french benefits:

Things I've never tried before

2011-11-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

When we, a friend and I, were planning our trip to the Southern part of the US I thought I'd be eating all the typical local fare. My grandmother was a fantastic cook and make fried chicken, chicken fried steak, biscuits, and all smothered with gravy. Yeah, we got that and it was all terrific.

Here are two items I'd never had, boiled peanuts and Brunswick Stew. The peanuts look wet and soggy and had the texture of a cooked bean but were salty and a bit addictive.

The Brunswick Stew was an odd concoction of ground pork and chicken cooked with tomatoes and some corn kernels thrown in. Not a huge amount of flavor but not as horrible as it looked.

We tried both in a tiny old BBQ place in Macon, GA; Satterfield's. They were quite nice to us Yankees and when we said we'd never tried either brought a sample to the table. That was what stands out in my mind, how nice most people were in the South.

Not finding anything interesting in Macon we headed to Savannah.

Ten pounds of kisses

2011-11-04T09:41:00.001-07:00

No dog could replace our Buddy but this one will fit in here just fine. Meet Sadie. She's a 3 1/2 year old, ten pound terrier mix and she's stolen our hearts.

A rescue of a rescue, her last owner had her for only three months. He was not physically able to handle a young dog. I'm not sure she ever had a walk but here she will get lots of leash time. We need to work on some easy commands like sit and stay.

She is very good in the car and that was a "must-have" as Dan will take her everywhere. Sadie has almost mastered the doggie door by herself. So many new things here. She's not such a good eater but we will give that some time. She's very friendly with humans and we'll work on the problems with other dog.

Dan is very taken with her and we hope she'll enjoy a long life with us. All our dogs lived into their old age here.

RIP, Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

So many tributes, every blogger, every graphic artist, every geek is feeling the loss today. The whole of humanity feels the loss.

My entire adult life was driven by Apple. My career was possible because of my MAC skills. Thanks Steve.

My darling husband would be one of the last people to use a computer. Just never was very interested but when I got my iPad he took to it right away. It was so easy, so intuitive he learned to navigate the Internet and use e-mail. Now he does his banking, reads and listens to news stories and communicates with family and friends online. Thanks Steve.

Did you know Steve how many success stories there were about your creations? Did it give you a swelling sense of pride? I hope so. I hope you knew before your time was up how many lives you improved but as clever as you were, I'm sure you did.

We are all made of recycled star parts but Steve seemed to have had more than most.

It's just time I'm wasting

2011-09-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

I sat down at my computer to Google something. Something I wanted to know the answer to. It was important enough to sit down and turn on my computer. You see, I usually just pick up the iPad but my darling companion is hogging it right now.

So I sit down and go right to Google, oh but first maybe I'll read my Twitter. Who knows what important information will be there. Nope, nothing today. Back to Google, but wait, I should look at my list of feeds, you know, those important sites. Love to read Pioneer Woman wonder what she's cooking for dinner. Oh, the Getty Blog has something interesting so I spend ten minutes reading.

Yes, now back to Google. Gee, look what the market did today, sheesh, depressing but if I'm looking at that then maybe I should look at my checking account balance. Good, all bills paid and not overdrawn. That makes me feel good.

Back on the Google search page but for the life of me I can't remember what I originally wanted to know. Do you suppose it was important? Yesterday I thought it was important to look up the lyrics for Cielito Lindo. Oh, I'm sure it will come to me.

What a find

2011-09-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

While looking for something I was rummaging through some storage boxes. You know, those boxes you stick the things you just don't know what to do with. Things that have sentimental value but you don't need to see them all the time. I have one entire bedroom, albeit small, dedicated to this type of stuff. I optimistically call it my studio but it's become the dumping ground for junk.

When my mother-in-law passed we sorted through her personal items, boxed up things we thought we wanted to keep, and donated the rest. I'd never get rid of photos though I've ended up with some of people we don't have a clue as to their names. And, to make it worse when her mother-in-law passed she did the same so there are more pictures of strangers.

I love old table cloths, napkins, handkerchiefs and the like so it was a pleasure to find a large box of these items. Table cloths were from the 50s and most in quite good shape. A few of the hankies were embroidered with "Anna Barrett Jones" I thought that was my mother-in-law's maiden name and since she was married once before these had to be from about 1930. My husband reminded me her middle name was Maria and Barrett was his Grandmother's maiden name and these must have been hers. They are in good shape but still think they are 50s era handkerchiefs by some of the designs but fun to have the history on.

I also found a lovely hand painted fan that most likely was my father-in-law's mothers. She was originally from Spain and it is in very good condition. Not sure if it's much older than the 60s but a nice piece to keep. Our lil bird may remember her as she was young when her great-grandmother passed. She was in a nursing home the last few years of her life.

I found lots to keep me wondering about but I still didn't find the original item I went searching for. Ah, the search continues. Wonder what else will turn up?

Love posting from a bouncing truck

2011-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Heading home. Great time, met some very nice folks and two dopes. Jeeze, smoky fires are for a reason, you have wet or green wood, get a clue.

The great group was a man, his two sons and his three grandsons. All boys trip, kids get to be as dirty as they can. They were trying their best. Grandpa could nt have cared how dirty the trailer got as long as they were happy. Lots of giggles heard there last night.

We gave up our space to a couple from Bakersfield and she said she thought she'd seen us at a car show. Yep, lived there two years. After chatting Dan found a common friend. They promised to stop by the Sept show, Dan will be inspecting cars at the Museum.

All in all it was a great trip, thanks to my darling companion for taking me.

Yesterday at Faria Beach

2011-09-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to sleep with moonlight on the water and this morning awoke to a sparkling blue Pacific ocean. I feel I'm so very lucky to be able to get to the ocean from time to time.

Years ago I gave up on the notion of owning a beach house and unless the lotto favors me this is as close to beach living as I'll ever get. I've made friends with this reality which is a lot easier on the psyche.

It is Friday and the families with children are starting to arrive which means we'll be leaving tomorrow. Having nothing against children still doesn't make me enjoy screaming kids.

Be warned

2011-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

The squirrels here at Faria Beach are a challenge. We think it's because they've been eating regularly what with all the summer campers. They are fat with shiny coats and are quite confused that the chuck wagon no longer pulls up to feed them. I've pelted a few with a stone and they chase the stone in hopes it's a treat. I'm a rather poor shot.

Nothing can be left unattended if it has something to do with food but they investigate everything, just in case. Washing out my Dutch Oven from last night's dinner I caught one hanging on to the side and taking a sip. Dishwater, really?

Someone here is feed them still for I just watch a rather fat-cheeked fellow dig a deep hole, deposit what was in his cheek pouches, and they cover the hole with dirt and gravel. He was double quick doing the pretty fine job and squatted over the concealed hole. This must be how he finds it for his later snack.

Watching a few this morning, scavenge about looking for something tasty, Dan did inform them of the fact my relatives have eaten their kind in the past and that I have quite the sharp knife-- Be warned.

Sometimes the blindside sneaks up on you

2011-09-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

For a variety of reasons I've not posted here. Summer; we've been busy walking/hiking. Lazy; it's oh so easy to stay away from the computer when the couch and a good book beckon. Creativity; my level has been low, read non-existing. Evaluating; just how important is this blog? Combine them all together and you get two posts since April.

Writing here has always been a release for me. Saying somethings I don't vocalize but it feels good to get out into the open. Getting through tough times; just wanting to forget or remembering good times; leaving a record of both.

Saturday, in the mail, I received Buddy's dog license renewal notice. They ask to be notified if you no longer have the animal so I tossed it on my desk with a reminder to call after the long holiday. When I called this morning I surprised myself. You see, telling the clerk we no longer had Buddy made my voice crack. I took a moment and started again. The clerk was more than patient, thank you, and I made it through.

There are some folks that say, "It's just a dog for god's sake, get over yourself!" and I have to say I feel that way too but boy, did I lose a good friend.

Lately we've discussed getting another dog and I keep saying it's because we can be more free to get away without having to worry about a pet but I wonder if that's the case with me. Am I too afraid to get so attached again? Do I miss Buddy or just having a dog? In 42 years of marriage this is the longest stretch without one.

I gave myself until January to decide.

A quick visit to Memory Lane

2011-05-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Marineland of the Pacific–the place most southern California kids, before the mid-80s, knew very well. I think I was fifteen and not driving yet but my big sister took me there on a Saturday. We always had good memories of visits when we were much younger. I did think it was odd they had tuna sandwiches in the snack bar, oh the horror!

Goodbye our dear friend

2011-04-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Pets can be the best friends you'll ever have. Of course, they can also dig through the trash, eat books, or jump fences. Buddy was all of those things and more. He was Dan's constant companion while I was still working and my watchdog when Dan was away. Always willing to take a ride, or a walk, or a nap and if you had an extra french fry, oh he was your best friend.

Wednesday morning, while on their morning walk, Buddy was viciously attacked by a stray dog. He was bleeding from two wounds on his right side. We got him to the Vet, Dr Ron Animal Hospital in Simi Valley, and after x rays and exam were told his situation was very serious. Buddy was 15 years old, had a heart murmur, and is pretty much deaf and almost blind. Not a good candidate for surgery and the Vet was pretty sure the bites had punctured his intestines. With a heavy heart we told him to go ahead with the euthanasia. He did not need any more pain.

We can not say enough of the wonderful Vet, Dr Ron, and his great compassionate staff. They were wonderful and made the tough decision so much easier. He said we'd done the right thing and for a moment I wanted to try and save him but I knew in my heart it would not be good for my gentle friend. Even though it was difficult we said our goodbyes.

To the person who lets their dog run free, for whatever reason--shame on you--your dog has taken from us, in the most horrifying way, our darling little dog and brought sadness to friends and family.

To all our family and friends that have been so supportive, our love and thanks. See my sister and daughter's blog for their lovely sentiment about this great dog. Tombstone Tumbleweed and Maltese Parakeet.

Finally, to our little terrier Buddy, thank you for letting us be your caretakers for 15 years. We will miss you.

Buddy, the fashionista

2011-04-09T09:52:00.001-07:00

The hundred-year-old dog wasn't happy to get his photo taken after his haircut. He looks marvelous but as you can see by the tail placement he's not thrilled. He seemed to be afraid of the camera in my hand. New for the old dog.

What I was trying to show is how young he looks with his hair short. Must make an appointment for me.

You should be safe at home

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

2 Dodger Fans Beat, Critically Injure Giants Fan « CBS Los Angeles

Cheering for your respective sports team is what makes the experience at a venue so much fun. I don't clap and scream at home, well, for the Dodgers but I'll scream at the top of my lungs in Chavez Ravine. It's fun to attend a game but it shouldn't be lethal.

Baseball is not a violent sport. Oh yeah, sometimes someone will slide into second, spikes up--trying to breakup a double play. A pitcher just might throw a bit to close to a batter but only to move him off the plate. So why do some people think they can beat someone near to death for cheering for another team? How do you get all amped up enough for something like the incident after the Dodger/Giants game? Can you blame it on the beer?

I've heard say if you cheer for the other team at Dodger's Stadium you'll get crap. Last year we were at a Giants/Dodger game with lots of Orange and Black in the seats around us and no one had a harsh word. Looks like we were just lucky to be there on a calm night.

There had to be people watching this fight because it takes forever to get all the people to their cars and out of the Ravine. Where are they? Hard to believe there aren't 50 cellphone videos of this floating around. Someone needs to come forward with some info because these two morons are not just stupid, they're dangerously stupid.

A few days getaway

2011-04-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

The ocean was great and the weather better but the Beverly Hillbillies pulled in next to us with their double wide and blocked our view. Ah, we were planning to leave the next day anyway. When they fired off the generator the next morning and it backfired it sealed the deal. Their motor home, all of 35 feet, was in a spot better laid out for a tent but somehow they squeezed in. It just proves my law, "Just because you can squeeze in a size 12 that doesn't mean you should." Seems like that rule applies to more than clothes.

Faria campground is nice but when it's full it's crowded. We are lucky we don't have to camp during the weekends so we packed up. We'll head back there for more during the week when it's peaceful and filled with seniors. My first choice is Rincon but we can't camp there with the teardrop and the truck doesn't like the trailer we usually use. Why can't we all get along?

The hundred-year-old-dog did pretty well but not being able to see makes his life more confusing especially someplace without all his familiar smells. His nose works fine and was never more evident than our lunch at the BBQ joint in Ventura. He could smell the meat smoking and when we got our sandwiches he let us know we weren't quick enough with his share. Nothing wrong with the sniffer.

The 3G worked on the iPad so we had some communication not that I'm gonna watch a movie but good to check up on e-mail and the like. AT$T was so spotty on our driving vacation to Pueblo, CO last year but Ventura seems to be part of their area with no problems. What did we do before computers?

So what's on the horizon? A trip north.

Tea at the beach

2011-03-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

My life could not be better, well, maybe if I won the Lotto, but tea with MY honey sitting by the waves. Actually, who needs money?

Update to Teardrop camping: life is an adventure

2011-03-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

We worried about the wrong gods, the weather gods were appeased it was the mechanical gods we should have thought about. All loaded up, pulled out beyond the gates--truck won't start. Seems as the column, where the key goes, has a very important gear and it broke. Bummer. No one is going anywhere in that truck.

We got the trailer unhooked and pushed back in the back yard and Dan "hot wired*" the truck to get it behind the gate. He realized it was not something that could be fixed in an hour, more like days, so while he worked I unpacked all the camping stuff. Everyone, including the hundred-year-old-dog, was disappointed. Good thing it happened in the driveway and not our first gas stop along the way which would have meant towing. We hate towing.

After living with old cars for more than 40 years these kinds of problems always pop up and I'm sure will continue as long as we keep driving old cars. No quitters here.

* For any law enforcement folks reading this post please note Dan would never use his "hot wiring" knowledge for anything nefarious. But it has come in handy more than once.

Weather of not

2011-03-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Our once-a-year Teardrop Gathering (we've gone since '07) is this week and with rain in the forecast my honey is none to pleased. His Safety Event was rained out last Sunday so the weather gods have not been too kind to him lately. Quoting Noah, I say go for it, what the hell is a little rain going to do?

We've not had the Teardrop out since our unfortunate accident in New Mexico and it's been repaired. The water leak has been fixed with the wood stripped out of the galley and replaced and everything is looking quite spiffy. I've got all my cast iron loaded for a few days of Dutch Oven cooking. Oh how I look forward to this. Will be making a carrot cake, potato side dish, and two pots of chile verde--not all on the same day, whew.

Before we get on the road I will attend the last Life Drawing class of this quarter and partake in a potluck. This class has been a lot more familial than the other with everyone eager to bring something. Jay is marketing this as "The Last Supper" but that sounding a little too ecclesiastical I think it should be called "The Luncheon of the Boating Party." After all, Renoir's masterpiece is much more festive.

I'd like to say I sacrificed a chicken last night to the rain gods but actually I just burnt dinner a bit. So, snorkel and fins in hand we'll head for the lake.

Life drawing final

2011-03-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Our final is to be a narrative and most of my work has been very detailed. I wanted to break away from that and create something totally different for me. That's part of what the class is about.

When dopplegangers meet

2011-03-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Self portrait assignment for my life drawing class but I didn't get it finished. There are a few touches I'd like to add but given the size, about 90 inches wide, it takes a while to get it up on the wall in my tiny studio. After the class is done, hopefully.

Most people don't get this and I was reluctant to even post it but here it is. My teacher understood right away, as did some in the class, so I was happy with that.

The quarter is near over, only one more class. I will miss this class, I've learned so much from Jay, the instructor, and hope to take another class with him in the future. He will be teaching this summer in Brittany, hmmmm.

More from the drawing collective

2011-03-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

All these drawings are from class with live models. The first is a new model for us and though she was very graceful in the posing she twitched and moved and yawned so I didn't make her very pretty.

The last two are of a male model we were lucky enough to have for many classes. He was perfect in holding a pose and just a nice guy, too. He never spoke until the break and then never looked at any of our work though did comment on homework hanging on the boards. When he left he said how much progress we'd made. Nice touch. I was hoping he'd be back for last class.

Life drawing

2011-02-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

I wish it were more life-like. Dan said it looked like Pruce or Marci.

This one might be better.

So here is Dan. Close I think but his mouth looks like his mom.

Happy Birthday, momma

2010-12-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

December 15, 1922 - February 5, 2002

This is my darling momma when she was high school aged. Sweet. Today she would have been 88. She is missed by friends and family alike and her daughters especially. She loved Christmas, she was "the Elf Herself" and decorated every inch of her small apartment.

Thanks to my sister for posting this great photo of her as I took it from her blog. She loved to laugh and cook and help others. Her frail health did not keep her down or keep her from helping others.

While shopping she found a new store that sold baked goods and candy. The owner was a young woman eager to make her business a success. When Lorna needed to give a gift, usually cookies, she'd make a "fancy" box to put them in. She told the young store owner she'd give her some boxes, no cost, because she enjoyed making them and they'd be a big hit with the customers. The woman loved the idea and Lorna even made a few envelopes to put with gift certificates. When momma died I was calling her list of friends and saw a name I didn't recognize. Calling it I explained who I was and was pleased to find out it was the owner of the small shop. She was very sad to hear of her death and assured me she'd not sell the last box because she'd love to keep it as a reminder of her.

You are missed.

A story about toys

2010-12-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

So because that's what she really wants this year Dan and I ran out on November 1, the release date, and bought Toy Story 3 for the Princess. Pleased with ourselves we put it away.

Last Friday I decided to wrap it because I had time. I did not have time to search every square inch of this house looking for it. Nor did I have time on Saturday but that's what I did. Dan said he couldn't remember where it was, either. I decided if I didn't find it Sunday morning I'd head back to Target and get another copy hoping they still had one. If we found it I'd take one back but I did not want a disappointed little Princess on Christmas.

Sunday morning out early and as luck would have it another copy of the movie was purchased. Better safe than sorry.

When Dan came home I'd told him about it, he walked into his office, and opened a drawer I'd already looked in. When he pulled out the movie it was obvious I didn't look deep enough. Sometimes a brain needs a little nudge.

Drawing class: urban landscape

2010-11-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

Sadly, my drawing class is nearing an end. Good news, I'm going to take a Life Drawing class in January so be prepared for naked bodies.
This isn't finished but had time to take a snap. When talking to my daughter she said, "Oh, that was where Dad took you on your first date". I'd forgotten and felt odd she had to remind me but yes, that was our first date. How we ever had a second date is beyond me.

When Dan picked me up he unknowingly stepped in dog poop. We both found out half way to the movie theater when it started to stink. Stopping by his house so he could clean up and I chatted with his roommate while he did. Uncomfortable as I had dated him before Dan. Off to the theater and oh, such a feel good movie, Midnight Cowboy. Depressed we both decided the date was over and skipped dinner. No one was more surprised than I when he called for a second date. Glad he did but forty-one years later I had to be reminded of this by our daughter.

Drawing class

2010-11-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

My drawing class has moved on from graphite and into charcoal. Messy but rewarding. Here are a few of my recent assignments.

The first is from a photo I took in '94 of Laffitt's Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans, the French Quarter. It's still a bar after all these years.

This still life was done with my very own lemons and had to finish it quickly as the lemons were starting to go. Not many things smell as pungent as rotting lemons.

Lots are whores when politics are involved.

2010-10-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

Guilt shouldn't enter into this but I do feel bad when I accidentally open my blog and see live not posted in weeks--but for the last week I've been banished to my bed to get healthy. Still don't know what kicked my ass but finally I think I'm turning the corner. Hell, I'll be glad to get away from this neighborhood, all they do is cough.

Staying in bed means lots of TV because for a lot of the time I just needed some noise. So, because it is close to November elections, mostly what you hear is all of those political commercials. They are all bastards especially Fiorina. I can not stand to see her smirky, I-know-better-than-you-dumb-peasants smile. Her little head waggle when she taking about how she'll do so much better for us poor Californios--how have we survived without her? I didn't like her in '08 with McCain And I don't like her now.

Don't forget to get out and vote.

There is a disturbance in the force

2010-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

In the 36 years we've lived in this house we've never had a cat. We've never owned a cat nor had one as a visitor but now we've got one residing in our guest room. There was that one time I kidnapped our neighbor's cat because we had a mouse invasion but all the stupid animal did was watch the rodent. Lazy-assed cat.

My darling sister and her husband and cat are visiting and would usually stay parked in front of our house in their trailer and did for the first week they were here. This week has turned into a variable hell when it comes to weather and they could not run their air conditioner and ours at the same time. We tried taking turns but yesterday, when the thermometer blew out the top at 111 we shut down their trailer and brought the cat inside to live in our guest bedroom.

At first, Bogie was not happy at all and climbed under the covers of the bed and would not come out. Later in the evening, when they went to bed, the cat did come out to eat and use his box. We must keep the door closed since Buddy, our 100 year-old terrier still has the urge to chase a cat now and then and we'd hate to give this, already traumatized, cat a fright. He was a kitten when they put him in the trailer and, outside of traveling from place to place in the back seat of their truck, he's only know that space. He was quite confused when dumped in a 9x12 bedroom.

The 100 year-old dog hasn't caught on that there is a feline a foot but keeps sniffing down the hall and looks a little confused but that is what a 100 year-old dog usually does. He knows there is something odd going on but loses interest if offered a cookie.

As you like it.

2010-09-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things are not as advertised. My first Art class was Wednesday evening and it was better than I expected. The class is small, less than a dozen, the teach a nut; his favorite saying, " I shit you not" and he is very prepared, very.

Wednesdays are a busy day for me but I'll survive. Pilates in the morning, Getty Center the afternoon then off to Westwood for three hours and finally a long drive home. One would think the traffic on the 405 at 10:00 p.m. would be light. Think again. I'm not sure there is ever a time when the traffic is light on the 405. Parking turned out easier than I figured with a $5 lot just a block or so walk, and just like the freeway, the streets of Westwood are quite lively at 10.

It's fun to be taking a class again and for the next ten weeks I'll be very challenged and might end up being a better artist. I shit you not.

Colorado sunset

2010-08-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

My sister is an accomplished photographer and posts on her photo blog, Imagine. From time to time I use her photos as inspiration. This time I tried to copy, as best I could, and I'm pleased with the result.

Here is the inspiration photo for this pastel. It has a very gloomy feel to it but that's not always bad.

DMB for more than a decade

2010-08-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Big update but not surprising. The concert last night had to be the best. They played past 11 pm, we wondered if they have to pay a fine, and they rocked the bowl.

It all started in 1998 when lil bird asked me to go to a concert with her. Oh, I'd heard of the Dave Matthews Band but never thought to go. My beloved was not a concert goer. So off we went to see my darling daughter's favorite band at the Los Angeles Forum. Really bad seats and the sound was not so good but the show was amazing. Toots and the Maytals were the opening act and we did have a great time though the Nazi's behind us wouldn't let us stand up.

Next year they played in Irvine and she had extra tickets so we took another friend. Unfortunately she had to sit on the grassy knoll but she didn't mind. It was a fantastic concert though the parking really sucks at that venue and I swore I'd never go back, and I haven't had to eat those words, yet.

2000 was Glen Helen Dark in San Bernardino and the first year lil bird bought tickets through the fan club. Front row. I was truly impressed. At a concert like this I felt conspicuously older but would feel better finding someone older than me there. So far I've always been able to since they have fans from all generations.

Now in '01 we went crazy. She saw them three times, me twice. Dodger Stadium on a Tuesday night and then Las Vegas on Wednesday. The Vegas concert, at Sam Boyd Stadium, was the best I'd ever heard them play and we had a great time. We flew to the concert, ate dinner on the strip then took the early morning flight home. I washed my feet in a casino restroom and slept on the floor in the Vegas airport. Life was good.

In 2003 I was in Bakersfield and lil bird called with a great opportunity to see them out of town, again. They were playing in SF, a charity concert and would I like tickets. Yes. We included our friend Tia from Tacoma and my son-in-law and made a weekend trip. The concert was fantastic and I cherish the live DVD of the concert. I think I can hear Tia and me screaming for Carlos Santana when he came on stage.

The concerts not mentioned all were equally good but do I need to bore you? No. Each concert was different with the common thread being we were enjoying it together. She usually gets more than one date and takes either her husband or some other, equally as lucky, fan.

2008 was equally memorable but for a different reason. It was at the Staples Center downtown LA and bought our t-shirts and such before we got seated. Someone was saying LeRoi Moore, their band member had died and a little while longer it was confirmed. They band went on as a tribute to their friend but it was a sad concert without his sweet jazzy sax and though Jeff Coffin is good, he just doesn't have the same 'Roi sound for me.

This long post brings us up to date but wait, there's more. Monday August 23, once again, my darling daughter will take me to see DMB. We'll be going to the Hollywood Bowl, a favorite of mine, and all the crowd and music and, most important; my night out with her. Hope I can spot someone older.

Dolores, can I call Newt a putz?

2010-08-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

My very good Jewish friend says I should not call anyone a "putz" because it is a very distasteful word, so I refrained from using the word but I have to call Gingrich out for his statement regarding the Islamic Center being built two miles from ground zero.

This is what the former House speaker and possible (just kill me now) 2012 presidential candidate had to say,

"Nazis don't have the right to put up a sign next to the holocaust museum in Washington … "

Let's just logically think this through, shall we?

Were there any Nazis that didn't follow, whole-heartedly, Hitler?
Are there any Nazis today that don't follow the Ayran Nation philosophy?
Are there any Nazis today that follow an altruistic form of religion?
Are there decent Islamic people in this country?
Were there Muslims that died on 9/11?
Are there Muslims in our military right now fighting in the Middle East for the American way of life?
Do they have the right to practice their religion here in these United States?

Newt, you can't cherry-pick the Bill of Rights for your own beliefs. They're for all of us, as hard as that might be for you to swallow, ALL.

Now, go home.

Oh, and you are a putz.

Thanks Conejo Parks & Rec

2010-08-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Another great free concert in the park, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps what a wonderful way to spend a late afternoon; sitting in the shade of an old oak tree listening to live music with my beloved and his dog. I'm not sure we'll catch the Labor Day Concert, it's a Queen tribute band, yikes!

Soon, very soon

2010-07-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Remember in April I posted about my darling seedlings? No, well catch up and click the link.

Ok, it's now near August and look how we've grown.

This is but two of the seedlings all grown up and ready to make my life oh so joyous by showering me with hot green chilies for the summer.

There, look closely and you can see a few, off to the left–hiding behind a leave– there's a New Mexico Green Chili hanging on. There are a few larger ones but they are deep in side and avoiding the camera like 20-year-old movie-star felon.

As you're looking closely you can see I don't use any bug spray and something is having a banquet munching on the leaves but hey, I've enough for all the little creatures. These two pots were planted because I had so many seedlings that sprouted. Half are now growing in my neighbors garden and he says they are doing well. He's also growing tomatoes. We are serious about salsa here.

It was a rocky start when we had the horrible triple digit heat wave. The 'net, and you all know I live by the 'net, said NM green chilies don't like hot weather over 90 during the day and over 60 at night. Sheesh, that's about our normal weather let alone these blasts from Dantes Inferno from time to time. But now I'm giddy with the amount of flower that stayed and became little tiny chilies. They are just so dang slow growing.

Grow, my darlings so you can realize your full potential, Chili Rellenos, Chili Verde, Salsa, anything your little green hearts desire.

Deadline met

2010-07-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

The bi-yearly Getty Art Show for the staff and docents deadline is August 4 so I've been working like the devil to get this finished and when I say finished I also mean matted and framed. I would like a double mat and bought large pieces, this is a 22x30 inch frame, but for some reason cut the second mat the wrong size. To quote a former co-worker, "I cut it twice and it's still too short." Rather than wait until next Wednesday when I'm in LA so I could pick up another board I decided one mat was just fine.

This pastel was taken from a photo on our last trip. We were in Arches National Park, it was late in the afternoon, and the truck had a ignition problem. So I could take some photos of the wonderful red rocks in the park my darling drove us from spot to spot and I'd jump out and snap what I wanted. He never tried to hurry me along though the temperature was triple digits.

At one stop I snapped a shot and turned to walk back to the truck. The green of the truck looked so great with the red rocks and the lengthening of the shadow that I snapped another one. This really says it all about our vacation. The truck, the teardrop and the wonderfully beautiful country we drove through.

Mondays can be fun

2010-07-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Do you get those unsolicited e-mails from some made-up names? I must share because I feel I found the perfect non de plume, Albertino Molehunt.

Dear mature lady at the park on Sunday,

When you were 30 I'm sure those breasts were perky enough for that tube top but in the span of 40, or so, years lots happens to our bodies. So if your bra size is approaching a 32 long ditch the tube top for something that doesn't let everyone see those skinny boobs of yours.

Yours respectfully,

Albertino Molehunt

Free, our favorite pastime

2010-07-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thousand Oaks has a summer series of free concerts in the park and Sunday we attended a great one. Not that the Memorial Day concert was all that bad but it was two tribute bands, the Monkees and Beatles. I just don't get the point with tribute bands. You're a musician that plays well enough to entertain but you pretend you're a famous, or infamous band. Make your own music for God's sake.

We were truly treated to some blues, funk, jazz and a bit or R and B from the Emilio Palame Band. These were true musicians with their own music, OK, they did cover a few other songs, but for the most part everything was from a CD they were trying to sell and, here's the best part, they sounded great. I'm sure they get paid something for showing up but they couldn't make much. Next concert, August 15 is Tresa James and the Rhythm Tramps. Such a fine name for a Blues Band, don't you think?

It's a late afternoon in the park, sitting in the shade and people watching so I'm all for this type of entertainment. Just the fact that there are all ages showing up, families with children, old folks in wheelchairs and anything in between. If you don't bring your picnic basket the park sells hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones for a dollar each.

We've been attending, sometimes sporadically, these events for ten years. You see my wacky friend Crystal--God rest her soul--a part-time mime and full-time nut, would, with a few other friends, collect donations at intermission. I can't show up at the park without thinking of her and always get a bit sentimental when they come by. I used to say this is for Crystal when I put money in their sack but for some reason have stopped that, now I just say it to myself. I guess I'm afraid they'd say, "Who?" and that would break my heart.

Raise your hand if you hate this hot weather

2010-07-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

When we have these hot spells it makes me think we're being punished for something, you know, like leaving the windows down on the car or dishes in the sink overnight, something not so bad as to send us to hell just bad enough to let us feel like we're vacationing there. Looks like our stay has been held over and won't start to get below 90 until later next week.

I love summer but hate when everything you touch in your car gives you first degree burns. I feel as if everything is just over cooked, myself included.

Raining

2010-07-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally started raining after three hours of clouds and overcast but, it's still 80 degrees. The crows are raising a ruckus, though. Maybe they didn't hear the weather report. Nice if it kept it a bit cooler because it's supposed to be triple digits.

If you are planning to be on the freeway take care as this bit of rain doesn't wash away the oil on the road it just make it slick.

Tales from the teardrop: out of gas

2010-07-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a post I found floating around in my computer. I didn't seem to get it posted but it was part of our trials on the trip. Changing the part in the parking lot of the hotel wasn't the answer and it was that afternoon we came to a screeching halt in Gallup, NM.

Twelve miles from our hotel and in a hail/rain storm we came to a sputtering stop less than a mile to a gas station. Our last gas stop only offered a lower octane gas, which could have thrown off Dan's calculations but he did say he was trying to push it to our hotel. Remember, with the damn starter problem if we stop we have to wait a while to cool down and start up again.

The rain let up and Dan started off to the gas station; I stayed in the truck with the blinkers on, the hood up. It wasn't long before a Sheriff's car pulled up. I explained the problem and he wanted to know which direction so he could give him a lift back. Dan had a ride to the station, too, and with the Sheriff giving him a lift back, he was back quickly. The starter needed it's usual time to cool down but after a few minutes it fired and we were off.

Was I worried? Yes and no. It's not fun to be stuck by the side of the road where we were vulnerable to traffic but the lovely helpfulness of strangers was reassuring. My darling companion usually can take care of any car problem and then we do have the Super AAA card, if we need it; he is amazing. The next morning, not yet 6:00 am and he changed the starter hopefully eliminating that addition hour of wait each time we stop.

Do things like this ruin a vacation? Only if you let them.

2010-07-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

After driving 2,400 plus miles looking at beautiful scenery such as these lovely red rock cliffs in Capital Reef NP I came home and decided it was time to paint, again. Sometimes I worry I don't paint enough and I'm trying very hard to find a school/teacher locally to give me better control to do what I want because I'm not happy with my skills these days. I have lots of inspiration just not much drive. Somehow I always find something else to keep me busy and out of the studio.

The Getty Underground, a show for docents and staff, will be in October so I do have a deadline now, if I only keep to it and don't procrastinate, again. My last work I gave to Dan's cousin who is trying to decorate her new house in Las Vegas. It was of the Canyon of Fire a beautiful State Park outside of Vegas that Dan and I visited last September. I was glad it was well received.

Just so you know the whole trip wasn't huge red rocks or beautiful canyons sometimes it was miles of looking through bugs on the windshield.

Loyality: where did it go?

2010-07-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

With all the kafuffle about pro basketball player, LeBron James leaving his current team for the chance to play on a better franchise it brings the question of loyalty. It used to be you'd work for a company and stay there you're entire career and somewhat the same for a sports star. With the big salaries these guys get there doesn't seem to be much loyalty to anything anymore. Money, the lack or abundance of, seems to drive everything and even though I'd like to think I'd be loyal I know I'd do what was right for my family.

Let me say I know nothing of this player but at first, I thought he should stay in the town where he made a name for himself. Poor old Ohio could use the help anyway it could a get it. Unemployment and foreclosures are at an all time high and Cleveland is no exception. The Cavaliers bottom line will be hurt, that isn't even in question, but what about the community he grew up in? I wonder if he'll turn his back on them.

There should be no condemnation for James because he's looking for the best deal. Honestly, if he stayed with Cleveland and let's say got injured enough to cause any early retirement, how loyal would the Cavaliers be loyal to him and his family? What he should be loyal to is a the responsibility not pull up the ladder once he climbed out.

Hello? Can you hear me?

2010-07-07T08:55:00.001-07:00

After visiting my sister in Colorado I now realize, first hand, why we don't hear that much from her. It can be frustrating if you are used to communicating on the computer or cell phone and in their area you just never know what, or when, it will work. I wonder if they make some amplifier for WiFi reception that would help them.

Since my birthday was around the time of our visit she surprised me with one of her new creations, a turquoise necklace. It is very different and quite lovely. I wore it in Pueblo to rave reviews and I'll wear it today to the Getty Center. I'm working all of July and today is my first day back in 6 weeks. Yikes, hope I remember everything. If my camera worked I'd take a pix because it's great and she made it the perfect length. Nothing like having custom-made jewelry.

The photos were taken before my camera died and it was kind enough for me to get the last of them out of the camera so all my Colorado trip photos were saved.

Don't send me junk unless you've checked your facts

2010-07-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Q: Did Obama turn down foreign offers of assistance in cleaning up the Gulf oil spill? Did he refuse to waive Jones Act restrictions on foreign-flag vessels?

A: No to both questions. So far, offers from six foreign countries or entities have been accepted and only one offer has been rejected. Fifteen foreign-flag vessels are working on the cleanup, and none required a waiver.

So don't send me any more crap that says he turned down all assistance that was offered. All offers, except for a few, came with a serious price tag. Read the rest of what Fact Check has to say.

Oil+Spill%2C+Foreign+Help+and+the+Jones+Act

Happy Birthday America

2010-07-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a day for traditions. For us, it's a party with friends, the guest list has grown and shrunk over the years. Children, once babies, have grown into teens. People come and go. Some have died but the tradition continues. We'll all wear our bathing suits and splash in the pool, eat picnic food, drink party drinks, catch up on other people's lives. Some people we see often, others, once a year. We'll tell funny stories from parties long ago, get sentimental over the people gone, and laugh with the new ones taking their place. We are creating a tradition for our children to continue long after we are gone.

What we won't do is forget that July 4th is a special celebration, Happy Birthday America. Whatever your tradition I hope it's one that makes you smile.

Baking with the Princess

2010-07-03T12:32:00.001-07:00

With the 4th just a few days away I asked the Princess over to help me bake some cookies. She's always ready to pitch in, what a gal!

Update: the cookies were a spectacular hit.

Why is the real world so full of laundry?

2010-07-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Nothing brings you back to the real world after a vacation like a mountain of laundry. This was such a mountain I felt I needed a
Sherpa to get to the summit. Really now, what exactly is the benefit of clean clothes?

Tales from the teardrop: AT$T

2010-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Having the iPad on our trip was fantastic , that is, when we were in AT$Ts supposedly 97% of the country. Most of the trip I wasn't on 3G but just E, whatever that is. All I know is it wasn't very fast. Now I'm back in LA county with better connection. I'm not saying it was impossible just a bit frustrating when I was looking for gas stations and the like.

Should I mention what some hotels call WiFi? Sure. What a joke, can't sign on or you need to be sitting in their office or use it in the middle of the night. The connection in the motel in Gallup was laughable and went back to the sketchy cellular connection. I'll be ever so glad to get back to my network and not have to pay anything. Well, anything extra.

Tales from the teardrop: just click your heals, Dorothy

2010-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

We left Kingman at 7:00 and it was already hot. Must get moving to Needles then Barstow and home. I honestly can't say it was a bad trip because we saw and did almost everrything on my list. We were in five states other than California. We visited many National Parks. We saw family and friends and tested our patience with a few bumps in our road. I will say it again, there is no other person I'd rather be broke down a with than Dan, he's my hero.

Bryce Canyon National Park
Dixie National Forest
Capital Reef National Park
Arches National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Tales from the teardrop: Gallup to Kingman with a side trip

2010-06-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

We did 330 miles today and even stopped by the Painted Desert for a few pix. We also stopped for a late lunch and a driver change. I drove from Winslow, AZ. Dan relinquished the wheel I guess because for the past two days he's been greasy and dirty and frustrated, he just needed a rest. I did fine, he even slept.

We are staying in a Holiday Inn, nice and we arrived in time for happy hour, downed one, and slept for an hour. Because we ate such a late lunch dinner is out. That's ok, I don't see anything other than a Sonic nearby. Now tomorrow a orange cream slush would taste pretty good since it will be a pretty toasty ride through Needles.

Tales from the teardrop: a sad good bye to the teardrop

2010-06-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well, good bye for a while. No trailer in town to carry it home so we are leaving it at owe angel's shop until Dan can deal with whatever he needs to do. We will be heading west in about an hour and not doing any site seeing on the way home unless it's from the truck window. Oh well, I'm sure we'll get back this way again.

We both feel we are extremely lucky. One can imagine the horrible scenarios like an accident or this happening in the middle of the desert and don't forget our angel NSRA member here in Gallup who will store the little trailer for us and was so much help to Dan yesterday. You gotta love whomever had the idea for the "Fellow Pages".

Tales from the teardrop: it started out a good day

2010-06-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Dan did a little shade tree/parking lot mechanics this morning and changed the solenoid in the truck. Down the road we went towards Holbrook, AZ and just this side of Gallup, NM, poof, we blow a tire in the teardrop.Trooper stops to make sure Dan doesn't get killed changing the tire, which took an hour. Of course, the truck won't start so another twenty minutes or so fussing. I guess what he changed in Santa Fe wasn't it.

Limping off the freeway into Gallup and something isn't right. Dan takes off the newly mounted spare and find that the axel, she's a broke, and the truck won't start. We drop the trailer, get the truck running, and go find a motel, in Gallup, by the train yard. Dan checks the NSRA directory and there is one member in town, turns out he's an angel because they get the teardrop over to his shop and they might have solved the truck problem, maybe. We will know tomorrow.

If Dan can get a trailer tomorrow we will take the teardrop home, if not, it will get left here and get repaired and then another trip up to bring it home. This was not such a good day but we did take the angel and his wife to dinner at a pretty decent restaurant and there is hope that things will be better tomorrow. One can only hope at this point.

I'm tired and going to bed.

2010-06-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Were thirty- eight miles from Las Vegas? Yes, Las Vegas, New Mexico. We are making good time and stopped in Raton, NM for breakfast. Dan has been lifting the hood to cool off the starter when we stop. It seems to work. After breakfast walking back to the car a truck pulled up to see if we needed help. Nice people in Raton.

We stopped at this motel/ restaurant because there were lots of trucks and on a Monday morning that should have meant it was either cheap or great. It was neither, it wasn't too expensive and just average. I'm still looking for some great food. Of all places, I had a good green chili snack at the fairgrounds. Ray told me Pueblo green chilies are pretty hot so I tried chilies and melted cheese rolled up like a burrito. Great flavor and heat.

After registration for the car show on Friday we stopped for lunch at a small cafe across the street from the convention center, the Plaza Cafe. It was only about 10:30 so we opted for breakfast. Everything came smothered in a green chili sauce so I had sausage, hash browns and scrambled eggs with the sauce. Not as spicy as I would have liked but, almost.

The thing about the cafe was there were a few local elderly folks and as they got up to pay their bill the guy behind the counter would say, "oh, let me get that today." When I paid my check I asked how many he he paid for and he looked a bit embarrassed and admitted to just a few telling me he worried if they got enough to eat. You meet nice people all over the place.

Tales from the teardrop: cool in Pueblo?

2010-06-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

The weather, after a rain storm outside the city, has cooled down considerably. I couldn't be happier. We are spending Sunday evening in the almost deserted campground and will leave tomorrow at first light heading to Santa Fe and our first hotel. I don't mind sleeping in the teardrop but when you only stay one night, it's so much work unloading then loading up again. It wouldn't be bad but we need storage inside the sleeping area. I feel like the pioneers traveling across the country in a covered wagon and tossing out what they thought we needed but for those of you that know Dan know he'd never throw out something useful. Dang.

Tales from the teardrop: last day of the car show

2010-06-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

After a very hot and busy date at the car show we all met at a local restaurant, the Hen House. Our friends daughter works there and it is one of their favorites. When we got back to the teardrop it was too early, and still too hot, to go to bed so we walked back to the fairgrounds to see some cars and it was pretty raucous, must be some fuzzy heads this morning. Back in the trailer to sleep with the windows open because when the wind stopped it really got much warmer. Point to remember, don't camp down wind of the fairgrounds. We could smell the grease from the fry-o-lator until way past 10:00.

Sundays are always a bit quieter at the car show. A lot of folks don't stay for the awards and the big prize give-away and add the number of late night party goers you have a quite a subdued crowd. Since we aren't leaving until Monday morning we might check out down Pueblo tonight. My sister says they've a " river walk" that sounds fun.

Tales from the teardrop: Gunnison

2010-06-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

We spent a nice day in Crested Butte on Wednesday. It's an old mining town turned ski resort and in the summer mountain biking paradise. Barb and Norm took us to lunch at the Steep Bar for some really good food. After walking through a few of the touristy shops we headed back to the campground through a lovely a valley dotted with cattle ranches. Everything is still beautifully green and lush.

Back through the town of Gunnison Dan a made a stop at the local NAPA store for a starter; just in case. He likes to be prepared for any situation. He also likes to putter so Thursday morning, after Barb and I got back from our walk, I found him rebuilding a space heater someone had thrown away. He fixed it and is leaving it for someone who needs it. If it keeps him happy ...

Tales from the teardrop: seeing the love of your life happy, priceless.

2010-06-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Good night, cooled down dramatically. It's gonna be hot today but my old guy is having such a good time I don't even care. I can find a shady, somewhat cooler spot and my iPad is fully charged. Plus, I'm gonna have a funnel cake for breakfast, ummmm funnel cake Life is good.

Tales from the teardrop: friends, old and new

2010-06-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

After an almost unbearable day, well few hours, we headed to the outskirts of Pueblo to have dinner with old friends. They'd moved away almost thirty years ago and ended up in Pueblo.

Staying at their house are three friends from our car club so dinner was very pleasant. They have a lovely house in the country and the wife fed us all. We sat outside after dinner and talked until well after dark but had no problem getting back to the fairgrounds with the help of the iPad. Even though I've had many sparse AT$T spots on this trip when I could get connected it was great. Just the Google Maps with the GPS is worth the cost of admission.

We've used the iPad to plan this trip, check on gas stations, and eateries. The AAA site suggested a great Mexican restaurant in Delta, Co, and we'd go back there if we weren't heading down to New Mexico on our way home. We'd gotten some great suggestions from my sister as to where to stay. Can't wait and after three nights in this parking lot ill be glad to see something different.

Tales from the teardrop: HOT!

2010-06-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

104 at the fairgrounds. Not pleased. Two degrees cooler tomorrow, yippee.

Tales from the teardrop: back to civilization

2010-06-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

We are heading to Pueblo this morning, early 6:30am. Dan is working this afternoon and wants to get registered. He would have preferred to arrive yesterday but we should be fine, we do have a reservation at the fairgrounds.

It was fun to stop and see where Barb and Norm spend their summers. It is a lovely area and I can see what draws them back. We took a boat trip through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the guide was very good. How I would love to have that job. Maybe I'll apply for a summer job next year.

Tales from the teardrop: our favorite campground so far

2010-06-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

We arrived at Gunnison Lakeside Resort on Tuesday afternoon after a fantastic drive along the Colorado River that runs just East of Arches National Park and a quick, albeit expensive, trip to Cabela's. It felt good to know we were spending more than one night. My darling sister had a great space for us right across from the bathrooms, a relief since the past three days we had to walk a fair piece in the middle of the night. We also have a great view of the lake.

Tales from the teardrop: Moab

2010-06-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

Monday evening, after a great day at Arches National Park, we camped at the nearby town of Moab which, evidently, is the Indian name for mosquito. Both Dan and I were blood donors to a large needy group; glad we could help.

Our campsite is down by the banks of the Colorado and across the river, and not out of earshot, of a settlement of chickens with a very vocal rooster. It seems his job is to not only wake his chickens but all the other roosters in the area, as well. Yes, it is early but then I needed to get up and donate more blood.

Tales from the teardrop: Bryce day two

2010-06-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday we celebrated Fathers Day with a little drama. After spending three or so hours in a fantastic bus tour, thanks Spike, we came back to camp, had lunch and headed back to the visitor's center for some info on the evening's Ranger talk.

After that we decided to take the shuttle back to camp and enjoy a nap. When I woke up I realized my purse was missing. I'd been carrying a shoulder bag and had stuffed my purse in that. We headed back to the visitor's center to check their lost and found and nope, no one had turned it in. I was ready to come home I was so upset until the Ranger called the shuttle bus company and yes, they found a purse and were trying to find me. They had tried the hotel and then found us registered at the camp ground. I was the happiest camper in Bryce Canyon that night.

My purse must have slid out when my shoulder bag was in the floor and I was so tired I didn't realize it was gone. The real luck was the driver found it right after we got out and took it to the office. Nothing missing we headed of to the Lodge to celebrate Father's Day with a fantastic meal. We ended the evening with a lecture from the Ranger and then, finally off to bed both tired from our second day at Bryce.

Tales from the teardrop: Bryce Canyon National Park

2010-06-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Editior's note: finally back to an Internet connection, YEAH!

Brcye Canyon National Park is more beautiful than I even imagined. We arrived here a little later than I planned but I did not factor in a cranky starter/neutral safety switch. Each time we shut off the truck, at rest stop or lunch, it then needed about 30minutes to cool down enough to start. So the work-around is not shut it off, well, except to get gas and because my beloved knows engines and their workings, he bypassed the switch and got us moving again.

They campground is nice but we were at the far end which is a walk to the toilets and out of range for the wifi and evidently in the 3% of the country that AT&T doesn't serve, I have no 3G. I'm a bit behind in my posting.

Even if I did have a connection last night I might not have posted as we discovered there was a 9:00 pm Ranger lead Astronomy event just down the road with five telescopes set up afterwards. We saw the rings of Saturn, a very good closeup of the moon and a star cluster a bajilion miles away. I was going to mention we saw the rings of Uranus but that is such an old joke.

By the time we got back to the trailer it was 11pm and we were dead tired. We still had to make the bed, which is no easy chore in the teardrop and finally made it into bed about midnight. Quite the long day for these two campers. We needed to be up early and out to the tram stop as we signed up for a 9am three hour tour. Great driver/tour guide and he gave us a different direction to take on Monday morning.

Tales from the teardrop: our first National Park

2010-06-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon we delayed setting up camp and took the shuttle into the Park. Before we did that we needed to get Dan's "National Park Senior Pass". It's for any American citizen 62 and over and after paying the one-time fee of ten bucks you and three friends can enter any National Park for free. It would have cost us $25 a piece to get into Bryce so this pass is a good thing. Well be using it a lot this trip.

We were talking to some Brits at the shuttle stop and they thought the fees charged were to expensive. They had rented a RV and were planning to be here for six weeks. That alone would be costly and he was complaining about 25 bucks for seven days?

Tales from the teardrop: Leaving Las Vegas

2010-06-19T05:59:00.001-07:00

My beloved woke me this morning with a kiss and told me he'd take me to Bryce Canyon for my birthday. He was trying to prove he's spontaneous and it would have worked if I'd not planned this whole trip my self. His heart's in the right place.

We'll be leaving Vegas in a few hours. Our short stopover with his cousins has been fun. The weather, quite mild for this time time of year, has been great. We didn't do any gambling but had breakfast in a casino yesterday. It was the Original Pancake House which was always a favorite of my Dad's and Dan had the Apple Pancake in his honor. It's a huge baked concoction with apples on top. He's looking forward to the leftovers this morning.

The weather report for Bryce called for Mosquitos. Never seen that before so our first stop is to the store for some Off since those pesky critters just love me. Somewhere there's a mosquito wife rolling out of bed this morning saying, "Oh, I know what I'm having for dinner tonight, there's a pasty-white woman coming, I can just feel it".

Tales from the teardrop: Learning how to type in a bumpy truck

2010-06-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

This started much earlier and a fair bit longer, too but going over a bumpy road some where west of Barstow I went up in the air and came down on something that deleted my note. The iPad has no "undo" button so, frustrated I put it away until after lunch. I should find a "word" type app somewhere that let's me save work. I believe Blogger must use Flash so I can't type directly into my blog. There is no such thing as failure.

Big road trip in a tiny trailer

2010-06-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

My beloved and I will be on the road for 14 days, yet again, in our teardrop trailer. We've done 11 days with our little doggie, in the desert, so what a few extra days. Maybe grounds for divorce. We've had a forty year run so far so I suspect not but, stay tuned.

Ever since Ken Burns made his wonderful documentary about the National Parks I've been jonesin' to get on the road and see a few for myself. This trip is a start to accomplish my goal starting with no less that five parks on the travel route.

Bryce Canyon
Canyonland
Arches
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Petrified Forest

We might see a few extras, if we have time, but we have a very tight schedule. We are also throwing in a NSRA car show in Pueblo, CO just to make sure we don't get bored.

Some might be wondering what about Buddy-dog? Well, he's ace a vacation from us, friends are stay at home with him. He's getting a bit long in the tooth for a long trip and there are too many places that are not dog-friendly. Don't worry about him he'll be spoiled by some of his favorite people.

Since I forgot to order my connector for the iPad, that would have enabled me to download pix, there will be no photos until we return but I will try to post from the road with wonderfully descriptive paragraphs making my readers feel as if they we actually there. Hope you're not afraid of heights.

Salute to Veterans

2010-05-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

With Memorial day coming soon, my darling companion is honoring his Veteran father today by wearing his WWII flight jacket. This days is special as it would have been his 94th birthday.

Dan is standing in front of a photo taken by his father of another plane in his squadron while stationed in England.

The Veterans in our family are:

Charles De Bono, Army Air Corp

D. Eugene Eley, Navy

Daniel De Bono, Air Force

Norman Whitla, Air Force

Thanks to all Veterans who have served our country.

Why do you care?

2010-05-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me just why it would make any difference if the Supreme Court nominee, Elena Kagan is gay. Please, I'm serious.

Here's my moment

2010-05-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is a fun project. The NYTimes put together a chance to create a Global Mosaic with a project called, A Moment in May. Sunday, May 2 at 15:00 GMT everyone was to take a picture. They even had a link to a converter to tell when that was no matter where you were. West Coast was easy, 8:00 a.m. I know of four people in five different areas--Hong Kong, Egypt, Seattle, and Gunnison, Colorado that took a picture at the same moment.

So, here is my official 8:00 a.m. (15:00hrs GMT) photo.

These other two are a few minutes before.

Everyone has until May 7 to submit the photos and I'm sure it will be sometime after that before we see the results.

I've bought seed futures

2010-04-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

The green chilies from my garden last year were disappointing, very weak, but I learned chilies don't like a lot of water. I grew them amongst my herbs and the herbs were lush and wonderful while the chilies flavorless. Sadly, that is about the only space I have for them.

This year, I've enlisted the help of a neighbor with more gardening space and a penchant for my salsa. I also went to the source and invested in seeds from New Mexico. A few years back my sister brought back the best dried ground green chilies I've ever had and now I'm giving the University of New Mexico a chance.

They have lovely names such as Sandia, Big Jim, and Barker Hot. I've also ordered an Ancho Mulato because the flavor of the Ancho interests me. Being new to this I went to the Internet for ideas to germinate my new friends. I chose two ways, soaking the seeds and planting in soil and placing the seeds on a wet paper towel in a plastic bag. Set in a sunny location in my kitchen the bag acted like a mini-greenhouse. Those were the first to sprout and now I've moved them into tiny peat pots to grow a few leaves before I hand them off to my neighbor to plant.

The seeds soaked and planted seem to be doing better as to producing tiny green leaves. I can only imagine lovely green chilies attached to those plant, well, when they get stronger. For now, I am treating them like the infants they are. They get special food and time outdoors in the sunshine, if it's warm enough. I also whisper words of encouragement to their future outcome. Grow Baby, grow!

Yuma, YPG and life in the desert: part three

2010-04-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

My sister and brother-out-law scouted a few things to visit before we came and all made for a fun day. A trip through the desert to a silver mining ghost town was made even nicer with blooming wildflowers along the way. That and the air conditioning on the dusty road. The weather was just beautiful and my sister offered to sit with our doggy outside in a sheltered picnic area so we could tour the ghost town. We'd packed our lunch for later and when done poking around the town enjoyed a pleasant picnic.

The Castle Dome Ghost town was an odd collection of weathered original buildings brought together to make appear as a town. The collection of items found in these building was worth the trip. Old everyday items become museum pieces after they've been in the elements and walking through this town gave you quite a good idea of life of a miner in this harsh climate. It wasn't even hot, only in the low 80s, and it seemed unbearable. I can only imaging trying to exist in 125 degree days. The perfect thing about this museum was the ability to handle everything. Paging through a cookbook in one of the houses was charming.

It might be unnecessary to say they lived simply but there was a completeness about what was left behind. The buildings housed a variety of different business opportunities; a bar or three, a mercantile, where you could buy almost everything from dynamite to dresses, hotel, and a few eating establishments, there was even a church and a dressmaker. An information plaque made it known that women had more than one job in this mining town.

On one of our drives we did come upon quite a site; military training for paratroopers. Nothing like young men falling from the sky to brighten your day. Past there was a dingy little town that supports a small lake on the Colorado. Calling it a lake is generous since I think I could swim the length. Oddly, not far from the lake were about seven beautiful mansions. Some on the water but most not. These huge houses and compounds were not old at all, most likely built in the last few years, but it strikes you as out of place to find them here. You are literally miles from anything else and Yuma, more than an hour away down a filling jarring dirt road, where you'd likely have any civilization such as a doctor, would be the closest town. I so wanted to knock on the door and ask them what made them decide this was the place to plunk down a mil or two on a house.

Yuma, YPG and life in the desert: part two

2010-04-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

Yuma, the closest city, was 45 minutes away and worth the drive if only to see the Territorial Prison Museum and the Quartermaster Depot. Bonus was a fantastic Mexican restaurant called Mi Rancho. So tiny but so authentic I could hardly wait for our next meal. We had lunch then dinner a few days later. Why are these fantastic restaurants so out of the way?

The boring part of Yuma is you need to drive there to do laundry or buy food. There is a small convenience store about ten minutes from the campground at the Yuma Proving Grounds base. Gas, ice, and a few necessities can be purchased there but anything serious needs to be picked up in Yuma. Their paramedics respond to local emergencies around the YPG base which eased my fear for my sister and her husband. Not that anything is wrong with either one of them but a bumpy 45 minute ride to Yuma with a broken arm would be unbearable.

The good part of Yuma was the prison museum and the park that once was the Quartermaster's Depot. If you thought life was difficult in 1863 in the southwest corner of the US it was even worse if you were a prisoner. Finding a need for a more secure place to keep felons, rapists, bank robbers, and murderers they built this fine prison. What was amazing to me was prisoners did escape from this fortress; but to what? Yuma was a tiny spot on the map, far from an other city, and the rest of the area was a harsh desert devoid of anything except snakes, coyotes, and a few natives. Your only hope to survive was the Colorado and Gila river but even that was wrought with danger. Yuma was built as a depot to move goods from California to all the other godforsaken outposts in the California/Nevada/Arizona territories and needed a steamboat to make the crossing. The Colorado, before us Californios sucked it dry, was a formidable river to cross.

The park that now surrounds what's left of the Quartermaster's Depot is quite lovely. A green expanse of a lawn is a welcome site from the rocks and sand of the desert and sitting on the edge of the river afforded us with a lovely breeze. The Depot was the hub of excitement of it's time and, though the commanding officer's wife was less than happy with her situation, it must have been better than other posts. Her writings complained bitterly of the smell and heat but I'm assuming it had something to do with the Victorian modesty of wearing those hideously hot clothes and high button shoes. And the fact that bathing was not a daily ritual as it is today.

The city of Yuma, growing outwardly from the Depot, is very logical, if not boring, in it's street planning. The streets going east and west are numbered as well as the avenues going north and south starting with Main Street. I'm only assuming some tired little man with a pince nez and a heavy wool coat over a waistcoat came up with that idea for lack of the imagination to create names for the newly burgeoning township of Yuma. It is logical but might cause a bit of confusion to an outsider. Always remember to ask if it's fifth street or avenue.

Yuma also is a huge agricultural area irrigated by the tail-end of the Colorado River and is said to keep most of the US in lettuce. I can attest to the fact they are trying. We drove through lots of fields before getting the Yuma proper.

Part three; coming soon.

Baseball season; it can't come soon enough

2010-04-04T04:44:00.000-07:00

There are times when I just can't stand people in general. No one person, just the idiots who seem to make it on the six o'clock news for some ridiculous reason, or cut me off trying to get one stupid car length ahead or, are just plain rude; rude on purpose. To combat this ugly mood I was in I decided to be over patient and kind to folks.

While in a department store a woman nearly knocked me over trying to get her cart in front of me and instead of causing a scene I smiled and commented her choice of Easter decorations. Not my choice but then I hardly decorate for Christmas. "Gee, what a cute rabbit," I said. Her response took way too long and included an inventory of everything she was planning to purchase. Did you know you can actually bite your tongue enough to draw blood? Strike One

My next stop was the market and though I had a small amount in my cart I let the woman behind me, carrying just a few items, go ahead. She was wearing a Dodger jacket and being a fan myself I thought I'd have a little conversation; not my usual thing to do in a market but I was trying. "I bet you'll be glad when the season starts," I said brightly. She frowned at me told me her husband buys crap like this in hopes I go to a game with him but I don't because I hate baseball. Strike Two.

People who know me are well aware I have no trouble with the F-bomb; it just rolls off my tongue but since all the kafuffle over some people in our government using it I thought I'd amend my ways. Now, when forced to swear, I'll be saying things like "What the Joe Biden?"
"Oh, Joe Biden, I broke a nail." or, my favorite, "Get the Joe Biden out of my way. Home Run.

Yuma, YPG and life in the desert: part one

2010-03-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Editors note: I would, and maybe still will in the future, have some photos to share but my PhotoShop went away when I installed Snow Leopard the wonderful new operating system for my Mac. I'm not all that upset because I did need to upgrade but I oh so hate to loose my PhotoShop. This version is only about ten years old and it took me a few minutes to convince the tech support fellow that, at one time, Adobe did have a version 7.0. You can view some photos my sister has already posted on her blog, Tombstone Tumbleweed.

Update: I did find a program to handle my pix but not completely thrilled. Time will tell.

It takes a special type of person to live in the desert and for seven days we tried. I would have loved it more if it were not for the wind but, sadly, that is a fact of life there. If we had our larger trailer, rather than the tiny teardrop, the wind would not have been such a factor. We did make the best of it and had a good time.

I'm sure it's the solitude that draws most to camp for months on end in the southwestern Arizona desert that and the challenge of getting by. We test ourselves in a variety of ways and making your place in a desolate area is a big test of your fortitude and ingenuity. I see it as a way to mark your progress and make sure you still can compete. When you live in a big city with big city problems such as traffic on Fridays, if you make it home, you can say with a sigh, I can survive.

The flowers blooming in the desert would be worth the trip. Every day more and more cactus sprouted new colors. The trip home showed even more wondrous colors than the trip seven days earlier. Stars are also wonderful but with light pollution from Yuma and a waxing half moon the only Milky Way we saw was at the convenience store. Sure we could see some of the brighter stars but I was looking forward to the big show. I'm still looking for a dark area to watch the next meteor shower.

Nights are particularly silent save the yip of the way-to-close coyotes. A few different nights they all got together for a sing-fest-potluck and shared their excitement with the whole area. As for other life, we never saw but heard others tell of a 4 foot rattlesnake. I was very careful to poke anything before I picked it up. A more harmless creatures are found running wild around the area; donkeys. These shaggy guys have quite the comical look with elongated ears and fairly large teeth and a kick that can send you sprawling or into a coma. We did finally get to see a group of seven gnawing on a scrubby little bush.

Part Two; coming soon.

Get yourself to the Getty Center

2010-03-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

You better hurry, the maze is almost in full bloom and it looks spectacular. What are you waiting for?

Is February really a short month?

2010-02-26T05:46:00.000-08:00

Not a leap year so only 28 days to this month might be the reason I've been so busy. Maybe I should be grateful I've got stuff to do to keep me busy but out of the past month I've had something on my calendar almost every day. Oh, there was that one Sunday and a few days around the beginning of the month but for the large part I was a busy retiree.

Shouldn't complain since most all were things I wanted to do. Lots of time with the Princess and one day with the lil guy, a Bat Mitzvah, working at the Getty Center and helping my trainee docent get her wings. She did get her first tour this week. Amazing to her but I knew all along she could do it. There were many opportunities to meet with friends and family and also serious stuff like taxes and doctor appointments.

Don't forget all that time watching the Olympics. I think I'll be glad to see them go though I never did figure that Biathlon. You cross-country ski for a while, stop, shoot at a target, then off to ski some more. Why shoot at a target? Makes as much sense if you ski, stop and knit a hat, ski, stop and make a pie. And the Skeleton, they did not get enough adrenalin sliding down a twisty course on their back so someone decided to go face down head first. Really? Eighty miles an hour? Who dreams this stuff up?

Now with only a few short days left to February I'm still cramming in activities. Today, it's off to LA County Museum of Art for the member's preview of a new painting exhibit, American Stories . I've been looking forward to this almost as much at seeing the Renoir exhibit that opened last week. I don't think we'll have time to see that but will return before it closes in May. So much going on at LACMA right now.

Now that just leaves me with the last weekend of the month and Saturday might just be a good day to watch more of the Olympics, as rain is in the forecast, but Sunday, ah, Sunday should be the jewel. I've heard the Farmer's Market in Atwater Village, an area near Glendale, has a BBQ food vendor that is fantastic. He started selling at Farmer's Markets to finance he BBQ competitions and Big Mista has been written up in the LA Times as a hidden treasure. I must try the Pig Candy.

That would be the end to February but there are a few other things I need to get to. Will somebody hand me that Month Stretcher?

Some waits are worth it

2010-02-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Waiting. Water to boil? Takes forever when you're in a hurry, doesn't it? Babies to be born? Might happen too quick if you are on your way to the hospital is rush hour traffic. Waiting for test results? The time drags like trying to move your kids away from the TV.

Today is the day. To refresh your memory, my darling companion was diagnosed with bladder cancer in February 2008. The tumor was removed but not forgotten. For the first year he was tested every three months. Then every four months, now the Doctor feels good enough to test only twice this year. Today is the first test of 2010.

There is always a certain stress involved with a medical procedure but when it comes back negative there is real reason to celebrate. All that worry up until then is shelved for the next time period and as the negative results pile up you become a little more sure of your world staying the same.

We are lucky to live in a time where treating cancer can work, somethings. Two of my close friends have escaped that nasty old cancer, a few are still dealing with it and with my husband it's now a six month reprieve. Oh, his test; cancer free. Yes, celebration day!

New screen-saver

2010-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

If I were working this would be my new screen-saver. "Bleah to you all!"

This is my sister's new kitty, Bogie. He looks like a hell-raiser, doesn't he?

Million-dollar view for $25 a night

2010-01-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

After a few days at Rincon it's back to reality and a mountain of laundry. So nice to wake up to this view each morning.

High tide did bring the breakers a bit closer than we were hoping but we avoided getting wet. Other, not so lucky.

With little side-trips to Ventura and Santa Barbara we kept quite busy but there was always time for a card game or three.

Little jewels

2010-01-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

It's only been recently that I've discovered the fantastic outdoor opportunities we have here in Southern California, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Not that we haven't hiked in the hills around Simi but the organization and extra programs the SMMC provides. Yesterday we explored parts of Franklin Canyon.

Franklin Canyon sits between the valley, right off Coldwater Canyon, and Beverly Hills. Since it was looking like a lovely morning we headed off to start our New Year's promise of getting more exercise.

It was listed as an easy two-hour docent led walk around the lake pointing out areas used in filming movies and commercials. The docent was very good. She had a notebook full of photos of the productions for all the stops she made and could give a quick description of the movie or TV episode that had been filmed there; and a lot had been filmed there. We also learned of the former owners, the Doheney Family. This was their "backyard" and it must have been a lovely ranch complete with guest quarters for friends.

From the classic Clark Gable movie, It Happened One Night; 1937 all the way through to the TV drama, NCIS, this small wooded area had been the backdrop for hundred of movies and commercial. Our docent had little anecdotes for each stop she made and she was quite funny and we were surprised when we ended back at the Nature Center and our two hours were up.

We will go back to Franklin Canyon for another hike but next we want to explore other areas here. There is an astronomer led moonless night hike in January that sounds great.

Let's all be more like the pig

2010-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

So many are glad 2009 is over. I can't say it's been a great year but it did have some positives. Of course, with anything, there were bad times. Today I'm thinking of the good ones.

My beloved has had another Cancer-free year. My friends are healthy with a few beating Cancer, a few not so lucky. Lil bird's husband is unemployed but I have hope for great things plus I promised to teach him to cook while he's off work. We had a great Christmas. My darling sister and husband lost their long-time friend, Buddy-Cat but after the pain the memories become all that much brighter. Now, they're making an acquaintance with a new guy, Mr Bogart. She swears he'll grow into his ears. We are planning to travel more this year and I didn't brake any bones in 2009.

We live a simple life so life is good for us. I hope you can look toward the future and see the bright spots coming. Remember: Pigs can't look behind them to see the past.

Christmas Guest Chef

2009-12-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

After assisting our guest chef in the kitchen it's all I can do to post a link to the food blog. Visit Peanut Butter Etouffee for a special treat.

"They" are wrong

2009-12-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

Sixty is not the new forty; Sixty is the new fifty-nine. Happy Birthday to me.

Yes, I know many of my friends are confused. I am celebrating my birthday on the anniversary of my birth this year, why? Because I'm sixty. I'm neither upset nor depressed, hey, it's a number, but I am happy to be closer to Social Security. Plus, I get to ride the bus for half fare. Tender mercies.

Let the Christmas season begin

2009-12-01T04:44:00.000-08:00

Heading off to Seattle this Wednesday for a visit with a friend. She's very excited and has all sorts of plans for us. We were hoping to get there for her 30th anniversary with her company but couldn't work out the details. We'll celebrate that milestone anyway. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate and not rain, but hey, it's Seattle. That's the reason we are not driving, unsure of the weather in the northern part of California this time of year. Could be icy.

It's difficult to believe December 1st is here and soon we'll be heading for the desert to have our Christmas celebration. I'm planning a few things here before we go but really low-key this year. I know more folks than ever out of work but I have hope for a bright 2010.

Speaking of December 1, it's a day of worldwide AIDS remembrance; A Day Without Art. If you are visiting the Getty Center today, check their page for a parking coupon and what they'll be doing.

Twenty-ten will be the year my beloved and I travel more, I've rearranged my Getty Docent responsibilities, and bought him a little dash navigator so hopefully I'll be sending some posts from the road. Not sure what I'll do about that yet, though, so many options for communications these days. I'll start by making a Wish List of places we'd like to visit. Camping in different places will be at the top of mine.

Black Friday

2009-11-27T04:44:00.000-08:00

Recently I'd heard of a "Buy Nothing Day" for Black Friday, the day that merchandisers all over the world anxiously await. Buy nothing? Sure, not a problem for me but maybe less to joining the BND group and more that I can't stand the crowds. The last time I braved the masses was maybe 25 years ago and said a silent vow to never do that again. There is usually nothing I want that bad to wait hours in line for.

Our small family reduced it's Christmas buying habit a long time ago by drawing names at Thanksgiving and purchasing a gift for just one person. We started when my father was ill and wanted to take the pressure off his wife and just kept it as a tradition. I like it a lot. Christmas is less about presents and more about being together. Plus, you find out you need less and less as you get older. I'm trying to reduce the size of my "stuff."

Less time on present buying means more time for a wonderful, gourmet Christmas dinner and it's always quite tasty. I'm sure this year will be no different. We all meet in Palm Desert with our darling step-mother and laugh, play cards, eat and catch up. It's very relaxing and I look forward to this time more than any in the year.

If shopping is your family tradition then make this the best Black Friday it can be--we all know the economy can use it.

2009-11-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

This time of year is always bus and this year is no different. Our Thankful day was last week so I won't need to get up tomorrow and cook a bird but I am planning to get a turkey smoked before the end of the year. I'm just itching to try it. The wind has to stop though because that cools my smoker down too much and makes for inconsistent temps.

Our friend Di's visit was short but fun with a trip to the beach and a little sitting in the sun. She resides in the Seattle area and rain is a big feature this time of year so she visits us and her family for this holiday event. Even with the wind Southern California is a much better choice. She still thinks of herself as a S Californian which I understand fully.

Taking her to her family yesterday required a few of the regular and not so regular stops. Tito's, Surfas and a new stop in Silver Lake; Intelligentsia Coffee. Little, very busy, coffee house in a transition area. The area can't make up it's mind whether to be hip or not but it's trying. Cute shops (she bought a fantastic leather shoulder bag) coffee bars and restaurants with whips and leather shops. Not completely gentrified--yet.

Since I don't have to cook a bird in the morning I whipped up a batch of Posole and am planning to head to the Christmas Tree lot for lunch but, shhhh, don't tell my sister, it's a surprise.

Thanks for the memories

2009-11-21T04:44:00.000-08:00

Our dinner with my sister and bro-in-law might be the last until Christmas. They'll be busy at their assignment, hawking pine trees in Valencia. We did laugh at the stories they told about last years gig. Anytime you work with the public you will be challenged and selling Christmas trees is no different.

Our time together has been fun and we've laugh and ate and cooked together. Shared a sad time, the passing of their dear Buddy-cat, and had fun with friends. Our Thanksgiving was small but delightful last Sunday with big and lil bird and Doodles and Mr Doodles. How can something so simple as cooking a meal be filled with so many wonderful memories?

Doodle and I watched the princess for a few hours while her mom went to the beauty parlor. Just using that phrase dates me much older than I am but my grandmother used that term. She also called a women of less than adequate morals a "strumpet" so I have a useless albeit colorful antiquated vocabulary floating around in my brain.

Most times the princess is a tiny mass of near two-year-old energy but when she can "color" she sits quietly for a long time. We sat at the kitchen table with her while she, with her crayons, drew in her color books. What I did find interesting is she knew the difference between a ball and a circle. At this age you can almost see them learn and being with her reminds me so of my own sweet daughter.

The past few months have been good times to remember for a long while.

A sad passing

2009-11-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

My sister's darling Buddy-cat has passed away. I'll let you read about him but he will leave a whole in their heart for sure. We loved you, Buddy.

Mangia!

2009-11-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

After a larger dinner party last night with family, extended family, family of the extended family all the way from Canada, and friends; my hips are screaming this morning. Thanks to the help of my darling sister and all our pre-planning, it was a success.

What did we serve? A fantastic antipasti, pasta with artichoke tomato cream sauce, and sausages. Barb supplied a great bottle of wine from Arizona. Yes, Arizona. Coronado Vineyards 2004 Meritage. I'll let my wine-snob friend Tina comment on the wine but it was very tasty--dry and spicy--perfect for the sausage and garlicky pasta.

We had a double-long table and a darling friend summed it up. This is like a typical Italian meal. Big table, lots of food, people coming and going, and many conversations at the same time. Maybe the wine had something to do with it but we had a wonderful time. My hips will feel better tomorrow but I'll remember the fun we had much, much longer.

Time out

2009-11-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

It isn't because I've been bad or I'm not well or my beloved isn't well, it's just because I need to be able to spend more time with my darling husband. I'm giving myself a bit of a time out. I truly love being a docent at the Getty Center but for the next six months I'll not be there every week. I'll work as a substitute probably once a month. I'm hoping 2010 will be the year of travel and exploration.

We make fun

2009-11-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

We attacked Los Angeles yesterday morning. Arriving at Union Station on the Metrolink we hit the ground running, literally; I had to find a rest room. The usually clean facility on the train had passed the "use by" date and a dash through the train station looking for another relief station wasn't of much help. Standing in line for a marginally clean stall I decided we'd catch a Dash Bus to our first stop and I'd turn off that section of my brain.

After a few false starts we found the correct bus and headed to Clifton's Cafeteria for a quick bite of breakfast and a bit of reminiscing. Sister Doodles had eaten there when she was enrolled in Beauty College a few blocks away but this was my first visit to this location. Both of us, as kids, often were taken to the Clifton's on Crenshaw. It was a Friday night ritual and we laughed and speculated that maybe the food wasn't as good as we thought. Our breakfast was just a snack to hold us for lunch and finally; whew, a clean restroom.

Back on the bus and over to the Garment District, an area selling fabrics, notions, and beads. Doodles was bitten by the necklace making bug after our own Lil Bird reintroduced us to this area. You see, our mom, Lorna had frequented these streets when she had a bridal shop. She made custom bridal/formal wear and since she didn't drive, I accompanied her downtown. We'd also drag the poor lil bird and when Doodles was in town, she'd come, too. These trips were always a treat and full of laughs and lunch.

It was like necklace making heaven and bought enough supplies to keep my sister busy all winter. She has a very good "eye" when it comes to colors and design so I bought some stones and handed them over to her. I'll get a necklace or two back. Nothing like custom made anything.

We were getting a bit hungry and had pretty much run through all our money so it was back on the Dash Bus to an ATM and then the Metro for a trip to Langer's Deli for lunch. I love the public transportation in Los Angeles. After the ATM it was down stairs to the Red Line and over one stop to 7th and Alverado. I did get a bit turned around in the Metro Center Station, we entered from a different area, but some nice gentlemen pointed us in the right direction and we were on our way.

Langer's was everything we wanted or needed. The #44 is a Hot Pastrami on rye with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on the side. We shared this as they are huge sandwiches. The waitress gave us two pickles, what a doll. After this fantastic lunch, and a discussion about how to pronounce "Philippe's" with the table next to us, we were back on the train and headed for Little Tokyo.

Our trip to the Japanese section of LA was short. We were both running out of steam and felt heading back towards Union Station to be our best bet. Plus we'd been dragging bags of merchandise all this time. When purchased who knew how heavy twelve long-sleeved t-shirts would get. We HAD to stop at Olvera Street and, though we couldn't eat another bite, darling Doodles bought some sweets from a vendor; I enjoyed my Alfajor this morning with my coffee.

Union Station is a short five minute walk across the street from the Calle and we sat in the beautiful waiting area for a few minutes. We are both marveled by the architecture. On to the platform and the hour-long train ride home. Love the Metrolink for it's comfort and cleanliness and at 5:20 pm we pulled into Simi Station. A lovely day and we really laughed a lot. Can't ask for much more than that.

Like a big asprin for traffic woes

2009-10-28T04:44:00.000-07:00

My beloved need some traffic info because he was making the big trek, to Culver City, and didn't want to be stuck in traffic, again. I found a few sites for up to the minute traffic problems but I liked this one the best. Sigalert

The site also has a button for "Routes." You can select your start and destination and it gives you a suggestion for alternate routes, how long it should take, and the number of miles. If I traveled the freeways a lot this would be the best reason for an IPhone. If you don't have such a device it's also good to check before you head out.

Baseball and meteors

2009-10-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

After looking every night we gave up on seeing many meteors from the Orionids. Oh, we'd see one but that was it. Yawn, let's go back to sleep. Well, this morning, and a long way from Wednesday morning, we saw about ten--that was only in about an hour. It was at 4:30, one of our favorite times to get in the spa, and though it wasn't amazing it was better than we've ever seen them.

Like I said, a world full of ups and downs.
Dodgers; down
Angels; up
Meteor viewing; up

Seems like there are more ups this week.

Showers tonight

2009-10-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

Grab your towel and run outside tonight for a cool fall shower. The Orionids meteor shower should be quite visible for the next few nights. Wednesday the 21s is the peak but we saw about three or four this morning.

Get somewhere dark and look towards the constellation Orion. Don't worry if Orion isn't visible when you are viewing just scan the whole sky. Most of the ones we saw this morning were higher in the sky.

What's the towel for? To lay on the ground and get a good view. You didn't expect to get naked and get moon dust on you, did you? Oh, glad I said something, then. Just have fun!

Life has ups and downs

2009-10-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

After a fun time at the Pumpkin Patch, darling Mr and Mrs Doodles hosted a get together for all the small people; friends and family, we came home to watch the Dodgers explode all over Philadelphia. I'll just keep looking at these smiling faces rather than the box scores. Better for my psyche. Oh yeah, much better.

As seen on a t-shirt

2009-10-17T04:44:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of a co-worker that spent hours taking the wrinkles out of her employee photo; hours.

Oh Crap!

2009-10-16T11:45:00.001-07:00

Well, that's what I said when walking on the treadmill I snagged my ear bud cord and flung my Ipod on the belt when I think proceeded to kick it off onto the floor. I wish I could say it was in slow motion but it happened in a heartbeat; literally. I slapped the STOP button, which I might just add doesn't really stop it quickly, and pickup the Ipod. It paused its self so I thought it was broken but no, I changed selections, it started and I went merrily on my way.

Thanks you Apple, for making something to withstand that trauma.

The dishwashing saga continues

2009-10-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sears agreed to replace the dishwasher but, because my dishwasher model would cost about $400 more, I was expected to pick up the difference. This was not acceptable. I'd entered into a contract with them that basically states, I'll pay for your dishwasher and an extended warranty and you'll make sure my dishwasher or something of equal value will continue to work until that time period is up. No where does it say just because my dishwasher is four-year-old does it diminish the value to me. It's just that simple.

Armed with my original manual and the feeling I had right on my side I went back to the store where the salesman, a very helpful employee of Sear; one of the few I might add, found a model comparable to mine and called the Service Contract division and informed them this was the only model I needed and it was $400 over what they offered. They reevaluated my claim and before I knew it we had a schedule for the delivery of my new unit.

So what did we learn here? It was way to difficult to get this far and I'm sure there are people who just give up and don't complain. Don't give up if you think you are right and have the proof. The first store and sales person told me I'd have to pay the difference because the dishwasher was old. Four years is old? I'd expect it to last as long as the extended warranty. I went to a different store and someone who knew what they were selling.

What made me stay with Sears after all the problems? The fact that they did fix it, and it has a decent warranty period and I like the dishwasher I had for four years. Now, we just have to wait for Thursday and the deliver of the new dishwasher and hopefully, no problems. I'm hopeful but my beloved is a bit more skeptical. Good or bad, I'm sure I'll post about it.

It's their prize to give

2009-10-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

In his will Alfred Nobel wrote:
… portion of the award to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity among nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.

The "most or the best work." After the last eight years I think they gave the Nobel Peace Prize because he wasn't George Bush and the subtext of the award, it goes to the American people for electing Obama. He reached out to the world to assure them he was different and hopefully brought some honor back to our country as a nation of the world. We, though some don't like it, are a part of this ever shrinking neighborhood.

To critics: have you all forgotten what Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, and Rumsfeld accomplished? They were damn lucky no one tried them as war criminals.