New blogs????

I haven't decided what to do about this situation. I've started getting a lot of "anonymous" comments that are trying to be posted to my blog. They look OK for the first line and then they turn out tobe spam for stuff like Viagra. I monitor all comments so I catch them before they are posted.

Anyway, I will note at the bottom of the weekly newsletter if there is a new blog. I won't be updating weekly...at least not until I figure this out! But I'll try to get most items in the newsletter. Pat

The cost of clutter from Get Rich Slowly

When I moved a couple of weeks ago I learned that even someone in a one-bedroom apartment can have lots of clutter. Then I saw this post on Get Rich Slowly talks about the cost of clutter. Cost? I'd never thought about that.

First, when you can't find your stuff, you end buying duplicates. Yes, I've done that.

When you have more stuff than space, your things get stored badly and damaged. Yup, done that also.

When your stuff is disorganized, you miss deadlines and fees can run up. Not so much for me. I hate fees.

Lots of folks rent storage space for the stuff that doesn't fit in their homes. Or they buy bigger homes than they need to hold their stuff. And I just got a bigger garage with a store room.

Clutter can encourage allergens and dust and that's not good for your health.

Plus, clutter keeps you from working at your best. Stuff demands attention.

It really does take a village

I've moved! And right in the middle of a rather rough chemo. It wouldn't have happened without folks who just saw what needed to happen and pitched in. THANK YOU!

It's not fun moving your own stuff, much less someone else's. These folks organized packing sessions, moved things to the new apartment , and then unpacked everything. Thank you Eleanor, Holly, Joyce, Jan, Harold, Olga, Peggy, Joe, Derek, Jan, Linda, Deb, Elaine..... you were amazing! If it weren't for you, I'd still be pulling myself up two flights of steps. I am so blessed!

At least I don't have a lawnmower!

Last week I was espressing concern about my Toyota will potential accelerator problems. Nicole sent me this video about Toyota problems with lawnmower motors. Cute! Click the little arrow to view.

I bought this car for dependability

I got an email from Toyota recently telling me how much they care about my safety, but I have one of those cars with potential accelerator problems and I'm starting to get a tad nervous. I've even practiced shifting into neutral (Isn't that what you are supposed to do?)

Other than the email, I haven't heard from Toyota about a recall for my car, but I figure the dealers are probably as confused as I am about what's going on so I haven't called yet. I just don't want to go through my garage at 30 MPH.

If you know what's going on, please let me know!

I no longer consider moving an adventure

It looks like I'm going to move..not far...just across the drive. But I'm going to move to a first floor apartment. Right now, I have to climb three flights of stairs to get from my garage to my apartment. When I moved in two years ago I thought it would be good exercise plus I could enjoy the beautiful view.

After lugging bags of groceries up those stairs for two years, I'm thinking there must be a better way to exercise! Besides, the chemo isn't helping my ability to climb stairs.

I can remember a time when I thought moving was fun... an adventure! New rooms to arrange, new neighbors, new decor items to buy. Now I look at all those books and dishes and closet stuff (where did it all come from?) and wonder how badly I want to keep them.

So if you're not doing anything one fine weekend this month........

More germy places in your home

Now this is really disgusting. Health magazine says that there is a tenth of a gram of feces in every pair of underwear. Really? That means you get E.coli on your hands when you move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.

The washer and dryer should be at 150 degrees to kill bacteria. Most organisms die in the drying cycle. Wash underwear separately and wash whites with bleach. Transfer wet laundry to the dryer quickly and dry for at least 45 minutes (or until load is fully dry). Wash hands after doing laundry. Run a cycle of bleach and water after laundering underwear.

I'll never look at washing underwear the same.

Germy places in your home

I was reading an article in Health magazine about the germiest places in a home and came across some surprising (and disgusting) facts. A typical sink drain has over 500,000 bacteria persquare inch. Seventy percent of the sponges and towels you use to clean have microbes such as E. coli.

What to do?
After you rinse or cook food, clean the sink, counters, and faucet with soap and water or an anti-bacterial cleanser. Never leave a sponge around to use the next day...this can create a germ breeding ground. Instead, put the sponge or brush in the dishwasher and dishrags in the washing machine.

Disinfect the sink and drain twice a week with a solution of one tablespoon bleach with one quart water. Scrub the sink and then pour the solution down it.

More disgusting facts to follow!

awesome photos

I really have nothing to say this week. It has been so cold I haven't done much other than sit in front of a space heater and read emails! But I received these photos and loved them and thought I would share them with you.

www.slideshare.net/clifnotes/photos-rares-1711874?src=embed

How about a warm climate?

Jet Blue has announced a winter sale that I just had to pass on to you. Book by Jan. 13 and travel by March 24. Some blackout dates. For example, Austin to JFK is $99/$109 and Houston to JFK is $109/$119. How about Austin to Ft. Lauderdale $79/$89. That sounds pretty good with that front moving in this week! Sorry San Antonio, no flights from SA. Check the Jet Blue Website for other deals.

A new "do"

I bought a wig last Saturday. I thought it would be weird but I kind of like it. In this cold weather I like having something up there to keep my head warm!

Last time my hair fell out very slowly and I never bought a wig...just used scarves. But this time my hair fell out in four days. Seriously! I went from not a loose hair to almost bald in days. So.. I investigated wigs.

Just hope I don't forget their warning not to use the oven or get near an open flame with the thing on! I'm not into the toasted look!

my hope for you

Just want to tell you that I hope you have a wonderful holiday, but more important a new year filled with appreciation for the wonderful little things in your life. Sometimes they get ignored by the things we think are "important."

Take time for yourself. You're worth it!

Meal Delivery is on the way

If you have your hands full planning special holiday meals and party treats, you may want to rely on someone else to deliver everyday meals. I heard about Dishalicious from the Austin Wine Merchant. I haven't tried them but it sure sounds good. www.dishalicious.com Handmade comfort food from the farmer's market to your table.

And, of course, the great standby, Soup Peddler www.souppeddler.com , always has a good selection of soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. And delivered to most parts of the city!

Well, this was an unhappy surprise

I can't believe it. Everything was perfect. My cancer was dead. The scars healed well. And then a few weeks ago I felt a bump on my back. Sure enough.... it's back.I can be treated in Austin this time on an outpatient basis. I can still sleep with a purring kitty!

Anyway, I started chemo yesterday and feel fine now, but I know that will change. I just can't believe it.

An afternoon at Ann Taylor

There are some really good deals out there now....but not everything that sounds good really is! Ann Taylor had a sale after Thanksgiving that was the real deal.... 40 percent off your entire purchase...everything included. The next three days it was restricted to 40 percent off one item.

I found a soft sweater wrap and silky t-shirt. They also had great black dresses that would be perfect for lots of occasions. And they still have those pearl, rhinestone, and ribbon necklaces that Dale Coker mentioned earlier. Also an extra 40 percent off sale items.

Sales like this pop up quickly and I never have time to tell anyone. And sometimes they are online only.

On the other hand, I was looking at computers and was told that I could pay it out with no interest on all computers with a little logo on them. I glanced around and saw the little logo everywhere. So I took out a new credit card and picked out a computer, only to find out that was not the correct logo. Only three models (all over $1700) qualified for the deal. I was looking in the $300 price range! Oh well...

Don't forget the wine!

If you haven't already gotten wine for your Thanksgiving dinner or need a bottle to take to someone else's house, Austin Wine Merchant has some suggestions. They recommend fruitier, less tannic red wines such as Beaujolais, Burgundy, new world Pinot Noir, Zinfandel or Merlot, Côtes-du-Rhône. For the white wines they recommend off-dry versions of Riesling, fresher more fruit forward versions of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. I got an Argyle Pinot Noir for $19. And maybe a bubbly wine to start!

I've also read that Thanksgiving is not necessarily the time to splurge on a wine. With all the strong competing flavors, get something good but save the bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2005! This is a time to enjoy good conversation and laughs with family and friends!

EAST (East Austin Studio Tour) favorites

There are so many artists showing their work it is hard to know where to start. Besides, everyone has different tastes so it's hard to guide someone on such personal choices. But here are a few that I have to mention.

George Barry makes metal scultures from found objects such as birds from nuts and bolts. Or a life-size, operational figure on a bicycle. Very unusual and creative.

The artisans at Mendoza's Bella's Artes handcraft earrings, necklaces, and bracelets from silver and stones. Very reasonably priced.

The Pump Project on Shady Lane is a complex with many artists. One of my favorites was Erika Jaeggli. Love her still lifes and beaches!

I also love the porcelain dinnerware by Sunyong Chung. They look like watercolors.

Happy Hunting!

Report from HEB

Sunday afternoon I stopped by the HEB on Bee Caves Road for a few things I forgot the day before. Over an hour later I emerged having eaten my way through the store! No dinner for me!


The station at the Cafe on the Run counter had turkey & potatoes (good), cranberry chutney (very good), green beans (good). The meat department had ham (good), roast beef (very good) with horseradish sauce, and mashed potatoes. The scallops (not my favorite) were in the fish department and behind it were egg nog (2% and yummy) and cookies. And then truffles (wow!) and coffee. And then....pumpkin ice cream and chocolate mint chip ice cream (great). I nearly forgot...pumpkin pie also! What a day!


I guess they were featuring their Thanksgiving foods....They sold me. If they do this again, go try the goodies.

Earlier in the day, I had wandered into Williams Sonoma and they were serving turkey & dressing made from focaccia (very good), mashed potatoes and gravy (great), and green bean casserole (good). If this keeps up, I'll put on the pounds before we even get to Thanksgiving!

Wine Night!

I love Tuesday night when it a wine class with Jeremy Parzen! Tonight we talked about and tasted the wines of Veneto. If you don't remember my first blog about Jeremy, he has a Ph.D. in Italian and has traveled, studied, and tasted throughout Italy. His blog, Do Biancho, is great fun for an approachable look at wines. By the way, he will be at Vino Vino with Kermit Lynch on Monday, Nov. 9 to introduce Kermit's new CD, Man's Temptation. (But you need reservations; call 512-465-9282 ) To preview: http://www.amazon.com/Mans-Temptation-Kermit-Lynch/dp/B002JODUN4

But back to the wine. We started with Bisol Prosecco. I love this! Light in body (11-12 percent alcohol) and great with food, especially seafood. This is not a cheap substitute for Champagne, but a great food wine. $18

I bought a Soave Classico by Inama. Remember when Soave was a cheap bulk wine? No more! This one had bright acidity and is a great value for $15.

We moved to the reds with two Zenato Valpolicellas. Higher alcohol content here. These wines come from near Lake Garda and enjoy good drainage and ventilation from the lake. In the $25 range.

But the treat was a Valpolicella Classico Superiore from Quintarelli, a legend in Italian winemaking. $62 (at Austin Wine Merchant)but this was a special purchase; it retails for more! We're talking handwritten labels and a winemaker who won't release a wine until it meets his high standards.

The classes have not been "stuffy" and Jeremy makes wine even more interesting by sharing his experiences in Italy. These have been wine & food classes, not just wine tasting. Thanks, Jeremy!

Outing to Nordstrom Rack

I'm sorry; I posted this a couple of days ago, but something ate it so I'm posting it again.

You knew I would make it to Nordstrom Rack soon! I love a discount but some discount stores carry secondary lines. The store had already been open for several days when I got there, but it was still crowded.

They carry lots of good brands but I don't think all of this merchandise is carried in their stores. They had lots of Sofft shoes (which are a necessity due to my early days of pointy shoes and high heels) but they fit sort of weird, perhaps why they were here. But I could spend a long time just browsing the shoes! Lots of shoes.

Separate racks for designers such as Nanette Lapore separates and Alberto Makali tops, but again I'm not sure that these are from the store. I did see some great leather gloves that were very reasonable.

I would definitely go again. I think you could find some good deals but you have to be lucky also.... or find out when they get shipments!

While I was out that way, I stopped by Ann Taylor. Dale Coker has been telling us about the this season's classic looks there. They had some basics like a black skirt and white blouse for $39 each. They looked a lot more expensive!