December 20, 2024
Today, we went for a bite to eat at Athens Koussina, located at Sugarloaf Mills Mall. It's a Greek restaurant and we've been there before and have thoroughly enjoyed it. One time, I had a guest that brought me a pizza from there and it was the best one I ever ate. So we decided to go there again. David had a gyro and then he ordered a pizza to take home. I had their Mediterranean pizza. It was so good. If you enter the mall by the theater, it's on the left.
Then it was back home for relaxation. Well, besides Happy having me walk her two different times!
DID YOU KNOW that you can earn THOUSANDS of miles to fly with for FREE!! American Express, in conjunction with Delta Airlines, has a promotion right now (this link won't work later -it's time sensitive) where you can earn 50,000 FREE miles to fly with when you apply for, receive the American Express card and spend at least 2,000 dollars in your first six months of card ownership. It's EASY. With my own card, what I did was simply to pay my bills that I was going to pay anyway, with my American Express card. I qualified the first month. And off to Los Angeles I flew - FOR FREE!! Check them out, here. If the link no longer works, email me and I'll get you the latest link.
It's been a rainy afternoon here in Atlanta and so I've been in the den listening to beautiful music. Having nothing to do with Atlanta or food, here's a beautiful song to enjoy:
______
May 11, 2024
Today is Mother's Day. Here's a post I made several years ago about my own mother. I loved her so! Here's a picture of her from a long time ago, on the day of my high school graduation.
This week I've had the honor of having one of my childhood friends to stay, along with her son, at my hotel. It's been nice catching up with her and learning what has been going on in her and her sisters' lives - and their families.
And I've done SO good on my weight loss - until today. David told me I deserved a "cheat day" and I fell for his trap. HE wanted a pizza and cookies and he convince me I did too. And while I sure did it enjoy it, I imagine I've set myself back a little. Oh well.
I've had a productive day today working on my hotel's social media sites. I didn't realize I had SO many photos until I started trying to transfer them to our Facebook Albums. But it's ok. I've had beautiful music in my hear and flavored water to my site to drink. The day has gone by rather fast.
And speaking of beautiful music in my ear, here's a song I've fallen in love with. If you don't speak Spanish, I apologize for yet another song in Spanish but you will still love the voice and melody even if you don't understand his desperation. For many years there was a famous singer in Mexico by the name of Jose Jose and while he has passed away, there's now this young man, Elio Veliz Perez, from Cuba and people are saying that he is Jose Jose reincarnated because his voice is so very similar. I hope you enjoy it.
And Happy Mother's Day
__________
May 5, 2024
Well, it's a Sunday afternoon. I have my gorgeous music playing in the background as I try to do multiple things.
First of all, I'm redecorating my den and I'm trying to move the heavy bookcases to another wall in prepartion for the sofa that I want to place there.
I also bought a new domain name to be routed to a certain page on our hotel website and I have been working both last night and today on adding content to that and other pages.
My diet is coming along nicely. I haven't cheated - much. Once a week is my cheat day. And yesterday was that day. I only cheated in that, I had some bread with my other wise healthy dinner.
Today for lunch I had salmon along with rice, squash and kidney beans. I've lost 11 pounds so far. I didn't put it on fastly and I guess I'm not going to take it off fastly. LIttle by little.
Yesterday in the song I posted, Polly Bergen introduced Diahann Carrol. Today, in this song, Ms Bergen is singing. I apologize for the darkness of the video but her voice sure lights things up. Ms Bergen was not only a singer but also an author, actress and businesswoman. I think she had such a distinctive voice. I hope you like it.
__________
May 4, 2024
Today, David and I went to the Mall of Georgia in search of a new sofa. He HATES to window shop and I love to take my time so his concession in going with me was that we stop at one of his favorite restaurants where he could get pork chops. Easy concession considering that I love their meatballs as well.
As we turned into the mall from the HORRIBLE traffic in Buford . . .
This was on the road leading into the parking lot: Seasons 52
And as we were headed in, these people were coming out . . .
And as we entered . . .
Such an airy atmosphere
The view from our table
And this was Austin, our waiter. He was very professional and gave SUCH GOOD service. He checked on us frequently and brought me a to-go drink without me even asking. I was impressed with him and you would have been too!
I was so inthralled with the taste of my meatballs (which I had had before) that I forgot to take this picture until it was almost all eaten. The bread that he brought me was SO good. It had a different texture to it than I was expecting.
Then it was time to go sofa shopping. I started with Macy's, then on to Haverty's . . .
I found this floor sample which they had on sale and which I liked. But I didn't care for the color. Because it was a floor sample, they were trying to get rid of it and so it only came in that color. But I found another sofa that I could have a special fabric and color and . . . I told him I'd think about it.
Then it was on to Rooms to Go where I found this sofa for $600.00. I liked the price but not the color or style.
Some time ago, we had gone to Ethan Allen's and I found the most beautiful fabric and feel but after having it put on, the sofa was going to cost me almost $4,000 and I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much on a sofa. So that's why I was looking elsewhere. But David reminded me today that I could actually buy the one I WANT and the one that would BRING ME PLEASURE and pay for it with points I receive each month from my job. I can convert those points into cash and they don't cost me anything - sort of like free money. And it won't affect my budget.
I think that's what I'm going to do. I found one today for 100 less than the picture below but in the end, I wouldn't be happy with it EVEN IF I "saved some money". So, I think I will end up getting the more expensive one, NOT because it's expensive but because I love it's feel and beauty. As they say, you get what you pay for!
We ended up going to 5 different furniture stores and in the end, not buying anything. But we had a great time. How ironic it is that these tacos that we had for dinner were JUST AS TASTY and a HECK OF A LOT CHEAPER than what we had for lunch.
But we didn't have the wonderful service that Austin provided us at Season's 52.
Well, I'm planted in my recliner listening to beautiful music. Here's a beautiful song I'd like to share with you.
She was such a beautiful and classy woman. I remember watching her as a little boy when she played in "Julia". I hope you like it.
Tomorrow, I think we're going to Alpharetta where David wants to visit a Mexican restaurant he likes. If we do, I'll post a few pictures.
____________
April 28, 2024
I had an appointment today with Dr. Ume, my opthomologist. For about two weeks now, I have had a very irritating thing happening: it's like a hair in my eye floating all over my eye. But it's not really a hair. The doctor says I have "floaters", something common to most aging people. He says it is tissue that has come loose from my retina. He says It will always be with me. He dialated my eye and looked inside to make sure there wasn't more serious damage to my retina. And there wasn't. He wants to see me in a month. Bah humbug!
Afterwards, I stopped by the hotel for a moment to send something to one of our past guests and then we went to East Pearl for a delicious dinner - lots of take homes.
I've reached a plateau on my weightloss. I hope it's temporary. I have been weighing everyday. David says I shouldn't do that; that it will discourage me. Perhaps he's rigth.
Here's a beautiful song performed by the Korean Countertenor Sung Hoo Choi. It is very unique and beautiful for this great song.
____________
April 24, 2024
I'm doing very good on my weight loss. In just over a week and a half, Ive lost 11 pounds. I've simply cut out sugar: sweets and cokes and replaced it with one healthy meal, full of nutrients. My meal consists of rice, squash, beans, tomatoes and other vegetables. For my other two meals, I'm having a healthy smoothie with a banana and yogurt mixed in with protein powder. It's working so far.
I read that salmon is full of vitamins and especially minerals. So I walked over to The Grand Buffet yesterday and had a good meal of salmon on a bed of rice.
I headed out from home . . . .
Through the woods and by the lake .. .
Through the office park . . .
And in about 5 minutes . . .
I was at the buffet . . .
And voila!!
And here's a great little thought written by "America's poet", Edgar Albert Guest. I chose this because it tells my attitude concerning this much needed weight loss. I'm GONNA do it!!
My past journal entries can been found here
________
April 15th
I'm real proud of myself: I've lost 5 pounds in 6 days. I simply have cut out sweets (cokes and candy). Other than that, I eat pretty much normally. It was prompted by having stepped onto the scales on a whim and almost having a heart attack. I have given myself a goal and I'm going to STICK to it!
I am also taking my Nutrilite vitamins again. We'll see what happens.
Last week, I posted a beautiful song by a wonderful young singer. Here's another of his performances. I hope you like it as much as I did.
Have a great day!
_____________
September 6, 2023
I've been off for the last two days and I don't think I've even left my home, except once to meet some friends for lunch. But I did order some new flooring for my foyer and am looking forward to its arrival and getting it laid. It will be very beautiful.
Here's a beautiful picture my cousin, Linda sent to me, of my grandmother at her daughter's wedding. I want to have it painted and hung in my foyer.
And here is more about my grandmother, if you'd like to read about her.
_____
September 2, 2023
A few of us met up on Saturday at this Korean BBQ place on Satelite Blvd for lunch
Here's Richard trying out his chop sticks
And Elena and Yesenia
They come right to your table and cook the meat. We started out with Brisquette. We also had garlic chicken. But when they brought out the tongue and intestines, they LOST me!
We had dipping sauces, as well as a plethera of other side dishes, including potatoes. Their service was very good. After I got home, it was a long nap for me. In fact, we both slept most of the day. And now, I'M WIDE AWAKE!
_____
August 31, 2023
Sometime, when you have the time and a glass of sweet tea, sit down and watch Dame Bassey. This was recorded way back in the late 80's in Germany. She's still going strong today at 86, although she doesn't do concerts any more. She's one of my favorites.
And here's a great thought to go along with this concert.
_____
August 28, 2023
We picked up Indian tonight at our favorite Indian restaurant. I had my favorite chicken, soaked in spices and yogurt, along with a very soft rice and Nan bread. Yum, yum. It was a nice and uneventful day - one in which I never left the house.
I had the pleasure of ordering dinner and having it delivered to one of our employees who was on duty all by herself. She appreciated it, she told me.
Tomorrow, will be a busy day. Sleep time.
_____
August 27, 2023
Yesterday, I was by myself and so I decided to walk up the street to a "hole in the wall" that I know of where they have the best tamales. It's in the back of a Latino grocery store, just past the pastry section. There's no white table cloths or fancy wait staff but their food is so good. I told the cashier that I needed the less spicy tamales and so she told me to choose the red ones. So that's what I did. I enjoyed them so much.
After dinner, I took a leisurely stroll back home and found these people enjoying themselves on the tennis court. They often use it for other types of games as they were doing here.
Later, when David got home, he surprised me with Krystals and cookies. Yum, yum. It was a nice and leisurely day, as today is turning out to be as well. Nothing on the agenda for today.
_____
August 24, 2023
Here's a beauiful love song from the wonderful Ella Fitzgerald. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
_______
August 22 2023
We went over to a wonderful Asian restaurant for lunch yesterday. Here are some pictures.
_____
August 20, 2023
Happy says that "no news is good news" and there's nothing special to report today. But she does want you to check back.
_____
August 17th, 2023
The lighting on this picture was horrible as well as the capture of it because it leaves out the han bread and other things but my friend Paresh called me late last night and told me that if I would meet him at his job, that his wife had prepared a four course meal for me. Of course, I jumped in my car and went around the corner to his job (very close to me) and picked it up. I really appreciated that DELICIOUS late night snack. She had prepared these peas (very spicy) with Nan bread and a delicious sauce and pastry. Yum, yum.
_____
August 16, 2023
It was good to see Michael again. He has become a friend over the years and he made himself scarce during Covid but his company has begun to send him back to Atlanta and he has begun to stay with us again.
This afternoon, David and I went over to Red Lobster for a late lunch. He got the "all you can eat" shrimp and I got the Atlantic Salmon (which I always get). But we managed to get out of there with a bunch of left overs, including cheese biscuits. The young man that waited on us gave us SUCH good service and he had such a great attitude that we gave him a $120.00 tip.
Be sure to listen to that song that I posted above. She does such a great job with it.
_____
August 15, 2023
Today would have been the 125th birthday of my beloved grandfather. Bless his memory.
_____
August 14, 2023
Yesterday, we had left overs from our visit the day before to Olive Garden. Yum, yum.
One of my guests at the hotel gave me this card. She checked out and went down the street to this store and bought me this gift card and she came back and gave it to me. I appreciated it very much. This store is an Asian Farmer's market where they have fruits and vegetables from all over the world. It will get used.
_____
August 13, 2023
After work, David and I went to take care of a business errand and then we stopped in at Olive Garden. WOW!, we came home with enough left overs for about three days: we had soups, breads, pasta, most of my Tour of Italy and meatballs. We both ended up giving our waiter each, a tip because he gave us such good service.
Enjoy this young Russian pianist, Alexander Malofeev as he plays Rachmaninoff's Etude Op.39, No 6, better known as "Little Red Riding Hood".
_____
August 12, 2023
_____
August 11, 2023
_____
August 10, 2023
It's very very early on August 10. This morning we will be having a birthday party at the hotel for our Maintenance Engineer, Richard. We will also be naming our employee of the month. I'll have more later on today.
_____
August 9, 2023
Yesterday, I posted a beautiful song and today, I'm posting a wonderful speech by
Dolly Parton. It isn't a poem but this is a commencement speech that she gave at the University of Tennessee several years ago and it is so full of great advice that I would like to share it with you today. If you have time, do please give it a listen. I love Dolly Parton.
This afternoon I was at the hotel and so, I didn't go anywhere special. After I left the hotel, David and did go for a late night bite to eat at IHOP. Neither of us were especially impressed. And now, I'm in for the night. Here's Happy wishing you a great evening.
_____
August 8, 2023
Here's a beautiful love song in Spanish. I'll have the translation up a little later when it's ready to be put into my "Songs and Poems" series. But essentially, she's asking why did she ever go and fall in love with him when she knew it was prohibited. Why, why?, she asks!!
Five minutes Cinco minutos Stay just five more Quédate solo cinco más Can't you see that apparently No ves que al parecer Because of you I have a disease Por ti tengo una enfermedad
i'm crying to you Te estoy llorando don't leave me so soon No te vayas tan pronto de mí I want to eat your heart Quiero comerte el corazón My arms scream at you, I need your love Te gritan mis brazos, necesito tu amor
Why did I fall in love with you? ¿Por qué me fui a enamorar de ti? If you knew it was forbidden Si sabía que era prohibido I never meant to hurt Nunca quise lastimar I wish I didn't know how to love Desearía no saber amar
Why did I fall in love with you? ¿Por qué me fui a enamorar de ti? Of this clandestine love De este amor clandestino Maybe it will be the charm of knowing Tal vez será el encanto de saber That ours is not allowed Que lo nuestro no está permitido
I already lost consciousness Ya perdí la conciencia And I have become a shadow of myself Y me he vuelto una sombra de mí maybe it would be better Tal vez sería mejor Let ours end, I need to stop suffering Que lo nuestro se acabe, necesito dejar de sufrir
I want us to be fine Quiero que estemos bien I know that you have had a bad time too Sé que tú también lo has pasado mal I'm so confused, but I'm not sorry Estoy tan confundida, mas no estoy arrepentida If I could I would love you again Si pudiera te volvería a amar
Why did I fall in love with you? ¿Por qué me fui a enamorar de ti? If you knew it was forbidden Si sabía que era prohibido I never meant to hurt Nunca quise lastimar I wish I didn't know how to love Desearía no saber amar
Why did I fall in love with you? ¿Por qué me fui a enamorar de ti? Of this clandestine love De este amor clandestino Maybe it will be the charm of knowing Tal vez será el encanto de saber That ours is not allowed Que lo nuestro no está permitido
Why did I fall in love? ¿Por qué me fui a enamorar? If you knew it was forbidden Si sabía que estaba prohibido
you know it well Tú lo sabes bien And you also let yourself be loved Y también te dejaste querer
When life gives you flavor Cuando la vida te pone sabor It's hard to deny love Es difícil negarse al amor
clandestine, illegal Clandestino, ilegal In the end our love is real Al final nuestro amor es real
_____
August 7, 2023
We went to a buffet for lunch today. We've been to this restaurant several times in the past but we've always ordered from the menu. We've also had take out from this same place in the past. But on Sundays, they offer a buffet and so we tried it out today. I wasn't too impressed. I love their food but the choices they had on the buffet didn't equal the things we have bought from their menu. We certainly will continue to give them our business but probably, not the buffet.
As you can tell by the decor (or lack of), they have a concrete floor and it leaves a little to be desired. HOWEVER, their food is another thing. It is SO good! They use so many spices and things that their food can't be beat.
When we came home, I started a remodel in the den, moving bookcases here and furniture there. I'm still not finished with it. I'm going to put up new wallpaper in there, as well.
Southwest Airlines sent me an offer to share with all of my friends, today. They say that if you get their rewards card they will give you 50,000 free miles to fly with. You can see their offer here.
I have discovered a wonderful little poem which I added to my Songs and Poems series. It's about how we have to live with ourselves and we ought to like ourselves. Give it a listen.
_____
August 6, 2023
David was out of town yesterday so I was on my own for dinner. I went over to East Pearl Seafood where I had vegetable Fried Rice and some eggroles. I ended up taking some of it home and had a snack, later on.
There was hardly anyone there so these were two of the workers waiting on customers to come in.
OH LORD! . . . it's several hours later and I just woke up. I rarely drive the car but I dreamed that I drove and that I turned right on a red light and I was stopped and put in jail for 2 weeks. That does it! No more driving . . . LOL.
Let me encourage you to click on my link below and learn how you can get your own Discover card with up to 5% back each month, as well as a 100 credit upon signing up. I use this card all the time and receive bonus money each month for doing so. It's a great card. But like any card, you need to pay the balance in full each month. Otherwise, you can get in trouble real fast!!
_____
August 5, 2023
David and I stopped in at Bahama Breeze for a bite to eat on Friday afternoon and this was our waitress, Mercedes. She, along with her manager, gave us excellent service. David ordered a rack of ribs and I just had a hamburger and fries. This was the restaurant that David went to for a few drinks after our dog, Mercedes (also) passed away back in 2011. Here are a few more pictures of the restaurant from yesterday.
Here's a great guitar bolero that I featured on here some time ago. It's worth repeating because of the four-handed action. You'll love it!
_____
August 4, 2023
I discovered this great poem some time ago and here it is being read by the wonderful motivational speaker, Simergeet Singh. It has a great truth to it. Give it a listen.
_____
July 3, 2023
Yesterday, we ended up going to Luciano's Ristorante Italiano, located in Duluth. And it was so good. Considering the ambience, the service and the food, I thought it was very reasonable. Here are the pictures.
Yay for me because I made a free $200.00 today. I paid my rent with my new Wells Fargo credit card and their promise was if I spent at least $500.00 in 3 months, they would credit me with $200.00. Unfortunately for me, my rent is over $500.00 so I easily earned the bonus. It's going into my travel sinking fund. Using that card to pay my rent involved no debt on my part.
_____
August 2, 2023
David had gone out and got Indian from our favorite Indian restaurant and so, when I got home, this is what was waiting on me - along with Happy with her little ears perked up, hoping for a bite. You can see her to the right, patiently waiting.
It was good to see Michael, who used to be a long time guest. We had not seen him in about two years but he checked into the hotel today. And he was so kind to bring me Chick Fil A, which I really appreciated. And speaking of appreciation, when I arrived to work today, they had Chinese food waiting on me. They had all ordered Chinese today and so they ordered me some too.
David and I are going to Alpharetta tomorrow on business and we'll stop somewhere for lunch but we haven't decided where just yet.
I told you yesterday that I would call today about that check for amost a thousand dollars that I received yesterday. So this morning, I did call. And they told me that the accountant at my last apartment was supposed to have sent me back my security deposit back in March. But she didn't. And apparently there is a federal law that if they don't send the deposit when they should, there is a fine that they must pay to the lessee. And so they promised me that the check was valid and that I could deposit it. So I did! Yay for me.
Jessye Norman was a wonderful opera singer and she is sorely missed. Here she is singing a popular song, "You'll never walk alone". She was my favorite Opera singer for sure. May she rest in peace.
_____
August 1, 2023
Here's a beautiful ballad for this first day of August. It isn't an uplifting song but I have always like it because I feel Dame Bassey puts everything into it. She has always been one of my favorite artists and she performs this song so well. I love it.
Dame Shirley Bassey is now 86 years old and looks like 66 years old and still sings as if she's 46 years old. She's a wonderful performer.
Sometime ago, I had told Hugh that I would like to read his manuscript for one of his novels that he never sent off for publication and he told me today that it's in the mail to me. I look forward to reading it again.
Tonight, I stopped by the mailbox and there was a check to me for $919.00 from the last apartment that I had. They owed me $100.00 for a security deposit but NOT $919.00!! I'll call them tomorrow.
Here's a poem that I found that was written by "America's poet", Edgar Albert Guest and one which has a wonderful truth to it. Do give it a listen!
_____
July 30, 2023
I moved my song from my journal entry yesterday to my "Songs and Poems" series so that I will have it for the future. It's a keeper.
As you may know, if you have read any of my credit posts, that I do not believe in running up a balance on a credit card. There's nothing wrong with a credit card if it is used responsibly and paid off each month before it is reported to the credit bureaus. But to let a balance acrue interest and fees is foolish, in my opinion. That having been said, I do often take credit card companies up on their offers of "Get our card and we will give you some free money or points".
Last month, I received an offer to get Barclay's AARP card and if I would spend such and such in such and such a time period, they would give me a $200.00 bonus. So, I got the card, paid my monthly rent with it and immediately received the $200.00 which I put into my travel sinking fund.
This month, I received an offer from Wells Fargo that if I would get their card and spend such and such in such and such a time period, they would also give me $200.00. So I did and I'm using the card tomorrow to pay my monthly rent this month and in a few days, they will also credit me with another $200.00 which I will put into my travel sinking fund again. That's FREE money to me. Why wouldn't I do that? I put the Barclay card away with the others and once I've paid this one monthly bill with the Well Fargo card, off it goes too. The downside to these two cards is that they don't offer recurring points or cash when others sign up with my link (like some of my other cards do). Also, one does have to be careful in getting too many cards in a short amount of time. My credit score went down several points once it was reported to the bureau that I had this new Wells Fargo card. But from experience, I know it's only temporary and will go back up.
But I do like free money!!
Doris Day was my favorite movie star and singer. Here she is singing a beautiful melody. I hope you like it as much as I do. May she rest in peace.
_____
July 29, 2023
Yesterday was a busy day at the hotel. We had many arrivals! Richard was so nice to bring me take out from The Grand Buffet across the street from the hotel. I tried to pay him back but he wouldn't let me. But what he doesn't know is that I added him to my Zelle and in a day or two, I'll reimburse him anyway.
When I got to the hotel, this was waiting on me. I set my monthly order up on "Ditto", where they send it to me automatically without me having to remember to order it. I'm trying to improve my health and this, along with intermittent fasting and drinking much more water, I hope will improve my health. These vitamins have been around for over 70 years. So I'm excited to be using them.
Last night I was listening to Perry Como singing "It's Impossible". But did you know that the melody for that song was really written by a Mexican songwriter and that the lyrics were first in Spanish. It's called "Somos Novios". And here is a very beautiful performance of it by a Korean couple. I'm going to add this to my "Songs and Poems" series, too. It's beautiful.
_____
July 28, 2023
Ha ha! You can be sure that when there is chicken (or any meat), that Happy is going to be right there, giving me the eye - for a piece. And of course, I gave in.
I've been training a new employee at work and tomorrow, because we are short handed, I will be working extra. It is what it is.
I was notified today by email that my monthly vitamins arrived at the hotel. I recently started a regimin for daily vitamins and minerals using what I consider to be the "mercedes" of vitamins. Amway has been around for over 70 years and they own Nutrilite and the Double X vitamins and minerals. You can check them out, here at my Amway-issued shop.
I decided to place for sale, my domain smellgorgeous.com with Afternic. I used that Domain for years when I was involved in a direct sales beauty business that I had but now, that I'm no longer active with that, I don't need it anymore. We'll see what happens with that.
By the way, Chase sent me this offer to share with you. It's very valuable especially if you like to travel!
_____
July 22, 2023
Yesterday, we celebrated our employee Hillaria's birthday for this month. First, we met at a local restaurant for a time of food and fellowship. Then we met back at the hotel for cake and presents.
And our employee Herminia was announced as the Employee of the month.
Later, at home, David and I went to Dunwoody, where we visited Fogo de Chao, a Brasilian steakhouse. It was SO good - but expensive. But it was worth it. The service there was spectacular. You can see more pictures of the restaurant and food in my scrapbook, here. It rained on us all the there and all the way back.
But it was a good day.
_____
July 21, 2023
We had a storm today and look what it did!
That tree toppled and block the road way to my home!
DID YOU KNOW that If you are already an Amazon Prime Rewards member, you have a chance to get a $200.00 gift card upon being approved for an Amazon Visa card. To see all of the benfits of this great card, Click here.
_____
July 18, 2023
Hi, dear friend.
I love to travel. I bet you do too! Several years ago, I discovered Chase's Preferred Sapphire card. Their offer to me at the time, was that if I would spend a certain amount in three months that they would give me many thousands of points to travel with for free. So I took them up on it. And sure enough, they sent me enough points that I could have gone on a cruise with them.
And the GREAT thing about this card is that you can earn FREE points EACH year without spending anymore money. Check out their current offer, here.
It really works. I learned long ago not to listen to people that say something won't work. One just has to try for themselves. One shouldn't listen to those that say "it can't be done".
_____
July 15, 2023
Yesterday was spent in housecleaning and organization. Then, we took our clothes to the wash, dry and fold place where we dropped them off and then we went to Red Lobster for a late lunch. I had Salmon and David had shrimp. Then David dropped me off at the barber's and he went grocery shopping. I met back up with him at the grocery store (in same complex) and then, it was home for baked cookies and out like a light, I went.
_____
July 14, 2023
Living "the life of Riley". This was an off day from work and I never left the house. We were going to go out to eat but decided on homemade tacos, instead. Between the food and my music, I was fit as a fiddle.
I did get to speak with Hugh today and he's doing good - still writing and putting out short stories.
Today, I'm probably going to put on my hat and go downtown. We'll see.
_____
July 12, 2023
I wish that I had a Nickle for every cheeseburger I've eaten at The Georgia Diner. I'd be RICH!
After lunch, I worked on getting pictures into the message board for Elena. It's a never ending thing.
For my song choice today, for my songs and poems series, I have chosen a wonderful little song sung by the Norwegian singer, Angelina Jordan. It's a few years old but it captures her talent magnificently. It's a Billie Holiday tune: "I'm a fool to want you".
_____
July 11, 2023
David fixed me this delicious casserole to take to work with me. Yum, yum.
_____
July 8, 2023
I had intended to go downtown for the weekend. When push came to shove, I just couldn't get myself out of my easy chair. Instead, it was a weekend of movies, working on my sites and eating: David brought in Indian one day and he cooked pasta the other and also he baked chocolate chip cookies. I'm afraid I don't have much for the blog. Just leisure at our household.
_____
July 7, 2023
We had a nice leisurely day at home, today. David brought home Indian again. We have fallen in love with that place. One of the things I love about that place is that they give so much food that it will last for several days. We had a great helping today but there's more in the refridgerator for tomorrow or whenever.
It's 4:00 in the morning and I'm awake. I'm taking an Uber downtown today for a day of leisure. I'll have pictures later . . .
Here's my latest addition to my songs and poems series. It's of the late Perry Como singing "It's impossible". He was Mema's favorite singer.
_____
July 6, 2023
Corey bought me a lyft this morning, which I really appreciated. I went home and worked on the hotel's website and social media for a while and somehow, before I knew it, it was 1:00 in the afternoon. So I took a nap.
In the morning, I'm going downtown for the weekend. I'm looking forward to it. Other than that, nothing special to report. Here's a wonderful singer, Jonas Kauffman, from Germany, singing a song I'm sure you'll recognize. I've featured him before but I know you will enjoy him.
_____
July 5, 2023
I had a nice conversation this morning with a gentleman in the hotel from Brazil and he so kindly allowed me to feature him on our social media. Then, I went home and slept most of the rainy, rainy day. A rather nothing of a day.
But I did have one great thing happen: I had signed up for, and was accepted for a Barclay's AARP Mastercard. Their offer was that if I would spend 1,000 in a month, they would give me 200 in cash. I had paid a July bill that I was going to have to pay anyway, with the card. If you have read any of my other financial posts, you already know that I don't believe in racking up debt to be able to qualify for a bonus. So today, David went grocery shopping and I told him not to spend more than 200.00. So he took that credit card and spent 200.00 and I'm going to use the 200.00 as a credit towards the 200.00 he spent today. So, therefore, our 200.00 in groceries were in effect, FREE! I love doing things like that. I've done it with other cards in the past, as well.
_____
July 4, 2023
Happy Independence Day!
_____
July 3, 2023
I guess I might be bragging a little bit but today I received a compliment that really made my day. I took an Uber and when the man picked me up, I recognized him from the other day as having picked me up before. The first time, he was on the phone from the time that he picked me up until the time that he dropped me off so we didn't talk. But today, when I got into the car, I told him I recognized him as being the one that picked me up before. He remembered me too. But he didn't speak English so I told him that in Spanish. And we had a nice conversation on the way home. He told me twice that I spoke excellent Spanish and so that made my day. Sorry, if I'm bragging but it made me happy.
And speaking of Spanish, here is a wonderful song in Spanish. I have translated it for you and it is sung by its author, Juan Gabriel. When I first started learning Spanish a long time ago, this man was one of the first that I started listening to. I had been told that I should listen to Spanish music in my journey of learning and so I did. Here, he's singing a song about the love that he had for his late mother. I hope that you enjoy it.
_____
July 2, 2023
Recently , I decided to start taking vitamins and mineral supplements. And so, I chose what I consider to be the "mercedes" of vitamins: Nutrilite Double X. I have known of them for years but I was younger and healthier and I just didn't see the need to take them. I was wrong.
Nutrilite has been in existence since the 30's and they have their own farms and cultivate their own fruits and vegetables. Everything is pure. So I got in touch with a provider (they aren't sold in stores - only by distributor) and he suggested that if I was going to buy them every month, that I should get them wholesale by becoming a distributor myself. So I did.
And when I did, they issued me my own vitamin and health products "shop" online. And so yesterday, I spent some time working on that. Be sure to check it out. By the way, if you do, it will be one of the few times you'll see my face. Usually, I go by the image of my dog-niece, Roxie.
Anyway, I have decided to start eating more healthy and taking these vitamins and supplements with the goal of losing a ton of weight and hopefully, lowering my blood pressure considerably. Wish me luck. I'll keep you informed as to my progress, here on the blog.
.
_____
July 1, 2023
Yesterday, I spent the entire day in my easy chair working on websites and blogs.
First I spent a great deal of time on the hotel's message board along with their social media sites. I thought I'd never finish.
Then, David and I went over to Zouq Pakistani and Indian Cuisine for some lunch. David had been there several times but I had not and he kept raving about it. So I went with him. WOW! The food was so good. We used to go to a local Indian buffet regularly but unfortunately, they had closed. So we are so glad we found this place. It isn't much to look at decor wise or even service wise. When we first entered the building, we placed our order with the cashier. We didn't even have a waitress. He waited on us.
But when the food arrived, the lack of decor and service PALED in comparison to the taste of the food. The spices they used were out of this world. I had told the gentleman to give me the least spicy (hot) rice and chicken that he had. I can't even tell you the name of what he brought me but it was divine. And he brought out so much that I had to take alot of it home with me. It made two more dishes at home. And David was just the opposite: he wanted the most spicy rice and chicken and so they brought him what he wanted. We loved it so much.
Once home, David set about baking some brownies and I settled back in my easy chair to work on my own blog and social media, hoping to finish by night. I was beginning to think that "it couldn't be done" but I had a productive afternoon, mixed with gorgeous music in my ear.
_____
June 30, 2023
Yesterday, we went to The Magnolia Room for lunch over in Tucker. We had so much food that we ended up bringing back some. And while the food was great, I'm not so sure we will go back because of the traffic we encountered. It's a little ways from home.
For my songs and poems series, I have chosen a wonderful concert by Jessye Norman. She's singing Amercian popular love songs and it is so great. If you have a moment, be sure to give it a listen.
I often listen to the great motivational speaker, Simerjeet Singh. And he has shared a wonderful poem with a great truth that I totally agree with. Listen to it here!
_____
Comments