specifically bred for that, but even then I do believe that when an animal is made for human consumption it should be done humanely. And I will make no further excuses. Diva’s never make excuses Diva’s just do it.
Well Darlings, it is now Friday and I have plans for this weekend, so Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.
Friday, February 22, 2008
More Reading information and a bit of Fluff~~~
Hello Again Darlings,
My Dear Friend Mean Kitty has advised me that I overlooked several publications in my last Blog, and she was so right.
I had overlooked 3 mainstays of business news, and they are Forbes, Fortune and Barron’s. Forbes and Fortune are monthly magazines with some supplements and Barron’s is a weekly newspaper that is tabloid size. Most good size public libraries will carry all of them or at least the two magazines.
Another magazine that my dear friend mentioned is “Essence” magazine, now it is geared to the African-American woman, but as all Diva’s know, any information on savings, investing, finances and job performance is always important and Essence magazine devotes a regular section to just that and it is worthwhile reading, (something that I wish Cosmopolitan would do). This is a magazine that most metropolitan libraries will carry, and again I recommend that you photocopy the information that is in this magazine for your files.
Another magazine in which Diva’s can find wonderful nuggets of information is Ebony magazine, they have wonderful articles, which of course focus on African Americans, but there can be information found that is beneficial to all. For example in the current issue (March 2008) there is an article about “overexcercising” which is harmful to the health; another article about “Dressing the part”, another about “Growing up CEO”, “living with Diabetes”, “how to be a good Christian”, fantastic recipes, and many more.
Now again Darlings I do recommend photocopying the articles, because not every magazine will have wonderful articles every month. Also you can build up your “tickle file” to cover different subjects to refer to. Of course for those magazines that you subscribe to you can always cut out the articles as well.
And if you are a Fashionista like Moi I always purchase the fashion magazines that come out in March and in September of each year, that way you can be up to date on what is the latest fashion trends, but on Fashion, well Darlings I always say don’t follow trends or what is the latest, look for what will look good on you and what is classic. You can always keep it up to date with accessories. And trust me Darlings, classics never go out of style.
Now Darlings for something a bit different and Fluffy; have any of you been following the Hi-jinks on either “Cashmere Mafia” or “Lipstick Jungle”? Well I have been following the latter, and I have to say that although the plot is a bit predictable, there is something that is sinfully enjoyable, I must say that Brook Shields has really grown into being an actress, I find her very believable in the role. And the really interesting promo is the creation of a Bonfire magazine on the web, a “good gimmick” as my friend Michelle would say. But what Brook Shields’ character did to “that woman” is something that I wish I had the nerve to do to several that I have encountered, but then I took my “revenge” on them in a different way and it was much more satisfying. As they say “Revenge is a dish best served cold”. Still the program is a sinful indulgence.
Some of my dear friends are planning an “Oscar Party” for February 24th. It seems to be a developing party event for those who are very into the movies. Everyone can dress in their best clothes or be very James Bond casual, or dress as your favorite movie character, there’s Champagne, hors‘durves, a simple buffet and it seems a ‘betting pool’ on who selects the most winners. All in all a really fun type of evening; some people would use it as a time to raise money for charity especially if it’s well planned.
I must confess I don’t go to the movies as often as I use to, but there is, as I hope, will be winners now that the writer’s strike has come to an end.
So if you want to plan a party this is one where you can go all out, costumes and all, really a great way to kick off the Spring season--- after Mardi Gra, Easter and Mother’s Day of course.
Ahhhh but for now the dreary rain is back, making the days grey and the nights cold, even the ducks are taking shelter under the awning that I have to sit outside when the weather it fine, poor things, but they are use to this type of weather, but still….
And my little Diva Darling is missing her walks; I think I shall have to plan on doing something this weekend to get out of the doldrums, but what I’m not sure. I think it’s time to put on my “Thinking Cap”.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
My Dear Friend Mean Kitty has advised me that I overlooked several publications in my last Blog, and she was so right.
I had overlooked 3 mainstays of business news, and they are Forbes, Fortune and Barron’s. Forbes and Fortune are monthly magazines with some supplements and Barron’s is a weekly newspaper that is tabloid size. Most good size public libraries will carry all of them or at least the two magazines.
Another magazine that my dear friend mentioned is “Essence” magazine, now it is geared to the African-American woman, but as all Diva’s know, any information on savings, investing, finances and job performance is always important and Essence magazine devotes a regular section to just that and it is worthwhile reading, (something that I wish Cosmopolitan would do). This is a magazine that most metropolitan libraries will carry, and again I recommend that you photocopy the information that is in this magazine for your files.
Another magazine in which Diva’s can find wonderful nuggets of information is Ebony magazine, they have wonderful articles, which of course focus on African Americans, but there can be information found that is beneficial to all. For example in the current issue (March 2008) there is an article about “overexcercising” which is harmful to the health; another article about “Dressing the part”, another about “Growing up CEO”, “living with Diabetes”, “how to be a good Christian”, fantastic recipes, and many more.
Now again Darlings I do recommend photocopying the articles, because not every magazine will have wonderful articles every month. Also you can build up your “tickle file” to cover different subjects to refer to. Of course for those magazines that you subscribe to you can always cut out the articles as well.
And if you are a Fashionista like Moi I always purchase the fashion magazines that come out in March and in September of each year, that way you can be up to date on what is the latest fashion trends, but on Fashion, well Darlings I always say don’t follow trends or what is the latest, look for what will look good on you and what is classic. You can always keep it up to date with accessories. And trust me Darlings, classics never go out of style.
Now Darlings for something a bit different and Fluffy; have any of you been following the Hi-jinks on either “Cashmere Mafia” or “Lipstick Jungle”? Well I have been following the latter, and I have to say that although the plot is a bit predictable, there is something that is sinfully enjoyable, I must say that Brook Shields has really grown into being an actress, I find her very believable in the role. And the really interesting promo is the creation of a Bonfire magazine on the web, a “good gimmick” as my friend Michelle would say. But what Brook Shields’ character did to “that woman” is something that I wish I had the nerve to do to several that I have encountered, but then I took my “revenge” on them in a different way and it was much more satisfying. As they say “Revenge is a dish best served cold”. Still the program is a sinful indulgence.
Some of my dear friends are planning an “Oscar Party” for February 24th. It seems to be a developing party event for those who are very into the movies. Everyone can dress in their best clothes or be very James Bond casual, or dress as your favorite movie character, there’s Champagne, hors‘durves, a simple buffet and it seems a ‘betting pool’ on who selects the most winners. All in all a really fun type of evening; some people would use it as a time to raise money for charity especially if it’s well planned.
I must confess I don’t go to the movies as often as I use to, but there is, as I hope, will be winners now that the writer’s strike has come to an end.
So if you want to plan a party this is one where you can go all out, costumes and all, really a great way to kick off the Spring season--- after Mardi Gra, Easter and Mother’s Day of course.
Ahhhh but for now the dreary rain is back, making the days grey and the nights cold, even the ducks are taking shelter under the awning that I have to sit outside when the weather it fine, poor things, but they are use to this type of weather, but still….
And my little Diva Darling is missing her walks; I think I shall have to plan on doing something this weekend to get out of the doldrums, but what I’m not sure. I think it’s time to put on my “Thinking Cap”.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
What to Read to be a Diva
Hello Darlings,
I do not know where all of you live, but if you live here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I do hope you have been enjoying the Sunshine.
My little Diva Darling, Princess and I have been enjoying our early evening walks along the beach, but I do confess that towards evening it still gets a bit chilly.
I know that some of you are wondering what have I been doing for the last week or so, well Darlings, working with my Tax preparer and getting the Taxes filed, such work and making sure I have all the information, but it's done.
On Valentines day my other speical friend Kenneth and I had a wonderful dinner at a delightful restraunt in San Francisco, but I can't remember the name it was such a surprise.
And of course the mundane, grocery shopping with Juanita ( I really let her plan the menus, and shopping with her can be an adventure, if it's not up to par we go somplace else or we will find it at Andronico's), and having some men replace a damaged gutter that the high winds managed to bend, it didn't harm the house but it needed to be fixed.
Now Darlings, I’m going to talk to you briefly about reading materials, yes Darlings reading materials.
Now remember what I said the last time I posted that I use the public library. Well I still strongly recommend the library to save you money, think of all the subscriptions you do not have to buy, the DVD’s and CD’s and books you do not have to rent or purchase when you use the public library. As long as you return it on time it is a savings. Make going to the Library part of your shopping day, that is shopping for things for the home.
I prefer Thursdays myself, all the sales have started.
But there are subscriptions that you should think about getting and these are a few suggestions especially if you plan to invest.
Kiplingers Personal Finance (they also have a monthly news letter called Kiplingers Retirement report)
Money Magazine
Now if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are thinking in terms of Real Estate or businesses there is the San Francisco Business Weekly and the East Bay Business Weekly (one covers San Francisco and the other the East Bay side of the Bay)
Investor’s Business Daily this is a daily newspaper that covers the business investment news
Business Week
The Economist
Now if you want something to cover Society and Fashion I recommend these 2 two of them are local and 2 you can find on the news stand.
The news stand ones are Vanity Fair and Real Simple. Now why those two, well Darlings Vanity Fair has the most wonderful articles much better than Vogue and it is always up to date on fashion. Real Simple has wonderful ideas on almost everything which can be inspiring.
The two that are locals are really for those wonderful Darlings that Live in the San Francisco Bay Area the first of course is San Francisco Magazine, it will tell you all about the Society events and wonderful places to go to as well as some very interesting articles that could lead you to wonderful investments.
The other magazine is a bit trickier, it depends upon where you live this is a local publication that will cover the city or county that you live it and it will have the name such as Oakland magazine or Diablo magazine etc. This will cover the events and list places to consider on your free evenings or days. And it will keep you up to date and in the know about who is who.
Now if you are those wonderful Divas that live outside of the Bay Area such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Chicago, New York etc. You will find comparable magazines of the same time in your local area, but the ones for investing you will find almost anywhere, unless you are living in a cultural desert for which I can only suggest to get out as soon as you can and only go back there just for mental vacations.
Because just as it is important about what you know it is equally important about who you know. But never forget where you came from and the family and friends that have supported you and have given you solid life values remember them always and cherish them.
Just as a “side-bar” although I have become very wealthy, that for my late husbands sake I cultivated social connections, I never forgot all the wonderful things that my parents did, the hard work my father did to get to a point of financial and social promince, my mother still being an old-fashioned home maker but getting use to the idea of having staff to assist (we never-ever called them ‘servants’ they were Staff always remember that my dear Divas) and still making time to always have family fun together, going to church every Sunday and always being aware that not everyone was as lucky and fortunate enough as us, that there were people for whom fortune did not always smiled upon but that within themselves they were as precious as gold.
My parents were right, there were several young people that I knew and became friends with and because I suggested to my father that it might be a good idea to help them out, one became a successful inventor, another a well-established artist and the third an editor for a publishing company, and we are still friends, even if we are still living in various parts of the world. Always remember that Darlings.
Now Darlings if you do not have the funds to subscribe to all these magazines do not worry, by going to your public library you can see which magazines would fit your needs and just subscribe to a few, while the others you can read in the library or photocopy those articles that will have the information that’s needed even at 15 cents a copy that is far cheaper than paying $4.95 for the whole magazine.
Investor papers such as Value Line, Morning Star, Mergent and the Standard and Poor’s stock guide should be available at your library and again you can photo copy those pages to see about the progress of a stock that may have your interest.
There are always books on how to read the financial pages, how to invest, but if you are still unsure about yourself, look for seminars or classes offered by schools or colleges that you can take classes in. It is possible that you can audit a class as a guest without having to sign up for college itself.
Now I have several young friends who are getting established in life and they want to know how they can have the Diva Look while they are still trying to get the Diva Bucks.
The first is avoid using your credit cards, only use them occasionally and pay it off with 3 payments, remember credit cards is a bad debt, whereas owning and paying on a home (that has been reasonably purchased) can be a good debt, now why is that? Very simple Darlings, the interest on a home loan can be taken off in taxes but not the interest paid on a credit card---interest paid on a credit card is money lost. Interest on a home loan is money gained.
There are many other things that you can do and I will cover that in another Blog.
The Sun is out and shining my darling friend Kevin and I are going to an estate sale auction that starts at 2 p.m. and being the hungry man that he is, he doesn’t want to miss out on the appetizers that they will be serving.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
I do not know where all of you live, but if you live here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I do hope you have been enjoying the Sunshine.
My little Diva Darling, Princess and I have been enjoying our early evening walks along the beach, but I do confess that towards evening it still gets a bit chilly.
I know that some of you are wondering what have I been doing for the last week or so, well Darlings, working with my Tax preparer and getting the Taxes filed, such work and making sure I have all the information, but it's done.
On Valentines day my other speical friend Kenneth and I had a wonderful dinner at a delightful restraunt in San Francisco, but I can't remember the name it was such a surprise.
And of course the mundane, grocery shopping with Juanita ( I really let her plan the menus, and shopping with her can be an adventure, if it's not up to par we go somplace else or we will find it at Andronico's), and having some men replace a damaged gutter that the high winds managed to bend, it didn't harm the house but it needed to be fixed.
Now Darlings, I’m going to talk to you briefly about reading materials, yes Darlings reading materials.
Now remember what I said the last time I posted that I use the public library. Well I still strongly recommend the library to save you money, think of all the subscriptions you do not have to buy, the DVD’s and CD’s and books you do not have to rent or purchase when you use the public library. As long as you return it on time it is a savings. Make going to the Library part of your shopping day, that is shopping for things for the home.
I prefer Thursdays myself, all the sales have started.
But there are subscriptions that you should think about getting and these are a few suggestions especially if you plan to invest.
Kiplingers Personal Finance (they also have a monthly news letter called Kiplingers Retirement report)
Money Magazine
Now if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are thinking in terms of Real Estate or businesses there is the San Francisco Business Weekly and the East Bay Business Weekly (one covers San Francisco and the other the East Bay side of the Bay)
Investor’s Business Daily this is a daily newspaper that covers the business investment news
Business Week
The Economist
Now if you want something to cover Society and Fashion I recommend these 2 two of them are local and 2 you can find on the news stand.
The news stand ones are Vanity Fair and Real Simple. Now why those two, well Darlings Vanity Fair has the most wonderful articles much better than Vogue and it is always up to date on fashion. Real Simple has wonderful ideas on almost everything which can be inspiring.
The two that are locals are really for those wonderful Darlings that Live in the San Francisco Bay Area the first of course is San Francisco Magazine, it will tell you all about the Society events and wonderful places to go to as well as some very interesting articles that could lead you to wonderful investments.
The other magazine is a bit trickier, it depends upon where you live this is a local publication that will cover the city or county that you live it and it will have the name such as Oakland magazine or Diablo magazine etc. This will cover the events and list places to consider on your free evenings or days. And it will keep you up to date and in the know about who is who.
Now if you are those wonderful Divas that live outside of the Bay Area such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Chicago, New York etc. You will find comparable magazines of the same time in your local area, but the ones for investing you will find almost anywhere, unless you are living in a cultural desert for which I can only suggest to get out as soon as you can and only go back there just for mental vacations.
Because just as it is important about what you know it is equally important about who you know. But never forget where you came from and the family and friends that have supported you and have given you solid life values remember them always and cherish them.
Just as a “side-bar” although I have become very wealthy, that for my late husbands sake I cultivated social connections, I never forgot all the wonderful things that my parents did, the hard work my father did to get to a point of financial and social promince, my mother still being an old-fashioned home maker but getting use to the idea of having staff to assist (we never-ever called them ‘servants’ they were Staff always remember that my dear Divas) and still making time to always have family fun together, going to church every Sunday and always being aware that not everyone was as lucky and fortunate enough as us, that there were people for whom fortune did not always smiled upon but that within themselves they were as precious as gold.
My parents were right, there were several young people that I knew and became friends with and because I suggested to my father that it might be a good idea to help them out, one became a successful inventor, another a well-established artist and the third an editor for a publishing company, and we are still friends, even if we are still living in various parts of the world. Always remember that Darlings.
Now Darlings if you do not have the funds to subscribe to all these magazines do not worry, by going to your public library you can see which magazines would fit your needs and just subscribe to a few, while the others you can read in the library or photocopy those articles that will have the information that’s needed even at 15 cents a copy that is far cheaper than paying $4.95 for the whole magazine.
Investor papers such as Value Line, Morning Star, Mergent and the Standard and Poor’s stock guide should be available at your library and again you can photo copy those pages to see about the progress of a stock that may have your interest.
There are always books on how to read the financial pages, how to invest, but if you are still unsure about yourself, look for seminars or classes offered by schools or colleges that you can take classes in. It is possible that you can audit a class as a guest without having to sign up for college itself.
Now I have several young friends who are getting established in life and they want to know how they can have the Diva Look while they are still trying to get the Diva Bucks.
The first is avoid using your credit cards, only use them occasionally and pay it off with 3 payments, remember credit cards is a bad debt, whereas owning and paying on a home (that has been reasonably purchased) can be a good debt, now why is that? Very simple Darlings, the interest on a home loan can be taken off in taxes but not the interest paid on a credit card---interest paid on a credit card is money lost. Interest on a home loan is money gained.
There are many other things that you can do and I will cover that in another Blog.
The Sun is out and shining my darling friend Kevin and I are going to an estate sale auction that starts at 2 p.m. and being the hungry man that he is, he doesn’t want to miss out on the appetizers that they will be serving.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Darlings Do you think that Life can be difficult?
Darlings,
Today I went to my local public library. Now I do belive that the library is the most wonderful place a Diva can go to find wonderful information to improve her Diva life. And it can also save you money.
As long as you return the items on time, you do not have to pay a thing. Books, Magazines, DVD's, music CD's and much more.
I love it because sometimes I want a change of pace for my music and sometimes I want to see a different film that I would not buy to add to my collection. But once in a while I do come across something that I know is just wonderful so then I will look for it.
But you have no idea how wonderful it can be-----Unless Darlings ****sigh**** one encounters a person who is ---well ----not quite right in the head.
There was a woman today---I refuse to call her a lady----from the way she was dressed, very nice and neat, you would not think there was anything wrong with her. But just as I was going towards the check out desk, she started spueing a mouthful of foul words and gutter language at one staff person.
There was no reason for it, then this woman, who was behaving like Brittany Spears on a very bad day, began to throw books all over. I ducked back to prevent myself from being harmed but I was wondering if I should use my cell phone to call the police. That was taken care of by another Staff person and the police were brought in.
Needless to say they took care of this person quickly, but I have to say that the Library staff behaved in a manner that was most impressive, no raising of the voices, just quick and efficent work and I do have to confess very steady nerves.
But as I was going home and to have a cup of tea, I began to wonder, what brought this woman to such a situation, why make one's life so difficult when life is difficult enough. There is no need to behave in such a manner.
Then I read in my "People Weekly" magazine what is happening with young Ms. Spears, and then I read that 1 in 20 children are found to be autistic, why is all of that? What makes those many years ago different from today, why are more people having such mental problems? Is it stress, diet, birth defects, something that happened pre-natally? Or are we better able to discover what the illness is? And it is more out there---in one's face so to speak.
I must confess Darlings, and this may seem prejudice, but just before Ronald Regan became state govener, the previous govener (whose name I can't recall) terminated the mental health programs---unfortunately this termination took effect when Regan became Govener of California. So people blamed him instead of looking at who the real culprit was.
But when this happened less and less people were being helped, now here it is 30 years later, and I in a public library have to be careful to not be hit by a flying book thrown by a mentally impaired person.
What is wrong with this? I have to confess Darlings, I do not have the answers, but I do belive that there are certain democrates who would have a lot to answer for.
I'm sorry Darlings, but this situation has upset Moi and my head just keeps spinning on it, when I should realize that I do not have an answer, but I think I will watch to see if anyone comes up with a solution that is feasible.
In the meantime I think I will indulge in a martini for tonight and perhaps Mmmmm Frank Sinatra.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Today I went to my local public library. Now I do belive that the library is the most wonderful place a Diva can go to find wonderful information to improve her Diva life. And it can also save you money.
As long as you return the items on time, you do not have to pay a thing. Books, Magazines, DVD's, music CD's and much more.
I love it because sometimes I want a change of pace for my music and sometimes I want to see a different film that I would not buy to add to my collection. But once in a while I do come across something that I know is just wonderful so then I will look for it.
But you have no idea how wonderful it can be-----Unless Darlings ****sigh**** one encounters a person who is ---well ----not quite right in the head.
There was a woman today---I refuse to call her a lady----from the way she was dressed, very nice and neat, you would not think there was anything wrong with her. But just as I was going towards the check out desk, she started spueing a mouthful of foul words and gutter language at one staff person.
There was no reason for it, then this woman, who was behaving like Brittany Spears on a very bad day, began to throw books all over. I ducked back to prevent myself from being harmed but I was wondering if I should use my cell phone to call the police. That was taken care of by another Staff person and the police were brought in.
Needless to say they took care of this person quickly, but I have to say that the Library staff behaved in a manner that was most impressive, no raising of the voices, just quick and efficent work and I do have to confess very steady nerves.
But as I was going home and to have a cup of tea, I began to wonder, what brought this woman to such a situation, why make one's life so difficult when life is difficult enough. There is no need to behave in such a manner.
Then I read in my "People Weekly" magazine what is happening with young Ms. Spears, and then I read that 1 in 20 children are found to be autistic, why is all of that? What makes those many years ago different from today, why are more people having such mental problems? Is it stress, diet, birth defects, something that happened pre-natally? Or are we better able to discover what the illness is? And it is more out there---in one's face so to speak.
I must confess Darlings, and this may seem prejudice, but just before Ronald Regan became state govener, the previous govener (whose name I can't recall) terminated the mental health programs---unfortunately this termination took effect when Regan became Govener of California. So people blamed him instead of looking at who the real culprit was.
But when this happened less and less people were being helped, now here it is 30 years later, and I in a public library have to be careful to not be hit by a flying book thrown by a mentally impaired person.
What is wrong with this? I have to confess Darlings, I do not have the answers, but I do belive that there are certain democrates who would have a lot to answer for.
I'm sorry Darlings, but this situation has upset Moi and my head just keeps spinning on it, when I should realize that I do not have an answer, but I think I will watch to see if anyone comes up with a solution that is feasible.
In the meantime I think I will indulge in a martini for tonight and perhaps Mmmmm Frank Sinatra.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
