The Year's Goals Revisited.

On this day last year, I posted the top 10 things I wanted to accomplish in 2008. I didn't do them all, but I made a dent . . .

10. Research Sri Lanka-- I read the whole Lonely Planet guide and really really want to visit the Sprats there!

9. Give pot, I mean Ticket to Ride, another chance-- I played it on New Year's Eve last year. It wasn't terrible. I have since learned that I have an aversion to most train themed games. Go figure.

8. Decide on a color scheme for my bedroom-- Thanks to Sina, I have a vision of what I want. Perhaps finishing it will make this year's list.

7. Decorate my guest room, or at least hang up the pictures that are sitting on the floor in a box-- A sufficient number of pictures are hung, the rest remain on the floor in a box. Don't tell Flylady.

6. Grow something beautiful in my yard. Last growing season was a miserable failure due to my lack of effort and a few sprinkler malfunctions. Who knew roses actually had to have water consistently to produce flowers? The Chinese elms seemed to do okay without it-- I didn't grow anything but grass and a few roses. However, due to the continuing efforts of Jayde the Sprinkler Guy, I now have a FUNCTIONING underground sprinkler system which means next year has lots of potential.

5. Finish my 72 hour kit. This has been a work in progress for years. It's time to wrap it up-- Done

4. Spend every dollar on paper, on purpose. (That means budget better for the non-Daver's.)-- No comment.

3. Start hiking again. I did not spend nearly enough time communing with nature last year.-- Some, but not nearly enough.

2. Paint my living room and kitchen-- Done! (Thanks, Cristine!) I painted the bathroom too. :)

1. Blog more. -- No comment. I'm still accepting ideas as I try to tear myself away from Facebook.

A New Perspective on Life

A mere 6 weeks ago, I saw life very differently than I do today. I remember driving and thinking things like, "It sure is snowy today" or "I need to remember to pick up milk at the grocery store on the way home." Occasionally, if I saw something interesting I would think "I should blog about this" or I would compose blog posts about the day's events in my head. All that has changed. Five weeks ago, after much prodding and many queries as to if I had joined yet, I decided to enter the world of Facebook. Here is my inner dialogue as I ran a few errands this morning. It is much like all of my inner dialogues these past few weeks.

Daphne is driving through the snow and happy it is melting.
Daphne is stopped at a long red light.
Daphne is annoyed that Circuit City has nowhere to sit, forcing her to wander around and want to spend lots of money on electronics while waiting for her CD player to be installed.
(I wonder what random friends I haven't seen since the late 80's are doing right now. Is Chris Williams still walking or did the snow in Seattle melt?)
Daphne is trying (and failing) to set the new clock in her car.
Daphne is using gift cards and getting fun new stuff.
Daphne is hungry.
(I wonder what random people who I never really knew well but are friends of friends I haven't seen since the late 80's are doing. What is Dawn Burton doing with her hair these days?)
Daphne needs to call Liz about tomorrow. (Are her kids better? Did she get to enjoy their sleeping silence for a good long time or did Diggity wake up before he was supposed to?)
Daphne is at the car wash.
Daphne thinks the car wash is a little like the haunted house at Disneyland.
(I wonder what random friends I haven't seen since the mid 80's are doing for lunch today.)
Daphne thinks the Rock Star Windshield Repair guy hanging out by the vacuums at the car wash is a little creepy.
Daphne is still trying (and failing) to set the clock in her car.
Daphne is having breakfast at noon. Christmas vacation rocks!
Daphne is checking her Facebook account.
Daphne is missing her blog and finally updating it.

Thanksgiving at the Deli-Subs . . .

I got to explore a new part of the country this Thanksgiving with the Deli-Subs move to Minnesota. I heard many tales of cold and misery there, but found the weather to be quite nice. I think they make up the stories so all the people from California don't move there.

The Thankful Tree is an annual tradition at the Deli-Subs. . .


A Cinderella pumpkin (from the Farmer's Market)

This year, Mom Bread decided to make it the best tree so far so she sent Dad Bread and Pickle on a hunting expedition for the perfect tree.



Mom Bread and I spent all of Wednesday cooking for the big feast. I think Tomato felt a little neglected and tried everything she could to be noticed.


Finally, the big day arrived. The guests arrived . . . Cheese and Tomato were in charge of entertainment.

Mom Bread made her famous rolls.

Dad Bread made his famous cobbler (and didn't burn down the house, much to the surprise of his grandmother).


A good time was had by all!

What in the World is Contra Dancing?

That was my question when I first read about it on Danielle's blog. She talked me into going with her a couple of months ago, and my new answer to the question is "One of my favorite activities." It's SO fun! There is much success and enjoyment with little innate coordination and dance ability required (which is good because "little" is all I have to offer). This is a video from the most recent event.

Chicagoland II

I think Chicago is a place I could live. I spent a day in the city this weekend and found that nothing was open when I arrived at 8:45 in the morning. I could have slept in until 10 and not missed a thing. That's my kind of city!

From the Architecural Foundation's Boat Tour . . .





"The Bean" at Millenium Park (That's me in the middle)


The Art Institute (Someday I'll see the inside of this building too)



Near Union Station

Ode to the Saturn

Sixteen years ago, I was working as a school bus assistant and each morning, my bus passed the new Saturn dealership. It became a tradition for me and twelve year old Philip to discuss which of the new cars would one day be ours. Eleven years and 3 months ago, I drove my new Saturn off the lot. That same Saturn has served me well ever since. Today it reached an important milestone . . . 100,000 miles. Since I am all about "Getting on the Bandwagon" and since my car has been around longer than BB, KR, and Nate (Dad Bread was there for the test drive), here is a numerical report on my life with my car.

Oil changes: 45
Hours spent in the Saturn Service waiting room: 55
Car washes: 43
Flat tires changed: 5
Number of times it has left me stranded: 1
New batteries: 1
Number of lights changed: 2
Nonregular maintenance repairs: 3
Number of times it has been hit: 2
Dents: 0
Number of times I forgot to put registration stickers on in a timely manner: 9
Number of times I had to explain the expired stickers to an officer of the law: 1
Number of years with a scrunchy on my gearshift after cutting my hair short: 3
Number of drinks spilled: 3
Holes worn through original floor mat: 3
Number of times slept in: 4
Gallons of gas: 3,334 (give or take a few)
Number of states driven in: 6
Trips to California: 4
Trips to Washington: 8
Trips to Edison: 2,220
Years without a car payment: 7

Here's hoping for another 100,000 miles!

Entrepreneurs

When I exit the school each day, I look around and appreciate the good things about a neighborhood that properly appreciates porch sitting. I see kids in their front yards playing ball or running through sprinklers. I see others riding bikes or scooters. It is not unusual to hear a child's voice holler my name from afar (and also not unusual for me to not be exactly sure from whom or where the voice is coming). This afternoon, I heard my name and waved to the mystery voice. As I was getting in the car, an 11 year boy who I have known since his older siblings bribed his potty training efforts with promises of attending the summer lunch program at the school, rode up on his bike asking if I would like to buy some lemonade from his lemonade stand. I looked over at his yard and saw a group of kids sitting around a broken chair with a pitcher on it. Another boy arrived on his bike to help convince me that I must enjoy some of their lemonade, which he informed me was actually apple juice. They said it was only 50 cents, and they were raising money for school supplies so, of course, I couldn't say no. I walked over to the group of kids and waited while one of them used a serving spoon to dip juice from the pitcher to my cup. It was a long process so two little girls (one of whom is scheduled to be in my class this year) filled the time by reminding me that it was a good cause, as they were going to use the money to buy "materials" for school, and telling me that the juice was made from "natural water." Somehow, the ending of summer is just a little less sad. . .

Farmers' Market

I love going to the Farmers' Market. People from all over the city congregate to find fresh produce treasures. They bring their kids, their dogs, and their environmentally friendly shopping bags. Farmers try to explain why their crops are the best. Who knew there were awards for peaches?

I needed some green onions so I stopped at a booth that said they had them. Without actually looking at the product, I bought a bunch. When the woman handed them to me, I almost didn't think they were real. They were so big that when I put my shopping bag on my shoulder, they knocked me in the head. (Good thing they're soft!)



It's melon season right now. . . My favorite growing season of the year. Cantaloupe was my favorite type until yesterday. I stopped at a booth and saw cantaloupe in half of the display with another melon filling the other half. I had never seen this melon before so I asked about it. The farmer explained that it was an Israeli melon, the sweetest and best melon on Earth. He said I could get one and try it if I wanted to, but it would most certainly become an addiction and I would end up very frustrated, as they would only be available for a couple more weeks. I decided to give it a shot, thinking it couldn't possibly be THAT good. I was wrong.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Since Paris Soul Mate is having bloggers' block, it seems it is up to me to post about our outings of late. . .

The Pioneer Day 5K

When we arrived, the first person we saw was fully decked out in big hair and full make-up, causing Paris to wonder if she would ever recover from her culture shock. Much to our relief, as more people arrived, it became clear that she just didn't get the memo about it being a casual event. We did the traditional walk from the building formerly known as the Delta Center (we all agreed that it can not, in good conscience, be called by its new name) to the parade route, to Liberty Park. Nate threatened to leave the walk when those people who don't know that not everyone there is running the marathon started cheering for him but Ruby seemed to enjoy the attention.



Tracy Aviary

When we arrived, the ducks immediately caught Ruby's attention. The only thing that could tear her away was the arrival of the peacock.


The Amazon Adventure is a new exhibit since last time I was there. For a couple of extra dollars, you can hand feed the birds. They give you a tongue depressor with a slice of apple on it, and when you go in the enclosure, the birds land on the stick and eat the apple. The birds were very tame, and just a bit pushy. Those with bird-phobia should not attempt this experience. For others, it's pretty cool to get up close and personal with the bright and colorful Amazon birds.

A Do-Over

Last summer, I went to the Shakespeare Festival with some friends from work. We also took a day trip to Zion National Park. While there, we went on a hike none of us had done before. We walked along the Virgin River for a mile or so, then the trail ended and there was just river. A lot of people continued walking in the river through "The Narrows." We were not prepared for this . . . Denim shorts, hiking shoes with socks, etc. . . No view could be worth tromping around in those wet things all day long. So we watched longingly for a few minutes. Then Linda, the adventurer of the group, decided to go in after all. She disappeared into the distance, then returned half an hour or so later soaking wet. She had fallen in the river with her camera, phone, and all other pocket contents. Joan and I congratulated ourselves on not giving into temptation and meeting the same fate, then began planning what we needed to do to be prepared next time.

Today, with water sandals, walking sticks, and Ziploc bags, we returned to the same place and while we didn't complete the entire 16 miles of The Narrows, we got just a little taste of what all the hype is about.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Crick in my Neck

For no apparent reason, my computer monitor has turned the display sideways. I've never typed up the screen before. I'm getting used to it but reading the screen is becoming a problem. I can't figure out how to fix it. Anyone know the trick???

Crazy Concoctions

There are some things that one would not expect to go together, but upon tasting it becomes clear that they were meant to be together. Things like ketchup and mayonnaise or French fries and chocolate shake for example. I was recently introduced to the strangest one yet. So strange, I almost refused to even try it. However, I buckled to peer pressure and was surprised to find it amazingly tasty. I know what you're thinking, but give it a try. You'll never believe it.

Vanilla ice cream and balsamic vinegar

Impatiens Run Amok in Santa Cruz

Back to Chez Panisse

Last summer I had the best food I have ever eaten at Chez Panisse in Berkeley. The other day, I returned with friends for a second visit. Yummmmmm!!!

First, the salads . . .
Top: Rocket salad with roasted apricots and Ricotta cheese
Right: Squid with potatoes and coriander vinagrette (The winner of the three)
Front: Goat cheese with Vici lettuce salad


Then, the main courses . . .
Top: Poached salmon in fig leaf with fresh beets and fennel
Bottom: Pork leg with fried onions and Romano beans


And finally, dessert . . .
Cobbler with nectarine and summer berries and vanilla bean ice cream

Last Day in Yosemite

Why am I not getting any comments here??? I am the only one (besides CPR and Mom Bread) posting something new. I think that alone is worth a daily comment. Sheesh! (I think I'm a little hypersensitive because so few people here speak English so I have been talking to myself for the last 3 days. Note to self: Must learn Japanese and many European languages!)

Today I went to the south side of the park to see the Mariposa Sequoia Grove:


and the unmatched view of Glacier Point . . .

Half Dome


Yosemite Falls (the highest waterfall in North America)


I leave tomorroow morning for my next adventures, which should include cooler temperatures but can't possibly include better scenery.

What Will 20 Bucks Get You in Yosemite?

Well, it will get you a couple of meals, or 3.5 gallons of gas, or 13 bottomless glasses of lemonade, or (when added to what I would spend on a tent cabin) a private, non-coed bathroom at the same altitude as my sleeping quarters, air conditioning, a real bed, a chair that did not come out of a school catalog, 4 windows, a 2/3 shorter walk from the parking lot, wallpaper and pictures, dressers, cabinets, and a porch with chairs. I expect it will get me a good night's sleep too. Worth every penny and more!

Today was Yosemite Valley day. I finally got to see what all the hype is about and I was not disappointed.

A few minutes after entering the park, I noticed a bunch of people parked at the side of the road taking pictures. When I looked up, I saw the HUGE El Capitan cliff. I've seen pictures, but you have to be standing below it to appreciate its true immensity. Rock climbers come from all over to ascend this 3,300 foot cliff. The fastest climber did it in 2.5 hours. Many people take 3 or 4 days to do it, sleeping in hammocks on the face of the cliff as they go. There are some sports I will never understand.


The next stop was Bridal Veil Falls which was a short hike away from the road.


The next stop was the parking lot but you don't care about that one so I will move on to the open air tour tram tour. The tour was led by a very informative park ranger and a driver who has climbed El Capitan 4 times.


Cathedral Rocks and the Merced River


Tunnel View . . . A week ago, only the two front peaks were visible due to the smoke in the air.


And of course, Yosemite is all about the wildlife. I saw a black bear with brown fur (go figure), a pushy chipmunk, a bunch of birds, and this deer.

Sleeping in Hell

The ad said “Rustic Mountain Resort.” The reality is Brighton Camp with the bathroom at the top of Hernia Hill, and my 105 degree windowless tent cabin at the bottom. (And fortunately sans the 12 year olds . . . That would REALLY be hell!) Tomorrow will be better. I’ll still be at glorified Brighton but the weekend crowd will be gone so I will be upgrading to a private room with a bathroom and swamp cooler. Until then, I will make myself comfortable here at the lodge and hope it cools off before I go to bed.

The good news is . . . Today’s sights make it all worth it. (The pictures are a bit hazy due to the forest fires in other parts of the state.)

First stop: Mono Lake
Who knew the Great Salt Lake had a “sister lake” (at least according to the sign)? They are very similar, right down to the salty composition and the plethora of alkaline flies. However Mono Lake also has Tufa formations that are formed under the water by natural springs. When the lake level decreased due to some of the water being redirected, the tufa became visible. Eventually it will all be under water again because the government has mandated a re-redirection of the water back into the lake.




Second stop: Bodie State Park
Once a thriving gold mining town of 10,000 people, now a true ghost town with a population of just 5 rangers.



Third stop: Dana Meadows
Just inside the entrance to Yosemite.



Fourth stop: Tuolomne Meadows
Wow! That’s all I can say is Wow!




Fifth stop: Soda Springs
A naturally carbonated spring . . . It looks like it is boiling.