I started getting ready for the day at 6 am and finally got the car loaded by 9 am. After visiting a client and a quick shopping trip for next week's fairs, I dropped off half my house at my daughter's (she's hosting Thanksgiving dinner and needed pots and pans, serving bowls, my turkey platter, toaster, food and microwave). Then I dropped off a candle order before heading home at 1:30 pm. That's when the fun started!
As I began preparing food to bring to my daughter's for Thanksgiving, I realized I had just dropped off all my pans, bowls, etc. at my daughter's. With a little improvising I made a pumpkin cheesecake (for the first time). The recipe was supposed to fit an oversized pie shell (mine didn't). It was only after the pie had been baking for a while that I realized I had misread the recipe -- it called for a whole can of pumpkin and I had only added a cup! I really must get my eyes checked! The cheesecake looks (and, hopefully, tastes) good. Thankfully, my daughter does not have a computer so she will never find out.
On to the next recipe!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Football Fever
My four-year old grandson is dying to play football -- just like his older brother. He showed the coach all his best moves (including his touchdown dance). The coach gently told him he must be five to play. He responded, "I can be five."
Friday, October 1, 2010
Amy's Corner
The other day my daughter, Amy, was taking a nap with her son. She woke to a strong smell of smoke. A cloud of thick black smoke could be seen through the living room window. Concerned, because she lives next to a wooded area, Amy went out on her balcony to investigate; the smoke was billowing up from the downstairs apartment. She called the fire department and went to alert her neighbor -- who informed her they were barbecuing.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Today marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every three minutes another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
The first step in eradicating this dread disease is early detection. Schedule regular self exams and mammograms.
Consuming more than one alcoholic beverage per day can increase the risk of breast cancer by 20-25%.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The first step in eradicating this dread disease is early detection. Schedule regular self exams and mammograms.
Consuming more than one alcoholic beverage per day can increase the risk of breast cancer by 20-25%.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Fireflies
I was so excited! Looking out the window last evening I spotted fireflies flitting around. I haven't seen them in years! I rushed to put on my shoes and went outside to watch them -- just in time to see the "fireflies" disappearing through my neighbor's door on the feet of her two little ones who had just gotten new light-up sneakers.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
On-Line Job Scams
People are always looking for opportunities to earn more money.
Job scams have been around for years but, especially in a poor economy, people may be more susceptible to:
- ads that offer high pay for little effort (i.e., earn $500 a week stuffing envelopes).
- fake job ads
- vague ads
- phony websites, anonymous contact information, and free email accounts (i.e., Gmail, Yahoo! or Hotmail).
- Ads that ask for money up front.
When applying for jobs, research companies posting ads.
Be careful about sharing personal information (i.e., social security numbers, bank account numbers).
Job scams have been around for years but, especially in a poor economy, people may be more susceptible to:
- ads that offer high pay for little effort (i.e., earn $500 a week stuffing envelopes).
- fake job ads
- vague ads
- phony websites, anonymous contact information, and free email accounts (i.e., Gmail, Yahoo! or Hotmail).
- Ads that ask for money up front.
When applying for jobs, research companies posting ads.
Be careful about sharing personal information (i.e., social security numbers, bank account numbers).
National Assisted Living Week
The 16th Annual National Assisted Living Week will be observed rom September 12-18. During this week, assisted living facilities throughout the country will celebrate by promoting the services they provide to elders in the community while, at the same time, acknowledging the residents and families they serve.
This year's theme is "Living Life". Living life to the fullest means participating in activities that you enjoy and pursuing your passions; continuing to learn and grow; sharing and teaching others what you have learned.
This month, staff, residents, and family members of many assisted living communities will participate in memory walks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
This year's theme is "Living Life". Living life to the fullest means participating in activities that you enjoy and pursuing your passions; continuing to learn and grow; sharing and teaching others what you have learned.
This month, staff, residents, and family members of many assisted living communities will participate in memory walks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Friday, August 6, 2010
I Have Heard ...
If you add 2 crushed TUMS to each plant when watering, it will cure tomatoes of blossom rot.
Peanut butter is the best bait for mouse traps.
You can use a toothpick to fix a leaky hose.
For spectacular flowers, mix 1 cup sugar, 3 cups bone meal, and 1 cup Epsom salts & sprinkle a pinch into the bottom of each hole before planting.
To prevent tomato blight, mix 3 cups compost, 1/2 cup powdered nonfat milk, 1/2 cup Epsom salts & 1 tablespoon baking soda. Sprinkle a handful into each hole before planting. Sprinkle more powdered milk on top of the soil every few weeks after planting.
Onion is an excellent mosquito repellent when rubbed on you skin. Of course, you'll smell like a salad, but you'll be mosquito free.
Seal fresh cuts on trees, shrubs & bushes with latex paint.
Are your flowering shrubs underperforming? Push a spade into the ground around the perimeter of the bush at the same distance as the longest branches. Mix 1 cup apple juice, 2 tablespoons Epsom salts for each gallon of warm water and pour into the cuts in the soil around the bush.
Combine cayenne paper & 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap in 1 quart of water and sprinkle around to keep squirrels away.
Mist your plants with a mixture of 1 cup sour milk, 2 tablespoons flour & 1 quart of warm water to rid them of whiteflies.
Soften soil & eliminate disease by treating your lawn to a mixture of 1 cup shampoo, 1 cup chewing tobacco juice, 1 cup chamomile tea & 1 cup antiseptic mouthwash to 20 gallons of water.
Spray a mixture of 1 tablespoon dry mustard in 1 quart of warm water to rid your plants of bugs.
Adapted from advertisement for Supermarket Super Gardens by Jerry Baker
Peanut butter is the best bait for mouse traps.
You can use a toothpick to fix a leaky hose.
For spectacular flowers, mix 1 cup sugar, 3 cups bone meal, and 1 cup Epsom salts & sprinkle a pinch into the bottom of each hole before planting.
To prevent tomato blight, mix 3 cups compost, 1/2 cup powdered nonfat milk, 1/2 cup Epsom salts & 1 tablespoon baking soda. Sprinkle a handful into each hole before planting. Sprinkle more powdered milk on top of the soil every few weeks after planting.
Onion is an excellent mosquito repellent when rubbed on you skin. Of course, you'll smell like a salad, but you'll be mosquito free.
Seal fresh cuts on trees, shrubs & bushes with latex paint.
Are your flowering shrubs underperforming? Push a spade into the ground around the perimeter of the bush at the same distance as the longest branches. Mix 1 cup apple juice, 2 tablespoons Epsom salts for each gallon of warm water and pour into the cuts in the soil around the bush.
Combine cayenne paper & 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap in 1 quart of water and sprinkle around to keep squirrels away.
Mist your plants with a mixture of 1 cup sour milk, 2 tablespoons flour & 1 quart of warm water to rid them of whiteflies.
Soften soil & eliminate disease by treating your lawn to a mixture of 1 cup shampoo, 1 cup chewing tobacco juice, 1 cup chamomile tea & 1 cup antiseptic mouthwash to 20 gallons of water.
Spray a mixture of 1 tablespoon dry mustard in 1 quart of warm water to rid your plants of bugs.
Adapted from advertisement for Supermarket Super Gardens by Jerry Baker
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Postage Increase
Postage is going up again -- to 46 cents -- in January 2011. Instead of raising the price of stamps 1-2 cents each year or so, why don't they raise the cost to 50 cents and leave us alone for a few years. Then, when another increase is needed, raise the price to 55 cents and leave us alone again for a few more years. These annual price hikes are ridiculous! I've heard of being nickeled and dimed but the government is pennying us to distraction.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Life Is an Adventure
The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. Oprah Winfrey
Regret
I would rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not. Lucille Ball
Believe in Yourself
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does -- that makes you a winner right there. Venus Williams
Growing Old
We do not quit playing because we grow old, we grow old because we quit playing. Oliver Wendell Holmes
If You Don't Like Something ...
change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou
Live Love Laugh
Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain, cherish the moment, live, laugh, love, forgive and forget, life's too short to be living with regrets.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Great Gift Ideas for Kids
A few years ago I had given my grandson, who lives in South Carolina (I live in Massachusetts), a talking bear (10-second message with my recorded voice) at the Teddy Bear (Factory?) store. He loved it so much he wore out the battery (which can be replaced/rerecorded at the Teddy Bear store.
A few months ago I picked up a recordable book from my local Hallmark store. It is so sweet! And it only takes a few minutes to record (very easy). I gave it to my grandson on the first night of my recent visit to South Carolina. He loved it! The other day his mother called to tell me he's already worn out the (replaceable) batteries. And he reads along with the words -- how cute!
By the end of the year Hallmark will have 12 titles. I thought I'd get my grandson one for his birthday and one for Christmas. I'm also going to get my 4-year-old grandson one for his baptism (better late than never!) and one for Christmas.
The Teddy Bear is suitable for younger children (although my soon-to-be-six-year-old grandson still loves his -- even without the voice). The Hallmark books are suitable for all ages through beginning readers. Both are terrific gifts whether the recipient is close by or far away -- but especially so when they are far away and miss the sound of your voice. They would also be great as bedtime stories for traveling parents. Actually, they would be wonderful for any child!
A few months ago I picked up a recordable book from my local Hallmark store. It is so sweet! And it only takes a few minutes to record (very easy). I gave it to my grandson on the first night of my recent visit to South Carolina. He loved it! The other day his mother called to tell me he's already worn out the (replaceable) batteries. And he reads along with the words -- how cute!
By the end of the year Hallmark will have 12 titles. I thought I'd get my grandson one for his birthday and one for Christmas. I'm also going to get my 4-year-old grandson one for his baptism (better late than never!) and one for Christmas.
The Teddy Bear is suitable for younger children (although my soon-to-be-six-year-old grandson still loves his -- even without the voice). The Hallmark books are suitable for all ages through beginning readers. Both are terrific gifts whether the recipient is close by or far away -- but especially so when they are far away and miss the sound of your voice. They would also be great as bedtime stories for traveling parents. Actually, they would be wonderful for any child!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
MA Water Main Break
Last month a major water main, which provided water to eastern Massachusetts, burst and the people had to contend with obtaining potable water. That first day (Saturday), I understand, the local stores were a zoo, with water disappearing off the shelves faster than it could be restocked. I dug out my largest cooking pots, filled them, and boiled the water. It was recommended to boil water for at least one minute. I am not about to stand by a hot stove watching water boil, so I went on to other tasks and the water boiled for well beyond one minute, so I wasn't concerned about water quality.
On Sunday, just as I was about to head out the door for a luncheon appointment, I received a reverse 911 call that the National Guard was handing out water between noon and four at the local middle school. On my way home from the luncheon I decided to stop by to pick up my water and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the process went. As I pulled up, a woman asked for my drivers license (to show proof of residency). I hadn't expected that and began shuffling through my purse for my license. Suddenly the woman announced, "I know you from the Senior Center, you can go on through." When I pulled up at the distribution point, the guardsman hoisted a flat of bottled water. I thought it best for him to put the flat in my trunk and pulled the lever -- nothing; I thought the trunk latch was stuck and pulled the lever three more times before I realized I was pulling the lever for the gas cap.
The next day I had an appointment with a client and, on the way home, decided to pick up some groceries. When I departed the grocery store, the traffic on the street had picked up considerably. As we inched along (45 minutes to go 1/2 mile!), I noticed that those in the left lane seemed to be going a little faster and briefly considered switching lanes. I realized, though, that further on down the road, those in the left lane would be required to turn left and I wanted to go straight, so I stayed where I was. A little further along I saw a man crossing the road with a flat of bottled water over his shoulder and thought, "Hmm, I bet they're giving out water somewhere down here." Sure enough, about a quarter mile later, those in my lane turned into a parking lot where water was being distributed. As I turned in, I realized my driver's license was in the trunk, so I popped the trunk and hopped out, retrieved my purse from the trunk, and slammed the trunk shut -- on the handles to the purse. A few tugs convinced me I would have to unlock the trunk to free the purse. Meantime, people are running up to me demanding my license. I blubbered something about having to get my license out of the trunk and people behind me being upset at the delay -- and they waved me on through.
Sometimes it helps to be a little ditzy!
Repairs to the broken main were expected to take months but, thankfully, the problem was located quickly and water service was restored on Tuesday. A sincere thank you goes out to all involved in the speedy repair and to everyone in the affected communities who spent long, hot days distributing water. I hope the other communities experienced the pleasant efficiency that my community did.
On Sunday, just as I was about to head out the door for a luncheon appointment, I received a reverse 911 call that the National Guard was handing out water between noon and four at the local middle school. On my way home from the luncheon I decided to stop by to pick up my water and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the process went. As I pulled up, a woman asked for my drivers license (to show proof of residency). I hadn't expected that and began shuffling through my purse for my license. Suddenly the woman announced, "I know you from the Senior Center, you can go on through." When I pulled up at the distribution point, the guardsman hoisted a flat of bottled water. I thought it best for him to put the flat in my trunk and pulled the lever -- nothing; I thought the trunk latch was stuck and pulled the lever three more times before I realized I was pulling the lever for the gas cap.
The next day I had an appointment with a client and, on the way home, decided to pick up some groceries. When I departed the grocery store, the traffic on the street had picked up considerably. As we inched along (45 minutes to go 1/2 mile!), I noticed that those in the left lane seemed to be going a little faster and briefly considered switching lanes. I realized, though, that further on down the road, those in the left lane would be required to turn left and I wanted to go straight, so I stayed where I was. A little further along I saw a man crossing the road with a flat of bottled water over his shoulder and thought, "Hmm, I bet they're giving out water somewhere down here." Sure enough, about a quarter mile later, those in my lane turned into a parking lot where water was being distributed. As I turned in, I realized my driver's license was in the trunk, so I popped the trunk and hopped out, retrieved my purse from the trunk, and slammed the trunk shut -- on the handles to the purse. A few tugs convinced me I would have to unlock the trunk to free the purse. Meantime, people are running up to me demanding my license. I blubbered something about having to get my license out of the trunk and people behind me being upset at the delay -- and they waved me on through.
Sometimes it helps to be a little ditzy!
Repairs to the broken main were expected to take months but, thankfully, the problem was located quickly and water service was restored on Tuesday. A sincere thank you goes out to all involved in the speedy repair and to everyone in the affected communities who spent long, hot days distributing water. I hope the other communities experienced the pleasant efficiency that my community did.
Vacation
I just returned from a 13-day vacation visiting family in South Carolina.
The trip got off to a shaky start when I presented my ticket and ID at airport security. The man at the security desk spent (I thought) an inordinately long time perusing my driver's license. I babbled, "I know, it's the worst picture ever taken of me." After a long, theatrical pause, he replied, "It's expired." When I began looking for my current license, he waved me on through.
The vacation itself was all that a vacation should be. I hadn't seen my daughters in almost two years. One daughter drove 90+ miles from Columbia SC to Charlotte NC on Friday to pick me up at the airport, then proceeded to drive back to Columbia and on to Charleston SC (100+ miles) so we could weekend with my other daughter.
The next day we visited a friend's pool. I haven't been in a bathing suit or a pool for forty years, but my five-year-old grandson was a bit chary of the pool (the things we do for our grandkids!). In truth, it was a huge stepping stone for me also. I had recently lost a bit of weight and, although not at my ideal weight, could actually fit into my bathing suit. I was also uncomfortable about the scar resulting from hip replacement surgery, but nobody else seemed to notice. I was also nervous about getting into the pool itself (afraid I'd slip & injure myself), so stayed within grabbing distance of the edge throughout. Not all that I'd hoped to accomplish, but I'm pleased with what I did do.
When my daughter went to work that evening, she was chastised for having "an inappropriate sunburn"!
We returned to Columbia on Sunday evening. During the week, while my daughter was at work and my grandson at day camp, I visited with my sister and her husband. Friday was my mother's 94th birthday. She hadn't felt up to a big festive occasion so family members either visited with her throughout the day or called. My daughter came up from Charleston on Friday and we held a big family supper; we laughed so much! Saturday we held a yard sale. I had hoped to sell some candles from the Mia Bella line that I just started distributing but it was so hot (high nineties with near 100% humidity) I don't think anyone was in a candle mood.
Sunday I returned home and, apart from the 45-minute delay sitting on the tarmac waiting for the weather further north to clear, it was uneventful. My son picked me up and took me to dinner. While at dinner, he informed me that he and his family (2 adults, 2 kids & a black lab) might be moving in with me in August. That should be interesting!
Once I actually got to my house, I started in on the accumulated voicemails, emails (1000+) and snailmails that had accumulated in my absence (my daughter does not have internet or cable). I've gotten through the emails, voicemails, snail mail, facebook, twitter and am now in the process of reposting all my expired craigslist sales. So much work (in addition to my regular work)! Sometimes I don't think vacations are worth the extra work and aggravation!
The trip got off to a shaky start when I presented my ticket and ID at airport security. The man at the security desk spent (I thought) an inordinately long time perusing my driver's license. I babbled, "I know, it's the worst picture ever taken of me." After a long, theatrical pause, he replied, "It's expired." When I began looking for my current license, he waved me on through.
The vacation itself was all that a vacation should be. I hadn't seen my daughters in almost two years. One daughter drove 90+ miles from Columbia SC to Charlotte NC on Friday to pick me up at the airport, then proceeded to drive back to Columbia and on to Charleston SC (100+ miles) so we could weekend with my other daughter.
The next day we visited a friend's pool. I haven't been in a bathing suit or a pool for forty years, but my five-year-old grandson was a bit chary of the pool (the things we do for our grandkids!). In truth, it was a huge stepping stone for me also. I had recently lost a bit of weight and, although not at my ideal weight, could actually fit into my bathing suit. I was also uncomfortable about the scar resulting from hip replacement surgery, but nobody else seemed to notice. I was also nervous about getting into the pool itself (afraid I'd slip & injure myself), so stayed within grabbing distance of the edge throughout. Not all that I'd hoped to accomplish, but I'm pleased with what I did do.
When my daughter went to work that evening, she was chastised for having "an inappropriate sunburn"!
We returned to Columbia on Sunday evening. During the week, while my daughter was at work and my grandson at day camp, I visited with my sister and her husband. Friday was my mother's 94th birthday. She hadn't felt up to a big festive occasion so family members either visited with her throughout the day or called. My daughter came up from Charleston on Friday and we held a big family supper; we laughed so much! Saturday we held a yard sale. I had hoped to sell some candles from the Mia Bella line that I just started distributing but it was so hot (high nineties with near 100% humidity) I don't think anyone was in a candle mood.
Sunday I returned home and, apart from the 45-minute delay sitting on the tarmac waiting for the weather further north to clear, it was uneventful. My son picked me up and took me to dinner. While at dinner, he informed me that he and his family (2 adults, 2 kids & a black lab) might be moving in with me in August. That should be interesting!
Once I actually got to my house, I started in on the accumulated voicemails, emails (1000+) and snailmails that had accumulated in my absence (my daughter does not have internet or cable). I've gotten through the emails, voicemails, snail mail, facebook, twitter and am now in the process of reposting all my expired craigslist sales. So much work (in addition to my regular work)! Sometimes I don't think vacations are worth the extra work and aggravation!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Quarterly Taxes for Self-Employed Individuals
Are you self-employed? Do quarterly tax payment deadlines sneak up on you and find you scrambling for the funds to make your tax payments?
If you accept payments into an on-line account such as PayPal or PayPro, as well as receiving "over the counter" payments, you might consider letting on-line payments accumulate to cover your tax liabiity -- a long as your "over the counter" receipts will cover your other business expenses.
Some people set aside 30% of each payment received in a separate account for taxes. Thirty percent should more than cover your tax liability (better too much than too little, I say).
If you also have an online bank account for taxes, you can easily transfer frunds from your PayPal or business account to your tax account.
If you accept payments into an on-line account such as PayPal or PayPro, as well as receiving "over the counter" payments, you might consider letting on-line payments accumulate to cover your tax liabiity -- a long as your "over the counter" receipts will cover your other business expenses.
Some people set aside 30% of each payment received in a separate account for taxes. Thirty percent should more than cover your tax liability (better too much than too little, I say).
If you also have an online bank account for taxes, you can easily transfer frunds from your PayPal or business account to your tax account.
More Family Fun
Last August I posted an article about www.bostoncentral.com, saying it is a great website for activities for kids of all ages (aren't we all kids at heart?). Another terrific website is www.whofish.org. Between these two websites you should have no trouble finding something to do this summer (and year round).
Monday, April 26, 2010
Info About Hearing
In the past few weeks I've come across two people who were hearing impaired but could not afford hearing aids. I did a little research and came up with the following information. Hope you find this helpful.
Hearing aids last an average of five years and cost about $3000 to replace. Insurance usually doesn't cover the cost of hearing aids. As we age, sight, hearing and teeth begin to deteriorate, but care is seldom covered by insurance.
Behind-ear hearing aids are more technologically advanced and often a better value than in-ear equipment.
Recycled hearing aids are sometimes okay if the software is available to reprogram them. Cost, including the mold is usually less than $200.
Some national organizations may be of assistance in locating affordable equpment to those who cannot afford earing aids. They include:
Your local Lions Club
Starkey Hearing Foundation
Hear Now
Audient
If you need a hearing aid or similar device to help you perform your job or obtain employment, contact your local state vocational rehabilitation office.
http.//www.listen-up-org/haidfund.htm is a source of hearing aid and cochlear implant funding.
http://www.HearingExchange .com is an online community for people with hearing loss, parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, and professionals.
Hearing aids last an average of five years and cost about $3000 to replace. Insurance usually doesn't cover the cost of hearing aids. As we age, sight, hearing and teeth begin to deteriorate, but care is seldom covered by insurance.
Behind-ear hearing aids are more technologically advanced and often a better value than in-ear equipment.
Recycled hearing aids are sometimes okay if the software is available to reprogram them. Cost, including the mold is usually less than $200.
Some national organizations may be of assistance in locating affordable equpment to those who cannot afford earing aids. They include:
Your local Lions Club
Starkey Hearing Foundation
Hear Now
Audient
If you need a hearing aid or similar device to help you perform your job or obtain employment, contact your local state vocational rehabilitation office.
http.//www.listen-up-org/haidfund.htm is a source of hearing aid and cochlear implant funding.
http://www.HearingExchange .com is an online community for people with hearing loss, parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, and professionals.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Fortunate
Do you have a spouse that makes you laugh, that you can say is your best friend, who you want to grow old with, who has been with you through thick and thin, who you know will always be there to pick you up when you are feeling down, who is your world, and who you can thank God every night for?
Its Impossible
This drove me crazy!! (even more than I already am :-)
Find the error; its impossible
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
80% of UCDS students couldn't find the error. Can you?
Find the error; its impossible
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
80% of UCDS students couldn't find the error. Can you?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Microsoft Warning
Microsoft is warning Windows XP users not to press the F1 key if prompted by a website. Doing so could allow hackers to take over control of your computer. The prompt may appear repeatedly if ignored, nagging the user to press the F1 key. Users can either ignore the prompt or disable Windows Help.
March Is "National Nutrition" Month
Nutrition is a major factor in preserving quality of life and health as we age. Our parents and grandparents intuitively knew this and advocated a proper diet that included lots of vegetables, regular activity (exercise), adequate rest and moderation in all things.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Low Vision Awareness
February is Low Vision Awareness Month.
Glaucoma causes loss of sight by damaging the optic nerve. Once lost, vision cannot be restored. More than 2.2 million Americans have the most common form of glaucoma; half don't even know they have it.
Risk factors include:
- Age - The American Academy of Opthalmology has warned that everyone over the age of 60 is at risk for developing glaucoma.
- Race - The National Eye Institute says glaucoma is five times more likely to occur in blacks than in whites, and blacks are four times more likely to become blind from it. After age 60, Hispanics are more likely to develop glaucoma than any other group.
- Family History - If you have a parent or sibling who has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the disease.
- Diabetes - People with diabetes have a 40% higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Nearsightedness - Very nearsighted people are at greater risk of developing the disease.
- Eye Injury or Surgery - People who have had eye surgery or eye injuries may develop secondary glaucoma.
- Steroid Medication - Steroid use, over extended periods of time, may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Regular eye examinations are vital to preventing this "sneak thief of sight".
Glaucoma causes loss of sight by damaging the optic nerve. Once lost, vision cannot be restored. More than 2.2 million Americans have the most common form of glaucoma; half don't even know they have it.
Risk factors include:
- Age - The American Academy of Opthalmology has warned that everyone over the age of 60 is at risk for developing glaucoma.
- Race - The National Eye Institute says glaucoma is five times more likely to occur in blacks than in whites, and blacks are four times more likely to become blind from it. After age 60, Hispanics are more likely to develop glaucoma than any other group.
- Family History - If you have a parent or sibling who has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the disease.
- Diabetes - People with diabetes have a 40% higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Nearsightedness - Very nearsighted people are at greater risk of developing the disease.
- Eye Injury or Surgery - People who have had eye surgery or eye injuries may develop secondary glaucoma.
- Steroid Medication - Steroid use, over extended periods of time, may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Regular eye examinations are vital to preventing this "sneak thief of sight".
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Assisted Living
Make assisted living arrangements before you need them. If you wait until you need assisted living, you may have a long waiting list ahead of you. Average wait is three years.
Help with Prescription Costs
If you are having trouble paying for your prescription medications, the pharmaceutical companies may have a program to help you.
Friday, February 5, 2010
I wonder ...
Why do natural/organic products that are grown without chemical fertilizers & insecticides cost three times more than those products that are grown using chemical fertilizers & insecticides?Seems to me they should cost less.
Everybody's in Survival Mode
I went grocery shopping today. It was nuts! I guess they heard about the big storm down in D.C. Here in New England, at the sign of the first snowflake, everyone goes into survival mode. They clean out the grocery stores and start laying in emergency provisions.
National Wear Red Day
Today is National Wear Red Day. Wearing red is a way to draw attention to heart disease, the #1 killer of women in America. Over 430,000 women die each year from cardiovascular disease. Please join in making a statement against heart disease by wearing red today.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Scam Alert for Craigslist Users
Craigslist is warning users of a scam, involving an official-looking email with a link to a fake craigslist login page, designed to steal your username and password.
No matter how legitimate an email looks, the safest way to get to a website is to log-in directly to the website from your browser and avoid links in emails.. Only click on attachments from senders you trust.
To be sure you are actually on craigslist's log-in page, be sure the web address is http://accounts.craigslist.org/.
No matter how legitimate an email looks, the safest way to get to a website is to log-in directly to the website from your browser and avoid links in emails.. Only click on attachments from senders you trust.
To be sure you are actually on craigslist's log-in page, be sure the web address is http://accounts.craigslist.org/.
Money Saving Tip
Make a list before heading to the supermarket -- and stick to it. According to Real Simple, people who do not use a list spend up to 23 percent more on groceries. I'll carry that a bit further and recommend using a list for any shopping trips.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Reminder - Pull Over for Emergency Vehicles
I hope the idiot, who was in such a hurry to get to the grocery store that he/she wouldn't pull over for the ambulance, never finds himself/herself in the back of an ambulance trying to get around such an inconsiderate driver.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dr. Oz Advises ...
"The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished."
So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished and, before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of white Zinfandel, a bottle of tequila, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates.
You have no idea how good I feel right now!
So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished and, before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of white Zinfandel, a bottle of tequila, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates.
You have no idea how good I feel right now!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Pricing Your House in Today's Market
When setting the selling price of their house, many people make the mistake of pricing according to what was originally paid plus the cost of any improvements. In today's market, your house is worth not what you think it's worth, but what others are willing to pay for it.
Secret Revenue-Producing Scheme for Towns?
How difficult is it for refuse collectors to put trash barrels and recycling bins neatly back on the side of the road when they are emptied? Instead, they either leave the containers in the middle of the street to be hit by vehicles or toss them into the middle of the yard so you have to clamber over snow piles to retrieve them. And, when these containers become so damaged as to be completely unusable, the collectors will not pick them up and take them away -- even if you post a sign on them. Every year we trudge to Town Hall to pick up a new recycling bin -- only to have it destroyed the first week it's in use. Do the towns have a clause in their hauling contract offering a bounty for each replaced receptacle?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Contribute Painlessly cont'd.
Last August I posted a blog about ways to make charitable contributions that won't break the bank.
I wrote about The Hunger Site (http://www.thehungersite.com). Corporate sponsors contribute each time you click (once/day). When you visit The Hunger Site, you can click on the other tabs -- breast cancer, literacy, child health, rain forest & animal rescue to contribute to these worthy causes also.
In 2009 these charities boasted these impressive statistics -
* 65.7 million cups of food!
* 6,986 mammograms!
* 966,281 children helped!
* 481,177 books for children!
* 14,201 acres of land saved!
* 92 million bowls of food for shelter animals!
These charities are now asking for help for the earthquake survivors in Haiti. So far they have raised $187,174.
Please keep clicking!
I wrote about The Hunger Site (http://www.thehungersite.com). Corporate sponsors contribute each time you click (once/day). When you visit The Hunger Site, you can click on the other tabs -- breast cancer, literacy, child health, rain forest & animal rescue to contribute to these worthy causes also.
In 2009 these charities boasted these impressive statistics -
* 65.7 million cups of food!
* 6,986 mammograms!
* 966,281 children helped!
* 481,177 books for children!
* 14,201 acres of land saved!
* 92 million bowls of food for shelter animals!
These charities are now asking for help for the earthquake survivors in Haiti. So far they have raised $187,174.
Please keep clicking!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Arrogance ...!
On the news the other day, I heard an executive in the banking industry defending the practice of giving bonuses to reward executives for their performance. Silly me! I thought that what a paycheck is for. And whatever happened to the work ethic of doing the best work possible -- no matter what the job or the pay. To say nothing of the fact that, in my opinion, the banking executives should be giving us money because their greed has been a cause of our current fiscal crisis.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
One Flaw in Women
Another email message with a thought worth sharing -
Women have strengths that amaze men ...
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
But they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
And laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
When they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel,
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
A birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
Yet they are strong when they
Think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
Can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or email you.
The heart of a woman is what
Makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
Family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
And everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women,
It is that they forget their worth.
Women have strengths that amaze men ...
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
But they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
And laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
When they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel,
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
A birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
Yet they are strong when they
Think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
Can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or email you.
The heart of a woman is what
Makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
Family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
And everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women,
It is that they forget their worth.
God doesn't give you the people you want ...
Received in an email and thought it was a good point to share --
God doesn't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you NEED ... to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you into the person you were eant to be.
God doesn't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you NEED ... to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you into the person you were eant to be.
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