Ode to Rik and other junk thoughts I wrote this weeks ago and forgot to post

Rik at work said I need to make a new BLOG entry, maybe he's right. I don't find as much inspiring in Phoenix as I did in Napa.

Since returning, I have figured out a great deal about my life and home. I have learned that clutter makes me shut down and probably does make my butt bigger. (There is a book about that Rik, in case you haven't heard.) I have trouble sewing as much as I love to because there is too much stuff in the room where I sew.

About Rik, he does not have a noticably big butt, I'm not implying that he does. He has a wicked sense of humor. Once during a office reconfiguration they moved me into a temporary work space. Rik was my neighbor. He had me in stitches. Everyday was like Saturday Nite Live. He also comes by once in awhile an makes hoochy momma eyes at me. Rik, I don't believe you for a minute!



Another thing about life in Phoenix vs Napa. The heat is oppressive, depressive and awful in Phoenix. Mornings in Napa were cool, refreshing, and promising. Mornings here until mid October are hot, damn hot! Now it's cooled off some, the days are short and the holidays are almost here. Summer in Napa was like my fantasy summer, opening up the windows and doors and letting the breeze blow through the house. It was intoxicating.



Okay, I will give this to Phoenix. I was relaxing and crocheting in my recliner by an open window last week-end. I called Carolyn in Wyoming and said (after several months' silence) what'cha doing? She says sitting here watchin in snow. Ouch!



I must also admit that I missed people at work. Sitting alone at the computer is handy to the bathroom, toaster, and printer, but it is a bit lonely. It took me a week or so after returning to a normal schedule to get talked out. Maybe that's why I don't have the same urge to Blog. Hum.



I think by the time I figure out what I need to know about myself I'll be too old to remember what to do with the information.



Very important about Phoenix is this is where Bill is. It was nice to feel the freedom of my own place, but I am so happy to be back in the smoochiness and companionship of my spouse. Having someone to love that loves you too is one of life's greatest treasures. I am still comtemplating how to move forward my desire to be with all my family in Napa. It will happen when the time is right.

There is a life in Phoenix, too

Okay, at 110 degrees (if anyone knows how to type a symbol for degrees, please let me know) it's too hot for most stuff and drains my energy.

I have been home since August 30.

Although we dreaded driving on labor day weekend, the traffic was not too bad. It was a bit dreadful when we hit the outskirts of LA at about 5:15 on Friday afternoon. So many interchanges that back everything up. I was so glad Bill was driving. He has been driving about 35 miles to work for several years and has an instinct about where he should be and where the hell the rest of them are going to and coming from. I would have had to pull over and wait until the next day, but he patiently plodded on until we arrived in Cerritos at my friend's house where we spent the night. She was not home so we had no one to visit with. We got take out from California Pizza Kitchen which was a nice supper and went to bed about 9 PM. I drove leaving and it was not too bad. The road between Phoenix and LA is desolate and long but there was not much traffic. I am only good for about an hour of driving, then start getting sleepy.

Napa was such an unusual adventure, it was fun to write. Guess I see my regular life without any sense of awe. I am thinking more about what makes it special.

Hazel Bunton turned 91 and I went to a little family gathering for her. They are the closet things we have to cousins as they lived in Cody, and then Tucson and Phoenix. Their family is much larger than ours. Nancy, the oldest of their family is a great grandmother at about 65. The generations are kinda of jumbled in my mind as I don't see them that often. Our real cousins were either in another state and we barely knew them, or Uncle Arden's kids in Cody who were high school students when I was a little kid. So upon reflection, we spent much more time with the Buntons.

I made it through my first week (4 days only) at work. I felt a little tired of it everyday about 2:00, but I pushed on. Since there is a total change of venue, it seems normal to be in the office working 40 hours. I was happy to see the people I work with, some of them are pretty special to me. I did have a bit of trouble sitting down as everything (coffee, bathroom, printer) is a long walk and there are a lot of people I needed to check in with. I think everyone wastes a lot of time doing these things, plus smoking. I don't have that disctraction, thank God.

Guest Post, from Annie

Sometimes life can be difficult. That’s when it’s good to have a mom. –Kevin Morehouse, Age 10

I haven’t seen my mom since Thursday night, and I don’t like that much. For years, I have envied my local friends who have parents in town to pinch hit when things get a little crazy. They go for long weekends with their spouse, and leave the kids with their parents. Thanksgiving doesn’t require a plane ticket, and there is always someone crying sweet tears with them at school plays and ceremonies.

This summer, I was lucky enough to have my mom here—lending a hand, tearing up at kindergarten “graduation”, and helping with projects. One of the first nights that she was here, after she had cooked dinner for my girls and I, my Tiny Child very sweetly said as we were backing out of the driveway “it’s fun to have family it town”. Indeed.

If you know my mom, and you’ve been reading this blog, you likely know that a little over a year ago, I left my marriage. It’s been one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life—and difficult from many more angles than I ever imagined. Working outside my home is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. There is no one else to stop for milk on the way home if I forget it, help with hair washing, take kids to swim lessons, or help with the laundry. This summer however, I had help with all of those things and much more.

Thank you mom, for rearranging your life to come and help us out with ours. Thank you for taking such sweet care of my girls and of me. Thank you for trips to the bookstore, library, toystore, swimming pool, and playground. Thank you for dinners, and coffee, and your company. Thank you for helping with the GIANT project for First Grade, and lots of dog sitting too (Syd will never forget the Shredded Wheat and Chicken Stock supper you made her). Thank you for offering help that I never knew I needed, never would have asked for, and won’t soon forget. I love you. We miss you.

Could you come back now please?

Napa population 74,116.5

I added myself as .5 as part of me will be here when my body migrates back to Phoenix. I picked Bill up at the airport yesterday. As hard as it is to leave, I must pack up my electronics and clothes so we can be on the road in the morning. This is my last blog from Napa as the modem goes back to Comcast and my internet is cancelled today.

It has been a darn good run. I am so grateful to have had this summer, this house, and my family to support me. I am grateful to Paul, my boss for letting me work part time from out of town. See you Tuesday in the office!

Sunday with Linda and a good night for sleeping

Linda and I met in about 1964. We moved to a new high school when our dad began training horses at Turf Paradise. Linda had seen us at the track and said, you're with us. I guess we were a big click but didn't know it. There were the racetrackers and the town kids. That was it.

She has lived in the bay area since 1969 I think. She came up to Napa for my birthday and I went to her house in San Ramon for a family gathering yesterday. Her son and his wife have a 5 month old son and live in Australia. They are visiting, her sister, her x husband's x wife and her kids, grandkids, families. It was fun to see everyone.

Linda's brother in law Carl has a hot red 1952 pick up that he has restored and updated.

I have been so busy. I took this week off work and am getting ready to make a haul back to Phoenix and working 40 hours a week. And living with my own husband, so I'm thinking there will be some adjustments to be made.

The night will be cool. I sleep with the sliding door open a little and have to use the comforter. This fun will come to a screaching hault when I get to Phoenix. Having windows open won't happen until at least October.

Thirty crayon cases

In the beginning of June the first grade teacher sent out a request for volunteers for sewing projects. I offered to help, so Annie volunteered to make 30 crayon cases for first graders.

The teacher cut out rectangles of red corduroy and a pretty print. They had to be sewn together, turned, corners shaped, pressed, 16 pockets sewed, name tags and ties. We honestly must have sewn 40 hours between us. Although we tried to get another sewing machine, our mechanical luck was poor and we only had one that stitched well enough. It looked and sounds fairly easy, but the rectangles were not the same size, we had trouble marking, on and on, it was a lot bigger project that we thought.

When Tina was here we enlisted her for a few hours one day. Bottom line, they weren't done and the teacher wanted them last Friday. Annie called and requested an extension and her and I hauled our bottoms on Saturday finishing about 8:30 PM. Annie delivered them to the teacher on Sunday.

Tess started school today. She is at Kelly's until tomorrow afternoon. She talked to her mom and wanted to know if we didn't get the cases done. The teacher didn't give them the crayon cases. Other than that, Tess had a terrific first day of school.

There was a Rose Ceremony this morning in which the new eighth graders gave the first graders each a rose. I guess they bigger kids kind of help out with the littles. They all lined up on a stage, we clapped, and they were off to class.

Chloe was nervous as she changed schools to attend the program Tess does. Her phone report also was that she had a teriffic day.

Tina's visit

My friend Tina was here from Northern Arizona; Eagar, to be specific. She came last Saturday and we have had a great visit. Told each other stories about the old days that we probably heard twenty years ago but forgot.

Annie and her girls escorted us to San Francisco on Wednesday. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge in the mist, parked too far from the pier. They moved the departure gate to Alcatraz from where it was in the past which gave us a nice long walk. But we had time for lunch at Pier 39 and hurried to pier 33 to catch our ferry. The weather was warmer than we expected on Alcatraz, we toured the cellblock and walked the steep paths of the island. If you haven't been there, or to San Francisco at all, don't leave the planet without making the trip. It is a beautiful city and the skyline from Alcatraz island is stunning.

Annie left us and took the car and kids to do some shopping. Tina and I got some t-shirts and waited about an hour to catch the Cable Car to Union Square. (This of course was after about an eight block walk not knowing for sure if we were going in the right direction.) Everyone on the waterfront was making the Cable Car trip, I think. When we did get loaded, we didn't have a seat. We both had killer feet, but we had to stand and hang on to a strap or a little pole which puts you right in the faces of anyone sitting down. It's sardinelike. The joy of the cable car is that it travels the amazing steep hills of the city and you have a beautiful view. Joyful, of course if you are sitting on the outside bench and can see. Sardines see little except other sardine's heads. When the car started down hill, I had to plant my feet, one forward and one back to keep from tipping over. After each stop, it started with a jolt making all the standing people sway and lose their footing. When your toes hurt and are sliding to the downhill side of your shoe, it diminishes the joy of the ride.

When we got off at Powell and Post streets, we walked across the street and called Annie. She said cross back, she was sitting on the curb in her car, we hopped in and were on our way. Quite good timing, I say.

Anyway, Tina had never been to San Francisco. You MUST do the Cable Car when you go, but I recommend not waiting until the end of the day. There are also bicycle rickshaws, fyi.

One day while Tina was here we took a ride to the beach at Bodega Bay. There were some surfers, and a lot of people using the beach. Not many folks go in the cold water here without a wet suit. We stopped to see the town of Bodega Bay which was having a big street party patio sale to raise money for their volunteer fire department. All so small town. There was a band playing and people drinking beer. We didn't see anything we wanted, but it was a kick to see it. Northern California is beautiful, not at all like the LA area.

Oops, I didn't finish the day I started. Tina left yesterday. It's about 60 miles to Sacramento and she was flying out at 10 AM. So to avoid getting up too early on Saturday, we went on Friday and got a room. I dropped her at the airport and was back in Napa by 9:45.

Contemplating retinas and mascara

I contemplate more living alone. Maybe I always contemplate, I just speak it. Anyway, I was putting on mascara and trying to remember how many days since I had done so. Then I remembered I can't see all that well. I thought of people who really can't see and how they must do their eye make-up, and I wondered if I walk around with noticeably gobby mascara. I was trying to put it on smoothly and remember what Oprah's make up guy said about doing the bottom lashes when I slipped and make a big black spot on the side of my nose. Now I am wondering about old people putting on make up. Not too good. Think about people with obviously dyed red and black hair, maybe they don't know it doesn't look so good not because they have bad taste; maybe it's bad vision.

Tess's day

Chloe spent the night with a friend and was not here with Grandma today. Tess came in time for lunch. She had raisin bread, cream cheese and honey sandwiches and a banana. She is not a huge eater. We had a gift certificate from a local book store. She wanted to see if they had a book by an author she has read, Mo Willems, she brought the book to show me. It's called Nuffle Bunny. Tess was looking for Nuffle Bunny, too. We found that and she was happy. Then we went to the swim club and she swam awhile. I watched. She can jump into the deep end and swim back now. She has become quite confident this summer. Her mom wanted to know if I was watching real closely, which I was. She got a thumbs up. I wasn't worried about the deep end. Apparently they are supposed to pass some test with the lifeguard before they go in the deep end. I didn't know that and I guess neither Tess nor the lifeguard knew either. The afternoon was cut short by the mysterious appearance of some poop in the pool. Ms lifeguard made everyone get out and called whoever. I guess she was closing up shop. We came home. Tess had a dechlorinization shampoo and then we read the new book twice.

I also had my granddog, Sid, who mostly stays outside, but she does like the house, the car, anywhere you are. If you look her in the eye for a moment , she lays on her back with her legs all spread out for you to pet her tummy. She is indiscriminate, she spreads out for strangers, any one who looks like they might pet her.

My childhood friend Janet tells me that her mom just got out of the hospital. She has been in maybe two weeks. They discovered a cancerous place in her colon, and removed a section and felt they got the whole problem. She came through the surgery fine, then got terribly sick to her stomach for several days. She is not able to eat and I guess is in pretty fine shape. We celebrated her 90th birthday last August in Phoenix. We were raised together in Wyoming, then they moved to Tucson. We were all in Arizona for several years, but Janet now lives in the LA area. So we are celebrating in our hearts that Hazel is doing better. I was pretty worried about her for several days.

You all know how sappy I am. I could go on and on about what a blessing this summer in this little house has been for me. But that says it, I think.

Commit random acts of kindness

I saw a bumper sticker with those word years ago and they stuck with me. Sometimes I try of slip in a random act of kindness when I see an opportunity. I must tell you this little story, then I will go watch the Olympics.

I went into a Chinese noodle restaurant the other day, alone. It was full, so I waited to sit at the bar. I was the only person of my race sitting there, and the ones right next to me did not have a handle on English. They kept trying to order and the bar tender kept asking for the menu number and they kept not getting it. It was a little amusing to me, then an African American woman sat down and I started a conversation. She was there alone too. I told her the next day was my birthday. She was very good at English. We had a pleasant chat. I put my debit card out to pay my tab, and she handed it back to me. She wanted to buy my dinner as an early birthday wish. I almost burst into tears. Random act of kindness!

Think about starting some of your own! They have a way of playing on. Bye.

Awaiting further enlightenment

My time here is getting short, I will be leaving the week of August 25. Bill will be here August 27, then we may hang out a few days, then head for home. This is making me a little sad, and a little happy. I have been away from home for longer than I ever have and I miss Bill and most of my co-workers. It will be difficult to leave Annie's family behind after having them so accessible for three months. Bill always says I am depressed a few days after I leave Napa, this will probably be a bit worse, but I will endure. It was worth it.

Today was kinda hot. Okay, you all in Phoenix won't believe me, but I was all hot and sticky at 92 degrees. I am truly hooked on that 83 degree weather and don't like having to turn the air conditioning on and close up the house. At least, the AC goes off in the evening and I can sit by the open door. Sure can't do that in Phoenix. I took Chloe to the health club for her swimming lesson. This is the first I've been there that there wasn't a cool breeze, and in the shade is nice. Today even in the shade, it was hot. Tess says bet it feels like Phoenix. Not quite.

Annie picked up the girls at lessons, and instead of going home, I headed out to drive through some mobil home parks. I'm not sure how I will get here next year, or how I will be able to be with both my husband and my kids, I am awaiting further enlightenment. So, to help things along, I drove through some parks just to see how they look. Some are pretty clean, but it's not as private as my little place here. Maybe I would make more friends in that environment. Anyway, I drove to Yountville (9 miles) as there is a neat Senior park there. So I decided to stop for something to eat. At a restaurant, not the trailer park. I had a steak dinner which was passable, but not as yummy as I was wanting. I don't much like to eat alone in restaurants, but it wasn't so hard. I sat on the patio and had myself a beer. It's always easier to hear other's conversations when you are quiet yourself. I kept wanting to ask questions, but I stayed quiet.

Then the next exciting thing was buy gas and go through the automatic car wash. I got jet washed, and conditioned!

American Express is going to be displacing some people. I'm awaiting further enlightenment.

I'm going to see what is happening on the Olympics while I'm waiting.

Birthday wonderment

Wow, I'm still recovering from the celebration. Annie cooked dinner for me and our guests; three friends I met through her, and my friend Linda who lives in the bay area that I have know for forty some years.

What a lovely dinner it turned out to be. She had appetizers of blanched green and yellow string beans, cauliflower, orange and red carrots, cheese, salami, dill dip, various crackers and the other dip whose name I can't drag up from the dredges of my brain. When Cari arrived she had radishes, butter, and some fancy salts for seasoning.

We drank wine or beer while she grilled peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and some other veggies, I think, and chicken breasts. That was the first course served with a wheat berry salad. Just as I was fixing my mind on the chocolate cake, I was reminded the next course is salad, made by her friend Cari which was wonderful greens; I can't swear but I think it was arugula with a yummy vinegarette and some peaches or nectarine pieces in it. Then she passed some little waffer crackers with a tidbit of cheese and fruit which were for eating with salad. I noticed Cari put the greens on the cracker and ate it that way. We are not all that sophisticated with food and didn't know what to do. I broke it up and ate it with a fork.

Then we had coffee or tea and chocolate cake with vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Then we relaxed with cigars on the front porch. Okay, I'm lying about the cigars, but the rest is gospel truth. My daughter cooked her butt off.

Each lady brought a gift: Linda bought a garden ornament made of metal with a twirly thing to hang on the bottom to catch the breeze, Lori brought a tie dye tea towel and a tie dyed bandanna, Chris brought a bottle of wine and some wine bath juice, Cari brought a little plate from a local artist with some grapes and a leaf on it tied in a pretty tea towel. Annie got me a soduku book and a cover for my stainless drinking bottle.

I got my present from Bill on Thursday, he sent some Laural Burch cat earrings and a cat plate with the same design. He sent another as well with a computer game. Then today, as if this is not enough, while Annie, Linda, and I were at breakfast, a box was delivered from work. It is a party in a box with cards from the whole group, and a few individual ones. There are some party favors and a box of Hostess cup cakes. I think I will wait to open all the goodies in there when Chloe and Tess are here.

The girls are camping with their dad, so I guess we will be having another birthday celebration when they get back.

Linda went home a few hours ago, I took a little nap, but I think I may take another. Turning sixty was wonderful. I might do it again next year!

Hanging in at 59 for now

Boy, it's not long until I reach the threshold of old. Again. Thirty didn't bother me, nor forty, nor fifty. Sixty is not so bad, it's the idea I have that I have twenty good years left, outside. And I know how fast 20 years go by.

I let my sometimes red, sometimes blondish hair grow in grey. Tough question for MVD, hair color, don't know what to say. It sure doesn't look blond which is what I though my regular color is. I think you would call it twilight.

Figure has got to pot, literally, skin is like a lizards, when she's done with it. Eyes are going to hell. But lordy, I think I am so full of wisdom. So if you need some words of wisdom, let me know.

Tess and Chloe are going camping with Kelly until next week. I really miss them when they are not here, even though today we had a heated discussion about if Tess should wear a band aid to swimming lessons. Swimming teacher resolved the discussion, it doesn't matter it will probably fall off.

It is going to be so hard to leave this summer behind. I'm sure life in Napa is not over for me. I am awaiting further enlightenment to see what it will be.

I have been sitting outside in a glider looking at the tree and clouds and blue sky. It seems like looking down from a plane, through clouds to the ocean. Very blue underneath. So I got the camera and took a cloud picture, then I took pics of all the neat places in the courtyard. I know the girls really like it. They sit in a planted area with some long grassy tufts and look at fairies. Tess makes little houses out of flat stones. My granddog, Cid, just wanders around. She sometimes spends a few hours but she is always waiting for her mom to come.

It is a cool evening, God I love this time of day; twilight. It seems to suit my life stage. I't light, but not sunny. Getting cool. Pretty soon I will need to slide the door shut and close the windows. I am crocheting some trim for dish towels, but I don't like the looks of it. Well, not just now, but that is the active project, right now I am typing.

Since I don't have girls tomorrow, I don't have to worry too much about what time I get up as I can work until I am finished. I do have some projects that need attention, and of course, there is income tax filing, which hasn't been done yet. I had Bill bring me the software when he was here last month. I'll get it done. Soon.

I don't rally like eating alone. Well, I like to eat ice cream, but having supper alone is a bit of a drag. I eat with Annie a lot. I think we will miss each other's company. She has a lot of friends, but you know, you don't have to pick up the living room for family.

A few years ago I was in South Wilmington, Illinois, where my grandmother lived and I visited so many times as a kid and after. I was visiting an old friend, Rosemary. Her grandson who was about 9 I guess was hanging around. She kept telling him to go home, probably his mother would like to see him. I guess he had been there for five days. But grandma's is an extension of home as he lives just down the block. People who have this kind of extended family so close don't know what it's like to have them so far that you only see them a few times a year. I am experiencing a little closeness, although it will never be like hers. I missed so much. I must say, this summer has been a gift to treasure for a long time.

I will be returning to Phoenix at month end and back to full time work. Here we go with another break in period. They have hired people I haven't met yet. Usually, I am one of the first people to get acquainted because of the support I supply, system access, supplies, your computer, bathroom passes, etc.

Bill is flying over and will help me pack up my computer and drive back together. We try to talk on the web cam phone, but we get an unclear video which makes it hard for him to hear me. He already told me he put all my clutter and stuff into a box. so lord knows how long it will take to find everything. I have only had mail twice. He boxed it up once, and delivered it in person once. Hopefully he will bring it when he comes in a few weeks and I will shuffle through it shred most everything.

Friday's outing

I think the girls and I are getting on each other's nerves. There is not enough to do at my house. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are broken up by someone or another kid's swim lessons. So our only day to really get out is Friday.

We left today when I was done working for Sonoma, I suppose about 30 or 40 miles away. There are a lot of large vineyards, dairies, and rural views. It's really pretty. We took some picnic food and got some at a deli on the town square, then ate our picnic in the park there. We had bread for the ducks on the pond. They seemed to be bored with people and bread, but the kids still fed them and they cooperated by eating still more bread.

We looked in a few store and bought momma a polished stone that says "believe" because Tess said she lost hers. Annie called and said she was leaving her office and heading home as the internet wasn't working. She wanted to know if I would bring the girls home; which of course I did. She made it worth my while by grilling chicken and making toast on the grill which we ate with heirloom tomatoes, basil and olive oil.We had a little ice cream and watched a Muppets movie, too.

All's well that ends well. Goodnight I'm falling asleep and typing on the wrong keys, really wrong ones..

Dale Chihuly Day at the museum and other events this week. And last.

Well, Dale's beautiful glass will be there several days, I only one. Today Annie drove she and I to San Francisco. She asked me to get a map from google, then drove out of Napa in the direction she felt was best, not the one Mr. google had in mind. So, we made it to Golden Gate Park to the DeYoung Museum after much driving around in the park which is quite large with a number of roads and few street signs. Very few. We couldn't find our way, and the directions worked from the other side of the world, not the one we drove in on. And I had to go. Annie finally found a Starbuck's and dropped me on the street to use their facility because she was getting tired of the whining and I was ready to get out at almost any spot that had a tree or shrub. She somehow maneuvered back to where she left me. She gave me the driving job while she used google maps on her Iphone until we honed in on the museum.

If you are not familiar with Chihuly's work, you can check it out on www.chihuly.com. It is beautifully colored, and huge proportions for glass art. The museum has a 360 degree look out from the 9th floor, so we took that in as well. By now, we were getting hungry. Missed the route back the way we came, which was across the Golden Gate Bridge, and left SF by the Bay Bridge. It works too. It gave us a chance to eat in a Chinese restaurant we've eaten at before. We had a nice lunch with enough left overs for us to each have another meal.

It was a foggy day which means it's not sunny (duh!) and it's not warm. The marine layer covered the city, but as we got closer to Napa, it was sunny. I'm guessing it was 65 in the city and 85 in Napa. On the way home through Oakland we saw a big kite flying event from a distance. It was along the water front, but we were on the freeway. It looked like hundreds of kites, some were just dots but one was clearly a very large dragon. I was sorry we didn't have time to see it, too.

Yesterday there was a fund raiser at Napa College in which volunteers teams walk from 9:00 AM Saturday til the same time on Sunday to raise money for the Cancer society. Annie had a group of friends who were committed to walk. They had gazillion kids and held a pot luck supper. So I made my special brownies, you know the ones that come in a box from Trader Joe's. Yum. And came for dinner. They had tents and stages set up around the athletic track around which everyone walked. It was such nice weather.

The kids sold lemonade which they planned for the whole year, I guess, the mom's freezing gallons of lemon juice. They had a little wooden booth. When I came there were a bunch of little girls who were all excited as they had been "interviewed" by a newswoman. The only one who made the paper was Tess. It's a front page story, but she is on the continuation on page 5. Sorry I can't see you to shove it under your nose. Thank goodness for the internet. You can see the article and the piture on the newspaper's web site. I'm becoming such a web address dropper!

Copy and paste this into your browser. When you see the story, click on next picture to see Tess.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/07/27/news/local/doc488bf8ff80c11685769326.txt

By time here is getting shorter. I'm not sure when I'll go home to Phoenix, but it will be by the end of August. I miss Bill but I don't want to go there, I want us to be here. I am very thankful for this precious time I have had with Annie and the girls. Also, the weather! In Phoenix, for me, it's like being snowed in all winter. I don't go to events, or spend much time with friends. Just travel to work, the store, and home to crawl out of sweaty cloths and crash. Of course, in Napa, it is also nice to be working part time, no commuting, not much laundry, cooking, and evenings with no company.

I've also become more introspective. It's easier to think without my cluttered house and a bunch of unfinished chores and projects. I love the drive from here to Annie's and back. It's so leafy.

When Bill was here, we were driving from Mt. Veeder to Napa and smack across my lane of a two lane curvey road, at night, was a downed tree part; like a curtain. Thanks to good brakes, we were safe. Bill thought he would get out and pull it out of the way. Oops, it was lying on a power-line. So we drove around it and stopped at the first house to call 911 to report. The TV was on and the windows and doors open, but no people. I hollered and finally the guy came to the door and told me I could use his phone. Yes, I have a cell, but there is no reception on the Mountain. It was kinda a scary house, very unkempt and raggedy. The guy had to stand on a chair to turn on a light in the room were his phone was plugged into the wall. You still have one like that, don't you. The dispatcher wanted to know if there was sparking, no, but there could be quite a wreck if some hits it or swerves to avoid it. The guy and his friend came out to the road to God bless us as we drove away.

With their (Calif) wild fires, I thought we would pass an emergency or at least utility vehicle on the way to town. I called Annie when I got home and she said there were fire truck from the other way. Guess there's something over the mountain, but I haven't been.

The next time I drove home from her place, there was a skunk waddling across the road. Thank God again for good brakes. I would probably be better off hitting a power line than a skunk, but I missed him, too. The headlights really hit that white streak.

I think someone is looking out for me this summer and I would like to express that I am very grateful. It's been a summer full of new stuff and family warmth.

Glory, glory.

ps there is a story in the paper about a couple that is making rhinestone studded t-shirts with a wine theme. I think it's funny that one says Wine Rack.

Been busy vacationing

Hey CeCe, you're right, I haven't blogged in awhile. Bill and I had a really nice time. Besides being happy to see each other and appreciating each other more since we haven't been together in over a month; we played Napa tourist, too. Annie gave us tickets for dinner on the wine train which was quite pleasant. I took Bill around to the places that I enjoy, Farmer's Market, the library. We walked around Copia which is kind of a wine culture center. It sits on the Napa river, had a neat kitchen gift shop and is surrounded with flowing water and food gardens.

Bill flew home Wednesday. I traveled to Santa Rosa Wednesday to see the eye doctor. I worked Thursday and Friday, did laundry, cleaned up the house, as I had friends coming. I flew Saturday afternoon to Las Vegas to see Judy and Kathy who drove there from Phoenix. We gambled a bit, walked the strip sight seeing, and headed to Lake Tahoe the next day. Tahoe is beautiful. We stayed at Harvey's two nights. It is all in the pines and if you haven't seen Lake Tahoe, you should. It is beautiful. We took a paddle wheel boat trip across the lake, a 2.5 hour journey. We watched, visited, had a few margarita's. Talked about what the poor folks were doing, and the possibility that in a couple years one of us could be gone and the others would be remembering our trip to Tahoe.

Yesterday we drove to Napa which is only 200 miles. Judy and Kathy left this morning for another leg to their road trip on the way to Oregon. So life is slowing returning to normal. The girls came over today.

I went out to Annie's for supper. Helped her put together an IKEA bookshelf. Not easy. She had dim lights and I can't see that well anyway. Finally she lent me her head light which helped a lot. Tess wanted to help with the hammering as she has experience in kindergarten. Actually she might be as good as me, but her mother didn't put her to the test today. The girls will be having their first sleep over at my house tomorrow. Gotta get up early to catch up on my job.

Bill is here, Bill is here

Bill flew in today and I ventured to Oakland to pick him up. It is so nice to have him here. We ate at Olive Garden for lunch and saved half our meals which we had for dinner tonight. It is good to feel relaxed like there isn't a mountain of stuff we need to do. Annie gave us two tickets for the wine train and dinner which we plan to do tomorrow evening. I have never been on the Napa wine train. Jackets are suggested, but they will have to deal with us in clean jeans. I think when they say jacket, they probably don't mean a sweat jacket. My wardrobe is a little limited here, and I don't know if I've ever seen bill in a sports jacket. Your talking folks who got married in the back yard in clothes from our closets.

I told Bill being in Napa is sort of like being on a retreat.

I took out the owner's sewing machine which they told me I can use if it works. I wiped it down and got off quite a bit of grime, took it apart and de-linted, then oiled it. The cord is wiped out and I think that is keeping if from getting power. I did have it running a bit but before I could get the stitch adjusted, the power clunked out. I researched on the internet and believe it was made in 1951. I know I have used a similar machine somewhere in the past as the bobbin winder and some other parts look so familiar. Possible the machine my mom had. She got a new one when I was 13 or so, but I think I used the other.

One of those things you don't know you remember until you see it again. Strange.

I told Bill we go to Peet's for coffee and a sweet in the morning and get a Sunday paper. He is okay with my new habit. We do need to go to the store for Dr. Pepper.

Next week end I am flying to Las Vegas to meet two friends and will drive with them to Tahoe. Tahoe is only about 3 hours from here. So Monday, I think, we will be here. I think they are staying a few days then driving to Oregon. I think I will have had enough time away as for some reason I don't really feel the need for a vacation.

It's a little muggy tonight. There was a breeze today, but it seems to have died. It will be a good night for sleeping. The bed here is a double, so I think it is good we are glad to see each other. This could be way too small after awhile.

Independence Day and more

Friday Annie, the girls, Annie's friend, and I went to Yountville to watch the fireworks from the golf course. I was the only one with a beach chair. Annie reminded me it was okay not to share because I am an old lady, so I was the only one with a chair. Another family joined us. We ate some sticky brownies baked and decorated by two eleven year olds. They had gobs of white frosting, blue sugar and red and blue candy stars. Annie made some desert, too. She brought a can of wiped cream which her girls, at least Tess, has never seen. Tess managed to spray wiped cream on a few people and had a gob hanging from the end of her nose. It was quite a giggle for the kids. Us too.

The kids ran for about an hour, then we all bundled under coats and blankets to watch the fireworks over Napa Valley. We snuck out of town on the back road and missed all the traffic. That daughter of mine knows all the tricks.

I met Maryanne in Phoenix a few years ago. We have a mutual friend. Through Linda we e-mailed a bit since I've been in Napa as she is in Hercules, nearby closer to the bay. So she invited me to go to Alameda to an antique show today.

Might as well come Saturday afternoon so we can get an early start. So off I went yesterday. Didn't know her well, but she extended a lovely invitation. She has a beautifully decorated home, with a Chinese flavor. I had a room and my own bath with fluffy towels and my own new bar of soap on a bamboo dish. Sure hope she wanted me to enjoy it. It was stacked on my towels, so I did. You know, I'm always afraid to touch people's guest soaps because they really don't mean it, but this was so inviting.

Yesterday evening we had dinner at the Dead Fish which overlooks the straights (I can't remember the name) between San Pablo Bay and Suisan Bay. This is Northeast of SF bay. Once you come under the Golden Bridge, you can navigate a long way including to Napa on the Napa river. But anyway. The freeway crosses there on two bridges. One has a pedestrian walkway. We walked across and looked off from the other side. It is such a different experience from anything I do in Phoenix.

Early today we met some friends of Maryanne's; two guys, Kelly and Kelly, so we could have breakfast in China Town (didn't know there is one in Oakland as well as SF, that's where we went). We all had Jook which was the purpose of going there. It is rice porridge which was kinda like a thickened rice soup with chicken meat in in. I asked for a side of bacon which got quite a laugh. Maryanne is Japanese but she really likes Chinese food, not the Caucasian stuff, the stuff the Asians eat. The Jook wasn't bad, it had some green onion pieces in it, but the little bits of unidentified chicken started to bother me. Maybe its the roasted chicken hanging in the window with his head tucked under one wing, or maybe I just got full, but I left behind some chicken parts. It was another part of the big adventure.

Then we went to Alameda which has a huge military base which is no longer used. There were probably 30 rows of antiques and collectibles set up outside. We must have walked for three hours in which Maryanne bought some Japanese habachis (another thing I learned about), Kelly bought some metal bowls and I bought popcorn and a Pepsi case for Annie to make a wall hanging. By the time we left there I was tired, sweaty, and my hips and knees ache.

So I tell you this was a diverse, busy, and tiring week-end.

Tomorrow I am joining another friend of my daughter's and her mom and dad who like to go to casinos on a junket to Cache Creek. I will be worn out by Tuesday. Tess and Chloe have gone to Phoenix to visit the other grandparents so I will be able to devote next week to catching up on Amex business, but tomorrow I am "flexing" my schedule.

It's not bucolic, it's idyllic

I leave Annie's house for mine. Mount Veeder is not a steep treacherous mountain. The road is curvy and gentle. The trees reach from side to side creating a shady tunnel in many places over the curvy road. I can't see the creek; just a lot of plant growth where it wanders below me. Pines and Oaks obscure the view of the few houses. As I got closer to Napa, I see a few small vineyards wedged into clearings. In one curve there is a house on the left and outbuildings across the road. A black and white calf is snuggling an afternoon snack from its momma in a pasture.

I drive with the windows down listening to Prairie Home Companion on Public Radio, it seems so perfect for the setting. It's a short drive and gradually the trees give way to houses. From a lot of trees with a few houses, to a lot of houses with fewer trees.

I spent several hours sewing with Annie. We are worked on crayon holders for Tess's first grade this fall. It was a fine day. I am quite contented to be with my family.

I want to write today but I'm stupid with sleepyness, or is it sleepiness?

Over 1000 wild fires burning in California

Honest, we haven't seen a clear sky in at least three days. It's just gray. There doesn't seem to be an immediate threat, but they are pretty close. I am worried about Annie living in her canyon house. When she was expecting Chloe, fire took out part of the vines at the winery where Kelly worked. Poor Arnold, as if there wasn't already enough problem with California's budget. I just took a cruise on the internet to see what's up and everything is up in smoke.

Annie had Evan, a friend who needs company while his mom is out of town and dad is working, at her place today. He is about 10 and a nice kid. He and Chloe went to the pond and waded in their boots, caught some frogs and stuff. They have nets.

Tess stayed with me and we made a t-shirt and a pillow for an ugly doll. If you don't know what they are, google them. They have strange shapes, a bit hard to design for. I had to cut the original sleeves out as the hands are so big they wouldn't go through. Then Chloe requested a vest for her stuffed blue jay. That's tomorrow's project.

Who sees dead people?

Annie has a friend who says she sees spirits around people, although I'm not sure she has tried to communicate with them. Another of her friends is "intuitive" and dreams things that actually happened that she didn't know about through regular means.

I do have friends who have psychic friends who I have met as well. They seem rather ordinary, yet are likable. Sometimes I wonder, "can she tell what I am thinking?" I think I am good at picking up on peoples feelings and I like to watch people in public and speculate about relationships, what they are doing?

How about those strange unexplained coincidences? Any comments? Ho hum needs a little spice! Happy evening to you.

Never on Sunday

As you all know, I have no ethics about Sunday. It's a good week-end day to get things done, visit, and nap.

Today is not hot. I've had the doors open all day and there is a breeze. I don't need church, this is it for me!

I took a little trip to a casino yesterday. It was a lovely drive through some beautiful farm country with hills along the route a few miles from the road. The casino was lovely, lots of slots, and believe me, I know how they pay their bills. Besides leaving some cash behind, I picked up so many bugs on my windshield I could hardly see to get home. Every time on coming car lights hit me, I could barely see.

This morning I found a car wash, a cross between hand wash and automatic thingy. There were three guys with brushes and mops soaping it up (I'm inside, you understand). When they get it all washed, the conveyor takes over and pulls you through the rinse and dry cycle. I've never done it that way before. So I came back to the house, vacuumed, and washed the dash, steering wheel, etc. It wasn't too hot and it was looking a lot better.

Did some wash, grocery shopped and have been crocheting dish cloths. I have given away so many. I couldn't bring myself to buy some, so Annie loaned me two until I could crochet some. I'm also crocheting coasters. At last I am doing something for me to use. I spent this afternoon crocheting in the recliner and watching nature shows.

Do you know it's Gay Lesbian Bi-sexual and transsexual month? There a lot of interesting TV shows here on PBS. Today I watched an interview with Rita Mae Brown, she's pretty funny, and a show about Billy Jean King. I was so happy to see her beat Bobby Riggs even if it was decades ago. She was very instrumental in establishing women's professional tennis. I didn't realize that. Yesterday it was a trans choreographer and dance troupe. I'm getting educated. Don't we do that every day?

I made salmon patties for lunch; there's something my mother used to cook. Last week I made potato soup. I guess I've been thinking about grandmas a lot!

Grandma, the light and the spider

It was hot yesterday. I'm betting 100. A heat record was set in San Francisco; 99. Napa is inland. I didn't see it on TV, but nearby Sonoma was like 103. Anyway, it was AC weather, I slept well even though there are no AC vents in the bedrooms. As usual, I woke up at daylight.



Lots to do, but actually not much. I could clean the floor. Okay, a small load of wash will take care of a week's dirty cloths. I go into the garage, start the washer, take swim towels out of the drier, sniff them. Okay. Why does the dish rag still smell? Into the washer with you. Back in the living room. Oh, the bedside lamp is on. Wow, a spider on a web right in the corner behind the little table. Hum, I think there is some bug spray in the garage. I open the garage door to let in more light. Wow, a fan, I could have used it last night. Brush it off with the cute green brush from IKEA. Look at all that house paint. I bet she has sand paper which I could borrow for a project I have in mind. Look around in the garage, I see a couple of paperback novels I could read if I get desperate, a little hammer with purple flower print on it. Oh, yeah, bug spray. This can looks like it's 50 years old. I test it in the driveway. It's for flying insects in the house, doesn't mention spiders. Oh, well, the spider wont' know. Into the house, spray him, he vanishes. I spray the sliding door jam. Good. Back to the garage, put the bug spray away. I'm not exactly sure where I got it, this will do. Back into the house with the fan. Oh, the light is still on.



Honestly, if my brain was this efficient when i was younger, I never noticed. I'm feeling kind of sleepy. Is it too early for a nap?

A train runs through it, I guess

If you've been to Napa, or even watch TV, you probably know about the Wine Train. It is a Napa institution that I have not enjoyed, but it is supposed to be upscale and goes from winery to winery, or some such. My house is just a few blocks from a train track. Tonight I noticed a train for the first time ever. It's tooting in the distance and the wheels are rattling on the tracks. It must have been a long freight train, it went on and on. Kind of a pleasant sound. I also have wind chimes that tinkle in the courtyard. That is a nice sound, too. (she rambles)

The girls came to my house today. Both had swim lessons. That wrapped up around 4:00, Annie was then heading out to take them swimming some more.

I wanted to stay home as I thought I would get some real work done. I listened to voice mail, before I could do anything, the power went out. Being a resourceful person, I thought I would need to reset a dealy but couldn't find the box. So I called the owner who drove over. By the time she arrived, I had found it right under my nose and was feeling foolish. But she is a nice lady about my age, so I invited her for a beer, which incidently; was in the fridge when I came, so it was already her beer. The neighbor's also had no power, so we just sat outside and had a nice chat. Then I called Annie to see about meeting them for supper. Oops, garage doors don't work when the power is out. Neither does the light. But, I have a flash light which Bill thought I should buy (silly, I didn't feel the need, duh). So I sprang the door, lifted it up, and away I went. When I came home, the power was on, AC running an lights on around the house.

Those of you who know me probably figured out why I am writing this Ho Hum blog... I don't have anybody to tell Ho Hum stories to. I'm missing my friends, but I don't want to be in Phoenix. It was like 113 there today and 94 here. No one in Phoenix will be opening up their windows at night until nearly October.

I told the girls today the story about how I got stuck in the pig pen mud when I was a little girl. Not sure if they appreciated it, but it's an old family story of one of my famous screw ups. Someday, they will be older and remember it.

One more interesting thing, maybe. Annie's eye doctor's name is Tempest Fugit!

'bout time to go.

Wow, this day went by fast!

I started work this morning right after a shower and a bowl of cereal. I had trouble with my computer which set me back about 45 minutes. I was hurrying as the kids were coming about 10:00. As it was, they arrived about 10:30. I wrapped up some work, and closed shop.

The kids and I went to In/Out burger for a fancy lunch, then did a little shopping. We called Annie and invited her to eat dinner at my house. Yes, yes! then we didn't hear from her. Come to find out she had been calling and I left the phone in the car. I only have a cell phone. The girls and I played games and tried to figure out something to watch on TV. It's hard. Not much that is appropriate for a 6 year old, an 11 year old, and grandma.

We had pasta and green beans with fruit on the side for dinner. The girls played in the yard and Annie and I visited for awhile. It is so nice to have them here.

I planned to work some tonight, but by the time they left it was 8:30. Darn daylight plan, then I really didn't feel like starting anything. I will crash early tonight and set my alarm for 5.

Gas is about $4.40 per gallon, and up. Ouch. Good thing I am not doing much driving.

Nancy, an old family friend is into genology and has been researching the Gerrish family, although in census records it is Garrish. Not sure who changed it, or why. My dad's mother, Bertha Cole's mother died after childbirth I've been told. Bertha was raised as an only child by her father from infancy. There isn't even a record of her mother's name. There must be a birth record somewhere. Now I am interested in researching something that had not really interested me in the past.

Lots of curious things in life. The records Nancy sent me traced my dad's Mother's family back to 1600 in England. That is so amazing to me.

The weekend was a blend of nature and technology

My Napa ladies went camping over the week-end, so I had to entertain myself. I went to the Farmer's Market Saturday morning. It's small, but I got some produce, some earrings, a rock carving of the eye of God, according to the carver.

I had some coffee and watched the people go by. There is a certain type, and age there. The thirty somethings, with little kids, and the graying folks strolling around; some couples, some solo. There is a man in a wheel chair providing singing entertainment. There's coffee and pastries and lots of tables to sit at. I'm not sure I saw any teen-agers, although there were a few young ladies probably in their twenties. Lots of people know each other. They might be yuppies, but everyone is fresh, natural and pleasant.

The market is next to the Napa river at a section called Ox bow. Annie educated me on the place where the river has changed course and created a bowed place, then changed back. From my vantage point, it looked like a tiny island, but I need to explore to see what it really is. It was a morning for a light jacket; although some locals were in shorts and bare armed.

I was so impressed with my little purchase of fruit and vegetables, I lined them up outside and had a photo shoot.

Before the week-end ended, I was off to Best Buy, consulting with Bill by phone, to pick out a router. Then I installed it. All was good until I tried to set it up. I had it so set up, neither computer could get internet. After some frustrating phone calls, I eventually got it straightened out with the help of Jamie at Comcast. She has acres of possible solutions at her fingertips. Got me up and going. My internet is much, much faster than my Verizon phone wireless set up. I loved the idea and convenience, but it couldn't keep up when I was on the work connection. I was going crazy.

Bill had to listen to some whining last night, so now he is thinking I need to learn more about how things get hooked up. I can use a computer, just can't set it up. Why should I, that's his hobby.

I had to run the heat today. When I got up it was 63 degrees in here. That is so neat when it is 111 at home. I smooshed too much into one day. I am falling asleep at the wheel.

Till next time, Chao!

Ken Chenault, Amex CEO quote on Waldorf education

I was reading some info on the web, specifically on Tess's school's web site.http://sb.educationgrove.com/ and I found a quote from Ken Chenault, a familiar name and a successful individual.

"My parents were looking for a school that would nurture the whole person. They also felt that the Waldorf school would be a far more open environment for African Americans, and that was focused on educating students with values, as well as the academic tools necessary to be constructive and contributing human beings. I am convinced that Waldorf schools deliver an essential alternative to our existing systems. A Waldorf education provides students with an approach to learning which successfully integrates the arts and sciences with the practical tools necessary to succeed in these challenging times. I am personally very grateful for the foundation that was laid during my formative years at Waldorf."

Kenneth I. Chenault, President and CEO,
The American Express Company

That was a surprise. Here I though this was such an obscure thing, and the leader of my company is a Waldorf school product.

For my friends who had trouble

I had restricted comments on my blogs to registered users, but opened it up to all. I will moderate comments; however, in case any nasty bloggers try to write bad things. Children could be reading this.

Lavender Ceremony

I've learned more about Tess's school, but there is a lot I would like to know. The teaching method is called the Waldorf method.

I went to the kindergarten ending ceremony. In this program, once the children start first grade, they have the same teacher through eighth grade. So, there ceremony, which is all about the children and not a show for parents, is for the kids to say goodbye to their kindergarten teachers, there is a team; and hello to next year's teachers who are a husband and wife team.

The little ones filed in after the parents were seated in the auditorium and sat in a circle on the floor (not the stage, you really couldn't see them; how tall are kindergartners?) with the teacher ladies in rocking chairs. One teacher told a story in a barely audible voice about an umbrella tree and how the children grew until they could climb to the top and see very far. The tree was wise and explained there is much to see in the world, but the tree could not go with them.

The teacher sang each child's name hugged them lovingly and gave each a stem of lavender. They walked across the room to the new teachers and the man, who is tall, wearing shorts, with his hair in a pony tail, greeted each one, collected the lavender, and they sat on the floor near him. Some were quite solemn, and one was quite silly, parading with her chest sticking out. She made everyone laugh. When all the children had moved to their future teacher's place, he welcomed them and invited them all to go out to the playground and play.

And off they went.

An interesting thing is, the same man teacher, who's name I don't recall, and his wife just graduated a class of eight graders a few days ago. Annie and Tess attended. Annie said the teacher knows each child so well after eight years. He said insightful things about each of them which brought her to tears. It seems it is very touching.

As a beginner to this whole thing, my impression is that this is much less of an institution than we are accustomed too, and more a home to learn in. Each child learns to knit, and each at a particular grade, plays the violin. Tess made a skirt on the sewing machine. She is quite excited to be sewing with me, but we haven't had a chance yet.

Another interesting thing Annie says is, in a private Wilton school, after the kids graduate, the teacher takes a year sabbatical which is paid. The program here is part of the public school system and they don't have budget for that. After teaching eighth grade, one teaches first, and so on. Can you imagine how attached the students and teachers become.

So a little herd of children are off to learn about the world!

And so it goes!

Last day of kindergarten

I went with my family to the last day of school picnic. It was a bit hot, but there are trees which through shade on the school yard and all the families laid out their blankets and baskets. It was pleasant. This evening I went to their house and hung out with big GD while little GD went with her mom to the eight grade graduation. It was a fairly uneventful day, but a good one.

New electronics and the last day of school

The TV and DVD player arrived today. I am now on a first name basis with Ken of UPS. This is his third trip here. Anyway, he likes my yard; and my equipment which was shipped in factory boxes, not plain brown ones. So Ken knows what goodies I have.

Today was big GD's last day of school and her mom dropped her off at 12:30. I said I would take her somewhere special for lunch and she picked Panda Express. She even split a meal with me. She was a happy and cheap date. They don't go there because little GD has a peanut allergy. You can't be sure with peanuts and peanut oil in the cooking area that the food is safe. Anyway, everything in Napa seemed to be hopping. I think it was HS graduation day. There is a stadium not too far away. I could hear the PA system, horns honking, and people cheering. My neighborhood was jammed with cars. I guess someone was having a party.

I'm not positive, but I think there is only one public HS in Napa, unlike Phoenix which has hundreds and the graduations have to be staggered so they can use the venues big enough for the crowds hundreds of graduates bring. Used to be Phoenix did graduations on the football fields where everybody sat in the evening sun and sweated copiously. These younger generations refuse to accept the sacrifices we made back in the old days, ha ha, but not too ha ha. Really!

My daughter marked the library and pool on my mapa Napa. Big GD checked out some books for me. We met the rest of the family at the pool. It is a private one in a development. They have to belong. Today being the last day of school there were a lot of kids there. I just got a lounge chair in the shade of a tree and crocheted for a few hours. Quite pleasant. If you haven't sat by the pool in Phoenix in 110 weather in mid day, you might not appreciate this as much as I did.

They invited me to go to pizza with some families but at six they were still all planning showers and hair washing, so I left. Got groceries and fixed dinner. Seems quite special to be cooking just for me, but I'm not sure why. Not that I've never lived alone. I have some cleaver things to say about cooking and eating kale, but I am so tired. I would like to say it is very good for bad eyes and is the consistency of packing material.

I am so sleepy and I think sun screen is dripping in my eye. I need to crash.

Tuesday is a fine day

I worked today, attended my first phone in staff meeting with my boss and his direct reports. It makes me kinda miss being there, but not so much.

It was 110 at home today, probably 90 here. One of my favorite things is having the house open and feeling the air come through. It reminds me of Nona's kitchen window and the curtains billowing in the breeze. At home, the house is closed up from mid May til mid September while you have AC on. Here, I ran the AC for a few hours, then it began to cool off. There is a window by the kitchen sink that comes clear down to the counter level. I washed dishes by the twilight coming in. Corny, I guess, but it is so meaningful to me.

I had a question today; why am I in Napa for summer. After 35 years on the job, I felt I deserved some time off. The idea of a leave evolved to coming here to help with my granddaughters while school is out, and working from home. Part time. I now have a 25 work week, so I am juggling how that will work and still help with the girls.

Girls and daughter came over after work/school. One had a swimming thing and needed a shower. Mom went to the store to get herself some stuff and brought back Mexican food for dinner. Little GD took a bath. Big GD and I played cards and had a good time. They like coming here. The yard is neat and they seem to find stuff to entertain themselves out there. Then they all got in the car and went to their house. This is devine for a mother whose daughter has lived in another state since 1993 and began a family I never see enough.

I signed up for digital TV, a regular phone, and cable modem today. TV and DVD player are supposed to arrive tomorrow, all electronics should be hooked up on Friday. Interesting, ComCast, the service provider, phoned me to see what kind of computer connection I had and said I need a router and modem, which I don't have to purchase as they lease for $5 a month. I am also having Tevo. The girls got excited, now they can watch their favorite shows no matter when they are here. This is going to be such a good summer.

I am not accustomed to daylight time. Bedtime sneaks up on me. One minute it is still light, next minute it's 9:30. We do not go on Daylight time in AZ. I am not quite used to this.

I talked to my spouse tonight who is happy that I am happy. He is working away and trying to figure out the watering for plants, which I usually do. If you don't stay on top of things in summer, stuff dies. He can do it. He is happy for me to have this opportunity to be with my family and away from the heat.

All is well in Napa. Good Night.

Napa place

Johanna said this about TV and macular degeneration

She made me think. I can read, but not and crochet at the same time.That's my justification, Johanna. I probably need to give it some time, getting used to living with quiet , you know. But, by the time I read this, I had already ordered a TV and DVD player from Costco.com.

Regarding ocular nutrition, that launched some internet research. I decided Paul Harvey gets a dandy cut of Hi Health's profits on the one he talks about; it's a bit pricey. I did read some medical articles about some supplements which protect your eye. I do take eye vitamins, but I found a product distributed by a place in Sedona, AZ which had things I already get and more. It must be good, they have all those vortexes in Sedona, right? So I bought that, too. Please don't think I'm nuts, the only treatment offered for this disease is nutritional. Every eye specialist I've seen recommends it.

To demonstrate my intellectual powers, I figured out a new camera and took pictures of my place to share. Instead of copying from the camera to the computer, I moved them, and now I can't find them. So I will need to do that again another day. Tomorrow is a long work day, so that will be for another time.

Today I hung out with my daughter who is getting ready for a camping trip. I didn't need to shop, but I found a little something I needed every place we went. Do you see a pattern here?

I did not run the AC today. When I came home and it was warm, I did the Mexican thing, I took a siesta during the warmest part of the day. This is one of my favorite week-end activities, snoozing in the recliner with a cat on my lap. ( Oops, no cat in Napa.) When I woke up it was supper time, but I was not hungry. Could it be the 3 PM lunch?, but now I am. Seems too late to eat real food, maybe Grapenuts?

Talked to my spouse a long time, he actually suggested how to find the missing pics all the way from home. And there they were. I will see what it takes to connect to them.

Sad thing about the Napa weather

I went up to my daughter's house about a twenty minute drive in a canyon. When I came back, my house was hot, so I decided Napa or not, I should run the AC. Turned it on, sat down a few minutes started looking for a blanket for my legs. I probably used it about 15 minutes, then opened the doors and let nature in.

I checked the weather for tomorrow, supposed to be 90. Now what do I do?

Made it through Monday

I've been trying to connect some photos to this blog, but haven't got it right. I'm too sleepy to write.

Funny thing about TV

It's been three days since my spouse left for home. This evening is the first time I really am feeling alone and I would like to watch TV and crochet. Problem is, no TV. There is an entertainment center, but it has no TV. No TV. Not a big thing. I found an episode about Alaska on the Discovery Network web site. People out in the wilderness who need to kill a moose or a goat to make it through the winter. Bears visit their camp daily. They are straining rain water through a dirty t-shirt for future consumption. A computer geek from LA is gutting a mountain goat. Not a very good picture on the computer, but it's talking. I'm wondering how long I can survive without a TV. Trader Joe's is about three blocks away, they have moose, goat, apples and cheese. I need a TV.

First Saturday

Bill and I drove from Phoenix last week end. I am using a home that belongs to Annie's friend's grandmother who is now in assisted living. The yard is surrounded by a tall wall and is landscaped in a lovely way. There are three sliding doors opening into the courtyard. Two have no curtains or shades which provides a lot of light. I will soon add some pictures.

Bill flew home Tuesday after helping me set up my computer and the work computer.
I have spent a lot of hours working but find the network at work pretty slow. There are still bugs to work out. There is no TV here which discourages long hours of couch potatoing, but I do want to get one. Just haven't shopped yet. This morning, I got a Phoenix radio station KTAR from their website. They kept predicting a high of 105 today. Tsh tsh. Annie, Tess, and I went to the farmers market where they have field fresh produce; peaches, berries, even beets looked good.

Since I am not in the office with the candy jar and cafeteria, I am having sensible lunch with lots of fruit. No body to talk to on the way to the printer, bathroom or just walking around. So far, I have been able to spend hours working with only water in water out breaks.

The eye doctor in Phoenix sent me to his buddy in Santa Rosa for a test to see how my Age Related Macular Degeneration is doing. They need to provide treatment as soon as possible if it is the "wet" kind with blood vessel involvement. My problem is still the dry kind, but one eye has a minute bump on my retina which is interfering with central vision. There is no treatment. The problem can get better, worse, or stay the same. Of course all the doctors tell me I am too young for this type of eye problem, but my eyes don't know that. They tell me the tendency to have it is genetic.

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