Well Darlings,
Christmas is almost here. The last few gifts are wrapped and boxed and ready to go.
Juanita has joined her daughter and son-in-law and already she’s called me so happy that she forgot that my Spanish is limited. But her brother and sister and their families that she has not seen in over 5 years have arrived, her daughter’s house is over flowing she is just sooo happy and I am happy for her.
For myself well in about an hour I am having some friends over for drinks and little munchies, all very pot luck, already I have the radio playing Christmas music. Koit is such a wonderful station.
Yesterday Bill, Irma, Kevin and I went to Dunsmuir house for the last of the holiday tours, I just love it, so Victorian Christmassy, then we had an early Dinner at this restaurant that none of us have tired before but we heard it was good, Jojo’s in Piedmont, divinely well worth the excellent marks it’s been receiving.
All right Darlings I’ll tell you what we had; now I have to confess I’ve always had a good appetite so I can still burn off the calories, but I do exercise as well—don’t want to be flabby.
It has been so chilly that we all started off with the Butternut squash soup. I had the grilled tuna and Irma had the scallops in a clan and bacon stew. The men as men do had the flat iron steak, of course we all had to sample what the other was having, and darlings, do make reservations. They are on the web so you will have an idea of their menu and prices. For dessert I had the sorbet, and Irma dived into the pear and vanilla profiterole, the men had the cheese selection and stole bits of our desserts.
For drinks the men had beer, and Irma and I had the Chablis. Delightful.
Then we drove around and looked at the Christmas lights in the areas’ that have been marked as Christmas lanes’ with Koit playing on the radio. Everyone was doing that so a great deal of attention had to be paid to on the pedestrians. We finished at Bill and Irma’s home for coffee and cookies what a lovely evening, then Kevin took me home and then….. Well Darlings that would be telling.
And I treasure Juanita so; she had everything ready in the Refrigerator with instructions for me how to heat everything. Well we did do a trade off----I helped her wrap her grandchildren’s presents , so much ribbon and paper and we were laughing because we knew the children would just rip it all off and poor little Princess she got so excited that she started running around the house with scraps of Christmas wrap in her mouth and just growling.
But now the house is lighted with candles, and decorations in red, green and gold, the smells of cinnamon and vanilla and hot cider flow through the house, it’s sort of a house warming as well, because many of my friends have not seen it yet, so this will be an experience for them.
Now for my little Diva lesson, Darlings if you want to throw a party, you can get wonderful platters from your Deli section at your supermarket, or at Cost Co. and all kinds of paper goods as well there. For beverages, Beverages and More has an excellent selection and I recommend inexpensive wine glasses, if it breaks you don’t cry, and you can store it until the next time---restaurant supplies houses offer them. And always make sure that your home has a dishwasher---it’s such a life saver.
And even better have it pot luck with a white elephant gift exchange, things in good shape one doesn’t want or even silly things that one sees can be exchanged at this little game. For the last 4 years a strange looking plastic statue has been circulating around among us, I wonder who will get it this year. Everyone comes up with an unusual way to disguise it.
Tomorrow Constance and her oldest Daughter will come by to help with the clean up and putting away of things, but I don’t want to keep her away from her family too long, so with the three of us it should go quickly. Constance offered because I’m giving her mother a nice long holiday vacation with pay, it’s only fair. Darlings remember, if you have staff that do well for you, treat them well, they can be life savers.
Then Princess and I go off to my brothers in San Francisco, I’ll be staying at his home for the next few days, We’ll be going to Mid-night Mass and a late snack, and then the children and grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) will invade for Christmas Day dinner, then to recover my sister-in-law and I are going to pamper ourselves at this Spa that she’s discovered for the next few days after Christmas and we may see if there is any special sales we can find at Saks or Tiffany’s.
And then on to New Years!! Kevin wants to dress up 1940’s and dance the evening away on the U.S.S. Hornet he’s bought the Admirals seating tickets and the buffet dinner reservations---who am I so say ‘no’.
Romance Darlings, Romance!!
Must go my guests will be here any minute.
Until Anon Darlings, Merry Christmas and Many More.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Random Holiday Thoughts
Well Possums,
The weather outside is cold and frightful, but as the song says, thanks to central heating the temperature inside is delightful.
I hope all you Diva’s and Diva’s-in-Training had a marvelous Thanksgiving holiday, I know I did with my friends and then I had the opportunity to visit my Brother and his wife in Santa Barbara, they have such a wonderful Spanish style home with a magnificent view of the Ocean. Of course knowing how dry drought conditions can be and considering all the fires that have been happening, he has taken very serious steps to insure that his home will be as fire safe as possible. All the usual precautions but also a most interesting pump system in which the entire house and grounds will be sprayed with water in case of fire----all it takes is a telephone call to trigger it if he’s away at work.
He hopes he never has to use it.
And of course I got to see my nieces and nephews as well, and I’m happy to say that a couple of weddings are in the planning stages, I advised them to make it simple and to not over do anything, see what the catering firm and the banquet hall can offer and focus on the wedding vows. Who knows before long there will be (I hope) little Diva’s in training for an Auntie to spoil.
Juanita had a wonderful Thanksgiving with her family and friends, I called her and said to take a few more days off as I was going to be a while with my own family, who I must confess also spoiled my little Diva Darling, Princess.
And now Christmas time is here, All right Diva’s now what do you do for the holidays.
There is one thing that I always advise Diva’s---do not forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is the time of giving, not just the giving of expensive gifts that can totally crash one’s credit card----that is the commercial aspect drummed up by corporations to extract from you from your hard earned cash on trivial things.
No Darlings----give something that will help----there are charities that help the homeless, battered women, needful children, food for families that are in need, who can barely rub to nickels together for warmth. There are the elderly, the forgotten, and the sick.
Look for charities that will help them such as Toys for Tots, St. Jude’s Hospital, Doctors without Borders, any local Food Bank, a local Church’s soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels and many more. Check your newspaper to see where help is needed.
Not to brag but I donate to St. Jude’s hospital and since I do not have children of my own I give to Toys for Tots, and Doctor’s without Borders. As well as other charities. Does it salve my conscious because I have while many do not?
Well Darlings not to sound maudlin but I put that question to my dear friend Mean Kitty----now she can have the sharpest tongue on this planet, but she looked at me and said (and I quote her) “It is important in life to help those not as fortunate, because by any act of kindness it just may be the very thing needed to help someone get back on their feet, but do not seek praise for it---just do it and don’t look back----Jesus once asked his apostles several questions and when they responded in the right way he said, “Feed my Flock, Guard my Sheep” His Flock and Sheep were all of human kind---now it’s impossible to save the entire world, but you can help one corner of it---just do it and don’t think about it, but do it all year long.”
And she was right and that is a Diva lesson for everyone----now on the practical side of donating to charities---Keep the receipts because your generosity helps at tax time. No matter what---a Diva must be practical as well.
Now for something Frivolous----I must confess I had a wonderful time at the Art Deco Deco the Halls antique show and sale----and I found the perfect Desk and Chair with matching glass enclosed book shelves all in blond wood right out of the 1940’s they look perfect in my little office/library. I already have a work center for the computer and everything----but it is not the same as a beautiful desk and chair to hand write notes and balance one’s budget----of course I have an excellent accountant, but Darlings it’s a wise Diva who always keeps an eye on her accounts and expenditures. And to be able to do it at a real desk gives a certain elegance that a computer workstation just does not have.
And I’m still doing decorating in my lovely new home; it’s shaping up very nicely.
And for Christmas, already I have a few choice decorations placed around the house and Manuel has strung some light decorations in the Front, including a perfect miniature tree. So cheerful. Some of my neighbors go to great lengths in decorating but I can understand it, they have children and grand children so why not.
Betsy, Will and I will be going to the Dunsmuir house Christmas Tour a lovely event but one must dress warmly and then well take in the holiday lights that are on display all over the town. I’ve already seen the Dickens Fair with Kenneth; it just gets you into the holiday spirit. And of course the traditional Nutcracker Ballet that is offered by the San Francisco Ballet Co.
I’m giving Juanita time off for the few days before Christmas to just after the New Year, she has family coming into town to visit and there is never enough time to see family.
I am going to see my other Brother and his wife and their children and little grandchildren for Christmas dinner in San Francisco; it will be nice to catch up on all their events in their lives.
Remember Diva’s Christmas is a time for family and friends----but if you love to shop, wear comfortable shoes and get to the stores early.
And I also advise that you read my friend Mean Kitty’s blog about Christmas---she really knows the spirit of Christmas. Her blog is http://meankittynotpc.blogspot.com.
Possums I must confess it was her that got me into doing a blog, even if it is a vanity one.
But now I must tell you that for one day out of the entire year, I am humbled, it’s on Christmas Eve, yes Darlings, I go to church and there listening to the prayers, the singing, I reflect back on my life and how blessed I am and I think long and hard about that family on a cold night looking for shelter and the promise that was presented.
Darlings I do recommend, go to Church at least twice a year, on Christmas Eve and on Easter Eve it’s only then that you can truly understand the meaning of life. For all my frivolity I do read the Bible and I do ponder upon the teachings of the man from Nazareth, I am fallible, I make mistakes, I am vain, and maybe selfish, but no matter what I try to do the best I can, for all my sins.
And that too is being a Diva. So Happy Holidays Darlings, Enjoy! And if you don’t hear from me before New Years---well I’m having fun!
Until Anon. this Diva is snuggling up with her little Diva Darling and dreaming of Gucci, Prada, Chanel
The weather outside is cold and frightful, but as the song says, thanks to central heating the temperature inside is delightful.
I hope all you Diva’s and Diva’s-in-Training had a marvelous Thanksgiving holiday, I know I did with my friends and then I had the opportunity to visit my Brother and his wife in Santa Barbara, they have such a wonderful Spanish style home with a magnificent view of the Ocean. Of course knowing how dry drought conditions can be and considering all the fires that have been happening, he has taken very serious steps to insure that his home will be as fire safe as possible. All the usual precautions but also a most interesting pump system in which the entire house and grounds will be sprayed with water in case of fire----all it takes is a telephone call to trigger it if he’s away at work.
He hopes he never has to use it.
And of course I got to see my nieces and nephews as well, and I’m happy to say that a couple of weddings are in the planning stages, I advised them to make it simple and to not over do anything, see what the catering firm and the banquet hall can offer and focus on the wedding vows. Who knows before long there will be (I hope) little Diva’s in training for an Auntie to spoil.
Juanita had a wonderful Thanksgiving with her family and friends, I called her and said to take a few more days off as I was going to be a while with my own family, who I must confess also spoiled my little Diva Darling, Princess.
And now Christmas time is here, All right Diva’s now what do you do for the holidays.
There is one thing that I always advise Diva’s---do not forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is the time of giving, not just the giving of expensive gifts that can totally crash one’s credit card----that is the commercial aspect drummed up by corporations to extract from you from your hard earned cash on trivial things.
No Darlings----give something that will help----there are charities that help the homeless, battered women, needful children, food for families that are in need, who can barely rub to nickels together for warmth. There are the elderly, the forgotten, and the sick.
Look for charities that will help them such as Toys for Tots, St. Jude’s Hospital, Doctors without Borders, any local Food Bank, a local Church’s soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels and many more. Check your newspaper to see where help is needed.
Not to brag but I donate to St. Jude’s hospital and since I do not have children of my own I give to Toys for Tots, and Doctor’s without Borders. As well as other charities. Does it salve my conscious because I have while many do not?
Well Darlings not to sound maudlin but I put that question to my dear friend Mean Kitty----now she can have the sharpest tongue on this planet, but she looked at me and said (and I quote her) “It is important in life to help those not as fortunate, because by any act of kindness it just may be the very thing needed to help someone get back on their feet, but do not seek praise for it---just do it and don’t look back----Jesus once asked his apostles several questions and when they responded in the right way he said, “Feed my Flock, Guard my Sheep” His Flock and Sheep were all of human kind---now it’s impossible to save the entire world, but you can help one corner of it---just do it and don’t think about it, but do it all year long.”
And she was right and that is a Diva lesson for everyone----now on the practical side of donating to charities---Keep the receipts because your generosity helps at tax time. No matter what---a Diva must be practical as well.
Now for something Frivolous----I must confess I had a wonderful time at the Art Deco Deco the Halls antique show and sale----and I found the perfect Desk and Chair with matching glass enclosed book shelves all in blond wood right out of the 1940’s they look perfect in my little office/library. I already have a work center for the computer and everything----but it is not the same as a beautiful desk and chair to hand write notes and balance one’s budget----of course I have an excellent accountant, but Darlings it’s a wise Diva who always keeps an eye on her accounts and expenditures. And to be able to do it at a real desk gives a certain elegance that a computer workstation just does not have.
And I’m still doing decorating in my lovely new home; it’s shaping up very nicely.
And for Christmas, already I have a few choice decorations placed around the house and Manuel has strung some light decorations in the Front, including a perfect miniature tree. So cheerful. Some of my neighbors go to great lengths in decorating but I can understand it, they have children and grand children so why not.
Betsy, Will and I will be going to the Dunsmuir house Christmas Tour a lovely event but one must dress warmly and then well take in the holiday lights that are on display all over the town. I’ve already seen the Dickens Fair with Kenneth; it just gets you into the holiday spirit. And of course the traditional Nutcracker Ballet that is offered by the San Francisco Ballet Co.
I’m giving Juanita time off for the few days before Christmas to just after the New Year, she has family coming into town to visit and there is never enough time to see family.
I am going to see my other Brother and his wife and their children and little grandchildren for Christmas dinner in San Francisco; it will be nice to catch up on all their events in their lives.
Remember Diva’s Christmas is a time for family and friends----but if you love to shop, wear comfortable shoes and get to the stores early.
And I also advise that you read my friend Mean Kitty’s blog about Christmas---she really knows the spirit of Christmas. Her blog is http://meankittynotpc.blogspot.com.
Possums I must confess it was her that got me into doing a blog, even if it is a vanity one.
But now I must tell you that for one day out of the entire year, I am humbled, it’s on Christmas Eve, yes Darlings, I go to church and there listening to the prayers, the singing, I reflect back on my life and how blessed I am and I think long and hard about that family on a cold night looking for shelter and the promise that was presented.
Darlings I do recommend, go to Church at least twice a year, on Christmas Eve and on Easter Eve it’s only then that you can truly understand the meaning of life. For all my frivolity I do read the Bible and I do ponder upon the teachings of the man from Nazareth, I am fallible, I make mistakes, I am vain, and maybe selfish, but no matter what I try to do the best I can, for all my sins.
And that too is being a Diva. So Happy Holidays Darlings, Enjoy! And if you don’t hear from me before New Years---well I’m having fun!
Until Anon. this Diva is snuggling up with her little Diva Darling and dreaming of Gucci, Prada, Chanel
Thursday, November 22, 2007
A Tiny Diva Darling~~
Well Darlings I did it!!
In the midst of everything, I made a very serious commitment!! To a 4 pound ball of fluff!
All right Possums let me start from the beginning. 2 months ago my dear, sweet friend Betty’s cat, Tigger, passed away (20 years old the poor little creature was) and after a couple of weeks, Betty was feeling very lost, so I suggested that we go to one of the shelters or adoption programs to find the one kitten that felt that it would belong to Betty.
But try as we might there was nothing! And I have to confess, seeing all those lost little kitties and doggies just broke my heart. There was so much love at these places just waiting to be given a home.
Betty (rightfully) insisted that there had to be a “special connection” otherwise it was not right. I certainly could not argue with that logic and it was dear Betty’s feelings I was considering. While we were having a light lunch someone had left a local newspaper about a shelter accepting applications for volunteers, and that the volunteers would be trained.
Betty called for the hours the shelter was open and then said to me “Let’s go there after lunch, its close by.” So I agreed, hoping that Betty would find the little life that would fill the empty void in her heart (Betty has children but they all live out of state because of their jobs).
So we arrived and I saw that this shelter was accepting applications for volunteers as well as donations. I asked about donations to help out with the animals waiting to be adopted, which they told me about as Betty went to the back area to look among the cats and the kittens. After a few minutes Betty came breathlessly back and said I had to look at this kitten---well there it was, a little thing with deep green-yellow eyes, and it put a paw out to Betty as she approached. Betty then asked me to approach this kitten’s cage and I did but the kitten totally ignored me, its green-yellow eyes completely focused on Betty.
“She’s the one! Oh she’s such a flirt!” Betty exclaimed. I couldn’t agree more, the little thing is beauty, alert, and appeared to have a sharp intellect. She was mostly white with a couple of dark brown spots, longish fur but not too long, and a long fluffy tail that the kitten would hold straight up like a flag. I was happy to see Betty happy.
While Betty was doing the paper work to adopt “Jezebel”, I noticed that I didn’t hear too much barking and asked if they had dogs or puppies waiting to be adopted, the attendant said that they only had a couple at the time, which for them was unusual and that one of them acted vicious, a pit bull that was being trained to fight when they rescued it. They were hoping for a member of a pit bull group to come soon and foster the dog to see if it could become adoptable.
I asked if there were any others and they said they only had one other in, so I took a look and there she was, the smallest, saddest, folornest little creature I had ever seen.
She was a cross between a Pomeranian and Chihuahua with reddish blond hair, not quite as fluffy as a Pom, but tiny. She was curled up on the small bath rug that was provided, I could tell that this was a comedown for her; she looked up at me with eyes that didn’t hold out much hope but not devoid of interest. I went back and asked the attendant what was the history behind the little dog and was told that her elderly owner had died suddenly over a month ago, there were no relatives to take it in as the owner had died alone and had not made any provision for the future care of the little thing, she was three years old, had all it’s shots, in excellent health, house broken and a lovely disposition, but not a good match for a family with active children, which pretty much left the little thing alone since all that was coming in were families with children that was looking for an active family oriented pet.
The Lawyer and executor of the late woman’s will gave specific instructions that the dog was to be adopted and not put to sleep and that there were funds to pay for the board and care of the little thing until it was adopted. I went back and looked at her again and this time she looked at me with more interest, ----dare I? Should I?
Just then a very large and loud man and his wife came in to look at the animals waiting to be adopted; his voice was so loud that I could see the little thing recoil. Looking at the man’s wife she looked like she had been brow beaten over many years.
They were about to look at the little thing and I spoke up and said “I’m sorry but I’m adopting her, I just have to put in the paper work” and quickly went to the attendant and said I’m adopting the little dog. The attendant didn’t waste any time went and brought out the dog and put her into my arms, all the while the loud man was blustering about the dog, but the attendant was firm that I was adopting the dog and that the other one was not up for adoption.
The man continued to be loud until I said “Sir, your life must be very busy with your job and your home life, I suggest that you not adopt any animal that would require a long term commitment, it may not meet your requirements and instead think of installing a pond for Koi, you may find it more satisfying.”
He looked at me dumbfounded but was quiet and taking my courage and working my charm I said “You appear to be a person who loves beautiful, graceful things, yet you need to be free to go and enjoy such beauty as well as attending to business and family which I’m sure make great demands on your time. Having a dog or cat would tie you down, you couldn’t give it the proper attention that a busy person like yourself has to deal with, but a pond to breed and raise beautiful Koi would be perfect for your aesthetic tastes and values and the amount of time and commitment that you could provide.” I was more than surprised that it stopped his bluster, and he began to preen himself muttering something about how busy and important he was.
With further discussion and nudging (on my part and my noticing a smile and a look of relief on his wife’s face) he agreed that something like that would be perfect since he was planning to expand their green house, and a Koi pond would be a perfect addition especially since in the green house it could be enjoyed year around, he could see the value in it and they left in their Mercedes.
Betty and the attendant looked at me with amazed looks and even I could feel myself in shock at having that kind of courage to try that ploy on that man, but Diva’s need to have that kind of courage.
I then realized my decision was the right one when I felt a soft, gentle, wet lick on the side of my cheek, possibly removing some of my make-up. I looked into the now bright eyes and happy face of my little ‘Cinderella’ pooch that proceeded to give me another quick, gentle lick on the tip of my nose, which left me laughing. I looked further at the little thing and realized she needed serious grooming and wondered who would be best for her, not having had this situation before; fortunately the attendant who was putting the paperwork together for our formal adoption was able to give me that information.
It seems that the Lawyer had provided a list of the vet and grooming services that had been working on her, “Well” I said “We are going to have to make you into a little Princess again.” and the attendant said, “How did you know her name was Princess?”
Over the next few days I took her into her vet and her groomer and introduced myself as “Princess’s New Mommy” (Oh that does sound so precious). She’s’ had her full check up and complete grooming from her tiny little head to her tiny little toes. (I know it does sound so Too-Too) and when she came out of the Doggie Beauty Parlor she acted like she knew that all was very right with the world.
So now Betty has her Jezebel who is the perfect fit for Betty, so sweet, and I have Princess; amazingly they get on very well when I take Princess with me to visit my dear friend. Right now in all her preened glory she sits next to me on her own chair and cushion as I write.
I make a regular donation to the shelter where I found my little Diva Darling as well as to the local SPCA. My little princess now goes with me everywhere in her little carryall. I was concerned that my housekeeper Juanita would be upset about my bringing a dog into my newly purchased house but the minute she saw her, soft words of endearments flowed from Juanita’s lips and Princess is very happy with her as well. More than once I’ve spotted them playing catch and Juanita sneaking to her tempting tid-bits. Hmmm, I think I’m going to have to watch Princess’s weight.
Ellen Degeneres and the Iggy situation helped make people aware that there is a lot of love to be adopted at the SPCA and the local animal shelter, but always be sure that it is the right fit for you.
My days are made even more interesting because of this little ball of fluff, she listens to my thoughts and offers her opinions and has the joie de vivre of life, my friends include her in all our adventures, she adores riding in my mustang “Ms. Wicked” and Bill’s Packard. She relaxes when I play the old songs, dances to Dean Martin, loves to curl up in my lap when I watch an old movie and sits right in the middle when my friends come over for hors d’oeuvres, good wine and sparkling conversation, She has become quite the Diva Darling that she deserves to be.
So now my Housekeeper Juanita has gone to join her very large family for Thanksgiving festivities. So I won’t see her for the next 4 days, she has been so excited about seeing her family.
I and Princess are getting together with Bill and Irma and Irma’s sister Iris and Bill and Betty---my goodness two Bills and they are Packard enthusiasts! Just love it! So we are going to have a delightful Thanksgiving dinner at Betty’s home, with other good friends.
All I can say Darlings is that Life for us Divas’ is Good.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving to one and all and Remember Diva’s there is a lot to be Thankful for and to also spread the blessings around to those that are not so fortunate, the Holiday Season is a very hard time to those that are not so lucky as we are.
This Diva signing off thinking of cranberry sauce and stuffing and knowing that she will have to pay for it at the gym. ***sigh****
In the midst of everything, I made a very serious commitment!! To a 4 pound ball of fluff!
All right Possums let me start from the beginning. 2 months ago my dear, sweet friend Betty’s cat, Tigger, passed away (20 years old the poor little creature was) and after a couple of weeks, Betty was feeling very lost, so I suggested that we go to one of the shelters or adoption programs to find the one kitten that felt that it would belong to Betty.
But try as we might there was nothing! And I have to confess, seeing all those lost little kitties and doggies just broke my heart. There was so much love at these places just waiting to be given a home.
Betty (rightfully) insisted that there had to be a “special connection” otherwise it was not right. I certainly could not argue with that logic and it was dear Betty’s feelings I was considering. While we were having a light lunch someone had left a local newspaper about a shelter accepting applications for volunteers, and that the volunteers would be trained.
Betty called for the hours the shelter was open and then said to me “Let’s go there after lunch, its close by.” So I agreed, hoping that Betty would find the little life that would fill the empty void in her heart (Betty has children but they all live out of state because of their jobs).
So we arrived and I saw that this shelter was accepting applications for volunteers as well as donations. I asked about donations to help out with the animals waiting to be adopted, which they told me about as Betty went to the back area to look among the cats and the kittens. After a few minutes Betty came breathlessly back and said I had to look at this kitten---well there it was, a little thing with deep green-yellow eyes, and it put a paw out to Betty as she approached. Betty then asked me to approach this kitten’s cage and I did but the kitten totally ignored me, its green-yellow eyes completely focused on Betty.
“She’s the one! Oh she’s such a flirt!” Betty exclaimed. I couldn’t agree more, the little thing is beauty, alert, and appeared to have a sharp intellect. She was mostly white with a couple of dark brown spots, longish fur but not too long, and a long fluffy tail that the kitten would hold straight up like a flag. I was happy to see Betty happy.
While Betty was doing the paper work to adopt “Jezebel”, I noticed that I didn’t hear too much barking and asked if they had dogs or puppies waiting to be adopted, the attendant said that they only had a couple at the time, which for them was unusual and that one of them acted vicious, a pit bull that was being trained to fight when they rescued it. They were hoping for a member of a pit bull group to come soon and foster the dog to see if it could become adoptable.
I asked if there were any others and they said they only had one other in, so I took a look and there she was, the smallest, saddest, folornest little creature I had ever seen.
She was a cross between a Pomeranian and Chihuahua with reddish blond hair, not quite as fluffy as a Pom, but tiny. She was curled up on the small bath rug that was provided, I could tell that this was a comedown for her; she looked up at me with eyes that didn’t hold out much hope but not devoid of interest. I went back and asked the attendant what was the history behind the little dog and was told that her elderly owner had died suddenly over a month ago, there were no relatives to take it in as the owner had died alone and had not made any provision for the future care of the little thing, she was three years old, had all it’s shots, in excellent health, house broken and a lovely disposition, but not a good match for a family with active children, which pretty much left the little thing alone since all that was coming in were families with children that was looking for an active family oriented pet.
The Lawyer and executor of the late woman’s will gave specific instructions that the dog was to be adopted and not put to sleep and that there were funds to pay for the board and care of the little thing until it was adopted. I went back and looked at her again and this time she looked at me with more interest, ----dare I? Should I?
Just then a very large and loud man and his wife came in to look at the animals waiting to be adopted; his voice was so loud that I could see the little thing recoil. Looking at the man’s wife she looked like she had been brow beaten over many years.
They were about to look at the little thing and I spoke up and said “I’m sorry but I’m adopting her, I just have to put in the paper work” and quickly went to the attendant and said I’m adopting the little dog. The attendant didn’t waste any time went and brought out the dog and put her into my arms, all the while the loud man was blustering about the dog, but the attendant was firm that I was adopting the dog and that the other one was not up for adoption.
The man continued to be loud until I said “Sir, your life must be very busy with your job and your home life, I suggest that you not adopt any animal that would require a long term commitment, it may not meet your requirements and instead think of installing a pond for Koi, you may find it more satisfying.”
He looked at me dumbfounded but was quiet and taking my courage and working my charm I said “You appear to be a person who loves beautiful, graceful things, yet you need to be free to go and enjoy such beauty as well as attending to business and family which I’m sure make great demands on your time. Having a dog or cat would tie you down, you couldn’t give it the proper attention that a busy person like yourself has to deal with, but a pond to breed and raise beautiful Koi would be perfect for your aesthetic tastes and values and the amount of time and commitment that you could provide.” I was more than surprised that it stopped his bluster, and he began to preen himself muttering something about how busy and important he was.
With further discussion and nudging (on my part and my noticing a smile and a look of relief on his wife’s face) he agreed that something like that would be perfect since he was planning to expand their green house, and a Koi pond would be a perfect addition especially since in the green house it could be enjoyed year around, he could see the value in it and they left in their Mercedes.
Betty and the attendant looked at me with amazed looks and even I could feel myself in shock at having that kind of courage to try that ploy on that man, but Diva’s need to have that kind of courage.
I then realized my decision was the right one when I felt a soft, gentle, wet lick on the side of my cheek, possibly removing some of my make-up. I looked into the now bright eyes and happy face of my little ‘Cinderella’ pooch that proceeded to give me another quick, gentle lick on the tip of my nose, which left me laughing. I looked further at the little thing and realized she needed serious grooming and wondered who would be best for her, not having had this situation before; fortunately the attendant who was putting the paperwork together for our formal adoption was able to give me that information.
It seems that the Lawyer had provided a list of the vet and grooming services that had been working on her, “Well” I said “We are going to have to make you into a little Princess again.” and the attendant said, “How did you know her name was Princess?”
Over the next few days I took her into her vet and her groomer and introduced myself as “Princess’s New Mommy” (Oh that does sound so precious). She’s’ had her full check up and complete grooming from her tiny little head to her tiny little toes. (I know it does sound so Too-Too) and when she came out of the Doggie Beauty Parlor she acted like she knew that all was very right with the world.
So now Betty has her Jezebel who is the perfect fit for Betty, so sweet, and I have Princess; amazingly they get on very well when I take Princess with me to visit my dear friend. Right now in all her preened glory she sits next to me on her own chair and cushion as I write.
I make a regular donation to the shelter where I found my little Diva Darling as well as to the local SPCA. My little princess now goes with me everywhere in her little carryall. I was concerned that my housekeeper Juanita would be upset about my bringing a dog into my newly purchased house but the minute she saw her, soft words of endearments flowed from Juanita’s lips and Princess is very happy with her as well. More than once I’ve spotted them playing catch and Juanita sneaking to her tempting tid-bits. Hmmm, I think I’m going to have to watch Princess’s weight.
Ellen Degeneres and the Iggy situation helped make people aware that there is a lot of love to be adopted at the SPCA and the local animal shelter, but always be sure that it is the right fit for you.
My days are made even more interesting because of this little ball of fluff, she listens to my thoughts and offers her opinions and has the joie de vivre of life, my friends include her in all our adventures, she adores riding in my mustang “Ms. Wicked” and Bill’s Packard. She relaxes when I play the old songs, dances to Dean Martin, loves to curl up in my lap when I watch an old movie and sits right in the middle when my friends come over for hors d’oeuvres, good wine and sparkling conversation, She has become quite the Diva Darling that she deserves to be.
So now my Housekeeper Juanita has gone to join her very large family for Thanksgiving festivities. So I won’t see her for the next 4 days, she has been so excited about seeing her family.
I and Princess are getting together with Bill and Irma and Irma’s sister Iris and Bill and Betty---my goodness two Bills and they are Packard enthusiasts! Just love it! So we are going to have a delightful Thanksgiving dinner at Betty’s home, with other good friends.
All I can say Darlings is that Life for us Divas’ is Good.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving to one and all and Remember Diva’s there is a lot to be Thankful for and to also spread the blessings around to those that are not so fortunate, the Holiday Season is a very hard time to those that are not so lucky as we are.
This Diva signing off thinking of cranberry sauce and stuffing and knowing that she will have to pay for it at the gym. ***sigh****
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Time to bring you up to date Darlings,
I think Darlings that it is time that I have brought all of you up to speed on what has happened in this Diva’s life.
I told you that I bought a new car “Miss Wicked” and was in the process of selling my old home and buying a new one.
Well there was a bidding war for my home, most unusual, I didn’t expect it but a husband and wife (both doctors) with two children (boy 6, girl 4) finally laid claim to it. We worked out a very happy arrangement.
Most of the furniture that I had I was happy to sell with the exception of some personal pieces, I have this beautiful Art Modern Vanity table and chair made of solid Maple that was lighten, that has a very unusual shape. It was a piece that I insisted on purchasing, even though my late husband despised it, he claimed it was too, too decadent, poor prude.
But in my previous maudlin state I told you a bit about my marriage to him, not a bad one really when you consider the number of abused women that have to suffer the tortures of the damned.
But enough of that Possums. Well while I was waiting on who would purchase my house and selling off (thanks to an excellent antique dealer that I know) what I didn’t want, I closed the deal on Iris’s house---a very simple arrangement really, had a team of workmen in there to spruce it up with paint and lay down new cedar in the closets, check out the plumbing, bought a new stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, dryer. Just so much FUN!
In the mean time I had my housekeeper Juanita and her daughter Constance store for moving my wardrobe---and it was a good thing it was a team effort, there were things I decided I didn’t want. Constance was eying this evening gown that I couldn’t make up my mind about and I decided that I didn’t want it, so I asked her if she would like it (we’re the same size) and she did. So since Constance was my size we came to a very happy arrangement. I told her that if there was something that didn’t look good on her to take it to this high-end consignment shop and she could get extra money for it.
But the evening gown---It looked so beautiful and right for her----I told her she better keep it for special events. When her husband Manuel came into the room he was dumfounded, his mouth just hung open and then a big smile came on his face, and he said to her in Spanish “You are so beautiful, this makes you look like a Queen, an Angel”
Well even more things turned out just right---Poor Juanita told me that the rent on her small apartment was being raised and couldn’t afford the increase, but that Constance and Manuel wanted to take her in but things would be very crowded I told them that there is a Maid’s room at the new house and if Juanita wanted to she could move in there.
Well we all went over to the new house, (I had to check on the workmen anyway) and showed Juanita the room with its own bath. It’s view out onto the lagoon, and Juanita said that it was larger than her own apartment---- Darlings that even shocked me!
Right away we made arrangements, I talked to the workmen and told them the next room to be painted was Juanita’s and we set about choosing colors (really Juanita did I wanted it to be her choice).
Now my Dear’s where is this all going----simple----it’s a wise Diva that can take a situation and make it so that by benefiting others it also benefits you. By having Juanita move into the new house, she would be saving money on rent; her daughter knew that she would be safe. I was guaranteed that someone would be watching the house when I traveled. And Constance and Manuel would be able to help me on the property from time to time. And I could rely on them. Juanita would avoid that horrible commute and feel more relaxed and refreshed and she could park her car in the three car garage, which still left enough space to store things like extra linens or holiday decorations.
So after the workmen painted Juanita’s room, her family helped her move in, and once the workmen were completely done working on the house, I had a landscaper come in and work on improving the landscape---I decided on roses, very fragrant roses.
Then Irma and I went to Thomasville and I bought the selected pieces of furniture from the Bogart Lux Collection that I wanted. Dears the Bedroom piece with the curved headboard and matching end tables was a perfect match to my vanity table. I just knew I was on the right track. All so Art Deco to Art Modern, and then it was new bed linens, and everything else.
I’m still decorating the place, although I love the dinning room chairs I was not happy with the dinning room table, so I’m still looking for a table.
But Darlings I’m happy, comfortably ensconced in a home I adore, I sold the one that was too big for me but perfect for the family that bought it (just know that now it will be a happy home)---made a nice little bundle on the antique furniture that my late---but not very lamented husband had purchased.
And now I’m going to the Art Deco Show that will be offered in December---two days worth of looking and choosing, I don’t know what I’m going to find---but it will be fun looking for it.
Happy?? You can never be too old to be Happy and live your life and your dream, remember that Darlings.
Now I must dress, we are planning to go to Bix’s. Should be fun.
Kisses Darlings, until later, dream expensive dreams.
I told you that I bought a new car “Miss Wicked” and was in the process of selling my old home and buying a new one.
Well there was a bidding war for my home, most unusual, I didn’t expect it but a husband and wife (both doctors) with two children (boy 6, girl 4) finally laid claim to it. We worked out a very happy arrangement.
Most of the furniture that I had I was happy to sell with the exception of some personal pieces, I have this beautiful Art Modern Vanity table and chair made of solid Maple that was lighten, that has a very unusual shape. It was a piece that I insisted on purchasing, even though my late husband despised it, he claimed it was too, too decadent, poor prude.
But in my previous maudlin state I told you a bit about my marriage to him, not a bad one really when you consider the number of abused women that have to suffer the tortures of the damned.
But enough of that Possums. Well while I was waiting on who would purchase my house and selling off (thanks to an excellent antique dealer that I know) what I didn’t want, I closed the deal on Iris’s house---a very simple arrangement really, had a team of workmen in there to spruce it up with paint and lay down new cedar in the closets, check out the plumbing, bought a new stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, dryer. Just so much FUN!
In the mean time I had my housekeeper Juanita and her daughter Constance store for moving my wardrobe---and it was a good thing it was a team effort, there were things I decided I didn’t want. Constance was eying this evening gown that I couldn’t make up my mind about and I decided that I didn’t want it, so I asked her if she would like it (we’re the same size) and she did. So since Constance was my size we came to a very happy arrangement. I told her that if there was something that didn’t look good on her to take it to this high-end consignment shop and she could get extra money for it.
But the evening gown---It looked so beautiful and right for her----I told her she better keep it for special events. When her husband Manuel came into the room he was dumfounded, his mouth just hung open and then a big smile came on his face, and he said to her in Spanish “You are so beautiful, this makes you look like a Queen, an Angel”
Well even more things turned out just right---Poor Juanita told me that the rent on her small apartment was being raised and couldn’t afford the increase, but that Constance and Manuel wanted to take her in but things would be very crowded I told them that there is a Maid’s room at the new house and if Juanita wanted to she could move in there.
Well we all went over to the new house, (I had to check on the workmen anyway) and showed Juanita the room with its own bath. It’s view out onto the lagoon, and Juanita said that it was larger than her own apartment---- Darlings that even shocked me!
Right away we made arrangements, I talked to the workmen and told them the next room to be painted was Juanita’s and we set about choosing colors (really Juanita did I wanted it to be her choice).
Now my Dear’s where is this all going----simple----it’s a wise Diva that can take a situation and make it so that by benefiting others it also benefits you. By having Juanita move into the new house, she would be saving money on rent; her daughter knew that she would be safe. I was guaranteed that someone would be watching the house when I traveled. And Constance and Manuel would be able to help me on the property from time to time. And I could rely on them. Juanita would avoid that horrible commute and feel more relaxed and refreshed and she could park her car in the three car garage, which still left enough space to store things like extra linens or holiday decorations.
So after the workmen painted Juanita’s room, her family helped her move in, and once the workmen were completely done working on the house, I had a landscaper come in and work on improving the landscape---I decided on roses, very fragrant roses.
Then Irma and I went to Thomasville and I bought the selected pieces of furniture from the Bogart Lux Collection that I wanted. Dears the Bedroom piece with the curved headboard and matching end tables was a perfect match to my vanity table. I just knew I was on the right track. All so Art Deco to Art Modern, and then it was new bed linens, and everything else.
I’m still decorating the place, although I love the dinning room chairs I was not happy with the dinning room table, so I’m still looking for a table.
But Darlings I’m happy, comfortably ensconced in a home I adore, I sold the one that was too big for me but perfect for the family that bought it (just know that now it will be a happy home)---made a nice little bundle on the antique furniture that my late---but not very lamented husband had purchased.
And now I’m going to the Art Deco Show that will be offered in December---two days worth of looking and choosing, I don’t know what I’m going to find---but it will be fun looking for it.
Happy?? You can never be too old to be Happy and live your life and your dream, remember that Darlings.
Now I must dress, we are planning to go to Bix’s. Should be fun.
Kisses Darlings, until later, dream expensive dreams.
One too many martinis and babbling~~~
Alright Possums, this Diva is feeling a little maudlin tonight, maybe one too many martinis.
Diva’s, sometimes one needs to do a bit of reflecting to see where life’s path has taken you, what was right or wrong with your decisions.
But you also have to be aware of the time frame and the perceptions of society of that time. When I was growing up, although my parents wanted me to think independently, make my own money and be financially independent, I was still growing up in an era where women were the dutiful house wives to make the home perfect for their husbands.
Such a conflict!! And such a pressure. Well after college, I was doing very well for myself in my investments making a very good income and I was very reluctant to share that with a husband, any husband.
But my Mother worried that I would be alone for the rest of my life and my Father had met a man who understood business especially from a legal standpoint and was moving up in the law firm that his own father had started. “A good catch” my Mother said, “Excellent Background and a good mind” my Father said----“Handsome” my friends said. But I thought “What is the problem?” then I realized and I talked it over with my Father----“Dad I don’t want to give over my money that I earn to him should we marry, what if there is something that doesn’t work out, I want to be independent just in case”
My Father was wise enough to see my point---he remembered his sister who committed suicide trapped in an abusive marriage and financially had no way out. So he talked to my erstwhile suitor and told him what the arrangements would be and this was before the age of “Pre-nuptial agreements”
So we married, during the honeymoon we came to even further verbal agreements, and I knew the marriage would be loveless and childless. Now a day’s people are quick to see a divorce but you have to remember Possums back then that would have been unseemly and I also knew that the connections that my new husband had would benefit my Father.
I didn’t like the house that he owned but he wasn’t going to sell it for my sake, he bought it for his own self importance.
So since he purchased the house and furnished it before we were married I had decided that there were battles worth fighting and those that weren’t. It’s a wise Diva that knows this.
Decorating the house that he bought was not worth fighting over, there was only one area that I held sway and that was my dressing room, personal sitting room and bath. It was an equitable arrangement. The only time we had an argument was over an Art Modern Vanity table that I bought, he thought it was decadent, I thought it was beautiful I told him that since it was going to be in my dressing room he didn’t have to see it.
Even he realized that there are times to retreat. And he needed me too. I am smart, witty, beautiful, knowledgeable, looked good on his arm, could raise money at charity functions, plan the perfect party, I was the perfect partner to his life.
He let me have my indulgences, my investment and own funds, my 1930’s movies and music, period clothing styles, some of my friends that had the same interests, performing in community theatre; as a matter of fact he made such theatre events a thing for staff and clients.
Oh please don’t misunderstand me, my husband was a good man, he just wanted things his way, and since I had the assistance of an excellent small staff to keep his house running it wasn’t too hard. It left me free to make my own personal investments (and investigations---most interesting story there).
All right I’ll come out with it, I knew that my husband had a mistress; I realized that after we had been married for nearly 20 years. Since he knew that we not commingle funds, there was a house fund, housekeeping and food fund, a bill paying fund and then his monies and mine, we put into the 4 initial funds and since he was the greater breadwinner he always put in more; if he insisted on a large party he would provide the extra money. If I wanted a little get together I paid for it.
He would buy me gifts, furs, jewelry etc. and had no problem with my clothing bill and we did have our medical and dental plan, he never denied me anything---and I knew why.
The Why was Miss 5 ft 5 inches; dark brunette hair, full lips, deep blue eyes, and a figure that was a knock out as they say, 25 years younger---and she kept him happy. But as I’ve always said it’s a wise Diva who knows where her husband stashes his extra money. And my investigations paid off.
One day I informed my husband that it would be a wise thing to do simple wills until we could think of how we wanted to set up a living trust. I pointed out that since I was in my late 40’s and he in his early 50’s it might be a wise move. We had no children (which would have been a blessing but that wasn’t to be) and except for my two siblings and his very elderly mother, we had no other close relatives and my siblings were well off anyway. I thought at first he would resist the idea, but then I could see the wheels in his mind clicking---hmmm wills, hmmm trust, hmmm mistress, hmmm wife.
I suggested that the wills be a temporary arrangement because he was doing a lot of traveling (by plane) until we had some free time to think it all over. Well it wasn’t until later that I found out that he thought that he would have enough time to later sign over some property, stocks and funds to his mistress while we were going to set up the trust and that he could do it secretly since he thought I didn’t know about his love nest arrangement.
But remember my Dear Future Diva’s Moi had been doing her investigations and knew where everything was buried, or comfortably ensconced.
(Am I being Catty---well-----Yes!)
So he thought that the wills would not be a problem until he could make his own private arrangements. (And how did I know that---why though his mistress’s Diary---I’ll explain that in a bit)
Now Darlings you have to understand I had no ulterior motive in mind, I just was aware that we had not made arrangements in case the unexpected happened. Of course my husband thought that he would never die, as a matter of fact he thought he would out live me since there was a background history of stroke and heart attacks in my father’s family, while his lived to very ripe old age, as a matter of fact his mother was still living in a very comfortable and expensive retirement community, the only reason why his father had died was an auto accident (coming home from His mistress’s place, like father like son they say) { Alright yes, Meeyooowl}
But even God has a very peculiar sense of humor, and the Devil takes his own. (Now remember Darlings he was in his own way a good husband, just a cold, sometimes difficult man to deal with and when I married him it was a different time and outlook)
Who would have thought that insuffient de-icing of the wings of a commercial jet airliner would bring our marriage to its final end? I remember kissing him before he flew off, and asked him to at least call to let me know what his return flight would be, then for the next week I went about my business, he would call briefly and up date me on events. Although once when he called I could clearly hear a female voice giggling faintly in the background. Oh well I thought, if he wanted to cheat on the both of us that was his choice, I’m the one with the marriage license.
What I didn’t known at the time is that he took his mistress with him, in a round about way after the plane crash I found out that he sent her by rail to New York for a shopping spree and she joined him a couple of days later, forwarding by UPS all her purchases, to the love nest, hmmm.
I do have to admit, when I found out that it was his flight that had crashed, I felt numb. I realized there wasn’t anything I could do until his remains were properly identified. But when I discovered her name on the boarding list, well then I knew as soon as possible I had to take action. His partners were dumbfounded that I knew where he kept everything and I took action through another legal firm to transfer all that which he had been planning to give to his now late mistress, into my name.
Do I sound cold? Sorry Darlings, but you have to remember I was not sure how I was going to do in my finances, I still had a house to pay off and staff to pay that were dependent upon me, as well as his outstanding bills. I didn’t love him really, but in my own way I was fond of him. And I respected his intelligence in legal and business matters, I learned from him really.
Getting information from his partners I told them that I knew about the mistress and through my investigative sources found out that she had parents and a younger sister and brother. The parents could afford to send the son to college but not the daughter, so Miss 5 ft 5 was sending extra money back to pay for her sisters’ college fund.
The parents could not afford to have the body shipped home but I told them a “little white lie” I said that Miss 5ft 5 was my husbands assistant and that the firm would make arrangements to transport her body home and pay for all the funeral arrangements---which through some arm-twisting they did (Remember Diva’s must be good with Arm Twisting) and though more arm-twisting had them pay out a sizeable amount to cover the money’s needed to pay the sisters’ way through college----we told the parents that it was part of the company insurance policy.
Alright why did I do that----she wasn’t a bad girl---in taking possession of the luxury apartment condo I discovered in a diary that she did care for my late husband, Hmmm I thought, from what I was reading he treated her like a pet that needed to be coddled and watched over---and she gave him complete devotion. Although she did have an ulterior motive, her sister’s college education. I couldn’t fault that---although I have to confess I did wish that he had given me at least half the affection that he gave her.
I destroyed the diary, made arrangements for her mother and sister to travel to her apartment to box and ship those personal items they wanted to keep. I told them to not worry about the lease on the apartment that my lawyer would make arrangements and that it would not be any financial outlay on their part. Again a little white lie, since I was the now legal owner, so why bother their heads about it.
My motive? Why darlings, even I could feel pity---I’m not heartless, I was angry but then in a way I realized that I had sold myself too many years before, but for other reasons---and I was the one with the marriage license. And I knew he would never leave me, things were too good. Remember Divas a married man will never give up his wife and if he does then can you trust him to be faithful? In her diary she constantly thought that he would leave me. Be careful Divas of lies to the heart, they are always false.
Even though this took place 12 years ago, things always remain the same.
I still get a card every Christmas from the sister----she is doing very well in her profession in, of all things, investment banking---hmmm.
His Mother, poor thing was very broken up, her only son, I knew that her care fell to me and I knew I had to do the right thing, she had been in my situation when she was married to my now late husband’s father. And she didn’t have the extra resources at her disposal that I had. She had to have her needs taken care of. Strangely enough we grew closer together, she shared many memories of her husband, her son, her life before them, her dreams she never realized, and she always wanted to be an artist, but her husband discouraged her in that, but I had seen her pencil sketches.
So one day I took her to an artist studio and had her discover water colors, eventually she had her own showing and her works sold very well. It gave her back some of the dreams that she had lost. She passed away in her sleep 5 years after, but feeling more fulfilled than before. Because I would have her over to the house I didn’t change a thing, I was concerned that it would upset her, after she passed away, I didn’t feel the need to have to change anything---why would I, I thought.
Until one day that long flight of stairs just became too much for me, I found myself with shortness of breath. Well a doctor’s examination and pills took care of most of that, but oh that long flight of stairs.
That is why Iris’s house is just so perfect, and I can be fully my own person as I want to be, maybe late in life but better late than never they say.
Oh my dear’s one should never drink more than 2 vodka martinis---all the memories come streaming back---and I have no idea why I blabbed all this to you, except maybe for all of you to learn from it. Always be careful and always remain independent.
Anon for now—this Diva is going to look for an aspirin.
Diva’s, sometimes one needs to do a bit of reflecting to see where life’s path has taken you, what was right or wrong with your decisions.
But you also have to be aware of the time frame and the perceptions of society of that time. When I was growing up, although my parents wanted me to think independently, make my own money and be financially independent, I was still growing up in an era where women were the dutiful house wives to make the home perfect for their husbands.
Such a conflict!! And such a pressure. Well after college, I was doing very well for myself in my investments making a very good income and I was very reluctant to share that with a husband, any husband.
But my Mother worried that I would be alone for the rest of my life and my Father had met a man who understood business especially from a legal standpoint and was moving up in the law firm that his own father had started. “A good catch” my Mother said, “Excellent Background and a good mind” my Father said----“Handsome” my friends said. But I thought “What is the problem?” then I realized and I talked it over with my Father----“Dad I don’t want to give over my money that I earn to him should we marry, what if there is something that doesn’t work out, I want to be independent just in case”
My Father was wise enough to see my point---he remembered his sister who committed suicide trapped in an abusive marriage and financially had no way out. So he talked to my erstwhile suitor and told him what the arrangements would be and this was before the age of “Pre-nuptial agreements”
So we married, during the honeymoon we came to even further verbal agreements, and I knew the marriage would be loveless and childless. Now a day’s people are quick to see a divorce but you have to remember Possums back then that would have been unseemly and I also knew that the connections that my new husband had would benefit my Father.
I didn’t like the house that he owned but he wasn’t going to sell it for my sake, he bought it for his own self importance.
So since he purchased the house and furnished it before we were married I had decided that there were battles worth fighting and those that weren’t. It’s a wise Diva that knows this.
Decorating the house that he bought was not worth fighting over, there was only one area that I held sway and that was my dressing room, personal sitting room and bath. It was an equitable arrangement. The only time we had an argument was over an Art Modern Vanity table that I bought, he thought it was decadent, I thought it was beautiful I told him that since it was going to be in my dressing room he didn’t have to see it.
Even he realized that there are times to retreat. And he needed me too. I am smart, witty, beautiful, knowledgeable, looked good on his arm, could raise money at charity functions, plan the perfect party, I was the perfect partner to his life.
He let me have my indulgences, my investment and own funds, my 1930’s movies and music, period clothing styles, some of my friends that had the same interests, performing in community theatre; as a matter of fact he made such theatre events a thing for staff and clients.
Oh please don’t misunderstand me, my husband was a good man, he just wanted things his way, and since I had the assistance of an excellent small staff to keep his house running it wasn’t too hard. It left me free to make my own personal investments (and investigations---most interesting story there).
All right I’ll come out with it, I knew that my husband had a mistress; I realized that after we had been married for nearly 20 years. Since he knew that we not commingle funds, there was a house fund, housekeeping and food fund, a bill paying fund and then his monies and mine, we put into the 4 initial funds and since he was the greater breadwinner he always put in more; if he insisted on a large party he would provide the extra money. If I wanted a little get together I paid for it.
He would buy me gifts, furs, jewelry etc. and had no problem with my clothing bill and we did have our medical and dental plan, he never denied me anything---and I knew why.
The Why was Miss 5 ft 5 inches; dark brunette hair, full lips, deep blue eyes, and a figure that was a knock out as they say, 25 years younger---and she kept him happy. But as I’ve always said it’s a wise Diva who knows where her husband stashes his extra money. And my investigations paid off.
One day I informed my husband that it would be a wise thing to do simple wills until we could think of how we wanted to set up a living trust. I pointed out that since I was in my late 40’s and he in his early 50’s it might be a wise move. We had no children (which would have been a blessing but that wasn’t to be) and except for my two siblings and his very elderly mother, we had no other close relatives and my siblings were well off anyway. I thought at first he would resist the idea, but then I could see the wheels in his mind clicking---hmmm wills, hmmm trust, hmmm mistress, hmmm wife.
I suggested that the wills be a temporary arrangement because he was doing a lot of traveling (by plane) until we had some free time to think it all over. Well it wasn’t until later that I found out that he thought that he would have enough time to later sign over some property, stocks and funds to his mistress while we were going to set up the trust and that he could do it secretly since he thought I didn’t know about his love nest arrangement.
But remember my Dear Future Diva’s Moi had been doing her investigations and knew where everything was buried, or comfortably ensconced.
(Am I being Catty---well-----Yes!)
So he thought that the wills would not be a problem until he could make his own private arrangements. (And how did I know that---why though his mistress’s Diary---I’ll explain that in a bit)
Now Darlings you have to understand I had no ulterior motive in mind, I just was aware that we had not made arrangements in case the unexpected happened. Of course my husband thought that he would never die, as a matter of fact he thought he would out live me since there was a background history of stroke and heart attacks in my father’s family, while his lived to very ripe old age, as a matter of fact his mother was still living in a very comfortable and expensive retirement community, the only reason why his father had died was an auto accident (coming home from His mistress’s place, like father like son they say) { Alright yes, Meeyooowl}
But even God has a very peculiar sense of humor, and the Devil takes his own. (Now remember Darlings he was in his own way a good husband, just a cold, sometimes difficult man to deal with and when I married him it was a different time and outlook)
Who would have thought that insuffient de-icing of the wings of a commercial jet airliner would bring our marriage to its final end? I remember kissing him before he flew off, and asked him to at least call to let me know what his return flight would be, then for the next week I went about my business, he would call briefly and up date me on events. Although once when he called I could clearly hear a female voice giggling faintly in the background. Oh well I thought, if he wanted to cheat on the both of us that was his choice, I’m the one with the marriage license.
What I didn’t known at the time is that he took his mistress with him, in a round about way after the plane crash I found out that he sent her by rail to New York for a shopping spree and she joined him a couple of days later, forwarding by UPS all her purchases, to the love nest, hmmm.
I do have to admit, when I found out that it was his flight that had crashed, I felt numb. I realized there wasn’t anything I could do until his remains were properly identified. But when I discovered her name on the boarding list, well then I knew as soon as possible I had to take action. His partners were dumbfounded that I knew where he kept everything and I took action through another legal firm to transfer all that which he had been planning to give to his now late mistress, into my name.
Do I sound cold? Sorry Darlings, but you have to remember I was not sure how I was going to do in my finances, I still had a house to pay off and staff to pay that were dependent upon me, as well as his outstanding bills. I didn’t love him really, but in my own way I was fond of him. And I respected his intelligence in legal and business matters, I learned from him really.
Getting information from his partners I told them that I knew about the mistress and through my investigative sources found out that she had parents and a younger sister and brother. The parents could afford to send the son to college but not the daughter, so Miss 5 ft 5 was sending extra money back to pay for her sisters’ college fund.
The parents could not afford to have the body shipped home but I told them a “little white lie” I said that Miss 5ft 5 was my husbands assistant and that the firm would make arrangements to transport her body home and pay for all the funeral arrangements---which through some arm-twisting they did (Remember Diva’s must be good with Arm Twisting) and though more arm-twisting had them pay out a sizeable amount to cover the money’s needed to pay the sisters’ way through college----we told the parents that it was part of the company insurance policy.
Alright why did I do that----she wasn’t a bad girl---in taking possession of the luxury apartment condo I discovered in a diary that she did care for my late husband, Hmmm I thought, from what I was reading he treated her like a pet that needed to be coddled and watched over---and she gave him complete devotion. Although she did have an ulterior motive, her sister’s college education. I couldn’t fault that---although I have to confess I did wish that he had given me at least half the affection that he gave her.
I destroyed the diary, made arrangements for her mother and sister to travel to her apartment to box and ship those personal items they wanted to keep. I told them to not worry about the lease on the apartment that my lawyer would make arrangements and that it would not be any financial outlay on their part. Again a little white lie, since I was the now legal owner, so why bother their heads about it.
My motive? Why darlings, even I could feel pity---I’m not heartless, I was angry but then in a way I realized that I had sold myself too many years before, but for other reasons---and I was the one with the marriage license. And I knew he would never leave me, things were too good. Remember Divas a married man will never give up his wife and if he does then can you trust him to be faithful? In her diary she constantly thought that he would leave me. Be careful Divas of lies to the heart, they are always false.
Even though this took place 12 years ago, things always remain the same.
I still get a card every Christmas from the sister----she is doing very well in her profession in, of all things, investment banking---hmmm.
His Mother, poor thing was very broken up, her only son, I knew that her care fell to me and I knew I had to do the right thing, she had been in my situation when she was married to my now late husband’s father. And she didn’t have the extra resources at her disposal that I had. She had to have her needs taken care of. Strangely enough we grew closer together, she shared many memories of her husband, her son, her life before them, her dreams she never realized, and she always wanted to be an artist, but her husband discouraged her in that, but I had seen her pencil sketches.
So one day I took her to an artist studio and had her discover water colors, eventually she had her own showing and her works sold very well. It gave her back some of the dreams that she had lost. She passed away in her sleep 5 years after, but feeling more fulfilled than before. Because I would have her over to the house I didn’t change a thing, I was concerned that it would upset her, after she passed away, I didn’t feel the need to have to change anything---why would I, I thought.
Until one day that long flight of stairs just became too much for me, I found myself with shortness of breath. Well a doctor’s examination and pills took care of most of that, but oh that long flight of stairs.
That is why Iris’s house is just so perfect, and I can be fully my own person as I want to be, maybe late in life but better late than never they say.
Oh my dear’s one should never drink more than 2 vodka martinis---all the memories come streaming back---and I have no idea why I blabbed all this to you, except maybe for all of you to learn from it. Always be careful and always remain independent.
Anon for now—this Diva is going to look for an aspirin.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Buying a new home---Diva Lux
Well Darings,
This Fabulous Diva is in a buying mood.
First a new car--(well I had to you know)
Now I'm house buying (sigh) Yes dears I know, I know interests rates are high, the market is not good----But dear Possums, I'm selling my old home, it is just way too big for Moi. I mean 4 bedrooms 4 1/2baths, a gigantic dinning room, 3 stories high---way too much for my bones.
Well I was planning to put it on the market anyway and fortunately for Moi I have 3 couples(all with children)that are very interested in it---it's just a question of who will come up to scratch- A good thing is they all have very excellent well-paying jobs.
I feel very bad for many people now a days---you have to earn at least $100,000.00 a year just to be able to buy a condo in California.
Now dear future Divas the point I want to make to all of you---before I go on bragging what I'm going to buy (yes dears I do admit to bragging)---you have to start working now to get the type of job you want to bring the income you want to buy what you want and still set enough aside to be able to retire on.
I was wise enough in my teens to realize that---fortunately my Father and Mother showed me how to invest---you can still think like a man and still be a lady---remember that.
Now what am I buying??
Moi has not been letting the grass collect under her feet----My dear friend Irma informed me that her older sister (much older I'm afraid in her 80's but still healthy) needs to go into an excellect care facility---a sort of board and care and as one gets more frail they will shift you to quarters that will meet the needs.
Of course such places do cost money---And Iris (Irma's sister) is very well off. Thank God and smart thinking for the future.
But where do I come into all of this? Simple Darlings---I'm buying Iris's home.
Now don't fret---it's perfect! All on one level, one very large bed room with the most fantastic bathroom a Diva could drool over---that Bathroom is very large with a whirepool bath (jacuzi I think it's called) And three huge Cedar lined walk in closets, perfect for the clothes horse Me.
One room just for jewerly.
Oh but the Bedroom---totally 40's and decadent---one whole wall is mirror paneled with beveled mirrors, floor to ceiling windows that look into a lagoon---of course there is privacy curtains. a three car garage with direct entrance into the entry way and another into the kitchen, a modest dining room, lovely living room with floor to ceiling windows, a lovely art deco inspiried fireplace. Pale hardwood floors thoughout the place.
An excellent kitchen---just need to update the stove and refrigerator---laundry room---maid's room with own bath---and a modest size library/office with its own little rose garden and fountain just out side the sliding doors---Heavy duty alarm system. Tile entry way. A deck on the lagoon, and visiting ducks, white egrets and other birds.
And it's totally earthquake re-inforced--even the mirrors.
So the paperwork is set up, as soon as my house is sold, Iris will receive her monies and I'll have a new home.
All right I know I'm bragging---but darlings look at it this way---my house too big for me but perfect for a growing family, Iris's lovely smaller home---designed for a Diva who is too tired to climb that many stairs.
And a bedroom beautiful enough to seduce ---well I'll let you think whom you want to seduce if you were Moi.
So now tonight---it's a lovely evening--Irma and her delightful husband Bill and I along with Kevin (Moi's date) are going to a wonderful resteraunt tonight in full evening regalia, and then drinks at a nice little jazz club. Possibly a little jaunt along the Great Hyway in Bill's wonderful 1930's Packard. Who knows what the evening will bring.
And tomorrow---well Irma and I are going to select furniture---I'm going for the Thomasville Bogart Lux collection---perfect I think for a Diva home. Then we'll visit Iris in her new place, we want to be sure she is comfortable and we'll take her out to this nice place that serves a wonderful tea.
Am I bragging my dears?? Of course I am---I'm shamless about that----but remember you can do it too. My dear friend Mean Kitty is working on something about investing, which is something you future Divas need to be aware of. If you want the Diva Life you must work at it.
Must go my dears---they will be here in an hour---until Annon.
This Fabulous Diva is slipping into her silver shoes and saying more later. Kisses Darlings.
This Fabulous Diva is in a buying mood.
First a new car--(well I had to you know)
Now I'm house buying (sigh) Yes dears I know, I know interests rates are high, the market is not good----But dear Possums, I'm selling my old home, it is just way too big for Moi. I mean 4 bedrooms 4 1/2baths, a gigantic dinning room, 3 stories high---way too much for my bones.
Well I was planning to put it on the market anyway and fortunately for Moi I have 3 couples(all with children)that are very interested in it---it's just a question of who will come up to scratch- A good thing is they all have very excellent well-paying jobs.
I feel very bad for many people now a days---you have to earn at least $100,000.00 a year just to be able to buy a condo in California.
Now dear future Divas the point I want to make to all of you---before I go on bragging what I'm going to buy (yes dears I do admit to bragging)---you have to start working now to get the type of job you want to bring the income you want to buy what you want and still set enough aside to be able to retire on.
I was wise enough in my teens to realize that---fortunately my Father and Mother showed me how to invest---you can still think like a man and still be a lady---remember that.
Now what am I buying??
Moi has not been letting the grass collect under her feet----My dear friend Irma informed me that her older sister (much older I'm afraid in her 80's but still healthy) needs to go into an excellect care facility---a sort of board and care and as one gets more frail they will shift you to quarters that will meet the needs.
Of course such places do cost money---And Iris (Irma's sister) is very well off. Thank God and smart thinking for the future.
But where do I come into all of this? Simple Darlings---I'm buying Iris's home.
Now don't fret---it's perfect! All on one level, one very large bed room with the most fantastic bathroom a Diva could drool over---that Bathroom is very large with a whirepool bath (jacuzi I think it's called) And three huge Cedar lined walk in closets, perfect for the clothes horse Me.
One room just for jewerly.
Oh but the Bedroom---totally 40's and decadent---one whole wall is mirror paneled with beveled mirrors, floor to ceiling windows that look into a lagoon---of course there is privacy curtains. a three car garage with direct entrance into the entry way and another into the kitchen, a modest dining room, lovely living room with floor to ceiling windows, a lovely art deco inspiried fireplace. Pale hardwood floors thoughout the place.
An excellent kitchen---just need to update the stove and refrigerator---laundry room---maid's room with own bath---and a modest size library/office with its own little rose garden and fountain just out side the sliding doors---Heavy duty alarm system. Tile entry way. A deck on the lagoon, and visiting ducks, white egrets and other birds.
And it's totally earthquake re-inforced--even the mirrors.
So the paperwork is set up, as soon as my house is sold, Iris will receive her monies and I'll have a new home.
All right I know I'm bragging---but darlings look at it this way---my house too big for me but perfect for a growing family, Iris's lovely smaller home---designed for a Diva who is too tired to climb that many stairs.
And a bedroom beautiful enough to seduce ---well I'll let you think whom you want to seduce if you were Moi.
So now tonight---it's a lovely evening--Irma and her delightful husband Bill and I along with Kevin (Moi's date) are going to a wonderful resteraunt tonight in full evening regalia, and then drinks at a nice little jazz club. Possibly a little jaunt along the Great Hyway in Bill's wonderful 1930's Packard. Who knows what the evening will bring.
And tomorrow---well Irma and I are going to select furniture---I'm going for the Thomasville Bogart Lux collection---perfect I think for a Diva home. Then we'll visit Iris in her new place, we want to be sure she is comfortable and we'll take her out to this nice place that serves a wonderful tea.
Am I bragging my dears?? Of course I am---I'm shamless about that----but remember you can do it too. My dear friend Mean Kitty is working on something about investing, which is something you future Divas need to be aware of. If you want the Diva Life you must work at it.
Must go my dears---they will be here in an hour---until Annon.
This Fabulous Diva is slipping into her silver shoes and saying more later. Kisses Darlings.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Buying a New Car--Diva Style
Well Darlings,
This Fabulous Diva, was in a bit of an upset. ****sigh****
My dear faithful white Cadillac Cimmeron died a final sad death. True the poor thing had been ailing but I thought after 20 years it could go a few years more.
Well I just had her tuned up, and was told she would pass smog, wonderful I thought, BUT----
I had parked her in front of my house, prior to going to do some shopping, but just as I was about to step out of the door the phone rings and I stop and listened to the answering machine just in case it was something I had to attend to immediately----telephone solisitations need not apply.
Well it was my Dear Friend Betty and she wanted to know if I could meet her for lunch and hoped I'd get her message, I quickly picked up the phone, had a nice chat with Betty made arrangements to met her for lunch and then went out side to my Cadillac and-----no Car!!!
Now before anyone accuses me of leaving my keys in the ignitition I can assure you that I did nothing like that. My key stays with me at all times and I do not leave the car running what with gasoline being so expensive (even a Diva MUST budget).
Now who would steal a 20 year old Cadillac??---well Darlings I called the police and a very nice (and handsome ***sigh***) police officer came and took the report plus I had a photo of the poor thing. So he did a BOLO---whatever that is---to be on the watch for it.
Just as we were about to say our goodbys, his radio comes back with a message----my Cadillac was in an accident!!!
It seems that it had been stolen by three teenagers who took it for a joy ride---no doubt being very happy that it had a full tank of gas-----One of them knew how to hot wire it or something--- and they wrapped it around a telephone pole, managed to get out of the car AND RUN AWAY!!
I cell phoned my friend Betty and said that Lunch was going to be postponed and why and the police officer took me to to scene.
***sigh***it was my car or what was left of it.
The police had a description of the thieves, it seems a passerby took a phone camera picture of them. So I'm having the legal system and my lawyer deal with it.
Remember dear future Diva's you must have a good lawyer to deal with these problems.
Oh I was soooo upset (that is putting it mildly) but thanks to dear Betty who came to my rescue,
She advised we go to Las Vegas for 4 days take in all the spa treatments the Bellagio has to offer and plan on buying my New Car.
So after consulting with my finances (which are in excellent shape)---it was all systems GO!
And I bought IT! She is totally decadent! I call her "Wicked" and she is---totally over the top and tacky and she is all MINE!!
She is a 2007 Ford Mustang Convertible----painted this deep burnished gold color, with a black cloth top, wood finished paneling where it counts---air conditioning, satillight radio, On Star, cd player, alarm locking system and leapoard print seats with black carpeting. And she will be fully MINE with just 3 more very hefty payments.
The mechanics LOVE detailing her. And there are some neighbors boys, all young teenagers that act like they would like to make love to her. Sorry Boys, but She's A Lady! for all her excessive trappings.
I am fortunate that I have a nice spacious garage to put her in. Already she's been to Santa Barbra, the Brookdale Lodge (ageing but relaxing), Carmel, and we are planning a little trip up to the Wine Country.
Before I even took her on her first trip, Betty and Bill and all my other friends said that I simply had to get new luggae, I said that what I had was fine, until I took a very serious look at what I had---worn out, zippers shot-fraying on the edges---
So Betty and I simply zipper over to San Francisco to the Samsonite shop and there they were in Black, the retro collection--PERFECT!! I felt like La Marlene all over again.
And darlings what about my poor cadillac? Well there was enough of her for some very serious salvage, I made arrangements and she was purchased and the money I donated to St. Jude's Hospital for children----well Dears altho there are naughty children out there, there are one's that do need that chance. And St. Jude's is the best chance for many of them.
Ta Taaaa for now, as I go zipping down the hyway.
This Fabulous Diva, was in a bit of an upset. ****sigh****
My dear faithful white Cadillac Cimmeron died a final sad death. True the poor thing had been ailing but I thought after 20 years it could go a few years more.
Well I just had her tuned up, and was told she would pass smog, wonderful I thought, BUT----
I had parked her in front of my house, prior to going to do some shopping, but just as I was about to step out of the door the phone rings and I stop and listened to the answering machine just in case it was something I had to attend to immediately----telephone solisitations need not apply.
Well it was my Dear Friend Betty and she wanted to know if I could meet her for lunch and hoped I'd get her message, I quickly picked up the phone, had a nice chat with Betty made arrangements to met her for lunch and then went out side to my Cadillac and-----no Car!!!
Now before anyone accuses me of leaving my keys in the ignitition I can assure you that I did nothing like that. My key stays with me at all times and I do not leave the car running what with gasoline being so expensive (even a Diva MUST budget).
Now who would steal a 20 year old Cadillac??---well Darlings I called the police and a very nice (and handsome ***sigh***) police officer came and took the report plus I had a photo of the poor thing. So he did a BOLO---whatever that is---to be on the watch for it.
Just as we were about to say our goodbys, his radio comes back with a message----my Cadillac was in an accident!!!
It seems that it had been stolen by three teenagers who took it for a joy ride---no doubt being very happy that it had a full tank of gas-----One of them knew how to hot wire it or something--- and they wrapped it around a telephone pole, managed to get out of the car AND RUN AWAY!!
I cell phoned my friend Betty and said that Lunch was going to be postponed and why and the police officer took me to to scene.
***sigh***it was my car or what was left of it.
The police had a description of the thieves, it seems a passerby took a phone camera picture of them. So I'm having the legal system and my lawyer deal with it.
Remember dear future Diva's you must have a good lawyer to deal with these problems.
Oh I was soooo upset (that is putting it mildly) but thanks to dear Betty who came to my rescue,
She advised we go to Las Vegas for 4 days take in all the spa treatments the Bellagio has to offer and plan on buying my New Car.
So after consulting with my finances (which are in excellent shape)---it was all systems GO!
And I bought IT! She is totally decadent! I call her "Wicked" and she is---totally over the top and tacky and she is all MINE!!
She is a 2007 Ford Mustang Convertible----painted this deep burnished gold color, with a black cloth top, wood finished paneling where it counts---air conditioning, satillight radio, On Star, cd player, alarm locking system and leapoard print seats with black carpeting. And she will be fully MINE with just 3 more very hefty payments.
The mechanics LOVE detailing her. And there are some neighbors boys, all young teenagers that act like they would like to make love to her. Sorry Boys, but She's A Lady! for all her excessive trappings.
I am fortunate that I have a nice spacious garage to put her in. Already she's been to Santa Barbra, the Brookdale Lodge (ageing but relaxing), Carmel, and we are planning a little trip up to the Wine Country.
Before I even took her on her first trip, Betty and Bill and all my other friends said that I simply had to get new luggae, I said that what I had was fine, until I took a very serious look at what I had---worn out, zippers shot-fraying on the edges---
So Betty and I simply zipper over to San Francisco to the Samsonite shop and there they were in Black, the retro collection--PERFECT!! I felt like La Marlene all over again.
And darlings what about my poor cadillac? Well there was enough of her for some very serious salvage, I made arrangements and she was purchased and the money I donated to St. Jude's Hospital for children----well Dears altho there are naughty children out there, there are one's that do need that chance. And St. Jude's is the best chance for many of them.
Ta Taaaa for now, as I go zipping down the hyway.
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