Hard to believe we are now on week four of Indoornation!
I’m ashamed to admit that I’m feeling a bit lazy when at home these days.
I recline on the sofa instead–but the remote is always in-hand!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m still going to work five days a week from 8 AM till 5 PM I’m working like a dog—and I’m loving it because I’m by myself.
New office essentials for this essential worker–hand sanitzer and a mask!
No office politics. No snitches. No distractions. My biggest concern is that I’ll be very unwelcoming when everyone comes back. Hey! Ain’t gonna lie!
I’m still dressing for work though. I wore a couple of favorites this week. I LOVE this outfit because for some reason, the loud printed pants just work! The pants were purchased on sale from the Gretchen Scott Designs website. The shirt is years old from J. Crew and the shoes? Repettos that are at least ten years old purchased on one of our visits to Paris!
On my birthday, I wore this tried and true, four-season ensemble. In all honesty, it’s my favorite work outfit. The skirt is either from J. Crew or J. Crew Factory. The shoes from J. Crew and the shirt from Target. This has got to be my most worn outfit!
And yesterday I wore a comfy shift by Lilly Pulitzer. I may have been a bit premature in switching out the seasonal clothing but I’m glad to have done it. This made me cheery–especially in an empty office. The flat shoes? The purchase was made in late December at a Talbots sale. Eyeing these for a while, they were purchased at a deep discount!
But let’s talk about how the week went whilst not at work.
I’ve been falling asleep very early. Last night I reached slumber at approximately 8:30 PM. That’s right. Eight. Thirty. Pee. Em! And I slept like a baby.
And while I was dreaming, Bonaparte was watching all the TV shows I can’t stand!
It also meant waking up early on a Saturday morning. One would think after such a long slumber I would be full of vim and vigor. Instead I’m full of laziness and lethargy!
Good Morning! I put Saturday makeup on! Just a bit. And I decided to plop a wig I hadn’t worn in a while. Hayden by Henry Margu!
It could be because I’ve been thinking a lot about my brother, Pete, this week.
Thursday was our birthdays. Twins 13 years apart. As I turned 65, he did not turn 52. And it was a very odd birthday.
I have this photo in my cubicle at work. I like to keep Pete close to me. This is my favorite photo of us. It was taken back in 1992 at Tice’s farm in New Jersey. He was visiting us while we took the kids pumpkin picking. It isn’t fair that he’s not here…
I’ve been swinging the pendulum of emotions from sad to not sad. From missing him to accepting the fact he’s not here. From anger that my brother is gone and a certain person who lies is still breathing.
Add to that, turning 65, which is a milestone of sorts—as I step completely away from any notion of youth and over the boarder to bona fide Senior Citizenship, I dwell at how unsuccessful in a career I’ve been. On the other hand, I’m very thankful to have a job.
And thankful to have health and three great kids and a wonderful husband.
But there was no birthday cake—and I would have had to bake one anyway so my hips and ass are ridiculously happy over the no cake.
I think I made this cake for Roman or Oona. Perhaps both since their birthdays are so close together. Alas, I passed on baking a cake for me!
The stores are closed so I couldn’t go birthday shopping—which is great because money is saved.
Actually, the husband is happier!
Bonaparte got some gorgeous red roses for me and they are so beautiful to admire.
Aren’t they gorgeous?
And as I sit here typing, I can look up from the table and admire them!
The kids got me a Nespresso machine which is making me feel as though I’m now a professional barista! Thank God the caffeine in coffee, and espresso, do not affect my sleeping patterns. I can enjoy a cup in the evening and still go into a deep sleep!
Mommy also knows what the kids are going to want with breakfast on their next visits!
It’s so cool. Although I will admit that I had to watch a YouTube video on how to use this. I need visuals instead of written instructions!
It came with a box of pods..
..and continued yesterday with another delivery of more pods!
My first attempt! That milk frother is everything!
All in all, it was a low-key birthday but bittersweet just the same!
A great gift indeed!!
And the day after turning 65, I went to the office and happened to…touch my face! I know, I know. We are not supposed to touch our faces at this time but sometimes you do these things. And what did I discover? A hair! Not a little lady whisker that is normally found on the chin and immediately plucked. But a hair!!!
Approximately a quarter of an inch. Dark. It bothered me all day. I could just about focus on the tremendous amount of paperwork. And when I arrived home, I plucked that muthafucka out of my cheek and realized that this is what aging is. Finding stray hairs on areas other than your chin!
The first thing I’m gonna do when stores open is buy a tweezer for every purse!
I have tweezers in my car. Tweezers on my vanity. Now I need to buy a pair for every purse I own. I’ll be touching my face forever now!
Actually, that is the second thing I’m gonna do. The first thing will be to get a proper manicure and pedicure.
Yeah. The hands are kind of nasty. Chippy was lucky enough to go to the vet yesterday to get his nails clipped. I’m thinking of calling the vet’s office to see if he does human paws!
The nails were looking pretty messed up. Gel polish was peeling. The acrylic was chipping. It was awful. What I ended up doing was soaking cotton in acetone nail polish remover, wrapping the soaked cotton around my fingertips and covering it with aluminum foil which I kept on for almost a half hour!
It all peeled off nicely and I gave myself a coat of clear nail polish. It’s the best I could do for now but I find that I like the look of a natural nail. I may keep them like this until next winter!
Hey! They can be worse–you know??
Feeling rather…um…. productive, I cleaned my makeup brushes in between blogging! Quite honestly, they were so disgusting that I am shocked no crud was growing in the crevasses, otherwise known as wrinkles, of my visage!
In all my slothful laziness, I managed to clean my makeup brushes. God knows this was a chore that was way overdue. Ewwww..they were so filthy. I should be ashamed. But I’m not!
They were so gross and filthy that I decided to use Fantastik and it worked like a charm.
Don’t judge! It worked better than soap! Besides, it did cut through the tough grime and grease!
I’m going back to do nothing right now—except to watch Diners,and Drive-In’s, and Dives! That comfort food is addicting! And if I watch it on TV, it’s not as fattening!
Although I find Guy Fieri utterly vulgar, I’m so addicted to his show. And I love when he can’t stand something and he pretends to like it! He can’t hide his feelings, this guy!
Remember! Stay Safe. Stay well and remember this will pass!
Be well and stay safe!
I also want to thank you for your patience with me. I have been so exhausted after working all day that I have been lacking in energy to write more during the week. I’m sorry!
Catherine, this is getting to all of us, so the fact that your not writing as much is okay. Glad to see you got a fun coffee machine for your B-day and those roses from you hubby were beautiful. Stay safe at your job. – Amy
https://stylingrannymama.com/
Thanks Ames! Yeah. It’s really weird how this time is making us all emotionally lethargic–isn’t it? Stay well my friend! XOXOXOXO
Wishing another happy birthday to you! I know. 65. It’s a bit daunting. I am trying to think of it as liberating – as in who gives a fxxk at this age about anyone’s opinion but my own. Still, 65. Oy. When I think of your brother, though – we are so freaking blessed to be celebrating 65 this year. Keep on rocking!
Almost forgot – I think those are the nicest roses I have ever seen – gorgeous!
Thanks Maryellen! True on all you said! I think at our age, our opinion certainly doesn’t matter and we should be even more free to speak our minds!!! XOXOXOXO
No need to apologize, Cathe. Even though I’m retired and usually am out and about all day long either getting the grandkids off the bus and doing things around my daughter’s house so I keep busy, I cannot get motivated to do the things I’ve put off for a rainy day. When the “pause” in New York started, I thought I would be so productive. Nope. Added to the mix that I turned 65 (today and Happy Belated Birthday to you) and am finding it difficult. Just going from the category of 60-64 to 65-69 is blowing my mind. I suddenly realized I am a senior citizen! Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful to be 65 (especially since I am a breast cancer survivor of 14 years) but yikes I still feel like I am 45. Age is just a number. Right? Thank you for another fun read.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
Happy Belated Birthday Cathe. And thank you for always saying it like it is. Many happy returns.
Thank you Barb!! XOXOXO
A belated Happy Birthday to you! Beautiful roses and a great gift from your bairns. Take care, stay safe x
Happy birthday. I’m so impressed that you are still working; Don’t worry about not doing any blogging during the week, we’ll still be here waiting for you. Here in the UK we are in week four of lockdown only going out every ten days to shop and occasionally to get exercise. Sometimes too many people around and it’s not pleasurable, especially with the joggers. Anyway it’s nice to be at home feeling safe as we are over 70 so have to protect ourselves.
Lovely roses, lovely husband.
Stay safe stay well.
Susan D
Hi Susan! So true! This fourth week can be a bit daunting. I won’t even go out to walk simply beause there are too many people out there. I run up and down the three flights of stairs in the house for exercise!! XOXOXO
Happy birthday – just so happy you are blogging for us when you are probably exhausted. The photo of you and your brother, Pete is lovely. Anyone who has a corona-affected birthday can surely celebrate in 6 months or whenever this is over as I think we will want to celebrate anything and everything by then.
Hi Juliet! Thank you! Oh. I adore that pic and it seems like only yesterday it was taken. Time certainly is fleeting! XOXOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday in the time of COVID19.
The title of the book “Love in the Time of Cholera” comes to my mind constantly these days. Everything now is “In the Time of COVID19”
Beautiful roses. And ohhh- that Nespresso!
LOIS! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU MENTIONED THAT BOOK! I say that all the time–this is comparable to “love in the time of cholera”! That’s so funny! Thank you! Ahhhhh the Nespresso is the greatest! XOXOXOXO
No problem, we understand. I’m sorry about your brother. Remember the good times you shared. Have a wonderful birthday,
Thank you so much Beemer!!! XOXIXIXIXI
Happiest of birthdays, Cathe. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for…the fact that you’re still blogging at all is wonderful. I look forward to every single one. Keep on truckin’.
XXX
Thank you Liz–and stay well and safe! XOXOXOXO
No George Clooney with the Nespresso? Happy Birthday! and thank you for your blog.
LOL! Jean, George said I’m too loud for him1 Thank you for the birthday greetings! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday!!! Beautiful roses and very nice coffee machine 💐😊
Thank you Lisa! OXOOXOCO
What really got me was when you wrote asking why your beautiful brother had to pass and “someone who lies is still alive” it’s hard to accept that isn’t it? Just remember how much your brother contributed to his family, community and country. That other dufus? He’ll go down in history as the biggest arshole to ever inhabit the Whitehouse. There will be thousands of Americans burying their dead in the coming weeks who will ask the same question as you have. I hope they all have the same pride in their loved ones that you have for your brother. That other guy will have to someday answer to a higher authority. I hope he has a good excuse for his stupidity.
Meantime young lady you have much to be grateful for and these days that’s the best birthday gift you could get. Hugs to you, virtual of course!!
Hi Momcat and a social distanced hug back atcha! Ohhhhhhhhhhhh. Every. Single. Day. I become more angry over that fact! I can’t help it and make no apologies! But I am grateful for everything I have. This thing isn’t going away any time soon so we have to adjust!!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday Cathy! I’m jealous of the coffee machine….
Hi Joni! Oh! It is the best appliance next to my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer! XOXOXOXOXO
Is it easy to use and clean? I had a cappuccino maker once which I returned as it was too complicated. I guess if George Clooney advertises Nespresso machines they must be good!
Hi hon, nice to hear you had a good birthday despite all. Minus 4 early this morning in rural Scotland so your lovely outfits made me shiver, I’m still in almost winter gear here. Lots of displacement activity going on everywhere, but some of it needed doing, like make-up brushes. Here’s a tip, get one of those soft mess veg. strainers, like a bowl shape ? lower half way into warm soapy water , and rub the bristles against the mesh, Keeps your hands out of the detergent and really cleans the yuck off.
Keep safe, J x
Jilly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That strainer suggestion is genious!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m definitely going to try that one!! Thank you!!! Ugh. It’s freezing here too and I’m indoors and wearing shorts–LOL I fake tanned my legs–wishful thinking that Spring will arrive at some point! Stay well my friend! XOXOXOXO
Ha ! ‘mesh’ not ‘mess’ !
Hi Cath, I look forward to and enjoy your blog posts. I’m impressed that you are even writing one a week! I was just talking with my daughter yesterday about the instagram pressure to be productive at home right now, and how that’s surprisingly hard. I’m grateful to be working and between that, dinner, Netflix, keeping the house clean, and sleep, that’s about all that gets done around here. I’m so sorry that your brother is no longer here, painful to imagine. But good that you have your husband there with you. I feel for the singlets right now. Take care, and thank you for your writing and photos. You make me happy!
Hi Tracy! Thank you so much! I’m happy that I make you happy! It’s so funny that you and Vava mentioned Instagram! I’ve been posting on IG but not as often. I just try to maintain positivity and humor on the gram. However, I’ve basically stopped following the shallow stuff. I wish more Instagramers would be more truthful during these times–you know! Stay well. LOL, we both have the same thing going on with work and Netflix!!!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday to YOU!!! My god, those are some gorgeous roses!!! And what a nice present from your children and their significant others. Is Jake engaged? I love that photo of you and your brother – and how cool is that you shared the same birthday! I can see why this was a difficult one for you this year. Hugs to you.
I’m turning 65 in a couple of weeks and I think I’m finally signed up for Medicare although I don’t have my card yet. I couldn’t sign up on-line for some odd reason, so I had a phone interview and they required that I send in a certified copy of my birth certificate. Weird! But they sent it back, so I guess all is well. I may be about to be 65 but mentally and physically I feel like I’m 30. LOL. I don’t look 30, though… Mind over matter! hahaha.
Wanabee King Trump will go down in history as the worst president ever to step into the White House. His legacy will be long-lasting. The lack of sympathy he has for people in this country who are ill or have died is just beyond belief. The guy has absolutely zero compassion. And these Trump supporters who are protesting having to stay home? They are such losers. Personally I regard being home as a privilege. I’ve been happily working in my sewing room, making garments and also some face masks for people I know. Luckily I have an ample supply of fabrics, thread, and elastic.
I hope the pandemic passes soon, but my guess is it won’t. I think there will be another surge because there are so many people who think the restrictions don’t apply to them. All I know is I plan to keep my distance to the extent possible!! My heart really goes out to the people in NYC.
Thanks for your blog entry, lately your blog is one the few I can stand to read. I’m going to stop following a bunch of instagramers/bloggers because their messages just seem unrelatable. But you, my dear, are a real gem!! Take care!!
Hi Vava! Thank you so very much!!! Hey, I am still waiting for my certified copy of the birth certificate. It’s coming from New York City so I don’t expect to get it any time soon. I just hope I don’t get fined. Especially with this government. They will rob you of any money they may be able to get. I can’t even watch that filthy pig anymore. I shut the TV off whenever his orange puss shows up on the screen!
Oh I definitely think there will be another surge. Here in Pennsylvania the occupants are so arrogant. Valley Forge Park is CLOSED. Barriers all over and yet, cars are parked on the grass with runners and walkers abound It’s disgusting.
And I LOVE my home. It’s our castle. I’m so comfortable here and I cannot figure out why peope don’t welcome being at home more often. It’s nice to chill1 Take care and be safe and well! XOXOXOXO
Bon anniversaire, Cathy! Your posts always make me smile. You are blessed with a loving family, a great sense of humor and a wonderful “joie de vivre”. I’d say you’re doing splendidly for someone 65!
(I’m 71, so I know! You’ll never be “old”)
Hi CATHERINE,
Your posts are always worth waiting for & they always seem to arrive at the right time for me.
So far I seem to have been managing to cope with the effects of this life and world changing event arriving home three weeks prematurely from, what was then, a virus free Gambia. I walk daily, sometimes in the nearby park which is conducive to social distancing & sometimes in another local small recreation ground.
So far I shop twice weekly in the small local supermarket which has made me more disciplined in this area.
Of course I especially miss my regular morning visit to Costa cafe where I see familiar faces as I do on my further visits to town shops & the library.
Fortunately my brother Ray who used to work abroad now has an apartment base just opposite here but goes on long cycling trips throughout the year. He comes here for his evening meal.
I keep in touch with friends on wats app, Facebook & text, however this period has given me a welcome space from face to face contact as I have a tendency to overdo it. I miss my special Gambian guy & all my Gambian friends. My Proposed September trip to Ireland following the death of two cousins won’t be happening but God is good & hopefully we will all get through it.
Although a regular mass goer I have found alternative quiet, reflective spiritual practices. This morning I walked to St Mary’s church Lourdes grotto nearby & savoured the quietness & birdsong saying one rosary decade & a prayer from mum’s r.i.p Lourdes prayer card. Virtual mass doesn’t really appeal to me.
Yesterday I was having my first flat day & your post gave me that ooomph to get my glad rags on & go out early, thanks.
I have a similar skirt to yours and I just love those pants. My hands also need extra t.l.c at this time & my facial hair needs taming. I turn 65 on orangeman’s day 12 July.
The picture of you & your brother is lovely and I cannot begin to comprehend how it must feel to be without him. I only know it would be the end of my world if anything happened to Ray.
I am sure you must miss your children & please give my love to Bonaparte.
Sorry, this comment looks like a blog post.
Take care
🙏❤️
What a wonderful espresso machine, I really like your blog and your mind, and I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. I hope that you will accept the award and that you enjoy answering the questions. I have already added a link to your blog. You can find the award here https://debbyseo.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/liebster-award/ With love, Debby Winter