Adding Zest to our Breakfast at Extended Stay America

Aloha Everyone,

Our daily breakfasts are a rather standard affair. We try to have a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a mixture of fresh fruits & veggies, protein, and a carb.

J.J.’s suggestion of buying a toaster oven was a great idea. But the reality is our kitchen counter space at Extended Stay America (ESA) is limited. A good compromise is a Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster. Extra-wide slots can toast bagels and thicker breads.

With the purchase of less than $20, our breakfast is now more exciting, more interesting and definitely has more zest.

Aloha -- Cathi

Meals on Wheels

Aloha Everyone,

Meals on Wheels is a national non-profit organization operating with US government aid. Volunteers, often seniors who are still mobile and can drive, deliver food to homebound seniors. On the website of “Meals on Wheels”, a knock-on the door means nourishment for the body and soul. 

One devoted volunteer shortened her vacation in Hawaii when she learned that there were no volunteers to make deliveries to people. According to her mother, her daughter developed strong connections to her constituents. She not only delivers food but took time to make her weekly visits meaningful. In addition to find out how those home bound seniors are doing, she asked what she could do to make their daily life happier.

The sad truth is that the price of gasoline has a direct impact on volunteers and recipients of Meals on Wheels. It is my understanding that volunteers receive no reimbursements for the cost of gasoline.

Aloha -- Cathi

New at Torrance Farmers Market

Aloha Everyone,

Torrance Farmers Market is held twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Charles H. Wilson Park. With its popularity and limited parking for a vehicle the size of Honu, we decided to arrive before 9:00 am.

J.J. and I saw a woman pulling an interesting contraption. It looked like a portable cane. It is actually a fresh produce carrying pulley being marketed by the organizers of the Torrance Farmers Market.

Unlike a single basket, this contraption will allow shoppers to keep their produce in separate, hooks thereby preventing them from getting squashed. $30 seems a little bit costly. I only saw one other individual using this.

Chinese Dim Sum booth was new. It was run by three young people who could’ve been siblings. With a limited menu, they were doing brisk business. J.J. chose 2 meat and 2 vegetarian potstickers. Good quality, while pricey for take away food, we are happy to have found this alternative Chinese takeout.

Aloha -- Cathi

Appointment With My Ophthalmologist

Aloha Everyone,

Today was my first meeting with my Ophthalmologist. She is high energy, enthusiastic, smart and has a great sense of humor. J.J. and I really liked her. More importantly, I feel totally confident with her skills and professional abilities. We made a decision to have cataract surgery on both of my eyes. 

I will start with my left eye. I am looking forward to this new experience.

Aloha -- Cathi

Movie “Rise”

Aloha Everyone,

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player. Based on the real story of his life, the movie traces Giannis from his birth and culminates in becoming a National Basketball Association superstar. Giannis is considered one of the top NBA players today and among the top 20 greatest basketball players in the history of the game.

Affiliated with the Milwaukee Buck’s, Giannis credits his personal and professional achievement to his loving parents and his brothers.

J.J. particularly is impressed with Gianni’s’ humility, his relationship with his family, his dedication to his sport and gratitude he shows to the coaching staff, team owners, teammates and fans.

My sister invited us to pick her homegrown lemons.

Aloha -- Cathi