Posts with the label life changes
Showing posts with label life changes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life changes. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2020
WASTE NOT WANT NOT
Waste not want not. I remember my grandmother saying this to me when I was growing up. She was of Scottish descent and I think that contributed to her being thrifty.
My mom told me how that thriftiness helped them during the depression and World War II. My grandmother collected dandelions from their backyard and made a wilted salad. They kept chickens for their eggs and later when those chickens didn't produce anymore they ended up as Sunday dinner.
She and my grandfather would take my mom and her brother out into the countryside to pick wildflowers to add to the flower arrangements in their florist.
They grew the rest of the flowers in their greenhouses.
My grandmother made beautiful quilts and of course cooked all of their meals while also working in their business.
I think that sense of thriftiness was passed down to me, although I honestly can't say that that I have always adhered to it. I now realize I should have paid more attention to the things my grandmother taught me. I did listen to her advice to save my spare change and there have been times when I have needed that and was grateful for the advice.
Going through this pandemic has made me think more about the things I do and how wasteful our society has become. Back in the 1970s I was aware of climate change and knew we could not go down the path we were on forever. Somehow I lost sight of much of what I believed in when life got in the way.
In recent years I have become more of an advocate for climate change and have tried to be less wasteful. Still, I indiscriminately used all of the paper products I wanted and I wasted food.
I had made some changes, like using reusable bags for shopping. My daughter and son-in-law gave me mesh produce bags for the grocery and reusable storage bags to replace plastic bags in the refrigerator.
Now I am trying hard to be more conscientious. I don't have my own washer and dryer, so I can't switch to using cloth napkins like I want, but I have a large stack of dishtowels to use, which has cut down on paper towels, and I am stretching TP out more.
I am also being much more careful about food waste. My freezer is packed with leftovers and baked goods and Tuesday I used apples which were way past their prime to make homemade applesauce. It is so easy and I had forgotten just how good it tastes.
I hope when this pandemic finally ends that we will remember some of the lessons we have learned. I hope that we will never take the opportunity to hug our loved ones for granted again and I hope that we will remember to protect our earth by not indiscriminately using up its resources.
Waste not want not. I'm working on it Grandmother.
My mom told me how that thriftiness helped them during the depression and World War II. My grandmother collected dandelions from their backyard and made a wilted salad. They kept chickens for their eggs and later when those chickens didn't produce anymore they ended up as Sunday dinner.
She and my grandfather would take my mom and her brother out into the countryside to pick wildflowers to add to the flower arrangements in their florist.
They grew the rest of the flowers in their greenhouses.
My grandmother made beautiful quilts and of course cooked all of their meals while also working in their business.
I think that sense of thriftiness was passed down to me, although I honestly can't say that that I have always adhered to it. I now realize I should have paid more attention to the things my grandmother taught me. I did listen to her advice to save my spare change and there have been times when I have needed that and was grateful for the advice.
Going through this pandemic has made me think more about the things I do and how wasteful our society has become. Back in the 1970s I was aware of climate change and knew we could not go down the path we were on forever. Somehow I lost sight of much of what I believed in when life got in the way.
In recent years I have become more of an advocate for climate change and have tried to be less wasteful. Still, I indiscriminately used all of the paper products I wanted and I wasted food.
I had made some changes, like using reusable bags for shopping. My daughter and son-in-law gave me mesh produce bags for the grocery and reusable storage bags to replace plastic bags in the refrigerator.
Now I am trying hard to be more conscientious. I don't have my own washer and dryer, so I can't switch to using cloth napkins like I want, but I have a large stack of dishtowels to use, which has cut down on paper towels, and I am stretching TP out more.
I am also being much more careful about food waste. My freezer is packed with leftovers and baked goods and Tuesday I used apples which were way past their prime to make homemade applesauce. It is so easy and I had forgotten just how good it tastes.
I hope when this pandemic finally ends that we will remember some of the lessons we have learned. I hope that we will never take the opportunity to hug our loved ones for granted again and I hope that we will remember to protect our earth by not indiscriminately using up its resources.
Waste not want not. I'm working on it Grandmother.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
PASSING THE TIME DURING THE PANDEMIC
Monday I wrote about the new normal that we are currently living in. If you missed that post you can read it here.
As we self isolate we need to find activities to do while at home. I live in Atlanta where the mayor has announced a 14 day stay at home order so I cannot just decide to go out and wander around.
Today I thought I would share some of the things I am doing to keep myself fromgoing stark raving mad becoming bored.
I have been cleaning and organizing but I wanted something else to do. After all I live in a small apartment so there is only so much of that I can do.
Along with reading and streaming these are some of the things I am doing.
There is no eating out so I am cooking and baking more.
I used to love to do jigsaw puzzles so I have ordered some from Eeboo. I ordered three of their Piece and Love puzzles. Once the stay at home rule is lifted I will share with my daughters and they will share their puzzles with me.
Amazon also has some great puzzles.
It is important to stay in close touch with families and friends so I will continue to FaceTime with my family (primarily Tessa who shoves her sister out of the room when we are on FaceTime)
Yesterday I met virtually with my new local peer group. Since we are unable to meet in person right now we used Zoom to have a group meeting. This is a nice thing to do to help us keep from feeling so isolated.
I have been feeling like a slug as I haven't been able to do much exercising. I miss my chair yoga class so I have started Chair Yoga with Adriene on You Tube. You can find that here.
I am also going to try some of the Silver Sneakers workouts on You Tube here.
Also, I have added apps on my phone to brush up on my cribbage and French.
What are some of the things that you are doing keep both your mind and body active during this stressful time?
As an Amazon affiliate I may receive a small commission on their links in this post.
As we self isolate we need to find activities to do while at home. I live in Atlanta where the mayor has announced a 14 day stay at home order so I cannot just decide to go out and wander around.
Today I thought I would share some of the things I am doing to keep myself from
I have been cleaning and organizing but I wanted something else to do. After all I live in a small apartment so there is only so much of that I can do.
Along with reading and streaming these are some of the things I am doing.
There is no eating out so I am cooking and baking more.
I used to love to do jigsaw puzzles so I have ordered some from Eeboo. I ordered three of their Piece and Love puzzles. Once the stay at home rule is lifted I will share with my daughters and they will share their puzzles with me.
Amazon also has some great puzzles.
It is important to stay in close touch with families and friends so I will continue to FaceTime with my family (primarily Tessa who shoves her sister out of the room when we are on FaceTime)
Yesterday I met virtually with my new local peer group. Since we are unable to meet in person right now we used Zoom to have a group meeting. This is a nice thing to do to help us keep from feeling so isolated.
I have been feeling like a slug as I haven't been able to do much exercising. I miss my chair yoga class so I have started Chair Yoga with Adriene on You Tube. You can find that here.
I am also going to try some of the Silver Sneakers workouts on You Tube here.
Also, I have added apps on my phone to brush up on my cribbage and French.
What are some of the things that you are doing keep both your mind and body active during this stressful time?
As an Amazon affiliate I may receive a small commission on their links in this post.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
COMFORTING SIGHTS, SOUNDS, AND ROUTINES
My goodness. how our world has changed in a few short weeks. Social isolating has become a must.
I heard a political historian compare what is going on in our country right now to Britain in WWll. I always wondered what it was like for the people who lived through that.
I think we are about to find out. Will we have food rationing due to a disruption in the supply chain? Will we be forced to remain in our homes in order to slow and hopefully stop the spread of the illness? Will we be separated from our loved ones for an extended period of time? We are already seeing some of this start to happen?
I have banana bread baking in the oven. It's familiar smell comforts me.
As I sit quietly reading. I hear the ticking of my new to me clock and the gurgle of my cool air mister. They remind me of being at my grandparent's house, where I would curl up on the couch reading a book, listening to the ticking of their mantle clock and the soft sounds of the rain. It was a safe time.
Yesterday afternoon I had my groceries delivered. What an ordeal. There were so many things that weren't available, but I guess getting my groceries this way is a new routine.
Out my window I see my younger neighbors leaving for work. Some of them apparently still have jobs. A young woman walks her dog. I sit in my chair and watch.
Last night I left my apartment for the first time in three days. I needed to check my mail and to print out my application for an absentee ballot to vote in our delayed primary. As I was getting off the elevator a man was getting on and he got within a couple of feet of me. I felt panicky. What if he had the coronavirus.
I was so glad to return to my apartment, my safe haven where I am comforted with familiar sights, sounds, and routines. It's a different world.
I heard a political historian compare what is going on in our country right now to Britain in WWll. I always wondered what it was like for the people who lived through that.
I think we are about to find out. Will we have food rationing due to a disruption in the supply chain? Will we be forced to remain in our homes in order to slow and hopefully stop the spread of the illness? Will we be separated from our loved ones for an extended period of time? We are already seeing some of this start to happen?
I have banana bread baking in the oven. It's familiar smell comforts me.
As I sit quietly reading. I hear the ticking of my new to me clock and the gurgle of my cool air mister. They remind me of being at my grandparent's house, where I would curl up on the couch reading a book, listening to the ticking of their mantle clock and the soft sounds of the rain. It was a safe time.
Yesterday afternoon I had my groceries delivered. What an ordeal. There were so many things that weren't available, but I guess getting my groceries this way is a new routine.
Out my window I see my younger neighbors leaving for work. Some of them apparently still have jobs. A young woman walks her dog. I sit in my chair and watch.
Last night I left my apartment for the first time in three days. I needed to check my mail and to print out my application for an absentee ballot to vote in our delayed primary. As I was getting off the elevator a man was getting on and he got within a couple of feet of me. I felt panicky. What if he had the coronavirus.
I was so glad to return to my apartment, my safe haven where I am comforted with familiar sights, sounds, and routines. It's a different world.
Friday, March 13, 2020
FUN ACTIVITIES WHEN STUCK AT HOME
I am trying hard to follow the CDC recommendations to stay at home as much as possible, but sometimes I have a hard time following directions.
I am actually fine most of the time staying at home, but the rebel in me doesn't like to be told what to do. This has led me to try and control the urge to misbehave by coming up with activities for the time I amstuck confined at home.
So in my ever so nice way I thought I would share my list with you.
And guess what , just like that the day is over and I have accomplished so much nothing. But I did get to eat.
What are you doing while staying at home during the pandemic?
P.S. Don't be a rebel. Please follow all CDC recommendations that apply to you. Let's beat this thing.
I am actually fine most of the time staying at home, but the rebel in me doesn't like to be told what to do. This has led me to try and control the urge to misbehave by coming up with activities for the time I am
So in my ever so nice way I thought I would share my list with you.
- Eat (not really helping my weight loss plan)
- Search You Tube for exercises to combat failed diet. (started watching the videos, which was fun, but not really helpful when you don't participate)
- Watch my favorite basketball team play in their tournament this weekend (oops tournament cancelled)
- Eat popcorn I made to eat while watching game (seems to be a trend here)
- Overturn everything in my apartment looking for my reading glasses (they were on the table next to me)
- clean up mess I made looking for my glasses
- After cleaning up the mess, overturn everything again looking for my cell phone (seriously, Laura?)
- Think about baking some gluten free muffins. Go into kitchen to pull out ingredients. Grab purse and head out the door to the gluten free bakery (okay, that was a big fail)
- Eat (I swear I only ate one of the muffins I bought)
- Look in mirror (is my nose growing?)
- Spend endless hours looking at photos on Instagram (I might now be permanently cross eyed)
Spring clean(nah...who wants to do that)
What are you doing while staying at home during the pandemic?
P.S. Don't be a rebel. Please follow all CDC recommendations that apply to you. Let's beat this thing.
Sunday, January 19, 2020
BEING PRACTICAL
Sometimes we just have to be practical.
I love cooking on my mom's old iron skillet. It not only brings back wonderful memories of her cooking when I was a child, but also cooking on an iron skillet is good for you.
I know that iron skillets add iron to your diet, but they are also long lasting, chemical free, nonstick (if you take care of it), easy to clean, and can be used in the oven as well as on top of the stove.
There is one drawback as we get older. Just like last winter, my arthritis has flared up pretty badly in my right hand, which makes it difficult to do some things. Lifting a heavy iron skillet is one of those things.
So Friday, after going to chair yoga (I'll talk about that in a future post), I decided to drop into Home Goods. I have managed to avoid it for the last three months because I haven't been over in that area.
I don't know what was going on, but the place was packed and they had a lot of really nice things. I saw a couple of things, a book shelf and a wire and wood shelf that I would liked to have had, but I decided to be practical.
I found a nice nonstick ceramic skillet for $16.99 and a non metal spatula for $3.99. Somehow I managed to get out of that store for a little over $20. WHEW!!
However, I have to be honest. I am really thinking about those other two things and will probably go back on Monday when I am back over there. I'm hoping they are gone, because I am not sure I can resist.
Since I was next door to Walmart I decided to run in and get a small box for something I sold on Etsy. I bought that size there for 72 cents a couple of months ago. Imagine my surprise when I saw that they had hiked the price up to $2.22.
Ummmm, just NO. When did Walmart start gouging people. There was another woman looking for a box and she said the same thing. I left the box there and stopped at Kroger on my way home. I got the same size box there for 52 cents.
We can't always be practical, but sometimes it becomes a necessity and a matter of principle.
I love cooking on my mom's old iron skillet. It not only brings back wonderful memories of her cooking when I was a child, but also cooking on an iron skillet is good for you.
I know that iron skillets add iron to your diet, but they are also long lasting, chemical free, nonstick (if you take care of it), easy to clean, and can be used in the oven as well as on top of the stove.
There is one drawback as we get older. Just like last winter, my arthritis has flared up pretty badly in my right hand, which makes it difficult to do some things. Lifting a heavy iron skillet is one of those things.
So Friday, after going to chair yoga (I'll talk about that in a future post), I decided to drop into Home Goods. I have managed to avoid it for the last three months because I haven't been over in that area.
I don't know what was going on, but the place was packed and they had a lot of really nice things. I saw a couple of things, a book shelf and a wire and wood shelf that I would liked to have had, but I decided to be practical.
I found a nice nonstick ceramic skillet for $16.99 and a non metal spatula for $3.99. Somehow I managed to get out of that store for a little over $20. WHEW!!
However, I have to be honest. I am really thinking about those other two things and will probably go back on Monday when I am back over there. I'm hoping they are gone, because I am not sure I can resist.
Since I was next door to Walmart I decided to run in and get a small box for something I sold on Etsy. I bought that size there for 72 cents a couple of months ago. Imagine my surprise when I saw that they had hiked the price up to $2.22.
Ummmm, just NO. When did Walmart start gouging people. There was another woman looking for a box and she said the same thing. I left the box there and stopped at Kroger on my way home. I got the same size box there for 52 cents.
We can't always be practical, but sometimes it becomes a necessity and a matter of principle.
Friday, January 3, 2020
WEIGHT HARD TO LOSE BUT EASY TO GAIN
Is it a riddle or a fact of life? What is hard to lose , but easy to gain? Well, for me it is definitely weight.
I worked hard this past year to lose weight and get healthier. It took me seven months to lose seven pounds. Over Christmas it took me two weeks to gain back six of those pounds.
So instead of needing to lose ten pounds I now need to lose sixteen. SIGH!!!
My doctor told me that at my age I need to eat 1200 calories a day to lose weight. If I eat less my body goes into starvation mode and slows my metabolism down. If I eat more...well we all know what happens then.
Up until Christmas I was counting calories, but let's face it, like most people I wanted to enjoy the holidays. Apparently I did a bit too much enjoying.
Now it is time to pay the piper. Less carbs and no desserts will be my future.
My knee has been gradually improving and so I plan to start back into exercising this week. I will start out with riding the stationary bike and water aerobics as they are supposed to be easy on my knee.
I have found that if I do too much the pain flares up. Vacuuming definitely doesn't agree with it. Do you think anyone will notice if I never vacuum again?
Let me know if you love to vacuum. You will always be welcome at my home and I have a rice cake here with your name on it.
I worked hard this past year to lose weight and get healthier. It took me seven months to lose seven pounds. Over Christmas it took me two weeks to gain back six of those pounds.
So instead of needing to lose ten pounds I now need to lose sixteen. SIGH!!!
My doctor told me that at my age I need to eat 1200 calories a day to lose weight. If I eat less my body goes into starvation mode and slows my metabolism down. If I eat more...well we all know what happens then.
Up until Christmas I was counting calories, but let's face it, like most people I wanted to enjoy the holidays. Apparently I did a bit too much enjoying.
Now it is time to pay the piper. Less carbs and no desserts will be my future.
My knee has been gradually improving and so I plan to start back into exercising this week. I will start out with riding the stationary bike and water aerobics as they are supposed to be easy on my knee.
I have found that if I do too much the pain flares up. Vacuuming definitely doesn't agree with it. Do you think anyone will notice if I never vacuum again?
Let me know if you love to vacuum. You will always be welcome at my home and I have a rice cake here with your name on it.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
AIRING OUT THE HOUSE
It was a very hot and dry summer. Too hot to open windows, but fall has actually arrived and with the cooler temperatures I am opening the windows today for a bit of airing out the apartment.
Fall happens to be my worst allergy season, so I am never sure about opening up the windows and letting the mold in. It's a toss up as to whether I want to let some stale air out or whether it's more important to let some fresh air in.
This morning my thermostat kind of made the decision for me. The new thermostat was doing great with the a/c on but when it switched to heat overnight it seemed to go haywire and it was 80 degrees when I got up this morning.
I immediately turned it off and opened the windows. I will probably pay for it with a sinus headache, but I decided that was better than roasting.
Yesterday I met with my new primary care doctor. I really liked her, but she is semi retired and only works part time. I'll have to see how that works out, as the other doctor who was in the office with her recently left. She is part of a larger group here in Atlanta so I guess if she isn't available and I really need to get in I can go to one of the other offices, plus the medicare advantage plan I am on allows me to see any doctor.
Finding new doctors when you move is definitely not fun.
When the cooler weather rolls in I find myself ready to get back into reading more.
There is just something so soothing about curling up with a cup of tea and a good book on a cool, rainy fall day.
Have a wonderful day.
Fall happens to be my worst allergy season, so I am never sure about opening up the windows and letting the mold in. It's a toss up as to whether I want to let some stale air out or whether it's more important to let some fresh air in.
This morning my thermostat kind of made the decision for me. The new thermostat was doing great with the a/c on but when it switched to heat overnight it seemed to go haywire and it was 80 degrees when I got up this morning.
I immediately turned it off and opened the windows. I will probably pay for it with a sinus headache, but I decided that was better than roasting.
Yesterday I met with my new primary care doctor. I really liked her, but she is semi retired and only works part time. I'll have to see how that works out, as the other doctor who was in the office with her recently left. She is part of a larger group here in Atlanta so I guess if she isn't available and I really need to get in I can go to one of the other offices, plus the medicare advantage plan I am on allows me to see any doctor.
Finding new doctors when you move is definitely not fun.
When the cooler weather rolls in I find myself ready to get back into reading more.
There is just something so soothing about curling up with a cup of tea and a good book on a cool, rainy fall day.
Have a wonderful day.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
HERE'S TO NEW ENDEAVORS
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. or you're too old to start new endeavors?
Not this girl.
If you have been a reader for awhile, you know that I have been selling vintage and antiques online for many years.
I started out on Ebay in the 90's when I was in graduate school. Ebay had just started and it was a good way to earn some extra cash for my daughter and myself. After I finished graduate school and was employed full time I cut back and eventually stopped selling.
Fast forward a few years and Etsy was born. My love for all things vintage had never left, and I wanted to dip my toes back into selling. Also I had left my job and needed the income again. So when I moved back to Kentucky I got into it on more of a full time basis.
Over the next few years I needed both of my knees replaced, which slowed me down somewhat, and then last year I pretty much stopped everything while my mom was ill and then passed away.
I am now once again selling on both Ebay (here), Etsy (here), and also on Instagram (here).
My mom loved fashion and she had an immense amount of costume jewelry, which is now in my possession and I need to sale. Also, while I am out scouring for vintage goods I see some really great clothes. I have never sold fashion before, but decided I would give it a try.
My daughter suggested Poshmark. She sells as @kaitlynwalk on there. So this past week I decided to start my own Poshmark closet @415maxwell. I have added a widget to my sidebar so you can check us both out. I will be adding new items daily.
I love trying new things. There is of course always a learning curve, but that is half the fun.
Are you a Posher yet?
For a limited time only get $10 when you sign up with my invite code.
Not this girl.
If you have been a reader for awhile, you know that I have been selling vintage and antiques online for many years.
I started out on Ebay in the 90's when I was in graduate school. Ebay had just started and it was a good way to earn some extra cash for my daughter and myself. After I finished graduate school and was employed full time I cut back and eventually stopped selling.
Fast forward a few years and Etsy was born. My love for all things vintage had never left, and I wanted to dip my toes back into selling. Also I had left my job and needed the income again. So when I moved back to Kentucky I got into it on more of a full time basis.
Over the next few years I needed both of my knees replaced, which slowed me down somewhat, and then last year I pretty much stopped everything while my mom was ill and then passed away.
I am now once again selling on both Ebay (here), Etsy (here), and also on Instagram (here).
My mom loved fashion and she had an immense amount of costume jewelry, which is now in my possession and I need to sale. Also, while I am out scouring for vintage goods I see some really great clothes. I have never sold fashion before, but decided I would give it a try.
My daughter suggested Poshmark. She sells as @kaitlynwalk on there. So this past week I decided to start my own Poshmark closet @415maxwell. I have added a widget to my sidebar so you can check us both out. I will be adding new items daily.
I love trying new things. There is of course always a learning curve, but that is half the fun.
Are you a Posher yet?
For a limited time only get $10 when you sign up with my invite code.
415MAXWELL
How's that for a new endeavor?
Thursday, September 5, 2019
A FEELING OF RESTLESSNESS
The light is changing in the sky. The air is softer. Summer is waning.
Yes, I know that it is still summer. I know that we have a hot week ahead in Georgia, but there is something about the beginning of September that creates a feeling of restlessness in me.
Maybe my body has memories of school starting back up after Labor Day.
Maybe there is a sense of needing to get things accomplished before cooler weather arrives.
Fall has always been the time of year for me to clean and organize my home. This year feels no different.
I guess that is what gave me the impetus to move my desk the other day. If you missed that you can read about it here. I want things to be in order when the cooler weather gets here.
I know it seems like I should have everything in order since I just moved in in April, but I put a lot of things away without really organizing them. Also, I need to finish the work on my mom's estate. It all takes time and I need to get started.
I sold something on Etsy Friday and realized that I had no idea where it was. So many places to hide in such a small apartment. Fortunately I found it pretty quickly.
I think this feeling of restlessness is telling me to get my home in order.
Yes, I know that it is still summer. I know that we have a hot week ahead in Georgia, but there is something about the beginning of September that creates a feeling of restlessness in me.
Maybe there is a sense of needing to get things accomplished before cooler weather arrives.
Fall has always been the time of year for me to clean and organize my home. This year feels no different.
I guess that is what gave me the impetus to move my desk the other day. If you missed that you can read about it here. I want things to be in order when the cooler weather gets here.
I know it seems like I should have everything in order since I just moved in in April, but I put a lot of things away without really organizing them. Also, I need to finish the work on my mom's estate. It all takes time and I need to get started.
I sold something on Etsy Friday and realized that I had no idea where it was. So many places to hide in such a small apartment. Fortunately I found it pretty quickly.
I think this feeling of restlessness is telling me to get my home in order.
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