A Brick Wall

Image by viZZZual.com via Flickr

My goal has been to post on this blog M-F and I have been doing quite well until now. I have hit a brick wall! For three days I have tried to think of something to write with no success. Well, I can think of something to write but it seems to generally either be bad news, a complaint or fringes on one or both of them. And if you remember, I cannot have any of that here.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I have seen good things occur. They just have not been something worth writing about. Or if they were something I wanted to share like a digital collage of exceptionally beautiful photos, I either can't post it here or don't know how to post it here. I think my technology skills need to be further honed. Actually I know there is considerable room for improvement.

So I have created a post today about my current challenge of creating a post. And while doing this I think I have come up with a couple of ideas for future posts. Am I going to delete this one and move on? Absolutely not! Is this posting bad news or a complaint? I don't think so. It is discussing a challenge. And it is not a bad challenge. It is one I look forward to.

Lemon Water is Good for You! Who Knew?

The following is another interesting item I received from cyberspace. I had no idea there were any significant health benefits in lemons. Go figure!

Health Benefits of Lemon Water

Lemon water is rich in several essential nutrients. It is known to have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-aging, anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts immune system, improves digestion and maintains overall health. It can be used to treat various health conditions and prevent infections. Traditional Chinese medicine suggest that you begin your day with refreshing lemon water.

• Lemon water is the best source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It removes harmful, free radicals from the body and improves immune systems. Lemon water also acts as a blood purifier.
  

• Lemon water is used to prevent and treat different infections as well as to control allergies. Due to its antiseptic properties, it is effective in healing wounds. Lemon water is helpful in relieving symptoms of sore throat, tonsillitis or asthma.
  

• Lemon water plays an important role in maintaining digestive health. It boosts metabolism and improves functioning of digestive systems and prevents various digestive problems like constipation, indigestion, nausea, heartburn and parasites. It also helps dissolve gallstones.
  

• Lemon water is effective in body cleansing and detoxification. It maintains good health by eliminating harmful toxins from the body.
  

• Another important benefit of lemon water is that it strengthens liver functioning and stimulates it to produce more enzymes essential for different body processes. A well-functioning liver is the key to a healthy body.
  

• Since lemon water has a diuretic effect, it is beneficial for people with urinary tract infections.
  

• Lemon water is helpful in treating arthritis and rheumatism.
  

• Daily consumption of warm lemon water is one of the effective remedies to get rid of obesity and belly fat.
  

• Lemon water is one of the most effective regimens for skin and hair care. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It rejuvenates the skin and gives a clear, radiant, glowing complexion. Lemon juice is one of the best home remedies for acne control. It can also be used to treat various skin diseases like eczema. Application of lemon juice on the skin is effective in preventing sunburn. If you apply lemon water to your hair for a few minutes and then rinse with water, it will make your hair clean and shiny.
  

• Lemon juice externally applied on the nostrils can help stop nosebleeds and when massaged onto the gums control bleeding gums . Lemon juice combined with glycerin is effective to heal chapped lips.

WOW! Think I will give it a try and see what happens. What about you?

Honest! It Really is a Good Thing.

Image by osde8info via Flickr

Here on the Internet for all the world to see I am going to admit my need to exercise and to make healthier food choices. I am not going to use the word "diet" because I believe to most of us it means to give up, go without and pain. It is also generally thought of as a temporary situation. It need not be any of those things...nor should it be.

Starting now...not tomorrow...I will be making healthier food choices and I will be starting a moderate exercise program.

I have done the food thing before quite successfully. It was basically a matter of moderation. It did not bother me to not have wine every evening or ice cream daily. These were not forbidden foods just to be enjoyed in reasonable moderation. Last night I had a pint of Ben & Jerry's for dinner. This is a definite no-no...and not an unreasonable one. I will not elaborate on why I fell off the earlier program. I will only say it was indirectly encouraged by another party. I am not placing blame as I had a choice and could have said "no".

Several changes need to be made and the first is for me to make reasonable food choices. Portion control is the second change. Currently my diet exists of primarily carbs. This must change as with carbs (pasta and rice specifically) there seems to be no end to the portion I can consume. When I eat a reasonable portion of a well balanced meal I am completely satisfied and not banging the cupboard doors looking for something to satisfy an often unknown craving.

Also, from past experience I know that when dining out if I start my meal with a salad and then eat half the portion served and take half home I have generally had plenty of food to satisfy me. And half a restaurant portion is generally the suggested portion size for healthy eating. The other bonus is taking half home provides a second meal and makes it a profitable arrangement in all regards.

These two simple changes will make a significant difference in my health, my weight and my wardrobe. Of course, I know I must add exercise to this lifestyle change. For me this will be the most difficult part...but it will be a part of the program.

I know to make too many changes at one time is a program for failure. I also know that with each small step you take the next step is easier. I have a book that I had started to use as a guide before and it really makes good sense. The book is "ChangeOne" by John Hastings. The following is an exerpt from the book.

The Key Principles

1. Make one change at a time. You can't become a new person overnight - lasting change requires a measured approach.
2. The secret to weight loss is understanding portion sizes, not math. If you don't want to count calories for the rest of your life, don't diet that way.
3. All foods are allowed. Let your meals be a source of healthy pleasure and never skimp on flavor or delight.
4. Eating for a healthy weight is the same as eating for health. Think of ChangeOne as a way of life, and this will be the last time you have to lose weight.

The book devotes a chapter to one change per week. So for the first week I will focus on breakfast, better choices for other meals and daily exercise (no commitment to how much or what type of exercise). To stay on track with better food choices I will plan ahead for the week and prepare some foods ahead so they are easily accessible for those busy days...or lazy days. With planning it will make staying on track much easier and once I have done this for a few weeks it will become a habit and a way of life.

The good thing about this is I will feel better and look better. I will be able to wear more of the clothes hanging in my closet (some with tags).

My goal for July 31st is to lose 8#...a little less than 2# per week. Since this is the beginning of the plan the weight will come off easier so I believe this to be a very reasonable goal. I expect I will revisit this subject during this time period but if not I will definitely do so at the end of July. I am excited about this plan. I am ready for the change and it is a very good thing!

Free Hugs

Image via Wikipedia

Have you heard about the Free Hugs campaign? If not, check out this website. It will give you the background of how it started and video. The video is amazing to watch and I think it will bring a smile to your face even on a bad day.

After watching the video I wondered if I would ever have the courage to hug someone carrying a sign saying "Free Hugs". In Chicago wouldn't most of us thing there is something wrong with this person? Yes, I think so. Too bad as it might be a good experience.

Are you looking for a pet?

Bo Obama has caused quite an interest in Portuguese Water dogs and a stir amongst people that favor shelter dogs. For me I don't think there is a dog I don't like...well, unless it has been damaged by a human. It is unfortunate but true. Humans either destroy them by abuse or inbreeding.

There are many awful stories that could be relayed here but this blog is only about good news and there are many good stories about shelters that take in homeless dogs, people who foster dogs that have special needs and people that adopt one of the many homeless dogs. I admire all these people. Perhaps I admire those who foster dogs the most. I have never understood how people can take a dog in, care for it for months and then give it to someone else to provide a forever home. It would break my heart to give up the dog. It takes a very special person to perform such a good deed.

One woman who consistently works to provide homes for dogs...and other types of animals...is Sheri Berliner. Sheri is a photographer who goes to several shelters and photographs the dogs and cats (actually bunnies, too...and are they ever cute!) that are in need of homes. She posts the photographs with a brief story about each animal on a couple of websites, petfinder.com and
AdoptaPet.com. She also emails the photos and stories to her email base of approximately 4000 pet lovers...of which I am one.

The photo on the right is one that Sheri took of a pit bull puppy. I think most people do not like pit bulls. They have had a bad rap in the press and to be honest they aren't the cutest dog. The pit bulls that create bad press are generally those abused by a human or a victim of inbreeding. People that have and know the breed know it to be a sweet dog and loyal to family members. Well, back to Sheri and her photos. After receiving several of Sheri's photos of pit bulls I realized one day that my attitude toward this breed had changed. Her photos and stories give each animal a personality that touches your heart.

Check out Sheri's website and maybe join her email list. While I can't adopt a pet (Cosette would never permit it.) I do forward the emails when I think someone might have an interest in a particular pet. I don't think I have assisted with any adoptions but who knows what happens when emails get passed on. And if you don't have a pet, perhaps you will find one.

Puttin On the Brakes

Image via Wikipedia

Last week I was at my Jeep dealership in Northfield. The main purpose of the visit was to replace my brakes which I had known needed replacing for a few months.

Some of you might wonder why I travel all the way to Northfield to service my car. Well, I bought my first Jeep there based on the model and color that was available for immediate purchase. My experiences were good. When I was looking for a new car and I decided on another Jeep, it basically came down to the same thing (available color and model) plus service at the dealership. After looking at several dealerships I did not feel I wanted to have an ongoing relationship with the people there. Let me tell you the many things I like about my dealership.

When I have my car serviced I generally wait for it to be completed. Whenever I have had an appointment for service I bring work to keep me occupied while I wait. The customer waiting area is quite nice. There are tables and chairs so it is easy to work. Other amenities are bagels and cream cheese (for the early arrivees), several varieties of coffee, tea, ice cream, juices and popcorn. And of course, they do have magazines and a TV. They make it very comfortable to wait.

So this last visit I was doing some work and waiting for the evaluation and estimate for the repairs (I also had them check a couple of things other than the brakes.) . When the evaluation came I was happily informed that only my front brakes needed to be repaired but two other issues needed to be addressed. The cost for all repairs was less that what I expected. I was very happy!! It was a good day.

The work was completed within the estimated time period including a hand car wash and I was on my way. Now this was a very hot and humid day and I just got on the highway when I realized the mechanics had totaled turned off my air conditioning. No problem. I turned it on only to find it was not working. It would cool the car if I turned the fan up to the very highest and noisiest level. This was not good. I immediately called service to speak with the person who was handling my car. He asked if I could come back but I was on the expressway (a/k/a parking lot) and it would have taken great effort and time to get back there. We arranged for me to return early Saturday morning. (I know. This is bad news which is not allowed on this blog. )

Saturday morning I got up early and made the trek to Northfield arriving when they opened at 8a. My car was taken and I headed for the customer service waiting area. About 2 hours later my service rep approached me and said the fan motor needed to be replaced and there was nothing they had done the day before that would have caused the problem. However, as a one time goodwill gesture they replaced it at no cost to me. And again it was good news!

Oh! I forgot to tell you a couple of other service gestures that were made that first day. When they said it was going to take a couple of hours to repair the car they asked if I would like someone to drive me to the mall. I declined as I had planned to work. When the woman in the waiting area saw me there at about 12:30 she commented that I had been there since morning. Would I like someone to drive me to a restaurant or could she order something for me? Again I declined. Can you think of anything better for lunch than popcorn and ice cream?

This is why I travel to Northfield for my service. And I suppose you would like to know what dealership it is. Well....it's

Fields Jeep, 670 W Frontage Rd, Northfield, IL

Sucha Deal!

One day a friend forwarded an email to me. It was for "sucha deal" and it was called Groupon. In their own words this is who they are:

"Launched in November 2008, Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in a variety of cities across the United States. We have about 25 wonderful people working in our Chicago office ..., along with a smattering of people in Groupon's other cities."

I did not partake of the offer that day but I did sign up for the daily email offer. Most offers I just delete (or forward to friends that might enjoy them) but I have purchased a few. I will briefly explain how this works. Every day Groupon sends an email offer. If you are interested, you purchase the offer. For example; for $10 you can purchase a "Groupon" worth $25 to a participating restaurant. The requirements for each offer differs. For this particular offer 150 must sign on or else the offer is void. If the required number sign on, your account is charged and you receive an email the next day to acquire your Groupon. You just print the Groupon and you are ready to go. Each Groupon will have the expiration date and special instructions like Dine in only, Can't redeem on Tuesdays, etc.

Check out their website for more information. Then try it. You'll like it.

Video...can I do it?

Remember the real purpose of this blog is to learn the intricacies of blogging. So I am always looking for a new feature to learn.

I just watched a video on the company's website that toured an architect's contemporary home. I was able to send it to a friend via email and now I wonder if I can add it to a blog. I hope there are no copyright issues here. I have nothing to gain but experience so here it goes. A video of a home on Cleveland Street. See it here...I hope.

How cool is that? I think I'm getting it. Now if they would quit speaking those geek words (or if they must speak them, please link to the definition written in simple language), things would be so much easier.

CHEERIOS

Recently two friends have told me that they eat Cheerios for breakfast every day. This really surprised me as I have not eaten Cheerios in years...many, many years. So while at the groc ery store this week I noticed Cheerios were on sale so I thought... let's give it a try.

So I did just that...had a big bowl of Cheerios. Well, for some reason whenever I think of Cheerios I always think you have to eat them fast or they get mushy. So I did just that ...ate them fast without putting the spoon down. And I finished none too soon I might add. They were on their way to mushy.

Cheerios do taste as I remember them...good but not great. To my amazement while looking for the graphic I found that there are ten different flavors of Cheerios. They have come a long way since I ate them last. The latest flavor is Banana Nut. Check here if you are interested in the complete list.

My cold cereal preference is Nature's Path Optimum Blueberry Cinnamon...YUM! A delicious combo of crunchy strands and flakes loaded with flax, soy and blueberries. I know...it sounds way too healthy but it is really good and it doesn't get mushy. It is organic and found at most major grocery stores. For more information on my favorite and to hear about the four other Optimum flavors, click here. At the grocery store look for this box. And if you try it, let me know how you like it.

Since writing the original draft of this posting I have come up with a good use for Cheerios...snack food...dry. When you have a craving for something crunchy substitute Cheerios for popcorn, potato chips, pretzels, etc. Much healthier for you, solves the crunch craving and the mushy matter.

My D-O-G

Today I am writing a simple post. It is about Cosette, my dear companion. Yes, she is a d-o-g...but she doesn't know it. She doesn't really like those four legged animals. Actually, she doesn't pay any attention to any animals. She walks right past the ducks and geese at North Pond and she could care less about squirrels. She does have one d-o-g trait...sniffing. Yes, she likes her nose to the ground.

I tried "socializing" her. We had a few play dates with other toy poodles. They liked her but she didn't like them. She would come to me wanting me to rescue her. No such luck. I believed she needed to learn to play. Well, the other dogs would continue to try to get her to play and finally she would have enough and turn around and snarl at them. Well, that was the end. They had no more interest in her. Of course, then she was interested in them...only until they resumed interest in her. Go figure!

When we are out walking sometimes and she is distracted and when I see a big dog I might say, "Cosette, big puppy!". She will stop what she is doing and do a 360 to find the dog. When she sees it she scurries over by me and is ready to move on...or be picked up. Yes, she can be a wimp.

One night (some time ago) it was late and I was working on the computer. I had the dog show on TV and Cosette was sleeping on the couch. I was working diligently when I heard a little grrrrr. Pretty soon up she was standing on her hind legs in front of the TV barking at the dogs in the show. After that every time she saw a dog on TV she would do that. I started telling her no so she doesn't do it anymore...well, seldom does it anymore. That behavior has given me many smiles.

I could go on and on with little stories about how she brightens my day but I am probably boring you now. The bottom line is she makes me happy. I don't know how anyone can live without a d-o-g. They are such loyal loving companions.

All Is Well

Today while sitting at my computer I heard several sirens. This is not terribly unusual. However, today they sounded very close and also sounded like they were stopping in front of my building. Upon walking to the window I witnessed five fire trucks, a fire chief's car and a police car definitely in front of my building. In the five years I have lived here this is the third time I have experienced this.

The first time was because someone had a small kitchen fire, panicked and called the fire department. The fire was out before the fire department got here. Of course, I did not know that and decided to take Cosette and walk down the stairs. (Happy I live on the 12th floor not the 35th.) Had a nice visit with a few neighbors and took Cosette for an extra walk. All was well.

The second episode I decided to wait in my apartment and see what transpired. Within a short time my phone rang and there was a general message from the property manager explaining that smoke had been smelled in the hallway and it was due to a small electrical fire in one of the elevators. Things were under control. The elevator was shut down and service was here to make repairs/replacements. Two other elevators were in fine order so all was well.

Today I received the building message via phone call to say once again there was a smell of smoke which was from an electrical wire in an elevator. The fire department was called as a precautionary measure and they were checking everything. The fire department is gone. All is well.

On October 17, 2003 six people died in a fire in the Cook County Administrative Building. As a result of that fire the city has put in place a high-rise life-safety program. For a summary of that program click here. Last I heard high-rise buildings were to be in compliance with this program by 2012. I know there has been much discussion about these requirements due to the cost of compliance. Unfortunately, I do not know if there has been an extension of time or a change in the compliance requirements. The summary was taken from the City of Chicago website so should be current (please note I said "should be"). If you have more information on this issue, please let me know.

Meanwhile here at home "All is Well".

Small Bug, Big Bite

This post is another copout. I received this information in an email and since one never knows when you might need it I decided to share. So please read on...

Spring will be here soon (actually it is supposed to be here but with this weather that is questionable) and the ticks will soon be showing their heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try.

A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share -- And it really works!!

I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me.

Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, "It worked!"

Hope you never need to try it.

Don't Worry...Be Happy!

In my neighborhood newspaper, Skyline, journalist Felicia Dechter wrote an article "The Art of Being Happy". She is making reference to a book, "Megamorphosis: How to be Happier Right Now", written by Chicaogoan Michael Yergin. Read Felicia's article and if you want to give a boost to your happiness level perhaps you'll decide to read the book. It's going to be my next read. Who can't use more happiness?

Happy Tears!

I am not sure why but it seems tears come to me very easily these days...happy tears that is. And today when I read about the good deed performed by Omar Gutierrez (on the right) to help Steven Walker (on the left), a robbery victim, tears came to my eyes. It was uplifting to be reminded that there are still many people who care enough to help someone in need.

Omar started a fund to help Steven get back to work and the response from the community exceeded all expectations. But rather than my writing about it. Go to Omar's blog which tells the story and has links to media coverage. Now this is the kind of news I like to read.

Really Smooth and E-Z

In an effort a plan to eat healthier and lose some weight I decided to have smoothies for breakfast. My typical smoothie was 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, 1/2 cup skim milk, 1 cup frozen fruit and a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.

This worked quite well for a few days and then I got tired of cleaning all the bits of the blender...well, lets be honest...I got lazy. Also, I would find chunks of fruit at the bottom of my smoothie and I did not find that very pleasant. Smoothies were not forgotten but they were put on the back burner. I still thought it was a great way to get my calcium and my fruit...you know...the health thing.

Well, last week while surfing the TV I came across QVC and they were making smoothies. And they were making them in the cutest little thing. You put your ingredients in the large cup, fasten on the blade base, turn it over and put on the machine. Pulse a couple of times, run a few seconds on low, run a couple of minutes on high and VOILA! You have a great smoothie. Very thick, smooth and no bits! And best of all you just remove the blade base and drink right out of the cup. If you need to run, put the mug lid on and go.

This terrific little thing only has two pieces to clean (three if you use the mug lid), the smoothie was better than any I made in the big powerful blender and no bits!

Knowing what I know about bananas (yesterday's post) I will be adding banana to my smoothies for really good health. This is truly...as Martha would say...a good thing.

Going Bananas!

This piece is actually something I received via email. Who knows how long it has been traveling in cyberspace. And since that is where I found it without reference to authorship I am just copying it here for your reading pleasure.

A MUST READ ABOUT BANANAS!!!

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas.. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:


Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke..

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham ( Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, build s up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps n ormalize the heartbeat , sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'


PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!

Ahhhhhhhhhh...the Wonders of a Haircut

Do you put off getting a haircut until you just can't stand it anymore? I do and today was my big day. I finally got my hair cut. My last haircut was January 8th...yes, I said January but that was in 2009.

Stretching out time between haircuts was to save money. And I saved a lot! I know many people putting off haircuts a little longer these days...but not that long.

Going to the hair salon is not one of my favorite things so I always ask for the first appointment of the day when it is not as crowded or as noisy as it becomes later in the day. One of my favorite things at the salon is getting my hair shampooed. I could fall asleep at the shampoo bowl as they massage my head and neck. It feels just marvelous!

Of course the haircut is marvelous as well. My hair stylist is great. She really knows her stuff. Well, after about 45 minutes in the chair I am a new woman. My bangs are not hanging in my eyes and my hair no longer feels unruly. Once again it has shape!

I don't expect I will wait so long the next time...but you never know.