Quick PSA: the swapmeet is open until Tuesday!
It's Memorial Day weekend, and we're celebrating with our standard open thread poll. (And I'm taking the three day weekend, so I'll be back on Tuesday. Depending on the weather, I may also be off grid for about 24 hours somewhere in there.) Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, the fragrance you're thinking will be your most-worn this coming summer (or winter), whatever. And if you have a friend or family member who died while serving in the armed forces, and you want to tell us about them, please do.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is want this spring [cropped] by Greta Ceresini at flickr; some rights reserved.
SOTD Omnia
Sipping green tea, and got to the farmers market right before the rain. I new set of farmers were there and when they recognized me (even with my mask) they were so happy and told me they will set aside some Old German tomatoes when they come in season. They are my favorite..
I still have some swap items.
Recent conversation with NancyL about the Hermes Jardin series, I would like to try, if anyone wants to swap for these goodies or email me I have other stuff.
Givenchy Néroli Originel (80% Full),Prada Infusion d’Iris (80% Full), Travel spray of Frangipani Lilli Bermuda with travel case.
I started My Brilliant Friend and really enjoying it.
Listening to Cat Steven’s Peace Train..with NO TEARS…
My neighbour started a whole bunch of Old German and heirloom Italian tomato plants (his grandparents were Italian) and had too many, so I got one of each! Really looking forward to having them this year.
My Brilliant Friend is so good! I’ve only read the books, though — should probably watch the series.
I am not familiar with Old German. Looked it up, it looks an awful lot like a Brandywine? So much so that possibly some of what we buy in markets labeled Brandywine might be Old German.
My favorite are what are locally called Peruvian, but which don’t seem anything like most of what I find on Google called Peruvian. We have been growing them for years using seeds we keep over from the last of the year’s crop. They are slightly conical, very meaty and hold together very well for caprese, unlike Brandywines which I think of as a (messy) BLT tomato.
Can’t wait for some Jersey tomato to appear. For snacking I love the little Sungold ones….good in a salad, like candy only healthy.
I love the Jardin series, but my fave was also the first one I tried–sur le Nil. Bought a full bottle and it is empty, which for a frag head with a gazillion bottles of perfume which will outlive me, is saying something.
My favorite is to make the caprese salad..
Maybe I need a extra large sample size Sur Le Nil
I adore a good caprese salad. Yummmm.
Me too, with tomatoes that are in season and a good olive oil and salt. Perfect lunch!
I have to guard my caprese like a hawk. My sister will have it gone if i look away!
Sur Le Nil is easy to love. They are all pretty easy to love, hence my complete indecision about which one to purchase! ?
my neighbor gave me a bowl full of a variety of cherry tomates a few days ago. There was a handful of sungolds tomatoes, I ate all of those on the walk back home.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111641616/yusufcat-stevens-performing-at-national-remembrance-service-as-show-of-unity
Here is a version of Peace Train that you may not have seen but is very moving. After the shooting massacre at the Christchurch mosques last year Yusuf/Cat Stevens travelled out to NZ and, amongst other things, performed Peace Train at the memorial service. This version has a short (1’30”) lead in to the song.
Loved the clip, Kanuka. I really like Yusuf/Cat Stevens and reminds me that music is about the music, not flash and bling.
I am doing some errands and relaxing at home. Wearing Henry and Rose Fog. I got a sample pack of fragrances from Henry and Rose and I like them just ok. Nothing original or anything (yet) that I love enough to buy.
I’m so out of it I didn’t even realize he’s still alive, and performing!
So beautiful
I will show the kids the video too
thanks for the clip, Kanuka, was good.
On a food note, our local grocer (23 blocks away, we’ve been customers for over 20 years) has beautiful cherries, pricier than we prefer but as an occasional treat, it’s well worth it. We love to visit and chat, and have watched their kids grow up.
Kevin is busy making home made chorizo and corn tortillas – I’ve promised to stay out of the kitchen, SmokeyToes is supervising.
We’ll have a feast tonight of home made fish tacos, grilled corn on the cob (dressed with a mayonnaise/lime/chili powder seasoning, with fresh cherries over ice cream as dessert.
Yum! The corn especially!
I am so stuffed, I can’t bend in the middle! Oof!
Commando at the moment. I’ll be staying home all weekend. I had to go out yesterday and the increase in activity on the roads, gas stations, and in Target was exponential! Most were not wearing masks or practicing any kind of distancing, social or otherwise. No thanks.
Hope everyone has a happy and safe Memorial weekend here in the US. A big Thank You to all who served, especially those who paid the ultimate price. ??
I’m leaning towards Box of Eels today.
Traffic has become crazy here too.
Wow. People are not wearing masks even inside stores?
I have not been to many stores, but everyone here does seem to be in a mask.
They are still limiting admission to the store- one person out, one person in. But, there is not any requirement for masks. So, most are not wearing anything. ??♀️
Same here.
Thankfully masks are obligatory in Germany in shops and public transportation.
What state are in you right now, Deva? Not of the mind but of the United?
NC. The hospital I’m at currently has the most positive and PUI cases since this began…?
Last weekend, I went inside a store for the first time in over 2 months. It was the grocery store. There’s a law here about wearing masks and even then, there were people inside not wearing them (or with them down on their necks). At least where I am living, social distancing and masks are highly contentious subjects.
I remember when grocery stores were my favorite place to visit..now its like I am border line having a panic attack.
Yes, highly contentious here too, and I think we know who’s behind that here in the US. I sound like a broken record, but I CANNOT for the life of me understand WHY people refuse to wear a mask?! Is it really that hard? Do you want to potentially infect and kill the next elderly or immunocompromised person you walk past? So incredibly selfish…
How about the selfish older people (I’m no spring chicken myself), that go out, risk infection and their families suffer because of their illness or death? Or after going out, literally anywhere they please, and demanding family visit, because they don’t see people. Neither do I, and not usually much anyway at a higher risk. ???
Only so many battles you can fight so many times.
Self isolation after sucks because of the selfish. I can’t imagine if I ever passed this on to someone.
Sorry to be Debbie Downer.
Rant over.
SOTD: Patchouli Noir. I was told by someone I smelled like I was wearing an old lady perfume. I wore it today as a Revenge Perfume. ? 2 Spritzes!
I replied, I am an old lady! ???
Hope all are safe and sane!
I am in south Texas. Very few cases compared to the rest of the country but I went to the grocery store today and masks are required. Everyone was complying. I have been wearing one since late March. Even if it helps reduce the spread of this awful virus by a little, we should do it. Hey, I think it is kind of cool – love seeing the different fashion statements.
Zephyr2 I am enjoying the mask “styles” too!
Given that person-to-person seems to be the main route of transmission, masking up for indoor encounters with non-household members (or household members who may have been exposed) seems like the most important thing we could do (other than self-isolation). I read somewhere that that Hong Kong has maintained low rates of infection primarily because they have very high rates of masking.
As an older person, I am increasingly frustrated that there N-95s are not available to the general public, and not adequately supplied to those in health care and other frontline professions. Clearly, those of us who are vulnerable cannot count on high rates of use of the less effective cloth masks. I’m about to hound my elected reps about this.
So endeth today’s rant.
Many people don’t wear N95s correctly. I have not ever worn one even though I have a handful at home and I bet I’ll be one of the ones who would probably wear it improperly.
I think the CDC is recommending that the higher risk people should avoid going out unless absolutely necessary and I know that is difficult. Of course, this makes it more important for those outside their homes to wear them to avoid contaminating others.
Yes, the N95’s need to be fitted correctly to make sure the seal is intact. Although, I did see that some of the N95’s manufactured outside the US are only about 30-45% effective vs the “95%” that is in the name. Poor manufacturing and no quality control are said to be the reason…
I saw that about the KN95s!
The mask is really meant to prevent others from the WEARER rather than the other way around. The idea is to catch the respiratory droplets. I was struck by the finding that 65% of the sailors on the Theodore Roosevelt who were COVID+ had no symptoms. Many people could be COVID+ without knowing it.
I work in healthcare. We got a shipment of N95’s. These are definitely suspect since they have ear loops rather than the head straps that afford the tight fit that is necessary. No matter, we will use them for general patient care. If I ever have to go in a COVID room, I would definitely have an N95 – and the rest of the PPE that goes with it.
Agreed! My brother said the fitting has to be done for each model and brand. Besides the N95, he also wears a surgical mask over it.
Deva and hajusuuri, I bought some KN-95s before I had focused on the FDA decertifying them. The ones I bought are way easier to breath through than the N-95s I have and clearly less protective, more like a cloth mask. I do like their snout-like shape, which is more comfortable on the nose. I hope some brands that meet the standards may be recertified after submitting data.
Agree about fit.
I am self-isolating for the duration, but I had to leave home for an X-ray, for example, and I have to leave my apartment and pass through common areas of the building to pick up mail, do laundry, go out for a walk, etc. There are many older people who don’t have the luxury of self-isolating. We need better masks!
I have both N95 and KN95 masks. I use the KN95 under a cloth (neoprene) mask and it passes the smell test for me- when I lowered it I could suddenly smell things I couldn’t smell with them on. Either alone have failed in that respect on me.
I also think with the summer heat it will be harder to get folks to wear masks as it’s more uncomfortable.
Yes, this may have be a issue as it heats up, but not really, since most people aren’t wearing them anyway, especially outside…
The high heat and humidity in the DC area and further south will make it very difficult. OTOH, the AC is always freezing, and people may be better able to wear masks indoors, which is more important.
I wear a mask when I’m out and about. I put it on before I leave the house and don’t take it off until I’m home (or in the car knowing home is the next stop). If I take it off outside the house, it goes into a grocery bag and I immediately use hand sanitizer. I cringe whenever I see people taking it off and on and back again. Are their hands clean? Unlikely.
When I am expected to show up in the office (Not for a while yet) and there’s temperature checking, I won’t pass because wearing a mask supplemented by a tissue to avoid eyeglasses fogging for 1.5 miles will raise my temperature (unless I really slow down … it normally takes me 23 minutes to walk it).
Very, very proud of the companies that are encouraging people to work from home and taking precautions like temp checks and masks when employees come back to work!
Unless it’s walkthrough thermal screening, there will be a backlog in the lobby, even with drastically reduced workers. In the U.S., one of our owned buildings with no tenants have over 10,000 people (with shift workers), while another one has almost 7,000 (no shift workers) and we have many where them we are either a tenant or have tenants that have between 2 and 5 thousand each.
Wow. I imagine they will have to do thermals then, if they are going to do temperature checks. It’s a good reminder to me that there are so many unintended consequences and to respect all sides.
Conversely, at my company, there are no temperature checks, people do not have to wear masks, and they have meetings where people are sitting as normal around conference tables (not distanced). The disparity of how things are handled is the biggest shock for me, in all of this.
Of course, we are not in NYC, so our risk is so much lower. It’s still unnerving but I have to remind myself that there is much less risk.
The Houston Art Museum is about to open up, with limited entry, masks required, no eating or restaurant service, and thermal temperature screening.
There are so many dilemmas! You might take your temperature after one of your errands trips to test this out.
Also, many people are normally below 98.6. If you are, that would give you a cushion.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/time-to-redefine-normal-body-temperature-2020031319173
I will try this after a walk.
Going out with a friend for a couple hours right now. Have a gift card i want to get rid of. Wearing Coromandel right now.
Are your regular retail stores open in Ohio now?
Most stores are open. But with restricted hours and other restrictions like you have to wear masks and only letting so many in a store at once.
I really miss shopping. I’ve never really liked online shopping. I enjoy being in stores, looking around, The Who experience.
With the pandemic, shipping has gotten pretty horrible. I missed going to an actual store to get what I want.
If you have to be home for the delivery or if the item is for immediate life/safety, I can understand the concern for longer ship times. Otherwise, for me personally, I don’t mind the ship times. I do mind if my order was accepted and then cancelled afterwards.
Sipping my coffee, reading the news, and currently in L de Lolita Lempicka. I blind bought 30ml because it was mentioned in reviews of Musc Ravageur several times as being similar. I need to hunt down my sample of MR to properly compare. I’m really enjoying L’s not-so-sweet take on vanilla.
Watched “Arletty: A Guilty Passion” on Netflix last night. The costumes and interiors are amazing. Definitely watch if you’re into that kind of thing.
Otherwise for me it was a so-so soap opera, interesting only because it’s based on a real life French film star who fell in love with a Nazi soldier during the occupation. I didn’t know it was based on a true story until afterwards.
I thought it failed as a story because I never really believed the “love of a lifetime” of the two leads.
Final tidbit to share: there was a perfume reference. I do so love when there’s a fume mentioned in a movie and I know it—our, as in this case, have it! Habanita.
Have added Arletty to my list!
And I rented Emma last night: ditto, great costumes and interiors, like a big candy box of a movie (reminded me of that Marie Antoinette movie). Not necessarily going to please Austen fans but I tried to forget the book and just enjoy my 2 hours. Plus, Bill Nighy.
It has had some really great reviews. The one thing that is holding me back is that the actor playing Mr Knightley is totally unlike how I’ve always imagined Knightley from reading the novel.
In general I guess it’s quite difficult to do a faithful rendition of the longer Austen novels through a film of 2 hours. You just need a little more time. Having said that, I think that both the Persuasion film (1995) and Sense and Sensibility were excellent.
I liked Patricia Rozema’s Mansfield Park (1999)…. She did I Heard the Mermaids Singing (I think… Need to check) and I liked her approach to Austen. And, more recently Whit Stillman’s Love and Friendship which is twisty and ‘cool’ like his other films.
Do you have a favourite Austen novel?
P&P, even though I can see why Emma is generally considered to be her best.
And I am of course an incredible fan of the gorgeous BBC series made of it in 1995. Which has absolutely nothing to do with Colin Firth’s presence as the dark and brooding Mr.Darcy.
That is one of my favourite adaptations. A very stylish visualization – especially with he stop/freeze vignettes.
Oh my, I agree that Persuasion film with Ciaran Hinds is fantastic!
If you are worried about Knightley don’t even watch it. They are NOT worried about being true to the novel.
I’m not likely to see it in the near future as I rarely go to the cinema. I’m intrigued by it though, it seems the director really tried to create a new take on the novel. Plus it has Miranda Hart as Miss Bates.
I waited until they dropped the Amazon Prime rental price. Miranda Hart is great. Actually, pretty much everybody is great if you aren’t worried about being true to the source material.
Austenfan, I am with you 100% on the BBC version of P&P and Colin Firth’s version of Mr. Darcy – he was utterly perfect in that role. But then, I will watch him in just about anything.
oh, goodness, I will watch Bill Nighy do anything! I had dismissed the idea of “another Emma” but now I know what I’m watching next. Thanks, Robin!
Have you watched “Sometimes, Always, Never”? It is a low-budget British film where Nighy in the lead as a tailor / scrabble player searching for his son. It is very good
thank you for recommendation! I have not seen it. I’ve added it to my watch list.
My most recent Bill viewing was the one where he and his son are able to go back in time, Ithink the title is About Time.
I watch Love, Actually every December, and Bill’s one of the reasons. He’s completely entertaining.
I was thinking Love Actually as well, when I read Bill Nighy. I must have seen him in other things but he was absolutely hilarious in that movie.
Ahh! Thanks for reminding me there is a new version of Emma. I enjoy almost any rendition of a Jane Austen story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmzXfj7VRHk
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/16/emma-review-autumn-de-wilde-anya-taylor-joy-bill-nighy-johnny-flynn
Links to some reviews of the film.
I recognised your roast lamb murder story yesterday – Roald Dahl. I haven’t read the others though. Have a happy weekend!
That is one brilliant short story. I read most of Roald Dahl work when I was still at school. He had a wicked sense of humour.
Oh excellent! Thanks for identifying it. I shall seek out some of his other works. I remember my Mom reading me “James and the Giant Peach” when I was a kid, but that’s it.
“Lamb to the Slaughter” is from Someone like You, I think my favourite collection of Dahls is Switch Bitch. They are all quite dark and very funny at the same time.
SOTD is a light lilac oil that the label slipped off so I don’t know who’s it is. I love it but I only have a few drops left and with no label I won’t be rebuying.
My Great Aunt Alicia was a math teacher before WW11 in France. But she, and her other 3 sisters and my Grandfather, immigrated to the US in the late 20s. During the war she taught basic aviation to the troops! It was basically math and was class work only. I have her class room set of books with her penciled notes in the margins and her wooden model plane she used the demonstrate aero-dynamics. As a child I adored her and her sister, Great Aunt Bibianna.
They never married and owned a large house near us. Visiting them was like Aladdin’s cave. They loved to travel and had lots of exotic souvenirs and photos. It was always a treasure hunt!
They sound like amazing aunts and fascinating people!
Lilac oil sounds lovely — wish I had some here, it’d be the perfect thing for a rainy Saturday. I’m commando right now, still getting through breakfast.
They sound like amazing women. Thanks for telling us about them!
Love this story! What wonderful memories.
Is the house now part of a national registry? If not, it should be!
How very lucky you are to have her books and the model plane – and thank you for sharing her story!
What a great story about fascinating women!
Love this and thanks for sharing this. They do sound way ahead of their time!
I’m wearing Inoui today.
My husband’s father was from Norway. He remembers as a young boy helping with the Norwegian Resistance during WWII. He could pull a toy wagon filled with supplies for the resistance and was not suspected. Sadly his oldest brother was captured and shot (in front of the parents!) by the Nazis right before the war ended which greatly affected their family. It probably spurred my husband’s father’s immigration to the U.S. shortly after that and he lived here the rest of his years, although he visited Norway many times. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Norway with my husband and meet his father’s other brothers and mother (who have all since passed away) – what a strong woman. She always served coffee and cake no matter the time of day. So lovely.
Oh my lord. That’s an incredible story. It must have been so horribly hard for his family.
Wow wow wow, that is such a story. When I was reading I kept thinking..this would make a great book
We visited Oslo last year with the kids..what a beautiful but expensive country to visit.
The suffering in that war should always be remembered.
The courage of people during war time just floors me. We need to remember and keep telling these stories.
Oh goodness! Thanks for sharing the story.
coffee and cake in Norway, what a delicious memory. thank you for sharing
I loved your story; thank you so much for sharing. My favorite neighbor who passed away a few years ago was a Polish Resistance fighter captured by the Nazis. He told me that one day he and several other POW’s were sent out by the Nazis into a field to dismantle a bomb that had failed to detonate. It was highly likely they would not survive but somehow they succeeded in their mission and were later freed by the British, whom he then fought alongside until the war was over.
Such a moving story.
“coffee and cake no matter the time of day”♥️ beautiful story
Thanks for sharing your amazing story <3
Thanks for sharing your story.?
Oh, wow. So heartbreaking.
Okay…I admit it. Was overdue on a shower. Especially after yesterday’s ferry and shopping jaunt. Felt so good.
Jasmins Marzipane today because I’m considering a bottle…I have a travel spray but know I will finish it. And…PSA…Lancôme has a 25% off sale going on. So…a 50 ml bottle is nicely priced.
…well that didn’t take long. Pulled the trigger.
I haven’t smelled this one yet. tell me more
It’s yummy, sweet jasmine scent. I have the 100ml bottle, didn’t know they made 50mls now, I thought they only had the 100 and 15.
They seem to have discontinued the 15 ml, which is what I have.
I wish more perfumers would produce 15ml – makes managing the collection easier!
Cazaubon is right. It’s a pretty scent. Light jasmine, and I also get the almond. I’m a sucker for almond. It’s more fresh than heady.
?
lemming hard! Jasmins Marzipane today, Oranges Bigarades yesterday, y’all are making me clutch my wallet
Same!
Ooooo I’m very curious about Oranges Bigarades so if you do get that, let me know what you think!
will do! thanks for your support, lol
Should have waited on the shower. A bit sweaty after five loads of laundry in a rather warm, humid basement laundry room. Wearing a mask didn’t help. Only one thing to do…spray on more scent!!
Body wash ennui: tried Olay’s B3 + hyaluronic acid potion yesterday and while the texture is very nice, the fragrance is overwhelming. I could still smell it on my skin this morning! Usually make myself use bath products, but this is getting tossed.
This morning tried Nesti Dante’s almond olive oil liquid soap. Smells great and the packaging’s delightful, but is a bit drying. Will use up & go back to my old Shikai standbys.
Just chased a big doe out of the yard, so will go spray the hostas with repellent and then decide on a sotd.
oof! sorry about that body wash, tho i’m glad to hear you’re not the only one considering tossing something.
I have a bottle of Vanilla Bean Noel body lotion from Bath & Body works that was gifted to me last December, along with matching body wash. I used the lotion on my hands yesterday and could still smell it this morning, even after a shower and many hand washings. I guess if I really like the scent it would be ok, but it’s got that distinctive B&BW baseline scent that slightly rankles. I haven’t tried the body wash but goodness, that’s gotta smell just as strong.
It’s always the annoying scents that have the most tenacity!
exactly! why why why oh why can’t the lovely scents last like that?
I love Shikai Yuzu shower gel! Do they make a nice body lotion?
Love the yuzu too. As far as I know, they only make the borage lotion, which I’ve never tried.
Beautiful sunny day (although very windy) and lilacs are blooming, so I lit my B&BW lilac candle. Wow is it ever strong! Had to open all the windows and blow it out after an hour. Going out shortly on a walk to smell the real thing. It was cool early this morning, so I’m wearing Geisha Noire.
lol, i just commented above about super strong smelling lotion from B&BW. What is it with their stuff? Maybe they’re giving Lush a ru nfor their money!
Hope your lilac-scented walk was lovely.
It was great!
I hope you enjoyed your walk. Spring is in the air.
The lilacs were glorious. The blooms are just coming out, this week will be the peak. I am planning to go on my favourite bike ride which passes through enormous hedgerows of lilac bushes. Pure heaven.
I woke up at 1 am because of a huge thunderstorm. I couldn’t get back to sleep at all, so I’m feeling a bit rough today.
Since 1 am I’ve worn 3 different perfumes: Boyfriend (for middle of the night thunder comfort), Fresh Vibes (a Skylar Scent Club scent featuring oranges and ginger that I love) and Wood Sage and Sea Salt (post yoga and shower). The day is relatively young- maybe I’ll hit 5 different scents!
Not affiliated – but the Boyfriend site is having a heck of a Memorial Day sale in case anyone is interested.
My thoughts are with everyone who is struggling with memories or sadness on this holiday. Thank you, and biggest hugs to those who need them.
Thank you for the heads up on the Boyfriend sale.I have never tried it and have been very curious about it.I ordered the smaller EDP and there is a code for the sample set you can add on for free.Thank you!
It smells seriously amazing on my mom.
How would you describe it ?
I haven’t worn it myself so I couldn’t do a proper review, but it’s one of those fragrances that make you not want to let go, when you hug someone. Warm comforting am very vanilla dry down? I think of it as all base notes and I mean that as a compliment.
Wearing L’Artisan Drole de Rose because Floragal wore it yesterday and I woke up craving for it.
Rainy day here, so I am spending the day doing some cleaning and baking. I will try to make corn souffle for the first time, so wish me luck.
Last night I bought 3 of the Haagen Dazs Spirits ice creams, which are really good. However, the alcohol level is so low that you cannot taste it at all. I may add some extra booze tonight when I indulge again in some more. I got the Rum Tres Leches, Whiskey Hazelnut Latte and Irish Cream Brownie (my favorite from the three). I have to look now for the Rosé & Cream next time I go shopping.
Doggie showed improvement only for one day. He has deteriorated badly for the past 2 days. I spoke to the specialist and primary vet today. They said they have done everything possible to treat him. Very deep inside my heart I still want to believe a miracle will happen and he will recover. God will provide.
Have a nice Memorial Day weekend everyone!
I’ve been curious about those ice creams.
I’m so sorry about your pup. I know the feeling all too well. Asking for a miracle.
Thank you, LizzieB. I still want to keep my hopes alive ?.
Those spirits ice creams are good and I like that the size is not big. I am not a big fan of ice creams, but like you, I was just curious about them.
Sending huge healing prayers for your beloved doggie. Not sure what you’ve tried but this article has some natural remedies:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/dog-pancreatitis-11-steps-for-natural-healing/
Thank you, Cazaubon. He has been on antibiotics, pain killers and appetite stimulants and a bland, non fatty diet. However, he is not eating at all and barely drinking water. He is very week.
The article you sent me is great. I will try now some natural remedies to see if they help him. I still hope he will recover.
I would like the one with the rum me thinks…
The Rum Tres Leches is very tasty and the sweeter of those three. I think that overall they are all ok.
I am sending all my healing energy to your dog. Fingers crossed that you find the miracle you’re seeking! And I’m sending positive vibes and hugs to you.
Thank you, Sistine.
I’m so, so sorry about your doggie, sending you a big hug of comfort. I know that pain so well; whenever someone I know experiences the same thing I can’t help but feel it all over again with them.
Thank you, Laila.
I hope your dog improves, I’m so sorry. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Thank you.
How is your doggie doing today? I hope things are improving.
((P67)) hugs your way that today is better.
Thank you, SmokeyToes! Unfortunately, he is worse than yesterday. Very heartbreaking.
So sorry for the down turn in your sweet dog pl67.
I am in a gloomy perpetual downpour of rain and probably reflecting your mood.
Sending you some comfort and strength.
Thank you, AngelaB.
Argh. I am so sorry. I hope you and your pup are having peaceful, restful time together.
Thank you.
Very sorry to hear your dog is not improving. It’s awful to see a pet sick and not improving. What kind of dog have you got?
Thank you, Austenfan. I have a pomeranian.
Awww, Perfumelover67, I am SO sorry to hear that. Mr. Smokeytoes (the hubby) and I are praying for a miracle.
Sending you both *love and squishes*
I’m so sorry about your dog. I’ll be where you are very soon. It’s so hard to let them go.
Thank you, Foxbins. It is really hard. Sending hugs.
Awww.. this might be the first time I’ve inspired someone to wear a scent!
So sorry about your pup. ?
And I am wearing it today also ?
Thank you. ?
So sad for you and your furry companion. Hope he is comfortable.
Thank you. He is on pain meds, but not so sure they are helping him.
Keeping hope with you pl67 ❤
Thank you, Lillyjo. I still don’t want to lose my hopes.
Poor doggie. Sending healing vibes.
I will look for that ice cream next time I go to the store. Normally I would be getting ready to leave but it’s just gray out there. It’s not eve 3:30pm yet but it looks like dusk already.
Thank you, Hajusuuri.
very sorry about the tough times, hope things get easier for everyone very soon.
Thank you, Tiffanie. I hope so too.
I am sorry your dog is not doing better after all your care. Dogs are such wonderful, quirky friends, special companions.
Thank you, Kanuka.
I’m so very sorry about your puppy. Hope that things get better soon; sending you both hugs!
Thank you, Gail.
I’m so sorry to hear that Yei isn’t doing well. It’s so hard when you feel helpless. Big hugs to you pl67. ❤️
Thank you, Nancy. It is really hard when you don’t know what to do anymore.
Sending good thoughts your way at this anxious time.
Thank you, Aurora.
So sorry about your doggie. I hope that his treatment helps.
You do smell lovely today. I’ve contemplated a bottle many times.
Thsnk you Petunia.
Drole de Rose is a great perfume and a very good alternative for FM Lipstick Rose, which I love, but I don’t plan to to get a full bottle anytime soon.
Thank you for the ice cream intel!
I am sorry for your pooch and hope he improves. Take comfort in the wonderful love and care you have given him.
Thank you, She-ra.
Hope you get the chance to try the ice creams. I think you will like them!
Enabler pin to you. Wegmans only had the Irish Cream Brownie (first world problems).
Glad, you found at least one flavor. Enjoy! I poured a bit of Baileys on the Irish Cream Brownie last night. It made it better, but even without it is very nice.
One of my dad’s favorite desserts was ice cream with Bailey’s or bourbon poured over the top. I have coffee ice cream, I might need to try this with a dash of Baileys.
I do the same when I want some buzz in my ice cream. I always have liquor and specially Bailey at home. Pouring some on vanilla or coffee ice cream is really, really good.
On a food note, our local grocer (23 blocks away, we’ve been customers for over 20 years) has beautiful cherries, pricier than we prefer but as an occasional treat, it’s well worth it. We love to visit and chat, and have watched their kids grow up.
Kevin is busy making home made chorizo and corn tortillas – I’ve promised to stay out of the kitchen, SmokeyToes is supervising.
We’ll have a feast tonight of home made fish tacos, grilled corn on the cob (dressed with a mayonnaise/lime/chili powder seasoning, with fresh cherries over ice cream as dessert.
Your dinner sounds so delish!!!!! May I come over? And nothing better than big, juicy cherries, especially over ice cream! Love it! ?❤
I am so sorry
I’ll cross my fingers too, but most importantly, I wish you and your pup the courage to face whatever comes <3
Thank you, Koyel.
P67, you are welcome to come on over! There’s always plenty to share. The cherries were so sweet and juicy, we went through an entire 1lb bag. I’ve consoled myself by reminding the hubby that cherries are packed with fiber and antioxidants.
Mr. SmokeyToes and I have eaten our way through the holiday weekend, we could use a detox of just fruits and veggies!
So sorry to hear nothing has worked quite yet for your pup. Fingers crossed and sending all good thoughts your way.
Thank you.
So sorry to hear about your pup. Keeping you both in my thoughts. So hard always. Hugs xo
Thank you, ElisaP.
Hi all, my SOTD is Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom. I love it but it never lasts, three/four hours max (and I have scent-glue skin).
Plan on enjoying a quiet holiday weekend, chores done, salad is made, steaks are seasoned, grill will be turned on in a few….
Dessert is home made strawberry ice cream with a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar.
Giving thanks to veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country…
I’m on my way! Sounds amazing and I so miss grilling.
Come on over! There’s plenty to share!
We’re watching an episode with Dyan Cannon, love her (and her hair).
Enjoying old Ally McBeal episodes. Dated but still funny.
Broken nose annuls.
So, I have a subscription to Royalty Scents–monthly decants. I completely forgot what I had ordered for this month. So I was pleasantly surprised in a quick fly by sniffing that it was something in the lavender family. A bit later I noticed it dried into a more fizzy, soapy scent with only the barest hint of lavender—more rose and soapy, almost medicinal–like aldehydes but not as bubbly. In the far drydown their was green, like ferny, overgrown backyard green.
This morning I checked the label. Boy was I totally off-base. Rossy de Palma Eau de Protection. I did a word search on its Fragrantica page, sure that I could not be the only one who got that salty, mentholy lavender hit. Nope. I am the only one.
salty, mentholy lavender sounds fabulous!
It’s funny when that happens…I guess you have a finely tuned nose compared to others! I get loud pineapple and coconut in Stash, for example, but I don’t see any pineapple references.
Haha! More likely “different” than “finely tuned.” Now I’m off to parse Stash in a new Copacabana light!
I received samples of Carner Barcelona Bestial Collection this week, so I’m giving the first one – Drakon, a skin test today. So far so good.
That one really tempts me but I haven’t tried it.
I like it a lot. Dry spices with green and leathery facets.
Wearing Elie Saab’s Essence No.1: Rose with a tiny spritz of his Essence No.4: Oud. There’s a reason the rose + oud combination has been around for eternity. It just works. I’ve fallen hard for his Essences line and currently own three full bottles (the other is No. 9: Tubereuse). Amber is probably next.
Just getting up (for the 2nd time). One of those days.
Made a lovely frittata last night so I’ll reheat with a fresh cup of coffee.
Not sure on scent but thinking I’ll do Bottega Veneta.
Grateful for every man & woman who have served our country so valiantly over the years and through many horrific wars, and for the families who have sacrificed and continue to do so today.
mmm, frittata is better the next day.
Ah a long weekend! I took yesterday off work too, spent the day doing nothing much. Pretending I had retired already
though that is 12 weeks off. Feels too far away!
I think I will sample some later. I haven’t been in the mood to sample lately, can’t say why, but there it is. Need to get on that before the samples start breeding.
I’ve added another item to the swapmeet… a selection of Le Labo Rose 31 toiletries which I acquired on my last trip to Hawaii. That was only 6 months ago but feels like a lifetime! I think that is where I want to go first once we can travel again.
retirement countdown must be a wonderful feeling.
I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I’ll go someday, even if I have to sail (or swim!).
I’m sneaking in a wearing of 24, Faubourg before the temps heat up to summer levels next week. Pretty fancy for a day of shoveling dirt and compost into a new raised bed.
24 Faubourg + gardening = the perfect hi-lo
Wearing Iris des Champs and heading to a garden center for veggies. It’s raining here today so it seems like a good time to go. They’ve been overrun this year and I prefer to avoid crowds.
Gosh, late seeing this (VERY busy weekend) but want to know what you are planting! We just harvested the last bit of our asparagus, wish we’d put in more, and taken much better care of it!
Hi Robin,
I’m afraid that we aren’t very ambitious this year. Just too much going on. We are planting several varieties of tomatoes for sauce and eating. Also green beans, cucumbers, italian peppers, yellow squash, herbs, etc… Nothing too exotic. I’d love to plant asparagus but our raised beds are deteriorating. We’ll plant perennial veggies once they’ve been redone. I do love asparagus though!
Oh, I don’t know, you are probably more ambitious than we are, from the sound of it!
My husband did put in asparagus about 5 years ago but we have never given it the care (water and weeding) it needs to really thrive.
I’m finishing off the last of my decant of a Ginger Piccante in anticipation of a new one from a very kind NSTer
and I’m feeling pretty blue because my best friend from college, who has lived about a mile away from me for the past three years, just moved to NYC today 
and I couldn’t even give her a hug.
In other news, I have a four-pack!!!! Ok, you can only see it when I’m a little dehydrated and haven’t eaten in a while (ie, first thing in the morning or right after I work out), but as someone who has to work really hard on fitness and who hardly enjoys it, I’m pretty proud of myself.
Happy long weekend to those who get one <3 I wish we had a proper grill, but for now we’ll just use our little propane camping grill on Monday to make some burgers and veggies.
Congrats on the 4-pack. I thought of you yesterday at Costco when I considered which bread to buy given your focaccia success. I ended up getting a pack of Stonefire Mini Naan bread and so far, I’ve enjoyed it with PB & banana (late lunch yesterday) and with hummus for breakfast today, both super-yum!
Thanks
I love those mini naans! We have some of the full sized Stonefire naans in our freezer now.
bread baking and abs building skills! there’s nothing you can’t do
Hahaha aww thanks
yep those seem to be the two things I’ve most worked on during quarantine.
Congrats…always exciting to reach a goal.
I love that you exercise and eat!
Thank you, She-ra! I must admit that a large portion of my exercising is precisely BECAUSE I do love to eat
Dame Perfumery Earth Mother has been my pleasant companion scent today, perfect for a cool, sunny morning working in the herb garden. I tucked in some new plants – rosemary, sage, parsley, sweet marjoram and chamomile- but am waiting to plant my favorite cilantro and basil seeds until the next round of storms has passed lest they be washed away. A very pretty day thus far but it’s heating up quickly; the basement is finally dry; and it’s hard to believe we’re currently under a tornado watch with heavy storms predicted later this afternoon and evening – fingers crossed they’re wrong!
My Memorial Day memories always center around my Uncle Chester, who was killed in WWII in Luzon, the Philippines, at the age of 23. He was a medic trying to save another soldier’s life when he was shot and killed. Growing up, I was always mesmerized by the small tribute my grandmother had set up to honor him, captivated by his handsome image and his 3 medals on display – Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. But with my focus this weekend on ‘Be grateful not just for what you have, but for what you’ve escaped,’ it’s my grandma I’m thinking of – what was it like to have all 3 of your sons fighting in the same war at same time – my dad in the Army in England, his brother in the Marines in the South Pacific, and then your youngest son who lost his life trying to save another. I can’t imagine! I came of age during the VietNam War; all the boys I grew up with were drafted and went to Nam; my husband was drafted but somehow we escaped that fate and spent that whole period in the States. I remember when I was pregnant not wanting to have a boy for fear of having to send him off to war one day but luckily I escaped that fate, too, as the draft was abolished, and I was thrilled to have a son! So I am grateful this weekend for what I have escaped and at the same time thankful to all those who’ve given their lives for our country, even as my heart goes out to those who have loved ones currently serving. May they stay safe and return to your loving arms!
‘Be grateful not just for what you have, but for what you’ve escaped.’
What a fantastic sentiment. Thank you for the reminder!
‘Thank you’ goes to my yoga teacher, who likes to end our sessions with a few inspirational quotes; that one just sticks with me for some reason.
All teared up…such moving memories! Thank you for sharing.♥️
You are most welcome! ?
That was quite a story! I remember reading a quote tangentially similar to yours years ago: If you can’t be grateful for what you’ve got, you can at least be grateful for what you’ve escaped. That’s been my motto ever since.
I googled and then waded thru several websites of gratitude quotes and found nothing like it, so I will have to ask her where she got it from, as I’m now intrigued that you’re familiar with it, too. It certainly gives one perspective, doesn’t it?
Thanks, Laila. Your story reminds me of what my MIL told me, that, when my husband was born in the earl 1950’s, her second son and what she knew would be her last child, almost her first thought was: “I’ve had nothing but cannon fodder.” She knew of uncles and cousins who went to WWI, and she had lived through WWII. She was a woman of Christian faith, and believed that her elder son’s birthday which turned out to be one day after the draft cut-off date for Vietnam was an answer to her fervent prayer.
Lovely story, thank you for sharing. Yes, luckily, since then there’s been no draft so both her son – and mine – are too old for one now!
Last week, a kind fragrant commenter recommended masks from Los Angeles Apparel. I ordered some and very happy with them. (I ordered the ones with full elastics rather than just ear loops.) They also seem to be a great company in terms of hiring practices, etc.
The only drawback I found is that the edging is thick and interferes with placement of my glasses somewhat.
For an excellent sleek and well-fitting mask with ear loops, I am very happy with these from Baron Fig:
https://www.baronfig.com/products/mask-nonmedical?variant=31698292965459
They have little beads on the loops, cleverly theaded in a way that makes it easy to adjust the length.
My ears seem to be too small or not stiff enough for ear loops, though, so I will put full elastics on them as soon as I can either find elastic online or recycle from clothing.
Baron Fig sells wonderful notebooks, which is how I found them originally.
(No affiliations.)
Enabler pin awarded. I also got one of the mini-satchels in Fig Wine. I have a 15% off code for signing up for the newsletter.
Yay! Enjoy, hajusuuri!
Yay for the LA Apparel masks…that may have been me. They are almost too secure.
I have not heard of Baron Fig but I am loving the site…thank you for sharing.
It was you — I’m sure now. Thanks so much!
Another great thing about LA Apparel is the wider selection of colors, and some patterns, too. I bought a set of the plaids and really like how they look. The outer plaid layer is woven rather than knit, and that seems to work fine with the inner knit layer.
So many comments ? I’ll have to continue backtracking at some point today.
Nice having the day off today, but the hubs is working, so I’ll probably go pick up some plants at the garden store and try and do something with my weedy little garden today.
Had a lovely outing yesterday- visited some friends who moved away from our neighborhood last year and are still in Brooklyn, but really far away so they actually feel pretty isolated anyway. We did a nice, socially distant, madked walk through a nature preserve near them, which is formed on top of what used to be a large garbage dump/landfill. My friend’s wife is an environmentalist and knows a lot of the hostory and well-versed in native plants/weeds so made for an enlightening tour.
Last night I had a Zoom bday party (though it’s actually tomorrow) with my family which was lovely and a lot of fun. My sister had a cake sent to me for lighting purposes, but it was big for 2 people, so we hacked off about half and took it to a local friend to share with his roommate.
Mostly I wore Lush What Would Love Do, as I’m just really loving that ine these days. Kind of regretting not getting the spray version instead of tbe solid, but I love the portabilty of the solid.
I decided to continue patch week…
SOTD = Diptyque Tempo
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiKUFYhsQW/?igshid=1vvnc4k27p64f
Questions:
1. Do you keep whole avocados in the refrigerator?
2. Vanilla extract – I got a huge (for me) 16 oz bottle at Costco. Once I open it, should it be refrigerated? The label doesn’t say.
Never go shopping hungry! After Costco, I went to an Asian foods place to get mushrooms. As I decided to swing by the meat section and saw packs of bulgogi (marinated beef rib eye roll) and thought, why not? The lightest pack I saw was ~ 2.25 lbs. I had it with rice (Costco bought sticky white rice). All I can say is yummm!
I’ve never refrigerated vanilla extract, but if you’re concerned, you could decant off an ounce or so, keep that in your pantry, and stow the big bottle in the back of the fridge.
Ok, I may have gotten overboard with the vanilla since I still have half of a little left on a 2oz bottle, another 2oz bottle and then the 16oz!
Heyyy!!! You’re turning into a baker! ?
LOL – I haven’t baked anything yet. I am doing my usual get the stuff together before committing (ha!). Now all I need is a hand mixer although I know it’s not needed for every recipe).
Oh, but it’s so very handy to have on hand. A lot of them come with a whisk attachment, so you can make whipped cream! I use my hand mixer more than my big stand mixer in normal times. Making yeasted bread is forcing me to use the Kitchenaid these days.
Can you tell I’m angling for a mixer enabler pin? ?
Your bulgogi story sounds more like a recommendation to me! ?
I usually buy avocados that are not yet ripe from the back of the stack because I think they are likely to be in better condition than ones that have been out long enough to ripen and probably have been squeezed and bruised by other shoppers.
Consequently, I leave them out until they are ripe enough to eat. (With Haas avocados, you can usually tell by how dark they are.) If I’m not ready to use all of them yet, I then put them in the fridge in order to slow down further ripening and avoid spoilage for a few more days.
Outside the fridge I leave them open to air to reduce spoilage but put them in plastic bags loosely closed in the fridge to prevent drying out. It’s a balancing act.
I was also thrilled to find out that it’s possible keep half avocados in the fridge by refrigerating half with the seed and putting enough olive oil on the cut surfaces to reduce oxygenation. (Other salad oils would work, too.)
Good intel on the avocados. I skipped it this weekend since Wegmans did not have organic and I am not having the feels to stop by Whole Foods.
I went to Whole Foods yesterday for the first time since early March. I am in need of white whole wheat flour, but they had none. I‘ve missed that place! Would have hugged the salad bar, but it wasn’t available for hugging, of course.
And I miss my cook to order bowls and fish taco!
I have never had an avocado in my house long enough to ripen.
Our grocer mentioned a tip to tell if avocados are ripe for immediate use is to check under the removable stem.
Green = unripe, Yellow = ripe, and brown = overripe. It seems to be pretty accurate so far!
In answer to your questions, here’s what I normally do.
1. I keep avocados on the counter to ripen. If they give a bit when you lightly press on the skin, they have probably ripened up. I would then refrigerate if you don’t intend on using them within a few days.
2. With vanilla, I have never refrigerated it after opening.
Have fun baking!
Thanks for the info!
My answer is: ditto what Gail said.
I don’t eat avocadoes, but I bake a lot.
No need to refrigerate vanilla extract.
Thanks!
I’ve always kept my extracts in the fridge because they would inevitably get the lost in the cupboard. Also, I do not see any harm in keeping them in there.
Avocados and bananas live in my fridge, as I can’t stand warm /room temperature fruit.
I’m in L’Ambre des Merveilles, still on my Hermes kick. This is really too much for the swampy day we’re having. The morning was overcast sounds I thought I could get away with it.
I made granola bars this morning, thick and chewy. Dough for hamburger buns is rising. I used a different yeast from last time, so we’re in new territory.
I’m thinking of those who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We have much to be grateful for.
I’m feeling grateful today, too.
yes to Hermes! I can only wear L’Ambre on a very cold day, but even so I must say you smell fantastic.
Thanks house twin! You smell great in Sur le Toit. Have fun with your decanting!
it was fun! decanting is like speed smelling some of my favorite scents.
Scratch my statement above.
I did not make hamburger buns.
I made hockey pucks.
Will go back to my regularly scheduled yeast.
Ugh.
?
??
I’ve so often baked bread forgetting the yeast that the whole hockey puck phenomenon is very familiar!
We really do have so much to be grateful for. Sorry about your hockey pucks, but your post did make me lol a little bit.?
SotD = eau de sweat + eau de decanting + Un Jardin sur le Toit
hey, weekend hunker-downer-ers, are you getting out and about?
Yes to Hermes! I’m thoroughly enjoying UJslT, thank you, thank you, thank you to the lovely NSTer who sent me a swap package that arrived at warp speed. Such a happy treat for a Saturday.
I’m busily decanting pefumes and getting swap packages ready to mail. I hoped to go to the post office today or Monday, but it looks like it will be Tuesday by the time I get everything together. Good things take time, that’s my story, and I’m sticking by it.
Still sweating after three hours digging up a scraggly hedge in my front yard. Going to fill the space with daylilies. I’m so excited.
Today I’m remembering my great-grandmother, she was born in Arnhem in the Netherlands. Her family moved to the US for religious reasons. I loved spending time with her. I grew up to resemble her, similar hair and eyes, and I’m just over five feet tall like she was. She liked to read and write both stories and poetry like I do. And she and I are the only pianists in the extended family.
She lost two young sons to war. Both were in the US Air Force. I remember well how she would often say her two missing boys were still with her every day. Never forget. Love you, Oma Angelina!
She sounds like a wonderful woman.
thank you, Aurora.
Never forget. Beautiful memories of your great-grandmother. Thank you for sharing.
you’re welcome, and hope your long weekend has been good to you
Beautiful memories; thank you for sharing.
aw, my please, Laila
I first tried Florabotanica today, topped it with Quel Amour and at last sprayed some Evoke for Her on top, all are a bit rose-themed, so this worked good enough.
The boyfriend made a french beef stew from the Rhone-Camargue region with lots of capers, anchovies and onions, which was very nice.
I cut some fabric for sewing and made a knee-length denim skirt with lots of topstitching today and it fits really well. The weather was rainy and grey, so i used the time to make something.
Congratulations on the skirt.
SOTM was FM Eau de Magnolia for a quick trip in to the office (it’s nice when nobody else is there). Need to go out and do more battle with the weeds, but am in denial. Coming home from the office I noticed that everything is so lush right now – everyone’s yards are so thick and green and beautiful, all the street trees are full and healthy … kind of like all the vegetation is so much happier with the reduced human activity. I know my weeds are. ?
Is the office a large building? I read a NY Times article that there’s danger to office workers when a building is pretty dormant and becomes active — unless the HVAC and plumbing are prepped, there could be legionella that could spew out of faucets and toilets.
No, it’s only five stories and has been running (HVAC-wise) normally the entire time. We’ve had a very small, rotating group of people going in to deal with mail and other support functions M-F, and the cleaners have been in every evening doing the usual stuff plus extra attention to high-touch areas like door pulls. We’re designated an essential business because we are in the rail industry – I’m part of the legal department and am lucky enough to be able to do 90% of my job from home.
Wearing a sample of Kilian I Dont Need a Prince blah blah blah…sweet vanilla w/ some green tea.
I am also trying out Fenty Lip Luminizer/gloss which has a nice, non-tacky feel on the lips.
Haha at blah blah blah, I wasn’t too enthused by the line myself, would have to resniff though.
Fenty has some good stuff:)
My last Sephora trip in store, I ended up getting Fussy gloss bomb. I really had to control myself not getting a bunch of other things; It’s a very fun line.
I have and love the Fussy gloss bomb. Fenty lipgloss is great – I have two.
I want to know more about your new lipgloss
It’s part of the set below which happens to be on sale now
…I got a discount when I ordered it but not that price. They are nice and non-tacky and I follow the makeup blog Temptalia and have no affiliation but she gave the set good reviews too. Let’s continue to be civil with our makeup during these trying times I say. 
https://www.sephora.com/product/glossy-posse-set-P449065?icid2=products%20grid:p449065:product
https://www.temptalia.com/fenty-beauty-glossy-posse-mini-gloss-bomb-set-review-swatches/
It’s a bank holiday too in the UK but not memorial day, I feel deeply moved by the stories shared here, it reminds me of my own grandparents who joined the resistance early on, my grandfather died in concentration camp in Silesia, now Poland.
I didn’t comment yesterday but was participating in Oriza L Legrand Relique d’Amour, and today I am wearing Fragonard Fleur d’Oranger, I’ve almost finished my bottle.
Jalapeno, thank you for still trying to bring rain our way?
How terrible about your grandfather Aurora. Did your grandmother survive the camp then? Or she wasn’t taken?
How kind of you Robin. My grandmother was not arrested, thank god, she feigned ignorance.
Oh how amazing that it worked! But it must have been bittersweet.
Probably just rose body butter today, not feeling super excited about scent today..wut? Lol. I got ingredients to make some kinda bread..doesn’t mean I will though haha. Baking soda and a few perfume samples await in my mailbox. I got a bottle of Chardonnay on sale..but not excited about that either. Basically, a meh day lol.
But I did get some sparklers:). The city I was living in before doesn’t allow any kind of fireworks at all, so this was the first time I have ever bought sparklers outside an Indian reservation lol. Here, they allow ones as long as they don’t leave the ground or something.
A bottle of wine on sale never equals a meh day where I am concerned ?☺️
Oooh, sparklers! That sounds so pretty. Sorry about the meh day – I hope it’s better on Sunday.
Sprayed on Chanel Paris-Riviera today for a walk up to the store.
My peas have started to poke thru the soil and we also discussed planting a small veggie garden in the back yard. My hubby said he could build a raised-bed frame; we may have room for lettuce, carrots and some herbs.
I loved eating fresh peas out of my grandmother’s garden in Prince Albert.
Happy memories.
Fresh peas are one of the greatest things on the planet.
I love fresh peas! As a kid, mom would put fresh peas, cucumbers, and tomatoes from our garden in a 7-layer salad. It has loads of chese and mayonnaise and probably not the healthiest but it’s a favorite for the summer months.
Nice day here for now. Chance of storms over the holiday weekend. I feel like I’m having bad luck. I had upsetting mail. I’m convinced people send out upsetting mail on weekends so you won’t be able to call them. Also 2 engine lights came on in my car. Again, weekend so I can’t do anything about it. When I pulled my car into the driveway my odometer stopped at the scary number I won’t type. Lol. Ugh. Anyway started out the day in Angel Croisiere. Now I’m wearing Stash because Kanuka has me hunting for coconut and pineapple. Thanks to everyone for sharing their Memorial day stories. They are very moving.
I do agree that people purposely send out upsetting messages late on Friday afternoon/weekends to avoid the fallout. So sorry about your car! We have been plagued with those and unable to smog test our truck for over two years, despite numerous repair attempts. I hope yours is easily fixable. Maybe drive around the block to fix the odometer? LOL.
I didn’t think to do that until after I was in the house. Lol.
Oy! We try not to communicate bad news on a Friday nor around a holiday.
Sounds like your company has some compassion.
I’m sorry you’ve had a rough day. I hope things turn around.
Thanks Sistine. I’m going to feel anxious though until Tuesday when I can actually address things. I wish I could be one of those people that doesn’t dwell, but I’m not.
Sorry Lillyjo, only reading now, it sounds like you had a rough dag. Sending positive vibes your way. I feel quite anxious over comparatively minor things too.
Thanks! What I wouldn’t give to feel care free for just one day, lol.
Hey, sorry about your upsetting mail and having to wait all weekend with it nagging at you. I hope it all gets settled on Tuesday. Good luck!
Thanks! I did call the upsetting person and left a message so hopefully will get a response Tuesday. I already hate this person because her message said “do not leave more than one message” which leads me to believe she is slow to respond.
I’m so sorry about the upsetting mail. I have a rule, no bad news or communications on a Friday or a holiday.
What kind of coworker leaves a “do not leave more than one message” on their VM? She must be oodles of fun to work with.
Right?! And it wasn’t just the words, it’s the tone of her voice. It was like she was scolding you just for calling.
SotD Akro Dark, and a single spray on the back of the hand from a surprise belated birthday gift from a friend – a 5ml decant of Penhaligon’s Changing Constance.
I wish the cardamom-pimiento opening lasted longer as it’s absolutely delightful, but I do indeed smell like a salted caramel now and I can’t say that I mind.
I spilled tea on our coffee table/my laptop yesterday while Mr. Teebear and I were watching anime!!!!!
After letting it dry for 24 hours it seems to be fully functional minus the 5,6, – and + keys of the keyboard. Whew! Not ideal, but I can live with that.
LOL … and here I was complaining that my left square bracket key did not work (and it had since resolved itself).
I’m again wearing St Clair Eve, my new happy scent. I can’t believe it took me until today to realize the elusive beautiful element in it that I kep trying to pinpoint is lilac! It seems so clear now.
Testing at my mom’s assisted living center last week has shown that no residents are positive for the virus, but two staff are! They were both shocked since both are fine and completely asymptomatic. They’re now in quarantine. Fortunately neither one works directly with residents. Our county is now in the forecast to have the highest rise of cases in the entire US and it’s freaking me out.
On the plus side, I plan to make a Thai salad tonight with some grilled chicken, shredded carrots, and mango salsa, and look forward to trying a new recipe!
That recipe sounds divine!
Seriously the asymptomatic carriers is what worries me! I’m likely to eventually be one myself, I’ve only come down with the flu twice in my life which points more to my body doing a great symptom-free fight than to my only fly exposure being twice in almost 40 years. I’m glad they caught the ones in your mom’s facility!
In my city people have been getting quite slack with social distancing on sidewalks etc and mask-wearing for the last month, and we’re not even starting to lighten restrictions until tomorrow. I don’t think it bodes well as we’re already Canada’s hot spot, but deeply hoping to be proven wrong anyway…
What’s disturbing is seeing quotes from person-on-the-street interviews of people who are going out and about, not distancing or masking or availing themselves of hand sanitizer offered by shops and saying things like “I don’t think anyone would be out if they were sick” or “Well, >>> I <<<< don't know anyone who has it." (Yep, approximate versions of real quotes.)
Everyone is going to make their own choices based on their own calculation of their and their household's health status in combination with their personal risk tolerance, and the trade offs they can/can't make for mental health or economics. Fair enough.
What completely irks me is seeing people wrap those decisions up in delusion, fantasy and wishful thinking.
MGoldSmith, that’s so true. Wishful thinking and delusion is a recipe for disaster.
Well, the majority of our deaths are in long term care homes, so the figures are making things look worse than they would otherwise be. But hopefully there won’t be a big rise in cases when things start opening up Monday.
Glad that the residents all tested negative. Besides the unconscionable policies related to having to take back residents after being ill with COVID and forbidding testing (!!!) in the name of non-discrimination, many facilities have workers who work multiple jobs which expose them to more infected environments and the types of jobs that the workers all tend to cluster around senior care.
“…and forbidding testing (!!!) in the name of non-discrimination..”
That is absolutely nuts. I had not heard it.
This was a huge factor in the appalling number of deaths in LTC here in Quebec. The workers were rotating between multiple facilities and spreading it to residents.
Mom’s facility told any part-time or shared workers that they had to make a decision and weren’t allowed to come any more if they did several jobs. They also told us they are required to allow people who have had the disease to come back if they recover, but they will be taken into rooms by people haz-mat gear and strictly quarantined in their rooms for two weeks.
Mango salsa, yes please.. I will be right over
You look great in that photo with the pink lipstick ?
Thank you so much! I’m experimenting with brighter colors and it’s fun. I put some Anaheim pepper in my salsa, along with diced purple onion and cilantro, plus lime juice, and it did taste good. I bought frozen mango chunks because my store didn’t have fresh, and they taste very good and are so easy to use. I’ll keep buying them in the future.
I’m jealous of your dinner – it sounds incredible! It’s good to hear none of the residents at your mom’s facility are sick. I hope it stays that way!
I am obsessed with this mango peach salsa I had recently.
That also sounds good. I bet you can imitate it. I described my salsa recipe up above.
I saw lilac and headed straight to the St. Clair Scents website. $17 USD is quite hefty for a 2ml sample in CAD $. How potent is the lilac? The more intense the better because I ADORE lilac.
Well, it does have other notes too. I still think you’re going to like it,
Sorry to hear about the positive workers at you mom’s residence. I know you must be very worried. I hope they step up the testing, and repeat tests in the next week or two. Believe it or not, I have asked both the hospital and my agency to be tested and they’ve both refused. So crazy!
That’s so dumb. Here they pretty much want everyone to get tested, especially the front line workers. They just had the national guard test every prison and now they are working on the nursing homes. Stay safe!
Yes, I do too. Luckily, by coincidence, one of the family members in our weekly meetings turns out to have been a major infectious disease doctor in positions of authority, and he is making his opinions and advice well known. I am not sure o
Who he has in the facility, a wife or mother, but I’m very glad he’s on board. Also, the director said on Friday that their residents’ AVERAGE age is 88! I was amazed. Some are younger but they have a handful of centenarians too.
The salad sounds delicious!
Currently sunny and warm, but give it about 5 minutes and that will change. ?
I’m in FM Vetiver Extraordinaire for a day continuing Van rehab. The battery for my reciprocating saw is fully charged, so no telling what damage will occur. Hopefully, I’ll still have all 10 fingers at the end of the day. ✌?
Have a great weekend, perfume peeps!
That’s how it was here yesterday. Have a great weekend and please keep your fingers!?
Have all my fingers because I broke the blade and didn’t have a backup. Just got back from buying blades and it’s storming to beat the band, so it looks like I’ll keep all 10 for the next little while ?
Deva, what is your new avatar?
It’s a flower, a tulip that bloomed here in early spring. It had only one bloom and was so beautiful! Very special?
ahhhh, lovely!
I wore Omnia and my son, who is 4 told me he didn’t like it. He more or less said.. what smells yucky, is that your shampoo? Yuck!
I wore Dame Perfumery’s Chilehead for my weekly trip to Trader Joes, which was deserted. I got there 10 minutes before the store opened to shoppers under 60 and stood in the line by myself. No one joined me.
It’s usually deserted in this city on the Memorial day weekend because everyone (except me apparently) goes to the beach. I’m just surprised it’s so empty this year.
Youtube yoga, a bath and then it’s time to prep beer brats and make potato salad.
In my city the holiday weekends are usually very busy for shopping.
Yum! Beer brats and potato salad! Are you sure you’re not in Wisconsin??
My husband got into an online discussion over whether brats should go into beer before or after grilling. He’s from Wisconsin. Passionate opinions on that subject.
I read that as Chili head and it made me giggle! That would be some scent!
Not really seasonal, but I’m craving pineapple, so Or du Sérail for me.
I need to get a summer pineapple scent, my Ananas Fizz is all gone.
I have had neck massages at a place that uses a pineapple oil and it’s so nice!
Oh, I adore Ananas Fizz, that was one of my first purchases from L’ Artisan perfumer (Patchouli Patch was the other). I went through my bottle pretty quickly.
Ciao a tutti
Hermes Santal Massoia , I think this one is the Hermessense I should got during the split meet.
Hand me down Carolina Herrera cashmere short sleeve sweater, long jean skirt with flowers and butterflies embroidered, it looks like it could be out of the 60’s or 70’s.
I am 140 pages into My Brilliant Friend
Making moroccan mint tea and this morning, (Dear SmokeyT) was challah bread toast. Better than waffles I ate yesterday.
I bet you look great in that outfit.
Thank you!
I also think I smell great too
Love the 60’s and 70’s look. I bet you smell great too!
You’ll be right at home in my wood-paneled basement ?
with my fringe jacket I still have.
Ok, I will borrow the jacket and meet you in the basement ?
I am sure there is an ancient joint in the pocket.
I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner last night and thought of you. PBJ for dinner covers meal and dessert in one fell swoop.??
Spent last night and this morning testing out Hedonist Cassis and trying to write a review on it. I don’t know what’s going on with my ADHD today but can’t focus too well right now. I went into BBW yesterday with the intention of not getting anymore candles and just getting the foaming hand soap. Walked out with 2 candles and foaming hand soap. Good news is that my bottle of Les Annees 25 BIS is arriving today. The original delivery date was Tuesday and I could have waited until Tuesday. I have no idea what I am going to wear perfume wise after my shower.
Well, they messed up the forecast which is fine by me because it’s sunny and we’re supposed to hit 82 today!?Hello summer! We’ve missed you. I went for a walk over to the lake and back to soak up some rays and it’s feeling a bit muggy out. I actually got a little sweaty, lol.
Now post shower I’m in many sprays of Assam of India. This weather has me thinking about perfumes I need for this summer….Sur Le Nil and Mediterranee for starters. I also need to try that whole Chanel Les Eaux line, how many are there now? Four?
I was worried about you yesterday. Did you get tornadoes?
Glad it’s nice today ?
No, but we did have some really heavy downpours that I drove straight into on my way home of course. At one point I had my windshield wipers on high and still couldn’t see.? I pulled over for a few minutes and waited it out.
I am thinking about summer perfume too, mostly Songes.
I interested in some lighter scents like the ones you mentioned,
Wearing Jour Ensolleille as we head downtown on the ferry to visit friends. I baked a cake!
Today would have been my Mom’s 96th birthday. She’s smiling at us.
96. I hope you are having good memories of her. My dad would be 96 also if he were alive and mom 99.
Happy Birthday to your Mom, I am sure she is happy you baked a cake even if she is not around to enjoy it ❤️
LizzieB, you smell fabulous!
Sipping my coffee in the garden, catching up on news and nst. Various patches of skin are wearing various samples: SL Nuit de Cellophane, Masque Milano Tango, Tauer Les Annees Bis, Parfum d’Empire Tabac Tabou.
Grandma wants to go on a drive today, just to get out. Trying to figure out where we can reasonably and safely go. Mostly worried about the bathroom situation if we drive too far away.
First, though, I need a shower!
The bathroom issue is a hard one. Hope you managed a drive!
Question.
I really enjoy Kafkaesque’s thorough and well-researched reviews. Is the blog still active? The last entry is dated November 2018.
Ditto…hopefully someone with inside knowledge may chime in…
I remember her saying she was taking a break, may be back and may not. I also really enjoyed her reviews and miss her thoughts on newer releases.
She’s very active on Twitter. She also just lost her dog to illness.
Oh that’s too bad. She was so devoted to that dog.
Once a pet parent, always a pet parent.
Perfume not a theme on her Twitter but happily, her archives on her blog are very extensive : )
And today we all wish Bob Dylan a very happy birthday! Well, I know Robin will.
Just got back from Trader Joes. They have been my go to for the past few weeks, super stocked, super clean, super close. Fresh cherries are yummy.
SOTD is Satori. I wore it yesterday and smelled so good last night went for it again today.
Sold a necklace I no longer wear on eBay and purchased my back up bottle of Indochine from Luckyscent.
Nice! Cherries! ? I’m looking forward to some of those. Also, great approach to getting a new bottle!
Once I get home, I have some jewelry I’ll be selling as well. Dumb question, but how does payment work I’d you’re the seller?
Hi Deva!
When you sign up with eBay as a seller you will have to choose how you want to get paid. I think most transactions are processed via PayPal. You provide eBay with your PayPal account and that’s where the payments go, weather the buyer pays via PayPal or by credit or debit card.
Ebay payment works via PayPal. Once the buyer submits payment, you’ll be notified and can request a check from your PP account, which arrives pretty quickly.
I am still (argh!!) painting my kitchen, so you know what my soundtrack was today!
Monday again. Once again I seem to have filled my entire weekend with gazing out of the window and marvelling at lichens on pathways and rosehips on rose bushes rather than achieving anything useful. I am worried I may have entered the “pottering about” phase of life ….but maybe that’s ok. I have been eyeing up a 1860s miner’s cottage that is for sale in the country. It is stone, single room ( no bedrooms) , coal range cooking, open fire ( heating) , but has no electricity nor any running water. It has a functional toilet but no bathroom. It is on around 15 acres and has a stream. So, i figured it would be on the market for around $180 000 (as it is in a non-tourist area) so was a bit put out when I discovered they want $850 000. That’s double what my house is worth. To cheer myself up I watched Persuasion (1995, Ciarin Hinds) based on Austenfan and Calypso’s post…loved it….also pre-electricity . Giving Stash another go and comparing it to Smell Bent Saint Tropez for pineapple/coconut
…and (clicked too soon) SB Ice Station Pineapple
I don’t really seem to get anything done during the weekend either. I love how you describe your activities, or rather the lack of them.
Glad to hear you enjoyed Persuasion. 1995 was a great year for Austen.
I actually did watch the Mansfield Park you recommended. I remember at the time not entirely enjoying it, but that was probably due to expecting something else, more faithful to the book. I should watch it again, as I’ve found it on YouTube.
Have you tried Music for a While? It’s an odd scent that combines lavender and pineapple. Other pineapples I can think of are Histoires de Parfums 1804, and MDCI Rivage des Syrtes.
Must be the land that is so expensive? If I had had any sense ever, I would have bought land and put a trailer on it. Btw, I found the coconut but not the pineapple yet?
Isn’t that a good version? When I lectured on that book on our freshman honors course (interdisciplinary), I showed scene selections from that movie, and the students loved it too.
It’s great and I loved the hats. Ciarin Hinds is such a good actor – and he has been in some great films. I liked one I saw where he is at a book festival in Ireland – about ghosts.
When I did American Studies (back when there was American studies ) we did a wonderful book/film paper – with things like One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and whatever else (random) was available. I miss being a student!!
Today’s SOTD is vintage EL’s Aliage, green mossy beauty.
Ooo! You smell really good
Thank you!!
You smell wonderful! I fell in love with this scent when it first came out; I think it was the first fragrance I ever treated myself to as a birthday present. But my mom died very unexpectedly shortly after that birthday and I’ ve never worn it since. Yet I always remember how much I loved it.
Laila, so sad a memory, I’m so sorry.
SotD = Theorema . . .
because I had Swiss dark chocolate and a fresh-picked orange for a snack. That’s after a breakfast of oatmeal toppied with a fried egg, chopped plum tomato, fresh basil leaves, and Himalayan pink salt. i’m stuffed.
Neighbors can be wonderful. The tomatoes I’m enjoying are from my left-side nextdoor neighbor’s backyard garden. My new right-side nextdoor neighbor needed help trimming a tree, so my family gave him and his father a hand. Yesterday his father brought us bags of Valencia oranges + Bing cherries + Ranier cherries from his orchard. I feel very lucky to live in a friendly neighborhood.
I’ve been thinking and reading about the personal impact of recent world events, how our experiences are similar and unique too. The front page of today NY Times left me in tears.
In a brighter mood now and want to share that I watched The Half of It last night and cried through the ending, almost as hard as I sobbed the first time I saw Pretty in Pink. High school dramas can be heart-wrenching.
Also some pleasant reading with capybaras in warm baths:
http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2020/05/21/izu-shabonten-zoo-capybara-social-distancing/
And the King Arthur Flour Company’s measured (ha!) response to the great flour shortage of 2020, via kottke.org. Do click through to the the Marker Business article, it’s a good read with fun photos:
https://kottke.org/20/05/inside-the-epicenter-of-the-pandemic-baking-boom-at-king-arthur-flour
King Arthur Flour sounds like a hidden utopia of rational thinking and human decency. I’d go live in Carbohydrate Camelot if they’d let me. Jane, stop this crazy thing, I want to get off . . .
Thank you for the King Arthur Flour article. I really enjoyed reading it. A company doing all the right things. I’m a fan now.
Enjoy your cherries and oranges ?
I’m a fan to King Arthur flour too.
Tiffanie, I’m a fan of inappropriate carbohydrates! Happy to join you!
You smell glorious.
inappropriate carbs are the best carbs, imho
They are paying bakeries to make bread! Oh thank you for that link.
Sampling two from Akro today…Dark and Smoke.
Dark is nutty chocolate with some vanilla so far.
Smoke is maybe too realistic? very smoky with some tobacco…hope the smoke recedes and the tobacco becomes more pronounced.
The Dark sounds wonderful!
Friday and Saturday were fairly quiet for me. Today Mom and I went to the grocery store as soon as Facebook church was over. It was kind of busy, but actually not as bad as their Sundays usually were back when things were normal. And we didn’t have to wait that long to get into a checkout line.
This evening I found a sample of Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger, and dabbed some of that on. I found it nice enough. Some reviews say that the wearers can’t stand the cumin. I like cumin well enough as a flavor in Indian cooking, but wasn’t sure about it as a note in a fragrance. I’m really not smelling it as a separate note? I get citrus-floral-musky, and I feel like the musk is a fairly light one. idk
I love SL’s FdO in the dry down. My first time wearing it, I’d forgotten about the cumin (mixed with floral notes and it’s straight up Body odor/unwashed gym clothes on me). I had to sit in a 1 hour meeting with everyone leaning ever so slightly away from me.
I’m *sure* the folks would have let me know if they thought I had a body odor/sweat/used gym clothes scent. I don’t think I was around them for the first hour I was wearing it.
I’ll likely try something at bedtime tonight. I don’t want to do floral or fruit scents during the day if I go out to try to plant some of my new flowering plants.
Songes has a bit of a cumin note and I love it!
I think it depends on how old your bottle is… I don’t think the newer formulations have the cumin note any more. I have a recent bottle and smell no cumin.
That was from a sample from the Fall 2019 swapmeet.
It could well have been a newer formulation.
Thanks to Holly for reminding me, wearing Romanza.
Just sprayed two different decants on each arm. No idea what they are…unlabeled. Neither is doing much for me. One should be L’eau Premiere, but doesn’t seem like it. Hoping they fade quickly. I need to open my little BUB of Stella. Light rose sounds just about right for today.
So much sleep last night! The combination of fresh air and outdoor walking yesterday made me nicely tired. The strawberry cake was a hit with our friends, but I think the recent raspberry buttermilk one is better, so I’ll stick with that going forward.
We were first on the boat heading home, which actually had quite a few people…I think some might have been unable to board because of capacity limits. We faced Brooklyn …sitting up top outside. So pleasant. So many people out in the parks by the river! It was the same in the Battery. I think everyone just needed to get out.
A few weeks ago we took the ferry to the rockaways and it was a pleasant experience
Did you hear that 40% of people in the UES have left the city..
I am wondering when NYC will enter phase one, I want people to stay here and support the businesses here, spend their money here, not elsewhere..
Apparently our building was down to 50%, but we are hearing it’s up to at least 70%. I know our floor is half empty.
Taking the ferry has been so nice. We spent two months only going as far as we could walk. I’m ready to get back to exploring my city again. And visiting some of my favorite stores, especially the small, independent ones.
Me too! I can’t wait for these stores to open. Yesterday we went to Roosevelt Island, seeing the small pox hospital and the Strecker Memorial Laboratory was fitting for these times..
I can’t wait for stores to open too, but I think shopping is going to be very different. We enter phase one on Tuesday and stores will open to only 5 customers at a time. I think my “browsing” days are over, with those limits I think I would feel increased pressure to have to purchase. Also, what about trying stuff on? I’m guessing that will not be allowed.
We enjoy Roosevelt Island. Have a # of friends who live there. Love looking at those ruins, and the park is so nice.
Happy Memorial Day to all and a Thank You to those who sacrificed for us all in any measure.
We are busy moving in and decorating via FBmarketplace – everyone socially appropriately distancing.
Commando but part of the ‘strategic strike force’ when it comes to on line shopping, see my target, buy my target, bullseye!
Oh yay, enjoy setting up your new place!
Ciao..
I am in one of my desert island perfumes, Songes
Songes for summer, Shalimar for winter and I think you’d be set.?
I will try Shalimar in the summer too, see how it goes. I don’t want the Queen to feel rejected because its hot outside
Since I haven’t worn much of Songes in a bit, it feels so good to re-visit this beauty and lifting my spirits.
Lol.
Songes makes me think of you. Glad you’re enjoying it and it’s lifting your spirits.?
Ciao. che bello quel’ profumo.
ho visto Shalimar eau de cologne questo pomeriggio e ho sentito de te ed l’altri che si piace molto. pensavo a comprarlo però non farlo. non è caro, quasi sessanti dollari per 100 mls.
non c’è male!
è questo?
https://nstperfume.com/2015/04/24/guerlain-shalimar-cologne-new-fragrance/
Credo di no. ma lo controllo domani. (sembra più antico a me)
A new day and I’m trying out Cartier Carat from a sample I found in one of my sample boxes. It’s a very pleasant spring floral. I’m enjoying it, but it’s not something I have to buy. No real plans for today but at least after a storm last night our weather has turned a bit cooler.
Its cooler here too, waiting for the sun to show itself.
SOTD for today is vintage Jessica McClintock, this is by far, my favorite lily of the valley scent.
Headed out to get veggies and healthy snacks. I’ve overeaten so much this week I’m going through the five stages of grief.
At our home Mr L is baking muffins (blueberry) and vegan chocolate chips. He has been making the ladder for years and its my favorite cookie.
sorry meant to write chocolate chip cookies
That sounds delicious! Does Mr L use flax or chia seeds as an egg replacement?
flax, also coconut oil
The are really really delicious. No one would know they were vegan
Commando thus far. It’s gonna be a hot one. I’ll share this with you for Memorial Day:
My grandmother’s cousin Bob served in the Marine Corps Air Wing and then the Civil Air Patrol. My grandmother always said he flew with the Flying Tigers, and papers of the time referred to him as one, though I don’t know if that’s technically correct. I assume he served in WWII, but this story happens afterwards.
My grandmother’s telling of it is fanciful, with many uncorroborated details: Bob was at an airfield in China, his buddy had taken one of the planes “to visit a girl in Japan or Korea”, came back, touched down, saw Bob tied up in a chair at the end of the runway, knew they were toast, and immediately took off. CIA documents support this narrative, just not the bits about someone going off to see a girl or being tied to a chair.
Bob was captured in 1950 and held prisoner for 5 years, the last two in solitary confinement.
A poignant detail for Memorial Day: Bob had learned to knit—alongside the female members of the family, I suppose?—from his grandmother. While imprisoned, he whittled some chopsticks into knitting needles, unwound his socks, and knit an American flag.
A picture of the flag, in a university collection of Civil Air Patrol artifacts: https://bit.ly/3bZxQ1c
Bob and his wife holding it at a celebration after his release: https://bit.ly/2ZvKPVJ. I have an original print of this same image.
Sadly, Bob died 8 months later.
Both of my now deceased grandfathers also served, but thankfully fared much better. I’m grateful my Dad was too young for Vietnam.
Such a sad story. Especially since he died so young.
Wow, that’s amazing!
This is an incredible story! I’m sorry he died so soon.
What an amazing and heartbreaking story all rolled into one. Thank you for sharing it, I have tears in my eyes.?
Thank you for sharing…I cried when I saw that beautiful flag.
Oh MY what a touchingly sad and simultaneously inspiring story!
Thanks so much for sharing this, I am speechless.
What a guy. They don’t make many like that anymore. You are made of good stock.
What a story! Thanks for sharing that.
What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing!
I still smell like my post shower scent of last night, Tiger’s Nest. It’s very long-lasting. At some point, I’ll top it off with Alahine for the CP. Today will be the coolest and rainiest day of the week so it seems fitting. Other perfumes of the weekend were OJ Orris Noir and Cierge de Lune. I finished off my Orris Noir decant on Saturday since I’ll be getting another one in a swap. Had a pretty relaxing weekend. My only real outing was to walk to my neighborhood bookstore and pick up the order I placed (Frank Herbert’s Dune). I ordered more than that but the other two books weren’t in stock so will be shipped to me in 1-2 weeks. Today is mostly for chores and a trip to the grocery, plus I have to do a little pre-work for a certification course I start tomorrow. Very glad to have the day off work!
I have never read Dune and have always meant to.
I forgot to say that I am deeply involved in a TV series titled ”A Place to Call Home.” It’s Australian, but I am watching it on Prime where I have an Acorn subscription (which costs extra). It’s a bit like Downton Abbey but much more political, dealing with issues after WW II such as anti-semitism, class divisions, PTSD of various types after the war, and all kinds of thwarted love due to homosexuality, ethnic barriers, and more. The cast are all excellent. While it is to a great extent a soap opera, it’s well done with some depth. The sets and costumes are fabulous. The best thing is that the seasons are long, and there are six seasons! I’m only now into Season 2. It’s the most engaging show I’ve found in months.
I will write that one down, we’re always looking for good shows to binge. Have you seen PBS’ Masterpiece World on Fire? Also set during WWII and very good.
That one sounds good as well. I am missing some great shows apparently.
I watched into the middle of the 4th season I think — I may get back to it at some point if I pick up Acorn again.
I’m wearing Breath of God by Lush today, in solid form. When I tried the liquid version it smelled fabulous in paper and just like I’d drenched myself in a really peaty scotch once on my skin. It was dreadful.
But I really liked it on paper so I bought the solid version with my latest Lush order just to have it around to sniff. Turns out the solid version is just perfect on my skin. Happy dance!!
Oh that worked out well!
I’m married!!!!! Mr. Blue and I are official, and my last dab of Rubj went to a very special day indeed. ?
Congratulations!!?
congrats!
Wow!
How did you spend this lovely married day?
We spent the night at a fancy hotel downtown, drove around today to find blooming magnolias to sniff since it just rained last night and I don’t think I’ve smelled magnolias after the rain (glad he indulges my fixation with fragrant trees), and are now snoozing at home like the boring adults we are! ?
Congratulations!
Awww!! Congrats!!
Congratulations! ??
CONGRATULATIONS Rayleighblue, I am dousing you in Jasmine as well for good luck.
Your backstory feels like it might be quite romantic?
Thank you for the jasmine! There was quite a bit blooming near the wedding venue.
We met at Fiesta (citywide party in San Antonio, kind of like Mardi Gras with less nudity) through a mutual friend! She was one of the Fiesta Queens that year (there’s also a debutante/charitable giving element) and invited a couple of her friends to each of the parties to keep her company. We were doing acro-yoga in her hotel room when Mr. Blue, retreating from the noise of the ballroom downstairs, stumbled upon us and really had to know what we were doing. That’s how we met! XD
Huzzah and Congratulations! ????
How lovely, huge congrats to you both!
Mazel Tov!
Congratulations!
Thank you everyone for your well wishes!
I’m in Dune, which for some reason I always associate with summer. I thought it might be too much for our 81 and humid day, but it’s radiating nicely. This falls into the man, this is amazing, why don’t I wear this everyday category.
I woke up early and the first thing I said to my dh was do you wanna go out in the canoe? This of course is a loaded question because he does all of the heavy lifting and then I get to enjoy a lovely paddle. The water was so still and clear, we saw lots of fish. Some were huge! I try not to think about that when I am lake swimming, lol.
Thanks to those that have shared such touching stories this Memorial Day weekend, so many individuals and families sacrificed so much. Thank you to those that served.
Yay for canoe time!
Dune really is a masterpiece. I’m glad Dior has kept it around. I’ve never smell it on anyone, ever.
It really is! The only person I’ve smelled it on was an old boss who wore it when it came out. I wore Casmir back then and would have never thought to wear Dune. I never smell it on anyone these days…someone must be wearing it though because, like you said, they’re keeping it around.
Oh hey, report back on how the 5 person rule shopping goes. Starting tomorrow we can have ten people, but you have to make an appointment! My store isn’t opening yet, but when we do, we will not have open fitting rooms anymore.
I must add this to my list. I have been so tempted especially with the sales. Is the current version acceptable?
Imo, yes the current version is acceptable.
I adore Dune. Such an odd beauty but so comforting and beautiful.
I finally got off my behind and started cleaning closets for donations. My son is a bit of a hoarder about not getting rid of old clothes. He’s hopefully going to college this fall, so I said what if you meet a girl, do you want her to see you wearing this? It worked! He let go of quite a bit. Sotd is Dolce and Gabbana Pour Femme.
?! Good for you, and good for your son on agreeing to let go!
SOTWeekend = Rose Anonyme. Dark rose seems to be working well for me lately, so I’m just rolling with it. ?
Plenty of people have served in the military in my family, both on my mom’s side, and my dad’s. From World War 2, thru Korea, and into Viet Nam. Everyone came back, though. So, no Gold Stars. I only started to hear bits and pieces about my mom’s brothers experiences in WW2 as a college-aged adult. They really didn’t talk about what happened. All the things I heard were from other family members.