BEWARE! PUMP LOTIONS MAY CHEAT YOU

We’re going deeper into the dry skin season. Lotions are needed. Not for beauty or appearance, but to stop itchy, scaly skin. Especially if you’re a diabetic. Personally, we prefer those that are fragrance free, just because of allergies. But there’s hardly a household anywhere that doesn’t keep a bottle of lotion on hand. When we were younger, we bought the generic kind that were cheaper and seemed to do the job. But we older folks sometimes pay a little more for a richer, higher quality lotion that combats our increasingly fragile, dry skin. Beware! Pump lotions may cheat you.

If you’re looking at shelves full of lotion at the drugstore, you’ll notice that most of them come in the form of pump bottles. Naturally, they’re more appealing. Pump bottles stand on their own, don’t take up much counter space, and are much easier to use. It’s possible you buy more than one for every bedroom and bathroom in the house.

But here’s what happens. By the time you’ve gotten down towards the bottom, the pump no longer works. The bottle is opaque, so the consumer is not aware that there’s a good inch or so of perfectly good lotion at the bottom. Trouble is, you can’t get it out very easily. Good lotions tend to be thicker. If you unscrew the lid and try pouring the lotion into the palm of your hand, it doesn’t flow out. So, you toss the bottle into the trash can, and buy another bottle.

Let’s say you’ve paid $13 for that bottle of lotion. That means there’s probably one tenth of unused lotion, which amounts to a dollar or two of waste. Manufacturers love that. But as a thrifty consumer, I don’t. Here’s how I outwit the lotion scam. I turn the bottle upside down against a crook in a chair. No, it won’t stand up straight. But the lotion flows toward the other end, where I can scoop it out with my fingers. Often, there’s enough to last a week or so. You can also cut the bottle in half with a scissors, and scoop out what’s left, but that’s pretty messy.

However the best way to save money is to buy a bottle or tube of cream instead of a pump. Warning! Pump lotions may cheat you. And, in these inflationary times, it’s important to get what you pay for..

December 26, 2021December 26, 2021

HOLIDAYS CAN BE BITTERSWEET FOR SENIORS

What is the best age for Christmas? If you were lucky enough to have a stable home, perhaps it was before you became a teenager. No extra work, no presents to buy–just a time for Christmas trees, cookies, caroling, and waiting for Santa. Then comes middle age, and the hectic holidays. When you’re trying to bring cheer to your home and workplace, while worrying about your parents, co workers and kids. But it’s still a fun, festive time. And then, all of a sudden, you’re eighty, and it is not quite the same. Holidays can be bittersweet for seniors.

Holidays may be bittersweet for seniors. Too much rich food can give you heartburn. — HOLIDAYS CAN BE BITTERSWEET FOR SENIORS. You have suffered losses of family and friends. And long, festive meals may wear you out.

If you’ve made it to this milestone age, you’ve surely endured a lot of losses. Parents and siblings. Death of a spouse or worse yet, a child. Divorce. Friends who’ve either moved away or passed on. And then, the loss of youthful energy and health. Many are suffering from a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, emphysema, or kidney failure. You may be on a cane or in a wheelchair. But still, you look forward to the holidays–the decorations, music, and most of all, visits from loved ones.

Holiday meals may be delicious, but they’re apt to give you indigestion. . It’s tempting to pour gravy over the turkey, butter the roll s, and pile whip cream on the pie. But if you over indulge, you’re apt to pay for it with sleepless nights filled with heartburn. Be careful what you eat. Remember, your tummy isn’t accustomed to all the extra fat, salt, and sugar .

Family gatherings can warm your heart, but also wear you out. Unfortunately, your body isn’t accustomed to long hours of sitting in a chair while visiting with relatives.. Festive holiday meals may drag on for hours. Toasts, turkey carving, numerous courses, wine, conversation. It used to be so enjoyable, but now you’re feeling sleepy before they bring out the fruitcake.

It’s important to realize that holidays can be bittersweet for seniors. A song or photograph may trigger feelings of grief for what’s been lost. Don’t expect to be the life of the party or host a holiday meal. Pace yourself. You needn’t apologize for taking a short nap. Do what you can, but don’t overdo. And feel gratitude that you’re still around for another holiday season. .

December 23, 2021December 23, 2021

SHOULD WE PITY PANDHANDLING PROS?

Shopping malls aren’t my favorite places, but they can’t be avoided during the holidays. For me, it was taking my granddaughters to pick out some new outfits for Christmas. I used to love shopping, but navigating with a cane has tampered my enthusiasm. And the confusion at the stoplights when driving away really throws me for a loop. Especially when you have to slow down for men holding cardboard signs asking for money because they need it to feed their kids, find shelter, etc. It’s usually the same guys, month after month, so it must be a good paying gig. The average panhandler makes between $15 and $30 dollars an hour. In some cities, as much as $50 , tax free cash. Should we pity panhandling pros? I’m not so sure.

They station themselves at various busy intersections throughout the city. It’s unnerving when you’re trying to look out for a turn signal while a panhandler approaches your car window. Again, it’s the same people standing in the same spot. If they have the energy and stamina to stand out in the rain and snow holding up a sign, why can’t they find some type of job?

If I come in contact with a homeless person walking along the sidewalk or washing their hair in the library, I’m going to hand them some cash, depending on how much is in my purse. They don’t have to ask. I am saddened by the number of people in our city walking the street with their belongings on their back or tied to a bicycle.

Nevertheless, the professional panhandlers who stand at stoplights, are a different story. They’re a traffic hazard when you’re trying to turn onto a busy street or highway.. Unfortunately, they’re protected by law under the First Amendment. As long as they’re simply standing there with a sign, it’s perfectly legal. It’s also perfectly fine to ignore them.

No one wants to feel like a mean person who ignores a beggar. But I will save my money for charitable organizations who run soup kitchens and food banks for those who are truly in need.

December 20, 2021January 3, 2022

MEATLOAF IS NO LONGER A BUDGET MEAL

Growing up in the post depression years, meatloaf was often served at our old oak kitchen table. It was filling, nutritious, and cheap. Believe it or not, ground beef only cost about 42 cents a pound. My mother could serve our family of six for less than a dollar. Even as recently as 2020, it was still advertised as a “budget meal.” But this pandemic has changed all that. Meatloaf, as an expense, has graduated into the upper class. That doesn’t mean you’ll find meatloaf on the menu at upscale restaurants. But the ingredients costs about as much as many of those fancy entrees.

Why is that? Because the cost of 93% lean ground beef is astronomical. Paid $6.85 a pound for it yesterday. So, my meatloaf recipe will require about $10.27 of beef for starters. The other ingredients are fairly reasonable, But it’s still going to be pricey.

Meatloaf in the old days had some fillers. Many people used bread crumbs, but I always preferred oatmeal. It’s one of the most popular comfort foods around, right up there with macaroni and cheese, and beef Manhattans. One of these days, you may find meatloaf on the menu at your favorite, candlelit restaurant. Maybe they’ll dress it up with cheese or mushrooms to make it sound more sophisticated. And serve it with a $10 glass of wine. I wouldn’t be surprised.

If you’re in the mood for some upscale comfort food, here is a recipe using Quaker Oats. I’ve changed it a little bit from the original, because I’m not too fond of ketchup. Instead I’ve substituted a can of tomato sauce. However, my husband likes a few dabs of ketchup on his serving.

Since I’m cooking for two I make the full recipe , then freeze half for another time

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 pounds 93 percent lean ground beef
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
3/4 cup Quaker Oats, quick or old-fashioned, uncooked
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients, using just ¾ can of tomato sauce. Mix lightly but thoroughly. Press into an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan. Pour remaining tomato sauce over the top as a garnish.

Bake for 1 hour to medium doneness (a thermometer inserted in the center should read 160 degrees) or until not pink in the center and juices run clear. Let stand for 5 minutes and drain off any juices before slicing.

While the meatloaf is baking, throw a couple of small Idaho potatoes in the oven. It’s an easy way to complete the meal, with minimum cleanup afterward.

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021

CITY BYPASSED WINDBLOWN SENIOR TRASH CANS

In case you haven’t heard, we’ve been getting some pretty scary weather here in the Midwest. Like, tornados in Kentucky. And high velocity winds barreling through towns . Last night, the wind was so strong that it blew down the trash cans I had set out along the street. Remember, we’re seniors who finally persuaded the city to give us two smaller cans instead of one big one. That was a fight we finally won. However, the waste management company isn’t happy with us. They showed us their ire by refusing to pick up our trash this morning. The city bypassed windblown senior trash cans.

There are usually two, strong, able bodied men in the trash collector’s truck. However, they rely totally on automation to pick up the cans. A big old vise that reaches out its claws, picks up the cans, then dumps the contents. Often , they then throw back the empty cans, leaving them on the ground. At any rate, when the truck passed our driveway early this morning, they could easily see that the strong wind had blown over our skinny trash cans, leaving bags lying in puddles of water. Did they care in the least? Hardly They turned up their noses and drove right on by, knowing full well they were leaving two seniors in the lurch. What were they expecting us to do? And why couldn’t they have stepped out of their comfort zone, got out of the truck, and set the cans upright?

I took a few deep breaths to control my anger, got dressed, walked out in the rain and set the cans upright, closing the lids. Then I called Republic at some out of state number. The person answering the phone thought I was calling from Indianapolis. I guess that’s what my address in Indiana made her think. Anyway, I told her what had happened, and she was kind enough to get in touch with the local office, She said she would take care of it, and she did. A few minutes later, I looked out the window and saw the cans had been emptied. Thank you, ma’am.

What if I hadn’t been awake early this morning while the trucks were still in the vicinity.? What would we have done about our trash for the coming week? It’s disgusting that the city would bypass windblown senior trash cans.