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5 Is Such A Fun Age

June 29, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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Last week I was meeting my daughter, Emily, to hang out for a bit. She called me to tell me that she had to take her car by the dealership first, and asked me what store I wanted to go to. I told her I needed to go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to look for some new pillows, and then I needed to get myself some new underwear. When I said underwear, my 15 year old grandson, Spencer, was heard groaning in the background.

Parker always says “No pictures” but I still try to get one. 5 is such a fun age.

Emily said, “MOM!” Spencer is in the car, you can’t talk about underwear, you are his grandmother.” So, of course, I had to say “I need to find some Granny Panties for me.” Little Parker, who is 5, laughed, and said “Granny Panties!”. I could tell it was going to be a good day.

I decided to go ahead to the mall and get my pillow shopping done first while I waited for my daughter and her boys. I can’t believe how many different levels of “firmness” there are in pillows on the market today. When I was a very young woman, barely out of my teens, I worked in a pillow factory, stuffing pillows. It was a very physical job, in a hot warehouse type of factory. When I got off work and went home, the first thing I wanted to do was take a shower. And I at the end of the day, I knew I had been to work. We made hundreds of pillows a day in that factory. And funny thing is, we stuffed the same stuffing into the same size casings, just different print of fabric, and put lables on them for all the different stores. You could buy the same pillows in a high end department store that you could buy at K-Mart or Zayre’s, if you remember that store.

I had already been to Walmart and Target on my quest for a new pillow. They did not have the type of pillow I was looking for. I wanted a memory foam pillow, that would support my neck, and not be too squishy. Fabgrandpa and I have bought two sets of pillows already in the last year, and I was not satisfied with either of them. I have a hard enough time sleeping without having to fight with a pillow all night trying to get comfortable. Anyway, at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I found the pillow I was looking for. I’ve been sleeping on it for over a week, and for now I am happy with it. But jeez Louise, can you believe $39 for a pillow? That seems like a lot of money to me.

Before I was finished at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Emily and Parker caught up with me. Parker was so sweet, but he would not kiss me or hug me. I am not that Granny who makes them if they don’t want to so, we left it at that. After I paid for my purchase, Emily and I decided to put my pillows in the car so I wouldn’t have to lug them around the mall. Parker wanted to help, so he carried one of the pillows and put it in the trunk for me. He was so proud of himself!

We we walked back in the mall, Emily asked me where I wanted to go next. I told her I thought that Belks or Penney’s might have the kind of underwear I was looking for, and when Parker heard that, he said, very loudly, “we’re going to look for Granny Panties.” As we walked into each store, he announced just as loudly, “My granny is looking for Granny Panties!” Oh, my gosh! Everyone at the mall that knew I was shopping for underwear. I did not find what I wanted at any store at the mall, though. After all that walking around at the mall, I ordered them online.

We decided to go to the food court for lunch. While we were eating, I asked Parker if I could take a selfie with him, and he said NO! No pictures. I tried to get one anyway, but he decided to hide behind me. This is the picture I got:

Parker hiding from me when I tried to take a selfie. What a little stinker!

Too Many Doctor Appointments!

June 28, 2018 Karen 1 Comment

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It seems like all Fabgrandpa and I do anymore is go to doctors. Between us, we have an endocrinologist; a pulmonologist; a dermatologist; a gastroenterologist; a urologist; a podiatrist; pain management, and a MOHS surgeon. There may be more that I am forgetting. Fabgrandpa also has a physical therapist who comes to our house twice a week. The list of appointments just seems endless.

Fabgrandpa after his MOHS surgery in May.

Fabgrandpa went to the dermatologist in May. He had another skin cancer on his nose, so we had to go to a surgeon out of town to have MOHS surgery done again. This time it did not require a skin graft, which is good, but there was a lot of swelling and bruising. He has his last follow up visit next week.

I had another incident of my leg swelling up, and turning red. I went to the ER to have it checked out because it was hot, like there was a fever in my leg. The doctor in the ER told me it was cellulitis, and prescribed a strong antibiotic. He advised me to go to my Primary Care Physician a couple of days later. The PCP said it did not look like cellulitis to him. Instead, he called it stasis dermatitis, which means that my leg swelled up and my skin turned red. He told me to finish the antibiotic, and I didn’t have to go back unless there was still a problem. Just about the time I finished the antibiotic, my leg broke out in a horrible rash that itched like crazy. I went back to the PCP and told him that he needed to give me something to stop the itching before I chopped off my leg. He looked at my leg, and said he thought it looked like poison ivy.

Poison Ivy compliments of Frank the cat.

I have never had poison ivy before, ever, in my 66 years of life. And, I told the doctor, I had not been outside. I had been sitting in my recliner with my legs up due to the episode of swelling that I had had .He asked me if I had a cat. Well, you know the answer to that! Those three little stinkers had been outside, and had gotten into some poison ivy, and then rubbed their little selves on my leg. The doctor gave me a steroid shot to help with the itching, prescribed an extra strength cortisone cream, and another, different, antibiotic.

As soon as I rubbed that cortisone cream on my poison ivy rash, the itching stopped. I was so thankful for that. It took about four days for the rash to clear up, with me putting the cream on it three times a day after washing it with soap and water. I really hope I never get poison ivy again.

In between my legs problems, I had to take Fabgrandpa to his pain management doctor, and to the pulmonologist. The breathing test they did showed his numbers down by 10, which means his COPD is getting worse.

There doesn’t seem to be a let up in doctor’s appointments for us yet. I have to go to the pain management doctor next week, then the day after that I have to take Fabgrandpa to the MOHS surgeon for his last follow up appointment. He is back to good looking self, though, so this visit is just to let the doctor take a look. I’m ready to give the car a rest, and me too. I have sewing to do!

7 Fun Things To Do In Long Island, New York

June 28, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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If you are looking to travel anywhere in New York, you have to visit Long Island. Here is a list of fun things to do on Long Island – at night, during the day, and in between.

7 Fun Things To Do On Long Island

Long Island, New York is a peninsula just east of New York City. Since it is so close to the ocean, there are lots of things to do that offer ocean views. This is a really fun place to spend a vacation. Let’s look at all the things you can do on Long Island.

Let’s look at the 3 top things to do at night and 4 fun things to do during the day.

Fun Things To Do On Long Island At Night

Long Island has a huge nightlife, full of drinks and dancing and shows! I’ll share just a few of my favorite things to do at night.

Take A Cruise

Take it from me, a dinner cruise is the most romantic way to spend an evening with someone you love. If you are in the area, you need to take a cruise with views of the Statue of Liberty. That is why I recommend Lady Liberty Cruises. They offer a 4-hour cruise that takes you right up to the beautiful statue. It starts at the Manhasset Bay Marina at 10 Matinecock Avenue in Port Washington

Enjoy A Romantic Dinner

If you prefer to spend a quiet meal on solid ground, there are a lot of beautiful and flavorful places to eat on Long Island. Since it is so close to the Atlantic Ocean, you should enjoy the fresh seafood.

If you love seafood but not everyone in your group enjoys it as much, then The Jolly Fisherman and Steakhouse is the perfect choice. It’s been family run for 55 years, and the food is the best on the island.

If you want the best fresh lobster that the locals rave about, then Louie’s Grill & Liquors is for you. It started as a shellfish bar on the barge in 1905. Today, it is known for scrumptious seafood that you can’t get anywhere else.

Watch A Show

There are plenty of places to catch on show on Long Island.

If you want a family-friendly show, definitely see what’s going on at the Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell. The Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell is a “free and family-friendly entertainment destination right on the 2-mile stretch of boardwalk along Long Island’s beautiful Jones Beach State Park, the Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell offers live entertainment all summer long from the region’s top performers and entertainers.”

While you are at Jones Beach, check out a show at the largest outdoor theaters in Long Island, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. It has a capacity of 5,000 people – so shows here feature acts like Joan Jett, Foo Fighters, and Little Big Town.

What To Do On Long Island During the Day

Yes, I kind of wrote this backwards. But now that we know what to do at night, let’s look at all the fun you can have during the day on Long Island.

Hiking

Long Island is full of parks and places to hike. One must-see is the Sands Point Preserve on the original Guggenheim Estate. This is the place that inspired the Great Gatsby. It is a 216-acre park with mansions and opulent grounds.

If you enjoy bird watching, (especially waterfowl) then visit Oyster Bay. It’s home to a lot of winter waterfowl, including a wide variety of ducks.

Historic Tour

Literary and history nerds alike will enjoy touring the birthplace of American poet Walt Whitman. There are tours, programs and other events constantly held on these historic grounds.

Spend Day At An Amusement Park

Adventureland is the most popular amusement park on Long Island. It has something for everyone. There are thrill rides and rides for the not-so-adventurous. Plus, plenty of games and food!

Relax On the Beach

Finally, your trip to Long Island isn’t complete without day at the beach! What are the best beaches on Long Island? Trip Savvy created the best list of beaches you’ll want to visit on your trip. No matter which list you read, every single one will lost two beaches: Coopers Beach and Jones Beach State Park. Put both of them on your itinerary.

Put these stops on your next Long Island trip itinerary. Pin this post to your travel board and make Long Island your next vacation spot.

5 Things Your Child Needs to Know About Money

June 27, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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You have probably been teaching your child about money since he or she was young, but the teen years are a time to get serious about making sure your child has adequate financial knowledge before becoming an adult. The more your child knows and understands about money, the more likely he or she will make wise decisions in the future. Read on for five things your child needs to know about money.

Savings and Investing

If your child does not already have a savings account, now is a great time to open one. Your child needs to understand the importance of savings from an early age. Begin showing your child how to create a budget and how to always put a percentage of his or her earnings into a savings account. Go over bank statements with your child so that he or she can see how interest makes money grow.

You can also begin to teach your child about investing. If your child is not ready to put actual money into stocks, there are many simulation games online to teach your child how the stock market works.

Debt and Credit Cards

Once your child turns 18, he or she may be tempted to open a credit account. In order to avoid accruing debt, your child needs to understand how credit cards work and see how much he or she will be paying back in interest. Look over credit card charts with your child so that he or she can see exactly how much interest rates make you pay back.

Student Loans

As your child is nearing time to enter college, you will likely be thinking about how to pay tuition. Now is the time to begin looking at student loans with your child and finding the one that will work best for your family. Make sure your child understands that a student loan is something they will be paying back for many years and getting the right loan and interest rate is essential.

Car Loans

Sometime in the next several years, your child will likely be taking out a car loan. Make sure your child understands the types of car loans and how interest rates vary based on the length of the loan. Look at charts so that your child can see that while a longer lending period yields a lower monthly note, it also leads to higher interest and more money paid overall.

Mortgage Loans

Just as with purchasing a car, your child needs to learn about the different types of mortgage options he or she will have when getting ready to purchase a home. You may want to begin with a discussion of how a home is an investment and look at the difference between buying and renting. You can then look at mortgages and interest rates. Discuss finding a balance between interest rates, monthly payments and payoff periods.

With time and instruction, your child can have the he or she needs to move into adulthood and make financial decisions with confidence. Give your child chances to experiment with money and learn how finances work and he or she will be ready to make educated decisions.

Fogo De ChÃO New Summer Salads

June 19, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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The good folks over at Fogo De ChÃo invited me and a guest to come try out their new summer salads on the Market Bar. My son, Seth, and I went and we are so glad we did.

If you are like me, and have a really hard time deciding on which cut of meat to order when you go out to a steak house, then you are going to LOVE Fogo De ChÃO. The Brazilian restaurant where they serve fire roasted meats off of huge skewers brought to your table, in the Churrasco style, is one of the most unique places I have dined.

They have two locations in Atlanta–one on Piedmont Rd in Buckhead, which is where my son and I went; and the other in Dunwoody on Ashford Dunwoody Rd. You can check their website to see if there is one in your area.

As soon as we arrived, the manager, Carlos, came over to our table to welcome us. He had a delicious shrimp cocktail brought out, too. It was almost too pretty to eat, but eat it we did. Six huge shrimps over ice, served with cocktail sauce. Carlos also treated us to a couple of cocktails from the bar. For my son, he presented a Honey & Smoke, which had Monkey Shoulder Whisky, gingered honey, Peaty Glenmorangie Original, Luxardo Cherry. For me, a pink confection with Guava that was made with Belvedere Vodka, guava, lemon, La Marca Prosecco. Both were really good. Carlos said they were the two most popular cocktails from the bar.

Next, I went to the Market Table. The Market Table at Fogo De ChÃo is a huge assortment of salads, fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and more. The new items were Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad, and a Watermelon Feta Salad. Both were beautifully displayed, and tasted great. Next time I’ll try the artichoke hearts, and some of the scrumptious looking olives.

Most everything at Fogo De ChÃo is gluten free, even the table bread made from a Brazilian recipe. Other side dishes brought to table include fried plaintain, garlic mashed potatoes, polenta, and an assortment of sauces to accompany the star of the show, the fire roasted meats. When I say that there is a big assortment of meats from which to choose, I am not kidding. On this night, Seth and I tried all of these:

Picanha, which is the prime cut of sirloin seasoned with sea salt or garlic to bring out the natural flavor.

Beef Ancho, the most prime part of the rib eye, oh, so tenderQ!

Lamb Chops, my personal favorite.

Costela De Porco, tender pork ribs slow roasted for remarkable flavor and tenderness.

Filet Mignon, get it seasoned in the gaucho tradition and fire roasted, or wrapped in bacon.

Frango, unique cuts of chicken including legs, and bacon wrapped chicken breast.

Linguica, pork sausages.

Seth and tried all of those items. There were more things to choose from but we just did not have room to try them all. Everything we tasted was so good. I would go back to Fogo De ChÃo as often as I can.

We also tried two of the desserts. There was the Tres Leches Cake, with whipped cream and strawberries; and papaya cream topped with black currant liquer.

The full Churrasco Experience, which includes the Market Table and the Fire Roasted Meats served at table, and sides, at the Atlanta locations, is $53.95 for dinner, but well worth it. You can sign up at the Fogo E-Club to get a promotional emails and other info from Fogo De ChÃo.

The manger, Carlos, with one of the Gaucho servers with a skewer of Picahna.

4 Common Heating and Cooling Issues Found in Older Homes

June 19, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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Since the housing market crash in 2008, homeowners have been leery of selling their homes to buy newer models and are staying with houses built in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. While there are some benefits to living in an older home, especially one that is paid off, problems with a home’s heating and cooling can crop up as the system ages. If your home is more than 15 years old, there are some common HVAC issues you may want to watch for.

1. Rising Heating and Cooling Bills

If you are noticing a steady rise in your utility bills, your aging HVAC system may be to blame. Over time, the unit might begin to operate with less efficiency. Older thermostat controls that do not allow you to program when and how your system runs can also lead to wasted heating and cooling, as well as a rise in your energy bills. If you notice a change in what you pay for electricity, you might want to have your HVAC system inspected and upgraded.

2. A Lack of Insulation

Technology and advances in the construction sector have resulted in homes that are well insulated from the start. While you might have some insulation in your attic or behind a few interior walls, it may not be enough to allow your heating and cooling system to run efficiently. As a result, treated air might be escaping all over your house. If you notice increased draftiness on cold or windy days, this can mean your furnace can no longer compensate for the lack of insulation and that the issue needs to be addressed soon.

If you believe your home requires more insulation, it can be a surprisingly quick fix. Caulking, foam, and fiberglass insulation are all relatively affordable and can be simple to install.

3. Uneven Heating or Cooling

Your home’s size in relation to your furnace can affect how evenly rooms are cooled or heated. From furnace filter size to the unit’s power output, more than one factor can cause uneven temperatures inside your home. If your furnace is the same age as your older home, it is a good idea to have it inspected, maintained and, if necessary, completely replaced. Rooms that are furthest from your HVAC unit are likely to be affected the most, especially if your old furnace must labor to move air into them.

4. Reduced Air Quality

As your older home ages, so does its air duct system. Over time, the ducts may separate where you cannot see it happen or become clogged with dirt, hair, and other debris that has entered the ducts over time. While your system’s filters work to catch much of the contaminants and pollen that enters your home, the air quality may drop as well. Techs from an experienced HVAC company, such as Wagner Heating and Cooling, can inspect and clean your older home’s ductwork and improve the quality of the air you breathe.

Older homes can have a great deal of charm, personality, and family history to them. However, their age might affect how efficiently their heating cooling works, so if you own an older home, it is wise to have your system checked soon to ensure it is working its best and keeping your family comfortable.

Insomnia: Why It Occurs More Often In Older Adults

June 10, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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If you’ve spent any time around older folks, you know that insomnia is common for many of us. Nearly 42 percent of senior citizens reported having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep in a 1995 survey. Often, insomnia is a symptom of something else, rather than a diagnosis on its own.

There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary.

Primary insomnia is caused by a problem that occurs while you’re sleeping due to a health issue like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. Secondary insomnia is caused by environmental factors such as medications or blue spectrum light.

A contributing factor to secondary insomnia may be the natural yellowing of the lens of your eye as you age. The lens is responsible for filtering light. Your brain uses these light signals to trigger the release of melatonin, which makes you feel sleepy. As you age, the lens gets yellower and yellower, which decreases the amount of blue light that makes it into your eyes. Blue light lets you know that it’s daytime. The lack of blue light could be why older people are more likely to be sleepy during the daytime, but not when they’re supposed to be sleeping.

“The lower the blue light transmission into the retina due to a yellowing of the eye lens, the greater the risk of sleep disturbances,” the American Academy of Sleep Medicine wrote.

Swedish researchers found that patients who had cataract surgery had significantly reduced rates of both insomnia and daytime sleepiness since the cataract surgery lightens the lenses. You could also counteract sleepiness by sitting in front of a “happy lamp” or UV lamp that emits blue spectrum light on a daily basis.

Another contributing factor to secondary insomnia is medication, which a lot of older people take more than their younger counterparts.

Medications in the categories of alpha and beta-blockers have been found to be the top two medications that cause insomnia because they decrease the amount of REM sleep that you get or increase the number of sleep disturbances. They are often prescribed to older people. If you find yourself on these medicines and sleeping less, talk to your doctor about changing up your medication or the time when you take it.

Two good ways to improve your insomnia are to build a bedtime routine and to be physically active. A bedtime routine doesn’t need to be elaborate – something as simple as brushing your teeth, washing your face and reading a book can be your routine – but it does need to be restful and consistent, no matter whether you’re staying at home or with your children. It’s something simple to remind your body that it’s time for bed when you do those things.

However, the routine probably won’t help with sleep disturbances, which is where physical activity comes in. Regular exercise, even walking, has been found to help lower symptoms of disturbed sleep, especially when it lasts for at least an hour.

Taking some steps to improve your sleep quality can help counteract the natural insomnia that can arise as you age.

This article was contributed by Alicia Sanchez, who is a researcher for the sleep science hub Tuck.com with a specialty in health and wellness.

Sleepovers With The Grandkids: How To Make Yours A Success

May 9, 2018 Karen 1 Comment

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The grandkids are scheduled to come over your house for a weekend. You’re really excited to have them over. Though you’re a veteran at handling a group of children in the home, it’s been a while since your own were this small. Times have changed and so have the kids, and keeping them safe, comfortable, and entertained is going to require a little more work than you may be used to. Below, are some tips to help make your slumber party with the grandkids a successful one.

Sarah spending the night with me back in 2007

Get Some Rest

Think a house filled with young children isn’t going to tucker you out? From toddlers to teens kids are very active and will run you ragged if you’re not prepared for it. So, before the grandkids arrive, it’s probably best to take a nap or at least relax.

Plan Activities

Children get restless easy. When they’re bored, you can rest assured that you’ll be in for a night of sibling fights, unnecessary whining, temper tantrums, and mischief. If you want to reduce the likelihood of this happening at your house, you need to have an arsenal of activities for your grandchildren to participate in. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, however, there are a lot of age-appropriate activities you can engage in with the kids. Some ideas might include:

Cooking meals or baking together
Gardening
Watching movies or family-friendly TV
Playing video games
Doing arts and crafts
Outside play (a park or the backyard)
Day trips to local museums, festivals, or fairs

Have Extra Clothes

Though your grandchildren may have come with a large duffle or book bag, you’ll soon learn that what they’ve packed is never enough. A bedwetting experience soiled clothes from arts and crafts or even tattered and torn clothing from rough-housing around could happen while they spend time with you. Having extra clothes on hand, especially for toddlers and younger kids, is recommended. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. You can shop online for brands like SmartKnitKIDS for comfortable clothing for children ages 1-8. Instead of sending them back with their parents, simply wash the clothes and keep them stored at your house for those just in case moments.

Keep Some Structure

Your grandkids love coming to your house. Grandparents tend to be a bit more laid back than mom and dad are, and there is always some fun to be had. When they come over to stay the night, however, you still want to maintain some sense of structure. Find out from your children what schedule is used in their home. Even if you don’t follow it exactly, you can determine when is a good time for meals, snacks, nap, and bedtime.

Pointer: Keeping your grandkids on a schedule maintains the structure which eliminates a lot of idle time and the frustrations that can come from it. It also makes it easier on your children when you bring the grandkids back home as it is easier for them to stay on task throughout the week.

Don’t Forget Health and Safety

As excited as you are for your grandkids to show up at your house for a sleepover, their health and safety need to be a top priority. Make sure that you speak with your children about any health issues your grandkids might have. Find out if there are any special instructions like taking medications or avoiding certain foods to ensure that they are well taken care of while sleeping at your place.

Having a sleepover with the grandkids can be a lot of fun. If you want the occasion to go off without a hitch, you need to do some pre-planning. Make sure that you’re well rested and that you’ve created a schedule that keeps them structured and entertained. Lastly, make sure that you’ve covered the unexpected (like spare clothes), and talked with their parents about their health. Other than that, pull out the cameras or smartphones and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.