CELEBRATE YOUR JOYFUL TABLE…How time flies! Seems like we just put away our December holiday ornaments. Fast approaching are the Spring holidays. We are anxious to get together with our favorite people, put aside the stress of the work week, and enjoy our holiday dinner. An interesting cut of meat is Brisket.
Clearly, there are many variations of this versatile cut of meat, but here is my favorite recipe: THE CAROL-ROSE SIMPLE BRISKET RECIPE
The next day, remove the fat that has accumulated on top of the meat. Slice the cold brisket against the grain and place back in pan. You may again add water if needed. Optional: Add a cup of red wine, 2 Splenda packages, and chunks of potatoes if you wish. Continue to Cook for another half hour. Place on warm until needed. VOILA! EAT, MANGIARE, ESSEN, MANGER, ESN, WHATEVER THE LANGUAGE, IT UNIVERSALLY TASTES GOOD!
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I SUPPOSE YOU WILL THINK IT STRANGE, FOR ME TO PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE CATEGORY OF WHATNOTS... IT IS AN ITEM THAT IS SOUGHT AFTER BY WOMEN OF ALL AGES, FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME, AND BY MEN, FOR ITS BEAUTY AND VALUE. JEWELRY MY VERY FAVORITE WHATNOT! WHAT IS YOUR FANCY? SILVER, GOLD, PLATINUM, DIAMONDS, RUBIES, EMERALDS, PEARLS, RINGS AND THINGS, ETC., ETC., ETC.!! One of the most famous jeweler of all time is TIFFANY & Co., encompassing 200 years of history. We remember a famous movie in 1961 called "Breakfast at Tiffany's”. The movie opens with: Audrey Hepburn (Holly GoLightly) stepping out of a cab holding a cup of coffee, dressed in evening clothes. Was she a socialite, adorned in elegance, or in fact, was she a lady of the night getting off from work? No matter, for she is iconicly gorgeous as she peruses the enchanting Tiffany windows. Almost as famous as the jewels it might house, is the legendary little blue box, known as "Tiffany Blue Box." It is beautifully tied with a white ribbon and known all over the world. This special hue is described as a medium, robin egg blue color and was created personally by Charles Tiffany in 1837. It is a registered trademark by Tiffany & Co. and synonymous with the company. It is a proven fact that Jewelry makes a woman FEEL POSITIVE and creates a FEELING OF CONFIDENCE. Perhaps some consider it to be frivolous, but nevertheless, we consider it JOYFUL. Whether it be a young girl's first gift from her beloved or a woman of royalty or wealth considering a piece for her collection...
Let's face it ladies, WE ARE ALL SMITTEN! I sometimes think if I had to do all over again, I would become a gemologist I would travel to Africa, and learn about the mines, continue on to Paris, Milan and London and create collections, one for every day of the week. Remember, the dedication on the home page and in the book, "The Feeling?" It said, DREAM A DREAM...... well, WHY NOT??? ![]() THE FEELING OF FEAR ENCOMPASSES FRIGHT, TERROR AND SCARED REACTIONS My most significant fear is the state of world dissension. History records times of protests, crisis, and wars from forces resistant to democracy and peace. Currently, rivalry for power is back among countries. We must be on point to navigate erupting issues. It is frightening to think of war, in light of new and existing destructive weapons. A moment of levity... Question: What do you think is the month of the year, most hated by new military enlistees? Answer: "MARCH!" I believe that Albert Einstein said it best in his following descriptive comment: "I know not what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.." "IT MAKES ME SHUDDER !!" "However, that morning, she couldn't put it into words; but she had a FEELING of unrest, of uncertainty, and she was experiencing a clear unspoken warning." Discussion: We are introduced to Rachel and Michael Sanders and their idiosyncrasies. Trained from childhood not to give in to negative feelings, Rachel still knew something was wrong! Commanding attention were the flip-flops in her stomach. Was she imagining something or was this all consuming feeling the real deal? Click below to download Chapter One of The Feeling
![]() THE FEELING OF OUTRAGE - an extremely strong reaction of anger, shock, and indignation. (Just look at that baby boy. He is outraged after listening to this article.) "CONCIERGE" Is it luxury? Or Is it medical? HEARING THE WORD "CONCIERGE" BRINGS TO MIND A CARETAKER FOR A HOTEL, OR BUILDING; AN EMPLOYEE WHO ASSISTS WITH THEATER TICKETS OR RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS, APPOINTMENTS, OR VIP CLIENTS. When I researched the term, I came upon categories such as, Personal, Hotel, Travel, Lifestyle, Corporate, Residential, etc. To me, concierge falls within the walls of a luxury type service or industry. At least, that is what I thought????? Our personal life includes outside services of firemen, bankers, computer firms, policemen, electricians, attorneys, insurance, hairdressers, car specialists, pharmacists, dental services, medical doctors, and medical facilities. All professions that we require assistance from daily. It is true, that "IT TAKES A VILLAGE" to run our personal lives in this day and age. OMG, what would happen if all of these categories and more, started requiring a membership or "concierge" fee before attaining their services? Mind you, this fee has nothing to do with the actual cost of their service, but is an EXTRA. How could we afford this? Just not possible you say, even though it is necessary. SURPRISE !!! THERE IS A NEW "CONCIERGE" SERVICE SLOWLY GROWING MOMENTUM IN OUR DAILY LIFE. IT IS CALLED: "MEDICAL CONCIERGE PRACTICE" In some circles, the word "BOUTIQUE" is used. NO •••••• boutique does not mean fancy hats, makeup, designer items! In this case, it is referring to our good, old, family doctor who just wants more money for his services because he is a "special" worker in your daily life. Here is the definition of Concierge Medicine: "A platinum practice for direct primary care. An extra fee is required for you to have personal access to your doctor." ("Gee Mom, I remember the doctor making house calls. I remember Saturday appointments. Typically, this profession made themselves available 24/7.") Now if you call your doctor's office, you get a recording, something like this: "Please listen carefully. You have reached the office of Dr. Primary. We are available from 10 am to 12 noon. We are closed from 12 noon to 2 pm for lunch. We are then available from 2 - 4:30 PM. ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY. No weekends. Any emergencies, dial 911 or go to the emergency room! (As an aside, this might change if the doctor has a golf game one day). Exaggeration?? No, not really ! Is it a joke? If so, THE JOKE IS ON US !! QUESTION: How does a concierge, or more properly, "a fee for nothing" practice work? ANSWER: You pay an upfront fee for the ability to call your doctor when you are sick, or for a regular visit. It is usually between $1250 and $2500 per person per year. I am told there are many practices who charge up to $10,000 per person per year. If you cannot afford this, it is okay with the doctor because he can now be more selective when choosing his patients. He can choose a wealthier base and have a perfect remuneration practice. QUESTION: Sounds like bias to me! Does not sound like the Hippocratic Oath the doctor swore to. ANSWER: Sounds like it sounds. QUESTION: Is there a contract? ANSWER: Yes. Typically, you sign a contract for one year. When that year is up, you can sign the next year's contract, usually with a fee increase. Some calculate this fee by age. It has NOTHING to do with your personal Medicare and/or secondary insurance that you are still expected to keep, and YOUR INSURANCE DOES NOT USUALLY PAY THE CONCIERGE FEE. QUESTION: What do you get for this? ANSWER: Telehealth visits and office visits are usually unlimited. This is just between doctor and patient. You will get same day or next day appointments. Generally, they promise more personal service. Our patient ponders all this, and thinks, "Of course I know that the doctor has spent many years on education and invested beau coup dollars in doing so. But, Doc, you are not the only profession that people invest time and money preparing for. In the case of the legal profession, there is usually a retainer fee. The difference is that the retainer fee is used for upfront charges as the case progresses, for your benefit. In the case of medical concierge fees, it is just an additional expense to the patient." EXAMPLE OF A CASE IN POINT: Dr. Primary is charging $2200 a person and limiting his practice to 450 patients. Let's do the math: $2200 X 450 patients= $990,000 a year. YES, ALMOST A COOL MILLION DOLLARS! WITHOUT EVEN TAKING OUT HIS STETHOSCOPE ! Dr. Primary has been this couple's primary doctor for over 16 years. When requested by the doctor, they subscribed to a more expensive medical plan for the doctor to be paid more. Mr. & Mrs. Patient have now been told it was not enough for Dr. Primary. The problem with insurance is that he actually has to work to get paid. With concierge fees, he doesn't have to do anything but pocket the fancy fee. Dr. Primary even told Mr. & Mrs. Patient that, after the country club all day, his poor wife had to help him with paper work at night. Mr. & Mrs Patient received a formal letter informing them of the new practice. Two days later they called and were told that the practice was now "filled up". They were shocked! To make matters worse, other patients and doctors informed them that their doctor had been working on this sneakily for a whole year, securing and choosing his best financial patients. WHAT A SCAM!!! Mr. & Mrs. Patient found that there were still other doctors out there who make a good living and yet care about their patients without a fancy "Concierge Fee." Perhaps you would like to think of this as a tip, as you do in a restaurant? There is a New York expression, "HE THINKS WHO HE IS." IS IT ARROGANCE, CONCEIT, ENTITLEMENT ??? Take a stand. It is all up to you. You can continue being scammed by these doctors or you can: TELL IT LIKE IT IS ! IT IS AN OUTRAGE! Good Health to all! With this phenomenon, we certainly need it. Good Luck and like Mom said, "Remember" to eat your fruits and vegetables!" ![]() I was going to start with: “Imagine a large wheel with...” I thought about this sentence and said, “Why imagine? Let’s place this wheel here!” This wheel is in my home as a reference point. It enables me to initiate multiple moods while generating stories, discussions etc. After all, what is a mood? Is it a FEELING or a state of mind? The important difference between the two is that FEELINGS are brief and short-term. They will morph into a state of mind, if not put in check. Your state of mind is more durable. So, what are these short-lived feelings that control us? The six fundamental feelings in the center of the Wheel of Feeling are:
With Happy in mind, what are the 5 elements to find in men in order to make a woman happy?
So sorry guys...could not resist! But to be fair, just replace the word men with women. You will see neither sex is so different in their needs. Carol-Rose Marshall Author ![]() OH, THOSE CREDIT CARDS... "OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES" Evie and her seven-year-old son were shopping at the local mall. It was time for school clothes and supplies. She wanted her son to have a positive experience and purchase what was needed. Her family was known for extravagance. First mistake...She coaxed him with the promise of a new toy if he behaved. She good naturedly gathered the never-ending school items into the cart. She heard the cash register going off in her head. "How much of this does a 7-year-old need?" thought Evie. She went on to tackle the purchase of school clothes; new sneakers, shirts, pants, socks etc. Naturally, all brand names! She quickly realized how prices had climbed and exceeded her budget. Tommy tugged at her coat to remind her that it was time to pick out his promised reward...just for going! She guided him to a table of toys in the $20.00 range. Tommy was not having that and scampered away before she could blink an eye. He was headed toward the electronic games. He gathered 6 games, each with a price tag of over $50.00 and happily added them to their cart. Evie took a deep breath and explained that his choices were too expensive. The 7-year-old looked up with big sad eyes and said, "Why?" Evie felt that the best thing to do would be to explain that she did not have enough money and that would be that! She said, "I would love to buy these for you, but I do not have any more money to spend." Tommy thought for a moment and then said, "Don't worry Mommy, I'll find the money for you." With that he reached into her purse, handed her her wallet, and pointed to the credit cards. He triumphantly explained, "Mommy, just pick one...go over to that counter and put it in that machine. Now it is paid for! " MORAL OF THE STORY WOW! OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES! Magic! It is clear that Tommy was observant. He had witnessed his Mom take a little plastic card and WHOOSH...IT IS PAID FOR! How many adults think the same way as this seven-year-old? They are not thinking of the pay day yet-to-come and how debt builds up. EXTRAVAGANCE is made up of overspending, recklessness, and indulgence. Tommy has learned his lesson well. LOVE IS DEFINED AS AN INTENSE F E E L I N G OF DEEP AFFECTION Have you noticed how carelessly the word "love" is used?? EG: I just love your sweater ! (Even though it is scratchy?) I just love Brad Pitt ! (Well, let's see. Have you ever met him?) I love Ya ! (What exactly is a Ya? ) LOVE is a personal bond. If you overuse the word, it will have little value when you need it the most. In the month of February, love is rampant with Valentine's Day. This is synonymous with red and pink hearts, candy, flowers, and multitudes of gifts. The red rose holds the number one spot! Of course it does, as it was the favorite flower of the roman goddess of love, Venus. It endures on this day ! First and foremost we always recommend following your doctor's orders, re treats for your own personal health. But if it is a go, then lucky YOU ! On this day we are encouraged to raise a glass of wine. Make it red as red wine is full of important antioxidants to protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart and ALWAYS drink in moderation. Treat yourelf to some dark chocolate as it tends to lower blood pressure. On Valentine's day........* We wear red to symbolize our beating heart full of love. * The card shops are overflowing with beautiful cards sending verses of love to the ones you hold dear. * Florists are working overtime delivering bouquets full of fragrant beauty. * Millions of heart shaped boxes filled with delicious chocolate candy are sold. *There are even cards for your pets and special treats for them. Most important.......LOVE YOURSELF. A great feeling. It is your most important relationship ! Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers . CAROL-ROSE MARSHALL Painting: Hearts by Peter Max ![]() Have you ever had an "OMG" moment? Of course, you have! It could have happened when you burnt the pot on the stove, or maybe when you forgot an appointment, or maybe just because you are reflecting on some thought. Here is my "OMG" moment. This week I went to the beach and saw..."OMG!" It was a beautiful sun-kissed day with soft breezes, calm waters and magnificent white clouds floating overhead. There was a mixture of people comprised of senior citizens, families, and singles. An adorable little girl about 6 years old caught my attention. She was oh-so-carefully building a sandcastle. She was engrossed in patting the wet sand down to form her castle and suddenly she looked up with her eyes wide open. I turned to see what attracted her and, "OMG." She was focused on a girl in her twenties, seeking her spot in the sand, and standing in front of us. You couldn't miss her, because clearly some of her bathing suit was missing! It was an "OMG" moment…her entire derriere was exposed! The little girl giggled, turned to her mother, and said, "Mommy, she FORGOT her bottom shorts!" Of course, you and I know that she didn't forget.. This is the new normal as in today's world, you don't have to have a model physique. You just have to be daring enough to let it all hang out. For some of us, it was a FEELING of SHOCK, for others a FEELING of EMBARRASSMENT, and then there were those that felt the urge to SMILE. Others said they prefer old-fashioned mystique!. It's our new society. Nudity was not just invented; there are acceptable nude beaches. A time and place for everything. My FEELING is to remember my mother's words: "Check a full length mirror before you venture out and then, LIVE AND LET LIVE! " OMG ! Or... How to Disappoint Your Beneficiaries Unwittingly ![]() We muddle through life trying to complete a multitude of tasks. Sometimes, we are too late as time runs out. We think we have enough time, but it is not a given. A woman in her eighties, we shall call her Ms. Mary, had been caring for her mother for many years. Life was complicated and there was never enough time in the day. When her mother died at the blessed age of 105 years of age, they had still not completed a will. Probate was necessary and expensive, and Miss Mary swore that she would go to an attorney and do her own will so this would not be repeated at her own passing. Again, we muddle through and four years later, she finally contacted an attorney and had a will drawn up. In January of that year, the attorney contacted her to arrange for payment and for her to sign the documents. She put it off, always meaning to get it done. She visited her only relative that she was in contact with on the first Saturday in May. This was her first cousin, Jane. The two first cousins spent the day reminiscing as they were the only children of two sisters and had grown up together. Now they lived blocks apart and would make many plans to spend time together. Up until then, they were both immersed in the care of their respective Mothers. Jane was a frequent visitor and devoted caregiver for Ms. Mary's mother, as she was her aunt and a second mother to her. Mary and Jane had spent their lives as the only family members who shared their lives together. The rest had no interest in communicating as family. This was true on both sides of the families. Two days after Mary's visit to Jane, a cleaning service arrived at Mary's house and found her dead on the kitchen floor. Shocking? Untimely? Yes, all of that! The usual arrangements were made and in time it was discovered that Mary died without an executed will and there was a house to sell. The attorney representing Mary's step-son said that since he was not a blood relative, he was not a beneficiary. Consequently, Jane was the only known close relative and beneficiary. At this juncture, as advised, Jane proceeded with opening a probate process.. Here's the kicker! Did you know that there are companies whose sole product to make a living, is by visiting the courts and making a list of the dead people for the day. They then visit a firm such as Ancestry and locate relatives of the deceased They locate these relatives and tell them if they want to inherit some money, they will provide a contract and their firm will take 25% to 35% of the proceeds. The beneficiaries sign up with the excitement of an inheritance and are told who the long lost relative is. To date, there have been 6 relatives who responded, plus Ms. Jane, who are now legally correct to inherit money. The fact that none of these 6 people have ever called, spent time with or cared about Ms. Mary or her Mother for 80 years does not matter. Everyone is on line with their hand out. No one thinks that although it is legally correct, perhaps after a lifetime of no contact, it is not ethical or morally correct. Nope! Aside from the Executor, there was only one person out of the six that was supportive and engaged to bring this process to fruition. Their input was very appreciated. Clearly, greed is a part of human nature. Everyone wants their payoff and the bottom-feeder companies take at least 25% of the proceeds. The law says that if their are no spouses left, or children etc., then the proceeds are divided by 1/2 going to the decedents paternal side and the other half to the decedents maternal side of whoever generationally might be left. There is a whole formula, mandated by the courts. You can look this up according to your State laws. THE MORAL OF THIS STORY: The bottom line is, people who had no association with the deceased or her Mother for a lifetime are now her beneficiaries. Some of them she never saw, some despised her, and some chose not to be there for at least 80 years. My FEELING is one of ASTONISHMENT at the lack of understanding of the worth of TRUE RELATION SHIPS and how the reward system should work from the courts. There doesn't seem to be a value placed on family loyalty, or time spent or not spent by the beneficiaries. The FEELING of ANGER comes into play, when I analyze the people who were involved. Some of them refused to communicate with the legal team and made the process more difficult. But there is nothing in the law books that factor any of this in. How about simple COURTESY? Some never said thank you for the hard work of the team involved. GREED AND DISRESPECT would be my FEELING. A familiar song says, "it's later than you think." This true story proves you must do your due diligence. Have wills and estates clearly defined so that your assets will go where you want it to. Truthfully, Ms. Mary and her mom must be turning over in their graves to see where their hard earned assets wound up. It was with people who didn't care two cents for them! We NEVER said it was fair, just that a will was NOT signed! ![]() PASSION An intense, enjoyable, but difficult emotion! "All thoughts to the wind!" Enjoy, but please be careful, as... ...ONLY the moment counts! ![]() It was Friday morning and Sam looked forward to meeting his friends and enjoying coffee, Today, he would brag about his great vacation. "I had a great time. I have taken 3 vacations to Las Vegas for the past three years. One was better than the other. I relaxed, saw spectacular shows, gambled, ate delicious food, and drank to my heart's content." ????????????????????? As Sam lowered his eyes and looked at the floor, he continued and said, "There was just one unforeseen, unexpected problem that occurred. It appears that this time, my wife Sherree, got pregnant". He looked pensively at his friends' horrified reactions, and in an effort to calm them said, "Don't worry. Next year, I will solve that problem. I will take her with me!" |
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