Itchy Palm and Foot: Departure Edging Near

July 11, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Besides having an itchy palm and foot as I think of the North Carolina visit, I also have a refrigerator to empty. This is an event, and for all who haven’t been blessed, read on.

This process started about 3 weeks ago when I realized I had purchased much, too much, from Aldi’s. For some reason I like their microwavable meals. They are tasty and those Germans know how to cook. I started here, and quickly ate up those treats.

Now, as I am coming closer to the wire, I have developed some concoctions that I wish to share. They aren’t Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart quality, but, maybe Sandra Lee would enjoy. Here it goes:

Sauerkraut with bacon chips. Running low on veggies I went for this blend. I microwaved the two ingredients, but, they could be served cold. Great and interesting combo.

The next thing I developed was fish with nuts, olive oil, garlic seasoning, olives, and sun dried tomatoes. Since the olives, and nuts are now history, here’s a pic of tilapia with seasoning and sun dried tomatoes.

My final and favorite creation was watermelon juice and cabernet sauvignon or merlot. Wow, is this a great taste sensation. Even better than sangria. Give it a whirl. To make watermelon juice merely throw the fruit in the blender and purify.

And I even used up my bottle of wine from Jordan to boot.
Cheers!

What is Airplane Mode?

July 10, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Often I ask those sitting next to me on the plane, “What is Airplane Mode?” Then, since they never know, I follow up with, “Why do you think we have to do this on the plane?” Besides being an icebreaker this always get a laugh. And why? Because NO ONE KNOWS WHY WE DO AIRPLANE MODE.

For years I have pondered this, and been remiss in not checking further. It somehow escapes my To Do List, however, today is the day. So where does one go for information such as this?

Of course, the ultimate guru, Auntie Google, and here’s what she says.

What is Airplane Mode?

Airplane mode turns off cellular devices, (those being cell phones and personal computers), disabling all data connection on your device. This means you can do just about nothing on the phone or computer but look at pictures as it cuts off access to the outside world.

To access Airplane Mode on the cellular phone select the settings button, (which on my phone is the gray flower shaped icon for females, or the cog wheel shaped icon for men). In my u- tube review it was stated that some phones have this on a screen you pull down when pressing the top middle part of the screen. Oh, look, I do too! It was simply further down the screen.

Airplane mode has several different names:

Aeroplane Mode
Flight Mode
Off line Mode
Stand Alone Mode

Next Question: Why do we have to put our devices on Airplane Mode?

Phone noise annoys some pilots and air traffic controllers. Out of safety and respect the device should be placed on this mode.

Also, regulations in many countries prohibit the use of devices that transmit signals on commercial aircraft. Why? This type of communication could interfere with plane sensors and navigation equipment.

What happens if we don’t put our cell phones on Airplane Mode?

Here I breathed a sigh of relief as I never put my phone on Airplane Mode. Why? I never knew where to find this and since I rarely receive phone calls thought it not an issue. However, I will now be faithful as I don’t want to annoy the pilot or air traffic controllers.

But the best thing I learned in my quest is:

The plane won’t fall out of the sky if you aren’t on Airplane Mode.

Firefox Rules

July 9, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

For several months I have been attempting to figure out how to get the news feed off my lap top computer. After successfully removing this from my phone I knew there must be a way. Once again my belief that out of bad comes good was reinforced. 🙂

I found Yahoo mail stuck today and after looking at Vladimir Putin for a sixth time, (not my fav dictator for what he does to his people, or the world), I became agitated. Over 2 hours later after reading volumes on how to fix this problem I came across a blogger suggesting a server switch.

After debating which server to choose I decided upon Firefox since it had a catchy name. Once I loaded her or him up I was able to write, send and file emails. I was in Email Heaven! But, out of this came the benefit of NO MORE NEWS FEEDS. While I will no longer be up to date on Meghan Markle’s latest dress purchase, I am rid of that dictator’s face.

Today as I turned on the internet I came across a delightful 2 minute video with Melinda Gates discussing her favorite book, and how she and Bill don’t use plastic straws. Now, this was something I relish, and have already bought the book. Thank you, Firefox. What a good choice I made.

It’s Kathleen..

July 8, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

It’s Kathleen, and if you don’t like what I say it’s still Kathleen.

Ever wonder what that’s about, and why I write it on my blogs? Well, I am going to tell you. Tour guides yearn for great reviews on their company website, and while most are deserving, a minority are not. Therefore, the phrase or something similar to this is stated as the tour ends,

“Remember I’m Hugo, and if you liked the tour my name is Hugo, but, if you didn’t like the tour my name is Irwin.”

I have always been a stand up person and if I don’t like something I speak up. The years have mellowed me, and while not perfect, I have found the ways to say the truth in a softer, kinder way on most days. I’m sure many who read these words are shaking their head, and thinking the same thing as me right now,

If only I could have learned this years ago.

However, it’s Kathleen, and, if you don’t like what I say I’ve still said it!

Texas Tag Update..

July 7, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Today I called about paying my Texas road toll. While on a 7 lane road in Katy, Texas, there were several signs requesting I pay a toll, but, no booths. Fortunate to see a sign with web site information I put it to memory and continued my drive.

Once I told my daughter about this she said you better contact them asap as she had never gotten the bill and once it arrived the $3 fee was well into the double digits. I called as soon as I got back to Florida, was told to wait three weeks, and call again. I did this today.

I guess my eyes were playing tricks on me as now I am being told there was no toll in that area. A delightful young female referred me to EZ Pass with another phone number. EZ Pass had no information on me but told me to call again in a few weeks.

I think I’m going to develop a personal relationship with these folks. By the end of these calls every few weeks I’ll probably get invited to their wedding or baby shower. Maybe when I get the double digit bill they’ll forgive the fee since we are friends?

It’s Kathleen and if you don’t like what I say it’s still Kathleen.

Veep

July 6, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Recently, Stephen Colbert had the cast of Veep on his show. I had heard of this series but never viewed it. Always a fan of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, even though I hated the ending of Seinfeld..but she had no part in that. Why couldn’t Elaine and Jerry get together? Guess happy endings aren’t everyone’s style? Back to the subject at hand, I digress..

Ordering 5 of the 7 seasons from the library I was glued to this hilarious, insulting, and potty mouth show. Working in New York State government bureaucracy I knew the playbook. Enthralled in the antics of each segment, the folly was not far from truth.

Watching Season 5 was particularly painful as I watched the Vice President now President Selena fall. Even though she was a nasty b–ch I wanted her to succeed. In the last episode I prayed for a change of events with the new female Hispanic president not naturalized, therefore, disqualified from the presidency. It didn’t occur, I was depressed.

I have lost interest as I scanned the Season 6 and 7 segments. Perhaps I will look at the final episode in future years to lay this to rest, however, I doubt it.

There are 20 plus democratic candidates running for the ultimate reward, leader of the free world. I honor their courage, but question their sanity, and hope they have loved ones with open arms to comfort them as they pursue their dream.

LaGuardia Airport Rebuild

July 5, 2019July 1, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Built in 1939, La Guardia Airport is the 21st busiest airport in the country, and while once a showplace, she needed a face lift.

This face lift boost came in a speech by then Vice President Joe Biden. In his speech on America’s crumbling infrastructure he stated, “I must be in some third world country,” referring to LaGuardia Airport. This put New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo in overdrive and by 2016, plans for the largest combined private and public venture ever were unveiled and began.

Cost: $8 billion with the private sector picking up 75% of the tab. Quite a feat, hats off to Andrew!

Much has been accomplished since this unveil, and now in the final 2 years things are becoming more challenging. This was one of those days. As I sadly left the City with 3 hours till takeoff I found myself taking a different bus number and a new route. While I enjoyed the scenery I was unsure I was on course, but, as the bus turned the directions proved correct.

With the new garages and most concourses completed major terminal construction is underway. Traffic is challenging as how do you reconstruct an operation that still continues to operate? It’s tricky to say the least.

As I departed my NYC bus I was unfamiliar with the new arrangements. Seeing a uniformed Delta employee I asked for assistance. She said stay with me and that I did as we mounted the Purple Bus, (which was not purple), and made our way to the terminal. Doing all these new maneuvers was time consuming, however, I arrived at my gate with 30 minutes to spare.

Suggestion: Add an extra hour if you are using LaGuardia Airport and once she’s back in her glory send the Governor an email of thanks..

https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Fun Facts For the Fourth

July 4, 2019July 2, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Happy 243rd birthday, America! Isn’t it wonderful to live in the greatest country in the world. We are blest. So, raise a glass, light a firecracker, start a barbeque and get this day underway. Enjoy. And here are a few tidbits to consider as you raise that glass…

Americans will consume 150 million hotdogs on July 4th.
The favorite sides for this day are potato salad and potato chips.
American’s will spend $1.6 billion on beer for the day.
Families will spend $100 on this holiday.
14,000 sites nationwide will send off fireworks.
Macy’s fireworks cost $6 million with $1 billion spent nationally.
Congress allowed fireworks as of July 4, 1777.
There is no evidence to prove Betsy Ross designed the flag.
The American flag on the moon is bleach white. After 40 years in that atmosphere who wouldn’t be?
Flags on military uniforms glow in the dark.
In 1958, Robert Heft from Ohio, designed a flag to include Alaska and Hawaii. He got a B-, later President Eisenhower converted it to an A.
The final text of the Declaration was July 4th which is why we celebrate today, however, it wasn’t signed till August 2, 1776.
Famous July 4th birthdays: Malia Obama, Ann Landers, (columnist), Neil Simon, (playwright), and President Calvin Coolidge.

So, stop reading, get out there, and enjoy the day. Happy 4th of July.

Wires Around the Condo

June 24, 2019June 19, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

I am an end unit condo. Having that location comes with benefits, one less noisy or nosey neighbor, and more windows. The negatives are one side of the condo is a wall full of electrical boxes and gauges. I often hear workmen cuss outside my office window as they attempt to finesse and cure electrical situations for a building over 50 years young. However, having lived here several years I gladly take the wires over another neighbor.

Today my new neighbor, who I have avoided like the plague, were both out in our gardens. She was cutting back the rosemary plant with enormous clippers and I surveying my lovely new growths.

Grateful she was attending to this I complimented her actions. The bush was in an overgrown state and required trimming. I have a vested interest in the bush as I sometimes steal a bit for seasoning, but, that’s our secret.

Rather than accept my compliment she turned to me saying, “What about these wires?” The wires run on top of the soil in our garden and while I realize they are a safety hazard I gingerly observe my steps to keep peace.

I smiled and stated, “Go to the board meeting and let them know.” She turned, opened her lanai door and walked away without comment.

Another neighbor bites the dust. I sure like those wires.

Sponge painting

June 23, 2019June 19, 2019 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

For some reason I seem to have a preoccupation with the bathroom. No, I don’t have a problem, but, I do consider my bathroom dreary. While I have a cute flamingo shower curtain and coordinated floor accessories the gray walls are DRAB.

Today I took the ultimate challenge, no not the ice bucket, but, even better, updating this look. I have sponge painted with pink and red over the abysmal gray. This is now my favorite room.

What do you think?