What have I been up to in the kitchen this week? I poached a chicken, boned it out, and made chicken stock, then made chicken pies with steamed veggies and homemade pastry. I have two half-liter containers of chicken stock to cook with later. Risotto, chicken and coleslaw. Duck eggs benedict.
Who have I talked with? My middle brother, he is sending me the paperwork to do his income taxes with. Giuseppe, Mary. My sweet bear.
What blog posts from this week, needed a longer comment?
John at Going Gently, posted this about an encounter at the grocery store. It got me to thinking, my Grandmother and her family left England over 100 years ago, leaving behind everything they knew, family, friends, culture. They were economic refugees, seeking a better life. My Great Grandfather made a living digging tunnels, not as an engineer in an office, as a man with a shovel underground. How bad must things have been at home, for them to leave behind the life they knew for the unknown. The immigrants washing up on your shores are fleeing something pretty horrible, or they wouldn't be fleeing.
Doc Spo posted about life expectancy and the shift from saving to enjoying. A couple of years into retirement, I am still struggling with spending anything from a lifetime of saving. There were a couple of trips I wanted to take last year, to see family and friends, that I didn't take, in large part because I didn't want to spend the money. One of the friends has been back in the hospital, if I keep putting off going Kim will not be there. I have a grand-nephew I have not met, how will he ever know his funky uncle if I don't meet him. Make the plans, spend the money, you can't take it with you. You have saved for your old age, you are only going to get so much older. And likely the last few years of your life, you will be limited in what you can do. Harsh to say, but it is what I have watched happen thousands of times. Go meet the Viking, Go see the family and friends, come see where George Washington had dinner.
Where have I been this week? Mt Vernon for a nice walk. The library, and a fluenear along the waterfront near King Street, and a wander through the Torpedo Factory Arts Center. The Farmer's Market in old town Alexandria, the first time since the weather turned cold. Across the River to National Harbor for a nice walk - I had the top down on the car for the first time this year on the way there and back.
What was on the easel this week? I finished this. I remarked that it was my cubist phase, and Sweet Bear suggested "Cubist Phace". Should I show this one?
What did I have a flashback memory of this week? My Sister and her youngest are staying at Universal Orlando for a week in the sun, she texted me that they had dinner at Universal Citywalk the first evening. My brain flashed back to the mid 1990's. Emeril Lagasse had a restaurant there, we took my parents there for lunch one day. The service was formal and fussy, over the top as my mother described it, and the food was very-very good. They both enjoyed it. It was a special treat for all. It was fun to see them both smile.
Lots to think about and my brain is currently full. Aaaaaah to the convertible with the top down.
ReplyDeleteThe weather forecast for Thursday and Friday are 70's and sunny, topless weather.
DeleteWill there by topless photo???
DeleteOne never knows.
DeleteI love the composition of the first photo.
ReplyDeleteIn one of the Smithsonian museums.
DeleteI'm of the Spend It mode lately; don't spend it all lest you have a few years left after the money dwindles. But live a little more and enjoy a little more.
ReplyDeleteYou can't take it with you, the afterlife only accepts Visa.
My father couldn't find a hearse with a luggage rack.
Delete🤣🤣🤣
DeleteYes, you should show that paining. I like it. I also like that first photo. I agree on the savings issue. You are so right, you can't take it with you.
ReplyDeleteA little more going places this year.
DeleteI want to hug your grandmother
ReplyDeleteShe had a long and interesting life, and she would have loved you.
DeleteIt depends on how much $$$ one has and how long one might live. My older brother has been moved to a care facility and depending how long he lives (he is 76 with Alzheimer's) - it will cost a LOT of money. The future can be expensive.
ReplyDeleteBefore those days, I hope he experienced everything he wanted to do, built deep memories that will have him boring everyone within earshot with tales of the places he has been and the things he has done.
DeleteI am trying to spend but it is hard when you are thinking, don't need/don't want.
ReplyDeleteI like your cubist work. Some cubist I like, some not.
I often think, what are we going to do that, where will that fit, and don't buy things. One thing about travel is I don't have to make room for it when I get home.
DeleteThat first photo is amazing 👏
ReplyDeleteThe Smithsonian African Art and much of the Asian art museums are underground, this is one of the stairways.
DeleteAh the age old struggle: to spend or not to spend. I grew up poor (right at the poverty line) and am well versed in going without and not having enough. That little poor kid still lives in me, although I think have a done a pretty good job of distracting him while I non-hesitantly purchased non-essential things that fill my home and fill me with joy as much now as they did when I got them. While we don't have the funds to travel the way others do, at least, not as often (ASIDE: I acknowledge we do have more than many others, for which I am extremely grateful) we do want to enjoy our retired years with more "doing" and less "getting", so we will seek to find a balance between enjoying what and when we can while maintaining enough in our koffers to feel secure into our golden years.
ReplyDelete