THOUGHTS!

July 10, 2023 129 Comments

July is here and we in CALIFORNIA are still waiting for summer to arrive!

WE have been having gray foggy mornings with sun about 2 in the afternoon.

PHOOEY!

Even BETTY the ROTTI is a bit MIFFED!

No sun means MOM does not go outside so NO BALL TOSSING!

NO WAY TO LIVE!

MY LATEST CHANGE OF LIFE!

The dry crepe skin just appeared!

How can you go from smooth skin no wrinkles to this OVERNIGHT!

Any advise out there?

Should I lather on the dry skin cream?

I think this was MORE of a shock than losing the hair at 56 years of AGE.

BOTH ARE MOMENTS OF HORROR!

There is NO WAY to prepare for this change of LIFE!

So, what do you do?

You go into THE GARDEN.

It helps rid the pain and the sudden OH MY GOSH I look like my Mother SYNDROME!

THE ITALIAN who picked me over others!

Why?I have no idea!

He spent $8.00 on a ball of Mozzarella di Buffalo back in 1984 only for me to say I preferred the one wrapped in plastic at the grocery store!He responded with you mean the one that BOUNCES off the walls?

What did I know!I grew up in AMERICA and had NO IDEA this was top of the line as far as cheese goes!

I had A LOT TO LEARN back then 37 years ago; in fact I am still LEARNING!

TABLECLOTHS and NAPKINS and PARTY FAVORS are being accumulated for the FESTIVITIES!

It has been YEARS since we did a garden dinner party and now 12 days out I am worried about the weather!Never mind I have NOTHING TO WEAR!

I know you are CRACKING up about that last line!

Even I am laughing out loud!

Must be SOMETHING IN THAT CLOSET of MINE TO COVER THY BOD WITH………..

The old chicken coop in the distance behind me.

The rebar arches still NOT COVERED AFTER MANY YEARS!

The garden was suppose to have a FOLLY.

A TURRET to climb for a glass of wine.

With a Bridge to meander too.

Toss that DREAM AWAY because now I would be too tired to walk all the way there and back!

THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON.

AN ODD NIGHT WE GO OUT TO DINE!

It is so cold I add leggings underneath my dress plus; I have terrible varicose veins and do not care to share the sight with you!I will SPARE you the details.I have done the VEIN SHOTS and worn the support hose and everything else involved.

NOTHING WORKS!

Here we are at the restaurant.

What should have been taken away from the start remained with us for the entire night.

Can you SPY IT?

The top of my STRAW.

The paper they left on for sanitary purposes.

The Bus Boy was all over us wanting to clear plates while one of us was still eating!

Do you think he took that piece of paper?

The Italian even moved it to his side to see if that made a difference!

NOPE!

This is the nicest dining restaurant in our area………..note the white tablecloths!

Just a BEAUTIFUL PHOTO………..of the Pacific Ocean.

THE SUN and MY CAMERA MET AND HAD TOO MUCH FUN CREATING THIS RAINBOW EFFECT!

Nice of it to FRAME MY FACE but what are those REBARS in my neck!

Zucchini Blooms from the garden.Best SNACK EVER!

Any of you READERS recall way back when I was in that

MAGAZINE

making these for WHERE WOMEN COOK?

I BEST GET BACK TO CLEANING AND COUNTING PLATES!

NOT EVERY DAY I HAVE 40 people for a sit down dinner in the garden.

Even though I’m not cooking and cleaning it is a LOT of WORK.

I just do not have the ENERGY ANYMORE!

Good thing I did it in my younger days………….as things change!

Don’t wait make the VISION HAPPEN NOW!

HAVE THOSE GIRLFRIENDS FOR LUNCH ONCE A MONTH.

DO A MONTHLY ROTATION Of GIRLFRIENDS HOSTING!

WE HAVE ALL HEARD OF DINNER CLUBS!

HOW ABOUT A POTLUCK CLUB?

EVERYONE BRINGS ONE ITEM TO SHARE FOR THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE.

INVITE an INSTAGRAM GIRLFRIEND TO COME OVER!

Remember when I did those INSTAGRAM LUNCHEONS?

THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST FAVORITES THINGS I HAVE EVER DONE!

AGAIN make it easy on yourself have everyone bring something!

MAKE GOOD USE OF OUR DAYS!

LOTS OF JOY AND LAUGHS.

THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL REMEMBER!

Somehow we got a jump start on the birthday month!

I WONDER HOW MANY BIRTHDAY WISHES I WILL GET TO BLOW OUT?

Thank You Nancy for starting THE COUNTDOWN!

XXX

PS.I have LOST over half my followers when we lost the BLOG back in MARCH due to my BEHIND THE SCENES LADY PASSING IN HER SLEEP.If you can send to a friend to see if she might be interested in Following along on my path of the GLORIOUS SIXTIES please do.

Also if you were following via WORDPRESS I do not think that transferred over.

If that is FAKE INFORMATION PLEASE TELL ME in the comments BELOW; I will be DELIGHTED!

I will be back with more TALES of MY Life stories and the CHANGES of this 63 year old BODY!

PLEASE ADD YOUR TWO CENTS OR COMMENT BELOW…………………..

129 Comments

Leave your reply.

Dee Black
· Reply

July 15, 2023 at 9:09 AM

Love your journal of life!!! The clearing the table, while diners still eating. If that is not a metaphor for life….I do not know what is!
You and garden could not look better.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 16, 2023 at 9:47 AM
  
  Dee!!!
  Thank You so much!
  I adore this time of year and finally I get to have my coffee in the garden in my nite gown!
  Humming birds and ME!
  Xxx
Sandra sallin
· Reply

July 14, 2023 at 9:14 AM

I’d join your monthly dinner in a heartbeat. What fun. I can’t believe you’re having 40 for a sit down dinner. Who’s cooking. Your garden is gorgeous. So are you.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 14, 2023 at 12:30 PM
  
  NOT US!
  THIS IS A FIRST!
  AN ITALIAN NAMED RUDY!
  DINNER PARTIES TO BEGIN IN THE FALL!
  YOU START ONE DOWN SOUTH……….hopefully I can start UP NORTH.
  I will know MORE after the 19th of JULY!
  XXX
Kim
· Reply

July 14, 2023 at 9:01 AM

Oh what a lovely post! You are like a little flower in that garden. So pretty. Well even if you didn’t do what you planned, it did come out gorgeous!!
I hope you’re enjoying the party planning and it’s not stress. Agree we need more hosting of friends. I feel like since the pandemic a lot of that went away !
I also use the La Roche Posay Stefanie talked about in the pump- get the lotion not the creme.. Easier to pump out and just as effective! xox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 14, 2023 at 12:28 PM
  
  I OWNED IT ALREADY!!
  DIDNOT USE AS IT WAS TOO HARD TO PUMP OUT!
  I CLEANED IT OUT THIS MORNING WITH A Q-TIP AND I THINK THAT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
  NO STRESS HERE EVERYTHING FALLING INTO PLACE!
  IF NOT WE WILL HAVE A GOOD LAUGH!
  SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!
  XOXO
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

Author

July 13, 2023 at 5:59 PM

THE STORIES YOU HAVE TO SHARE ………
THERE IS A BOOK THERE especially about CAN COLLECTING TO COME VISIT ME!I found yesterday the email you sent me after visiting San Diego……I think it was 2017?
Those DAM EPISODES were happening then………….and WE ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT THEM!
HAD TWO YESTERDAY!
AT least they aren’t so POWERFUL and I do not feel like I will pass out!
Once you visit me in the FALL we will compose a little story to share with the OTHER READERS as its a GOOD READ!
XXX
Stephanie D
· Reply

July 13, 2023 at 12:33 PM

Happy early birthday to you Elizabeth!!

Crepey skin? I realize that it’s just a normal aging phenomenon, but hydration and a few good creams do help. Living in dry Colorado, I slather on twice a day. CeraVe cream in the big tub is my go-to, but I’ve discovered an even richer body cream by LaRoche Posay that I use at night. Highly recommend! It’s also recommended by dermatologists for eczema…available on Amazon here:

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion for Dry Skin, Body Cream with Shea Butter and Niacinamide, Moisturizer for Dry and Rough Skin, Sensitive Skin Safe https://a.co/d/6HupBvU

I know you said your garden has past its prime, but it’s looking pretty great from where I sit. I’m so looking forward to pics from your birthday soirée…it’s a very thoughtful and loving husband who throws his wife such a grand party! Try to relax and enjoy every moment…

xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 13, 2023 at 6:21 PM
  
  I OWN IT!!!!!!!!!!
  I clicked on the link and I OWN IT!
  HARD TO PUMP OUT OF THE BOTTLE!!!
  WOW, are we in SYNC or WHAT!
  XXX
  - Stephanie D
    · Reply
    
    July 13, 2023 at 7:32 PM
    
    Excellent…bravo!! Let me know what you think!
rosemarie
· Reply

July 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM

error above – should be “place” NOT “places”
Maggie
· Reply

July 13, 2023 at 8:44 AM

Elizabeth,
Forever swooning over your garden and your frocks, so amazing ?.
A garden party sounds wonderful and your lucky to have such a partner at your side and your faithful furry friends.
Yes, we are all dealing with bodily changes and have been since the day we were born. They all bring a new season, still coming to terms that I can’t recapture my youth but forward we all march. Have a lovely party and keep shining ?.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 13, 2023 at 6:18 PM
  
  FROCKS!
  That is ONE OF MY FAVORITE WORDS and I NEVER use it!
  I am a COLLECTOR OF THINGS and FROCKS is one of them!
  LONG FROCKS I own no short dresses!!
  I LIKE THE IDEA OF NEW SEASONS!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH!
  XXX
Monica Goral
· Reply

July 12, 2023 at 6:23 PM

You are beautiful and funny and interesting! I LOVE your pictures of your life! THE ITalian is gorgeous!
Happy BIRTHDAY!???
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 13, 2023 at 6:15 PM
  
  MONICA!
  YOU MADE MY DAY!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH………..YOU are right HE IS!
  XXX
D. A. Squires
· Reply

July 12, 2023 at 6:11 PM

Happy, Happy Birthday!! A garden party is the perfect celebration location… and yours is so gorgeous…those roses!! Hope you will post pics from the gala event! Always love your musings….life has a lot to ‘muse’ about, especially with age. You are a perfect couple… so wonderful your mother was the matchmaker : ) I have no varicose veins (my husband did, but had a magical : ) procedure that removed them). So funny, I thought I was turning 70 this year and my children were planning something (son coming from Denver w/ new serious girlfriend) and then I realized I will only be 69!! They decided we would still have a party : ) I use Victoria Beckham’s favorite skin elixir and love it for my face, Osea. Still working full-time and working on another book. Really don’t want to retire… maybe it is the word that is depressing to me!! XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 13, 2023 at 6:13 PM
  
  NOW THAT IS FUNNY!
  69 sounds like a GREAT YEAR!
  HAPPY YOUR SON MAY HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT ONE!
  A WEDDING IS ALWAYS A LIFE LIFTER!
  I recall you mentioning the BOOK…………SPACE which is my LEAST ENJOYABLE SUBJECT for TV TIME but THE ITALIAN LOVES IT!!!
  MAYBE I SHOULD DO A GIVE AWAY ON THE BLOG when it gets PUBLISHED!
  I SHOULD DO THAT WITH THE TIME SEEKERS!!
  I LOVED THAT BOOK!
  XOXO
PPP
· Reply

July 12, 2023 at 4:50 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,
You are hilarious!
The image of a plastic wrapped mozzarella bouncing off the wall, rebars on the neck, varicose veins…? Ya gotta laugh instead of crying…waaa…? or ?
Your garden is a treat and your advice to do “potluck” excellent.
I love all of it!
Thanks for making me smile ?.

You’re the best!
PPP
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 13, 2023 at 6:09 PM
  
  WE NEED A CATCH UP!
  I AM GLAD YOU TAKE ME FOR WHAT I AM……….HYSTERICAL!!
  WE GOTTA LAUGH AS YOU KNOW!
  BIG HUG
  XXX
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
· Reply

July 12, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Elizabeth,
You always look beautiful! I love the photo of your with the “rainbow” it frames your face beautifully.
I hope that you have a wonderful birthday celebration! I am sure it will be amazing. Make sure to rest the day before so that you have the energy to enjoy your party.
As for creepy skin, I have it too and I am 56! It’s crazy.
Take care
xo Elizabeth
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 13, 2023 at 6:07 PM
  
  I rest everyday………….I will be in bed by 1:00 to be up and ready for the festivities by 5:00pm and I will have no trouble sleeping.I know people donot get the gravity of the situation here as I look perfectly fine!But my LIFE has changed so much in this last year and I’m tired of talking about it but I will as its MY JOURNAL of what will GO DOWN!
  Hopefully these new meds will Help!
  Isn’t it shocking how it happens overnight?
  That was my point as I know I can live with it but no one says now this will happen and this………….TOO!
  ITS A BIG SURPRISE!
  Someone should write a hysterical fun book on AGING……..
  Maybe its out there I have not looked for it!
  Enjoy your summer…………..it’s a great time of year!
  XXX
Rosemarie
· Reply

July 12, 2023 at 2:15 PM

Hi there CONTESSA

LOVE this post and all the feedback from readers and your replies!
Veins had/have those – did the injections – saline and one time foam. Oh yes 1x I questioned why I had bruising afterwards and still have it – specialist said he used too STRONG of a solution! Ouch! A couple of years ago I was feeling my leg/vein – what’s this hard lump – had an ultra sound – well now I had a blood clot! Was assured it would dissolve on its own. Gave up on the injections as other veins would pop up – now at 74 they are worse – I do wear the support stockings – oh well at least I can WALK!
Overnight changes seem to occur. I just have quirky things happen to my body over the year(s).
Yes with ageing one is always learning,
The party is going to be so much FUN! Usually with all the anticipation – pre planning I find I am exhausted on the day of the event. I think you should LIVE STREAM your party! Just kidding!
Best ever potluck I went to was a salad party – 20 people = 20 different salads.
Here’s a quote from a song by Leonard Cohen who was one of Canada’s finest poets/writers/singers/musician:
I ache in the places where I used to play.
When he recited this line in concert it brought laughter from the audience.
Shall be looking forward to your future tales!