Friday Funnies

This sign was seen in a the produce department of a local supermarket this week. Notice anything unusual ?

Artichokes, anyone?

Exactly — those tomatoes didn't look like what was advertised on the sign below. Maybe, we should have checked the tomato display for artichokes ?

To All: A heartfelt Thank You for your condolences on the passing of my friend, Solange. Your comments were very much appreciated by Patrick and myself.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

We're on a short road trip to celebrate the 28th anniversary of our 1st date.

We'll celebrate our August wedding anniversary with a much longer trip.

No Regrets & Update

Have you ever heard yourself or someone else say he/she wished they had been in contact with someone before it was too late?

This past weekend, Solange, my friend and Scrabble-playing partner, who resided here in the mill apartments, passed away. While her death was not totally unexpected because of health issues, it was still a shock. We had spoken a few days earlier to schedule our next game, she told me she was feeling too tired to play. As she often had these days in recent weeks, I told her I would call again in a day or two. She was a fierce Scrabble player who disliked losing and would always ask to play another game. We often split our wins and always shared a treat.

When her son phoned on Saturday, I instinctively knew that the call was not a good one.

Solange was 95 years young, born in Antwerp, Belgium and a Holocaust survivor. She was a registered nurse who later relocated to the US with her late artist husband and they lived in many cities in our home state of NJ. Coincidentally, their last NJ address was close to our last NJ address, although we had never met there. She relocated to NH after her husband's passing to be closer to her son who lived in the state.

Solange became a close friend of both myself and my husband. Patrick. We enjoyed food and conversations through shared dinners at our apartment homes. The most recent was at our home on Easter when she and another resident joined us for dinner. She insisted on bringing a homemade banana tart, which was delicious, even the leftovers.

Private services were held quickly in NJ early this week in keeping with her faith. We were unable to attend; however, I asked her son about holding a celebration of life here at a later date. Her family will be returning to clear out her residence.

This isn't the first time a family member or friend has passed and as sad as it's always been, my goal is to never have regrets about not having called, visited or written. Of course, we all have regrets for many things, but for myself keeping in touch means having a few less.

Thanks to fellow bloggers who asked about the status of my left knee injury, 

Here's an update following an orthopedics consultation and my first physical therapy session. The good news is that the orthopedic review showed the knee structure are intact with a mild degree of arthritis and a mild kneecap dislocation, without any significant tissue damage. Recovery (no pain) could take 6-8 weeks.

My nemesis: Elliptical 

The physical therapy appointment included an evaluation and balance testing and confirmation that my balance could be improved, the lack of which can be attributable to age. For the record, the knee injury wasn't caused by a fall, as I am always careful to avoid hazards as much as possible, particularly snow and ice. Instead, my injury was caused by exercise, specifically the use of an elliptical, stationary equipment in the Clocktower gym. 

As I've learned, repetitive motion on an elliptical can lead to overuse injuries, especially in the knees or hips. Also, the elliptical's motion has been labelled awkward or unnatural, potentially leading to improper form or discomfort. 

If not appropriately positioned using the elliptical, a user could strain their knees — as I did. Also, the low-impact design of this machine often leads to overuse injuries in the knee and hip as users tend not to realize they're doing more than they’re physically able — and that would describe my actions. And, when the orthopedic PA (physician's assistant) shared that she never uses this equipment, I thought, why did I ?

My PT assessment concluded that no brace or walking assistance (cane, walker) are needed. However, I received a set of at-home exercises to perform before the next appointment later this week. Yes, I've been doing them them as this will be the routine for up to 10 weeks

Which do you think results in death more often — hip fracture or cancer?

That's what the PT therapist asked me and, while I had not read any statistics beforehand, I knew that given my age the correct answer would be hip fracture.

While cancer is a leading cause of death at any age, hip fractures can have a higher mortality rate for older adults in the short-term. Being cancer-free may not result in death, but breaking your hip could be fatal. 

Studies have indicated that the one-year mortality rate for older adults with a hip fracture can be over 20% and sometimes worse than those with various types of cancer. Also, the risk of death after a hip fracture can persist for up to 10 years after a fracture.

Why are hip fractures so deadly?

It's due to many factors including immobility-related complications, surgical risks and the overall impact on health and quality of life. One of the most serious risks is the increased likelihood of developing blood clots, leading to pulmonary embolisms or strokes. 

Sometimes, recovery can be long and challenging and can also lead to less independence. Other potential health risks include pneumonia, heart failure or blood clots, any one of which can increase the risk of death. Female patients tended to have better post-fracture survival than men, but had a significantly higher risk for getting a fracture. Unfortunately, people over age 85 had the worst odds for survival.

It's important to note that statistics for hip fracture deaths do not apply are not a one-fits-all scenario. It's not just age that's a factor, but gender, pre-existing conditions like cardiac disease, dementia and chronic respiratory issues, plus the timeliness and quality of surgical treatment — all can impact mortality rates. While a 1-year mortality of about 21 to 22% has been cited in online sources for surgically-repaired hip fractures, this is only an average.

Just to be clear — Hip replacement does not result in as many deaths as hip fractures. While this surgery does have certain risks, it's usually much lower than the mortality rate associated with hip fractures, especially in the initial months after the fracture. Several people I know, including fellow bloggers, had successful operations and recovery from hip fractures.

Exercises to improve my balance

Balance decline in adults of (ahem) a certain age isn't uncommon, so I'm not alone. Lack of balance can lead to increased risk of falls and possible fractures. Aging brings a loss of muscle mass and strength, especially in the legs and core, making it harder to maintain balance. While I've been fortunate not to have a serious fall, not taking chances is my goal. 

The balance and strengthening exercise I've been assigned to do at home do not require specialized equipment. All that's needed is a chair and who doesn't have that equipment at home and resistance band provided by the PT therapist, but which can also be bought online. Since I'm not planning to become a statistic anytime soon, these are being done on a daily basis. 

Fall detection (not fall protection) is why I wear an Apple watch  as I often go walking alone. This device will automatically call emergency services if someone becomes immobile after a hard fall and send a message with the location to emergency contacts. Apple is not the only fitness tracker with fall detention, brands by Samsung, Garmin and Goggle also have this important feature.

If anyone is interested in more information, The National Institute on Aging website has helpful information here Older Adults and Balance Problems. 

Friday Funnies

Unlike many apartment buildings, the mill residence has an indoor parking garage, which isn't a free convenience but comes with a monthly fee. However, we consider it a useful expense, especially on snow days when the outside free parking lot needs to be plowed and cars must be moved very early. 

Most garage parking is pull in, however, some require parallel parking. This seemed to be a challenge for this driver who was not quite close to the barrier wall.

Far far away (from a parking space)

It's been raining many days in Nashua, NH, water seeps from the top lot into garage areas. As seen in the bottom right photo, this driver will be stepping out by a sizable puddle. 

Of course, letting my mind wander as it does, brought other thoughts of this word sequence, for example: Star Wars fans will recognize them as the opening sequence. Far Far Away is a 1970s song by British rock group Slade. Far far away is a phrase used in fairy tales and children's stories. It's the name of a fictional kingdom in the Shrek franchise

Just in time for this weekend's celebration of Mother's Day, other half, Patrick captured this outing of a proud mom parading her young family on the Nashua River this week. It was the first sighting of goslings this season and most likely won't be the last.

A welcome back to a Stevenson, a blogging friend who was far far away from blog-land for a long time. Perhaps, like myself, you have also left comments on a blogger's site in the hope that one day he/she would post again. His comment was a very nice surprise! 

That said, several bloggers are going through tough times with medical issues of their own or loved ones. While I won't list them, regulars of this blog may know them too and join me in sending best wishes to them. While a blogger may not reply, letting someone know he/she is in your thoughts could brighten their day — and even yours. Being kind takes little effort or time.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Happy 💐 Mother's Day to blogger mothers

A(nother) ☔️ Friday & Saturday, possible 🌞 on Sunday

Gâteau 🍋 de Mamie

This post title refers to a wonderful lemon cake, which translates to Granny Cake. The reason for the name will be explained in this post.

It's been a while since a recipe has been posted. It's not for lack of home cooking, which we do most days, rather for not taking photos during meal prep and then posting. Years ago, we posted recipes far more often.

Last week, I needed to find a quick recipe to bring a treat to our Friday dominoes game meet-up. Then, remembered seeing a lemon cake recipe in one of the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) cookbooks in my collection, The Barefoot Contessa at Home.

Ina Garten Lemon Yogurt Cake, Barefoot Contessa at Home (recipe below)

The cookbook didn't provide any history, however, I learned that the recipe is the same as a popular French recipe — Gâteau de Mamie, which translates to Granny Cake or French Grandmother's Lemon Cake. According to online sources, French grandmothers (and others) added yogurt to cakes for added moisture. Ingredients were measured using a glass yogurt jar (unlike in the U.S., yogurt in France comes in small glass jars). The cake ingredients were measured using the glass yogurt jar, which was about a half cup.

Thanks to David G for noting my previous grammatical error, explaining that Gâteau de Mamie (singular) means Grannie Cake, Gâteaux de Mamie means Grannie Cakes (plural). He also added, maybe it’s good to have more than one. I agree which is why this recipe will be made again, this time in a bundt cake pan.

Not only was this recipe very easy, but the result was a delicious lemon loaf which contains no butter, doesn't require use of a mixer, and was made using ingredients already in our pantry and refrigerator. The only change was that the recipe included two lemons, I only had one, yet the cake turned out very lemony. So, if a single large lemon is used, it could be enough. Also, don't be tempted to substitute butter for the oil, which keeps the cake light yet moist.

Lemon Yogurt Cake (Gâteaux de Mamie)

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (olive oil also works)
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Glaze Topping

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8½ x 4¼ x 2½-inch loaf pan. Line bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour pan. (Alternately, you can use a 3-cup bundt pan or 6-8 inch round cake pan, cooking times will differ.)
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into one bowl.  In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, 1 cup sugar, eggs, lemon zest and vanilla.  Slowly whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold vegetable oil into batter, making sure it’s all incorporated, but do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until cake tester placed in center of loaf comes out clean.
3. Meanwhile, cook 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in small pan until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
4. When cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan.  
5. Pour prepared glaze over cake while it's still warm allowing it to soak in.
6. Cool (if you can) before slicing and enjoying.

The glaze is optional, depending on personal preference. The cake is moist enough not to need anything else and traditionally is left unglazed. It can also be enjoyed with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Lemon Yogurt Cake from Barefoot Contessa at Home (Ina Garten)

This recipe is one that I will be making again very soon. That's because this one made last Friday morning was all gone by Saturday evening. There were no complaints from our Friday dominoes group or neighbors who enjoyed it. Grenville declared this recipe a keeper which you might well do too if you give it a try.

This past weekend, I attended a performance of Legally Blonde. by members of Actorsingers (not a typo), a community theater group started in 1955 in Nashua, NH. 

The performance was at the Keefe Auditorium (named for Edmund Keefe, longtime Nashua high school teacher, principal and superintendent of schools) is the largest auditorium in Nashua, NH, with double the seating capacity (1,500) than the downtown Nashua Center for the Arts. Built in 1936, it was part of Nashua High School. Later, when two new high schools opened, it became Elm Street Middle School, which closed in 2024. Maintaining and renovating this auditorium are central to any proposed redevelopment of the former school.

Edmund Keefe Auditorium Building, Nashua, NH

We are fortunate to be able to enjoy community theater and within walking distance. In addition to Actorsingers, there are two other community theater groups: The Nashua Theatre Guild and the Peacock Players, a youth theater group, both perform at the smaller Court Street Theater, a 150-seat venue, which originally housed a 1870 firehouse. 

If you ever have the opportunity to attend community theater performances, by all means, do go. While the performers are unpaid, it doesn't make them any less professional, which they certainly all were in last weekend's performance.

Friday Funnies

There are times, when walking around Nashua, that I've seen some unusual sights, for example, look at this one ↓ .

A misplaced take-out delivery?

What looks like a take-out lunch was placed on a row of hedges on a downtown side street. No one else was in the area, so after taking this photo, I walked on never learning the rest of the story. As always, please feel free to come up with a photo caption if so inclined.

Update: My left knee injury has been diagnosed as a patellar sublaxation, which means that the knee cap has been displaced. After an orthopedic evaluation, physical therapy has been recommended with a follow-up evaluation in 6 weeks. The problem was in finding a PT facility that had appointments sooner than the June follow-up. The facility farthest away thankfully had early openings —Sucess! I was able to get an appointment for early next week, and the cortisone shot yesterday's has provided some relief.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

I'm attending a local theater group's production of Legally Blonde