The seniors

Last night at work I had 3 seniors, really senior, in their late 90 seniors. It was a blast because they were all alert and orientated and it is so fun to talk to them. I like to ask them about how things used to be. First car, first time on a plane, how are things different, what did things cost. What was the best about back then and what was the worse. They are like living history lessons and I have never met a older person who isn't agreeable about talking about their past.

AC is a big hit, cell phones rank right up there also. Lack of manners in young people is a big thing. TV not a big hit anymore, but it used to be with the old programs. Washing machines good, DVDs confusing, butter will never taste like it used to. Housework a million times easier and cars have no style or class these days, "plastic pieces of crap," I quote.

Gee, I am getting to the age where many of the things I remember, whats that say about me, LOL. But as this generation disappears and I become that generation I will have my own best and worse I am sure. Anway. Have you talked to a senior today? Try it, its fun.

Today's hint.
To remove onion, garlic or bleach or other odors off one's hands: Hold a stainless steel knife (not a cutting knife, more like a butter knife) under cool running water..the smell will be gone from one's hands in a matter of about 10 seconds..any stainless steel utensil will do, though.

Who's hurt by the Cash for Clunkers.

Linda mentioned the other day the other people besides charities that are hurting because of the cash for clunkers. I hadn't even thought about the used car dealers and auto auction sites. And Rick mentioned Taxi companies. They usually buy old cars and use them. So that,s charities, auto auction sites, used car sites, teenagers, taxi's, me, I buy used cars. Poor people. And really when you look at it your turning in your clunker and its your money which your paying yourself with because its your taxes. So your paying yourself to turn in your car and get a new one. Seems silly. Around and around and around it goes.

So, who am I missing. What other business can you think of that will be hurt by the lack of old clunkers? Because remember, they are destroying the old cars people are turning in. And one other thing. Our local car lot has only been paid for one of the cars he received from the government. So how many of them will be hurt?

Some Trivia on Social Security

Dwight David Eisenhower
34th. President, Republican,
Term Of Office: January 20, 1953 to January 20, 1961


If I recall correctly, 1958 is the first year that Congress, not President Eisenhower, voted to remove funds from Social Security and put it into the General Fund for Congress to spend.
If I recall correctly, it was a democratically controlled Congress.
From what I understand, Congress logic at that time was that there was so much money in Social Security Fund that it would never run out / be used up for the purpose it was intended / set aside for.

...........Worse Still....................


Lyndon Baines Johnson 36th. President, Democrat
Term Of Office: November 22, 1963 to January 20, 1969



Question: Which Political Party took Social Security from the Independent 'Trust Fund' and put it into the General Fund so that Congress could spend it?

Answer: It was Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrat, Term of Office: November 22,1963 to January 20, 1969) and the democratically Controlled House and Senate.

Question: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax Deduction for Social Security
(FICA) withholding?
Answer: The Democratic Party.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

William Jefferson Clinton
(Bill Clinton)
42nd. President
Democrat Term of Office: January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001



Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.
(Al Gore)
45th. Vice President


Democrat Term of Office: January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001

Question: Which Political Party started taxing Social Security annuities?
Answer: The Democratic Party, with Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. (Al Gore) [Vice President Term of Office: January 10, 1993 to January 20, 2001] casting the 'tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the US ....

..............The Straw That Broke The Camels Back..........................

James Earl Carter, Jr
(Jimmy Carter)
39th President, Democrat
Term of Office: January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981



Question: Which Political Party decided to start giving Annuity payments to immigrants?

AND MY FAVORITE:

ANSWER: That's right! JAMES EARL CARTER, JR. ( JIMMY CARTER) (DEMOCRAT, TERM OF OFFICE: JANUARY 20, 1977 TO JANUARY 20, 1981 AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
IMMIGRANTS MOVED INTO THIS COUNTRY, AND AT AGE 65, BEGAN TO RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS: THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY GAVE THESE PAYMENTS TO THEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY NEVER PAID A DIME INTO IT!

................................................................................................................................................................

Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away!

And the worst part about it is uninformed citizens believe it!

If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of Awareness will be planted and maybe changes WILL evolve!


Actions speak louder than bumper stickers..
AND CONGRESS GIVES THEMSELVES 100% RETIREMENT FOR ONLY SERVING ONE TERM!!!
................................................................................................................................................................
Thomas Jefferson
3rd. President, Democrat
Term of Office: January 20, 1777 to January 20, 1781


"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have".
Thomas Jefferson
.....................................................................................................................................

And they want to handle our Health care?

The Pie again

I decided to try the pie again. The filling was delicious but I didn't like my soggy bottom. So with a hint from the master gardener who gave me all the veggies the other day I tried it again using her suggestions. And I made some alterations of my own.

She suggested brushing the bottom of the pie with egg white along with the top crust. I had never heard of that, but gave it a try. I have the recipe I used below. Changes I made. I cut down the nutmeg to 1/2 tsp and added a 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Then I baked it for 30 min. at 400 and reduced the heat to 350 and baked it another 20 min. I let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to merge together. Not sure if that is the proper term, LOL. At that time I turned off the oven and let the pie sit in the oven for another 15 minutes. And I used half whey low sugar sub. and half sugar to cut down on the calories. Rick couldn't tell the difference last pie. I thought about only using the whey low but wasn't sure how the custard would turn out.

Now I do know how to make the never fail pie crust, but feeling lazy I bought the pre-made rolled up pie crusts. They usually are pretty good. This one was much drier then the first one and the crust kept tearing. So this pie isn't as pretty. But I am bringing it to work tonight and I bet they won't care.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cream Pie

Rated: Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes Servings: 10

"Strawberries and rhubarb are surrounded by a creamy custard in this rich double crust pie."

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 eggs, beaten

4 cups chopped rhubarb 3 cups halved fresh strawberries 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie 1 egg white

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.	In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and nutmeg. Stir in eggs. Fold in rhubarb making sure to coat well, then do the same with the strawberries. Pour mixture into pie crust. Place second crust on top being sure to cut slits into it to vent steam. Brush egg white on top crust.
3.	Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, until rhubarb is tender, and crust is golden. Helpful Hint for the Day: 17) Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Leftover wine??????????????????

Painful Thursday

Oh my gosh my entire family is just falling to pieces, LOL. I just got off work and my shoulder is screaming in pain. Rick picks me up and his leg and arm are throbbing. My youngest son had to go to urgent care because his back went out. I hope he didn't inherit my bad back.

But I took some Ibuprofen and Dan got some Tylenol with codeine and flexeril and Rick is too manly to let a little pain get him reaching for meds. Not me. I want something to make me feel better.

Work was busy last night. I was charge and it wasn't my normal day so I am off tonight. Good because I hurt. Yesterday we had a piece of the pie. It was yummy except my bottom crust was kindof soggy. My fruit pies always have that problem. I think the strawberries were just so juicy.

I am going to stay up and try and make my son an appointment with my doc. He also does adjustments so maybe he can fix his back up. He is in so much pain he can hardly walk. I know just how he feels.

A couple of the women at work saw the movie I just saw and really liked it also. Great minds.

Well, ta

Work Work Work

And happy I have a job. I have the the book Called Happiness at the Work Place by the Dalai Lama which I am thinking of bring to work for a co-worker. He just hates his job and hates coming to work. It is such a bummer working with him as he gets all bent out of shape every time he gets an admit or an isolation patient. Whine. Nice guy though, just doesn't like his job. I told him if he truly hates it he should get a new job.

Rick just got home. Had a bicycle accident. He has a large contusion on his forearm and a cut knee. See, he should have waited for me to get up so we could ride together. Anyway I have a ice pack and wrap on his arm. It is going to be sore as its the size of a goose egg. Ouch. Didn't hit his head though and the bike is fine.

I am inviting my son over tonight for supper and pie since I got the rhubarb from him. We haven't eaten the pie yet so I hope its good. I ate the strawberries last night for a healthy snack and they were so sweet and wonderful. You didn't have to put anything on them. I may get some more and bring them to work.

Well, I have, as usual, waited until my last day off to do my housework so I had better get busy. Here is a little household tip for you.

8) Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces - no more stains.

Julie & Julia

“In department stores, so much kitchen equipment is bought indiscriminately by people who just come in for men's underwear.”

Julia Child

We went and watched the movie today. Julie and Julia. I read the blog and I read the book. I was half way, OK, more then half way expecting to hate the movie. But I didn't. And I think. Even if you never read the book or the blog you would like this movie. It was Bon Appetit.

What the movie does different is incorporate Julia Child's life in the movie at the same time your watching Julie start the blog and cook the recipes. Yes there are parts left out, but she did this in a year and it would be a long movie. Rick and the men in the audience were chuckling and I was just thinking, See! This isn't a chick movie.......then Rick started to snore. A quick elbow in the tender part of his rib cage soon put a stop to that and he enjoyed the rest of the movie. He did say he really liked the movie, just was so tired he couldn't prevent sleeping. Nothing against the movie.

Merle Streep did a great job. Amy Robison did a great job. It was a good movie.

After watching the movie it inspired me, to go have a pizza and then come home and finally make my pie. So. See the movie and tell me what you think.


And below is my pie. Doesn't that look great. I can cook when I really want to.

The Downside of Cash for Clunkers

Many places would be donated old cars in the past and you could get a tax deduction. Now all the old cars will be destroyed. What will your teen drive to school? I don't buy new cars now and in the future I will probably be buying older and older cars. If they are still around. What about demolition derby's? I used to love those.

My gifts

Aren't they just lovely. The roses smell so good and the vegetables, yummy. I am making the beans for supper tonight and we are having BLT's again. The darker tomato is the russian one. There is squash, cucumbers, onions, beans, and peppers. And all the flowers are grown in his yard. His home has been in his family for over 100 years and his mother is a master gardener so she provided all the wonderful veggies.

Remember that book I read a while back, Julie and Julia. It was about the woman who decided to cook all the recipes in Julia Child's The Art of French Cooking. She had a blog site updating all her readers on the how the recipes turned out and the book was really good. So anyway its a movie now. We are going to see it this afternoon. I hope I am not disappointed. Most movies I see based on books I read get me angry. I want it to be like the book! But we shall see. I hope it is good.

We decided against the zoo again today. I want to prepare all my wonderful veggies and get them set up. I work tomorrow extra because the needed a charge nurse so I have things to do today. So I am off to the store.

The kindness of friends.

We went out today and had our Monday night date. Our friend we meet on Monday was there with a vase of home grown flowers and a basket of fresh vegetables. Russian tomatoes, eggplants, fresh green beans, tomatoes and green peppers. We had a meal of appetizers, fresh beer and wonderful wine. Made plans for next Monday. It was a wonderful night.

The Health Care Reform bill

Is posted in it's entirety here. I urge everyone to read it, unlike most of our elected officials. Actually the delay has allowed many of them to read it and that is why you are seeing objections on both sides. Nobody, and I mean nobody that has read the bill in its entirety would want the government in your pocket this bad. I would have to close all my banking accounts. Get paid in cash. But my hospital wouldn't be able to do that, no employer would be able to, it will be against the law to not let the government in your bank account.

This is not about everyone getting health care. If you can afford a big screen TV, cable, cell phone charges..... you can afford to get health care. Its out there.

So anyway. I have read it.....and reread it. Have you?

And by the way. I am not a member of the mob. I am not a terrorist. I am not a Republican or a Democrat. I am not a organizer. I am not out of control. And I am not a idiot. What am I?

I am an American. I am a woman. I am a caregiver. I am soon to be a senior citizen. I am a grandmother. I am a mother. I am your neighbor. I am rational. I am intelligent. I am a conservative. I wish nobody any harm. Ever. I know what I am reading. I am literate. And I will not give up control of my life. I know best what's best for me.

Marinated Cherry tomatoes

I have been getting a ton of cherry tomatoes. When I got the blight on my plants I was afraid they were done for, but thankfully not. So today I made a bowl of marinated tomatoes. I used to have a recipe but now I just throw the stuff together. It is so yummy. I take the tomatoes and cut them in half. I either use thin sliced red or green onions and add in. Then I use a small amount of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano oil, a tiny bit of sugar substitute, and parsley and let it soak. The longer it soaks the better they are. They are great on a leafy green salad or just alone.

So here I am thinking about food again, LOL. I am hopeless. I also picked some rhubarb and am going to make a rhubarb strawberry pie. I cut the sugar in half by using the whey low sugar substitute. I would use only that but it doesn't thicken the same. Tastes exactly like sugar though and has only 5 calories is natural. It is the best sugar substitute I have ever found. I can't stand most of the sugar subs. That nasty after taste.

We were going to go to the zoo today but I have several things I want to do today so tomorrow we are going. I need to get my camera's ready. And I have to clean out Chester's cage. So we will make a day of it tomorrow.

A weird thing happened a little while ago. I craved a cigarette. It has been 5 years on the 1st of next month. I rarely even think about them and haven't had a craving for at least a year. Just out of the blue. I was such a dedicated smoker. It controlled my life. I couldn't sit through a movie, the first thing I did in the morning or after a meal, light up. I wouldn't go places you couldn't smoke and after my heart cath as soon as I could get up I went out for a smoke. I smoked though both my pregnancies and throughout my childrens childhood. Sometimes more then 2 packs a day. And once during a blizzard I ran out and actually thought about walking to the store 14 blocks away. 14 inches of snow, so hard you couldn't see, freezing temps and I was going to walk. But my neighbor had a spare pack.

Looking back now I can see how sick that was. Even then I hated its control over me. I have never regreted quitting. I worry that the years of smoking will still catch up with me. When I developed my asthma I still couldn't believe my lungs weren't damaged from smoking. But so far so good. Anyway, so getting a craving was weird. Probably triggered by my call from the work comp people. Because nothing used to get me through a stressful situation like a smoke.

Now I just reach for something to eat, LOL. Except for I am reaching for water instead. That is how I broke my smoking habit. Carried water everywhere with me. Brushed my teeth like a million times a day and drank water any time I wanted a smoke. So I am doing that again with my binge eating. I started back yesterday making a concious effort to stop this bad habit. I had it so under control. It sneaked back in slowly. But I am giving it the heave out the door now.

Having the work comp people call kind of helped the reality of the surgery sink in. It is different now then it used to be. Now they give you an advocate who isn't associated with the hospital. They make sure your not forced into working too soon. That is nice to know. I don't want to screw the shoulder up for good. And they talked about what my income would be. Back to pennie pinching for awhile. Turns out I was suppose to be getting reinbursed for my gas mileage from PT and the doctors all this time. My work comp lady at the hospital should have mentioned it. I never thought about it. She said I can add it all up and summit it but it would be difficult to figure out. I was going for my hand and my shoulder some times. And I really don't care about it. I only care about getting fixed up and back to work without restrictions.

I am not expecting my shoulder to ever feel the same. When you get hurt and get it fixed it is never the same as it was before the injury. I mourned my old back for a couple of years. My wrists will never be the same. It is just a different type of discomfort. Mostly what you end up with is a stable back, neck or whatever was injured. But not the same. I am prone to scar tissue and that is a big reason I didn't want surgery. Oh boo hoo for me. Sigh. Anyway......

Well enough rambling. Time to tackle that cage and then I am going shopping. I want a couple of shirts that will be easy to get in and out of for after the surgery. And my favorite store is having a big sale. Yippy.

Binge eating and other bad habits.

The last several years I have been working on getting rid of my bad habits. I quit smoking, yeah. Got rid of TV because not only did I lose interest in the programing it is too easy to sit inactive in front of it all day and I know I have to be moving more. With the type of arthritis I have, and with most arthritis it is best to keep moving or you won't be able to. And I have struggled with my weight.

I lost 56 pounds. Fairly easily actually. Keeping it off however...... I have gained 28 back, lost 11 gained it back blah blah blah.

I am a binge eater plus I am not good at portion control. I can get away with it somewhat when I am riding my bike for miles. but I haven't been. And the more external things going on the more I nibble to keep my mind off things.

Oh I don't mean entire pizza's or whole containers of ice cream. I have a tootsie pop here, some popcorn a little later, some pretzels, couple of carrots, a buddie bar, nibble nibble nibble.

The more pain I am in the more I nibble, the more stress I am under....nibble nibble nibble. And the calories add up. I have such insight into my eating patterns but still do the same things over and over. And justify it also, LOL.

I really really want to lose weight before surgery. And to lose the weight I gained back. And to break this bad habit. Grab more water instead of more snacky foods. So I keep trying. Every single day. Wondering in the back of my head what I would weigh if I didn't keep trying. I swear, quitting smoking was so much easier then this. Because I just don't smoke. but once I start eating........

Is there anything that works well for anyone else with problem? Any suggestions.