Felines and Canines from F-L-A

Mr. Puff, who I guess is from Persia, had a new fancy designer haircut last time I was there. Check it out! He's telling us all about it in this picture. What a little lion!













And here's Bella, ready to get some face time with you. This dog likes to be close!













And I saved the biggest for last! Harley Man - really just called Man. Not even "the" Man, just Man, because that's who he is. Man is also epileptic. The day I left FL, Man pulled an all-day shimmy-shake with about 8 seizures. But he pulls through with the trusty assistance of his Dad who gives him all the right pills at the right intervals. Just look into his eyes - the dark, crazy pools of love.

Jaws of Love

My niece's bulldog, Chloe, is a little, slow-moving (unless running to dinner!) latte-colored love ball. Her sister, Bella, pictured in an earlier post with Chloe, is an energy ball! Chloe is seen here nuzzled into the comforter on her mommy's bed. She has this adorable little slow blink that she does as she looks at you. And I can't even describe all the little sounds (grunts!) that they both make. They're like little muscular, wrinkled, baby bundles.













Chloe is also good friends with Mr. Puff, her Persian kitty brother. Here they are out by the pool enjoying the sun.

A Very Mary Christmas

My in-laws have the warmest, most welcoming home, and my mother-in-law, Mary, once again shines bright by creating a Christmas wonderland. Even though it's 2008, I wanted to post these pictures because they are so great - it gives me a renewed, however late (or early?), sense of Christmas spirit. She and Dad create this vacuum of love when visitors come to call. There are sweet treats, hot teas, and perfect snacks to make your visit all the more satisfying. During the holidays though, it's even more special because the little castle is all buffed up with holiday decor. I took these photos a few days after Christmas, so there's an obvious absence of presents under the tree. But you can certainly get the idea . . . First, the picture above of the mantel (topped by a beautiful embroidered "painting" by Mary of a village of houses with paths leading to each door). The next one is the entryway when you walk in the front door. I love the Durer bunny.













These stockings Mary created many years ago when James and Fred were young. The one that says Jamie at the top in pink and green is hubby James'. How cute is that? There were others for Marty and Paul, also great, but I didn't get shots of those.










































This next picture is a shelf on the china cabinet upstairs. And if my $450 camera could take a picture that wasn't blurry, I'd have a great shot of that. However, I won't make you squint at the shot I did get. Last there are the resident bears outside in the garden, all decked out with Christmas ribbons. So very Mary.

One Foot in Front of the Other

I am inspired by this post about 'Easing Into It' by my friend Sherri at Foziewisp. And as we sipped non-fat (because it makes the best foam) Chai tea lattes yesterday, we talked about this concept. We humans can be so hard on ourselves. We expect super-human results sometimes, and all that expecting can just stymie a person. Me, for sure. As an avid dreamer, sometimes I get so tangled in my dreams and goals that I trip and fall over them and get nothing done at all! And what causes more agida than stillness, when all you want to do is move forward and do all these things whirling through your head!? It's crazy-making. A slower approach is the answer. Taking a step and savoring the job well done. A little thing done well and complete is a wonderful thing and bound to lead to more of the same.
Something I'm happy about: yesterday I made lots of progress on the 'big garage clean out of 2008' and did a bazillion loads of laundry which had piled up while I was in Florida.
Something I want to do: knock off the saying of the guilt-drenched word "should" - also inspired by Ms. Foziewisp. The word simply has to go!

A New Year Begins

Most year-ends happen slowly enough to give you a sec to think about the year's events as you weigh your big hopes for the coming year. This year was a crazy whirlwind as I traveled between Fort Myers and San Diego making lots of big decisions; probably weightier than any I'd made for myself all year. Quite an experience, chock full of lessons and moments that kind of stopped me in my tracks. As a result of my travels, I was left with a stronger feeling that it all boils down to a few simple things: family and friends and the love you share with these folks. And ironically, these things can be quite economical and available in abundant supply with the right mindset. If I have any resolution for the coming year it is to live, laugh, and love more. And, well, maybe some crunches? :-)
Here are a few pictures from Florida. First, my sis-in-law, Sheri, at the top of the stairs at the Bubble Room - a restaurant that we go to as a bit of a family tradition. Although the food didn't wow us as much this time, it was still nice to be there all together.












Next, the herd of Paparella dogs, all with underslung jaws. First is Chloe (a.k.a. Chlo-bee or Chlo-bee-wan-kanobi) on the right, and Bella (a.k.a. Bells or Belly) on the left. The boxer is my brother's son, Harley! Harley is pure LOVE. Words cannot describe the enormity of this dog's personality.


























Last, but not least, I leave you with Buddy - the cockatiel I met at the airport during my 3.5 hour layover as I flew back to San Diego on Christmas Eve.

Coming Home Soon

At last, I make time for a post. It's been so long and by george I couldn't wait any longer. I'm in Fort Myers, land of my brother and family, helping my stepmother get situated into an assisted living facility. It's true what they say about the 36-hour day of the caregiver. Yikes! I arrived 11/19 and have literally worked every day since stepping onto Ft. Myers soil. This girl is tiiiiiiiired. I am flying back on the 12th - and that lovely Wednesday can't come too soon.
But with every experience comes a lesson. This one? The cautionary tale of Use it or Lose it. When my dad passed away 3+ years ago, my stepmother got in bed and stayed there. Not a good plan. James and I are taking a harder look at that YMCA membership. I've toured so many nursing homes in these past weeks. It's enough to scare you running for the next Pilates class. Of course, Florida is one fried food restaurant after another. The closest I can get to anything healthy here is a chain restaurant called First Watch and the ONE health food store, Ada's -- my resource for Aloe Life papaya orange aloe juice! We joke that the Cracker Barrel serves orange made with real butter! But, my family is here, and that makes it special.
There will be updates and pictures when I return! I've captured some of the Florida sites that you only see on My Name is Earl! Bye for now!

Kittens Galore: Lucy, Willie, and Kate?

If this isn't proof that you never know what a Sunday might hold, then I don't know what is. This Sunday brought 3 new kittens!!! (with THREE exclamation points to indicate excitement, or a wee bit of hysteria?) Here's what happened: James and I are driving up Grape St. en route to breakfast, when he says, "I just saw a tiny Siamese kitten run up the sidewalk!" Before I know it the Jetta is pulled over, illegally of course, and James is out of the car in pursuit of a furry face. This might have been a good place to stop, but time kind of sped up here. You'll see. Next, I'm at the convenient store buying a can of food. We figure out that the storm drain comes up on the other side of the street and walk over to investigate. Up pops Mr. Meezer. And, oh, look, he's not alone!
He has two friends with him: a tuxedo and a tabby. So, home we go to build our makeshift trap--a laundry basket and a canvas (for painting), and what else but duct tape. As we went through the motions, I babbled on about how we can domesticate them, then find them homes. And that is still pretty much the plan. But, this little domestication process is not for the faint of heart! Anyway, long story short, we caught Lucy (the tuxedo) first, after a few attempts. Then I went back on Tuesday with my friend Sherri and got the other two! Sherri was truly the good luck charm. She also took some adorable pictures of them in their terrible home environment: in the storm drain, next to the train tracks among dirty clothes, broken glass, and other really gross things. We're calling the Siamese, Willie, the tabby, Kate, and the tuxedo, Lucy.

The beginning reads like the typical feral cat story in terms of location and situation, but the good news is that these littles ones have been saved and are doing very well now! They each have a warm place to sleep (a bunny hutch and two dog crates--one from Goodwill and the other from Tonya via our good friend Steve) with clean bedding that is changed almost daily - or whenever they tip over their water! Each has food, water, and a litter box (which they use! Amen!)

Tonight I sautee'd a chicken breast in butter to dole out and in the process just about lost a finger. The tabby was gobbling it up so fast! I am also giving them homeopathic anti-anxiety drops in their water. And I burn lavender essential oil in the garage to up the calm factor. We take it one day at a time, and are hopeful that it will all work out as planned. They were also just given their first toys and they play with them!!! It's very cute.

Meanwhile, their uncle up in heaven, Oreo, is looking down to make sure the shenanigans don't get too over the top (with his big Maine Coon paw ready to keep them in line!). Thanks in advance dear boy for any assistance you can send our way. We have a feeling you're watching all this and helping us along and in return we send more and more love back to you.

Ringing in Fall with a Party

Back on the 20th of October, hubby James and I had a really nice Fall party. Oh, and from here on, husby will be referred to as James, not J. He thinks the anonymity factor of blogging is odd. I can take a hint.

Anyway, I meant to post something right after the shindig, but got busy and didn't. In preparation, we worked like dogs all week to get everything just right. I joked that James was gong to re-paint the house or something in one day. He worked like a maniac.
This picture was taken right after the goodies were set up, and before guests arrived. Mom-in-law Mary provided the centerpiece complete with the cutest black cats and pumpkins and wheat stalks in a green-leaf-laden vase. I saw it at her house the day before and said, "how cute is this?? This would sure look nice for the party!" And she packed it up and sent it over. How sweet was that?

I love the candlesticks, they're old and a tad tarnished, kind of Gothic looking. We actually catered some of the food: walnut and blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, a veggie basket, and a tray of petit fours which I forgot to photograph, darn it! They were so pretty. There were tiny fruit tarts, chocolate mousse cups, tiny éclairs (to die for) and profiteroles. I also baked little cupcakes and picked up a selection of cheeses from our local cheese shop called Venissimo. The best part of the party? I was prepared. I started early enough which eliminated that made dash to the shower and stress-induced panic that can send you reeling when you want everything just so and you waited until the last minute to get going! Now that we've cut our teeth so to speak, we're ready to do it again! I'm looking forward to having a Christmas party. Hopefully Tallulah's Mom and Dad will be able to make it.

Celebrating a Birthday

This weekend was all about my birthday. J's parents had a lovely brunch party for me on Sunday, complete with a scrumptious cake from the French Gourmet. It had a layer of chocolate mousse and pears, and a layer of super moist vanilla cake. Yum! And Friday night J. took me to a great restaurant called Thee Bungalow, in Ocean Beach. It was divine. Excellent food, service, atmosphere, and of course wonderful company.

I have to say, when birthdays get this high on the chart, they don't quite hold that same feeling as the earlier, more significant, ones. But as they say: consider the alternative! Every phase of life has its advantages and we must find our silver lining!

The last two pictures are more snaps from the corners of J's parents' home. A collection of real and ceramic pumpkins, and an arrangement of candles on a tanzu chest. So many beautiful things, all arranged to perfection. My mother-in-law is an artist . . . and an inspiration. When I get home I start moving things around, to make our house look more like her house!

Tortoise Evacuation Center

As everyone has probably seen on the news, San Diego is burning. It's been a horrific few days as homes and lands burn, and the press reports new mandatory evacuations along with news that some can go back home, assuming it is there. You can feel the sadness in the smoky air, and everything is covered in ash.

On a lighter note, my in-laws have some friends who had to evacuate staying with them - Jack and Judy. And . . . they brought their turtles. The turtles, who have yet to be named, are two 98-year-old males. Jack and Judy inherited them from their parents, and they will have to be willed to their children because they live to be around 200! They are land turtles, Gopherus agassizii to be precise, and they are enjoying their backyard retreat while the fires near their home are being contained and the air quality improves. As I was snapping pictures (no pun intended), Rumer, the curious terrier, was getting in sufficient sniffs and kept jumping in and out of their little pen as we all yelled in unison, "Rumer! Get out of there!" Also, following are some pictures of my mother-in-law's beautiful backyard.

Octoberfest in Big Bear

So, last weekend, we made the trek to Big Bear to J's parents' cabin. The four of us also went to the Octoberfest - this year was the 15th Annual celebration. It was a fun time: lots of beer and German food and a band, Bergermeister, who also played Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama, of course. Can't you see the lighters held high now? The foliage was fiery red and gold and the air was super crisp and cool. It wasn't cold, but just right. J's Mom and I wandered through some antique stores on Saturday and I picked up a dark green Bauer planter pot. That was fun. I also got a pine scented candle called Northwoods. J and I took a hike through the woods on Friday right after we arrived with Saylor, our lab, and Rumer, his parents' Lakeland Terrier. The first picture is J setting out on the trail with dogs in tow. And here are some other visuals:

Healthy Lunch Spot: Roots in O.B.

I was in Ocean Beach last weekend, and happened upon a very cool, healthy spot to eat. It's called Roots and their tagline is kind food for kind folks. Nice. I had a veggie burrito - very tasty. I'm going to have to head over there again, if only to try their Spiced Apple Horchata. Perfect fall weather for that! How good does that sound? It's all vegetarian, but the ingredients and presentation are fantastic. Yum! Next time I go I'll take a picture and update this post.

Bears Galore!

What began as a bear hoard for my mother-in-law's collection has slowly transformed into a bit of a bear grab for moi. I went to a garage sale last Saturday at the home of an elderly woman who had passed away - her grandchildren had her collections all lined up for sale. It was sad to think that they didn't "get" what she was after with her collections, but I'm happy to think I took a few of the items to a place where they will be appreciated - my house. Most of the other shoppers were as enthralled as I was with her 1940s and 1950s ceramic items. There were lots of other things too - tons of fun stuff. So, here we have them. Bears, bears, and more bears.