Coming Soon

• Who Moved My Chi?
• The Layover Stayover
• Edible Ornaments
• Catch Him Early ...details and tips for optimum connection with the far away sibling of few words.  
• 
  

Buns And Such

Low Key Thanksgiving.  Just hubby and I this time.  Thanksgiving to me is every day.  Lots of Thanks and lots of Giving.  Corny sounding I know.   

I tell hubby that we don't have to do a really big thing and not much is planned.  We have the few basic traditional items I think.  No turkey in sight.  We shall improv with mesquite chicken or a turkey burger.  I tell him "low key" and he gives me a big smile.  He says, "you say that now, but...
The cucina does sometimes go from a mild non active volcano to a Vesuvius.  We'll see how things go.  I don't eat that much on this day set aside for meals and family and Thankfulness.  He agrees that I don't either.  I'm not your typical chubby person (another blog), but I do tend to end up cooking way too much.  Kind of like superbowl time, when we have 4 friends over and I have a full on feast of tacos, nachos and extra of each type of salsa, enough for both teams to join us.

So I say, okay  we have

• 4 potatoes for Mash
• 1 corn on the cob
• lemon bake
• cranberries (the real ones) for sauce/ orange
• buns (only need two)...but have enough to feed the ducks at Bubbling Springs later
• pumpkin stuff
• green beans
• Stuffing/ celery etc
• Succotash (He's from Ohio)
• and 16 cans of gravy. (Yes, I have a problem)

One can never have too much gravy.

Lost In Translation #284 (rewind, before blogs)

This is an email (yes, email) that my mom saved and returned to me many years later  She printed out a whole three ring binder of them, postcards and a few pix as well.  How thoughtful.  I'm really enjoying reading and reminiscing on our adventure and time spent in Sicily, Italy.  

March 20, 2004 email 

The scene/ Il Scenario

Bill and Tam working on friends car.  (well, Bill working on, Tam   reading more Steve Martin).  We're in our driveway/ courtyard.  Tam sees lady next door, three balconies up.

Tam: Ciao!

Lady: Ciao!

Tam: Tu capello bella (Your new hair style looks nice( (should have used the formal since I don't know well), well, next time.  (Your hair style looks nice)

Lady: Ciao!  Calda? (Warm?)  I'm wearing shorts.

Tam: No, perfetto.  (no, it's perfect out here. I'm so glad it's no summer yet.)

Lady: Quale paese? (Which country are you from?)

Tam:  Io sono d' California.  It's perfect out here.  In summer it will be too hot.

Lady:  Si, si.  Say hi.  (talking to her bambino)

**************************************

Translation:

Tam:  Hi Miss

Lady:  Hi

Tam:  Your hair looks really nice.  I notice that you finally did something with it.  It looked like crap before.

Lady: So does yours

Tam:  Thank you

Lady:  What planet are you from?

Tam:  I'm from California.  So, this weather is perfect.  I'm such a spoiled brat that if it gets any hotter I will complain (out loud) to everyone.

Lady: You really look chubby in those shorts and I think that you're failing the "bella figura"** chapter of Italian living.

Tam:  Thank you

Tam:  How old is your boy?

Lady: Four Say hi, my boy.

Tam:  See you later (smiling).

Lady:  See you later (smiling).

After notes:
I'd later get to know this lady and her kids and family.  It was nice having such lovely and opened armed interactions with the Italians.  
I also know that California is not a country.  I also know that it has varied weather.

What does La Bella Figura mean? **  Read here

Their suits, their shirts, their ties, their shoes, their haircuts, even their fingernails were all beyond perfection … bella figura … no American businessman without Italian blood would lavish the time, money and attention that were necessary to look the way they did. To present a bella figura to the world, no matter what was going on inside, was an Italian tradition that reached from the nobility to the peasants.” — Judith Krantz writing in The Lovers. 

La bella figura roughly translated means cutting a beautiful figure, an Italian philosophy that means putting careful thought into the face you present to the world by taking pride in one’s appearance from shiny, clean hair to real jewelry and freshly polished shoes.

To Italians, “presenting yourself well in thought, word and deed is a matter of personal dignity,” writes Raeleen D’Agostino Mautner in “Living La Dolce Vita.”

“The foreign visitor to Italy is typically amazed to observe how polished the men and women of the bel paese look, how good they appear to feel about themselves, and how graciously they interact with one another. Italian life is undeniable lived with a constant eye toward aesthetic beauty, dignity and civility. Learning to enhance the body and mind one is born with is more important than having been endowed with genetic perfection,” she writes.

To me, the Italian philosophy of La Bella Figura essentially boils down to always putting your best foot forward, not only physically but in everyway you present yourself to the world.

Stylewise,  it doesn’t mean spending thousands of dollars on clothing, makeup and jewelry. What it does mean to me is being selective, purchasing timeless, classic styles and choosing quality over quantity.It is philosophy that “less is more” – a belief not very common in the American consumer society. But in some European countries that we admire for the pleasure they take in creating a quality life, it is par for the course.

In the style bible, Simple Isn’t Easy, by Olivia Goldsmith and Amy Fine Collins, a famous French architect is quoted saying “American closets shock me. So much, too much. No one can dress well with so many clothes.”

In the same book, shoe designer Manolo Blahnik is quoted saying “It is a question of selection, to choose less. That is something Americans do not understand. They think that more is better.”

 So, yes, I may own a gorgeous purse, but it’s one of only two purses in my closet.Again: it’s a question of choosing less not more. For me less is more means I would rather scrimp and save my money to buy a beautifully cut pairs of jeans that flatter me and will give me years of wear.And sure living this way most likely means delaying instant gratification.

Saving money to buy what you want is not something we are used to in these days of instant credit, mass mailing of credit card approvals and the ability to purchase almost anything we might desire online in the privacy of our own home.What it will mean is an increased satisfaction and appreciation for the things we do own and the desire to care for them so they will last and give us as much pleasure for as long as possible.

http://labellafigura.net/what-is-la-bella-figura//

Looky Here

At the risk of sounding "ranty" (not as harsh as a rant), I must say I have some safety concerns for folks.  

I'm mid aged (I hope). 

1. I don't wear head phones

2. I wear night cream

3. I use blue tooth when driving

4.  I've given up on heels

5.  Sunglasses aren't just for eye protection

6. I know how to stream music

7. I don't walk around with headphones on.
8. I sometimes repeat myself.
9. I sometimes repeat myself.

Back in the day (did I just say that?), I had a very awesome cordless headphone with the radio on it.  I'd ride my bike on the strand with music a blazing where I didn't have to pay attention, really.   No cars, no intersections, etc.  Just a bird sanctuary and other scenic seal type things.  It was a separate bike /walk/ jog path away from the street between Coronado and Imperial Beach, Ca. 

Folks scare me recently with the new phone technology (fear for their safety). When I see them in crosswalks looking at their phone I want to tell them to look both ways before crossing street, stuff like that. My detailed imagination sees this in a snippet sort of moment.  What are they looking at, talking to, or who is winning the jellybean game?  I admire their leggings, their focus, the ability to walk a straight line.  All those things.  I am just concerned that they stay safe walking, riding, etc. while on their phones.  I trust people.  Yes, I do.  But not when crossing streets.

Be careful out there.

You Look Familiar

In the elevator of the Financial Plaza (largest building in Oxnard).  The two ladies hit their buttons first.  I'm not sure why I hesitated to hit mine.  I have time, maybe I thought.  I'm going to the 9th floor after all.

Smiles exchanged, a few small words about my button hitting (them, not me this time).

One lady says to me:  You look familiar.

My name I said.

Nope, she said.  Then said her name too.

Hmm, have you seen me around Oxnard?  no
Downtown Ventura Thrifts? no
Curves?...(I didn't say this but thought of going on..)

She seemed familiar too.  We think we may not know people, but maybe in another life we were good friends.  Ya never know.  It could have just been my casual doctor visit clothes and bright shoelaces that put her at ease.

I wanted to keep going to find out our connection, but I left it there.  It was my floor next, although I could have went to 12, then back down to 9 for more investigative conversation.

Have a nice day we all said.

Like A Glove

Look, I know I have roughish hands.  I paint, I work, I do dishes (in that order).  I use lotion, coconut oil, gold bond, James Bond, etc.  I just need a manicure and add gel. 

1)  Make it look as good as possible.

2) Don't make me feel bad.  I try.  I have cuts from my imaginary gardening (I bought plants today).  I possibly overwash my hands, but hey,  I have cats, I cook, I have OC...not Orange County.  I'm getting better with my germ awareness.  

3) I like short nails.  They are functional.  I am very lucky to have long nail beds.  Thank you DNA for making my little hands  and fingers look longer for what I think is more beautiful than shorter fingers (only a preference).  I'm here 'cause my hands need some TLC.  I know that:)

4) I'm paying you and I usually give you a great 20 percent tip or more.

5)  I do wear gloves!!

6) I did, however,  also get my brows done, and they look fantastic!! 

to be continued

Laundry, Drop Clothes Here

Got caught with 4 c l e a n piles of laundry  in the house recently.  No time (or priority) to put them away.  They are in baskets, some plastic, some cute and some strategically placed or semi hidden around our small home.  At least they are clean.  I hope they knew they were clean.  They were folded.

We are a family of two.  How do folks keep up? Wash, fold, put away.  The put away part is the hardest.  I'm thinking that maybe we should donate whatever is in the dresser or closets?  No, 'cause we might wear that stuff sometimes.  Like if we go out at night to The Taj or a local comedy club.  We might wear that stuff if we need a sweet swimsuit cover at a pool or Caribbean resort.  We might need that stuff if we need a long sleeve shirt if it should get cold, or socks too if it's brutal out.

So there is the neat nicks frustration.  Mostly swimming upstream in the laundry whirl.

I do know that I've always changed my clothes several times a day.  Mom said I did this as a child too.   This adds to the dilemma.  Now, I have work clothes, walking in the park clothes, comfy clothes, and going to town clothes.  If I get a bit warm...bam!  I throw shorts on for a few hours...then since they haven't been worn that long, I can wear them again.  They then go into the in-between section.  This pile is carefully put together and layered (yes layered) in our master bathroom.  Somehow I don't see it anymore as I don't really want it there, but it is a "go to" when I can't find something to change into again.

The Other Day

Most of my blogs involve humor, or at least I think so anyway.  This one is more on the serious but light side.

Remember to embrace each day and love each moment, because sometimes we may look back and only remember (or not) some of them.

I work with seniors.  Many of them have memory loss, dimentia or Alzheimers.  Heck we don't even need any of these words to be forgetful and such.

One of my friends says she now often can't remember now when something happened, so she just says "the other day."  Brilliant, I told her.  It's true.  Be in today.  The "other" day is all of the other days of your life, the past.  Not your past lives.  That's another thing!!    

So, seeing somebody live zestfully each day (my elders), it reminds me to share and take note of your now.  Your moments.  I enjoy helping the seniors in their "now."  They may not even remember their today tomorrow, but that's okay.  

They often talk and repeat stories of last week (5 years ago) or yesterday (last month).  It's okay.  It was just the other day.  The other day is important.


to be continued

The Pajama Store

Call me slightly reserved, conservative, or even old fashioned?  I'm finding it shocking still after many years of the "it's okay to wear your pj's in public" look.  I'm trying to evolve with the times, heck I have an ipad now.  Got one last month.  I have the chip on my visa too and I don't wear one on my shoulder.   This is just a little observation that seems foreign to me.  I'm in line at Vons buying some turkey sausage,  almond milk and bananas.  I notice the sweet gal in front of me is wearing Light Pink Hello Kitty pajama bottoms and some blue fuzzy slippers.  It's 2pm.  I'm caught in a magnetic gaze for moment, then turn my head toward the candy, the several gum options and now the 6 flavors of m&m's.  I can't look ahead at her.  I don't want to stare.  I try to keep my face in a normal semi relaxed interested in the candy tone.  

She may have only had time to get half dressed.  Yes, that's it.  Maybe she was buying emergency dog food, or milk for her kids, or condoms.  I'm not making assumptions, just find it interesting.

I think there are some folks that actually wear these threads intentionally.  I really do.  I've seen 'em in various places...very various places.

I have an idea for a new shopping experience.  The Pajama Store.  Folks are free to wear their pj's, long t-shirts, boxers and almost whatever they sleep in.  Robes would also be acceptable.  Nothing transparent though until after 10pm.  


I admit that every now and again I wear a giant necklace, feathered earrings or a ridiculous cocktail ring to a non cocktail party.  I get that we are all different and want to feel good in our skin and clothes.  

So maybe it's something I need to try.  I shall expand my little world.  Now...where is my "This IS my sexy lingerie" night shirt?

Weird Science

It is Monday.  It is a therapeutic sort of weekly event sort of eve.  It's renewal, it's refreshing, it's "science project" night.  What is that?  you ask.  It's trash day tomorrow and time to get rid of all those leftovers in the fridge that one hopefully intends to respice, rehome, or remake?  

The crockpot chili which started out vegan.  Then turkey was added (happy farm turkey), then corn (from Ohio, hopefully), then...some Indian spices.  Dot, not feather. It transformed over two days.  Very good though.  Those Bollywood workout dvd's have had an influence on the home menus!!  

The Brussels sprouts are now tossed.  So sad!  This really bugs me as I know there are so many hungry people in this world.  Know that I am aware and constantly doing my little part to help.  These are very  good with bruschetta sauce from Trader Joes...another "first world" luxury.  

Cottage cheese was a littly "iffy" says hubby.
What about that cantelope that's near the back of the fridge, behind the Bullseye bbq sauce? 

We are thankful for what we have.  We acknowledge that we are fortunate and living in a special beach breeze area and are among certain percentages.  Goodness, our cats even have the best, mostly...besides not being able to go outdoors (another blog).

Radishes seem to be very thriving.  Keep.


Check cantelope.  It's still good!!  Cut up and put in bowl.

Cilantro.  Wilty.  We did use it twice though.  That stuff I don't take for granted.  We paid $4 a bunch for it back in Sicily, even had to know which day it was flown in. The Sicilians don't use it.  They have their Italian parsley or whatnot.

So there ya go.  Clean fridge.  If only I could do the same with the clutter on the desk and tables.

All In A Days Work

Mostly daily walk in shorts and a jacket, a few stares, good morning senor, park Mark talks baseball, he's awesome, says the Giants will win the series probably, light Bollywood mini dance, close blinds, restart Bollywood dvd, taxes done, as in really done, dishes round 2, straighten hair, straighten house, do laundry, no don't do laundry, rain, real rain, cats to get their shots, blog, wear new glasses, blog about wearing new glasses, look at Camping World website, 2 items are still in cart, do laundry,  listen to the monotony of the golf channel, it's the Master's you know, Trader Mings chicken stir fry, yes it was good, dinner with a knife, please don't do that, think about going to a movie, but don't go to a movie, go on Camping World website, look at my cuticles, they are horrific, buy the 2 items from Camping World, free shipping, yes one of them is a garden flag, call sister, think of nieces soccer game in La Jolla, wish I was there to watch, go Tritons, and such, an indoor day.

It Could Happen To You

Until it happens to you.  We all think it's only for other people.  This will not happen to us.  Blah, blah, blah.  I hear them and their muted rants.  I hear their tones.  However, it will happen to all of us, if we are lucky enough.

Things seem to be in better focus all of a sudden.  It's a hard thing to get used to though, a new perspective.  You've been doing fine in this wonderful world all this time, and then it happens to you, yes you.  Although it's not a really bad thing, it's just a thing, a process (Hi Billy Crystal) and such.  

The fine print gets clearer and your mind gets a bit more fuzzy.  You know it's best for you and you subconsciously fight it.  

Embrace your eyeglasses!!  Your "readers" or your "progressives" like I just inherited (well, or coughed up a few hundred dollars for).  I had to get the good ones, I had to. 

The gal at the eye shop had stated to me on my way out the door..."Why aren't you wearing them?".  Yes, well why not, I replied.  I put them on and slithered out of the eyeglass section, the sunglasses section, and then the lobby.  All was fine until I stepped outdoors.  The sidewalk seemed to be a little higher than I remembered.  I did a quick pause as if I had hit an imaginary wall.  Woah!!  I said that out loud.  My prescription is for reading, semi close up and distance.  Distance is just a faint Rx, I think.  In the olden days (not long ago), there were bifocals, now they call them progressive lenses (if you can't see the line) distinguishing the two.  Let's just say I have sort of tri-focals.  I then gently pull them down on my nose and walk the 25 feet to my car.  Whew!!  Thankfully, I didn't fall.  I'm supposed to wear them a week straight to get used to them.  Goodness, it hasn't even been five minutes.  I get into my car and put them on.  I have a gander in the small mirror on the visor.  Okay, I like. I then look out the car window and things seemed to move and melt before my eyes.  Certain structures now appeared to resemble Gaudi type buildings, and my cell phone was now oval on the ends...or at least distorted.  This will take some getting used to I say.  I won't attempt driving today.  Not just yet.

If we  get old enough, my sister says (eye doctor), we will all need glasses.  So I embrace and accept that my 50 years of 20/16 vision has ended and ironically in 2016.  I was always very proud of my better than average vision.  My brother was also in the same category.  Wonder if he's there yet?  Great vision though was just one of my inherited genes, so I really shouldn't take credit for that.  It's like being tall, some people get lucky.  

Must Love Dogs

Recently had this crazy idea pop into my head about getting a dog.  I saw a sweet dog named "Ray" a Labrador mix and rescue.  He shakes hands and is good with cats.  Cats!!  Oh my!!  It could be a perfect match.  He's short, I'm short.  He's well behaved and...yeah.  

I fleetingly mention to my girlfriend today about this sweet doggie.  We couldn't.  Could we?  Hubby and I have the felines at home  and already feel guilt if we even go away to the store for some bread...or a weekend camping.  My girlfriend and I live pretty close to each other.  She's in the tsunami zone near the beach and I, just beyond that.  We don't see each other as much as we'd like, but that's okay.


She had this idea of making it happen.  Getting the dog.  Her idea was to share.  

So here is our text convo.  We will call my friend Stella as that is one of her aliases. 

Stella: We could co-parent

Me: Do I get him on weekends, just when I feel like it, or for morning walks?  You can take him the rest of the time or her.

Stella:  Yes.

Stella: Her.

Stella:  I'll wash

Me: May I choose the hairstyle of our co-parenting doggy daughter?  I'll let you choose the middle name.

Stella:  Yes! you can pick the name!

Me:  Will she be raised Montessori or...?

Stella:  She will mind!

Me:  Well, for sure she's will.  

Me: Who would get her on birthdays?  What about Christmas?

Me: What if we both travel together?  Who's going to watch her then?

Stella:  Beverly

Me:  Long as she doesn't talk too loud to her.

Stella: Or cut her hair.

Me:  Exactly

Me:  No cheap food.  And I'm not cooking for her like my brother does for his Merle Cockers.

Stella:  You can buy food at the base!

Me:  Oh,  so I have to do all of the shopping.  I see how this is working.

Me:  Our baby would be "a good spoil."

Stella:  Yep!
  

(pix of grilled food here)

Me:  Yumm!

Stella:  For our doggie

Me:  Oh..Lol!!

Me: I prefer a short hair, what about you?  No fu fu or anything like that...a rescue, right?

Stella:  We will know when she smiles at us.

Me:  No ankle biter though, right?  Are we the type of people that let strangers pet her?

At this point...I share with my husband, who looked at me like I was nuts.

Me:  What about if one of us moves to New Mexico or Hawaii?  Then what?

Stella:  Are you moving?!  

Me:  Nooooooo!!

Stella: Then we'd give it to Kat and Greg.

Me:  But will they raise her Montessori...or...?

Me:  Is she good with animals?  How was her childhood?

Stella:  Yes!  She loves dogs!

Deep End Of The Car Pool

The car pool lane.  The HOV lane.  I had to ask what that acronym meant when we moved back to the States a while back.

We really try to avoid those types of freeways, ya know the ones with car pool lanes, high occupancy vehicles lanes, etc.  Unfortunately, where we currently live, to visit my family in San Diego and Temecula (L.A. gets in the way), it's inevitable.  To visit my other siblings we can take a more peaceful route.

We recently went to the desert to see some very fascinating (new to us) topography.  Again, it required a section of carpool options.  We did jump in a few times since we had the minimum requirement.  

Sometimes if felt like a whole other world.  A super speed vortex and I may not be able to keep up.  

Car pool: Two or more and drive peacefully in lane.  Gets in and out at the appropriate entry/ exit points.

Car fool:  Speeds like there's no tomorrow.  Rides your bumper...ouch.

Car pool: 2 adults and 3 dogs, ride peacefully at 7 to 10 over speed limit.

Car Fool:  One person in the car.  I've seen this!!  Risks about a $300 fine and okay with that.  Not a rule follower.

Car Pool:  Parents taking their kids to a soccer match

Stay safe out there.

While You Were Out

So our beautiful neighbor friends had to go out of town recently.  We often watch each others abodes, although we already have a neighborhood watch sign (see the signs)...and no we are not in the hood, well not really.  

They are a sweet young couple and very down to earth and such.  Just like us, I'm thinkin'.   I know this because they have the same solar lights as us.

So day 1 and 2 go by.  All is great in our neighborhood.  I'm the protective type so I think, let's make it look like somebody is home.

Day 3.  Place eco friendly and reusable red solo cup on porch.  This could be hubby working on a project and he just left there.  This happens to people.

Day 4.  Yep, cup stays.

Day 5.  Decide that it looks a little dark in front of their house.  I ask my hubby and he say's "it's fine."  He's practical like that.  I think it might be right to put up a solar light.  Can't hurt, right?  We have a spotlight and my beautiful husband obliges...does a tactical Seabee/ Seal team move and places it at their house and points it at a rock.  Done!  I then look down the street to see and well, I can't see a difference.  So I kindly ask him if he'd move it and add an additional light.  He is so sweet and is going with me on this..although I know his eyes were rolling when he walked out the door.   Perfect.  He put them so they have a lighted path when they get home (and hopefully a little laugh).  My strategy here is that change has occured and home security tactics in place.

Day 6.  At the risk of going overboard, we place a small garden flag (removable) on their lawn.  It's red in color and has a big O for some college team.

Day 7.  Place small garage sign and move nice big blue truck out front so people can see it.

Most of this is not true and some of it might be false.  Go Buckeyes!!

Buffet Mirror

Had to take my client to a bbbbuffet.  There, I said it.  I love my job and couldn't ask for better, but buffets are not somewhere I like to be near or eat at.  My client is a "super senior" and is approaching the century mark.  He wants to show me something new, which he and his late wife used to go to.  I'm very happy to oblige.  The hostess remembers him and it's a joy to see him light up.

On the non lighter side after I scan the area, millions of chairs, endless schaffers and heat lamps, I try to figure out how the deal works.  Okay, choose table.  Move three times, cuz client wants a window seat (windows are all too high to see out of)...or maybe for reverse puposes...nobody can see that you are IN there eating!!  
We walk over arm in arm to disarm the large pools of food.  Oh heck!!  Is that a mirror behind the loading area?  I see myself (and yes, I know I wore white pants today which are not flattering) but holy carnival mirrors!!  Who does that?  There must be a method to the mirror madness.  Maybe one might hold off on their third or fourth trip to fill...(or their first)  if they catch a glimpse of themselves loading up on bland mac n cheese.  

I felt very self conscious of my full figured self as I do a quick glance at the other homosapien buffet eaters.  I do not feel comfortable there.  People will think I'm a big over eater and I'm not!!  I got this way very carefully and very slowly.  I wanted to say I don't usually eat here sort of out loud but really that would be dumb 'cause these other folks looked very at home.  

So I grab a build-a- taco, some bland mac n cheese, a very large salad, a mini carrot cake and a hot cookie...ahhh and a nice glass of water.  Oh...and some mash and gravy.

He went back for seconds.  

New Year's List

On the lighter side of resolutions...

• Buy new tongue scraper
• Try not to repeat myself as often
• Stay off of the camping world website
• Be greener
• Eat greener
• Sync the steps on my fitbit daily.  Why walk, when ya don't get credit?
• Stay out of the sun
• Tackle hidden paperwork
• Get more sun
• Try not to repeat myself

Happy New Year