A Great Neighbor

A lady I knew passed away this week.  Edna was a good friend of my mother where they were neighbors in a Spokane retirement home.  I didn’t know her very well but I know she had a big smile on her face whenever I saw her.  She was 92 years old and didn’t look a day over 80!  She looked happy– like someone who had lived a good life.  Edna passed away in her sleep.  We should all be so lucky.

Edna was one of the lucky ones.  I noticed her children and grandchildren came to visit her often. She appeared to have good health, was alert and active.  She was one of the few residents who walked unaided, without benefit  of a walker or wheelchair. Her hair was always done to perfection and her makeup applied with care.  Even her clothing was sylish and well put together.  She stood out as different amongst the other residents of the retirement home in Spokane.  She seemed young!

A Great Friend

Edna and my mother…

Spokane Chocolate Cravings

We’ve probably all heard that women crave chocolate and that chocolate is good for us.  The truth, according to researchers, is that it’s not only women who crave chocolate.  97% of women and 68% of men experience food cravings - with chocolate being the  most common!

Why?

Studies show that chocolate abstinence, stress and exposure to chocolate increase one’s urge to eat chocolate.

There’s been many times when the thought of chocolate never crossed my mind until passing the candy aisle in the market checkout line!  I pass up the gum and the mints just fine;  it’s the pure chocolate bar that  lands on the conveyor belt.    The checker almost always says “would you like this left out?”   I try to act casual when I  say  “oh, no, thank you” –  as if  she doesn’t know I will open it the moment I get in the privacy of my car.

Benefits?

Are there benefits to eating chocolate?  Yes, studies show there are cardiovascular benefits of eating chocolate, particularly dark chocolate.

I’m right there with that .  Have you heard of…

Unemployment in Spokane

It’s no news that unemployment is high in Spokane.   The rate was 9.3% as of January 20, 2010, according to ABC News.   The national average for the same period was 9.7%.   Sounds like the Spokane unemployment rate is  pretty typical.    It could be worse I suppose.  Forbes recently put out its “Most Miserable Cities” list - with miserable qualities being the unemployment rate and decreasing home values.  At least Spokane wasn’t on it.  It’s looking prettty miserable to me,  but then I’m prejudiced for I am one of the 9.3%.

I’m lucky to have a husband who is still employed and making a salary that can support us.  Still, the layoff hit me right in the face.  I’ve been out of work for one long and miserable year.

I’d been at stay-at-home mom for many years before moving to Spokane.  I was just getting back into the work force when we moved.  Unpacking and getting settled kept me busy for a while and being without a job was OK.   Then I found…