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From now all new posts will be at Simply Frances.
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Much bloglove at all.

Watching an episode of ‘Ghost Whisperer’ courtesy of Netflix.  Funny how many TV series and movies I have discovered via my subscription.  It’s one of the best things you can buy for about ten bucks.  You know the last movie ticket I bought cost me 13 dollars.  You could have knocked me over with a paper towel.  Fortunately it was for ‘Win Win’ with Paul Giametti whose films are always worth the price of admission.

So I’m going to chill in front of the set for a while, eat some yummy Indian take out, and finish reading ‘Chocolate and Vicodin’ by Jennette Fulda.

Til later.

George Carlin, the granddaddy of all comics, wrote a small book with big laughs, called, “The Best of Brain Droppings.”

My dear friend Lissa gave me a copy for a gift, because she knew how much I loved GC.

My favorite dropping is about how aliens from a planet where sleep was not necessary might describe how and why we humans sleep to their fellow aliens.  I will never forget reading that section aloud to Lissa at Starbucks.

But George was right. We do shut all systems down, and make ourselves totally vulnerable for quite a length of time. But I guess that’s the price we pay for the gift of dreams.

My mind works on whatever questions or problems were ‘on the table’ the day before.  I can not tell you how many times I woke up with ‘the answer.’ 

The solid eight I got last night was especially regenerating. The two nights before I only got about four each.  I was a wreck yesterday, still don’t know how I got through the day, but I did.

I’m sure George would have something particularly funny to say about the dangers of a woman running on half empty.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

GC I know they are all laughing wherever you are.

Muah!

Okay so I have had this on again off again weight loss blog going on for a couple three years.

I tried it as a group blog, a social network thing over at Ning and most recently – a solo blog.

This past week I read a weight-loss memoir – ‘Half-Assed’ – by Jennette Fulda. As soon as I finished the last page I knew that I had to eliminate the word ‘diet’ from my vocabulary and web address. Jennette’s loss of over 200 pounds was more about lifestyle changes than a diet.

I have lost as much as 100 pounds on the past dieting. At 17 the weight melts off when you do double doses of over the counter diet pills and zero carbs. And yes, I know now that was totally insane.

So any suggestions for a great weight loss/lifestyle change blog would be appreciated.

You all know where to find the comments section.

Ciao.

There’s a well-known chain of restaurants that serves Kraft Macaroni & Cheese on their kids menu.  The staff allows me to order it, even though they aren’t supposed to, along with an entree from the adult menu.  They’re just cool that way.

It’s the original version; the kind that comes with the little foil pouch of processed cheese powder in the box.  The macaroni is a thin straight tube.

It was one of the first things I learned to cook as a child.  I like to toss the cooked pasta in melted butter, coat it thoroughly with the powdered cheese, and then add warmed milk till it’s just right.  This method when done correctly produces a lump free sauce. 

I haven’t made a pot on my own since my grandmother passed away in 2003.

My unmarried uncle Peter lived with her.  The man lived to grocery shop.  An extra bedroom served as their pantry.  Grandma always made sure there was sliced turkey for a sandwich in the fridge, and boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the bedroom I mean pantry. 

Whenever I went to visit she would say, “Frannie there’s something in the ice box for a sandwich, and Petie bought your macaroni.”  Then she would shake the box to add a little sound effect to the sell.

We would have tea, in golden cups that were way older than me, and a sandwich while the macaroni cooked.

Totally lazy morning. Got up, had something to eat, and needed a three hour nap to recover.  Later after a hot bath I watched an On Demand movie.  It’s amazing to be able order movies that are in or even before they are in the theater.  This one titled ‘They’re Out of Business’ was shot in my neighborhood, a lot of scenes within 1-3 blocks of my apartment building.

The film is about two 40 something dead broke frenemies who hit walls - hard – in their show biz careers.   Now they’ve joined forces again – sort of – to find success together.  Their adventure in online dating is award worthy.  

I’m on the 5 bus headed downtown. It’s raining but not hard. A lot of people are not even using umbrellas. We’re going across Central Park South right now. Beautiful no matter what the weather. I’m stopping in at Lane’s to see what’s on clearance, then I have to have something to eat. I’m thinking down home yummies at Hill Country.

A whole gang of tourists just hopped on the bus. Corn fed mid-Americans for sure. The mother-in-law should have pain in the butt tattooed across her forehead. The daughter in law is an angel answering all questions and fielding all complaints in a patient and sweet voice. Well, look at that she even got the wicked old thing to smile.

Hmmmm…it’s a lot later than I thought – nearly seven. Think I’ll stay on the bus and go straight to Hill Country.

A half hour later

Just plowed through 4 small sides: white shoe peg corn pudding, mac & cheese with more cheese than mac, baked beans and green bean casserole. Washed it all down with an ice cold root beer. Looks like all the stores are closed, no biggie they’ll be happy to take my money tomorrow. And to be quite honest I have all the clothes I need for summer.

There’s a new journal and pen in my bag. It’s been so long since I sat down and reconnected on paper. Why was I blocking myself? I don’t know. Funny I never did that before – admit that I am the block. Guess everything is easier when you’re biting into a PB&J cupcake.

It’s been more than me just blocking my hand journal writing. It’s me not resting enough. If you remember back at the beginning of this post I got up, ate and then took a three hour nap. If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time then you know I usually bolt out of the house upon awakening.

Now get this. After I pay my check I am going for Starbucks, a writing session and then home to rest up from not doing much. No washing clothes, no cleaning, just lounging on my futon and maybe watching ‘Desperate Housewives.’

Till later.

There’s no sign to tell me the name of this latest bit of public art.

Well, bit might not be quite the word for a project that l guesstimate to be five stories high.

The attached is a camera phone, which I hope is clear enough for all of you.

I’m sitting on a bench waiting for dusk.  It should look amazing with the flood lights on.

Of course, there’s already quite a few shots of it in the camera already.

Ciao for now.

Today I accompanied my husband to his new dentist. I am in charge of filling out the endless questions presented to you on a clipboard. We always get the one that has a pen attached with a tangled up chain. Managed to un-knot the chain, and answer everything. The Signore signed in all four places, and now we await the receptionist’s call.

Just about everyone in the waiting room is on some sort of mobile device. One man plugged his Sony Vaio laptop into a socket, and is listening to music through headphones. A lot of folks play games on their phones, but after the Bobby Carrot incident I limit my game playing to word or trivia.

Whose Bobby Carrot? Well, since you asked…I had a Samsung phone a while back that came with a game called – you guessed it – Bobby Carrot. One day while on a long subway ride I decided to give it a try. Bobby was an adorable bunny who ran around mazes trying to get the big carrot waiting in the center. I managed to get from level one to three. How cool was that? I could actually play one of this things, and so began my addiction. It became harder to advance through the levels, but that’s games in general. It took over two weeks to get to level 24 of the 50 levels, and that’s where I got stuck. I worked that level till the battery went dead, and while the phone on charged tried again and again. Round and round that same maze. It became so aggravating that I traded the phone for another. So much for bunnies, trivia and word games are more my speed.

Since I am downtown I might do some bargain hunting and maybe a bit of a photostroll after we finish here. The spouse works nights, so he will head home for a siesta.

Until later.

The young woman sitting under a Central Park tree looked at me with with shock filled eyes. I looked directly at her and smiled, because sometimes people just need a smile – know what I mean?

She called out to me across the field; “Are you Frannie? Is your name Frannie?”

“Yes it is,” and I made my way towards her.

“You’re Big Joey’s sister. I can’t believe it. We were all talking about Joey just last night. M was trying to remember his sister’s name, and I told her I was sure it was Frannie.’

Now I am known for my memory. Daddy used to always say, “You didn’t forget you just don’t want to remember.”

This petite blue eyed woman’s face was familar, but I just couldn’t place her.

She told me her name was A, and that the mother of my brother’s best friend T had been her baby sitter.

“Yes!”

I hadn’t seen her her in over 20 years. My brother’s best friend T was murdered about 18 months before he passed away.

And here was A already 34 years old. She began to describe my father’s grocery store in detail. T’s mom had been her sitter for years, and they stopped in quite often to shop and for a Slush Puppy. I used to mix up the concoction that went into that machine. One part sweetened concentrate to six parts water in gallon sized jugs emblazoned with the red and blue logo of a doggie in a sweater and cap. I was also a cashier, produce girl, my dad’s assistant and official letter writer. The man hated to write letters.

We spoke for a while, and mentioned she would having surgery in a few days. Nothing life threatening, but she was nervous. I was happy that the Universe had put me in her path, it gave me a chance to comfort her. Joey is pleased too.

We also talked about her recent return to New York. Seems she’s been wandering a bit. I told her that I myself never really planned. I just go out for walks and things happen.

So – go take a walk.

Maybe our paths will cross.

Ciao for now.

So I was working on a book of autobiographical questions, and one was: Your favorite time of day?  And I wrote in Cocktail Hour without hesitation.

I hear you all giggling out there. 

Cocktail hour is brilliant.  The chores and errands of the typical day ended.  You head to your favorite chair, or are you stretched out on a chaise maybe?  Or are you like me who heads out to one of her fav spots.  More often than not I have a non-alcoholic beverage.  Tonight is not one of those nights; my choice is a fresh fruit filled sangria with a touch of brandy and a bit of soda.

Cocktail Hour.  When you relax from and sometimes revel in your day.  Time out to plot your next move.  Maybe an evening out or in.

I’m having dinner with a long time friend, and then heading home to some more of the Tribeca Film Festival online. 

Last night I watched Israel’s first ever horror movie: Rabies.  And no it was not a gorefest about killer canines or zombies with rabies.  It was freakin’ fantastic, and I will sit at the laptop to properly review it this weekend.  Right now I’m on the mobile phone.

Speaking of phones I spoke to Etan in India early this morning. I watched Rabies late last night,and then some episodes of GLEE on Netflix.  I only discovered it this season, so seeing the pilot showed me how much their stock has gone up since day one.

Okay you’ll have to excuse me – time to eat the wine and brandy soaked fruit in the bottom of my glass.