Recharge Needed

(Internet source)

No fooling — Happy April 1 — but a recharge was needed last week, not for a battery, but a human, myself.

That's because electrolytes became depleted due to some sort of stomach bug.

It's resolved now, after a medical office visit, several tests and getting rehydrated over the course of several days.

Was it a stomach bug? 

There's uncertainty as to what initiated the issues as we had attended a couple of weekend events. One was a catered luncheon at the local historical society. Food served possibly could have been the cause.

Whatever the cause, early last Tuesday, my body was reacting to something that had been ingested or perhaps airborne. Sparing all the details here, but anyone who has dealt with the aftermath of food poisoning may already know the symptoms, which are most unpleasant.

By mid-week, not only was I not able to hold down anything, but was fatigued, disoriented and had a headache, despite having spent most of the previous 2 days lying down. 

It was time to seek medical advice.

An appointment with our medical provider determined that I had become severely dehydrated based on the above symptoms. Certain tests were also ordered to rule out an infection. The tests were all negative for any.

Sports drinks with electrolytes

The recommendation was to buy sports drinks with electrolytes and to drink several bottles over the following days. That being done, within a day, I was feeling better with less fatigue, eventually the headache and lightheaded feeling went as well.

I knew about electrolytes, but had never purchased or tried any of the available bottled sports drinks. All of which advertise replacement of electrolytes.

Now I know a lot more.

Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?

Depending on which electrolytes are too high or too low, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Some folks don’t feel any signs of an electrolyte imbalance; others may have severe symptoms caused by illness or other factors. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance can include: Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, numbness and tingling, constipation, confusion. 

What electrolytes do

Quite simply, they help your body function. Electrolytes are electrically charged chemicals and essential minerals that include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate. These are located in bodily fluids, like sweat, blood and urine. When these minerals dissolve in the blood or other body fluids, they develop electric charges. These charges send signals to your nerves and muscles telling them what to do. Electrolytes also help balance pH levels (the measure of acidity and alkalinity) and support muscle and nerve function. They also help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate. It’s important to replenish the electrolytes lost.

Essential body electrolytes (Internet image)

Some of the most common electrolytes in the human body include bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium and sodium. 

• Bicarbonate - balances pH levels and moves carbon dioxide through the bloodstream. 
• Calcium - supports strong bones and teeth)
• Chloride - regulates fluids and helps the body maintain a healthy blood volume
• Magnesium - supports heart, muscle and nerve function, and helps regulate blood sugar
• Phosphate - works with calcium to build healthy bones and teeth 
• Potassium - helps the body’s cells, heart and muscles function properly
• Sodium -  helps maintain fluid balance

How to get electrolytes

It's fairly certain that food provides enough electrolytes. You likely get all the electrolytes needed by eating a healthy diet. Usually, the amount of minerals being consumed through diet is beyond what's needed. and can replace them by eating food or drinking fluids that contain electrolytes. While it's needed for hydration, water doesn't contain electrolytes. Electrolyte products, often sold as powders or sports drinks help the body replenish its electrolytes.

There are times when it's necessary to supplement electrolytes from food, for example: 

• After illnesses with vomiting and diarrhea
• Before, during and after prolonged exercise or heavy sweating
• When in extreme heat for an extended period
• When suffering from a hangover.

The BRAT Diet 

No, it's not named after a badly behaved child, but when someone is dealing with digestive issues (diarrhea, nausea or vomiting) this diet is most recommended by medical professionals, including my own. 

BRAT diet foods: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast

The low-fiber short-term eating plan consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. All these foods are easy to digest and provide essential potassium. The foods are easy to digest and are less likely to trigger nausea as they don’t have much fat (or flavor). The diet is very restrictive and lacks protein, fat, fiber and essential vitamins/minerals and isn't for long-term use.

These bland, stomach-settling foods might resemble those your mother served when you were as a kid during sick days. Mine used to give me ginger ale and saltines and it was always surprising how good they tasted afterwards.

Are other foods allowed?

Other light, bland foods work, even if they don’t fit the BRAT acronym. These include: plain crackers, cereals and oatmeal, eggs, skinless chicken that's baked or poached.

Foods to avoid on the BRAT diet include: dairy products (milk, cheese), fatty, fried, greasy foods, spicy foods, high-fiber foods (raw vegetables, bran), alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

(Internet source)

Describing an illness is never pleasant, but as a community, bloggers share what's been going on in their daily lives. Also, this information might prove helpful to someone else.

There hasn't been a clear determination of the cause for my illness, perhaps just a stomach "bug" that has passed (no pun intended). The sports drinks and Brat diet were very helpful.

Unfortunately, due to illness, there was no blog reading or posting done. I hope to catch up on what everyone's been doing as much as possible the rest of this week. Time is limited as we leave on our first 2026 travel adventure early next week. A brief overview will be posted. We're exploring more of the U.S., but it's not a road trip.

Friday Funnies

It's the first day of spring, which officially arrives today in the Eastern US on Friday, March 20, at 10:46 a.m.

That said, the Nashua, NH, weather for the upcoming week is less than Spring-like and includes the possibility of light snow early this coming Monday.

Last week, gulls were sunning themselves on some ice that remained on the Nashua River. Most of this ice has since melted and the water is free flowing as of this past week.

The open water brought a return of mallard ducks and pairings off were definitely in evidence.

It will be weeks until any spring colors are seen here as it's been a long cold and snowy winter season.

This car parked downtown last week is the closest to the color of daffodils, which won't be blooming here for a while. The eyes and lashes were unusual and cute.

This weekend starts off with attendance at the Tiny Film Festival at the Nashua Public Library. This fun annual event consists of viewing 1-minute films submitted by community members in several age groups. Attendees will walk the red carpet, then view the submitted films. The evening is capped off by an awards ceremony. (Library staff voted on the winning films.)

Saturday, we're on a road trip as oldest granddaughter is participating in a cheerleading tournament in MA and earplugs will be taken along. If you've ever been to one of these events, you will know why these are a good great take-along. 

Sunday, the Nashua Historical Society is hosting its annual member luncheon. These are always interesting events. This year, attendees have been asked to bring along something old to show and discuss. So, Patrick told me I could take him 😀.

Our at-home St Patrick's dinner was delicious thanks to chef Patrick. And, thanks for sharing how you would be observing the day (or not).

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Spring weather will arrive —eventually.

Happy Celebration

Happy St Patrick's ☘️ Day to everyone from Patrick and myself.

As always, Maxine was dressed festively at the Hudson (NH) Senior Center last week, a few days ahead of the actual celebration day.

Folks will be celebrating two Irish-themed pubs in Nashua, NH, Casey Magee's Irish Pub & Music Hall and The Peddler's Daughter. We're dining at home on corned beef with all the trimmings, including homemade soda bread, courtesy of chef Patrick. 

In the careful what you hope for department, last Friday's post featured photos collages of disappearing snow in Nashua, NH. That soon changed early the next morning, when we saw this winter wonderland, thankfully a short-lived one that was gone by 10 am.

Followed by yesterday's all day rain, that reminded me of the melancholic 1971 song, Rainy Days and Mondays vocalized by Karen Carpenter, one of my favorite tunes.

Your Turn — If celebrating today, are you dining at home or going out?

Friday Funnies

Here's something that could be considered a road hazard — a discarded banana peel, which was on the pavement when I stepped out of the car last week.

I avoided this hazard last week

While it's often a cartoon theme, stepping on a banana peel is a real hazard that can result in serious injury. Since I've heard that many times, I wondered why.

According to online sources, it's because its surface is smooth, and when stepped on, the peel can act as a lubricant. This significantly reduces the friction between your shoe and the ground beneath the peel. The lack of friction makes it harder for your foot to get a grip and also makes it difficult to maintain balance as your center of gravity can shift, leading to a loss of stability. Think of it like trying to walk on ice – there's very little friction there as well.

The chances of slipping on a peel are greater than you might think. That's because a banana is considered the world's most popularly eaten fruit with over 100 billion eaten annually.

Good news in Nashua this week was the disappearing snow, thanks to some warm days.

The window view from our apartment of the Nashua River and downtown

Snow before and after views of Main Street, Nashua, NH

Those recent spring-like days were short-lived as temps are returning to the 30s and 40s this week.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

This weekend is the annual 3-day book sale of the library Friends group

A Fur to a Bear

Years ago, women accessorized with fur coats, stoles, and capes especially for occasions like weddings, dinners and holidays. 

The fur fashion trend peaked from the 1930s through the late 1950s. It seemed to represent luxury and glamour, popularized by movie stars of the times. In the 1920s, fur became a staple of Hollywood style and evening wear. In the 1940s-50s, a fur stole was considered a symbol of elegance worn for day and evening affairs and sometimes featuring animal heads and tails. Wearing fur was less popular in the 1960s and years after due to various concerns, mainly ethical and environmental.

In recent years, real fur has experienced a comeback with social media sites popularizing the trend. Influencers have been showing vintage pieces worn with casual outfits. Preowned vintage fur is seen as a sustainable, guilt-free, and stylish option as many major brands and designers, Gucci, Prada and Chanel continue to ban new fur.

Because of the cost, fur was not part of most everyday, non-Hollywood wardrobes. Some women saved up to purchase such a costly accessory. 

My mother was one such woman. She was a homemaker and enjoyed dressing up when she and my father attended annual conventions for his trade (electrical contractor) or when they went to formal affairs. She very stylish as shown in these 1930s photos.

My late mother enjoyed stylish fashions of the time

In the mid-1950s, she bought a fur stole from a department store in my hometown of Plainfield, NJ. As this was an extravagant purchase, she bought in on a payment plan as shown by a receipt she kept with the fur.

My mother died over 10 years ago. My brother and I settled her estate and cleared out our childhood home. Many household items and clothing were either discarded, donated or sold. However, the fur (shown on the right) was not one of those items.

Until last week, it was stored in a closet here in Nashua, NH. Opening the closet door brought bittersweet memories, mostly good ones, of my mother's joy when she wore it.

My late parents dressed up and going out

It would never be worn again and it was long past time to do something with it. So, last week, I sent it to Dayton, OH.

Why?

Because a fairy godmother will transform my mother’s fur into a memory teddy bear. I found Fairy Godmother Creations through an online search. (There are other sites that offer similar conversions, but this one impressed me the most). According to its website: Fairy Godmother Creations can convert your clothing, fur coat or wedding dress into heirloom gifts that tie generations together. 

According to the website information, fairy godmother, Liane, has been creating these bears for over 25 years. The website included a phone number so that anyone interested in speaking to a human could contact her.

I called Liane and, during our chat, received instructions on how to package and send the fur. (The website contains order forms with complete instructions and costs.) She assured me that an email would be sent when it arrived, 2 days that email came. 

It could take a few months for the conversion from fur to teddy bear. As for the cost, it's not inexpensive — $185 with an added $16 for return shipping in addition to the cost of sending. To me, this expense is priceless.

And, I can wait. After 10 years, time won't make a difference. Once the bear is done and before mailing, an email will be sent with a photo. 

When the teddy bear arrives at its new home, of course, there will be a future photo post, so bear with me (pun intended). But, before then, I need to think about its name.

Your turn — Do you name inanimate objects in your home ?

Friday Funnies

This pet was traveling in the vehicle ahead of us this past week and apparently wanted to get a better view along Main Street.

By the time, the truck pulled into the CVS parking lot he was hanging out the back window. This truck was in front of our car, my cell phone was readily available and, like this pet, I was a passenger as well. You never know when a photo opp can happen.

Enjoy Your Weekend Everyone

Winter weather again today with snow, sleet and freezing rain.

Springing ahead with ⏰ changing this weekend.

Slam the Spam

Spammers are everywhere as anyone on social media can attest. But, it's not just social media that attracts these unscrupulous predators. Spammers use phone calls, email and text messages to entice folks to part with their money and/or personal information.

So, after receiving received email information about Slam the Spam, decided to share in a post. Thankfully, we haven't fallen victim to any of these schemes; however, countless others have and unfortunately, in recent years that included a family member.

One thing is certain, you can never be too careful. Although agencies referred to in this post are specific to the U.S., there may be similar agencies in other countries as well.

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual campaign to give people information to help them stay safe, informed, and connected. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has an online toolkit with information on how to stop unwanted calls (robocalls) texts and emails.

On Thursday, March 5, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are supporting National Slam the Scam Day by providing more information on recognizing imposters.

Recognizing the basic signs of a scam gives everyone power to ignore spammers and report the activity based on some of the following red flags from scammers who: 

• Pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain trust.
• Tell you there is a problem or that you’ve won a prize.
• Pressure you for immediate action.
• Tell you to pay in a specific way (gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency) — often with the promise of keeping your money safe.

All of these are glaring red flags since authentic government agencies will never:

• Threaten with arrest or legal action if you don't agree to pay money right away.
• Suspend a Social Security number.
• Claim to need personal info or payment to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase. These are automatic.
• Pressure you to take immediate action and to share personal information.
• Threaten to seize your bank account.
• Offer to move your money to a “protected” bank account.
• Demand secrecy.
• Direct message you on social media.
• Ask for payment using certainspecific methods

Unfortunately, scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an additional tactic to trick people. Actions that everyone can take:

• Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” claiming there is a problem with a Social Security number or account.
• Never engage if a call feels "off."
• Don't make any requested as many of the requested methods are untraceable.

What You Can Do

Report Social Security-related scams at oig.ssa.gov and report other government imposter scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Spread the word by using #SlamTheScam on social media to raise awareness and repost #SlamtheScam content on social media to help protect family and friends.

In the past year, a fellow blogger posted about falling victim to a scam; other bloggers may recall the post. Not only was the incident unfortunate to read about, but showed that scammers are always willing to take advantage of others. 

While it's not possible to eliminate spams and scams entirely, there are ways to stop them from happening to yourself and others. 

Friday Funnies

Friday Funnies post is a bit different today as it contains a recipe for a cake that goes by many names, one particular amusing — Wacky Cake.

If you've ever made or sampled this rich chocolate cake, then you know that it's delicious. After recently trying the recipe, I can attest to this fact.

Wacky Cake is a moist, chocolate eggless, dairy-free cake which uses vinegar and baking soda for leavening. It's easy, inexpensive and mixed directly in the baking pan and eliminates the need for a mixing bowl. The wacky name comes from its lack of traditional ingredients and its mixing method. This cake also goes by several other names, including:

• Crazy Cake - similar to "wacky," refers to surprising, ingredient-less recipe.
• Depression or War Cake - so called when rationing made butter, milk, eggs scarce.
• Crazy Cake - like "wacky," refers to surprising, ingredient-less recipe.
• Three-Hole Cake - refers to traditional method of creating three wells in dry ingredients.
• Milkless, eggless, butterless cake - highlights the lack of popular ingredients.
• Poor Man's Cake - highlights budget-friendly nature of the dessert.
• Cemetery Cake - refers to a simple, quick, comforting recipe for hard times. 

While names differ, the cake basically follows the same recipe with basic ingredients of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, vinegar, oil and water. Often, coffee is substituted in place of water for a deeper flavor.

Historical Background

The recipe gained prominence during the Great Depression and then WW I and II when dairy and eggs were either costly or rationed. The recipe was created by home cooks using basic pantry staples to provide a sweet treat during times of scarcity. 

Years ago, radio shows and women's magazines played a large role in promoting the recipe. Betty Crocker's Cooking Hour provided women with budget-friendly recipes. General Mills, owner of Betty Crocker, employed nutritionists and cooks to experiment with different ways of ruining a cake by omitting certain items. Ladies' Home Journal offered baking tips during the Great Depression by recommending that eggs be replaced with baking powder and using inexpensive grains and produce.During the COVID pandemic, the recipe's popularity was renewed as a simple quarantine baking project. 

Here's what's needed, including optionals:

• 1-½ cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5-6 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup water or coffee (optional for richer flavor)
• Optional: 1/2 tsp Espresso powder to boost chocolate flavor

How it Works

The reaction between the baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) creates carbon dioxide bubbles, which makes the cake rise without eggs. 

Traditional Preparation - "Three Wells" Method

Since prep time will be very quick, it's best to pre-heat the oven — 350℉ (175℃) before mixing ingredients together. 

1. Sift or whisk dry ingredients directly into an ungreased 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan. Make three depressions (wells) in the dry mixture, one large and two small. Pour oil into the large well, then vinegar and vanilla into two smaller wells. Pour water (or coffee) over everything and stir with a fork or whisk until smooth. 
2. Bake 25 - 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean. For 8x8 or 9x9 inch pans, 30–35 minutes is typical. Cool completely before frosting or dusting with confectioner's sugar.

Because it contains no animal products, wacky cake is vegan and dairy-free. It's also a popular option for folks with egg or milk allergies. 

This Wacky Cake was done for a neighbor’s birthday last week; the above photo is before it was frosted by mixing confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, water, vanilla and softened butter before checking for recipes without dairy. One butter-free frosting would be to melt chocolate then add condensed milk and vanilla extract, stir until it thickens and cool before frosting.

Based on reactions of those who tasted Wacky Cake, you won't be disappointed if you make it, especially if you're a chocoholic like Grenville and myself.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Hopefully, ours will be snow-free for a change

Robins pictured in the previous post haven't returned yet

It's NOT Over, Yet

Winter has been in two words — wintry and snowy so far this year, not only here in Nashua, NH, but so many other parts of the US.

Since the start of 2026, there's been about 5 measurable snowfalls here, the most recent were this past weekend, Friday overnight into Saturday, and again on Monday.

Saturday morning when we went for a walk along the recently completed riverwalk, there were some beautiful winter images.

The riverwalk extends along the Nashua River. There's an entrance from the first floor of Clocktower Place apartments shown in the arrow above.

The above winter scenes, familiar to readers of this blog, were taken from the safety and comfort of our 5th floor apartment during and after this past Monday's blizzard. Yes, NH had more snow, some parts of the state received more than others. We were on the low side in Nashua and had between 6-7 inches of new snow. 

Yard and car of RI family were buried in Monday snowstorm

Family living in RI just outside Providence were not as fortunate. That city received over 35 inches making it the largest snowfall in the city's history. Family in RI were still digging out on Tuesday. The bottom photo above is one of the family cars.

Enough of winter weather as Spring is coming even if these robins are early and gathered around open water on the Nashua River on Saturday morning. The photos were taken from our apartment window; the robins were across the river.

Here's another photo that wasn't doctored, but taken straight out of camera (SOOC) later on Saturday when we walked along the riverwalk.

We saw a lot of robins. This larger group of robins, commonly known as a round, blush or breast, was in the tree alongside the river. Amazingly, the robins were quite tolerant of our walking and didn't fly off. It was the first time we'd seen such a large gathering.

Does this signal early Spring? Possibly not as American Robins are native to New England and are one of the region's most common, widespread breeding birds. Many birds overwinter in New England relying on fruit and berries as worms definitely are unavailable now.

While we'd like to believe the robins, another round of snow is forecast for early today. Thankfully, it's only predicted to be an inch. We hope the forecast is correct.

It's hard to see in this photo, but it's snowing again on Wed, Feb 25

A freight train goes by across the river weekly on Wednesday

As of 8 am, a light snow was falling over Nashua, NH. This one is quite different from Monday's storm with just a slight wind. Once again, the Nashua River is covered over.

Friday Funnies

The snowy, wintry weather in Nashua, NH, and elsewhere has been conducive to being on the lookout for vanity license plates so far this year. There's a lot more of 2026 left with more sightings to come in better weather.

Curbside parking can be a challenge in snowy and icy weather/

The top car was parked away from an icy patch; however, the second car had no such issue.

Sad Update: A few weeks ago, I learned that Maeve, the resident canine in a local store who greeted all with a wagging tail passed away after this December post. She will be missed.

What a break from winter, this week's weather has been with temps in the mid 30s and low 40s. That was just a tease from Mother Nature. Jack Frost will return soon enough later today based on this forecast from the National Weather Service: 

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect from Noon Friday to 7 am Saturday

Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. In Maine, Coastal York County. In New Hampshire, Coastal Rockingham, Eastern Hillsborough, and Interior Rockingham Counties. From noon Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

A plowable snowfall is expected Friday afternoon and Friday night with reduced visibilities and slick travel. Snow may be briefly heavy Friday evening with significant impacts possible for the evening commute.  Snowfall will diminish in intensity Friday night.

We hope that this forecast is incorrect as forecasts have sometimes proved wrong.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Hope that any snow headed your way isn't too severe

For those counting down, it's 29 days until Spring