Tuesday, June 17, 2025

The dining scene has changed so much in the Midwest! Red Lobster, Olive Garden and a place called Mr. Steak were fancy. In the early 80s it was very difficult to get a cappuccino anywhere. Espresso, maybe, at this one place in Uptown. One time my Uncle was visiting from the east coast, maybe mid 80s, and we were at the Marriott hotels restaurant. He had spent years eating in the North End of Boston at this point. Before he ordered he asked if the pasta was fresh, and the somewhat perplexed waitress said, yes, we boil it right here. We died laughing, both at his, what seemed to us, pretentious question, and her response. Now lots of places have in house made pasta, but not back then. You'd be lucky to get real garlic, instead of garlic powder.

Even just in the time we've had the house in MI, the "world foods" availability at the market went from one 6 foot shelf section made up almost solely of Old El Paso to a whole aisle with lots of authentic choices for all kinds of foods from different countries.

It is true that we have a lot more fresh seafood on the coast. But you have to know where to go to get the best meals. Generally not the chains though.

Nice to be able to drop a medication! Weight loss definitely lowers the BP.

One advantage of longer hair is being able to go longer between appointments as long as one doesn't need roots touched up frequently. Since I only have mine highlighted I don't have to deal with that as long as it is done well. When my hair was short and I was working I went every 4 weeks, then stretched it to every 6 weeks after retirement. But now I go about 3 months between appointments.

I wish I could see my hairdresser only every three months. I stretch mine to every 5 weeks, and that's not a small chunk of change.

Paula, all your news is so good--especially the "healthiest patient of the day" award and your doc taking you off the beta blocker. BTW, I just put dried mangoes on my grocery list. Thanks for that.

Greetings all

Great sunny day here. T shirt weather. Started the day with scrabble where I won two and lost one. Defeated the Shark - not by much. My last game I bingoed out for 76 points. It so demoralized my opponent who had been leading. Tee hee.

Those shirts are great Peps. You will wear them lots. And I bet that sales lady loved the cute California guy who spoke German! When I was in Italy more than one person approached me and spoke to me in German - I think because I look like a kraut. Glass blowing in the bar?

DD yep the gym becomes a hang out for retired people. So much more pleasant when you have time and are not squeezing it in between other events. LOL on the grocery. It does indeed seem like a mission when time is tight. As a retiree I even let other people in line ahead of me at times. Or better, go when the store is not crowded. Good on you for getting the hang of leisure.

Well Ann congrats on being done with the colonoscopy without incident. I too have ol-osus or whatever is is. Bet you are glad that chore is over. I too like being knocked out. Sorry the car was sold but there will be another.

Yay Paula on ditching a med. Always good. You are rocking your maintenance.

Stopped at the hippie deli for a few things. Got a couple of hand pies at the deli. We shall see. Better than cooking.

Did a few things at the studio and also got a new right lens for glasses. So now after 4 months I have normal vision I guess.

Trying to post a pic of my rose bush.

Diane S

Glorious!

So gorgeous! I envy your climate!

That rose bush is beautiful! Must be great growing conditions there. We are waiting for the hydrangeas to be fully out - they are starting to get their color.

Ermagerd! That rose bush of yours is gorgeous! What is the name of it? We're plotting our new backyard garden right now, and roses of all kinds are going to be a big part of it.

I love that you Scrabble-bombed your opponent. And congrats on getting your eyes/glasses finally sorted out. Cataract surgery was life-changing for me, but it also took me a while to get the far-away and up-close balance sorted out.