Lately I have been noticing that my pants were getting tighter and tighter. I really believed that the materials were shrinking. So, the other day I took three pairs down to my neighborhood cleaner and asked her to let them out (never occurred to me to buy new ones). The lady took a tape measure and immediately solved the mystery.
My waist increased from 38 inches to 40 inches. And since all my pants are and were 38 inches at the waist they all will eventually be tight.
This is the result of my girlfriend and her cooking. All my friends say that I look good. They say I never looked this good. That is physical and psychological good.
She is a very goo to me and for me. She is also a very good cook who loves to prepare good Hungarian meals. She always asks what do I want to eat but when I leave it up to her the surprise meal is even better. Who am I to resist such joy? I am just a weak man who happen to love good Hungarian food.
But my pants are paying the price. The ones that still fit are straining at the seams. It will be a little time when they give in.
Anyway, the answer to the riddle of my pants is my increasing girth.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Sunday
Today we had a very lovely day that started on Saturday evening.
After everything was installed and everything worked fine and the apartment cleaned up we decided to go to my girlfriend's Brooklyn apartment for the rest of the weekend. We were both deadly tired for all the activity of the past week and needed a little change of place. She has a lovely apartment near the beach so we decided to use that as our weekend hide-a-way.
Even now, off season the area is very lively filled with all kinds of restaurants and yesterday, Saturday night it was hopping. We were still able to get in a nice restaurant where we had a nice leisurely dinner accompanied with good Margueritas.
I guess all the exhaustion came out because we slept until past ten in the morning. After a nice breakfast we drove out to Long Island to do our usual supermarket shopping that we were not able to do yesterday. Because of our regular shopping there we were qualified for ten pounds of free matzo and a free turkey. They are rewarding every ethnic group before the holidays and naturally we took advantage of it both.
After we finished shopping we stopped at Taco Bell for a bite to eat then because of the beautiful weather drove out to the beach just to see water. It was very lovely. Lots of people were there on the boardwalk and we really had a good time.
After that we got home and now getting ready to eat dinner. Hungarian sausages (hurka) and potatoes and beans. That's the dinner.
I got to go.
After everything was installed and everything worked fine and the apartment cleaned up we decided to go to my girlfriend's Brooklyn apartment for the rest of the weekend. We were both deadly tired for all the activity of the past week and needed a little change of place. She has a lovely apartment near the beach so we decided to use that as our weekend hide-a-way.
Even now, off season the area is very lively filled with all kinds of restaurants and yesterday, Saturday night it was hopping. We were still able to get in a nice restaurant where we had a nice leisurely dinner accompanied with good Margueritas.
I guess all the exhaustion came out because we slept until past ten in the morning. After a nice breakfast we drove out to Long Island to do our usual supermarket shopping that we were not able to do yesterday. Because of our regular shopping there we were qualified for ten pounds of free matzo and a free turkey. They are rewarding every ethnic group before the holidays and naturally we took advantage of it both.
After we finished shopping we stopped at Taco Bell for a bite to eat then because of the beautiful weather drove out to the beach just to see water. It was very lovely. Lots of people were there on the boardwalk and we really had a good time.
After that we got home and now getting ready to eat dinner. Hungarian sausages (hurka) and potatoes and beans. That's the dinner.
I got to go.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Saturday
I wish the day was over already. I am sitting and waiting for the installation of my two ceiling fans. I hate sitting and waiting for others to do whatever they are required to do. That's why I like to do things myself but this I couldn't manage and I needed help. Now I'm waiting.
O.K. the day is almost over and I am relieved that everything that was supposed to be done is complete. Two ceiling fans were installed and they are gloriously working. Not only working but also look very good.
The people who design these home ceiling fans must be idiots. Installation is so complicated that I can not see how an average person can be able to do the job. The step by step descriptions in their manuals are vague and hard to follow. The designers are really not making it easy for an average person to do the job. Now that I stood there and watched the super do it I did come to the conclusion that certain steps could have been omitted and the final result would have been just as good.
But why not complicate it if it is possible?
It took about five hours to do the job and afterward we cleaned up the place and decided to relax. Really had no energy left to do anything else.
Watching (intensely) somebody else to work is very tiring.
O.K. the day is almost over and I am relieved that everything that was supposed to be done is complete. Two ceiling fans were installed and they are gloriously working. Not only working but also look very good.
The people who design these home ceiling fans must be idiots. Installation is so complicated that I can not see how an average person can be able to do the job. The step by step descriptions in their manuals are vague and hard to follow. The designers are really not making it easy for an average person to do the job. Now that I stood there and watched the super do it I did come to the conclusion that certain steps could have been omitted and the final result would have been just as good.
But why not complicate it if it is possible?
It took about five hours to do the job and afterward we cleaned up the place and decided to relax. Really had no energy left to do anything else.
Watching (intensely) somebody else to work is very tiring.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
A Very Good Friday
It is almost midday Saturday that I write Friday's blog. But for my excuse I have to mention that it was a very busy day (again) and it was a very pleasant day. It was a twelve hour non-stop good day.
It started with a very pleasant lunch with two of my dearest friends and their lovely wives. One of the two friends live in England (by choice) and come over once a year. I always look forward to our get togethers. We know each other since elementary school, and believe me that is a very long time. My other friend and quasi relative lives in Pennsylvania (also by choice) and we see each other not as frequently as I would like but we do keep in touch.
We had lunch in a nice little French restaurant in Manhattan and afterwards went over to the Hungarian pastry shop to indulge in the earthly pleasures of the Hungarian pastry creations. We spent about four hours together talking, reminiscing and more talking.
I introduced my girlfriend to my friends and they all loved her. They all agreed that she is the very best thing that can happen to me and now I look better than ever. I was very happy with their acceptance of her because it really meant a lot to me.
By the time we got home it was almost six o'clock. Then about eightish we went out to dinner to a steak restaurant where we had a few drinks and by the time we closed the day it was almost midnight. And that was the end of the twelve hour non-stop good day.
Right now I am sitting home waiting for the super to come up and install my two ceiling fans as he promised he would do.
It started with a very pleasant lunch with two of my dearest friends and their lovely wives. One of the two friends live in England (by choice) and come over once a year. I always look forward to our get togethers. We know each other since elementary school, and believe me that is a very long time. My other friend and quasi relative lives in Pennsylvania (also by choice) and we see each other not as frequently as I would like but we do keep in touch.
We had lunch in a nice little French restaurant in Manhattan and afterwards went over to the Hungarian pastry shop to indulge in the earthly pleasures of the Hungarian pastry creations. We spent about four hours together talking, reminiscing and more talking.
I introduced my girlfriend to my friends and they all loved her. They all agreed that she is the very best thing that can happen to me and now I look better than ever. I was very happy with their acceptance of her because it really meant a lot to me.
By the time we got home it was almost six o'clock. Then about eightish we went out to dinner to a steak restaurant where we had a few drinks and by the time we closed the day it was almost midnight. And that was the end of the twelve hour non-stop good day.
Right now I am sitting home waiting for the super to come up and install my two ceiling fans as he promised he would do.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Busy Thursday
Well, today was an extremely busy day for us. As I mentioned before the new carpet was laid down and a new replacement refrigerator was delivered. This all sound very simple but the peripheral work involved is enormous.
First we had to clean out the living room including furniture and small things for the carpet people. They moved a few things but the majority was our job. That's when I realized how much stuff was there. But we did it well. The carpet came, the old one was removed and the new one was laid down. Naturally in the process tons and tons of dust was generated that we had to clean up afterwards.
Shortly before the carpet arrived the new fridge was also delivered. Again, why should things go easy when they can be complicated?
It turned out that the fridge was just a tad wider than the door. Even a shoehorn couldn't help that thing through. But my girlfriend had the common sense and came up with a solution. We removed the doors and that way it fitted through. But that was more work that we had to do.
Finally we pushed it to its place moved the food over from the old one and took the old fridge out to the hallway for the handyman to remove it. Now it stands in its glory, filled to the top with good stuff.
Then started cleaning the apartment before putting everything back in its place. Now that we are done everything look very nice. The fact that we are both dead tired is par for the course.
I still have to lay the kitchen floor!
First we had to clean out the living room including furniture and small things for the carpet people. They moved a few things but the majority was our job. That's when I realized how much stuff was there. But we did it well. The carpet came, the old one was removed and the new one was laid down. Naturally in the process tons and tons of dust was generated that we had to clean up afterwards.
Shortly before the carpet arrived the new fridge was also delivered. Again, why should things go easy when they can be complicated?
It turned out that the fridge was just a tad wider than the door. Even a shoehorn couldn't help that thing through. But my girlfriend had the common sense and came up with a solution. We removed the doors and that way it fitted through. But that was more work that we had to do.
Finally we pushed it to its place moved the food over from the old one and took the old fridge out to the hallway for the handyman to remove it. Now it stands in its glory, filled to the top with good stuff.
Then started cleaning the apartment before putting everything back in its place. Now that we are done everything look very nice. The fact that we are both dead tired is par for the course.
I still have to lay the kitchen floor!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Wednesday
Sometimes the easiest looking jobs turn out to be the most difficult. Today the building super was to remove my old oven to make place for the new one. He was working for about two hours to disconnect the one single gas pipe. It turned out to be a monumental task.
The building was built in 1955 and thing installed then were a lot better and sturdier than today. As a result to disconnect this pipe appears to be an almost impossible task. I wish I could see the end of the tunnel!
I am convinced that at the end all will be well but right now I am sweating blood over this thing. At this writing he went down to buy a new gas valve because he thinks that will be the solution to his problem. I hope he is right.
Naively I thought he would come up, unscrew the pipes take out the old oven and everything will be ok. One, two three done. But it was not meant to be.
I wish it was tomorrow already. Actually, tomorrow is carpet day. That should go a lot easier and simpler.
If things meant to be simple why not complicate it? That is exactly what happened at the end.
The gas pipe was fixed, the new oven was delivered and successfully installed. It looks very nice and modern.
I bought an oven and a refrigerator and they were supposed to be delivered at the same time. The man came up, delivered the oven and went down to get the refrigerator. Then I get a call from him to come down to the front of the building to take a look. It turned out the refrigerator was damaged. One corner was pushed in like if it were dropped. He said I could take it and get a discount or he would take it back and I'll get a new one. I told him to take it back and bring out a new one.
It looks like that also will be delivered tomorrow.
Why things should go simple when they can get complicated?
The building was built in 1955 and thing installed then were a lot better and sturdier than today. As a result to disconnect this pipe appears to be an almost impossible task. I wish I could see the end of the tunnel!
I am convinced that at the end all will be well but right now I am sweating blood over this thing. At this writing he went down to buy a new gas valve because he thinks that will be the solution to his problem. I hope he is right.
Naively I thought he would come up, unscrew the pipes take out the old oven and everything will be ok. One, two three done. But it was not meant to be.
I wish it was tomorrow already. Actually, tomorrow is carpet day. That should go a lot easier and simpler.
If things meant to be simple why not complicate it? That is exactly what happened at the end.
The gas pipe was fixed, the new oven was delivered and successfully installed. It looks very nice and modern.
I bought an oven and a refrigerator and they were supposed to be delivered at the same time. The man came up, delivered the oven and went down to get the refrigerator. Then I get a call from him to come down to the front of the building to take a look. It turned out the refrigerator was damaged. One corner was pushed in like if it were dropped. He said I could take it and get a discount or he would take it back and I'll get a new one. I told him to take it back and bring out a new one.
It looks like that also will be delivered tomorrow.
Why things should go simple when they can get complicated?
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Tuesday
I realized that big stores are just as sneaky as small ones. And by big one I mean Home Depot.
A few days ago we bought linoleum flooring for the kitchen. The kitchen floor now is vinyl tiles that I laid about ten years ago. They were self sticking tiles and it only took a couple of hours to put them down.
This time we wanted linoleum because we thought it looked better. My kitchen is only about 64 square foot area. Yesterday somebody was here to measure the floor area and today I was given the total cost.
The tile was priced at $1.27 per square foot. All material was to cost about $170 but the labor was another $800. Ridiculous, right?
They charged $150 for coming up to the 3rd floor even though we do have elevators, they charged for removal of the existing flooring even though I told them it was not necessary, they charged for moving furniture even though there will be no furniture in the kitchen, they charged for some kind of underthing t when we were told there was no need for such, they charged for correcting the floor because there is an approximately 1/4" dip in the middle of the floor which is not bad for such an aged kitchen
But they insisted that everything needed to be done for a good job. Well, I cancelled the contract and bought three boxes of rectangular floor tiles and I will lay them down. Easier and cheaper.
Tomorrow they are supposed to deliver the new gas oven and the refrigerator and Thursday they are laying the new carpet. Friday lunch with my friends and life goes on.
I'm having a busy week, but I love it!
A few days ago we bought linoleum flooring for the kitchen. The kitchen floor now is vinyl tiles that I laid about ten years ago. They were self sticking tiles and it only took a couple of hours to put them down.
This time we wanted linoleum because we thought it looked better. My kitchen is only about 64 square foot area. Yesterday somebody was here to measure the floor area and today I was given the total cost.
The tile was priced at $1.27 per square foot. All material was to cost about $170 but the labor was another $800. Ridiculous, right?
They charged $150 for coming up to the 3rd floor even though we do have elevators, they charged for removal of the existing flooring even though I told them it was not necessary, they charged for moving furniture even though there will be no furniture in the kitchen, they charged for some kind of underthing t when we were told there was no need for such, they charged for correcting the floor because there is an approximately 1/4" dip in the middle of the floor which is not bad for such an aged kitchen
But they insisted that everything needed to be done for a good job. Well, I cancelled the contract and bought three boxes of rectangular floor tiles and I will lay them down. Easier and cheaper.
Tomorrow they are supposed to deliver the new gas oven and the refrigerator and Thursday they are laying the new carpet. Friday lunch with my friends and life goes on.
I'm having a busy week, but I love it!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Monday
I am very upset today. Being upset is a rare thing with me because usually nothing bothers me but what happened today upset me a lot.
A few days ago we bought two ceiling fans from Home Depot. One smaller one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom to replace an older one that is not functioning right anymore.
Since I installed the one in the bedroom I was convinced I could do it again. How wrong I was!
This morning after my regular chores I opened the box, inventoried the contents and started work as it was explained in the attached booklet. Removal of the old ceiling light fixture was easy except that I had trouble identifying the colored electric wiring since I am color blind.
Somehow I thought there were too many wires for my liking. And the damn motor weight a ton and holding it up in the air while I was supposed to connect the wires seemed like an impossible task. Also there were two very small screws that I dropped about fifteen times and each time I had to get off the ladder down to the floor and look for them.
After about two and a half hour I decided to swallow my pride and called Home Depot and inquired about installation. I was told they did not provide installation for ceiling fans!? At the end I asked the building super if he could do it and he said yes. I hope he knows what he is doing.
Not being able to do this thing was what upset me.
By the way yesterday we bought a new gas oven and a new refrigerator. The oven I have is original equipment in the apartment since I live here and now that we are together and doing serious cooking a good oven is a must.
New carpet, new kitchen floor covering, new oven, new refrigerator, new ceiling fans. I better be around a long time to enjoy all these!
A few days ago we bought two ceiling fans from Home Depot. One smaller one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom to replace an older one that is not functioning right anymore.
Since I installed the one in the bedroom I was convinced I could do it again. How wrong I was!
This morning after my regular chores I opened the box, inventoried the contents and started work as it was explained in the attached booklet. Removal of the old ceiling light fixture was easy except that I had trouble identifying the colored electric wiring since I am color blind.
Somehow I thought there were too many wires for my liking. And the damn motor weight a ton and holding it up in the air while I was supposed to connect the wires seemed like an impossible task. Also there were two very small screws that I dropped about fifteen times and each time I had to get off the ladder down to the floor and look for them.
After about two and a half hour I decided to swallow my pride and called Home Depot and inquired about installation. I was told they did not provide installation for ceiling fans!? At the end I asked the building super if he could do it and he said yes. I hope he knows what he is doing.
Not being able to do this thing was what upset me.
By the way yesterday we bought a new gas oven and a new refrigerator. The oven I have is original equipment in the apartment since I live here and now that we are together and doing serious cooking a good oven is a must.
New carpet, new kitchen floor covering, new oven, new refrigerator, new ceiling fans. I better be around a long time to enjoy all these!
Monday, March 23, 2015
Sunday
It was the weirdest thing on Friday. We had such a snow storm that it was unbelievable. It started around noon and did not stop until just about next morning. Within hours my area was transformed into a winter wonderland. All the dirty leftover snow was covered with a beautiful white blanket, tree limbs had snow covers and it was just very, very nice all over.
They expected higher temperatures so they really didn't exert themselves with the effort of cleaning it up. Since I love snow I just really liked the whole scenery.
By the time we went out shopping on Saturday all that beautiful snow was gone. It all melted, roads were dry, it just puff disappeared. I guess the entrance of spring had something to do with it.
Saturday we did our usual supermarket shopping which is no small chore. Carrying all the bags up from the car to the apartment puts our muscles to a real test.
But after the supermarket we went to dinner to a very nice restaurant where none of us have ever been to. It was touted as Azerbaijani but I think it was more Turkish. The place was packed by all kinds of people which meant to us that it must be good. We had to wait only about five minutes until we got a nice table.
Not knowing anything about this kind of food we ordered what we thought sounded good. So we had Falafel for appetizer, salmon steak and Kabideh kebab main courses, Turkish coffee after.
What is Kabideh kebab you ask? It is two-skewered ground meat with rice and other stuff. I really didn't want to know. It sounded good so I ordered and was not disappointed. Everything was very good. We even took some food home they gave us so much.
All in all it was a nice day.
They expected higher temperatures so they really didn't exert themselves with the effort of cleaning it up. Since I love snow I just really liked the whole scenery.
By the time we went out shopping on Saturday all that beautiful snow was gone. It all melted, roads were dry, it just puff disappeared. I guess the entrance of spring had something to do with it.
Saturday we did our usual supermarket shopping which is no small chore. Carrying all the bags up from the car to the apartment puts our muscles to a real test.
But after the supermarket we went to dinner to a very nice restaurant where none of us have ever been to. It was touted as Azerbaijani but I think it was more Turkish. The place was packed by all kinds of people which meant to us that it must be good. We had to wait only about five minutes until we got a nice table.
Not knowing anything about this kind of food we ordered what we thought sounded good. So we had Falafel for appetizer, salmon steak and Kabideh kebab main courses, Turkish coffee after.
What is Kabideh kebab you ask? It is two-skewered ground meat with rice and other stuff. I really didn't want to know. It sounded good so I ordered and was not disappointed. Everything was very good. We even took some food home they gave us so much.
All in all it was a nice day.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Vacations
I have a silly habit as far as vacations go. If I go to a place I want to see everything otherwise I feel I don't get my money's worth. I am not happy looking at something and postponing other things for the next time. Who knows if there is a next time!
That is one of the reasons I like to go back to a familiar place where I think I have seen everything and I really don't mind seeing stuff again and again.
So now I am browsing Las Vegas and its area to see how much can be seen during our two week stay and the possibilities are overwhelming. That was really expected but besides just being in Las Vegas itself does not seem to be enough. There is so much beauty outside that one can not just avoid seeing those places.
Natural beauty that is not readily available here in the East coast are a must. Big wide open spaces with gorgeous natural formations are something that can not be missed. Hopefully the two weeks we are planning to spend there will be enough to put a dent in the list of "seeables".
Budapest will not be a problem because we both hail from there and we really don't have a plan of what is it that we want to see. Whatever we see will be all right. It plans to be a trip down memory lane.
Stockholm will be a different story. I know absolutely nothing of Stockholm except that they created a funny subway entrance somewhere where the stairs are made up like piano keys. Would be interesting to see that. Otherwise we will be just like any other tourist: probably go on some sight seeing tours.
Man, life can be so complicated!
That is one of the reasons I like to go back to a familiar place where I think I have seen everything and I really don't mind seeing stuff again and again.
So now I am browsing Las Vegas and its area to see how much can be seen during our two week stay and the possibilities are overwhelming. That was really expected but besides just being in Las Vegas itself does not seem to be enough. There is so much beauty outside that one can not just avoid seeing those places.
Natural beauty that is not readily available here in the East coast are a must. Big wide open spaces with gorgeous natural formations are something that can not be missed. Hopefully the two weeks we are planning to spend there will be enough to put a dent in the list of "seeables".
Budapest will not be a problem because we both hail from there and we really don't have a plan of what is it that we want to see. Whatever we see will be all right. It plans to be a trip down memory lane.
Stockholm will be a different story. I know absolutely nothing of Stockholm except that they created a funny subway entrance somewhere where the stairs are made up like piano keys. Would be interesting to see that. Otherwise we will be just like any other tourist: probably go on some sight seeing tours.
Man, life can be so complicated!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Friday
A giant leap for me, a no step for mankind!
That's what is the result of what I achieved today.
First, because of some "constructive" criticism I found a new restaurant where we might go with my friends next Friday. You see, I did find a what I thought was a nice eating place, but it seemed not everyone agreed with my taste of food. So I found another place and hope that will agree with my finicky friends' palate.
Just joking! This new place is very nice, we were there last Sunday and really liked it. So I hope everybody will be satisfied. And what is good about it is that it is within walking distance to the Hungarian pastry shop where we will retire for (cigars and cognac) or just plain Hungarian pastry.
The other thing I finalized today was the rental car for our visit in Budapest.
It is not easy to rent an automobile outside the US. It's not the price it's the type of available cars.
Cars outside the country are called by different names that we are used to and their description and photographs don't mean anything. A micro size car can be made to look like a limousine if it is photographed the right way. And, I am not that familiar with the European brands and varieties.
Anyway, I picked a car, reserved it and now we are 100% ready for our trip.
The only thing is that the car is a Brit brand and I hope the steering wheel is on the normal side!
That's what is the result of what I achieved today.
First, because of some "constructive" criticism I found a new restaurant where we might go with my friends next Friday. You see, I did find a what I thought was a nice eating place, but it seemed not everyone agreed with my taste of food. So I found another place and hope that will agree with my finicky friends' palate.
Just joking! This new place is very nice, we were there last Sunday and really liked it. So I hope everybody will be satisfied. And what is good about it is that it is within walking distance to the Hungarian pastry shop where we will retire for (cigars and cognac) or just plain Hungarian pastry.
The other thing I finalized today was the rental car for our visit in Budapest.
It is not easy to rent an automobile outside the US. It's not the price it's the type of available cars.
Cars outside the country are called by different names that we are used to and their description and photographs don't mean anything. A micro size car can be made to look like a limousine if it is photographed the right way. And, I am not that familiar with the European brands and varieties.
Anyway, I picked a car, reserved it and now we are 100% ready for our trip.
The only thing is that the car is a Brit brand and I hope the steering wheel is on the normal side!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Thursday
A week from tomorrow I will be meeting my friends from the other side of the pond and from the other side of the Schuylkill River. I'm really looking forward to this annual get together.
Last year I attended it alone but this time I will introduce my girlfriend to two of my closest, dearest friends who I know for the longest time. And when I say longest time I do mean a very long time. One of the couples comes over from good old England while the other comes over from good old Keystone State.
As they say distance makes the heart grow founder (or something similar) I really love these friends and I am anxiously looking forward seeing them again. Good friends are hard to find and I really cherish our relationship. The only sad thing is that we live so far apart.
Something else.
After this tumultuous relationship I have with my girlfriend we recently decided to live together. Meaning that she will move in with me. It is my idea and I am really looking forward to it. This apartment needs a woman's touch, I don't want to be alone and I really love being with her.
The first step was already taken when she decided that the apartment needed to be painted. The landlord is required to provide free painting but I don't think we had the place painted in the past eight - nine years.
We also bought new carpeting since the old one is kind of old and creates dust. Today we already purchased two new ceiling fans that I will install and new floor covering for the kitchen.
So, we are kind of revamping the apartment and I am really very excited about it.
The interesting thing is that she wants everything to be done while I am in Europe. She says she does not need my help, she can do it alone. Very curious to see the apartment when I will return. I probably will not be able to find anything but I'm sure I'll manage it.
Last year I attended it alone but this time I will introduce my girlfriend to two of my closest, dearest friends who I know for the longest time. And when I say longest time I do mean a very long time. One of the couples comes over from good old England while the other comes over from good old Keystone State.
As they say distance makes the heart grow founder (or something similar) I really love these friends and I am anxiously looking forward seeing them again. Good friends are hard to find and I really cherish our relationship. The only sad thing is that we live so far apart.
Something else.
After this tumultuous relationship I have with my girlfriend we recently decided to live together. Meaning that she will move in with me. It is my idea and I am really looking forward to it. This apartment needs a woman's touch, I don't want to be alone and I really love being with her.
The first step was already taken when she decided that the apartment needed to be painted. The landlord is required to provide free painting but I don't think we had the place painted in the past eight - nine years.
We also bought new carpeting since the old one is kind of old and creates dust. Today we already purchased two new ceiling fans that I will install and new floor covering for the kitchen.
So, we are kind of revamping the apartment and I am really very excited about it.
The interesting thing is that she wants everything to be done while I am in Europe. She says she does not need my help, she can do it alone. Very curious to see the apartment when I will return. I probably will not be able to find anything but I'm sure I'll manage it.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday
Today started as a pretty aggravating day. Since yesterday the low tire pressure indicator light was on in my car's dashboard and that annoyed me to no end. It came on last week but I put air in the tire and it went off. But I guess because of the slow leak it came on yesterday.
This morning I got up before the crack of dawn at the ungodly hour of 6:30 (for a retiree) and drove to the dealer to have a look at my wheels. Why are they constantly losing air.
Somehow it didn't surprise me when they told me that there was a nail in the wall of one of the tires and that caused the leakage. It seems that I have knack of picking up nails on the road. They probably think I am driving in a lumber yard.
Two things made this bad. One that they couldn't fix it and second that I had to buy a new tire for the sum of $210. To add insult to injury this was the tire I bought only a few weeks ago for the exact same reason.
When one gets a new car they give you a very large packet of books and warranties including tire guarantees. The only problem is that when one needs something it turns out the guarantee does not cover that particular case. And that is the case of my tires. The guarantee does not cover road damage says the service guy.
Actually, now he was trying to sell me tire insurance for $400 but I said I would take my chances since this is a lease car and I have only two and a half years left in my contract. But it was a nice try anyway.
So now I am poorer by $210 but richer by one new tire.
I don't know if I mentioned it that day before yesterday we bought a new wall-to-wall carpet. Today the man was here to measure it and we can now expect installation.
The painting of the apartment is now scheduled for early June and we decided to make a few changes. If I want to have a new life I must tolerate the changes that come with it!
This morning I got up before the crack of dawn at the ungodly hour of 6:30 (for a retiree) and drove to the dealer to have a look at my wheels. Why are they constantly losing air.
Somehow it didn't surprise me when they told me that there was a nail in the wall of one of the tires and that caused the leakage. It seems that I have knack of picking up nails on the road. They probably think I am driving in a lumber yard.
Two things made this bad. One that they couldn't fix it and second that I had to buy a new tire for the sum of $210. To add insult to injury this was the tire I bought only a few weeks ago for the exact same reason.
When one gets a new car they give you a very large packet of books and warranties including tire guarantees. The only problem is that when one needs something it turns out the guarantee does not cover that particular case. And that is the case of my tires. The guarantee does not cover road damage says the service guy.
Actually, now he was trying to sell me tire insurance for $400 but I said I would take my chances since this is a lease car and I have only two and a half years left in my contract. But it was a nice try anyway.
So now I am poorer by $210 but richer by one new tire.
I don't know if I mentioned it that day before yesterday we bought a new wall-to-wall carpet. Today the man was here to measure it and we can now expect installation.
The painting of the apartment is now scheduled for early June and we decided to make a few changes. If I want to have a new life I must tolerate the changes that come with it!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Tuesday
Today after a long absence I finally went to the gym. I figured with all the good food I eat it was time to do a little workout. And a workout it was!
I did so much that eventually I worked up a good sweat. Or was just the temperature too high in there? It doesn't matter, it still felt good. I went to the new gym where I recently signed up. Figured as long as it is free might as well use it, right?
Driving around in these days is a total disaster. No matter what road I take there are potholes all over. And they don't seem to fix any of them at least not on the roads I travel on. These holes are worse at night when they only be felt and not seen. And by then it is too late.
Something else.
Since we bought all the opera tickets they think that now I am serious opera patron. Today I got a letter from the Metropolitan Opera Guild and you will never guess: they asked for a contribution!
For $400 dollars I can get all kinds of benefits including entry to some exclusive lounge before performances. But no discounted tickets. For $70 dollars no lounge but discounts at the gift shop.
One can find discounts to almost every Broadway performance except the Metropolitan Opera. I really don't think they need my contribution and with that thought in mind I deep sixed their letter. For the prices they charge and seeing that most of their expensive seats are always sold out I can not understand why they have to beg for money.
As I said earlier we are scheduled to see Aida in April and the Merry Widow in early May. I'm kind of exited about both of these.
I did so much that eventually I worked up a good sweat. Or was just the temperature too high in there? It doesn't matter, it still felt good. I went to the new gym where I recently signed up. Figured as long as it is free might as well use it, right?
Driving around in these days is a total disaster. No matter what road I take there are potholes all over. And they don't seem to fix any of them at least not on the roads I travel on. These holes are worse at night when they only be felt and not seen. And by then it is too late.
Something else.
Since we bought all the opera tickets they think that now I am serious opera patron. Today I got a letter from the Metropolitan Opera Guild and you will never guess: they asked for a contribution!
For $400 dollars I can get all kinds of benefits including entry to some exclusive lounge before performances. But no discounted tickets. For $70 dollars no lounge but discounts at the gift shop.
One can find discounts to almost every Broadway performance except the Metropolitan Opera. I really don't think they need my contribution and with that thought in mind I deep sixed their letter. For the prices they charge and seeing that most of their expensive seats are always sold out I can not understand why they have to beg for money.
As I said earlier we are scheduled to see Aida in April and the Merry Widow in early May. I'm kind of exited about both of these.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Monday
Today is Monday and I had quite a busy day. First I had a meeting with my accountant to do the filing of the 2014 Income Tax. The meeting ended on a high note and if the government will not declare bankruptcy I should get a nice refund. What can be better than finding out that there will be money coming into the coffer?
Something else.
A while back I wrote about not being able to find certain type of clothing or other merchandise in order to replace older ones. Well, I have a wall to wall carpet in my living room purchased about ten years ago from Macy's. We decided it was time to replace it since it was generating a lot of dust. So tonight we went to Macy's to look for something to replace it with. That was when we found out that Macy's does not sell wall to wall carpeting any longer.
I guess wall to wall carpeting is now in the same category as men's robes. They don't sell those either.
So we went around and finally we found some very nice carpets at Home Depot and, for reasonable price. We bought it and hopefully it will shortly be installed.
Something else.
My girlfriend and I decided that from now on we will be living together. We already are spending most of our times together, we like each other, we get along fine so why not to make it more convenient for all concerned.
This arrangement will come with certain changes in both of our lifestyles. We will be living in my apartment which is about the same size as hers. She has a lots of beautiful antique furniture she will not give up meaning we just have to find a way to accommodate everybody's needs. We just bought the carpet, next thing is the apartment will be painted.
I think I will go to Siberia for a while and she will call me when everything is done!
Something else.
A while back I wrote about not being able to find certain type of clothing or other merchandise in order to replace older ones. Well, I have a wall to wall carpet in my living room purchased about ten years ago from Macy's. We decided it was time to replace it since it was generating a lot of dust. So tonight we went to Macy's to look for something to replace it with. That was when we found out that Macy's does not sell wall to wall carpeting any longer.
I guess wall to wall carpeting is now in the same category as men's robes. They don't sell those either.
So we went around and finally we found some very nice carpets at Home Depot and, for reasonable price. We bought it and hopefully it will shortly be installed.
Something else.
My girlfriend and I decided that from now on we will be living together. We already are spending most of our times together, we like each other, we get along fine so why not to make it more convenient for all concerned.
This arrangement will come with certain changes in both of our lifestyles. We will be living in my apartment which is about the same size as hers. She has a lots of beautiful antique furniture she will not give up meaning we just have to find a way to accommodate everybody's needs. We just bought the carpet, next thing is the apartment will be painted.
I think I will go to Siberia for a while and she will call me when everything is done!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Sunday
Today was a very pleasant and nice day. It was my sister in law's birthday, actually it was yesterday but we celebrated it today. We had brunch in a nice French restaurant in Manhattan.
The food was good, the drinks were great and the atmosphere was warm and pleasant. We stayed for quite a while and talked about many things. There were no arguments, no raised voices and it was just nice.
We bought her some birthday present that included French cosmetics and it turned out that she just loved the stuff and that made us very happy. Because, it is never easy to buy a birthday present to a woman. But this was a good choice.
Lately we have been seeing each other every month and that seem to be a good working arrangement. After all these years I am beginning to like them and they seem to like my girlfriend who feels the same towards them.
After brunch we went to the Hungarian pastry shop because we wanted to have chestnut puree for dessert. That is a Hungarian delicacy that is so good that it just can not be described. But unfortunately they did not have any which was very disappointing. I had to do with poppy seed strudel.
Life is full of sacrifices!
The food was good, the drinks were great and the atmosphere was warm and pleasant. We stayed for quite a while and talked about many things. There were no arguments, no raised voices and it was just nice.
We bought her some birthday present that included French cosmetics and it turned out that she just loved the stuff and that made us very happy. Because, it is never easy to buy a birthday present to a woman. But this was a good choice.
Lately we have been seeing each other every month and that seem to be a good working arrangement. After all these years I am beginning to like them and they seem to like my girlfriend who feels the same towards them.
After brunch we went to the Hungarian pastry shop because we wanted to have chestnut puree for dessert. That is a Hungarian delicacy that is so good that it just can not be described. But unfortunately they did not have any which was very disappointing. I had to do with poppy seed strudel.
Life is full of sacrifices!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Saturday
Even though I was married twice I never had any children. I never wanted any and I am very content with the fact that my family tree will die out with me. I have a cousin, my father's younger brother's son who is also without any male heir. The family have girls but no boys to carry on with the family name.
Well, that's not that important. The important thing is that since I had no children I really don't possess the feelings parents have for their children. I looked at kids through different eyes. Many of them seemed to me nothing but nuisance.
Several of my friends and acquaintances have children and I can count on one hand the ones who turned out really well. That was one of the reasons why I never ventured into parenthood. I was afraid of how they would turn out, I was afraid of the responsibilities of being a parent.
But now things are changing.
My girlfriend has a 12 and 3/4 years old daughter who stays here in my apartment a lot. Even though she is a total nuisance I still grew to love her. She shows so much warmth toward me that it is impossible to stay mad at her for any extended period of time and believe me she gives reasons.
She goes to school close to where I live. So I get up before seven in the morning to wake her up. I make her breakfast and while she is in the bathroom I fix her lunch. And when the time is here I drive her to the school where she gives me a kiss before getting out of the car.
In the afternoon I pick her up at 2:30 and bring her home or some days she goes to her girlfriend's house and I pick her up there later on.
I don't have to do this but I love doing it. First I help my girlfriend and second I love doing it.
The little girl and I constantly argue but I don't mind because at the end she comes over and gives me a hug.
And a hug from a child is worth anything.
Well, that's not that important. The important thing is that since I had no children I really don't possess the feelings parents have for their children. I looked at kids through different eyes. Many of them seemed to me nothing but nuisance.
Several of my friends and acquaintances have children and I can count on one hand the ones who turned out really well. That was one of the reasons why I never ventured into parenthood. I was afraid of how they would turn out, I was afraid of the responsibilities of being a parent.
But now things are changing.
My girlfriend has a 12 and 3/4 years old daughter who stays here in my apartment a lot. Even though she is a total nuisance I still grew to love her. She shows so much warmth toward me that it is impossible to stay mad at her for any extended period of time and believe me she gives reasons.
She goes to school close to where I live. So I get up before seven in the morning to wake her up. I make her breakfast and while she is in the bathroom I fix her lunch. And when the time is here I drive her to the school where she gives me a kiss before getting out of the car.
In the afternoon I pick her up at 2:30 and bring her home or some days she goes to her girlfriend's house and I pick her up there later on.
I don't have to do this but I love doing it. First I help my girlfriend and second I love doing it.
The little girl and I constantly argue but I don't mind because at the end she comes over and gives me a hug.
And a hug from a child is worth anything.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Upset
A while back I wrote about how I hate dirty foul mouthed people. How I hate people who have nothing better to do than spread rumors about others if for none other just because they want to appear knowledgeable.
Well, I hate to repeat myself but the ugly animal raised its head again.
This is the real background.
I lost my wife of almost 34 years over a year ago. Have no children, no family, I live alone. Thank God I have friends even though some proved that they had ulterior motives while appearing as friends. I owe no explanation to anybody for my actions and I take full responsibility for whatever I do.
I am a more than middle aged man but thanks to my good fortune I met someone I like a lot. She likes me and I like her. She likes me a lot and I like her a lot. Ok, so she is much younger than I am but that is the way I like it.
I never ever planned to meet any "proper to my age" woman and I never ever planned to have a relationship with any overweight or obese woman either. These characters are no interest me at all and I never ever planned to waste my time on them. It comes to a point when it is lot better to be alone than go into a forced and not wanted relationship.
Since some parties harbored false hopes for my interest in them now they are resorting to spreading vicious misinformation about my past life. In that process they are dishonoring the memories of the deceased. Now, how low one can get?
They are sticking their noses where they do not belong, they are criticizing the life I and my lady friend live. Why don't they look around their own household and try to clean up their own mess?
Who made these people the guardians of morality?
Why don't they try to lose some weight or try to make their own husbands happy instead of worrying about my happiness and questioning what need as a man I might have. Or even worse, accusing my girlfriend that she must be sick and something must be wrong with her if she puts up with an older man like me. I can assure every interested soul that she is not sick. The exact opposite. She is healthy, attractive and physically active.
Maybe the people who raise such questions are the sick ones!
Thank to my good luck, I am healthy and physically active. I can make my girlfriend very happy and satisfied. I wish on all my sour grapes critics that their partners could make them as happy as I am making my partner!
These are desperate and vicious things people engage in. Looking back, their lives are nothing to brag about. Maybe they should concentrate on some kind of damage control instead dispersing lies and attacking others.
I also know a few deep dark secrets about some but being a much nicer and kinder person than they are I will keep them to myself.
BUT there is no guarantee of how long will I be able to do that!
Well, I hate to repeat myself but the ugly animal raised its head again.
This is the real background.
I lost my wife of almost 34 years over a year ago. Have no children, no family, I live alone. Thank God I have friends even though some proved that they had ulterior motives while appearing as friends. I owe no explanation to anybody for my actions and I take full responsibility for whatever I do.
I am a more than middle aged man but thanks to my good fortune I met someone I like a lot. She likes me and I like her. She likes me a lot and I like her a lot. Ok, so she is much younger than I am but that is the way I like it.
I never ever planned to meet any "proper to my age" woman and I never ever planned to have a relationship with any overweight or obese woman either. These characters are no interest me at all and I never ever planned to waste my time on them. It comes to a point when it is lot better to be alone than go into a forced and not wanted relationship.
Since some parties harbored false hopes for my interest in them now they are resorting to spreading vicious misinformation about my past life. In that process they are dishonoring the memories of the deceased. Now, how low one can get?
They are sticking their noses where they do not belong, they are criticizing the life I and my lady friend live. Why don't they look around their own household and try to clean up their own mess?
Who made these people the guardians of morality?
Why don't they try to lose some weight or try to make their own husbands happy instead of worrying about my happiness and questioning what need as a man I might have. Or even worse, accusing my girlfriend that she must be sick and something must be wrong with her if she puts up with an older man like me. I can assure every interested soul that she is not sick. The exact opposite. She is healthy, attractive and physically active.
Maybe the people who raise such questions are the sick ones!
Thank to my good luck, I am healthy and physically active. I can make my girlfriend very happy and satisfied. I wish on all my sour grapes critics that their partners could make them as happy as I am making my partner!
These are desperate and vicious things people engage in. Looking back, their lives are nothing to brag about. Maybe they should concentrate on some kind of damage control instead dispersing lies and attacking others.
I also know a few deep dark secrets about some but being a much nicer and kinder person than they are I will keep them to myself.
BUT there is no guarantee of how long will I be able to do that!
Friday, March 13, 2015
Florida - 3
Monday morning we rose fairly early because this was the day we wanted to get back to New York. However, by the time all the goodbyes were said it was 10 am when the trip started.
The drive was a lot easier than going down not just because of the beautiful weather but because it was daylight for a very long time. The roads down there are a pleasure to drive on. Even though there was traffic it still moved at a good pace at over 70 mph. Naturally there are slow pokes everywhere who set themselves in the left lane and have to be blasted out of there.
We only stopped for gas and for absolutely necessary reasons. We alternately took the helm and this way driving was more tolerable.
It appeared that the previous few days were extremely warm because all that snow we saw on the way down was totally gone. I think it was Delaware where we saw a small mound in the back of a gas station parking lot.
We saw a few accidents but nothing serious and that was good. I felt very sorry for a family who was pulling a trailer behind their car going north and somehow the connection between the trailer and the car broke. Result was that the trailer careened off the highway right off the road and was stopped by a tree. That's a hell of a way to start or end a vacation.
Almost all the way north the temperature was in the 70s, then the 60s and when we got to New York it was 36 degrees. What a difference.
We got to my house around 1 am Monday morning. That makes it fifteen hours for the 1,200 miles. Tiring but very, very interesting.
Now that I did it I would love to do it again.
The drive was a lot easier than going down not just because of the beautiful weather but because it was daylight for a very long time. The roads down there are a pleasure to drive on. Even though there was traffic it still moved at a good pace at over 70 mph. Naturally there are slow pokes everywhere who set themselves in the left lane and have to be blasted out of there.
We only stopped for gas and for absolutely necessary reasons. We alternately took the helm and this way driving was more tolerable.
It appeared that the previous few days were extremely warm because all that snow we saw on the way down was totally gone. I think it was Delaware where we saw a small mound in the back of a gas station parking lot.
We saw a few accidents but nothing serious and that was good. I felt very sorry for a family who was pulling a trailer behind their car going north and somehow the connection between the trailer and the car broke. Result was that the trailer careened off the highway right off the road and was stopped by a tree. That's a hell of a way to start or end a vacation.
Almost all the way north the temperature was in the 70s, then the 60s and when we got to New York it was 36 degrees. What a difference.
We got to my house around 1 am Monday morning. That makes it fifteen hours for the 1,200 miles. Tiring but very, very interesting.
Now that I did it I would love to do it again.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Florida - 2
So now we are in Daytona Beach, Florida. I have been there once in 1980 or '81 or '82 but just passing through. Never had the chance to look closely at this place. What a lovely location. My G.F. has a condo and that is where we stayed. It is a very nice and comfortable apartment within a condo complex that is in a very good part of the town. It's on the water and the place has a nice swimming pool.
The only problem we had that almost all of Friday it was exceptionally chilly and drizzling. Absolutely not the Florida weather I was expecting. But we still had the chance to drive around and see a lot.
I met her family down there and we had a great meal in the evening in a tropical themed restaurant.
Since this week there is an annual Harley-Davidson gathering there, there were several thousand motorcycle enthusiasts in town. No matter where one went there were cyclists everywhere. On Saturday we had the chance to see one of their parades led by the famous Budweiser horses which I found extremely interesting. Mainly because I have never ever seen anything like this except maybe on television.
Every lodging place had large areas cordoned off for the parking of the motorcycles. In essence the place was not quiet at all. But give credit where credit is due all was very orderly.
Unfortunately although the drizzle stopped the temperature stayed in the lower stratosphere. We did a very long walk on the beach but it was pretty unpleasant.
Saturday night we had a nice family dinner where we ate and drank well.
I have a very good friend who lives on the West coast of Florida and I haven't seen him for quite a while. So on Sunday we went on a three hour drive to visit him and his wife.
Now this day was the way all days should have been. Not a cloud in the sky and very warm. Finally I wore the shorts I took with me with a tee shirt.
We had a great time together. Spent the entire afternoon at his house which is built by a canal and his sailboat is tied up at the back by his dock. We left late and by the time we got home it was almost midnight.
Into bed because the next day was traveling day again.
The only problem we had that almost all of Friday it was exceptionally chilly and drizzling. Absolutely not the Florida weather I was expecting. But we still had the chance to drive around and see a lot.
I met her family down there and we had a great meal in the evening in a tropical themed restaurant.
Since this week there is an annual Harley-Davidson gathering there, there were several thousand motorcycle enthusiasts in town. No matter where one went there were cyclists everywhere. On Saturday we had the chance to see one of their parades led by the famous Budweiser horses which I found extremely interesting. Mainly because I have never ever seen anything like this except maybe on television.
Every lodging place had large areas cordoned off for the parking of the motorcycles. In essence the place was not quiet at all. But give credit where credit is due all was very orderly.
Unfortunately although the drizzle stopped the temperature stayed in the lower stratosphere. We did a very long walk on the beach but it was pretty unpleasant.
Saturday night we had a nice family dinner where we ate and drank well.
I have a very good friend who lives on the West coast of Florida and I haven't seen him for quite a while. So on Sunday we went on a three hour drive to visit him and his wife.
Now this day was the way all days should have been. Not a cloud in the sky and very warm. Finally I wore the shorts I took with me with a tee shirt.
We had a great time together. Spent the entire afternoon at his house which is built by a canal and his sailboat is tied up at the back by his dock. We left late and by the time we got home it was almost midnight.
Into bed because the next day was traveling day again.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Florida - 1
Today is Tuesday and I am back from my short Florida trip. This trip was so eventful that I will try to "condense" it to maybe two parts. One for the trip and the other one for being there. But if I run into three parts, hey ce la vie!
Anyway we left New York on last Thursday night at around 9:30 in the middle of a snowstorm. It's not that I don't like snow it is just the snow made driving pretty difficult. Bad visibility, inexperienced drivers, slippery road surfaces made or progress pretty slow.
It didn't matter that the New Jersey Turnpike has a 65 miles per hour speed limit at this time it was reduced to 35 mph. To add insult to injury down at the southern part of the Turnpike it was pretty icy and a couple of police cars slowed traffic to about 5 mph for approximately 45 minutes by driving in the front and daring anybody to pass them.
This way we lost a considerable time.
Even though I did drive to the South several times in my life I never did in the winter. I was very interested to see when and how will the weather start to change into the balmy tropical weather one expects in Florida. Well, the snow lasted into the northern part of North Caroline then it gradually disappeared and before I realized it palm trees started to appear.
Unfortunately the weather was pretty cool and the fact that I had some warm clothing on made it more bearable. Days before going to Daytona Beach the temperatures were up in the eighties so I figured I'll need nothing but summer gear. How wrong I was!
On Friday I had to buy a pair of extra jeans and light windbreaker since thinking it would be too warm I left mine at home.
Anyway the further we got into Georgia and then Florida the nicer it got. Palm trees everywhere, fresh green vegetation and absolutely no sign of the winter that we just came from.
We shared the driving and that way it was not strenuous but still we drove about seventeen hours with no serious stoppage. That is a lot. But when we arrived all the strain and tiredness was forgotten.
Where we came from and where we arrived to made it worthwhile.
After driving through the night we did arrive in Daytona Beach at around 11 in the morning.
And with this I am leaving and going to take a nap.
Anyway we left New York on last Thursday night at around 9:30 in the middle of a snowstorm. It's not that I don't like snow it is just the snow made driving pretty difficult. Bad visibility, inexperienced drivers, slippery road surfaces made or progress pretty slow.
It didn't matter that the New Jersey Turnpike has a 65 miles per hour speed limit at this time it was reduced to 35 mph. To add insult to injury down at the southern part of the Turnpike it was pretty icy and a couple of police cars slowed traffic to about 5 mph for approximately 45 minutes by driving in the front and daring anybody to pass them.
This way we lost a considerable time.
Even though I did drive to the South several times in my life I never did in the winter. I was very interested to see when and how will the weather start to change into the balmy tropical weather one expects in Florida. Well, the snow lasted into the northern part of North Caroline then it gradually disappeared and before I realized it palm trees started to appear.
Unfortunately the weather was pretty cool and the fact that I had some warm clothing on made it more bearable. Days before going to Daytona Beach the temperatures were up in the eighties so I figured I'll need nothing but summer gear. How wrong I was!
On Friday I had to buy a pair of extra jeans and light windbreaker since thinking it would be too warm I left mine at home.
Anyway the further we got into Georgia and then Florida the nicer it got. Palm trees everywhere, fresh green vegetation and absolutely no sign of the winter that we just came from.
We shared the driving and that way it was not strenuous but still we drove about seventeen hours with no serious stoppage. That is a lot. But when we arrived all the strain and tiredness was forgotten.
Where we came from and where we arrived to made it worthwhile.
After driving through the night we did arrive in Daytona Beach at around 11 in the morning.
And with this I am leaving and going to take a nap.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Girth
I seriously believed that there was something in the air that made my clothing shrink. One after another my pants were getting tighter and tighter at the waist. I said, 'gee, they don't make pants like they used to'.
Until one day this past week we took those pants down to the cleaner for letting out. Buying new ones never occurred to me!
She took a measuring tape and found the answer to the mystery.
My girth increased from 38 inches to 40 inches. Son of a gun! It never occurred to me to step on the scale but I did have a funny feeling that there was more of me now than ever before.
Friends tell me I look better than ever before. One thing is sure I eat very well. My girlfriend is a magician in the kitchen. No matter how complicated the food is she makes it look simple to prepare it and thus we always have something wonderful for dinner.
Even when she doesn't ask what do I want for dinner her selections are fantastic.
That is the answer to the riddle of what makes my pants shrink!
Until one day this past week we took those pants down to the cleaner for letting out. Buying new ones never occurred to me!
She took a measuring tape and found the answer to the mystery.
My girth increased from 38 inches to 40 inches. Son of a gun! It never occurred to me to step on the scale but I did have a funny feeling that there was more of me now than ever before.
Friends tell me I look better than ever before. One thing is sure I eat very well. My girlfriend is a magician in the kitchen. No matter how complicated the food is she makes it look simple to prepare it and thus we always have something wonderful for dinner.
Even when she doesn't ask what do I want for dinner her selections are fantastic.
That is the answer to the riddle of what makes my pants shrink!
Monday
I was very upset today. And I really very rarely get upset about anything but what happened today upset me a lot.
Last week we bought two ceiling fans from Home Depot. I have one in the bedroom that I installed years ago but that one is not working very well. Installation was easy and I said I could install the two new ones the same way.
How wrong I was!
Today was the day that I planned to install the on in the kitchen. I opened the box, unpacked the stuff, inventoried everything and started work. I removed the existing light fixture which went easy but when I was faced with colored electric wiring that was when trouble started. There were too many wires and the description was not that accurate at least not for me.
Beside there were two tiny screws that I dropped at least fifteen times and each time I had to get down on the floor looking for them. Pain in the butt!
The machine part of this damn fan weighs about a ton and connecting colored wires while balancing that load is almost impossible. So I decided to swallow my pride and called Home Depot and inquired about installation. I was told they didn't install ceiling fans. Darn it!
Finally I asked the super in my building if he would install them and he said he would. I just hope he knows how to do this. But this thing upset me a lot. I wanted to do it, it was very easy years ago. Why do they have to overcomplicate everything?
Oh, last night in step with the rejuvenation of my apartment we purchased a new gas oven and a new refrigerator.
The gas oven was original equipment since I live in this apartment. It worked ok but not perfect. And since now there is serious cooking done in this house the least we should have is a new oven.
New carpet, new floor in the kitchen, new oven, new refrigerator, two new ceiling fans. I better be around for a long time to enjoy all these strappings of life!
Last week we bought two ceiling fans from Home Depot. I have one in the bedroom that I installed years ago but that one is not working very well. Installation was easy and I said I could install the two new ones the same way.
How wrong I was!
Today was the day that I planned to install the on in the kitchen. I opened the box, unpacked the stuff, inventoried everything and started work. I removed the existing light fixture which went easy but when I was faced with colored electric wiring that was when trouble started. There were too many wires and the description was not that accurate at least not for me.
Beside there were two tiny screws that I dropped at least fifteen times and each time I had to get down on the floor looking for them. Pain in the butt!
The machine part of this damn fan weighs about a ton and connecting colored wires while balancing that load is almost impossible. So I decided to swallow my pride and called Home Depot and inquired about installation. I was told they didn't install ceiling fans. Darn it!
Finally I asked the super in my building if he would install them and he said he would. I just hope he knows how to do this. But this thing upset me a lot. I wanted to do it, it was very easy years ago. Why do they have to overcomplicate everything?
Oh, last night in step with the rejuvenation of my apartment we purchased a new gas oven and a new refrigerator.
The gas oven was original equipment since I live in this apartment. It worked ok but not perfect. And since now there is serious cooking done in this house the least we should have is a new oven.
New carpet, new floor in the kitchen, new oven, new refrigerator, two new ceiling fans. I better be around for a long time to enjoy all these strappings of life!
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Wednesday
This is Wednesday and I am writing just before my self imposed "publication time".
We just got home after a very nice time. We went to Manhattan to the New York City Center to see Sara Baras Ballet Flamenco.
I never saw a flamenco show except on television and I found this extremely entertaining. This is a group directly from Spain and their star is supposedly the reigning flamenco queen.
I can't say the theater was full but whoever was there gave the performers standing ovation more than once. They were all very good, the music was good (two guitars) and the dancing was extraordinary. This woman was taking steps so fast that they sounded like machine gun shots.
After the theater we went to a Mexican restaurant and had a nice meal. The beauty of midweek entertaining is that there were no crowds anywhere. We parked in the street, were able to get in the restaurant of our choice without reservation and there was no traffic in the theater district.
I think in the future we will go out in midweek only. Let the employed ones go out in the weekends.
So, now I will hold my "pen" until next week. Maybe I'll be back next Tuesday.
We just got home after a very nice time. We went to Manhattan to the New York City Center to see Sara Baras Ballet Flamenco.
I never saw a flamenco show except on television and I found this extremely entertaining. This is a group directly from Spain and their star is supposedly the reigning flamenco queen.
I can't say the theater was full but whoever was there gave the performers standing ovation more than once. They were all very good, the music was good (two guitars) and the dancing was extraordinary. This woman was taking steps so fast that they sounded like machine gun shots.
After the theater we went to a Mexican restaurant and had a nice meal. The beauty of midweek entertaining is that there were no crowds anywhere. We parked in the street, were able to get in the restaurant of our choice without reservation and there was no traffic in the theater district.
I think in the future we will go out in midweek only. Let the employed ones go out in the weekends.
So, now I will hold my "pen" until next week. Maybe I'll be back next Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Tuesday
It is almost five in the afternoon on Tuesday and it's snowing like crazy. What a funny weather we are having.
Actually the snow just arrived on time because the previous snow already turned to slush, froze and now looks really disgusting. This way we will have nice fresh coverage.
Easy for me to say these things since I don't have to shovel. I just stand by the window and enjoy the wintry landscape. More accurately the wintry city scape which are snow covered driveway and snow covered street.
Today I went into Manhattan to see my doctor for a blood test. Since both mentally and physically I feel very good I hope my blood test results will reflect that.
This coming Thursday we are driving down to Florida for a short visit. Short meaning a few days only. But since I am a very thorough travel preparer I am probably making a bigger deal out of it than it is necessary.
Tomorrow I will spend a considerable amount of time to make sure that I will not miss anything and that I have all the necessary clothing. Really, we are going from winter to palm tree summer in sixteen hours. I have never ever done that. I'm very curious to see when will the temperatures will start to rise and reach a comfortable level.
I will write one more time, tomorrow but then I will take a few days off. Plan to return to write next Tuesday, a week from today.
See you all then.
Actually the snow just arrived on time because the previous snow already turned to slush, froze and now looks really disgusting. This way we will have nice fresh coverage.
Easy for me to say these things since I don't have to shovel. I just stand by the window and enjoy the wintry landscape. More accurately the wintry city scape which are snow covered driveway and snow covered street.
Today I went into Manhattan to see my doctor for a blood test. Since both mentally and physically I feel very good I hope my blood test results will reflect that.
This coming Thursday we are driving down to Florida for a short visit. Short meaning a few days only. But since I am a very thorough travel preparer I am probably making a bigger deal out of it than it is necessary.
Tomorrow I will spend a considerable amount of time to make sure that I will not miss anything and that I have all the necessary clothing. Really, we are going from winter to palm tree summer in sixteen hours. I have never ever done that. I'm very curious to see when will the temperatures will start to rise and reach a comfortable level.
I will write one more time, tomorrow but then I will take a few days off. Plan to return to write next Tuesday, a week from today.
See you all then.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Monday
Last night or rather late afternoon we drove to Brooklyn. Yesterday, Sunday was March first and we drove in a tremendous snow storm. I can't say it was not fun because I love driving in the snow but it would have been more pleasant if the idiots stayed off the road.
It is unbelievable that the minute any kind of precipitation appears people forget hoe to drive. Granted it was a little slippery and better to be safe than sorry but still that was no reason for some to drive at ten miles an hour speed and slow down everybody else.
My driving was good thanks to my good four wheel drive suv. By this morning there was a little ice but later in the day most turned to slush.
Today we saw an advertisement about a Spanish Flamenco dance group appearing in the New York City Center. We just bought two tickets for Wednesday night. It is not ballet and it is not classical music. It is a fiery very entertaining type of music and I am looking forward to seeing it.
I have never been to the New York City Center but heard about it. The nice thing is that it is not overly expensive and we were able to secure to good tickets.
By the way we already started our diet.
This morning we both had only cereal, we had a light lunch and for dinner... Well, once a day it is permissible to veer off the prescribed route. For dinner we just finished a fantastic chicken paprikash. Man, it was good!
It is unbelievable that the minute any kind of precipitation appears people forget hoe to drive. Granted it was a little slippery and better to be safe than sorry but still that was no reason for some to drive at ten miles an hour speed and slow down everybody else.
My driving was good thanks to my good four wheel drive suv. By this morning there was a little ice but later in the day most turned to slush.
Today we saw an advertisement about a Spanish Flamenco dance group appearing in the New York City Center. We just bought two tickets for Wednesday night. It is not ballet and it is not classical music. It is a fiery very entertaining type of music and I am looking forward to seeing it.
I have never been to the New York City Center but heard about it. The nice thing is that it is not overly expensive and we were able to secure to good tickets.
By the way we already started our diet.
This morning we both had only cereal, we had a light lunch and for dinner... Well, once a day it is permissible to veer off the prescribed route. For dinner we just finished a fantastic chicken paprikash. Man, it was good!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Sunday
A few days ago I mentioned that I like to eat food I am not very familiar with. If it is written in a language I do not understand but find the description pleasant I'll order it and let see what will happen.
Yesterday, Saturday we had a very pleasant day. In the afternoon we went to a Stew Leonard's store that is about fifteen miles north of where I live. It was very interesting and naturally we did buy a few things. There is no way one can walk into a food store just to look and come out empty handed. And it was that way with us, also.
After shopping we drove further north and went to White Plains for dinner. We planned to go to a Puerto Rican restaurant that was touted as a really nice, upscale place.
We were not disappointed. The place was very nice and the food was excellent. The guests were a mixed crowd, meaning Americans and Hispanics and service was good. The food was interesting and naturally I chose something I had no clue about. It was a Puerto Rican steak with black bean rice.
In short my food was great. My girl friend had chicken breast in Puerto Rican style and she just loved it. For appetizer we shared an order of beef empanadas. Naturally we also both had Margaritas.
I have to admit that before going to the restaurant I had some qualms about how good it might be but those qualms just disappeared while we were just sitting at our table.
This place was in downtown White Plains and we had a chance to drive around the area for a while. We were both pleasantly surprised how nice and lively the place looked like. There were several nice looking restaurants and everything was lit up almost like if it were Christmas.
We decided that once the weather gets warmer we'll go up there for dinner again.
To and a nice weekend we finished today with fantastic Hungarian stuffed pepper for dinner.
Yesterday, Saturday we had a very pleasant day. In the afternoon we went to a Stew Leonard's store that is about fifteen miles north of where I live. It was very interesting and naturally we did buy a few things. There is no way one can walk into a food store just to look and come out empty handed. And it was that way with us, also.
After shopping we drove further north and went to White Plains for dinner. We planned to go to a Puerto Rican restaurant that was touted as a really nice, upscale place.
We were not disappointed. The place was very nice and the food was excellent. The guests were a mixed crowd, meaning Americans and Hispanics and service was good. The food was interesting and naturally I chose something I had no clue about. It was a Puerto Rican steak with black bean rice.
In short my food was great. My girl friend had chicken breast in Puerto Rican style and she just loved it. For appetizer we shared an order of beef empanadas. Naturally we also both had Margaritas.
I have to admit that before going to the restaurant I had some qualms about how good it might be but those qualms just disappeared while we were just sitting at our table.
This place was in downtown White Plains and we had a chance to drive around the area for a while. We were both pleasantly surprised how nice and lively the place looked like. There were several nice looking restaurants and everything was lit up almost like if it were Christmas.
We decided that once the weather gets warmer we'll go up there for dinner again.
To and a nice weekend we finished today with fantastic Hungarian stuffed pepper for dinner.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Saturday
Today is Saturday and as such it is the end of an exhausting week and time for some well earned relaxation.
That is the rule almost everybody goes by. But in the case of us, retired people there is really no difference between, let's say a Wednesday or a Saturday. Maybe just that on any given Wednesday there are less people than on a Saturday. On a Wednesday one can get in any restaurant while on a Saturday night a thirty minute wait is the norm.
But just like the joke said: during the week we don't do anything and on the weekend we rest. It makes sense I think!
Our plans for today is that later in the day we might go out and do some shopping. Food and some other necessary stuff. My G.F. is a superb cook and she prepares fantastic meals every night during the week and because of that we constantly are in the need to resupply our inventory.
I got things in the house now I never knew existed or at least what to use it for, like flour. In all my years in this country I don't think we ever bought flour. My Mother did in Hungary but not us here. But she makes good use of it and whatever she cooks, bakes, roasts always come out superb.
It is reflected in my waistline. I am now getting that respectable look about me. But fine, I am happy and not complaining.
Look on the bright side, me buying larger pants will help the economy. Maybe only the Chinese economy but it will still help somewhere and that's all that matters.
That is the rule almost everybody goes by. But in the case of us, retired people there is really no difference between, let's say a Wednesday or a Saturday. Maybe just that on any given Wednesday there are less people than on a Saturday. On a Wednesday one can get in any restaurant while on a Saturday night a thirty minute wait is the norm.
But just like the joke said: during the week we don't do anything and on the weekend we rest. It makes sense I think!
Our plans for today is that later in the day we might go out and do some shopping. Food and some other necessary stuff. My G.F. is a superb cook and she prepares fantastic meals every night during the week and because of that we constantly are in the need to resupply our inventory.
I got things in the house now I never knew existed or at least what to use it for, like flour. In all my years in this country I don't think we ever bought flour. My Mother did in Hungary but not us here. But she makes good use of it and whatever she cooks, bakes, roasts always come out superb.
It is reflected in my waistline. I am now getting that respectable look about me. But fine, I am happy and not complaining.
Look on the bright side, me buying larger pants will help the economy. Maybe only the Chinese economy but it will still help somewhere and that's all that matters.
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