Shore Road Deli Brooklyn New York

        Recently on my trip to New York, I held off getting breakfast and finally decided I didn't want to eat while on the turnpike. Turnpike food is good enough and they do now offer a healthier side, but I craved a great roast beef sandwich. I stopped at this deli once before thinking it was like it always was, and would buy a knish. But on my stop before the most recent I found the deli was sold!
        NO!!!! Yet once inside I notice a totally different look, more spacious, a few little tables to sit and take your time and really very nice people behind the counter. So I ordered a roast beef sandwich since it looked so good and fresh. That was my first trip. The young man behind the counter was fantastic. not only polite but made eye contact. He cared about what I wanted and how I wanted it!
       This time, it did not surprise. He sorta of recognized me, made my roast beef sandwich, on such very fresh bread, added just the right mayo and a little salt. I added a portion of rice pudding, my favorite dessert. Cut in half, wrapped up well, I took off, thankful for this new Deli. I made sure to take a menu with me.  I couldn't wait for my first stop. Opening at a light that roast beef looked as if it was just cooked to perfection.
         I have to tell you I not only was not disappointed, but wished I ordered two! I savored it and ate slowly to really taste each bite. too often we munch down our food and don't know what it tasted like or even remember eating. Finished, and now into my rice pudding. Lordy, what a lunch ! Do your self a favor. If you want a great sandwich, not just okay, passable, good enough, you should please stop in at The Shore Road Deli-its located between 93rd and 94st  the actual address is - 9316 3rd ave. The phone number is-718-748-1065

  Thank you Shore Raod Deli, you made my trip home, so much better. Next visit, I'm bring my cooler :) Thank you also for the polite manner used with customers.

My Whirlpool Washing Machine

       Well another leak, but it isn't my machine just old hoses. I love my Whirlpool washer, and now it's about twenty years old/er.. My repairman is arriving again today to repair it. He buys his materials at Lowes in York. His latest new valve has the first tread all off so he had to go back to the store, on his dime and his time to get a new one. We all know what a plumber would charge, and I am very lucky to have found this guy. Lowes should have to reimburse time and gas.
          About three years ago I needed a garden roto-tilled and  found him. This guy is a hard working man, retired who loves to earn extra. It pays to have a repairman. This guy can do everything at half the cost.
         Well I knew the name Whirlpool from a very young age hearing my parents and neighbors talk about what they had and liked. We were poor but they saved until they had enough for a whirlpool washing machine. We lived in a Brownstone in Brooklyn and had to hang clothes out to dry. But finally no more trips to wash clothes. We had eight kids in my family ! Eight! We took turns carrying big ugly stained bags to the laundromat . Talk about embarrassing? That was embarrassing in every sense of the word and we better wear out worst clothes for fear of something disgusting leaking through.
          So a few years ago I had a plumber here who was a friend of a friend and he told me the cold water hose was leaking, not the washer itself. No wonder my water bills were higher!  So he explained I would have to get a regular plumber to fix the pipe. Well I got my repairmen to redo the cold water pipe. All was okay, and now its the hot water pipe. So day by day I take my time to see if I actually need a new washer, which just isn't affordable right now. I am learning what may cause the leak is having it on the correct setting...possibly which is what my repair guy is suggesting. No longer using the hot water I had the setting on warm wash, so is that why the leak continued? I don't know, I just don't know, but he's working on it now, so I'll let you know, soon.
       Enjoy your whirlpool. By the way I think it's made by Kenmore ( Sears ). Check that out too. You know we pay more for brand names.

Sullivan County Home Sale-BLUE SKY MANOR-just REDUCED

Reduced to 17,000, 550.lot rentAdd caption

Picture doesn't do it justice. I apologize as my camera somehow failed me. While visiting recently an old friend in her home I took a lot of picture that she has on her facebook page. I'd have to get permission to give that out but in the meantime it is listed on Herschel reality, and yet again that shows one picture which is an awful picture, must have been taken on a rainy day.

     So from my perspective this is a great starter home with two bedrooms and one and a half bath. One bathroom is connect ed to the smaller bedroom which has two windows, and that bathroom also has a window, nice for ventilation. This is located at the front of the house, mobile home.
          As you leave that bedroom you walk into a hallway and there are sliding glass doors and a cooking kitchen with a seating bar area and recessed lighting. Immediately in back of that area is a very large dining room. You would be able to have a big dining room set not something small as in mini apartments. Of course next to the dining room is the large living room, enough to have a large sofa and recliner, TV, and  entertainment set. running along the dining room and living is a tip-out, which is like having an extra room, good for an office and recliner which is what this is used for now. It can also be made into a child play area or guest bedroom.
     Leaving the living room, there is a hallway which leads to a full bathroom and master bedroom. There is plenty of closet space and something I almost forgot as you walk down the hall, you'll see what appears to be a double closet in the hall. Open the doors and there is a washer and dryer. To me they look new. Just past that is a back door opening to a sitting deck.
          The entry door which opens into the living room is covered by a large awning, big enough to put a bar b Que table and patio set. Along side the home is a nice size storage shed. The property has a decorative corner fence on each end. Heating is forced oil hot air and there is a window a/c which was plenty cold for me. The lady is asking 18, 800. Build in 1983 this is definitely worth a look for serious consideration with many uses.
             Because it's located in Sullivan county, upstate NY, you know hunting is great !  A nice area to start for a young family and a landlord with his wife who makes sure property owners keep their property in good shape, so you're not moving into what many call a, trashy trailer park, but a mobile home park where people take pride in what they own.
      Take some time along route 209 and decide for yourself as you drive through, Blue Sky Manor and look around. Wurtsboro is a quaint little town. 

ASHLEY Furniture=Un American MADE

     A few days ago I went to Ashley furniture in York Pa. Because of needing something quickly, I was ready to take a floor model of almost anything for company was coming, and soon. But like many other stores, things had to be ordered and would take weeks. Before Ashley I went to Boscovs where I found a sofa I loved, loved like crazy and it sat so comfortable without sinking down a foot or back a foot then try to get up kind of thing. So I asked how could I get that and could  I just have a friend pick it up. Nope. The very nice young lady told me they were stuck in customs! Huh? Where is it coming from? All she could say was, not AMERICA.
    So a last resort was Ashley. I say last because how many  things do you see there with true box cushions? How soft are they? Yup. Again I spoke to a salesman and when I asked, "can you tell me if anything in this store is made in AMERICA?" this very nice older guy said well let me put it this way...then he stopped and you just knew he was thinking of how to Phrase things. He continued with, okay so,  I can tell you the get assembled here. I shook my head and said so everything is made in China? He answered with a nod of his head, yes.
      Please save your money, look on line for furniture MADE FULLY IN AMERICA. Oh I ended up renting furniture. Hey! Its the same crap you buy at ASHLEYS and other orducts made in China and its just for  a few days. When I move and need to buy a new sofa, you can bet it will be AMERICAN MADE BY AN AMERICAN!

ARTBA Vs. MTA Treatment of Consumers

         About a month ago my friend and I who are both retired went to the Castleton bus terminal union office in Staten Island. Prior to my friends sons' death at the age of forty, this was the office/terminal he worked out of. Due to the death of her son and husband two days before her son died, her world spiraled out of financial control . She had not even had a chance to grieve.
    This trip to Staten Island from Brooklyn was to start that process almost three years later. I wrote a book which from the sales am donating two dollars to St. Judes and AML Leukemia which is what her son died from..
          We arrived during the midst of lunch time feeling we would catch someone to speak with. Her sons' picture is supposed to be in a hall on the second floor and she also wanted to see it. Here we stood in the hot August sun waiting, and waiting. At teh start there were three men standing outside smoking. The taller of the drivers' asked if he could help us. As I started to talk he suddenly turned his back and spoke to another guy. A second driver then asked what we wanted or needed. My friend Sandy explained as did I, mentioned her son Kevin griffin and this driver said he remembered him. He went on and said I'll get the union rep.
       Not only did the union Rep not show, but neither did the driver who said he'd get the rep, not even a decent courteous response to say, we're not interested, or he doesn't have time-or even a lie, like he isn't here !
        But we continued to wait and I look over and see a few tears from Sandy as she's tell me, I used to drop him off every day, even when he was so sick.  Now this is how we're treated! After twenty-two minutes a driver with black hair, a goatee stopped and in a kind manner asked if we needed help. Again we explained. Again we were told, I'll get him down.  AGAIN, NOT ONE  RESPONSE! Where is the decency ? This wasn't just about selling a book. This was a human kindness for a woman who lost her son and wanted a little bit of time. She also wanted the book to sell so in Kevin Griffins memory, donations would be made. Just in case you think that I would take this on any taxes-I don't as the donations don't come from me, they come from people who buy the book.

     Sandy and I drove home in her quiet rusty old car. Over and over she said, I can't believe this, I can't believe how they treated us, me! ( Meaning Sandy )  I felt helpless as a friend watching as she held the book close and tears slipping past her face when we stood on the ramp to the Bus terminal/ union office.
    Well after I returned home with Sandy to a home she was invited to live in after all of her losses, I left to come back to my home in Pennsylvania. See, sandy and I grew up in Brooklyn together which is why and how so much in the book has connections to Brooklyn, the people, men and women who work on ROAD CREWS and the human side of them.
      Recently I contacted ARTBA- and you won't believe this. They returned my e mails with a wonderful response. Kevin Griffn would be so proud of this group as a driver who drove so ften over roads that were built and repaired which is what ARTBA is all about. ARBTA acn teach a lesson in decency & respect to the MTA on Castleton in Staten Island NY. Thank you ARTBA Should anyone want to purchase a book, please send 13.99 to me at Doozybags through PAy PAl plus 1.25 for S&H

Rev. Joe and The Road Crew- MTA- Donations

      This book was recently finished and two dollars from each sale goes to AML Leukemia and St. Judes children research hospital. It takes place in Brooklyn, Long ISland and some in Staten ISland. Some parts are fiction mixed with non-fiction. Aunt Sandy is a riot here as she tells it like it is and one of the Crew  is a guy named Kevin, after her late son who died from AML. I think he just turned 40 when he passed away. Sandy husband, Kevins dad died two days before Kevin. That part is true.
      I took this book to the MTA in Staten Island this past Monday the 22nd of August 2016. Sandy and I were told the union rep would come down to see us. Not only did he not come down, but neither did the guy who told us that. We were completely dismissed/ignored by the MTA in Staten Island on Castleton ave.
   Not looking t make a million, just some to give to AML- This type of Leukemia affects more people in Kevins age group more than any other group, so did the MTA forget what RESPECT means? Kevins mom has not even had a chance to properly grieve as she lost everything when she lost her husband and son. She lost her home, her car and became homeless, now living in an awful situation whee she does at least have a jail cell size room. This is a lady past 70 years old.
    Please buy one book or two. You can purchase it through paypal. Simply go to PAYPAL, look up my PAYPAL name, Doozybags and pay 13.99 plus 1.25 s&h Your address comes through and I will mail it out within three days.

Thank You
Nancy Costa

MTA Disses late Drivers Mom Staten ISland NY

     

 Please bear with me. I am a friend of the family for many years. The late Kevin Griffin an MTA bus driver in Staten Island who died three years ago of AML Leukemia left behind a grieving mother, a young daughter and many MTA friends, or so it was thought. Kevin's mom Sandy told me which office he worked out of and so we took a little ride while I was back In NY visiting.
        I wrote  a book donating two dollars from each sale to AML and St. Judes children's hospital. More people Kevin's age die from this. i'm not looking for fortune or have my name plastered as a writer. I enjoy writing and mainly to make people happy. This book had a purpose and that purpose gave hope to mom to finally start the grieving process.
             You see, her husband was killed two days before her son died. He was in  a hurry, ran across the street,  and thrown by a jeep who only had liability insurance.
      Sandy and I decided to go to the MTA and as we were closer to teh office she started to cry and talk, and talk. Sandy never fully grieved in three years. She lost her residence, her car and was homeless due to losing both her husband and son. Money was mismanaged by people she thought were helping. Yeah, helping themselves. Because they ere close to her, she couldn't bring herself to do anything. Still lost in the process of going back to work, paying bills, losing so much time from work she found herself without a place to live and was evicted. Everything, or almost everything is still in storage. Her now living situation is with an ex, his wife, her sister and now another son who I won't talk about.
     So when I go back to where I grew up Brooklyn, Sandy is the first person I see. She tells me she feels old, worn and useless, not cared about or cared for. Her mom lives in Brooklyn but in a senior home. Sandy feels to remain until her moms passing so she can keep an eye on mom. yet she also doesn't have any resources to move.
     Giving her hope, I let her know about the BOOK, Rev. Joe and the Construction Crew. sandy is in it, plays a big funny part through out and so is her son Kevin. They don'y play mom and son.
    Now we arrive at the MTA office/terminal on Castleton ave. in Staten Island yesterday Monday August22 nd, 2016  . There were four men outside and I said they with little respect at this time. One tall man who is bald asked what we needed if we had a complaint and when sandy and I tried to explain, he turned his back and started talking to another guy and at the same time, another man asked what we wanted. and both Sandy and I explain and about the donations from the book. He said, oh okay, you need the union rep. He's upstairs, I'll get him to come down.   This man said he knew Kevin Griffin.
                                          No one ever came down ! We arrived during the lunch hour which we hoped someone would take ten minutes and just listen, just listen and respond. Well we got a response alright. It was to ignore us!  twenty-two minutes later another driver walks up the ramp, asks if we need help. I explained we've been ignored and were told the union rep would be down. He said I'll get him to see you. Again, The same thing. What kind of men are these that not one would at the very least let us know the following: Sorry ladies, we're not interested, sorry ladies, he doesn't have time, sorry ladies, can you come back some other time, sorry ladies...something, but all we did get was a closed door.
    The book is 13.99 and I have 46 to sell. I can order more If anyone decides you would like one or two, just pay at pay pal to doozybags. Thats my pay pal name and I make bags, write on my blog and am an honest person trying to just do a little bit of good and would never, ever do what the MTA IN STATEN ISLAND at the CASTLETON office did to us-ignore.
    Some of these same men were flirty to other female drivers but they couldn't take five minutes out of flirting to just say, we're not interested. Sandy was hoping to see and take a picture of her late son's photo which was hung in the upstairs office. But she was ignored. Her son Kevin went in so many days when he was sick, dying because he didn't want to leave anyone down. Yesterday they let him and his mom down. Men?
                      

Selling Your Home, Wills & Family

       Just when you think you're all set, life throws you a curve ball. If you're married things are different. Owning a home and one spouse dies, usually you don't have anything to worry about-usually. Make out a will. I did-unknowingly. I didn't know what was to come that would make me want to change my will and sell my home. There was a time when one of my kids said, mom, we can work anything out" talking about who would get what. Well those were empty words as I came to find out and from the person who made that statement. It's heartbreaking and I only decided to sell my home to insure that no one can contest anything in the end.
     Without getting into details, I know that there isn't anyway I'd want my kids to come together at my funeral with the animosity one feels without just cause except what's in their thoughts. So the best way to deal with  my old will is to make a will that expresses things in a no nonsense way. Now I'll get to enjoy all of the benefits of selling my home instead of doing what I wanted which was, to leave it to be divided between my kids. It isn't a lot but enough for either one to possible start  a business, buy a new car, pay bills etc.
       As every day passes I'm getting used to the idea of letting go and starting another piece of life, apartment living. It's a very nice apartment complex, with a pool, gym and community gatherings.I'm very anxious for the pool and gym and maybe even getting to know neighbors, still not sure about that. The best part is I'l be closer to one of my children and close enough to drive to see my other child and grandchildren-if invited.
       Taking chances is fine as long as you have a back-up plan with back-up money and this home has given me that. I am looking ahead.

Auto Insurance, Scare Tactics for Older People

        How do I know? I'm older. Anytime I call my insurance company to cancel full coverage, I get a reply like this: are you really sure? Remember if you have an accident you don't want someone coming after your home if you only carry liability. The rate of older people having accidents compared to  everyone else, people on cell phone, drunks, text messaging, other distractions is very low..
       Check the Kelly Blue book value, look at your policy and see how much comp and collision costs. Is it really worth it if your car is older than ten years? Not in my opinion. You pay a lot for comp and collision an d then you have a deductible which will probably pay for a broken window and if not your fault the other drives insurance pays eve if they have only liability. If your fault, so what, do not fix dents in an old car. It will cost the same as your car is worth. Value folks. Put that extra money in your pocket.
    People love scare tactics with older people. Some say why sell your house now? Why not. You use that money from the sale and enjoy it. Heck, buy a new car :)  Visit old friends, travel a little, and eat out more. Why leave your house to others so they get to enjoy what you worked hard to keep ? You got your own, let them get their own. Time for a change. So now you think, but whee would I live?
     I've always thought about moving to Montana, but I have kids who live in the south and mid-west, so I can visit Montana, rent a small apartment and enjoy the amenities. I know, I know, pay rent-again? Why not? If ya die without a will the government will get most of your house. If you get so sick, the government goes back five years into your finances to see if you had a home and what happened to the money. Take, Take, Take. You take it. Have fun everyone and check out more than one insurance company.

Ross Stanard The Guy to Call

       I met Ross Stanard some years ago concerning Real Estate business. He made such an impression as an honest and caring young man who I knew when the time was right, he was who I would want to do business with. If you're thinking of buying or selling your home, family home, or helping an elderly parent sell their home, he really is the man to call.
      He doesn't come in to your home to tear it down or act fake in what needs to be done or not. He will tell you if fixing things will help-or not ! Ross is not a pushy or aggressive kind of realtor so you won't feel pressured. I'm sure he wants to help sell your home or help you buy a home, but number one is, he will do right by you each and every time. He's not a puffed up kind of a guy, but a family man, down to earth and appears to understand situations.
     Ross treats people the same and he is a man with character and integrity, so in closing call him if you have any real estate needs. He's easy to find on line so look him up, give him a call. You won't be sorry. Okay, gotta say one more thing. He doesn't make things complicated but tries to help people understand how things work. By the way, I don't have any monetary interest in this, but my interest is in passing along a good persons name.

Sealy Mattress Horrible, Do not buy at Sleepys

        In June or very late May my daughter purchased a Sealy Mattress set for me to use when we arrived in Texas at her new residence. At the time of purchase she was assured by the salesman at Sleepys in Delaware that the mattress set could be exchanged or credited with a certain policy they had about COMFORT.  Comfortable it wasn't at all. It's like a block of concrete. Still here at this new residence no one has responded from my tweets or hers about this situation.
     My daughter knew I needed a firm mattress, but didn't have any idea about what she bought as far as how rock-hard it is. Arriving here in Texas we were told that the SLEEPYS here is in no way connected to any others so they would not honor the purchase, exchnage etc.

       Sealys this is a mattress made by your company. It feels as if it's stuffed with straw. Please make this right. I return to my home soon and will keep up the struggle to make this right, either by writing to newspapers, word of mouth, or and social media. Are you not aware what companies are telling people about exchnages, lying! It's as if she just threw hard earned money away. Please, once again, make this right.

My e mail is Nancymellow@aol.com

This Book ! I Couldn't Believe What I Saw a Child Doing....

       He was only a little more than two and a half years old and he has a five year old brother. I was about to give up on something until this very small child looked at my Etsy site with me and saw a picture of my book. Really I almost gave up after two printings and giving books away because I loved them. I loved the art, the story, the Jelly Bean Jerk dance and mainly I thought this would be successful. So I took The Jelly Bean Forest book, sent to my grandsons, gave to neighbor kids and parents and felt defeated.
      This little boy and then his brother inflated my spirit. I asked him as he pointed to the book, thinking it was his-do you want a book to look at. He nodded yes. I gave him the little book with the Big Red Tree on the cover. I was just happy he was going to sit for a while, or hoped he would. He did just that. He sat and with his tiny finger, slowly turned one page after another. I was amazed because of the way he went through it and that after a few pages his five year old brother, sat next to him and watched.
       So I asked the five year old if he wanted me to read the book to him and he said" sure grandma." Grabbing another book I sat next to him and all of a sudden the little one moved closer. This whole week that they were visiting, this was the best part of all.. I wish I could post a picture, but I'm careful about that, not having permission and besides, I don't want my old puss on line, but I did take pictures before I started reading as the little one turned pages.
    It was the attention they paid to the story and asked questions about jelly beans and trees. I loved it and am now inspired once again to try to get this cute little book to the public. Imagine...two little boys gave me inspiration and hope. The book also has a coloring book in it. Contact me at Nancymellow@aol or buy a book by pre paying at pay pal, doozybags 8.95-By the way, the artist is a young teenager! Always inspire kids, give them the, you can do it  push.

YOUR kids aRe Pushed OUT of schools !!!

      Recently I was reminded about something that has been going on for generations. This is really not new. Have you been told your child, just can't make it here, just isn't up to par, doesn't fit in, doesn't have what it takes academically and on and on ?
      Kids who live in the city and country, suburban, urban, whatever the label is-it happens everywhere to any student. It happens more to kids who have parents who no longer have the fight or resources               and who just don't know any better so they believe what they're told by the schools.
    It's true we're not all straight A students. But the funding is there to use to help students do a whole lot better, but schools would rather spend the excess on students who "make them proud". Football, soccer, softball, basketball, Musically inclined and high academic achiever students. Those kids will receive scholarships. Less than average students will be shown the door. School receive funds, extra funds for special ed students and receive tax credits for the same.
   Then there are the behavior students who give some problems, sometimes very serious. What's done with them ? They are sent to a behavior school and might, just might receive a diploma from such a school. Their future job will know they graduated from such a school and so what chances do they have to get a good job?
    I have recently have learned a bout a school , NEW STORY. This school is set up for kids with autism and serious emotional needs and kids attend all day long. Within this school a student can attend until age 22, not only learning academics, but social and vocational skills. An Apartment is set up in a room and another room has tools and on it goes to fit all needs.
    My biggest questions is why don't all school build such a system within every district in every school in every state ? Second why does a student have to wait to lean vocational skills in either the ninth or tenth grade? BUT that's only if they are academically and behaviorally ready? So during all of the early years they cannot seem to meet the academic challenges, and of course they can't get into a vocational school.
    OUR system is screwed up for all of the students who are less than those who bring the money in, the almighty dollar! Do not, any longer allow a school to push your student through! Fight, fight and fight some more. I was told the only reason my child was still in the school was because I owned a home in this district . That too is bull crap. What about all of the other students ? Contact the ACLU-Contact The EDUCATION LAW CENTER- CONTACT your NEWSPAPER. Good Luck !

Jelly Beans? Did they grow in the Jelly Bean Forest? A Movie?

Can you Imagine a huge Jelly Bean Tree that has a big mouth that opens so children can sit? This one does. That is my favorite picture of all and it's very hard to decide. No that tree isn't shown. Sorry I am not good at taking pictures, but see for yourself at doozybags.etsy.com

 This wonderful, and happy little book is only 8.95

 Just think about this as a children movie...all Imagination, wonderful imagination.

Jelly Bean Forest Movie-

 Written by myself Nancy Costa and illustration by Tom Kastet a teen in Norway with unbeatable artistic talent. I couldn't have done it without him. Can you imagine a Movie titled The Jelly Bean Forest or yet a New York Play for Children? I can. See the book come alive with all of its characters, colorful trees and Jelly beans. Who is the man standing at the fence?  There is also a Jelly Bean Jerk song and dance within the book as well as a coloring book within. The book can be purchased off etsy. I have about 18 left. 

doozybags.etsy.com

The Jelly Bean Forest Children's Book

This great little book, story, has a coloring book inside of The Jelly Bean Forest as well as The Jelly Bean Jerk Dance song. Made just short enough for little ones to remember. The story is surprising, happy, a tiny bit sad but surprising, and so colorful. Also the art work was done by a fifteen year old boy in Norway, my very young cousin Tom Kastet.  I promise you, children will love this. It can be purchased from Etsy/Doozybags is the name to see. 

doozybags.etsy.com

Ladies, Vocal Fry Voice, Pretense

      As I listened to a woman this morning talk about water contamination, she suddenly sounded different almost like she had a scratchy voice, but she didn't. This is what's known as vocal fry voice and it is usually women, younger women who do it. There are some older women, but not many. These are young women who feel that if they lower their voice, they sound more important and smarter. Rarely young men also do it-What the hell is wrong with them ?
    I just finished telling a young lady who was visiting about this. She said she never heard of it. While we were having a relaxed chat she sounded like anyone else. Then it happened. She started talking about the reason she was here, a professional reason and her voice dropped. Is this a sign of insecurity ? You have to lower your voice to sound scratchy? Why? You know your job, career, position and you get paid. Stop the pretense ! You don't sound smarter and more intelligent. You sound annoying. You sound like you maybe have a sore throat. The problem is you switch it off and on. Remember Vocal FRY voice. Bottom line, you are a fake !

Water & Mosquito's=Virus

      Many people don't know that water attracts Mosquito's. Any puddles, standing water, over watering plants will attract mosquito's. We know how these poor babies are born deformed because of the Zika virus and it's happening in the United States too. As the weather warms up here, we will have the same issues as the countries do which have high rates of babies born with this disease. Remember Ebola? This is as bad and in my opinion worse. Protect yourselves, start with getting rid of standing water.

Gov"t Needs to pay WATER in FLINT

       People should stop paying completely for their water in my opinion, in Flint Michigan. What would they be paying for? POISON ? Imagine if the water company no longer receives a dime ? They already pay-they have to go out to get water, no matter who is supplying it, costing gas and time.  The government should not only be ashamed, but a list of names of who is responsible for all of this should go out. Do any one of them live in FLINT? What are the rich government officials doing for their own water ?

Rikers 45,000. Per Prisoner

    That's the cost to keep one prisoner each year at Rikers in New York. By now that may have gone up. So I wonder why these no goods are being paid to work there? Why? First they break the law costing taxpayers, then go to prison and continue to cost taxpayers and yet the trash gets an education, free medical and dental, haircuts, prison clothes, showers-yes shower-waters cost money- food, phone calls. This is BS, yet we as citizens are told if we don't educate them, they will get out and repeat.
   I really believe, put them in an ARMY uniform and give them a real education by dropping this trash off in war zones. Go in cowrads, come out men. Prisoners are nothing but cowards who can't face life ! You want a free pass, defend your country you slime, and we also need to bring back the electric chair!

Alzheimers, US Ranks # Two Highest world wide-WHY?

    After seeing B. Smith on Dr. Oz yesterday I was curious about Alzheimer's, senility, dementia, call it what you want. We as an AMERICAN nation rank the second highest in the world. LOOK IT UP! WHY ? Why are we and about a dozen other countries so high with our citizens having Alzheimer's while most other countries are so very low.
    Having such a low rate with Alzheimer's means less medical bills, less personal care, less deaths and more. What are our researches NOT DOING that other countries are. We need to know ! We need to learn ! Now, not in a few years. Is this once again about money and med costs ? After all, many are old, so why bother ? But many young people are getting this awful disease in their thirties to fifties. We need answers now !
       A lady like B. Smith who gets Alzheimer's is in an odd way fortunate, only because she has money, so her husband/companion takes care of her in style. He makes sure she eats a healthy diet, works out, gets on a treadmill and socializes and also does reading/writing exercises as well as take her meds. Then there are those who don't have the money or insurance, so what happens to them? They will go into  a city nursing home. We know how most of those places are and we have heard horror stories. If you own a home, they go back five years and will take every penny you have left. Sure you should pay if you can, but isn't this part of whats wrong in our country?  So if you sold your home four years prior and possible gave money to your kids, gambled it, went on vacations and just don't have any left but can't prove what you did with your own money at that time, what will a nursing home do?
    What alternatives do we have?

New Story Schools in PA. Why Not Where You Live ?

       Today I had a tour of a New Story School in Lancaster Pa. Look them up, PLEASE ! these schools should be in every states in ever school district. Instead what happens is kids with extra special needs are sent to hospitals on a recycling  way any time they act up because they know how to get that break from school, know how to say just what will put them in a hospital. So what happens with their education? It causes a lapse, and they get behind. Or they will be sent to a residential facility.
    Keep your taxes in your own communities and demand to get a New Story where you live. Now, It doesn't have to be an actual New Story school, but a setting like new story in your own district in your state.
When schools have to send kids outside of the district to go to behavioral schools, your taxes will go up.

So support your schools by asking over and over again about implementing a New Story style facility within a building or building in your schools. This type of school has an autism feature and an emotional support feature. It also has an "apartment" set-up for life skills with a washer-dryer, bed, stove, fridge, kitchen cabinets, dishes and more. Students clean up at the end of every day. Their is a fun/game room,  sensory room, an outside play area, a small gym, a small cafeteria and kids pack lunches so they learn to use a microwave, a stove and whatever they need to assist with a lunch. They can take snacks, but no peanuts. as many kids are allergic. Staff are readily available. I saw one on one and Tss's are allowed.
  This is more than worth while. The High school piece-kids get to go to the grocery store and shop for their own lunch, using budgeting skills and I'm sure if parents can't afford that, there are other options.

Fight for this program. We also have many special teachers who are not valued enough who have worked with special ed kids and now not working. This would put every teacher back to work. Kids go a full day and parents are not called if kids need to be restrained to come and get them. The support staff handle this. It doesn't get any better for the kids who attend, the families who have these kids who need this kind of a school and the taxpayers who pay more to send kids out of the district to behavioral schools where mainly they just don't learn enough. They build football fields don't they? That's because football players are special kids. They build it on the school property. What about the kids who need to be,should be closer to home, and not have a 45 minute ride to go out of the district? Too bad they don't play football.

Millionaires, Please Donate to Five Children's Hearts

     On Dateline tonight, January 17, 2016 I am watching a family who discovered one child had cardiomyopathy and then another, and another and two more. All five children need need hearts ! The expense  of the meds they take is at least 75,000, not sure over what time period. I was so engrossed in this story.
   At the same time a little one was going to have a transplant and older child was admitted to the heart ICU.
Thank God for Organ Donors. So sad that a young child has to die so another child can live.

    Now Millionaires and Billionaires, open your HEARTS by opening your dollars. Help this family and more who have such giant burdens to try to pay for medical expenses, meds and more...Please
   I think the family name is Stacey and Jason Bingham, but you can easily check to make sure. They live in Oregon.

Doctor/Produce Bills-Blue Zones

       Inch by Inch I feel my jeans aren't as tight as they were a week ago. Grocery shopping has taken on a new meaning. I can buy a few turkey breasts, frozen of course, a bunch of apples that I never buy already bagged, pears which are great for you, and any other fruit and vegetables  that I know I will use fresh, and not waste. Buying frozen vegetables I also do with frozen blue berries, a few bags at a time
    The idea is eating better saves going to the doctor, as you are now healthier. You don't have to live in a BLUE ZONE to create a Blue Zone life. Blue Zone living is eating what grows naturally, move naturally, faith and friends/family. Sounds easy? It is, but not at first if you're used to eating like I was. too much pizza, eating out, ice cream, convenient store stops for coffee and whatever.
    We all can use to improve our faithful living. It does help as ell as a circle of friends and family. Choose those friends who think and eat and live like you do. Move  naturally means, you don't have to join a gym, but sure if you want to, do. Stock up so you're not tempted to eat out or buy quick meals from a convenience store. Good Luck...oh I almost forgot....those doctor bills piling up, the pharmacy costs,  and endless trips for the doctor and pharmacy-will just about disappear when you live a Blue Zone life.
Blue Zones come from areas where people have rates almost zero of cancer and heart disease. They are usually hot areas where fruit and vegetables are plentiful. You can buy what ever is in season, and you can also grow your own, even in apartments, on fire escapes, back yards, community gardens. Seek and ye shall find:)

Those Sitting BATHTUBS-$$$$$$$$

    Okay so we all have seen the advertisements for the sit down tub/showers. Notice they prey on the elderly as infirm. These advertisers count on retirees, good credit and the fact that old people don't know any better.
    Well take another look at the prices and interest. Then take another look at new showers. In today's market many shower makers have seats in them and anyone can add long handled hoses. Put a phone in your bathroom with a long wire, easy to pull off so u can dial, or put one close to the floor.
   Save your thousands of dollars, bank accounts, credits and interest payments. Just look at other options first. Don't let TV take your money by putting fear in you. Good Luck.

Bone Broth, Sauerkraut & Nuts, Advocados

       Convinced am I about this. I now roast vegetables, including cabbage. Cabbage, Kimchi, Sauerkraut is needed for a healthy gut, helps with weight loss too. The three items I listed will change how you feel, move and think. Bone broth is what people made for many, many early years and we need the good fat to balance things out, like nuts and avocados. Almonds are an awesome nut as are few others like walnuts. You can  pack them up and keep with you all day at work, trips, biking, movies and more. You can also freeze the bone broth but put it through a a sieve first, make broth cubes and when you want a sip of broth soup, bam, it's there. You really cannot go wrong and think about this as well. How Cheap is this all? Give it one month. You'll be very happy you did.

Muscle Maker Grill ! WOW, Undercover Boss

       I just finished watching Undercover Boss. I barely paid attention to name so all I can say is this:they guy who has owned it for two years now is a big softee. At the end when they showed him and Justin talking, suddenly the boss said, I have an idea for you...well I think that was an emotional spur of the moment blurt, but still a great one. He offered this young college kid his own franchise when he graduates and gave him money to boot helping now with books and expenses.
    Muscle Maker Grill  looks awesome and I wish they had them in Pennsylvania. But once I head north to relax a bit, I'll look up one in Staten Island or Jersey. Good Job Boss. Oh, that guy who is working 16 hours a day, you never really called him out on his lies.

A Jewish Dream

      I know ! A Jewish Dream ? How weird is that? I'm not even Jewish, but who cares.  So here it is: Suddenly I found myself in an apartment or house, couldn't really tell and i Was a teenager again wearing penny loafers which I did wear as a kid, and a long print dress, which I never wore. My hair was shoulder length and more curly at the bottom and I wore bangs. I never had bangs except as a five-year old.

     Well inside this home was gathering of a lot of people, all in their mid twenties to late thirties and me. Someone was missing, the old man. I didn't have any idea who the old man was or his relation to anyone yet. I walked around the people, looking and listening. Everyone was drinking, what they were drinking I couldn't tell. Glasses were clear. It was crowded and so much chatter was going on. Then the old man came in.
       He was so slender, wore a dark suit and shirt. He had a hat on and took it off when he came in. He was stooped over, but not sing a cane or walker. He was shaking his head and nodding, looking about. I went to him and asked why he was gone so long. Hands up he said, look, why would I want to be here? This is family ? We walked and sat at an old wooden table. I asked if he wanted something to eat. He took out another round hat and placed it on his head. He said, no, I cannot what they  have on plates, that every hand gas touched, so unclean.

      He asked me if I had a candle. I went to my room-oow I had a room-took out a candle, matches and gave to the old man. He lit the candle and said a prayer for family, old values and traditions. He took me to the refrigerator and showed me how the food was all scattered and then a hand reached around him grabbing lunch meat off a tray. The old man said, see, unclean. A man standing at the sink came to us and said hello dad, I'm happy you're here. Why said the old man, what is here for me anymore? look at what you have done to our Jewish family, traditions gone, dress gone, values gone, food gone. Have you forgot? The son looked sad, walked to the people in his home and asked everyone to leave. As they trailed out, he returned to his father and said, I'm sorry dad and I woke up as I was walking away in my dream.

My 9 Day Food Test

       I have had enough ! This didn't start out as a test, but looking at the past nine days, it seems to be that anyway. Stress, food, exercise, happiness, weight control, time management, all in one. But again, that didn't start that way.
     I take care of a child who has been in and out of schools, emotional problems and again waiting  for another school to be found. So he was away and it was time for him to come home again. This time going to get him, I wasn't s upbeat and hopeful as I usually was on other trips. My think was, here we go again and why am I still doing this?
    Anyway we arrived home and just managed the way to a few days before New Years Eve when I decided to grocery shop, like I haven't done in a few years. I also put my firm foot down, more than before. He would no longer spend my time because he put himself in this situation. He is a cute and lovable little guy, yet after two years, something or someone has to give and it felt like me.  Two day before getting him, I woke with a painful and stiff neck adding to my, well to my feelings about it all.
      Well I and he as well went on a plant based way of eating. This I tried three years ago and felt great, no kids in the house. In a month I lost25 lbs without feeling like I was trying. So here I went again and this time, was not buying different foods for this guy. He gained a lot of weight when he was away and he's short. So seven days pass, I lost seven pounds and then thinking I may be depriving him, buy some ice cream and pizza and a donut each. Horrible, just horrible ! Before I indulged I started to sleep better, keep better hours, was popping up off my chair, moving around like crazy.
    Then I indulged and God help me, I just wanted to sleep most of the day and my energy was zapped. I'm not joking. I felt like crap. Well this happened between yesterday and today. I don't want to move. I only want to sit and watch TV. I'm now finished with bring crap into the house for good.
  Tomorrow I wake up and eggs, sweet potatoes wait for me and I them. I made beef broth from a shin bone, have fresh vegetables. Imagine. I just can't wait. Roasted cauliflower ? Never thought I would love that before ice cream. I do.

Doctor Bills ? Apples ? ! CBS-Charlie Rose

            I know you've heard it all before, but I have never heard a newscaster say to a doctor, but isn't this all the same. On CBS my favorite morning relaxing show,  a doctor was on with another book. At the end of the chat, Charlie Rose asked what we were mostly all thinking-isn't this just more of the same and mentioned what it takes to just stay healthy.
   I've know forever, like we all do what it takes to be healthy-"WE" just don't use self-discipline. This doctor stated, Carbs at the end of the day. Because your sugar spikes so mainly better to have that happen at dinner time when you know it will go back down so you can get to bed relaxed. In his book he also tells what are the exact foods that are higher in protein, that we need early. I know, other books have that also.
     Seven days ago I started plant based-not fully-I know me. But I have now lost seven and a half pounds. I didn't, am not doing it for weight control, although to be honest, I look like  a female quarterback-lol
     I am doing this because I remembered how I felt three years ago when I was first shown a film at my sons father-in-laws home-OUR FOOD, ( not the film name) what we eat is horrible. I know we love junk and it's about turning your life, your hard earned money into what they were, are, both meant for, 
                                                                        LIVING !
       It's much easier to make a 5 qt. crock of chicken, use the broth after you chill it a day, remove the fat, and pull apart the chicken also the next day, and add bunch of fresh carrots, a bag of frozen vegetables. That fed me and my little guy six meals. He is 14. He ate apples, and I gave us both flat bread to share, not with every meal. I will do the same with beef, make my own broth rather than use store cans or waxed containers with preservatives.a
     PLEASE, don't think I won't have pizza, ice cream and mac n cheese-sometimes, maybe once a week, choosing between pizza and mac n cheese.
     So In closing-DECIDE, where will your money go ? To Build a big house for your doctor ? Food as Medicine, it's own preservative or to the doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals or nursing homes. DO you want to be an ABLED person or DISABLED?
    

Denton & Palant, Brave Cowards, Long Island

           I live out of New York, but am a New Yorker. The crime these two boys and that's what they are, boys committed, could have killed people. Andrew Denton who is 17 from East Meadow and Jacob Palant, 19, of  Syosset decided it would be fun to throw bricks at cars from an overpass above the Meadow brook state parkway in Uniondale on December 26, 2015.
     Two people were sent to the hospital with so-called minor injuries. Injuries do not always show immediately !
      What I want to know is WHY?  Yes, I realize crime goes on all the time and many are thrill seekers, like I think these two selfish, uncaring, unfeeling boys are. What if a family member happened to be in one of the cars and the car crashes, killing a family member of one of those boys?
   Here's my solution to crimes like these and let  kids know now: YOU will be joining the Military once you leave juvie for at least two years. This is for females as well, no reason not to.

St. JUDES Childrens Hospital Challenge !

     I have not been personally touched by St. Judes in a way that families are who bring their children there, and don't know anyone who has. But this makes it no less urgent.
    When I learned many years ago that St. Jude does not charge for  medical care, housing , travel or food, I knew that would always be my main charity. St. Jude started many years ago, 1962, at a  time when only twenty percent of children survived, now it's eighty percent. On average 94,900 children are treated yearly.
   
      How much do we spend on lottery tickets, cigarettes, latte? Magazines are so expensive and all of our personal hobbies and habits. We worry about fancy sneakers, brand name clothes, new cars, trips and things that would mean nothing if we lost a child. What if this was your child?
     I donate often, but now realize I got off track, so I will make sure to send a check monthly, on my birthday. They are asking for 19. a month. NINETEEN ! I know many cannot afford that, but many more can. People go to bars, have gym memberships, take cruises,  buy high priced furniture, and buy all kinds of lessons for their children, themselves, karate, music, art and more. Restaurants are filled with people eating out. Skip that once a month and send to St. Jude-I am.
    Maybe in a family members name,donate 19.00 monthly. please help St. Jude, a partner in hope.

By the way, I bought power ball tickets and I hope I win, if only to give half to St. Jude. After all, who needs that much money when it will benefit the lives of so many children. We have great doctors and research scientists.. Let's help them help our children.