PERSONAL NEWS #253

March 2^nd, I had two health related appts today and both were regarding my long suffering left foot.

March 3^rd, I attended the informative and productive monthly BFP board meeting.

March 4^th, I participated in a watercolor painting workshop in my hood.

March 5^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

March 6^th, I watched the wonderful season six finale of Downton Abbey.  Six wonderful years of amazing British drama, style, fashion, and yes, even some comedy.

March 7^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

March 8^th, I participated in the productive monthly BFP Fundraising meeting via conference call.

March 9^th, I had an appt with my internal medicine doctor after work and got a prescription for springtime allergies.

March 11^th, I had an appt with my dentist at NYU Dentistry in the morning, and the final prep work was completed, plus battle plan drawn up.  The cost for this dental work will run me about $18,000 and take place over next 6 to 8 months.  From there I took a taxi to work and then after work I participated in the last watercolor painting workshop in my hood.  As to the latter, it was great fun, and enjoyed working with Holly.

March 12^th, after Dana finished cleaning my apt, I headed out to do several errands and chores before my private yoga class with Fabrice.  After yoga, I headed over to “HeART by Hand”, and finished my watercolor painting under Holly’s instructions.

March 13^th, I had a much needed manicure appt followed by a late lunch at The Jungle Café.

March 16^th, I had to take a “sick day” from work, as I had important documents being delivered by UPS and needed to sign for them.  Also had an appt with my physical therapist for continued treatment of my left foot/ankle.

March 19^th, started off with my private yoga class with Fabrice, before heading down to Charlotte’s place for the 3^rd annual BFP A&C committee retreat.  Six were in attendance for the retreat and we got much accomplished.

March 20^th, I was joined at my humble apt by friends [ie: Wendy, Margaret and Debbie] to watch “Pride & Prejudice” on DVDs, and nosh on great food from The Jungle Café.

March 21^st, I took half a vacation day, as I had a dental procedure done at NYU Dentistry, and then headed over to the office for remainder of the day.

March 22^nd, I visited my friend Larry after work, and as we noshed on a lite dinner he did my 2015 taxes.

March 23^rd, I participated in the annual Tolkien Reading Day event at the Jefferson Market Library with other members from NYC Friends of Tolkien.

March 25^th to 27^th, I visited the parents for the Easter holiday weekend, plus got to see my brother and sister-in-law.  Had a bit of an incident on Saturday afternoon with the cops and burning leaves and twigs in the parent’s front yard. I didn't know there is a burning ban in New York State and I am thankful I wasn't given a $1,500 ticket. It had me very nervous throughout it all. I am a city gal just helping out the parents and know nothing of these rules. I do now!

On March 27^th, in the evening, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.  Afterwards I watch the second season opening episode of “Grantchester” on PBS.

March 29^th, I attended a BFP forum held at The Commons called “The Fight for Energy Democracy”.  Very informative and the two guest speakers [ie: Sean Sweeney and Kim Fraczek] spoke with passion and insight.  To get involved; go to http://saneenergyproject.org/ or http://www.senrg.org/donate/

Watercolor Class

Friday, March 4th

 Dad's Coloring Book Creations

PERSONAL NEWS #252

February 1^st, I had my second physical therapy session after work for my ankle situation.  Afterwards, I headed home quickly, and got there in time for my private yoga class with Fabrice.

February 4^th, I attended the monthly TGTSNBN meetup and it was held at the main public library near Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza.  Topic was discussion on the second half of book #7 … Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  It was a fun, interesting discussion regarding the book and aspects of the films.

On evening of February 5^th, we fans of the TV series, Sleepy Hollow, get episode one of part two from season three.

February 6^th, I had my private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt and later on a much needed manicure.

February 7^th, I spent a delightful afternoon hanging out with my friend Sam in Times Square, Brooklyn Heights and then my hood.  We were having fun with photo adventures and catching up on news.

February 9^th, I attended the monthly BFP Fundraising committee meeting and call.

February 10^th, I had my third physical therapy session after work for my ankle situation.

February 12^th, I took a watercolor painting class after work near my apt.  Then raced home to watch an episode of “Sleepy Hollow”.

On February 13^th, after Dana [my cleaning lady] took care of my apt, I had my usual private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.  Then did some errands before staying in the rest of the weekend, as it was sooooo cold and windy out.

February 15^th, I attended the productive monthly BFP Arts and Culture committee meeting and call.

February 17^th, I had my fourth physical therapy session after work for my ankle situation.

February 18^th, I attended an interesting and informative monthly “Friends of Tolkien” meetup.

February 19^th, I took half a vacation day for my NYC Dentistry appt and afterwards headed into the office.

February 20^th, after my private yoga class with Fabrice, I headed into Manhattan to attend a friend’s birthday celebration at The Hourglass Tavern on West 46^th Street in the afternoon.  Had a great time!

February 21^st, I had an appt with my acupuncturist in Chinatown for much needed treatment.

February 22^nd, I had a much needed manicure after work.

February 24^th, I had an appt after work with NYC Dentistry for mold making of teeth.

Feb 26^th to 28^th, visit with my parents in upstate NY … errands, breakfast out with friends, hair salon appt and chores.

February 29^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

 Attending Friends

Birthday Parties in February

Taking Some Watercolor Classes

[I haven't painted in 3 years]

 B&W Views

of

Brooklyn Heights

Sunday, Feb 7th

Message from Bernie 2016

Goldman Sachs Thinks We are “Dangerous”

 The CEO of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, said yesterday our campaign represents a dangerous moment, "not just for Wall Street, but for anyone who is a little bit out of line."

I have to say, I find it a little beyond comprehension that Lloyd Blankfein would lecture our campaign about "dangerous moments" after Wall Street received huge bailouts from the working families of this country, when their greed and recklessness caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs, livelihoods, and homes just a few years ago. His arrogance has no end.

Now Wall Street is pouring money into other campaigns. But I am here to tell you that we don’t want their money and we don’t want their super PACs. We are going to do it differently. We are going to win.

Here’s the truth: Wall Street is terrified because we are running a campaign that does not support their agenda. They never expected us to battle to a virtual draw in Iowa, and they are starting to get a bit nervous about New Hampshire too.

The next primary is less than one week away, and we have a slight lead in the polls despite opposition from the economic and political establishment in the state. But if we stand together, I know that we have a good chance to win next week.

#FeeltheBern

 February Photo Challenge

1st Week - Pencils

The Daily Smoothie Report … Brought to you by Calcium and how to obtain it in a Vegan diet.   The key to healthy bones is more than calcium. However, it is a vital player in your growth and development, meaning it is essential that we all receive enough. While a balanced vegan diet will easily make sure you receive your recommended daily allowance (700mg for adults, 800-100mg for adolescents) it is also important to consider how much of the calcium you eat is being actively absorbed by your body.

Some foods, such as spinach, contain a high amount of calcium but are bound to a substance called 'oxalate' which hinders calcium absorption. This is why replacing spinach with low-oxalate vegetables such as rocket, cabbage and kale are key to a calcium-rich diet.  Interestingly, calcium in cow's milk is not as easily absorbed, meaning that vegetables such as kale are much better sources of calcium than animal milks or 'dairy'.

Salt and caffeine have been shown to inhibit calcium uptake, so moderate your intake. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables will increase calcium absorption, while adequate protein intake (roughly 1g of protein per kg of your healthy body weight) will also help.

Vegan-friendly sources of Calcium are spring greens, cabbage, watercress, kale, broccoli, parsley, almonds, chickpeas, tahini, drinking water, flax seeds, figs, collards, okra, tofu, white beans, raisins, butternut squash, prunes, dates, kiwis, mulberries and kumquats.

Today’s smoothie blast was created with water, ginger, turmeric, broccoli, blueberries, seedless red grapes and flax seeds.  Tasty!

PERSONAL NEWS #251

January 1^st, I invited my good friend Gail over to my place for “afternoon tea”, chatting and exchanging gifties.  We had a delightful 2 hours and she brought her doggie Sage.

January 2^nd, I headed into Manhattan to utilize the holiday gift cards I received from partners at work.  I purchased the following DVDs … The Losers, Hero, A Walk in the Woods, Kingsman the Secret Service, Sunshine and Snowpiercer.  Also checked out PC Richards and purchased a new antenna for my flat screen telly.

January 3^rd, I joined my friend Margaret in seeing the new Star Wars movie called “The Force Awakens”.  We both really enjoyed it a lot.  That evening I watched episode one from season six of Downton Abbey.  That was also excellent.

On January 5^th, I took ½ a vacation day, as I had a morning appt with NYU Dentistry about doing extensive dental work.  Afterwards I headed to B&N to pick up the “Complete DVD Guide to Granada Television Series – Sherlock Holmes”.  I’ve wanted this for quite some time.  After work I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

On January 7^th, I attended the monthly TGTSNBN meetup on the upper Westside of Manhattan.  Topic of discussion was on the 7^th Harry Potter book.

On January 9^th, after Dana cleaned my apt, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice, and then in the evening I attended the annual Brooklyn for Peace holiday party.  The party was great fun and held at a board members charming brownstone home.  Good food and diverse conversations.

On January 10^th, I joined some friends and acquaintances to see the wonderful Star Wars costume exhibit at the Discovery Times Square in Manhattan.  It was great fun and afterwards we went out for lunch to a Mexican place on 42^nd Street.

January 11^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

January 12^th, I attended the monthly BFP fundraising committee meeting at Ken’s home and it was quite productive.

January 16^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

On January 18^th, in the afternoon, I had a foot doctor appt.  Hadn’t been back to my foot doctor in over 2 years and needed a thorough checkup.  I’ve been having some issues with my left ankle and I start physical therapy for it week of the 25^th.  That evening I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

January 19^th, I attended the monthly BFP A&C committee meeting at Charlotte’s home and it was a productive meeting on our upcoming event.

January 23^rd, we here in NYC got hit with the first blizzard of the season, and about 26 to 28 inches of snow fell on the metropolis.  Also, Fabrice came over at 12:30pm to provide a private yoga class at my apt while it snowed outside.

January 25^th, I had to leave work a wee bit early for my first physical therapy session regarding my left ankle.  Good session and afterwards I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

January 26^th, I had to leave work a wee bit early for my appt with NYU Dentistry.

January 29^th, BFP A&C committee event at the WORD bookstore in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, to host the author, Vincent Intondi.

January 31^st, I attended the “NYC Friends of Tolkien” event at Stone Creek lounge to view the “Bof5A” extended edition DVD and a belated toast to The Professor.

Adele – Hello

Hello, it's me
I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet
To go over everything
They say that time's supposed to heal ya
But I ain't done much healing

Hello, can you hear me
I'm in California dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet

There's such a difference between us
And a million miles

Hello from the other side
I must have called a thousand times
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home

Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I've tried
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore

Hello, how are you?
It's so typical of me to talk about myself I'm sorry
I hope that you're well
Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happened

It's no secret that the both of us
Are running out of time

So hello from the other side
I must have called a thousand times
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home

Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I've tried
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore

Hello from the other side
I must have called a thousand times
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home

Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I've tried
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore

 Post Snowcropolis

Northern Brooklyn

Sunday, January 24th

 Visuals Around My Hood

B&W Mode

Sunday - January 17th

First Snowfall in NYC

Sunday - January 17th

 Attended the annual holiday
party with Brooklyn for Peace

members on January 9th

 At the Star Wars exhibit

at the Discovery Times Square

on Jan 10th with Friends

 Enjoying Holiday Breakfast

with

The Parent and Friends

 New Years Day

Northern Brooklyn

PERSONAL NEWS #250

December 3^rd, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting held at Gary and Martha’s home in Brooklyn. 

December 4^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

December 6^th, I hosted a holiday dinner gathering at my humble abode.  We all had a great time with delicious food and interesting, diverse conversation.

December 7^th, I attended my friend Jenna’s birthday dinner party down in Chinatown.  We had a great time at Pongari Thai and the food was delicious.

December 11^th, I attended the “ugly sweater” holiday party at the office and it was fun.

December 12^th, after my cleaning lady took care of my apt, I did many errands before having an early dinner with friends at The Jungle Café in my hood.  Afterwards, I walked around the hood to view the holiday decorations before getting a much needed manicure.

December 13^th, I had an appt with my acupuncturist for much needed treatment in Chinatown.  Afterwards I purchased some artsy goodies from Blick as an early Xmas pressie for myself.

December 15^th, I participated in the monthly BFP A&C committee conference call.

December 16^th, I volunteered with BFP to assist with phone banking for fundraising.  Several of us made many phone calls to reach out to our members for donations.

December 18^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

December 19^th, I visited the free NY public library [5^th Avenue branch] exhibit called “100 Years of the Picture Collection: From Abacus to Zoology”.  My first time visiting inside this wonderful library and loved it, plus viewed the holiday decorations in the main lobby.  Afterwards I finished my holiday gift shopping at the GCS holiday fair booths, then back to my hood for a tasty dinner at The Jungle Café.

December 21^st, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt. 

December 22^nd, I participated in the monthly BFP Fundraising committee conference call.

December 24^th, I worked at the office until 3pm, and then a much needed manicure before heading home for a quiet Xmas Eve of watching movies on telly or DVD.

December 25^th, was a quiet day spent mostly at home watching DVDs.  I did go out during the afternoon to photog holiday décor around the hood and then a stop at Starbucks.

December 26^th to 28^th, I spent with the parents in upstate NY for the holidays.  We exchanged gifts, went out for breakfast with friends, shopping, view the holiday lights around town, and some chores about the house.

December 28^th, upon arriving home in Brooklyn, I unpacked before heading into Manhattan to do volunteer computer work at WCW office.  Later on I watched some new DVDs.

December 29^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt.

December 30^th, I had a much needed chiropractor appt for treatment.

December 31^st, I took Fabrice out to lunch at The Jungle Café as a way of saying “thank you”.  In the afternoon my friend Dennis stopped by for “afternoon tea”, chat and exchange gifties.

IN THE NEWS

10 Biggest Lies and Distortions from the GOP Debate

Adam Johnson, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/10-biggest-lies-and-distortions-gop-debate?akid=13777.9992.BXBBhK&rd=1&src=newsletter1047421&t=6

5^th GOP Debate: Republican Candidates Eager for More Overseas Wars

Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/5th-gop-debate-republican-candidates-eager-more-overseas-wars?akid=13777.9992.BXBBhK&rd=1&src=newsletter1047421&t=2

Beware: Someone is Trying to Convince You that Bernie Can’t Win

RoseAnn DeMoro, Common Dreams

Sander’s message, his campaign, and the resounding support he is receiving nationwide has sent chills through those whose primarily loyalty is to the wealthy donors in mansions and corporate suites and the policy architects on Wall Street.

http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/12/15/beware-someone-trying-convince-you-bernie-cant-win

Think the US Leads on Women’s Rights?  UN Experts Say Think Again

Deirdre Fulton, Common Dreams

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/12/15/think-us-leads-womens-rights-un-experts-say-think-again

‘See Something, Shoot Something’: Larry Wilmore Points Out the Lunacy of America’s Gun Culture

Kali Halloway, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/media/guns-and-america-larry-wilmore-points-out-lunacy-americas-gun-culture?akid=13782.9992.NuvpMK&rd=1&src=newsletter1047420&t=10

Vegan Mac & Cheese

 Ingredients

1 pound of macaroni or rotini

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2/3 cup diced white onions

2 ½ cups water

2/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup raw cashews

1/3 cup raw macadamia nuts

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

2 garlic cloves, chopped

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.  Drain and set aside.  While the pasta is cooking; combine the potatoes, onions, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  [The smaller you cut them, the less time it will take.]  Put the canola oil, cashews, macadamia nuts, salt, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, and the vegetables and their cooking water into a blender and process until completely smooth.  Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until completely coated.  Transfer to a lightly oiled 3-quart casserole dish or place 6 lightly oiled 6-ounce ramekins on a baking sheet and divide the mixture evenly among them.  Sprinkle with the bread crumbs, if using.  Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling.  Enjoy!!

PERSONAL NEWS #249

November 1^st, I watched the annual NYC marathon from my hood.  I cheered on two friends who were running for first time in it.  Carla finished in 4:57 hours and Michelle finished in 6:36 hours.  Bravo ladies!!

November 2^nd, I got a much needed pedicure after work and my feet feel good.  It was 2 months since my last pedicure and I was overdue.

November 4^th, I had an appt with Dr Richheimer after work to do a follow-up check-up, plus take care of office “Leave Mgmt” paperwork for my health condition.

November 6^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 7^th, I volunteered with BFP in tabling at Fort Greene farmers market to get signatures on a petition to Congress, plus hand out flyers.  Afterwards did some shopping at their delightful farmers market before heading back to my hood for a much needed manicure.  As well as a delicious, vegan lunch at The Jungle Café.

November 11^th, I did volunteer work for WCW at their main office on computer updates.

This evening, November 12^th, is the big event for BFP this year, and our “Pathmakers to Peace” was to honor Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. 

November 13^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 14^th, after Dana cleaned my apt, I head into Manhattan to start holiday gift shopping and also supplies from bead shops.  Then back to my hood for an early vegan dinner at The Jungle Café.

November 16^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 17^th, I attended the monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting at Matt’s home.  Topic was on the recent terrorist events in Paris and Beirut.

November 19^th, I participated with others at work in the ESS Entrepreneur Pre-Holiday event.  Sold my bead style earrings and made about $95 in sales.

November 20^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 21^st, I met up with my friend Yvette in Manhattan for a fun afternoon to strolling the Highline, late brunch at Bus Stop café in the West Village and then shopping at the Bryant Park holiday bazaar.

November 23^rd, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 26^th, I volunteered with Project Find to bring hot Turkey Day meals and goodie bags to senior citizens around Manhattan.

November 27^th to 29^th, I visited with my parents in upstate NY for the holiday weekend.

November 30^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

 Chillin up on the Highline

Saturday, Nov 21st

with Yvette

 Duchess with John O'Connor at the Brooklyn for Peace 3rd annual "Pathmakers to Peace" event honoring Amy Goodman. Great evening and held at the historic Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights on Nov 12th.

PERSONAL NEWS #248

October 1^st, season three premiere episode of Sleepy Hollow on TV.

October 3^rd, I went to the farmers market in my hood with my friend Gail and got lots of goodies.

October 4^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 6^th, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call this evening.

October 7^th, I participated at work in assisting with the ITC conference.

October 8^th, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting, and afterwards headed home by taxi to watch episode 2 of Sleepy Hollow on TV.

October 10^th, after Dana cleaned my apt, I had numerous errands to do around the hood, plus did some photography.

October 11^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 13^th, I joined Wendy and Claudia in seeing the extended edition of “The Hobbit – Battle of the Five Armies” in the cinema after work.  It was great seeing it on the big screen.

October 15^th, started out with me going for acupuncture treatment during lunch.  I was not feeling well and the treatment helped a lot.  Then around 5pm at work many of us got to meet Ray Knight of the 1986 NY Mets World Series champs.  After work I headed to the RailLine diner for the monthly “NYC Friends of Tolkien” meetup.  Topic of discussion was on writer and Inkling member, Charles Williams.  And finally jumped in a taxi to head home and watch episode 3 of the new Sleepy Hollow season.

October 17^th, started out the day with a much needed chiropractor appt in the morning.  I then celebrated my birthday by hanging out with my friend Dennis at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Prospect Park and then dinner at The Jungle Café in my hood.  Weather was sunny, but very chilly, and ran into my friend Debbie near Grand Army Plaza.

October 18^th, met up with Debbie and her hubby Larry at RoseWater Café for a delicious brunch.  Afterwards, Debbie and I strolled along parts of Park Slope to check out shops.  I got home in time for my private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 19^th, I met up with my friend Deanna for delicious, enjoyable dinner after work.  We went to a Thai place on 14^th Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenue.

October 20^th, I had lunch with my friend Anni at the office.  After work I participated in the Brooklyn for Peace, Arts & Culture committee, happy hour event at The Brazen Head pub on Atlantic Avenue.  We had a nice turnout of 25 people and will be holding these “events” on a quarterly basis.

October 22^nd, I stopped by the theater to see Wendy and pick up the Steampunk vest she created for me.  Then home to watch episode 4 of Sleepy Hollow on the telly.

October 23^rd, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 24^th, I had brunch with Dennis in Park Slope before heading over to Grand Army Plaza to assist BFP with UNICEF project.  Afterwards, I joined Dennis in a leisurely drive through Greenwood cemetery to engage in photo adventures.  It was so sad to see that many of the trees / leaves haven’t changed into their autumn colors.  Back at my hood I went and got a much needed manicure.

October 25^th, I participated in a beginner’s workshop for Crocheting.  It was fun, interesting and informative.

October 30^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 31^st, I joined friends of mine in Manhattan for dinner and attending the wildly outrageous annual NYC Halloween parade.  Fun evening  J