SPRING Foods & Groceries

April 8, 2025 86 Comments

LILAC bush in full bloom in my garden.

PAELLA DINNER for 12 IN MY GARDEN.

THE FINISHED product that was cooked in the pizza oven in MY GARDEN!

There is a THEME happening here……..in MY GARDEN!

THE CHEF’S who made the PAELLA were these two!

One ITALIAN and one VENEZUELAN.

The Venezuelan teaching the Italian how it is done!

A FIRST for cooking it in a PIZZA OVEN!

Theodore in his morning position!

GASOLINE PRICES in my little city a few weeks ago.

Which brings us to GROCERIES!

You know that “OLD-FASHIONED WORD”!!!

(If you missed that on THE NEWS clips its worth googling to SEE what HE SAID!)

WE have chickens again and we have a surplus of eggs so are able to supply our neighbors with fresh eggs!I think they appreciate it!

Potatoes I spoke of last blog post or maybe it was an INSTAGRAM POST!

I paid $4.62 for THREE gold potatoes!

I happened to notice at the check out!

I was FLABBERGASTED.

French Jam that is a staple in our home as we use the jars to store the PESTO we create for the year.

These prices were about two weeks ago.

So, that is 73 cents an EGG!

I can still do the math!

THANK THE HEAVENS!

All the other body parts are failing, but I can still do simple math!

I am gluten Free and have been for over 20 years………..

It has come a long way however.

I feel for the families that have children who need this kind of bread as it has ALWAYS BEEN SO EXPENSIVE and the TASTE is doable.Not GREAT, not awful, but definitely NOT WORTH THE PRICE ABOVE!

Groceries are a part of our BEING and make up a lot of our daily activities!

But then again do you think HE was ever in a GROCERY STORE or has ever bought GROCERIES in his lifetime.My answer would be NO!Too busy playing GOLF in another state almost every weekend!

I wonder how much that is costing the TAXPAYERS to fly him down with the body guards etc…………

My guess would be a few peoples SALARY who have been LET GO!

I GOOGLED IT!

(WE are talking MILLIONS each and every weekend he heads SOUTH!)

But yet funding for childhood CANCER RESEARCH has been ELIMINATED!

Just one of many important research projects needed to KEEP THE WORLD SAFE!

Never mind if we found a CURE that would INDEED MAKE THE USA GREAT!

Here is a GOOD SUMMER READ I can recommend for you coming out MAY 6!

Judy is a READER of THE VINTAGE CONTESSA.BLOG and sent me a copy of her first book she has written.

Here are a few summaries and the LINK below to purchase it.

In a nutshell she is in her 70’s works in a consignment shop; married for years with grown children only to find out the husband was having an affair!I will not spill the beans about what comes next, but its funny and romantic and we get a bit of fashion visuals tossed in!

BOOK REVIEWS BELOW and THE LINK to PRE-ORDER:

70-Year-Old Author Releases Debut Novel—A Rom-Com for the Septuagenarian Market—“The Golden Years Glitch” by Judy Smith

March 25, 2025 —Newtown, PA—Judy Smith’s new novel, which will be released May 6, has been called “Heartfelt and Hilarious” as well as “Sparkling, sexy!”

Why was there such an allure about “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette”? Because there is an audience who wants to see that life in their 60s and 70s can be filled with excitement and older ladies can overcome the sadness they’ve endured and embrace the vibrant woman inside.

“The Golden Years Glitch” follows the life of protagonist Andi Parker, a successful businesswoman and happy grandmother looking forward to her golden years with her very handsome husband, Jed—until he messes everything up in the worst way possible—and Andi seeks a very funny revenge.

From Wild Woman Festivals to Mud Runs to a new love interest—readers will live vicariously through Judy’s characters for a raucous fun read, perfect for book clubs.

Susan Noles, a contestant on ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, calls the book “Fabulous!” Kirkus Reviews writes: “A bighearted novel about finding fulfillment in the third act.” Midwest Book Review deems: “An impressively distinctive and reader-engaging storytelling style. Original, deftly crafted and emotionally engaging.”

Judy Smith reminds us that you’re never too old to live life to the fullest, and it’s never too late to start over!

Judy is available for interviews on everything from aging to infidelity to entrepreneurism, “senior” dating, and becoming a debut novelist at 70—and ultimately, how to find a fresh, fun, and fulfilling new perspective on life. Her comical views will resonate with audiences.

###

“The Golden Years Glitch” (May 6, 2025, Wyatt-MacKenzie) by Judy Smith; 304 pages will be available from your favorite online bookseller in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.

Amazon.com: The Golden Years Glitch: 9781954332621: Smith, Judy: Books

That is all from me for today.I did not get the numbers I needed for the DEVISE to be inserted under my collarbone.Which in one way is GOOD NEWS.On the other hand I am now on PLAN B which requires patience and starting over on the Heart medications.Hopefully, they will TAKE this time.I’m not good with PATIENCE but not much I can do about it.

To be HONEST I am down right PISSED about EVERYTHING!

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD IN THE COMMENTS……..MAKE ME SMILE!

HUGS AND HAPPINESS TO ALL OF YOU

XXX

CONTESSA

86 Comments

Leave your reply.

KATHY L.
· Reply

Author

April 12, 2025 at 11:45 AM

I enjoyed your blog post today. The last 3-4 times I tried to leave a comment but the system prevents me from doing so.

So here is my comment:
Elizabeth, I hear you… sooo many gullible people believed that that “Grocery prices and gas prices will free fall the day I am elected!” As if one man can lower prices across the board with one stroke…. but hey let’s give this six-times-bankrupt joker a round of applause for having the ability to LOWER stock prices and RAISE the price of goods with one tariff stroke. We are 10 weeks into this mess and here we are up to our eyeballs in a deep pile of you-know-what… 198 more weeks to go… what other ill-conceived plans will he throw up! Consume a brain-numbing agent and ponder those depressing facts.
On a brighter note, my Sunnyvale son and 11-month-old grandson are coming for a 6-day visit this weekend… oh happy day!! Mimi is getting everything all set up for his arrival (nation-wide Baby Quip rents everything I need). Happy SPRING to you!

More later.

~Kathy L in NC
Jane
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 10:51 PM

Oh, you had me up in arms with the grocery prices. To think his supporters thought he’d bring inflation down. He read off a script. Better for all of us to stick our noses into some good fiction!! That looks like a great book! Stay positive! I’m getting close to a major back surgery and hoping to have some quality (?) summer time first!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM
  
  OH JANE…………….BEST OF LUCK with the BACK!My lower back is starting to BUG me!Takes me back to when my Mother would complain of the same thing!WE MUST KEEP ON KEEPING ON!
  XX
Judith Sharpe
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 10:48 PM

Dear Beth, your friend’s book sounds like a really good read – there is life after 70, believe you me!

So glad to hear you have a plan B. Just try and be patient with yourself.

If it wasn’t for the family, I bet you and the Italian would be moving back to the Old Country!

The Paella looked delicious – there’s nothing better than sharing wonderful home made food with friends and family, out in a beautiful garden!

Yesterday, we got back from a week’s holiday in Tanger – we love Morocco – where we stayed in La Maison Blanche. We met several delightful Californians who were totally on our wavelength. However, we spent time trying to avoid the Trump supporters which wasn’t easy on the roof terrace. As soon as we realised their political leanings, you couldn’t see us for dust. We promised our host, Aziz Begdouri, not to start WW3 up there!!!

I try to limit myself from all the ghastliness in the world otherwise it would send me mad. I try to concentrate on keeping fit(ish) and spend as much time as possible in the garden.

Sending love and hugs from Aracena to you!

??? xxx
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 12, 2025 at 11:27 AM
  
  TANGER……….I do not think I will get there in this Life time but I know I would love it!
  You go from one HOLIDAY SPOT to another!I agree nothing better then to dine outside!Yes, I too have LIMITED my time but still do not want to be completely in the dark.
  I am not able to WORK IN THE GARDEN ANYMORE……………..
  I MISS THAT MOST OF ALL.
  XX
LesleyWatson
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM

Dear Contessa, Many thanks for your uplifting words, because I know you have health issues from your posts, but you have a joyous soul, & it shines through! That gorgeous Lilac & beautiful garden setting, plus animals, does it for me, lovely. I am Australian, & have a daughter & her family who have lived in America 20 yrs, hopefully they will be home in the next few years, but I truly have serious concerns for all you good people at the moment, as does the World. I have had many wonderful holidays in your beautiful Country, so naturally have an interest in the Politics as well, & find it perplexing that this is not a subject people like talking about! After all, it affects everyone of us world over! Guess that is why your posts are so refreshing! Have you been keeping up with the Penguin jokes? Quick update – the buffoon has slapped tariffs on so many Countries, including two Islands in Antarctica, owned by Australia, only inhabitants being Penguins. Hilarious, some great cartoons out there! All the very best wishes to you, & thanks again for your positivity. Cheers, Lesley.
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:23 AM
  
  LESLEY…………thank you for your lovely comment!Yes, I have seen those PENGUINS marching about with words for you know who!His back up team is not the brightest bunch either.Really sad state of affairs……………its as if they want to wipe us all out and have a PARTY!It will be hard to find staff to work those parties………
  I do hope your family goes home as AUSTRALIA is one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS I have ever seen!AND THE PEOPLE ARE SO NICE!
  XX
Pat
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April 10, 2025 at 11:28 AM

I’ve missed your blog posts! I thought maybe you had stopped for a bit, but today I went to my spam folder to look for something that should have appeared in my inbox, and what do I find?….Your blog post!

The paella looks amazing! Wish I could have been there. As for gas prices, it’s crazy. I was in Walnut Creek the other day and the prices were 20 to 30 cents per gallon less. I’ve even seen prices vary at the same company with gas stations separated by just a couple of miles. But this isn’t something good to cheer you up.

How about this, my irises are blooming, which always makes me smile. It seems to happen over night. One day there’s one flower, the next morning there are four or five on the same plant. Spring is here!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:17 AM
  
  MY IRIS’s are still SLEEPING!!!How can that be as we are just 2 miles away from each other!OH THAT SPAM LIKES TO READ THE VINTAGE CONTESSA!!!I have a feeling I’m in a lot of SPAM BOXES these days……………….XX
Barbara Boster
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April 10, 2025 at 8:41 AM

Keep writing! I wanna know what you water your lilacs with that they’re already blooming! I would love to bring you over lunch something gluten-free from Oakland’s Mariposa… I’ve officially turned off the news because I can’t stomach him any longer… We need to catch up when you were filling up to it Thank you for the book suggestion loving the dinner party in your backyard. How I yearn for those days again… Your birthday party felt like a dream sending you lots of love and droves of health fairies to sprinkle glitter and wellness over you XOXO barb
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:15 AM
  
  HELLO BARB……………..WE give them NOTHING and NO WATER THROUGH the winter!I told the Italian last night we need to turn the water on!YES, lunch in our future……….I just ate a cinnamon bun from there today!
  THAT party was YEARS AGO…………
  NO MORE PARTIES!!I donot have the energy for that ANYMORE!
  HAPPY YOU COULD EXPERIENCE IT!
  XX
Jane
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 8:07 AM

Priority
Take time to smell the lilacs
And feel the warm bright sun,
Take time to look at rainbows
Don’t wait ‘til work is done.
There’ll always be a cobweb
Some fingerprints or rust.
Weeds to pull, a lawn to mow
And something gathering dust.
We must remember lilacs
Bloom just once a year
And you can see a rainbow
Only when it’s here.

This is from a card I found years ago and I love to look at it this time of year. You bring joy to me in Michigan!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:12 AM
  
  HELLO JANE in MICHIGAN!
  STILL COLD THERE I would imagine!I have two lilac trees or bushes I should say!One purple and one yellow but it looks white!They take 7 years to bloom out here.Not really cold enough for them to do there GRANDIOSE thing!
  HAPPY TO HEAR I BRING YOU JOY!
  I NEED TO FIND MORE JOY…………..its been hard!
  XX
Lisa
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM

I hope this time the medications get you shipshape in record time:)
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:08 AM
  
  I HOPE SO TOO LISA!
  XX
Judy Smith
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 6:58 AM

Thank you all for your comments on my debut novel, The Golden Years Glitch. You are right; it is never too late! XO

Amazon.com: The Golden Years Glitch: 9781954332621: Smith, Judy: Books
Carmen
· Reply

April 10, 2025 at 4:52 AM

I agree – prices are crazy but how do you blame someone after only 3 months. I have been paying 7.99 for the same jam you mentioned for the last 2 years and Gluten free items are the same prices – nothing has changed. Eggs are due to the bird flu and don’t you remember when that happened a couple of years back and stores had the shortage – no different than 2 or 3 years back.
- Lisa
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  April 10, 2025 at 7:57 AM
  
  If he wasn’t going to lower prices he shouldn’t have campaigned saying he would. It’s not the prices so much as the lies.
  - LA CONTESSA
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    Author
    
    April 11, 2025 at 11:02 AM
    
    EXACTLY………….XX
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:07 AM
  
  CARMEN YOU MEANT 4 years and 3 months!WE HAVE LIVED THROUGH THIS BEFORE AND BARELY MADE IT!Yes, I am aware the egg prices are due to the BIRD FLU but he has not addressed that issue AT ALL! …………..
  If you had done any reading up on him you would understand where we are headed!
Jill James
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM

I am rather envious of your lilac , it is one plant I struggle to grow.
The paella looks so good , well done to the chefs.
Your grocery prices are fairly comparable to what I pay here and I feel for those with families to feed.
Thinking of you and your ongoing health issues .
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
  
  Yes, Jill you live on an island so your prices have always been a bit high I think like Australia.For us this a NEW THING!The eggs are due to the country wide BIRD FLU.
  THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
  XX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 9:57 PM

That paella is gorgeous. Bravo to Giampierro. Bob o it makes cornflakes so there’s no competition. How lovely to have a lilac tree. You’ve got chickens again? Are they martha Stewart approved. Eggs in beautiful colors?a

Hope your plan works this time. ?
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 10:57 AM
  
  NO COLORED EGGS……..those are too small!
  I HAVE REAL GIRLS WHO PRODUCE BIG EGGS!
  It’s Not my plan but the cardiologists plan as we are running out of options.
  EVEN the Mayo Clinic would agree!
  XX
Rosemarie
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM

Hi there Contessa – I’m still laughing re Betty’s comment – don’t discuss politics on your blog. It’s not very ladylike.
Even I know the president gets paid!
Well what happened to free speech? As you replied it’s your blog. I like hearing people’s viewpoint re the USA and the downhill spiral that Trump is taking people on.
Grocery prices. My husband does the shopping/cooking so I am pretty well clueless as to costs. He does come home at times and says this bag cost me XXX = shocking. When I used to visit my aunt in Seattle even 20 – 30 years ago she’d say how can you afford to buy groceries in Canada? It was much more costly than the USA. On our visits south we’d buy – milk – eggs – butter – cheese and my mother would want a ham. We’d also fill the tank with gas. Even with the exchange it was cheaper than here in Vancouver.
What a lovely setting in your garden for a most delicious dinner with friends.
Lilacs are not out here but I can smell the ones in your pic!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 11, 2025 at 10:55 AM
  
  I was CORRECTED by a friend of mine WHO IS IN THE KNOW that he did DONATE his salary the First go around!Which now explains his AT EASE STANCE about heading SOUTH to play golf.He feels entitled.He is Not there to HELP the AMERICAN people just to make himself MORE GRAND shall we say or make more money.Anyone who does not see that from his body language is LACKING SOMETHING!
  XX
D. A. Squires
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM

Writing late after long day at work, April is a busy month… love your posts… everything! Never stop writing whatever you feel like. Love the photos too and reading your reader’s comments. Hurray for the new author at 70, I was 60… one can never be too old to start writing! Theo has life figured out… lots of cat naps between mousing missions or just prowling around : ) Love the al fresco dining and the amazing entree in your pizza oven… the food prices and the politics are depressing and infuriating. I read too many substacks and Bluesky posts (highly recommend vs X), but I cannot not read, so it’s a problem. Think of you so often and sending xo’s to you and the gang. PS Love your Instagram… after so many years of not being interested, I am now hopelessly in love with gardens, UK & Wales, animals 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 6:33 PM
  
  That INSTAGRAM is ADDICTING and it was SO MUCH BETTER before Facebook bought it!Just beautiful photos of the stuff we love!Happy you found it after all these years………..I have been on it since the start which is like 16 years I believe!!!
  I would be interested to know how many hours I have spent soaking it ALL UP!
  I great way to TRAVEL from your favorite chair at HOME!
  I tried to tell a couple of my friends who I knew would ENJOY IT but they did not LISTEN TO ME!!
  YOUR DAUGHTERS GIFT TO ME ARRIVED TODAY!SO SPECIAL and BEAUTIFUL!
  YOU DID A GREAT JOB WITH HER!
  XOX
Katherine
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 7:47 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
Pretty Lilac bush.
Wow, the Paella looks so yummy, loved the pictures.
That pic of Theodore is so precious. I’m a cat person.
Wow, the price of gas in your city is pricey. OUCH!!! Do you have a Costco close by!
So nice you supply eggs to your neighbors. I’m going to move into Orinda and be your neighbor.
The Golden Years Glitch will be on my list to get. Sounds like it will be a good read.
Have you ever purchased the Gluten Free Bread from Trader Joe’s ? I buy many loafs and out in the freezer because we do not have on close by. It’s Whole Grain in a white and green gingham stripe down the front of the package. I have purchased all the ones you showed and I like this one the best. Do you eat sough
dough French bread?
It’s good to be pissed, then hopefully you can move forward from that state to a better balance. I know sometimes I get let down about a medical situation I’m facing and I get terribly disappointed. The next morning if I have a decent nights sleep I feel so much better. A solid nights sleep if you can get one makes the next days outlook feel so much brighter. I get it because I deal with chronic medical issues too.
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 6:27 PM
  
  YES, we do have a COSTCO which my ITALIAN LOVES to shop at weekly!He will go for ONE ITEM!NO, I have not had the Trader Joe’s bread!Somehow, TJ’s got off my routine………….I rarely go there.I WILL GO and buy the GLUTEN FREE BREAD!I need a change and no I do not eat the FAMOUS SOUR DOUGH but I do LOVE IT!
  Sorry about the medical issues……………it is HARD.
  HANG IN THERE!
  XX
Brenda Coffee
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April 9, 2025 at 6:56 PM

As always, your garden is beautiful, and I love Giampi’s paella. I used to make paella in a big blue enameled pan but haven’t done that in a while. I was just in Santa Barbara, Montecito and LA for a week. The climate was down right chilly and we had rain in SB. I caught up with three of my favorite women, ate fabulous food, attended a writers’ retreat and had a wonderful time. Sending you lots of love and prayers for your heart issue to stabilize. XOXOX, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 6:23 PM
  
  I SAW THAT ON INSTAGRAM.
  I was surprised you were traveling and held my BREATH!!
  SOUNDS like you and SANDRA had a good catch up!
  XX
Marlene Innes
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April 9, 2025 at 4:48 PM

Love your blog. If the you think those prices are high, you should try living in Australia, they are normal here. We live rural so grow lots of our food.
Marlene Innes
- Rita
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  April 9, 2025 at 7:29 PM
  
  How true Marlene. Don’t know why I’m still shocked when I go shopping at Coles or Woolies and come home with 5 items or so and show my husband and kids and we play guess how much this cost.. usually looking at about $40 or so.
  - LA CONTESSA
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    April 10, 2025 at 6:19 PM
    
    I do recall from my visit years ago it was expensive but BEAUTIFUL! And the people are so NICE!YOU are an island I think that is a BIG FACTOR?
    XX
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
  
  MARLENE, so great you can grow your own food!You will outlive all of us!
  I do recall being EXPENSIVE years ago on my visit!
  XX
Judith
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 1:32 PM

Dear Contessa,

What a delight to find notice of a new blog post today! You are wise to turn to the beauty of the garden during uncertain times – that is what I have counted on for years, and it has never let me down. Spring here is glorious, and I have so much in bloom here. I’m headed out for a garden session for a bit before we go over to our 96-year-old friend’s home for happy hour and to talk politics and current events. He is a political scholar and always manages to make us feel better.
Please know that many of us share your concerns, disgust, and dismay over what is happening right now. I need to hurry and buy a new computer before the prices skyrocket. Ditto for imported wine and liquor; I may have to dedicate a place in the basement after I stock up. I try and ignore the news, and get most of my information in tidbits, which is easier to swallow. I have high hopes that we will emerge on the other side and be able to repair all of the damage. Chin up, my friend.
p.s. the kitty looks like he got tired after writing a blog post and fell asleep at his desk.
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 6:17 PM
  
  OH DO share the 96 year olds CHEER UP SESSION!
  As TODAYS NEWS was ROCK BOTTOM!
  KITTY always TIRED LIKE ME!
  HE IS A CONSTANT LAP WARMER!He also purrs FULL-TIME!
  Happy to hear you are out in your GARDEN!
  XX
lisa thomson
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April 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM

It’s important that you’re pointing out the facts vis a vis the golfer president. It’s too easy to let this all get normalized.
As I said on your instagram at 5:30 am, seeing those prawns come out of the wood fired oven, made me want them for breakfast.
One word to make you smile, THEODORE. He is so sweet and cuddly. Oh, and CHERRY BLOSSOMS in my backyard and all over the city right now.
HUGS to you La CONTESSA. Your garden looks lush and spectacular!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
  
  THEODORE WORKS!SO does CHERRY BLOSSOMS………..
  You know me well!
  I have got to step away from all this MEANNESS.
  It eats me up!
  XX
PPPno
· Reply

April 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,

Please do discuss politics because that’s reality.
Prices in the grocery store are real, not funding cancer treatments is real.
Thank you for bring genuine and honest.

Thank you also for continuing to celebrate the joy of a delicious meal. The paella is fabulous!

Your lilacs are gorgeous and uplifting in these dark times our do negatively impacted by …yes politics as you so aptly demonstrated in this timely blog!

I was worried about your health and it’s wonderful to hear that you’re still rallying… going from one treatment to the next.
I think about you my dear and am always happy when your next blog is posted… it’s a good sign that the Contessa is still going strong… YAY!!!!

Happy Bunny Time!
I sing “Here Comes Peter Rabbit hoppin down the bunny trail” to Henry

Enjoy your lovely garden and thanks for always being real and telling the truth.
Love,
PPPno
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 9:19 AM
  
  PROMISE to tell the truth!
  Hard not to be passionate about it these days!
  Thank You for thinking about me and I need to start thinking about that EASTER BUNNY!I loved Easter as a child.
  XXX
Parnassus
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April 9, 2025 at 12:52 PM

Hello Contessa, I thought produce prices were low in California, but apparently not so. I notice prices creeping up here, but not as extremely as in the U.S. Eggs are cheap (about US 15 cents each for I guess a size large), but that is a function of the bird flu in America more than general inflation. When the bird flu was here, the price was immaterial–there simply were no eggs on the shelves.

Here we have Carrefours stores (a little like Target or Walmart, but headquartered in France). They sell their own brand of jam (very good quality) in jars identical to Bonne Maman (perhaps they are the same product). I don’t eat jam any more, but I found that I had lots of the cleaned jars here and there. I recycled some of them, and am now deciding how many I want to keep, as I go through another round of recycling. I can understand your wanting to reuse them–in fact, it is becoming rare to find any product (other than things like pickles or olives) in glass these days.
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
  
  Yes, the BIRD FLU is the reason eggs are so high here.
  Fruit is no longer cheap.Weather, work force who knows why but our workforce is mainly Mexicans.Food in general has spiked very high here in the last three months………….
  You keep cleaning out that is good Jim keep at it!I need to do the same!I find I have to be in the MOOD which does not come very often!
  XX
Barb
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April 9, 2025 at 12:27 PM

Elizabeth, my very dear cousin,

It was so good to speak with you a few days ago. As I said, your garden looks absolutely lovely as I can see from your pictures! I’m enjoying my garden vegetables and should see more of the fruits as the summer progresses! My love to GP, your young men (I must stop calling them boys!), and your adorable critters!

Barb
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
  
  I LOVED THE PHOTO OF THE BANANA TREE!YOU are set with veggies and fruit.
  We will do our veggie garden in about a months time we have to wait for the frost to end which is about NOW!He has seeded the basil and that is sprouting now in the BOYS SHOWER!I LIKE BOYS…….they will ALWAYS BE MY BOYS!
  XX
rena.spain
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April 9, 2025 at 12:25 PM

Dear Elizabeth, I was flabbergasted to when I read the US-prices. Prices have also skyrocketed in Europe, but we pay 3 euros for 10 free-range eggs but 220 EU for an professional handyman. This is no longer a game, but a deliberate destruction of society around the world and doesn’t make US great again.
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:53 PM
  
  EGGS are high here due to THE BIRD FLU.
  I better tell THE ITALIAN as I have him becoming a HANDYMAN in his retirement!
  THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS!If we ever get your way you FIX dinner and have a list for him to do!He loves fixing things!!NO PAYMENT REQUIRED!
  XX
Vikki
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April 9, 2025 at 11:56 AM

What a fun Paella party! Was it warm enough in your garden?

Judy’s books sound like a great read… I’ll pick one up.
Groceries are just the tip of the iceberg my friend!! We are in for a hell of a ride. I’m in Spain right now and they hate the orange man!!!
- Judy Smith
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  April 9, 2025 at 12:32 PM
  
  Hi, Vikki. Thank you for your interest in The Golden Years Glitch! All the best, Judy
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM
  
  WE started at 4 in the afternoon so YES it was warm enough!AN EARLY DINNER for us but it worked out great!
  I have yet to see SPAIN……………it is on my list!
  XX
Lauren
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April 9, 2025 at 10:16 AM

Contessa- I enjoy everything about your blog…you make shopping for groceries interesting!

Your garden is so beautiful. Can’t wait to see the chickens!

Take care and enjoy the sunshine this week!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:47 PM
  
  LAUREN, I cant go near the chickens because of the LUNG issue I have.Maybe I can tell THE ITALIAN to snap away……….we have SIX.On a good day they each give us ONE EGG.I will work on that!Maybe the EASTER BUNNY can gather them up and make them say CHEESE!!!
  I SAT OUTSIDE ALL AFTERNOON and fell asleep today!It was BEAUTIFUL!
  XX
Debra
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April 9, 2025 at 10:06 AM

Good news: one of my goals after retiring at the end of last year was to make friends with the crows who hang out around my home. I’m happy to say that my goal has been reached – I have a new crow buddy who comes each morning to eat the nuts I leave for him before I go out for a walk. AND he leaves thank-you gifts for me – earlier this week I found a lemon in front of the gate post on which I leave the nuts (neither we nor our neighbors have lemon tress so I suspect Mr. Crow brought it to me). Yes, I’m that old retired lady who feeds the birds but I LOVE crows. Happy me!

Regarding grocery prices – H-E-B markets in Texas are advertising Bonne Maman for $6.21, so it’s not that much more expensive here in CA, I think. And of course, grocery chains will charge what the market will bear for their goods; California is a very desirable place to live (for many reasons) so people pay more to live here.

Finally, it is VERY ladylike to discuss politics – I believe that to be a truly elegant woman one must be able to converse, intelligently, on a wide variety of topics with a wide range of people. And as a former academic I greatly value the learning that occurs when people with different viewpoints discuss, in a rational and informed manner, a controversial topic. Having said that, I’m yet to hear a valid argument that the actions the current administration are undertaking have any goal other than to destroy our country.

You’re the best, Contessa.
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:42 PM
  
  DEBRA, I will NEED a PHOTO of you feeding the CROWS!I LOVE THIS STORY and he brought YOU a LEMON!Lately I have been seeing a lot of animal videos on instagram where the wildlife comes to get a HUMAN to help another animal in need!They are smarter than we give them credit for.I adore all types of ANIMALS I should have had a FARM!DO you think I can talk THE ITALIAN into a RESCUE FARM.It would be TAX DEDUCTIBLE RIGHT?I would never give any away……….or maybe if they wrote me a letter on WHY they want this animal and how they would CARE for it then I might be able to let a few go.I do not have the energy for it now but I would LOVE to help THE BEASTIES besides my own.
  THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT sure did put a SMILE on my FACE!
  XX
- Penelope Bianchi
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  April 11, 2025 at 9:47 AM
  
  Debra you are fantastic!! You are so correct and write beautifully!! Elizabeth is a treasure!!
MHK
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April 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM

Your posts are a breath of fresh air. You have the wherewithal to say what so many people will not. Love your joy and celebration amidst health challenges. Sending positive vibes to you.
Cheers!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:34 PM
  
  WE share the same initials almost! Except I’m EHK!!
  I DO and people get upset with me but I am worried for EVERYONE.Especially grocery costs.It is very upsetting to me.Two steaks in SAFEWAY which is are go to grocery store not UPSCALE AT ALL were $50.00.
  CHEERS BACK AT YOU!
  XX
Amanda Riley
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April 9, 2025 at 8:58 AM

Those prices are high!
I love Bonne maman jam. Lidl do very nice jam. There are shops near my daughter selling Indian and middle eastern food, I asked for a selection of jam for Christmas….got several , including rose petal ,and fig.
We’ve had gorgeous weather in Wales, but still a long way off for lilac, but the local magnolia trees have been stunning.
Good news in a way about plan A. Fingers crossed that plan Works well.xx
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:27 PM
  
  Yes, hope plan B comes through for me as PLAN C is not to my liking!!
  I have a bit more energy these days but I think that is the reduction in pills not necessarily the meds.I did not know you had a daughter!!SON yes but daughter no idea!SHE KNOWS what you like!
  XX
Bev
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April 9, 2025 at 7:26 AM

Your grocery prices are definitely very high!!
It must be regional, as our prices in Texas are not that high at all, maybe half.
So sorry..
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
  
  Well, that is good news on your end!Happy to hear its not USA WIDE!
  XXX
cindy
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April 9, 2025 at 7:11 AM

We need to catch up! Hopefully, that is semi-good news on the health front! It looks like Giampiero is enjoying retirement! Paella is such a great dish for a crowd…and to be able to make it in the pizza oven…how fun!
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
  
  WELL PLAN C is not to my liking so lets HOPE plan B works!
  XX
DonnaO
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April 9, 2025 at 6:51 AM

First – that Paella is a thing of beauty!! God job, gentlemen! I haven’t had one in years, may need to try a hand. Speaking of Bon Maman, my favorite flavor was always Damson Plum, but it slowly disappeared from the grocers. I ordered a case of 6 and am living high on the hog! They came out to $6 each, and free shipping. They don’t taste quite like I remember them, but still delicious.
I’m sorry things didn’t go the way you expected medically… but I hope that your Plan B will be easier and offer better results – whatever it turns out to be. I have been struggling medically, too, but this springtime weather makes me feel more hopeful, upbeat. I think I’ll plant some flowers! Stay well, dear. XO
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 8:04 AM
  
  I donot recall DAMSON PLUM JAM!I know I would LOVE IT!Where did you order it from?Oh dear I am SO SORRY to hear you are struggling too.It’s NO FUN to not feel well.I need to reach out to you about something else.I will send you an email soon.
  XX
Judy Smith
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April 9, 2025 at 6:45 AM

Contessa, after reading your post, I want to smell lilacs, buy some jam, and make paella! Love your blogs. Feel better!

Judy
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 8:00 AM
  
  ALL GOOD THINGS and YOU forgot READ YOUR BOOK!!!!
  XX
  - Judy Smith
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    April 9, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    
    Yes! Thank you for the wonderful promotion for my book.
    Amazon.com: The Golden Years Glitch: 9781954332621: Smith, Judy: Books
Betty Frederick
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April 9, 2025 at 6:36 AM

Please don’t discuss politics on your blog. It’s not very lady like. Many readers do not share your views. Where were your comments when millions of illegal aliens were allowed in our country. There is the reason for our inflation now. Also He does not take a salary for His service to our country
- LA CONTESSA
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  April 9, 2025 at 7:18 AM
  
  BETTY, I think we have been through this BEFORE.It’s MY BLOG my rambling so I will mention what I feel warrants my mood and FEELINGS at the time!The immigrants are looking for a Better Life………….and if you THINK HE DOES NOT TAKE A SALARY THINK AGAIN!
  “The President of the United States earns a fixed annual salary of $400,000., which has remained unchanged since 2001.along with ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES for expenses, travel and entertainment.”
  THAT IS A FACT……………
  If I were you I would get your BLINDERS OFF ASAP as we are headed for WAR and other devastating consequences at the moment.
  - Pat
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    April 10, 2025 at 12:16 PM
    
    I applaud you for sharing your thoughts on the state of our country. Everyone complains about how divided we are as a nation, which is true, but the only way to mend that chasm is to talk about it. So much of our discourse is based on opinion and not facts. Just the comment above about “…millions of illegal aliens…” is loaded. First, there’s the description of people as illegal aliens. That in itself, serves to dehumanize people. Undocumented immigrants is the commonly accepted terminology. And, the comment on millions being allowed into our country is so vague as to be meaningless. Where does this estimate come from? Is it 2 million, 10 million, or just some random sound bite? And, I wouldn’t characterize undocumented immigrants as being “allowed” into the country. I believe the estimate for the number of undocumented immigrants is closer to half-a-million per year. Still, arguing over the numbers is to miss the point entirely. People are trying to get into our country to find a better life. I’m not saying that we should have open borders, but we should try to understand the situation better.
    As anyone who has ever driven through the Central Valley, or almost any other agricultural area can see, the people doing the backbreaking work of picking strawberries, garlic, broccoli…you name it, are not white Anglo Americans; nor are the people working in ghastly conditions in meat processing centers. Anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of economics would know that cheap labor brings down prices. It certainly doesn’t contribute to inflation!
    As for the current resident of the White House, he has said that he would donate his $400,000 annual salary as president. And, to be fair, he has. Not too surprisingly, some have called these contributions a PR stunt. For example, during his last term, he donated $100,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to allegedly help combat COVID. Sounds good until you realize that this came after he was criticized his budget proposal that would have cut 10 percent of the department’s budget.
    By the way, he isn’t the first president to “forego” his presidential salary. JFK and Herbert Hoover did the same. More importantly they, followed the time-honored practice of putting their assets into a blind trust while in office, something that Trump has refused to do, just as he has refused to share his tax records.
    Before I go on and on, I just want to reiterate the point that people should be talking about politics, even with those who don’t share our opinions. But these conversations are only useful when they are informed and not just opinionated. We all have to pay more attention and get out of our echo chambers.
- Bev
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  April 9, 2025 at 7:28 AM
  
  Your grocery prices are definitely very high!!
  It must be regional, as our prices in Texas are not that high at all, maybe half.
  So sorry..
  - LA CONTESSA
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    Author
    
    April 9, 2025 at 7:58 AM
    
    My thought on the potatoes was they must come from the mid-west.I don’t think California grows potatoes but I could very well be wrong.Then again the people who pick them could be GONE!I had to go back and check the price as people said the cashier must have made a mistake!
    XX
donna
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April 9, 2025 at 5:17 AM

Contessa, haven’t been receiving notifications of your posts lately and I came to check after I saw your Insta about your great grandfather. It’s still such a pretty house! But most importantly, I am so sorry you are still having health issues. I can see you are enjoying your home as much as ever. I wish you the very best always! And I hope you can visit here again. Think of you often!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 7:32 AM
  
  Well its been over a month since the last blog post but yes there is something WRONG with the mailman here!I pay a lot of money for it NOT TO BE DELIVERED per month!Thank You for checking………….I average about two a month when I’m up to it.THANK YOU for thinking about me THAT put a SMILE on my FACE!
  XX
Valeri Johnson
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April 9, 2025 at 5:07 AM

Our first home had an enormous avocado tree and I did not appreciate her at all. I would love to have one now but I live where they won’t grow. I usually eat 3-4 a week but if we can no longer get them from Mexico I will have to give them up. We make our own bread with a bread machine simply because it tastes better and is healthier and now so much much cheaper!

I am in the process of selling my gas car and buying a hybrid. An all electric isn’t practical where we lose power often and need to occasionally evacuate because of hurricanes.

Oh how I miss living in southern California. My parents grew practically all their produce and it was delicious.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 7:29 AM
  
  VALERI,
  That is a scary thought a car that may not be ENERGIZED when needed?I’m sure you have thought this through.Yes, California is a paradise for fruits and vegetables.We are VERY LUCKY.Home made bread is DELICIOUS!
  XX
Chris
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April 9, 2025 at 4:24 AM

Hang in there Contessa! We love you and want you to feel better!!
You bring us so many wonderful
pictures and stories !! Love your garden and all of your escapades!!
You bring the fun to us with every blog post!! Take care and know you are appreciated!!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 7:25 AM
  
  MANY THANKS…………..I HOPE I BRING A SMILE AT LEAST!
  XX
Fran
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April 8, 2025 at 6:29 PM

Ciao Bellissima Contessa!

We need to enjoy the little things in life and it looks like your Sweet Italian knows exactly how to do that! Bravo! You are in very good and FUN company!
Prices are just as RIDICULOUS here where I live, too! No more wine for me these days ( saving up for the next big thing that suddenly breaks down in this house!). We need to copy our strong, grandmothers – save money where we can, grow our own produce, laugh, sing, chit chat with friends and neighbours and dance a lot Lol
Keep Going Strong, Contessa, and remember that we Adore You!
XX00
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 7:24 AM
  
  YES to ALL THE ABOVE and A BIG THANK YOU!
  NO MORE REPAIRS FOR YOU I HOPE THIS YEAR!
  XX
Mimi
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April 8, 2025 at 5:29 PM

Sounds like a great summer read, I’ll check it out.
Dinner and surroundings look yummy and inviting.
Love,
Marleah
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 7:23 AM
  
  How are the GOATS?Loving the photos you share on Instagram.
  Yes!You may enjoy it and relate a bit!
  XX
Leslie Lord
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April 8, 2025 at 5:22 PM

Elizabeth that paella looks wonderful! I would love to have a pizza oven in our garden.
Groceries here are climbing fast!
$3.50 Canadian for one avocado…i love avocados ?
Eggs are about $8.00 a dozen.
Bonne Maman Jam is $7.00 a jar.
I am finding the costs of BC grown produce very expensive $5.00 for a leafy lettuce…we are going to try growing some in the garden.
Good luck with plan B I wish you improved success and good heart health.
XO

Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  April 9, 2025 at 7:22 AM
  
  Boy!That’s ONE EXPENSIVE AVOCADO!I was chatting with my cousin this past week she paid $11.00 for a bag of 6.Lettuce is easy to grow and does well in shade.We have not planted our veggie garden yet but soon we will be able too.
  Food tastes so much better when home grown!
  XX