RAINY DAY

I remember the poem- "Rain rain go away, come again some other day..."  It's pouring outside; cold and windy, too.  I like the rain.  Things smell fresh, the sound of raindrops on the roof and windows is relaxing, and when it ends everything is clean and watered.  But things go crazy in Los Angeles when it rains.  We have huge mudslides in hillside areas that were burned by fire.  Foolish people fall into the swollen LA river...usually just a concrete ravine.  And, of course, the normally wacky drivers become wackier. 
I don't know if being deluged by heavy rain is any better than being snowbound, with freezing cold outside.  People who are snowbound may be forced to stay home by the fire and read, or even work from home by computer, And let's face it, snow covered landscapes make for beautiful photos and cards at this time of year. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL , AND A HEALTHY, PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!

The Plato Society of UCLA

    I am very lucky to belong to a wonderful society comprised of retired and semi-retired people, who come together to learn about a myriad of subjects.  We call our meetings "Study/Discussion Groups," or SDGs.  I have been gone for 4 terms because of my orthopedic issues, but today I rejoined the group.  It was great to be back.
     Each study group – there are about 25 different ones each term – usually consists of 14 participants.  A volunteer Coordinator acts as the group leader, but everyone has the opportunity to lead, to learn and to participate in the discussions.

     The groups meet for two-hours during the day each week for 14 weeks.  Each member becomes the discussion leader for one meeting and is responsible for an in-depth investigation of some aspect of the course topic.  Reading materials are recommended or provided for each week so that all members are prepared to join in lively, well-informed, provocative meetings that make for a truly engaging learning experience.
     The topic for my SDG is "Taking to the Streets; American Social Movements and their Music."  I picked for my presentation, "Music of Oppression: Slavery, spirituals, blues, etc."  It should be very interesting studying (re-studying) the institution of slavery in America, and how the music of the slaves has worked it's way into all types of musical forms.

THE PLATO SOCIETY

Back to Normal

     Tomorrow will be three weeks since my surgery.  I am doing great.  I walk without a cane most of the time, and today I drove to the grocery store.  I navigated the market in their motorized cart.  It's kind of embarrassing to be scooting around folks, backing up, turning around, etc. but I really like it.  It gives me the freedom to do it on my own, and that's a lot better than giving my husband a list and hoping I get the right groceries.  I shouldn't malign him; before I broke my ankle he had rarely been to the supermarket, at least not alone.  He did all the shopping for months, and we were never near starvation!
     So things are getting back to normal...whatever that is.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving.  In these times of national and personal stress, we can still take the time to give thanks for all our blessings.  I am grateful for all of the support I have received from Howard, my family, friends, "e-friends," doctors, and others who have given me strength to get through the past couple of years of orthopedic calamities.  I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I believe I would not have made it in such a good mental state if it had not been for you all.

Ahh, Royalty

     So Prince William and Kate Middleton are finally tying the knot.  The US media can't get enough of it.  We are so fickle.  We flit from Lindsay Lohan, to Mel Gibson, to Paris Hilton.  Finally we have two "genuine articles" to hear about daily from now on.  Their wedding plans, the wedding itself, the gown, the party, how much it cost, who paid for it, etc., etc.  Actually I love it.  The man who will be King (but when?) and his gorgeous commoner fiance.  What a story.  It's a real fairy tale.  But so were Princess Diana and Prince Charles.  Fairy tales often have sad endings, but this one sounds promising.  I will be hanging on every word, and watching all the goings-on.
     What about you in GB?  What's the story there?  Did she live anywhere near you? Is that all you hear and see on television?  Or are the Brits actually broadcasting news?  We seem to have abandoned news in favor of sensationalism.

Update Again

I am doing very well. Got up and walked with a walker and physical therapist for a little ways. Tomorrow will be more challenging. But if we keep the pain down,as it is now, I will do OK. Here is hoping I can sleep tonight...by the way, I have very good nursing so far.
Love, Myrna

Thoughts Before Surgery

Well, tomorrow is the day. I packed my tote bag, and am doing all the little things one does before leaving for a while; like washing clothes. Yesterday we marketed. Howard and I separated for the task,as we went to different markets and had different errands. If all goes well, I should only be in the hospital for a few days, but won't be getting around much for a few weeks.
I phoned the "kids" to let them know how important they are to me and how much I need their support. All in the hopes that they will check in often. I find I am nervous and a bit anxious. I don't like feeling vulnerable and needy, it goes against my "makeup." I am doing pretty well in not dwelling on the things that can go wrong. Every so often those thoughts creep in, but I have had this surgery before and came out fine.
So, I will write again while recovering, and hope to hear from you.

Update

It is 10 days before my knee replacement. I haven't written a post because I have been incredibly busy. Lots of different doctors to see, lunch with several friends, and lots of pre- planning.. My mood is "up" and I am looking forward to a successful outcome. I will write more as time goes on.

THIS TRIP WAS A VACATION.

Three Pastry Chefs in Training

We had a fabulous trip to Carmel, Pebble Beach and Monterey.  We had been there before, of course, but never with a group of 10 people with a penchant for eating and drinking.  There were some business meetings thrown in among golf at Pebble Beach.  We stayed at the gorgeous Inn at Spanish Bay, where the bagpiper plays on the beach every night at 6:15.  I can't seem to get my photos to line up where I want them; either in chronological order or any other kind of order.  All I can say, is that I had a massage and a facial, and was treated to Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in our room.  The beautiful room looked out over the ocean and part of the golf course, with stately cypress trees all around.

The Jellyfish were astounding, as you can see.

At the Monterey Bay Acquarium

Big Sur Coastline

Dessert Plate Painting Class

My flourless chocolate cake

The Ladies were treated to a PLATE decorating class given by the extraordinary Chief Pastry Chef of the Pebble Beach Corporation.  He has prepared for the academy awards, and received numerous awards.  WE DESERVED NO AWARDS.  It was hard to do, but we got to eat our paintings.

A good time was had by all our friends....it was great to laugh so much.

Here's to You!

Bit of our room at Inn at Spanish Bay

Doings

I feel "tapped out" when it comes to creative writing.  I guess I don't have to be creative, do I?  These are doldrum times for me.  I am not doing too much because of knee pain; just going to physical therapy and doing small errands.  However, we are going on a week's vacation before I have the surgery.  We will have a couple of days in Carmel and Monterey proper, then a few days at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach.  I think Howard will make an effort to play golf; it's Pebble Beach, after all.  I plan to go to the spa!!!!!!!  It will be a wonderful break.
I am also mulling over the idea of writing a book.  No concrete plans yet, but I have some thoughts floating around in my head.  So, until next post, "See Ya."

Whew! It's Hot!

On a day like today, when the temperatures will soar, I like to think of this cool rushing river in Wyoming that we visited a few years ago.  Today, I  may go out to the ocean or to the Marina and watch the boats sail out the main channel to the ocean.  It's a perfect place to reflect, and catch a cool breeze.

Use Sunscreen

Hi Everyone,
I haven't written in a while because I couldn't think of anything upbeat to write about.  I guess I was a little "down."  Yesterday I got good news.  After having a growth removed from my leg last month, and finding it was a Squamous Cell Carcinoma, I had a followup surgery yesterday that was examined by the pathologist on the spot, and it was clear.  So, aside from stitches that hurt like x#%Xz, I should be doing my thing, whatever that is, in a few weeks.  Just a reminder: USE SUNSCREEN!
 I am going for a knee replacement in November, so I won't be running around doing "that thing" in full speed until about Christmas time.  Oh well, so I didn't write an upbeat blog this time, but I never made any promises!

A Happy Heart!

     Well, my husband caved in at the last moment; after I spoke to the shelter lady.

    He said that he saw a very sad little dog sitting on the sidewalk, and he realized he just couldn't give Webber up, not knowing if he too, would be a "sad little dog."  Actually, I think he doesn't want to deal with a sad little wife!!!

    Don't you think that since he put me through months of complaining about the dog, and insisted that I come to terms with the reasonableness of giving him up for adoption , he has "waived" his right to complain?  I think that from now on he has to just "suck it up" and be the nice guy that I know he is inside!

    I am going to hire a dog trainer and a walker as soon as I can get around to it.  And therein lies the rub.  I promised that I would do that when we got him 3 years ago.  I guess I owe it to Howard and the dog to whip him into shape.  OH, not really whip.  Do I mean Howard or the dog?  Hmmmmmmmm.

Heavy Heart

Oh boy!  I started the ball rolling regarding our putting Webber up for adoption.  I called the agency, Bichons and Buddies, from
whom we heard about him 3 years ago.  It has been a wonderful relationship between me and this dog.  We adore each other.  Howard likes him, but thinks he is a lot of trouble. I have been willing to overlook the problems and the expense, but it has gotten too hard to do all that it takes to be a good dog owner.

So, he is at the groomer this morning because the owner of the agency wants to come over and take his picture for the internet.  I am "holding in" being a wreck.  I am sure the dog will adjust better than I will.  He spends most of his time "sleeping around," and the rest of the time peeing and pooping.  What I will miss is our petting time, which is almost all the time he is awake.  He has a lot of bad habits that I won't miss, but on the whole life will seem more free, but definitely more lonely.

Dance Through It

     Al Pacino had a memorable comment in the movie "Scent of a Woman," where he plays Frank Slade, a blind retired marine. After he danced a beautiful tango with a lovely young woman, (quite a feat for a blind person) he said, "If you get tangled up, you just tango on." Sometimes life just throws things at you, and you get "tangled up" in the mess.  It might be good to remember to "tango on" to get through the tough periods.

How Old is "Old?"

My friends and I have been lamenting about getting old. I know the standard reply,
"It beats the alternative," but seriously folks, the three of us mentioned here are falling apart. Thank God for modern medicine. I'm having a second knee replacement in November, one friend is due for one as well. Then there is the other gal who is facing long term tooth repair and also has ortho issues. Now you add those to the myriad of internal breakdowns and you get bodies in decline!
I am not writing to complain, I am simply making an observation. I know a lot of people my age who overcome all kinds of adversities, and live their lives as actively as possible. I know some who give in, and really get old fast. I intend to be in the first group. I will just write off this year as an orthopedic disaster, and do my best to remain upbeat.
I simply will not give in; I guess I am too stubborn! So Kath, wheel that "Trolley Dolley" with pride.

Much Ado About Nothing

So here we are in lovely SANTA BARBARA. I packed too much as usual, and will not wear most of what I brought. Today we are going to the "wine country" in Santa Ynez and environs. We plan to have a relaxing day. Our hotel room looks out over the beach, it is morning, and there are a lot of ambitious athletes out there. They are running, biking, walking, and driving convertables with the tops down. IT'S COLD OUT THERE PEOPLE!!! So the big deal I made about packing was truly "Much Ado About Nothing!"

Packing Stress

     I don't know why the preparation for packing, whether we will be gone for a few days or a few weeks, is so stressful for me.  I'm not talking about the actual act of putting things in the suitcase, I find that to be an enjoyable challenge.   I'm talking about what I'm going to take, whether the clothes need washing or cleaning, the button I have to sew on the jacket, ironing the orange linen shirt, packing the toiletries for myself (and the things Howard might need that he doesn't bother to pack).  Howard's theory is that he is not traveling into the Amazon.  There are stores all over and if he forgets something important he can always buy it.  My theory is, "why waste the time going to the drug store when I can have it all in my little bag?"
     What results is a few days, maybe a week, of pressure to get everything done amidst the ordinary vicissitudes of daily life, like doctor's appointments, hair cut, phone calls, emails, vet shots for Webber (he goes to a fancy pet hotel), and numerous other stuff.  Now YOU all travel.  Do you go through such stress?  Howard has threatened to cancel trips because I make him "crazy."  I do have a major problem; I am a perfectionist.  I have the fantasy that I I could just put a few things in a bag and go away on a moment's notice.  But I think I really could if pressed to do so; especially if we were going somewhere exciting.  I would just have to fight my nature to have everything "done" before I left.
     Right now I should be sewing the button on the jacket, but here I am writing in my blog.  Oh, well!

I Bit the "Apple..."

     Good news for me.  The "Genius" at the Apple Store fixed my syncing problem, got my contacts back on the iphone, and put all of my "dates" back in the right place.  All of the time I was waiting for my turn at the Genius Bar, I looked around at the "people concentrated" (translate: crowded) store and its inhabitants and what they seemed to be doing there.
     Of course, there were the people who were wandering through the mall, and stopped in to play with the ipads and computers on display; many of them had baby strollers and packages with them which says to me, "not a buyer."  Lots of people had boxes of accessories in their hands; iphone cases, earbuds, speakers, etc. They were in a separate line to pay, or if they were lucky, someone with a charge "thingy" came to them.
     There were lots and lots of people like me, waiting to have their computers and other devices fixed....wouldn't you think that would scare some buyers away?  Maybe they should have put us in a separate room.  Actually, they want everyone to know that they can fix any problem that arises; thus, the Genius Bar.
     Best of all  were the folks who were taking lessons on the Mac computer system, iphoto, iphone operation, etc.  The Apple people are so very patient and knowledgable that it is fun shopping and doing business with them.
     Oh, I forgot, there was a double line outside the store for people who are buying the new iphone4, which has been acknowledged to have a glitch.  Wouldn't you think they would wait for the 4.1 to come out?
     My Genius said it is like that all day, every day.....and that is just one store in Manhattan Beach. It boggles my mind.  I wish I had Apple stock!

Going's On

Well, the gardener just arrived to do some planting, and the dog is going crazy. I don't get it, since he sees the gardener once a month, and has known him for 3 years. He just likes to protect the house and its precious inhabitants. For my blogger friends in the United Kingdom, who have gorgeous gardens that you care for yourselves, I must admit that everything I have ever planted has died. Howard loves to putter out there and except for monthly trimming of vines and tree,and a little planting by the gardener, he keeps it looking colorful and restful. I love it.
So, except for dinner tonight to celebrate grandson Eli's birthday, I look forward to a visit this weekend to The Apple Store to have them untangle the mess on my computer, iPhone and iPad that occurred as a result of faulty syncing. I probably should go back to my paper agenda!!!!!!

Hot July Day

So, it's the middle of July, and summer is finally here. We are in Lake Arrowhead where the temp is expected to reach the 90s. We came to visit our vacation home, which has been somewhat unused since I broke my leg. It is such a lovely environment and I am reminded each time we come here how much I love it. I had a dream that we decided to retire up here, sold this charming house, and bought a more spacious, air conditioned home near the lake. If there was some thing to do up here that interested me, it would be a good idea. Actually, it's a well operating "small town" where everyone knows each other. We've been here as weekenders for 17 years, and know quite a lot of folks. There are groups for most interests, two supermarkets, drug store, bank,library, four screen (small) movie theater, restaurants, etc. But I'm a city girl, and like to have many choices. Maybe we could live here and have a little condo by the beach In Los Angeles. Wow i'm really a wishful thinker.

Does This Belong In My Blog?

Today I was asked whether I planned to write about some of my life struggles in my blog.
I was stumped.  I don't want to discuss specific friends or family members, but how would I be authentic in my writing if I left all the meaty stuff out?  Another issue is whether it would be boring to others, while cathartic to me.  Who am I writing for, myself or others?
Both, I think.  I love getting comments to my posts, and I fear that my followers would "drop away."

THE VOTES ARE IN: What's private, stays private. Why did I even ponder this?

Tripping around the Globe

Today I thought I would write about something of interest to me.  I love globes.  I have a "relief" globe in my office that teaches me new things all the time.  When I play Jeopardy, one of my worst subjects is bodies of water and islands, the other one is Chemistry.  Let's talk about islands; the visual is much better than a Bunson Burner.

I would love to go to Polynesia someday, sailing on a windjammer.  But it takes so long to get there.  Now I know why!  It's really, really far away.  If you try to get there from Great Britain, it's probably not worth the time it takes to get there.

I now know Samoa and Fiji (and Bora Bora, but I can't find it on the globe) lie below the Equator, just north of New Zealand, and East of Australia.  I can't tell if they are actually in the Coral Sea, or the South Pacific Ocean, or maybe both.

The islands that make up Polynesia, including French Polynesia, were discovered by Captain James Cook, a British navigator, in the mid 1700s. He was all over the Pacific Ocean; The Hawaiian Islands being another of his "discoveries."  I don't like to think that an aristocratic explorer who comes upon a land mass, whether a continent or islands, actually DISCOVERS them.  After all, they were there all the time, with indigenous peoples who didn't think they needed to be found. 

Anyway, just above Australia lies New Guinea; surrounded by the Coral Sea, the Banda Sea, and the South Pacific.  I have friends who went there and got stranded because their "guide" left them for a few days on their own and forgot to pick them up.  They said they were in very dangerous jungle areas where they thought cannibalism was still practiced; along with "head shrinking."  Who knows?  I thought they were crazy to go there in the first place!!!

So, enough for now.  I will find another location I know little about and bring it to you another time.

Life's Little Moments

     My second oldest grandson graduated from sixth grade.   He is on to middle school, to be faced with lots of new experiences; drugs, bullies, girls, pimples, panic, and decisions.  I think he will be fine..he is extroverted and smart, and I see good things ahead for him.
     My cast is still with me, preventing me from driving.  This could be a good thing, because I have a tremendous desire to go shopping.  I should be getting calls from the stores I shop in, wondering where I've been.  Howard says several of them have had to close their doors because I haven't been there.  IT REALLY ISN'T THAT BAD.
     There are things about department stores and good boutiques that feed my artistic personality.  I love color, and good displays.  Great advertising draws me in.  I did advertising design when I was younger, and the lure of merchandise has never left me.  I think it is in my DNA.
     My 94 year old mother and I loved the stores when we were young.  Shopping was our favorite pastime together.  We especially liked a good sale.  I still love them, but I hate the crowds, so by the time I get there, the merchandise is picked over and the good stuff is gone.  My mother once had a physical "tug-of-war" with a woman over a sweater at a sale; she didn't really want the sweater, but she didn't want the woman to have it either.  She bought the sweater and returned it.  What does that say about my mother?  I don't want to delve into that now.

                                 She was younger here...93.  Bye Now!

MotherLode and Dixieland Jazz Festival

  

                               

     We had a great time exploring the old west, including a private tour of the State Capitol.  Notice the personal welcome to the Senate Chamber.  

     The Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Festival was fantastic; about 60,000 people in lots of venues and on the streets, listening to great music.  One of the best things about car travel is experiencing the beauty of the California countryside; rolling hills, huge oak trees, cattle, horses, and all the things we forget about living in the big city.  It is very restorative.

"On The Road Again"

We are in Northern California on the trail of the Gold Rush in the 1850s.  Lots of charming old mining towns, with the historic main streets looking very much as they did, with the exception of little antique shops and boutiques housed in the storefronts.  The picture above is the Historic Murphys Hotel in the town of Murphys where we stayed.  There are a lot of wineries in Murphys, with tasting rooms.  It draws many tourists in the summer.  We are now in our state Capitol, Sacramento.  For the next few days we will be enjoying a Dixieland Jazz Festival...what fun!

THE DRAMA CONTINUES

Sunset Over a Blue Lagoon

The Dreaded Air Cast

  Why, you ask, is my last acrylic painting stuck in here with the cast and the nurse?  I don't really have an answer for that.  I just like the painting and don't have a good chance to look at it often since it is downstairs above the fireplace, and I am stuck upstairs most of the time.  The painting is much more light and joyful than it photographed.  

This evening my cousin's daughter will be getting married.  The family is very excited; we will all be gathering at an elegant hotel and will be having a great time.  I'm looking forward to it.
    
Yesterday I saw the doctor after my 3 month term was nearly over (1 week to go).  I expected the bone to be healed.  However, the ex-ray showed that it is BEGINNING to heal.  I have to come back in 6 weeks for another look.  I can put a tiny bit of weight on the foot from time to time, but no major difference in my activity.  Suffice it to say I am disappointed, angry, depressed, think the boredom will "do me in," and just want to cry.  If you are not well, getting older just sucks; but the alternative is suckier.

     Then there is the lovely Jennifer.  She is an RN, and comes 3 days a week.  I don't really need an RN, but we have known her for a long time, and she is like a member of our family.  It feels so comfortable with her here; she anticipates my needs and truly gives me a lot of care.  We also laugh a lot and she makes my days go faster.   I just love her and would hate to have to give her up.

     Howard, out of love and commitment does the other 4 days.  I am very grateful, it's really hard to do, but we are getting on each other's nerves. Our upcoming vacation will give us a well needed break in the routine.

Nurse Jennifer and Webber

TROUBLE IN A CURLY WHITE COAT

     This is Webber.  We think he is the biggest Bichon Frisee (without the fancy haircut) on earth.  He has the papers to prove his lineage, and he acts like a Bichon, but he weighs 25 lbs.
     We've had him for about 2 years, but he lived with a neighbor in a very loving home since his birth.  He was 5 when we adopted him from his home, where he could no longer be taken care of.  Now I know he was spoiled when we got him, but he has become very needy of late.  He has his own way of communicating with us.  He squeaks and whines.  He starts with one squeak, and if he doesn't get a response, he adds to the squeaks and gets louder and more insistent.  He reserves this behavior for begging at the table and standing at the side of the bed wanting to climb in with us.  He is a playful sort, loves his long legged stuffed dog toys.  He grabs one leg in his teeth and twirls it around, ending with a flip over his back; it's really cute.  He is also very loyal and protective; too much so.  He hates the UPS man; hears his truck coming up the block, and stands at the gate barking at him until he passes our house.  If I get a package, the man often just puts it in front of the gate and hurries into the truck.
     His loyalty is unparalleled; we go out for a few hours and find him sitting at the gate waiting for our return, and as happy as if we were gone for weeks.  I love the little guy; so does my husband, but he said when Webber goes up to doggie heaven, we are not getting another dog!  We'll see.

ARIAL OR TREBUCHET?

     This is ridiculous! I've been in search for the "perfect" blog layout; one that reflects my personality, preferences, talents, and so forth.  There "'ain't" no such thing.  I spent a good chunk of my time yesterday changing templates, colors, fonts, and formats, and nothing was good enough.  Finally, I settled on one.  I don't know how long it will last, because I love to change them around.  But at least this one looks like me.  I'll let you figure that one out!  Really, I think that what one puts into a blog is more important than the way it looks.....a good metaphor for building one's character as well.

THE RANCH AND THE TORNADO

    We have dear friends who have a wonderful ranch in Montana.  They raise buffalo to whom they give names of family members and friends.  The buffalo and the people are so proud to have the honor bestowed upon them.  Whenever I go to the ranch I get the feeling of calm and relief from stress that wide open spaces can bring about.
     One summer, our hostess, a friend and I (all city girls) drove the jeep into the small farm town to buy decorations and food for a neighbor's baby shower.  It was about a 45 minute drive, and we looked forward to the outing.  The moment we got there, we sensed there was something wrong.  There was a stillness in the air, and little pieces of paper were twirling around in a little circle.  Odd?  We thought so, too.  But it didn't stop us.  It was 3:00 PM on a Saturday, and some of the stores were closed.  Why? Did they know something we didn't know?
     We got some of the errands done, and when we exited the store we looked up and saw a pitch black sky.  It started to get windy.  We realized that it was a tornado, and we had a long drive ahead of us.  A tornado?  We don't have those in New York City or Los Angeles.  What do we do, hide from it? Drive right through it?  We were speeding down the road and the black funnel cloud was following us.  Then it started to hail.  Believe me when I tell you that the hail was as big as baseballs; and they made big dents in the car.  The only building we saw on the road was an abandoned gas station, and there was no place to take shelter, so we pressed on.
     We got back to the ranch in time to avoid being swallowed up by the storm, but there were others who were not so lucky.  The storm went on through the night.  We saw on TV that there were tornado warnings, but we couldn't see anything out the window but blackness and lightning.  We were glad to be on our way home the next day, but at the Billings Airport there were tornado warning sirens going off.  My thought?  Get me outta here!
     Of course, we returned to the ranch several more times, always with the anticipation of a wonderful few days with friends, living a much different life than we do at home.

ARLO

     Saturday night we went to our "annual" Arlo Guthrie Concert at UCLA.
     We love his folksy humor and wonderful songs.  Last year it wasn't so good; he didn't do his old music, but tried out new compositions.  That wasn't what the audience came for.  He did "Alice's Restaurant" and "City of New Orleans," but not much more that was recognizable.
     THIS YEAR he redeemed himself.  He did a lot of Woody's known and unknown songs as well as his own known selections.  What made it so much more fun was that it was was The Guthrie Family in all its glory. The picture is old, and doesn't have all the players, but there were lots of them.  He even had his granddaughters (ages 7 down to 2) on stage; and they can sing, play instruments, and hog the mikes.  His daughters, son, and other family members perfectly complemented Arlo, and were marvelous on their own.  It was really a triumph.  Imagine having so many talented family members all touring together.  It must be a madhouse on those tour busses.

ROAD TRIP!

COULD HAVE BEEN US IN THE 1970'S  

I found a website that really appeals to me (www.roadtripamerica.com).  It's full of information about wonderful back roads, destinations, articles, etc., that relate to car or RV travel throughout the USA.
   I don't know what the American version of the Anglophile is, but my husband and I fit into that category.  We have travelled throughout the world, and have seen many wonderful places that fill us with treasured memories.
   Sightseeing by car, with Howard driving in unfamiliar territory, has been a "trip" all its own, no matter what country we're in.  I think I may do some blogs about some of the predicaments in which we have found ourselves.  Car travel can be lots of fun; there are lots of things to discover when you are on your own.  If we were to rate our travel experiences, we would have to rate traversing America by car right on top. ( See "Teton Reflections")
   We have a Road Trip coming up.  We plan to explore the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 in Northern California.  We went to the "Mother Lode Country" years ago, and don't expect it to be any different this time, at least we hope not.  The little towns in the Sierra Nevada foothills are charming and historic; we are very excited.
    As a finishing touch, we will spend 4 days in Sacramento at the "Dixieland Jazz Festival."  We haven't done that in quite a few years, and are really looking forward to visiting venues around the city and listening to that spirited and sometimes soulful music.

THE EARTH MOVES UNDER MY FEET!

 NORTHRIDGE QUAKE 1994

   Well, we just experienced an earthquake. The epicenter was near Mexicali, Mexico, about 120 miles south of where we live.  It was a huge one; 7.2 magnitude.  We felt it here near Santa Monica, but we in California are all too used to feeling earthquakes.  We speculate as to their magnitude, can describe the type of motion, and if it is a big one, like Northridge, experience damage to our homes.  I have been near the epicenters of Northridge, Landers, Whittier Narrows, and a few others.  Boy, it's exciting.  Water sloshes out of swimming pools, items fall off of shelves,  and chandeliers sway.  However, if it is a big one, its no joke! Houses slide off of their foundations, walls come tumbling down, power poles come down, precious items break, and human life is in danger.
   After the Northridge Quake I carried first aid, water, and sneakers in the trunk of my car for about a year.  Little by little I cleaned out the trunk, and the Quake Kit fell by the wayside. 
The big one today reminded me of how prepared we should be, because the earth will shake again.  (Now where did I put that first aid backpack?)

iPAD MADNESS

     I want to buy an iPad.  I don't need an iPad.  In fact, I recently bought a netbook, which is terrible; it crashes all the time, it really was a mistake.  My son told me to wait for the iPad, that the netbooks were toys compared to it.  But I didn't listen.  I'm so impulsive/compulsive that the iPad continually pops up in my mind. I watch demos, and really think it is the machine for me.  But I can't do it.  It seems morally decadent.  How many computers, kindles, etc. does one person need?  I'm not even working.  I will wait until it has been out for a year, and then I will consider it.  Oh, I hope I can wait.

DISABLED ACCESS? I DON'T THINK SO.

     When I graduated from Law School I wanted to be a champion for the disabled.  I accomplished that to some degree, but I, myself, was an able-bodied person.  I had empathy for my clients, but could I REALLY understand what they were going through?  I thought so, but maybe not.

     Over the years I developed all kinds of orthopedic problems, making long distance walking and some other endeavors painful and difficult, if not impossible.  I heartily approved of the "American's with Disabilities Act," which required, among many other things, handicapped bathroom facilities in most establishments, and wheelchair ramps carved into the street corners. There have been lots of wonderful accommodations over the years.

    Now, however, I am temporarily unable to be weight-bearing on my left leg..  I am either pushed in a wheelchair or self-ambulatory on a "knee scooter, " an adorable, fantastic invention.  (Not me in the photo).  But I can only get off of it on the right side.  We have a two story home, so navigating the stairs is a major issue, only done when absolutely necessary; like to LEAVE THE HOUSE!  For the next three months I have canceled all unnecessary plans, because of the logistics of getting me out of here over to "there." 

    Now I realize that all ventures from the house require careful planning, calling ahead, etc.  Last night we went to a lovely, accessible restaurant for my birthday.  So far, so good.  The bathroom area was busy, and I didn't know the layout.  Since I was in a wheelchair that needed pushing, I didn't want my husband to halt all traffic while he helped me negotiate the project.  

   I was planning to attend a bridal shower next week, at someone's home.  "Oh, don't worry, it's all one level." said my friend.  But what about the sidewalk?  The walkway to the house; are there steps?  Is there a step down living room?  Are they having it outside?  How do you get to the yard?  Is the bathroom a) big enough for my scooter, and b) laid out so I can get off the scooter on the right side?  Is the bathroom in the restaurant really accessible?  Can I even open the door to get in?  All of these problems can be solved by asking for information, but for a "newbie" like me, there is still lots of insecurity.

    I knew a woman who had MS and was in a wheelchair.  As her condition deteriorated, her world became smaller.  A permanent caregiver, lots of shopping from home, restaurants that made her feel comfortable, chefs who would cut up the food in the kitchen, and lots of calling ahead to check out the accommodations.  

    Needing help (and asking for it) with personal grooming, mobility, meals, etc., is very difficult for me.  It must be more so for many people with permanent disabilities.  I give a lot of credit to people who have dealt with their issues and accomplished great things.  I also give a lot of credit to those who face the issues every day, and struggle to maneuver through a society that caters to those who physically are able to make it on their own.

    

TETON REFLECTIONS

I was searching through photos and came across one that I took of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming.I really like it. It is a very calm scene, but taken on a journey that much the opposite of calm.

Our children were 9, 5, and 2 (still in diapers). We took all three plus a 15' Field and Stream trailer on a National Park Tour. We were on the road for three weeks. This was many years ago, but the pain lingers on.

I CALL IT THE TRIP FROM HELL!

I started the trip recording my thoughts into a tape recorder every day, and by the end of the trip I was crying into the mike. What were we thinking?  Who did we think we were, pioneers? We slept in our cramped "covered wagon" and ate all of our meals outside.

I swear this is true: The kids were sitting at a picnic table under the pines, drinking chicken rice soup. Stuff that looked like big pieces of rice started falling from the trees.....they were maggots. That was when I began to crumble.

    
In spite of the discomfort, we continued on, undaunted, determined to visit the glorious parks, and introduce our children to the beauty of nature (only the oldest one remembers the trip). The reason I feel comfortable recounting the horrors of the trip, is that it served its purpose.
    
Of course Howard and I repeated the trip several times over the years, but what pleased us most was that we have been able to share our love for the beauty of this country with the kids as they grew. We tent camped with them in Yosemite year after year. When they reached young adulthood, we all switched to backpacking. It was an adventure I was "dragged" into, but once I got going, I enjoyed it. I have a few stories about backpacking as well, but I'll save them for another day.

WHITEWATER WIPEOUTS

     I picked the photo for this posting  because of the sheer joy, and extreme panic that goes along with whitewater rafting.  No, that's not me in the photo, but it might as well be.  Howard and I have rafted many rivers, including the very dangerous Tuolomne (pictured) and the glorious, sometimes terrifying Colorado.

     The Tuolomne was our first rafting experience; it is an advanced class IV-V river, not one for novices, but we took someone else's place.  It was kind of a "sure, why not" response.  I looked up a class V.  "Whitewater, large waves, possible large rocks and hazards, possible large drop, requires precice maneuvering, skill level Advanced whitewater experience."  A class VI is so dangerous as to risk death.  We had "all of the above."  The river was WILD as it ran 18 miles of intense rapids, interspersed with gorgeous scenery and a feeling of solitude at calm stretches.  It was so rough at certain places that the oarsmen had to portage the rafts to safer spots; we hiked the route.

     You would think "never again."  But it's like having a baby, you forget the "pain" and remember the joy.  We did 8 days on the Colorado River as part of a group of friends who were photographing a catalog for their outdoor equipment.  They did 13 days, ending up in Lake Mead.  We got out half way, as planned, at Phantom Ranch.  We put on our packs, and lots of water, and hiked 1 mile straight up the canyon trail in 104 degree heat.  Slept overnight on picnic tables close to the rim.  It was awful.  I don't even want to relive it.

     But the RAFTING on the Colorado was phenomenal.  You float down, down, down, through time to the base of the canyon.  We had an oarswoman who was exceptionally knowledgeable about history and geology, so we enjoyed it all the way. The rapids were again a class IV -V.  But we were in a 3 person rubber raft with an experienced oarswoman.  Nevertheless, the screaming was intense.  The rapids were treacherous, but it was a great adventure.

LAZY DAY

     I'm sitting here this lovely Sunday playing with the blog settings, and listening to Jerry Lee Lewis on a honkey-tonk radio station.  There has been one classic after another: Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Tammy Wynette, Willie, etc.  So nice.  I did a little watercolor painting this morning, and now I am going to play solitaire.  I don't even feel guilty for my idleness.  I just rationalize it by looking at the huge air-cast on my leg, and say what the hell..I deserve to baby myself.

EUREKA! I FOUND IT

     Well, I went to the orthopedist this morning for a re-check of my broken ankle.  I'm progressing normally, but still have 10 more weeks of non-weight bearing.  With my infinite time to search the Web, as well as my superb skills, I found and purchased a plate/shelf that screws onto a crutch.  It is made to allow the user to put his weight on the bad leg, just below the knee, and use the crutch-leg as a "walking leg."  I used it to get back upstairs.  It takes practice; learning to put all my weight on that leg, but I did it....it's great to know I can do it again from time to time.  IT WILL GET ME DOWNSTAIRS AND GIVE ME A DIFFERENT VIEW FOR A CHANGE.
 

OSCAR HANGOVER

     So, the Oscars are over.  "Oscar Sunday" is one of my favorite TV experiences. At 3 PM I put on my robe, and luxuriate in my leather lounge chair, ready for hours of silliness.

     I love to watch the female stars pose, sideways to the camera, one shoulder up, looking over shoulder to the camera. (sexy expression required).  Except for the very young, almost without exception, they all do it.  I heard last night that their stylists coach them in "posing."

    Was it really about the films?  Of course that is what it comes down to in the end.  Generally, I was happy with the results, except for Meryl Streep.  I loved Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side, but Meryl transformed herself into Julia Child, and I think it was a better acting job.

    Anyway, I really enjoyed Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.  The scene with them in their "snuggies" on the couch was very funny.  I still miss Billy Crystal!  

    So, it's Monday, and it's gonna be a great day!!!!!

COMPUTER-ATTACHED

     Just so you know, I am in the throes of a compulsion, even as I write.  I should be in bed with my leg elevated, but I can't seem to tear myself away.  Once I can get my Mac to work on the wireless, I can take it with me.  Then What?

"Bad Break"- So to Speak

UNBELIEVABLE!
On Saturday night I slipped and fell in the bathroom; isn't that where most household accidents happen? The result was immediately obvious from the swelling and the pain....I broke my ankle.
I went to see Phillip Kwong MD at Kerlan Jobe. He specializes in feet and ankles. I DO have a broken ankle bone, a vertical crack on the Fibula. He put me in a humongous heavy removable boot (good for showering), that I have to wear all the time with a lighter one for sleep. THIS WILL TAKE 3 MONTHS TO HEAL....NON-WEIGHT BEARING ON THAT LEG.
This is requiring a lot of shifts in routine and attitude. I am relegated to the upstairs because of the difficulty of getting upstairs once I get down. I've hired wonderful help, Jennifer, who cared for both of us when we had joint replacements. She can come 3 days and Howard will take 4 days.
I have had to cancel all of the enjoyable activities of my life. My watercolor class, my therapy group (not always enjoyable, but good for me), a small vacation, and other important things. I am stressed out because I don't see how I will be able to get my hair colored and cut in a month, and my nails cut and manicured in two weeks. Not a big deal to many, but important to me.
I have ordered a steering knee scooter...like a kid's scooter with knee pads to rest the leg on while I scoot with the other leg and steer with handle bars. Cool.
I think the worst thing is negativity and depression. Today I can only think of what I cannot do.....I know I will come up with something fun and productive.