I was reading an article about how to eat for your age.
In your 20's, they recommend salmon, because it helps prevent depression. Salmon has omega-3 fatty acids which stabilizes a person's moods.
In your 30's, eggs and spinach are recommended. Eggs supply choline and spinach supplies folate for good health.
In your 40's, eat lean beef and broccoli. Beef supplies iron for red blood cells and keeping energy levels up. Broccoli is said to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
In your 50's, non-fat or low-fat yogurt is suggested to boost estrogen which is lost as we age and adds calcium to the diet.
In your 60's, they say to eat beans, any kind. They are good for your heart, like lowering blood pressure, and they contain fiber.
To me, it sounds like salmon should be eaten at any age since mood swings are a life-long possibility. We all need to keep our energy level up, and broccoli is especially good for women. Since I have never liked yogurt, I drank 2% milk instead. I think eating whole wheat bread will keep up the fiber intake, because I'm not fond of most bean dishes.
The senior citizen phase of the list reminds me of all the commercials I see for Beano, GasX and such other gas relievers. Maybe that's why they say older folks are just 'full of it!'
I think I'll just stick to my chicken, pork, pasta, and lots of vegetables meals I most enjoy. At my age, I'll just eat what I like as long as I'm healthy and let others “be full of it.” No beans for me!!
A little boy was excited about his first day at school. So excited in fact, that only a few minutes after class started, he realized that he desperately needed to go to the bathroom. So he raised his hand politely to ask if he could be excused. Of course the teacher said yes, but asked him to be quick.
Five minutes later he returned, looking more desperate and embarrassed. "I can't find it", he admitted.
The teacher sat him down and drew him a little diagram to where he should go and asked him if he will be able to find it now. The boy looked at the diagram, said "yes" and goes on his way.
Five minutes later he returned to the class room and says to the teacher "I can't find it".
Frustrated, the teacher asked Jon, a boy who has been at the school for awhile, to help him find the bathroom.
So two fellas go together and five minutes later they both return and sit down at their seats. The teacher asks Jon, "Well, did you find it?"
Jon is quick with his reply: "Oh sure, he just had his boxer shorts on backwards"
Today, I read an article from MyHealthNewsDaily entitled One Can of Soda a Day Raises Diabetes Risk.
"Drinking just one 12-ounce soda a day may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.
In the study, people who drank a 12-ounce sugar-sweetened soda daily were 18 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes over a 16-year period compared with those who did not consume soda. And people who drank two sodas daily were 18 percent more likely to have a stroke than those who drank one; those who drank three sodas daily saw the same risk increase compared with those who drank two, and so on.
The results held even after the researchers took into account risk factors for Type 2 diabetes such as age and physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI) and the total daily calorie intake.
The findings agree with earlier studies which found daily soda consumption increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 25 percent."
. . . I drank regular pop for years before I switched to diet pop. I drank pop for over 40 years until last year. The study must have some truth to it, because about three years ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It is well controlled now (with diet and medication) and my test results are always normal, according to my doctor. I gave up soda pop last year when I went on a strict diet in October, after which I lost my first 20 pounds (and lost the side effects of sugary soda pop, mainly gas and bloating). Early this year, I purchased a home Soda Stream drink carbonation machine (including many free samples of various drink flavors). The same Soda Stream can now be purchased at Walmart, along with all the accessories. I can now make my favorite 7-up and orange pop drink without the sugar or additives that make soda so unhealthy. . . .
"People who drank diet soda were also at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes during the study compared with those who drank no soda. However, when the researchers took into account participants' BMI and total energy intake, the increased risk disappeared. This finding suggests that the link between diet soda and diabetes risk was driven by participants' weight: People who are obese, and thus already at risk for Type 2 diabetes, tend to report higher consumption of diet drinks.
Pass it on: Consumption of sugar-sweetened soda is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes."
Today is Arbor Day - plant a tree!
Arbor Day was founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska City, Nebraska. By the 1920s, each state in the United States had passed public laws that stipulated a certain day to be Arbor Day. The national holiday is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April; the customary observance is to plant a tree.
A friend of mine just planted a tree a few days ago. Instead of a tree, maybe I can get a rose bush planted.
This really made me laugh:
WHAT OLD PEOPLE DO FOR FUN!
EARTH DAY
By Jane Yolen
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass,
Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud,
And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle,
Skin and bone.
And just as I
Need every bit
Of me to make
My body fit,
So Earth needs
Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here
Naturally.
That’s why we
Celebrate this day.
That’s why across
The world we say:
As long as life,
As dear, as free,
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Beer drinkers beware, don't throw away your flat or stale beer if you didn't finish it in a timely manner. A useful purpose, I've learned today, is to pour a small amount on a clean soft cloth and wipe down your wooden furniture. Then wipe off with another clean soft cloth and see your wooden pieces shine. For us non-drinkers, we just use Pledge!
Did you know that you can use a tennis ball to remove scuff marks from vinyl flooring?
I also read that wax paper is good for cleaning can opener blades.
What else did I learn that I want to share with you, some items I had heard, some I had not:
Use an eraser to clean the keys on your television remote control, your old cell phone, or your laptop or keyboard.
Use chalk to remove grease stains from clothing articles.
Use banana peels to polish silver. I need to try this one!
I didn't know that you can use Gatorade to clean stains from a toilet bowl. Pour two cups of Gatorade into the toilet, let it sit for one hour, brush away the dirt and flush. I wonder what it cleans inside our bodies when we drink it if it will clean toilet stains.
I can't eat grapefruit, but if I ever bought any, I could use it to clean my bathtub. Cut a grapefruit in half, sprinkle with salt, wet the bathtub, lightly salt the bottom of the tub, and scrub with the salted grapefruit half. Rinse the tub thoroughly. I wonder if it makes the tub smell better too.
Are your vehicle headlights dull or dirty? Spread some toothpaste on the headlight cover and wipe off with a clean cloth. It's suppose to make them shine. Just one more use for my Crest!
For my cat loving friends, use some dried tea leaves to mix in with the cat litter for anti-bacterial and odor killing benefits. I'll soon see what my Miss Kitty thinks of this new feature in her “space.”
Lastly, keep your television screens clean and free from dust for better viewing. For the old style CRT screens, you can use something like Windex glass cleaner sprayed on a clean cloth, NOT directly sprayed on the screen. For the new Plasma tv's use a soft microfiber cloth, NOT paper towels, to wipe away the dust, and if you find a blemish or stain, use one part isopropyl alcohol to four parts water on a microfiber cloth to wipe the stain; do NOT use ammonia.
And don't forget to clean one of the dirtiest items in every household, light switches. Think of how many times dirty hands turn on and off the lights in each room weekly.
HAPPY CLEANING!
My dinner surprise Tuesday evening was more than I could have imagined. My gal-friend and her husband invited me to Hamilton (Ohio) to a dinner event so I got to dress up for a change. I was happy to drive the 65 miles south to see my friends again. Once I got there, events started to unfold that just MADE MY NIGHT!
I went to the dinner not knowing exactly what to expect, who the guest speakers were, or what was on the menu, but Table 18 was the best ever. Thank you so much Bruce and Michele for letting me share this night with you.
Bruce and I got to talking in the hallway area near the silent auction tables, and he told me who the speakers were going to be, and started to point out certain dignitaries to me. Bruce is on the Board of Elections of Butler County, so he knows a lot of people.
One of the first people he mentioned was Andrew Hounshell, an Army veteran and steelworker, who is running for the United States House of Representatives in 2014 against House Speaker John Boehner. I walked up to Andy, shook hands and introduced myself, supportingly giving him many words of encouragement on his venture.
When I walked back to where Bruce was standing, he pointed in the direction of a gentlemen who had just walked in and said, "There's our guest speaker." I immediately turned and walked over to him and offered my handshake and happily introduced myself. I was truly having a Jerry Springer moment! With my camera in hand, a nice young man offered to take our picture. So there I was, shocked and surprised to be meeting with a civic icon, a former Mayor of Cincinnati, lawyer, newscaster, and international TV personality all in one. THE one and only JERRY SPRINGER.
Just prior to sitting down to eat, I saw a Facebook friend of mine, a Yale Law School graduate, former president of the Hamilton County Commission, and former Cincinnati City Councilman, David Pepper. I walked over and re-introduced myself to him and mentioned that we had our picture taken together at the Governor's Mansion in Columbus during the last summer picnic held by former Governor Ted Strickland, which I attended. I also said I had read the news today about his newly announced candidacy to run for Ohio Attorney General against Mike DeWine.
The chicken dinner was delicious and after a few announcements another featured speaker walked into the room with her husband, and I immediately recognized her from her frequent visits to The Ed Show on TV. After the meal, it was announced that there would be a short break so patrons could go to the hallway and check their silent auction bids, prior to the speaking event.
Being my brave self, I walked up to the front of the ballroom and I was second in line to meet and greet Ohio State Senator Nina Turner from Cuyahoga County (where I was born). With my camera in hand (again), her husband introduced himself to me first and asked if I would like a picture taken. I gratefully offered my camera for his use. I introduced myself to Mrs. Turner and made mention of my many views of The Ed Show where she was a frequent guest.
In the specific introduction of Senator Turner to the crowd of about 200 people, it was mentioned that she is planning to announce her candidacy to run for Secretary of State against Jon Husted in 2014. At a recent fundraiser in the Cleveland area, headlined by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Turner was a sharp critic of the way current Secretary of State Jon Husted managed the 2012 election. Turner said the secretary of state ought to be safeguard voting rights. She accused Husted of doing the opposite. Turner said, "What we faced last year were long lines, appeals to suppress the vote, voter intimidation, and wasted tax dollars. We will not stand for that in the state of Ohio.”
The third speaker was State Representative John Patrick Carney from the Columbus area - another lawyer. However, I did not get a chance to meet him during the evening.
I felt very at home and at ease being around so many lawyers at the event, after all, both my friends, Bruce and Michele, are both lawyers (and I worked for lawyers for about 12 years of my working career)! But to me, it was still a JERRY SPRINGER DATE to remember!
Saturday, after all the yard work was done, my baby had her 'coming out party.' She's been cooped up since November 1 of last year. She is not allowed to see snow. Now that the weather is warm enough, she made her entrance out of the garage and got a run up and down the street, and had an 'idling period' to warm up to spring.
After all the yard work, I was too tired to give her a bath today, so that will wait until Monday. She'll get a good interior wipe-down and vacuuming out too.
My 13 year old baby can proudly boast that she's 26,700 miles young and relishes her pampering!
Like I said yesterday, SPRING IS HERE!
The calendar says it's springtime, but the temperatures don't prove it. It was raining and chilly on Thursday. Friday was 'drying out' day since walking in my back yard was wet and the ground was still soft.
Today, Saturday, I can really say spring is official at my house. It was a sunny day with a high temperature of about 54, but it felt warmer in the sun. The outdoor work was started and it looks good.
The porch furniture was cleaned, chair covers put on, windchimes were hung in place, bird feeders were hung and filled, all the garden ornaments were put in place, the garden fencing was installed, and the yard man mowed the front yard for the first cutting of the year. The front of the house is ready for summer.
The back yard was still too wet to mow, so the yard man said he would try again tomorrow afternoon. The weatherman is calling for around 70 degrees tomorrow; that should help finish the 'dry out.'
Yesterday, all the garden areas were weeded and the peonies have grown to at least 12 inches high. My daffodils are blooming (yellow and white) and one red tulip has opened; the other tulips have at least 5 buds ready to open any day now.
I thoroughly enjoy sitting on my front porch in the afternoon, and especially any time between 5pm to 8pm. The temperature is good and sometimes the warm breezes are refreshing. I can watch the birds visit my feeders or the squirrels find the peanuts I've thrown into the yard. It's also a quiet time to think and enjoy the early evening on the porch with my dog.
SPRING IS REALLY HERE!
Last week on a rainy day, I noticed that one side of my windshield was not getting cleaned when using my windshield wipers. I noticed that the passenger side wiper blade rubber was split. I stopped at our local AutoZone store and one of the nice clerks came outside and removed my bad wiper. Since at AutoZone, a customer is able to purchase just one blade at a time (or a pair if needed), I bought one replacement blade and the clerk put it on for me. I was on my way with a clean windshield in the rain!
April is National Car Care Month according to the Car Care Council. Their website reminds motorists to keep their vehicle at peak performance by checking all fluid levels, alignment, and brake functions.
See their website HERE. If you enter your make and model of your vehicle, the site will give you a maintenance schedule for free. The site will even email maintenance reminders to you to keep your vehicle in top running condition.
I used to change my oil every 3,000 miles until I read that it is not necessary to do it that often. So now, I wait until 5,000 miles and it saves money. I've had my truck for 8 years and it still runs GREAT!
For the past week, I've been having a few problems with my cell phone. I noticed I was having to charge the phone twice a day to keep it on; the battery would not stay charged with normal use.
Four days ago, a call was dropped and the phone froze up. I had to take the back off and remove the battery for it to reset itself. Three days ago, I was looking at something on my phone, and it locked up again. I removed the battery and reset it.
During the past three days, the phone would just shut itself off for no reason. I had to work to get it back on and working. Yesterday, it quit working and the phone would not receive or make calls. I called Sprint and the tech gave me a reset code to use, but it didn't work.
At that time, I learned that my two-year contract was to expire in 30 days and I was due for a phone upgrade from my Samsung Galaxy SII to another phone. Of course, I wanted the Samsung Galaxy SIII that came out not too long ago.
Our local Sprint store is no longer in town, so the closest Sprint store is in Circleville. So today, I drove to Circleville and visited that store. The young man who greeted me was very knowledgeable and helpful after I explained my phone problem to him. After some simple paperwork, and trading in my "broken" phone and the Samsung phone I had a year ago, (which gave me a nice credit) I was able to get my new phone. He transferred all my contacts, pictures, and information to the new phone and gave me a crash course on the new features of this upgraded model.
The service representative told me that my phones would be refurbished and sent to the troops overseas who needed phones. It was nice to hear that used phones were being put to good use.
I left the store a happy camper with my new WORKING phone with a few new features I really like. After I got home, I spent some time reprogramming my specific ringtones, adding my preferred screensavers, and reloading a couple apps that did not transfer, but were in the Google Play Cloud since I had previously acquired them (for free).
I love Sprint. I am BACK and the phone is WORKING again. Today was a happy day!
Today, I accomplished a goal I set and started last November. I wanted to get a CCW (concealed carry) permit; mainly just to say I DID IT! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. My license came in the mail today (looks just like a driver's license). It took four months for the application process to be completed and the license issued, due to an overwhelming amount of permits being requested these days; the FBI checks take time.
Some states require concealed carry applicants to certify their proficiency with a firearm through some type of training or instruction. Classroom instruction would typically include firearm mechanics and terminology, cleaning and maintenance of a firearm, concealed carry legislation and limitations, liability issues, carry methods and safety, home defense, and practice of gun handling techniques. (I went to Springfield to take my course.)
Depending on the state, a practical component during which the attendee shoots the weapon for the purpose of demonstrating safety and proficiency, may be required. During range instruction, applicants would typically learn and demonstrate safe handling and operation of a firearm and accurate shooting from common self-defense distances. (Part of my target shoot is shown here.)
Many jurisdictions have established arrangements where they recognize or honor permits or licenses issued by other jurisdictions with comparable standards, for instance in regard to marriage or driver's licenses. This is known as Reciprocity and is based on U.S. Constitution "full faith and credit" provision. While 37 states have reciprocity agreements with at least one other state, several states honor all out-of-state concealed carry permits. (My license is good in 32 states, so if I decided to take a trip to Florida, I'm covered all the way there.)
Deep in the back woods of Tennessee, a hillbilly's wife went into labor in the middle of the night, and the doctor was called out to assist in the delivery. Since there was no electricity, the doctor handed the father-to-be a lantern and said, "Here. You hold this high so I can see what I am doing." Soon, a baby boy was brought into the world.
Whoa there, said the doctor, "Don't be in such a rush to put that lantern down. I think there's another one coming." Sure enough, within minutes he had delivered a baby girl. "Hold that lantern up, don't set it down there's another one!" said the doctor.
Within a few minutes he had delivered a third baby.
"No, don't be in a hurry to put down that lantern, it seems there's yet another one coming!" cried the doctor.
The redneck scratched his head in bewilderment, and asked the doctor, "You reckon it might be the light that's attractin' 'em?
The "C's" just keep getting better and better.
For my first "C" of the day, I went to get my hair CUT. My hairstylist was on vacation last week and I learned she spent the week on the beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At least she got some warm sun while we had snow! The 'shaggy-dog' affect is now trimmed and styled and I feel better for it.
For my second "C" of the day, I found a beautiful COAT. I decided to walk around the local Goodwill store before going to get my hair fixed. As I looked around, a faux fur coat caught my eye. It was a Marvin Richards (below the hip length) hooded winter coat. As I thought about my ten-plus years old torn and tattered winter coat, I decided this could be its replacement, especially at a low cost of $7.99. When I got home, I did the online research and found that this type of coat was (and still is) sold in Sears stores and for similar styles, the prices ranged from $55 to $72. My "C" was a bargain for sure!
I did not expect my third "C" of the day, but my favorite CASTLE show provided my laughter and surprise for the night. I read the advance news items about tonight's 100th celebrated episode, but it was better than ever! Castle was confined to a wheelchair due to a broken leg, and really missed helping Beckett solve murders. As he sat at home with binoculars aimed at the apartment building across from his, he thought he witnessed a real murder and disposal of the body. He kept trying to convince Beckett that he really saw it, but she would not believe him. It was his birthday celebration night; Beckett gets all dressed up for their dinner out, and he again sees evidence building across the way. Castle deduces that the body is stored in the freezer of the apartment and Beckett agrees to go investigate. As she nears the appliance, the apartment dweller grabs her and a knife from the kitchen counter. Castle goes crazy and calls her team to rush to her defense - he on crutches. As they breakdown the apartment door and enter, his family, friends and co-workers yell "surprise". His birthday surprise was a "staged" murder scenario portrayed by his mother's theater group to stimulate his interest in getting back to work doing what he loves - helping Beckett solve murders. The plot twist at the end was brilliant, masterful, and worthy of the 100th episode celebration.
The CUT and COAT made my day, but CASTLE made my night a TRIPLE "C" experience!
Once Upon A Time, I drove to Malibu County to see a Modern Family. Instead, I saw The Neighbors when I stopped at 666 Park Avenue to see The Bachelor, but it was not his Castle. The Body of Proof was seeing Grey's Anatomy while looking through the window.
As a Last Resort, I tried Dancing With The Stars in Nashville. I found the Last Man Standing in The Middle of a Private Practice with the Red Widow who was seeking Revenge.
The Rookie Blue Scandal of Suburgatory came at Zero Hour and found 2 Broke Girls running The Amazing Race. The Big Bang Theory was that the Blue Bloods were meeting in Dallas to delve into the Criminal Minds to find Happy Endings.
It was Elementary for the Golden Boy to learn How I Met Your Mother. The Mentalist was checking out a Person of Interest for the Rules of Engagement to find a Survivor.
Two And A Half Men were Unforgetable as an Undercover Boss in Vegas. The Biggest Loser must Go On through the Chicago Fire and find the Community of Deception in the Fashion Star.
It was a Grimm Revolution that Law & Order came to The Office to find that America's Got Talent afterall.
The New Normal of being Up All Night meant The Voice was the American Idol who could see through the Rock Center. In the end, they were Raising Hope that the Bones of the Family Guy would be found in the Shark Tank.
The trip was a Smash! Happy April Fool's Day to all my TV watching friends.
