Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Tip for a Tuesday....

If, like me, you are a huge fan of musical theater,
then you will surely enjoy this find.  


It is the "Elaine Paige on Sunday" radio programme, broadcast in England on BBC Radio 2.

Hosted by the actress and singer Elaine Paige, and airing from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons (British time) the show features music from stage and screen productions, along with interviews from celebrity guests.  Elaine also tells wonderful tidbits about many of the musicals and films 
whose scores she entertains us with.

The Englishman made the discovery for me when he set up a radio in our kitchen which is preset for both British and New York stations.  He also found that I can listen to recorded versions of the this show on BBC IPlayer Radio on the computer.  Here is the address:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b052tn9c

Listening to songs such as "As Long As He Needs Me" from Oliver, "It Might As Well Rain Until September" from Beautiful, The Carole King Musical and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King, lifts my spirits and bring back such wonderful memories.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
~ Christopher Reeve

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Wednesday's Wisdom....

How much?
Noticing a large volume of suds rising up from within my washing machine a couple of months ago, I started questioning the amount of detergent I was putting in as possibly the cause.

Though the directions on the box stated I should add x amount for a full load, I started to gradually reduce the amount added to my machine. 
 I'm now using only half the recommended amount.

Result? 
 Less sudsing, clothes feel cleaner and longer stretches in between detergent purchases. 

Same thing applies to shampoo and some other products.
While I can understand that a company would want me to use more of their product so they can sell more, I've learned it's up to me to use some trial and error to see if it is really warranted.

And saving a bit of money is also a nice bonus!









Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Tip for a Tuesday....

For those of you who are the parents or grandparents of young children, 
who may be separated by miles or simply looking for something fun to do together - 
I highly recommend this:
According to their website: 
"ustyme is a free video call app, available for iPad and PC / laptop via Chrome, that gives families and friends the opportunity to meaningfully engage with each other and build deeper connections."

The Englishman discovered this "app" for me a short while ago.  He installed it on my iPad and I sent the information to daughter #2, and she did the same.  During a couple of recent "snow days," granddaughter M and I signed on to the site.  We were able to see each other on a tiny screen located on the top left.  I had previously downloaded several games and a few books for us to read together, and we could both easily see what was available to us in the section labeled 
"my stuff."

The "Go Fish" and  "Memory" games, we've decided, are our favorites.
We then enjoyed sharing a couple of books.  M would turn the pages while I read the text aloud.


We also shared some giggles and our latest news.
While our Sunday visits via Facetime are a treat I really look forward to, ustyme gave M and I 
an opportunity to play together and chat a bit longer with each other.

Those of you who are Grandmothers know what a treasure these times with our wee ones can be - while Moms might enjoy a few minutes peace while their little ones play with their Grandparents. 

Check it out!!
www.ustyme.com



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Sixty five years ago today, Ann and Vincent promised -

"to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

They honeymooned in Florida.

And kept every single one of those promises for the next thirty three years.




On their twenty ninth anniversary, they celebrated by watching their middle child make those same promises to the man standing opposite her.


The Englishman and I honeymooned in Hawaii.

What "wisdom" can I impart after thirty six years of marriage?
That while keeping those promises is both a blessing, 
and at times, a challenge,
it is worth far more than you can ever imagine.

The years truly do fly by!! 
One day you are newlyweds, the next you are grandparents!
Never miss an opportunity to say "I love you!"