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 dedicated to equipping
the public with the knowledge and tools needed to 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 

Hearts Day 2026

Doing something romantic for Valentine's Day doesn't need to be expensive and doesn't require an expensive night out, heart shaped balloons or candy or flowers.

Romance isn't for a single day and doesn't come with a cost. It can take simple gestures on a daily basis like holding hands, opening doors, coffee in bed (my daily treat) or helping one another in small ways. Showing love is not about dollar value purchase, as romance really is priceless (sorry for the bad pun).

These displays of flowers, balloons & candies were in a local supermarket yesterday

Yet, this year spending for this one-day is expected to be billions of dollars in the U.S. alone. That estimate comes from The National Retail Federation which projected that Americans will spend over $29.1 billion on this single day. This figure will top the 2025 record of $27.5 billion. Individual gift spending is expected to be about $200 beating a 2020 previous high of $196.

The above photos weren't taken at a florist shop, bakery or gift store, but in Shaw's a local supermarket in Nashua, NH, yesterday afternoon. The previous day, we shopped in another local supermarket, Hannaford, and saw a similar scene in the floral department.

As for ourselves, we never, ever go out on Valentine's Day/ We're dining at home on filet mignon, baked potato, asparagus, preceded by shrimp cocktail. Candy treats will be leftovers from the holidays. Flowers will be on the dining room table next week, not for a holiday, but because we enjoy them. Cards will be plentiful, as always, will place of pride on the living room bookcases replacing recent birthday cards.

This week at the Hudson Senior Center (NH) Maxine was greeting everyone in her most colorful attire. If you notice, she's available and looking for a date as well.

Maxine is looking for love on Valentine's Day

Now a look-back at a sweet treat that so many of us can probably remember. 

Display of Sweethearts Cutie Pie candies in a local supermarket priced at 3 for $2

Sweethearts The Original Cutie Pie Conversation Hearts are small, heart-shaped candies produced by Spangler Candy. The cherry-strawberry heart-shaped candies feature messages like Cutie Pie, Be Mine, Marry Me and Kiss Me popular for Valentine’s Day. 

But, did you know that this one started here in New England ?

Sweetheart candies began in 1847 when Boston, MA pharmacist Oliver Chase invented a machine for medicinal lozenges which in turn lead to Necco (New England Confectionery Company) wafers, the first mass-produced American candy. In 1866, his brother, Daniel, designed a machine to print sayings on them using red vegetable dye. Candies were made in various shapes and were also larger with more words. The iconic heart shapes with brief messages started in 1901 and became a Valentine's Day tradition with short sweet wording due to limited space on the candy. Over the years, messages have been updated to include modern slang like Fax Me, Call Me, Text Me and Me & You. 

Necco went out of business in 2018 and family-owned Spangler Candy Company acquired the brand. The company didn't have enough time to produce them for Valentine's Day in 2019, but returned the classic candy to stores by 2020. Candies are made at the company's main facility in Bryan, OH and sold in 0.9 oz boxes often in multi-packs. Other popular Spangler brands include: Dum-Dums, Bit-O-Honey, Necco Wafers, Spangler Candy Canes, Spangler Circus Peanuts and Canada Mints.

And, now you know, the rest of the story.

We wish everyone a sweet and Happy ❤️ celebration and hope that yours is as special as ours will be, but not-as-costly as some others.

Friday Funnies

Fill 'er up

Did you know that the snow is truck away here in Nashua, NH ?

Just like in these photos. A front loader was filling dump trucks with buckets of snow.

Why? To save it for a hot summer.

Of course, this isn't true. However, it was interesting to watch this operation in the parking lot of a local supermarket yesterday. The snow was being cleared from customer parking.

Where was all this snow going ?

It was bring trucked and dumped a short distance to another parking lot. This one was formerly used by a movie theater, which closed a few years ago so the lot is unused now.

A panorama photo showing the Nashua River and the mill apartments (far left) earlier this week. The photo was raken from the recently completed river walk.

As some of you may know, today, is the first of three Friday the 13th dates in 2026. The next one comes soon on  March 13 and the last is on November 13. Three is the maximum dates possible in one year.

The fear of the number 13 is triskaidekaphobia (or friggatriskaidekaphobia) while the specific fear of Friday the 13th is paraskevidekatriaphobia. (whew)

The superstition is often linked to 13 guests at the Last Supper (with Judas the 13th) and the crucifixion of Jesus on a Friday. Other roots include Norse mythology, where thee trickster god Loki was the 13th guest at a feast. Studies have not shown that Friday the 13th is no more dangerous than any other day. 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone 

Skip the 13th. Celebrate the 14th with someone special

Fun Birthday Gifts

Let's talk gifts — birthdays, holidays or special occasions.

The holidays have passed and, as many readers of this blog already know, my birthday came around (again) last week. 

Gift giving becomes more problematic for several reasons when we reach a certain age, despite being still young at heart (isn't everyone?) 

There's a few reasons and those include that gifts are not needed or others find it hard to shop for one gift since (a) they don't know what someone wants or needs and (b) he/she may not need anything..

Typical American mah jongg set with tiles, racks, and bag

Admittedly, I fall into both of those categories, just ask my husband who, for years, has tried to surprise me with a gift. This year, he thought he had it figured in giving me an American mah jongg set similar to the one shown above as he knows I enjoy playing the game.

Was I surprised? 

Yes, but within 24 hours I asked if it could be returned not because his thoughtfulness wasn't appreciated, it was, but that's not why the request was made.

I've been playing American mah jongg for over a year, initially at the local library and also at the senior center where we're members. Both facilities have multiple game sets, that are free to use for playing. There's no need to own a set, although some people own  their own game  as they play regularly with family or friends when away from either facility. 

That's not true in my case. Patrick has no interest in learning or playing this form of mah jongg. Unfortunately, there's no one I know who lives in our apartment building and plays what is a multi-player game. So my gifted game set would have gone unused, essentially collecting dust. This version of mah jongg (unlike Chinese mah jongg) requires the purchase of an annual game card from the American Mah Jongg League, currently $15.

Instead of the game (which was successfully returned) I told my loving spouse that our road trip and meet up with friends in N Conway would be a great gift. He agreed and my birthday was spent candlepin bowling at Saco Valley Sports Center in Fryeburg ME, later dining on delicious Haddock fish tacos for Taco Tuesday. What made the day special was spending it with Patrick and our friends, Jill and Art.

Us with Friends Jill & Art at candlepin bowling, fish tacos and onion rings

Candlepin bowling dates is a New England-based variation of tenpin bowling that dates to 1880. The 10 bowling pins are narrow (15 3/4-inch tall) and the bowling ball is small and under 3 pounds without finger holes. Unlike regular bowling, players get three balls per frame (not 2), and fallen pins (deadwood) remain on the lane. 

Candlepin bowling lane with 10 pins and ball

The highest sanctioned game score is 245, which was set in1984 and 2011. A perfect 300 game is considered very difficult.

Computerized scoreboard with our names and scores (sigh)

The sports center features 16 candlepin lanes with modern amenities like computerized scoring. As the score sheet above shows, none of us came close to breaking any record.

My birthday outing doesn't mean that no gifts were received. Family and friends gifted me when we returned home to Nashua.

Oriental Lillies and carnation arrangement gifted by a neighbor

A neighbor had delivered this beautiful floral arrangement a couple of days before we left. The Oriental Lillies had not yet opened then, but did when we were gone. A week later, the lillies have all opened and I'm enjoying their wonderful fragrance.

Beware when people know you like something. You will received theme gifts. Some of you may recall the penguin puzzle received as a 2025 Christmas gift from family members. They gleefully continued that theme on my birthday and sent these gifts.

My birthday penguin

This birthday penguin stands less just under 3 inches. However, I didn't take the advice to have any birthday cake and opted for onion rings instead.

Penguin heat-changing mug goes from b&w to colorful outfits

How about a heat-transforming penguin mug to enjoy my tea in daily. When cold, the penguins stand around "chilling" and sport black-and-white formal wear. Pour in a warm beverage and see them change into very colorful outfits. The mug comes with instructions to hand wash only with warm water and soap, no soaking or scouring. It's microwave save, but keep out of the dishwasher. (If you're looking for an unusual gift, the sellers of this mug, The Unemployed Philosophers Guild has other heat-changing mugs and many other items.)

My personal supply of penguin pens

I will never run out of a pen especially one with a penguin design. All thanks to my PA granddaughter, who personally selected this gift according to her mom.

Penguin parking sign will be staying in our apt

If only there was someplace to mount this personal parking sign in the underground parking garage at the mill apartments. Sadly, there isn't so this gift will be parked in our apartment.

Cards for special occasions & holidays are always put on the bookcase

Last, but certainly not least, there were cards from family and friends, including one that traveled across the pond from the UK, thanks Kath and Andrew.

So, everyone, that was how I spent my 2026 birthday and surprises received — of course, none were "necessary." That said, ALL were appreciated and fun because who doesn't need more of that in our lives ?

Friday Funnies

When the weather outside is snowy ❄️ and frigid 🥶 one of the best things to do is sit down for a good read. 

That's exactly what Maxine was doing recently at the NH Hudson Senior Center.

Maxine is a valued member of the center. Her attire is selected for the season and/or holidays by other members. Soon, she will be sporting a new outfit for Hearts Day.

She always poses graciously and apparently is undeterred by a photo opp. This time it was Patrick who hammed it up with her for a picture.

We are returning home today from a short getaway to N Conway, NH. We rendezvoused (isn't this a great word?) with long-time friends from our native NJ and also celebrated my birthday. Family members sent some fun gifts which will be featured in a post next week.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Spring is coming (eventually) in 42 days

Today is My Day !

The new year started last month, but my personal new year starts today on my 🎂.

The older I get, the less a need for celebrations and presents have become to me. There’s no need for things that seemed important in (much) younger days.

Now, birthdays are celebrated because of the day and all year long. When sending them a card, I always advise others to do the same. After all, it only happens once a year, thankfully.

For myself, this annual occurrence has become more of an experience the few years. Last year, we took the SnowCoach part way up Mt Washington for a unique experience. 

This year, we’re on a short 3-hour road trip to N. Conway, NH, for a meet-up with long-time friends, Jill and Art, who live in our home state of NJ.

We enjoyed breakfast with friends at Peach's in N Conway, NH

Yesterday, went to breakfast at a favorite local restaurant, Peach’s. Today, we’re playing candlepin bowling at a sports center in Fryeburg, ME. (Candlepin bowling is a variation of bowling played mostly in New England and the Canadian Maritime provinces. It’s played using a handheld-size ball and tall, narrow pins that look like candles.) 

We "met" this bear and moose at a hotel in N Conway, NH

Later, we made some new friends here.who were not in the wild.

Dinner tonight will be followed by chatting and game playing with Jill and Art, who became grandparents twice in the past year and are happy to talk of their grandsons. We leave for Nashua, NH, tomorrow. Our friends remain here a few more days.

This year, instead of being surprised, the surprise was on others. This past week, Patrick had contacted friends in the mill aptpartments meeting for brekfast on Saturday. It was a frigid morning when 10 others joined us at The Yolk, a local breakfast and lunch eatery.

Birthday breakfast with Clocktower friends & neighbors

It was my treat to see the surprised look on everyone’s face when told their breakfast was my “gift” to all. They had no idea beforehand. One of those priceless moments.

My year of celebrating has just begun, there’s more to follow in 364 days ahead 🎉.

How did you, if it’s passed, or if not, will you celebrate YOUR 2026 birthday?

Friday Funnies (Not)

First, there's nothing funny about the snow from last weekend's snowstorm, which will be around for quite a while. Nashua, NH, received about 20 inches total.

There's so much remaining in downtown Nashua that these sidewalk snow banks will most likely be carted away over the weekend. In the past, the city has done the same trucking the snow to fields of a nearby park These images were taken yesterday when I walked to the library. Most city sidewalks had a packed snow cover.

Snow clearing began at the mill apartments on Tuesday morning after the storm. This is the parking lot in the front of the building. The reason for no cars is that residents had to move them by 8 am for snow plowing. Most times, my photos show of the back of the mill buildings as that's our view with of the Nashua River and downtown.

These snow piles were in the parking lot of a shopping plaza which houses a supermarket, gym, restaurants and a few retail stores. The parking areas were completely clear of snow on Wednesday.

Brrr it's really cold outside. Temperatures this week have remained frigid in the single digits overnight and barely getting 20 degrees during daytime hours. The snow will not be melting a lot until possibly next week when temps are predicted to be in the mid 30s.

Enough. That's it for snow photos until the next storm, which hopefully won't be too soon.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

We're going on a short road trip next week to celebrate my 🎂🎉