Rayen

I am being rather annoying about Independence Day this year, but it is America's 250th birthday. Also, I probably won't have too many more chances to celebrate Independence Day in the future. I plan to go to town and watch the hometown parade we always have, and then make a big dinner with lots of treats and wrap up everything with a special dessert and maybe some sparklers. That's all. It's mostly work for me. Why not? I am a patriotic person, and I don't care if it's unfashionable, too much work or a holiday no one cares about. I care. Anyway, I've been collecting little things to use on the fourth. A red white and blue ceramic chip tray with dip bowls decorated with fireworks. Some flag-inspired hot pads. My guy bought some banners to hang on our house, and mini flags to put out along the front walk. I'm also planning a delicious and yet healthy for me meal with lots of protein, veggies, and one or two things that I can nibble on tha...

Because I often make desserts and things for the boys that I can't eat myself, I've been looking for small portion recipes I can make for me. That's why I'm having fun trying Claire Risper's one serving recipes while tweaking them to be sugarfree and diabetic friendly. This apple pie is one I made into a sugarfree galette with a mostly almond flour crust for Easter, and while I didn't take a pic of it, the dessert came out very nice (and small!) If you don't have diabetic needs then you can just follow her recipes as she presents them. Her one-portion videos are smart, easy and it's a great way to make a little something for yourself.

Pretty Crazy is a Korean romantic comedy movie about demonic possession, if there is such a thing in any universe, but it is quite amusing and doesn't come with the usual ejections of pea soup we have in the west. It's very clever, well-written and has a somewhat sad turn of events, but nothing that will make you want to throw anything at your screen. The story: Jeong Seon-ji (Lim Yoona) is a baker who lives with her father and cousin, and moves in beneath Gil-goo (Ahn Bo-hyun), an unemployed man who has no skills other than winning prizes from claw machines. From the very first night Gil-goo not only falls for the lovely, gentle and quiet Seon-ji, but also witnesses her demonstrating some bizarre behavior in the middle of the night. In short order Gil-goo discovers his crush is possessed by a demon that wakes up every night at 2 am and must be appeased or she becomes a one-demon wrecking ball. Seon-ji's dad throws out his back trying to cope, and hires Gil-goo t...

There's a lot to stress over this summer, which prompted me to make some changes to maintain a positive attitude while I manage everything. If you're in a similar boat, here are: Ten Things I'm Doing to Reduce My Stress Baking: Cooking is therapy for me, and baking is my favorite form. Yesterday I baked a new batch of my guys' favoriter bagels, and last night I made apple turnovers for them. Crochet Every Day: I regain a lot of peace and calm from crocheting in my spare time. It's also great physical therapy for my hands. Focus: For the first time in my life I am taking active charge of not only what I think, but how I think. My goal is to be present in this moment, not dwell on the past or worry about the future. Today, right now, is where I am and where I need to be. Generosity: I've always been a generous person, but I'm trying to incorporate one act of kindness every day. It's not anything gradiose, usually just a nice gesture...

My annual visit to the optometrist last week did not go well. Among other problems I am developing posterior capsule opacification (secondary cataracts) again, which means another eye surgery. Specifically laser surgery, which is much easier on me than when they cut into my eyes, but I won't know for sure what the treatment is until I go and see my surgeon. I came away from the appointment rather depressed, but I meditated and napped and when I woke up the next morning my head was in a better place and I've regained most of my calm. This will be the Summer from Hell, apparently, but dwelling on what might happen or how unfair it is (three eye surgeries for someone who is terrified of eye surgery!) won't change anything. Live in the now rather than worry about the future. This is what happens in old age, and it's best not to let it destroy one's peace. The funny thing is that my guy and I presently have to juggle our health conditions. Of course I need surg...

The thrifted Vera Bradley purse I'm presently carrying has, like the last one I patched, developed some fabric wear holes after only a month of daily use. This one has them on both sides of the purse. I think it's the cheap fabric, which seems to be deteriorating due to thinness and age (I wasn't banging the purse into anything.) My fix was a quick one -- sew two small white doilies over the wear spots to keep them from getting worse. I'll likely switch out my purse again soon and wash this one to see if the doily repair holds. I guess the fabric wear is going to be a continual challenge.