"Fifty Shades of...Gray Hair" Part One "Aging, Growing Old, Maturing"

Aging, no. Growing old, no, NO! Maturing...ok, yes! 

My impression? Maturing is an experience not only reserved for a 1954 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux; it is also one with which a 1954 Kathleen Fowler/Costa is grappling. I am learning that the experience of aging...maturing, is personal, yet, many share a similar disdain for the incongruities between one's inner youthful vitality and the limitations of the outer packaging. Every morning as I roll out of bed, I feel the new day may hold a variety of adventures, but as I creak to the bathroom and stare in the mirror, I am reminded that I may not quite be ready for the task. 

The marvelous French Bordeaux quietly sat on the rack maturing in a cool environment tended gently by an anxious connoisseur more interested in the nectar one day to be enjoyed than in maintaining the bottle. I realize that to sync the inner and outer parts of Kathleen Faye is a nice New Year's resolution, one I've made several times, however, I want to believe "beauty is skin deep..." Does the dusty bottle and faded label effect the quality of the wine? No, not to those who would pay €2100 for the pleasure.

So, how does one better align the two incongruities and move forward into the golden years? The dustier the bottle and more faded the label, the better the wine is perceived to be. As for me, I try to eat my vegetables and limit fried foods; add color to my cheeks and spritz a little fragrance; smile a lot more and...not worry about the packaging. It truly is how you feel, not how you look. 

Sincerely, Kathleen

"I'll Have a Tall Flat White and a Chocolate Croissant"

In contradiction to my "late starts are a common MO," I brushed off the cobwebs on the alarm clock and set it for 7:30. We were informed that cars would need to be moved early due to maintenance crews cleaning carports. I thought the recent windy downpour might make their job unnecessary, but the storm only matted the trash down into the crevices. 

As usual I had stayed up late again, but still was able to get up, even though one eye was difficult to open up and focus. It was, however, well worth getting up early to witness such a beautiful wintery morning, bright with cloudless blue skies all around. A memory flashed in my mind of all the winter mornings getting into the car and heading off to work...a chill ran over my spine.

Turning on the engine, a familiar voice came over the radio; KNBR's Mike Krukow was talking about the SF Giants and the upcoming baseball season. I breathed a sigh of relief, spring is nearing, and I didn't want to get out of the car, so I motioned for Manuel to pop in and keep me company.

How 'bout going for a coffee...McMuffin? I did get up early...I "deserve a break today." So we headed off into the morning rush hour for a morning treat. At I-5 and Ben Holt Starbucks and McDonalds share hordes of morning coffee lovers, and although the drive-thru provides convenience, they were crowded. So, we decided to go inside the newest Starbucks.

I love coffee shops; walking in enveloped by the aroma of brewing coffee with a hint of croissant. It is a more inviting place than the Lincoln Center Starbucks; its size allows for a few little tables with an offering of WiFi and a wide variety of treats to accompany any coffee style you desire. All they needed was a more "pajama friendly" environment...big comfy chairs, Downton Abbey reruns.

Sincerely, Kathleen

Are You Gonna Stay Like That All Day?

How long is too long to stay in your pajamas?

Eight months into retirement continues to leave me searching for a relaxing, albeit productive, daily schedule. The alarm clock has long since been covered in cobwebs, and I have become hooked on late night television. Without a bedtime I have been greeting the midnight morning several times a week, and without the alarm clock my mornings don't really get started til 8:30...9:00? Friday's dreary sky and Manuel making little noise caused me to slumber comfortably until 9:30. 

With a, working people might say late, start I got up to have my morning K-cup of Joe and blueberry scone, and wrapped warmly in my robe, I sat down to catch up with the outside world by watching CNN, ESPN, MLB Network now that baseball season is on the verge. I am comfortable!

I check and file emails; make note of any sales or specials announced by my favorite online .coms; send off replies and messages to keep in touch with family and friends; pour another K-cup...another scone? Talk at the news anchor who just said something stupid; debate top stories with Manuel; "like" Facebook posts, review Twitter; plan my next move on Words With Friends; start the laundry...the dishwasher; do my nails, give myself a facial. I am comfortable with no problems and nothing on the "to do" list. Another cup...What? It's  noon? Yes, I am still in my pajamas...

Comfort is a personal thing. It could be your favorite sweatpants/sweatshirt, old jeans/flannel shirt, pull-ons/t-shirt, silky nightgown and fluffy terry cloth robe. 

So, how long is too long to still be in your pajamas? My rule is...If you are going out of the house to run errands, meeting the girls for lunch...put on your bra and change into real clothes.

Next question, when is too early to get into your pajamas? It is real tempting when the sun goes down.

Sincerely, Kathleen

"Cappuccino Grande for Kat"

The UPS guy finally delivered my bimonthly order of K-cups from Brooklyn Bean Roastery. I have been anxiously waiting for Vanilla Skyline, Maple Sleigh, and Express-O. While exploring all the Amazon possibilities, it was fortuitous finding this variety pack, and recently was able to change my delivery to monthly...I just couldn't wait for these flavored coffees. 

I have been using a Keurig machine for several years because of the convenience, even though, a true coffee afficinado would cringe at my lack of purity. Using my french press would keep me in good standing with coffee lovers, but I never got it right, and don't like to wait. So, my search for the best tasting coffee via K-cups began.

When I first bought my Keurig machine included were a variety of coffees from Green Mountain Coffee. I loved the variety and started an account with the Green Mountain Coffee Express Club, recently renamed Keurig Club. For almost two years I had Dark Magic regular and decaffeinated sent directly to me every month. During that time I discovered Emeril's Big Easy Bold or Jazzed Up, Timothy's Midnight Magic or Parisian Nights, and Green Mountain's Wild Mountain Blueberry. Whether I enjoy my coffee black or with a little sweet cream, piping hot or over ice, small shot or a grande-grande, I enjoyed my K-cups.

I was excited when the little "red solo K-cup" came onto the market allowing me to use my own ground coffee blends and saving the landfill by reducing the number of used K-cups I discard. Especially on the weekends, I was able to enjoy those pre-Keurig coffees like Medaglia D'oro and Illy coffees.

It isn't a cafe in Paris or my favorite neighborhood barista, but I do enjoy coffee...my K-cup coffee.

Sincerely, Kathleen