Motif Monday - Dots are so in

It is amazing what is available out there now when it comes to nail art design.  As for me, I have been doing my nail art for many years even before all the nail tools, DIY, Pinterest, etc.  I remember using just simple items I find around the house, like toothpick, Q-tips, old toothbrush, old paint brush, sponge, etc.  With all the different shops and stores selling all types of polish, a variety of tools, it's harder and harder for me to get a manicure and pedicure and pay whatever they are charging.  A couple of months ago, one of my golf buddy gave me a mani pedi coupon at a nice Spa/Salon.  My friend Jean and I decided to go together one of these days as it's more fun when you go with a friend.  This time I will just get a plain polish and do my own nail art when I get home.  Check out this week's design.

This is for the last week of July.

The flower on my toe is so detailed, I even impressed myself.

  

As you can see from previous design, I love the color green

This was for the third week of July.

 

This design was at least a couple of years ago.

One of my favorite designs.

 

Sugary Saturday - Donuts anyone?

When I get a craving for some donuts, it seems to be happening later in the evening.  Jeff always tells me that I need to change the craving to begin in the morning.  Donut shop are usually open early and closes early.  I guess I got spoiled by Tim Horton's Donut in Canada as I can get them fresh any time of the day or night.  After several attempts of finding a donut shop that is open late, we finally found one.  I am not going to reveal the location because I don't want the people to get there before me.  Not only that this shop is open 24 hours, they have a great variety of donuts and the sizes are just over the top.  My favorites are the glazed twists or fritters.  This particular shop cells not only apple and blueberry, they have the pineapple fritter.  Although you have to make sure you are there early in the morning as it's sold out by mid morning.

 

Forthright Friday - Just a little

Are you able to say exactly what you had in mind without hesitation?  Or do you always think twice before opening your mouth?  Do you always like to have the last word?  I seem to recall that when I was younger, I did not have the guts to say how I truly feel.  Maybe as I get older or maybe because of my work experience, I am now able to speak up.  Sometimes I am careful though because it might not be political correct or just a bit forthright.  Here's an example.  I was golfing with a couple of my buddies volunteer and when we got to the 18th hole, there was a couple who just came out of nowhere.  My friend ask them where they came from and the response she got was something like they let at least three other groups go before them.  When we were about to tee off, I see this woman teeing off in front of us.  I approached her and ask what she was doing.  She said that it was their turn.  I told her that they have not been the group that we have been following for the back 9.  She said " why would I be lying to you" and I responded " I did not say you were lying, "you cannot just jump in front of us whenever you want.  It is your fault that you let all three groups before you, so technically you have to wait after we tee off".  She did not have anything to say as I walk away.  My friend told them go ahead.  Two weeks later at another golf course, my group was following a four some that was really taking extra time and not keeping up with the pace of play.  After the front 9, they stopped to get some lunch which delayed them even more. One of my buddies ask them if we can play through, and their response was NO as they have been waiting for the group in front of them.  So even though I was not part of the conversation, "I said NO YOU'RE NOT because there's an open hole in front of you for the last four holes".  They did not say a word because they knew I was right.  Self confidence plus knowledge and experience is the key.  

 

Treatment Tuesday - Drugs and side effects

Do you always read all the fine print that accompanies your prescription drugs?  Do you read all the side effects?  Don't you find it weird that although it might cure what your ails might be, the side effects are much more harmful than what it is suppose to help.  A long time ago when my father was hospitalized, I happen to be in their area visiting.  When I asked my mother why there are so many pills my father had to take.  She really couldn't explain.  My sister and I decided to have a meeting with my father's attending physician.  OMG, we couldn't believe some of the drugs they have him take.  Even without doing the research, just by asking what each of the pill does,etc. we were able to request that at least half of them were unnecessary and that my father would not truly require them.  Some of them was making my father more ill, unresponsive and other issues that were all the side effects of whatever drug they were pushing to him.  He was placed in a senior home a few months after.  Now it's happening all over again.  This time, to my brother.  It is very sad to see people being taken advantage by these doctors and pharmaceutical company.  They seem to just want to push the drugs and not really care what it does to an individual.  I am sure there many aging individuals specially the ones in the executive class nursing homes that are victims of these.  The relatives are unaware specially if they are not involved in their day to day lives.  Some of us are blessed with the mental ability to understand the prescribed drugs we are given.  We are able to ask questions, other alternatives, etc.  Did you hear the story of the couple who are experiencing so much hardship for treatment of cancer?  The choice they have to make is losing a home or losing a loved one.  It's expensive to live and funerals aren't cheap either.

 

Mishmash Monday - Maybe or not

• Sunday was spent at a golf tournament and although my score was not worth mentioning, I am happy to report that I won the closest to the pin on hole #7.  It measured 11 ft 11 inches.  What was the prize? A sleeve of Titleist velocity.
• There's more cherry tomatoes than I can consume so I shared some with friends. Please check out some of the photos of our harvest.
• A little disappointed that Jordan Spieth did not win the OPEN.  Well, sometimes in life you have to experience some disappointment.  He's still my favorite.
• Traffic sometimes on the highway really annoys me when there shouldn't be.  Most of the time there's nothing to really slow down the traffic.  Today it was about a motorcycle that was stopped on the left side with two police vehicle.  There was nothing blocking the road and there was no accident.  It was merely a regular police checking the motorcycle and it's rider.  What is to ogle or looky look at?  If only people just ignore and keep on driving, then there should be no traffic.
• I don't understand why smokers still flick their cigarettes out of their car on to the dried grass along the highway.  Although the photos I took are not burning, I thought maybe this is why California has these wild fires.  Just an observation.
• Nail art for this week is my favorite green with white flowers and some black stem.  Yes, it is my own ideas and only took half an hour to complete and has lasted a week and counting.

 

Fried Friday - Easy and yummy

Two bananas are getting some little brown spots. Oh no, what am I going to do.  I am tired of banana bread or banana muffins, but I don't want these bananas to go bad.  What can I do with it that is easy but yummy.  I checked our freezer and found some spring roll wrapper.  Here's what I made and it only took a few minutes to make them.  The only bad thing is that it's deep friend.  I cut the bananas in quarters, sprinkle brown sugar on each piece then I wrap it like spring roll and last part is deep frying.  We call it Turon aka banana roll. The bananas were a little too ripe but it was still so good it's hard to stop at one.  Who knows when I will make this again since I am out of bananas and wrappers.  Maybe someday you should try making them so you know what I am talking about.  

 

Treasured Thursday - It's still alive

This might be considered a little bit about bragging, but if you know my history about plant care, then you would understand and actually just cheer for me.  When I got the Orchid flower plant for my birthday, all I could think of is that the person doesn't know me well.  I still appreciated the fact that it was a very practical gift that would have some meaning.  She told me a little bit about where I should let it sit as we as the watering schedule.  Another friend who has many experience of plant care and gardening also provided some tips.  Now I am proud to show you that the plant is still ALIVE.  I have never moved it from the spot that my friend told me place it.  Although I don't check it every day, I do check it once a week.  The number of flowers are still the same and it looks very healthy after three months.

July

June

May