Bucket List

With the weather getting warmer, the windows open all day; the weather has sprung that Spring Fever in me.  There is something about this glorious time of year, that gets me behaving "kid like". I want to be outside every minute of the day, taking in the breeze, sunshine and daydreams.  I also want to smoke a cigarette, and drink an afternoon cocktail, but asthma and my good sense keeps from from partaking in both those afternoon activities!
So....

I started thinking (at my age..) that I should compose a bucket list.  Only have a few items at the moment: 

1.  Throw out first pitch at a Yankee game.
2.   Sit behind home plate at a Yankee game.
3.   Yell, "Welcome to Saturday Night Live" to open a show. 
4.  Do a voiceover for cartoon/commercial. 
5.  Re-get my motorcylce permit, and finally my mc license.
6.  Stay overnight in a zoo/museum or castle.
7.  See the Northern Lights. 
8.  Go on a cruise with the kids and extended family. 
9.  Enjoy the sunset with a picnic dinner and Kingbaboo.
10.  Travel cross country by train or RV.

What is on your list?

Sunset view from the condo we now are living~ Irvine, CA.  Last time I wrote we were just packing to move. The move was crazy to say the least. During the move I found out I had to have surgery on January 13. All went well, all healed, and out walking everyday! Yea!!!

LoOkinG for my HaHa....

...and I am gonna find it as we pack to move once again.

I am scheming when we move 10 days from now, that Kingbaboo (a.k.a. Phill) will get confused and gleefully, joyfully fill both my stockings that I hang in each condo, new and old! I have been a vewy good girl, and only was onery just a smidge this past year! That's my story and I am sticking to it!

This move will put us minutes from Phill's work. Our front door opens to a golf course, and the area is flat enough that we can bicycle again! Yahoo! We are in huge hopes the clink of golf balls are significantly quieter than the 50 m.p.h. road we live on now!

December 23rd will mark my 1st anniversary living in socal. My plans are by the 23rd is to be settled in enough, get a Christmas tree a-lit and have those heartwarming Christmas Carole's playing all throughout the house! Don't forget the spiked nog!

...sing to Jingle Bells...

Pack the box

Pack the box

moving day has come

rent another 1 year lease, in hopes to have some fun!

Woo..hooo...

Unpack a box

Unpack 5 more

Moving in real soon

Oh what fun it is to move during the holidays~ not!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

WoRd JuMbLE

I have been reminded that Socal So Good has been rather quiet most of the summer. Maybe some are gleefully enjoying the break from the word jumble of nothingness, and hopefully there are a few cronies who appreciate the art of my word jumbles!

That is where my thoughts have been lately, all jumbled up inside and really having a hard time falling into clear cohesive and shareable thoughts. Recently, I have read some satirical columnists in local and national papers. These syndicated columnists are reaching out to entertain, enlighten or unintentionally bore the reader. The one difference is some are getting paid for their thoughts, and some are not...hmm. But all in all, the words just come down to sharing nothingness and then some. In between nothingness and then some are where my mind seems to find stuff to ponder about.

With this in mind, I decided to keep on writing and reach out to my followers and say, "Howyadoin'?" "How was your summer so far?" Did you know that if you if don't push the garage door opener the door won't open? (one just sits there waiting for the light to turn green!) Yup, 'nuff said?

This summer I have been to a county fair, bought cool zebra striped sun glass readers, started walking more, went to watch the US Open surf championships, read some great novels, knit and knitted some more, saw my sons and daughter-in law in July and August (!!!), hosted a fun Bossa Nova party, went to Mexico, ate fresh fish, (with almost a smile on my face), purchased a really funky sofa (7 months with out one, long overdue), met my adorable great niece (my nephew's) welcomed a 3rd adorable great niece (my god daughter's), sideswiped a car, attempting to learn Spanish by the road names here, bbq'ed on the beach, joined another new yoga joint, purchased a Spanish Mr. Potato Head in Mexico (Sr. Cara de Papa), applied for some temporary employment, found a really intriguing son/moon in Mexico (3 bucks!),and generally wasted a lot of time thinking about life.

Usually September 1st I decorate my home for the upcoming harvest season. Celebrating the arrival of autumn, the coloring of leaves and the coolness in the air is part of my life schtick. This September I am not sure what happens in Socal, or the arrival of autumn for that matter. All is new here, but I have a feeling my harvest dance will be done without the fall colors I am used too.

I will change that for sure, I hope Phill won't mind trasping around our condo decorated like the children of the harvest! Inside our condo we will celebrate, and outside we will wear sunscreen. We will color our bodies from the sun the shades of autumn ~ red, orange, and gold!

It will all fall into place!

(cheers! the cig is a prop! the drink was not!)

What I meant to say...

Today I read a on a car in front of me it's license plate holder. Stating, "Pray for Labor Day". Sitting at a rather long red light my mind started to ponder this. Are we praying for the working class in general? Praying for the day after Labor Day when the beaches officially close in Jersey and the bennies go home? Are we praying for this particular Lexus driver in front of me to find that elusive job?

What were we asking here?
Confusing the confused categorically, compounds the complications of understanding!

Some items that need to have a better understanding:

Rubbernecking = Gawking
Sig Alert = Traffic Jam
Plastic Surgery = "Work done"
Cauliflower = Collieflower

I was sitting with some cronies the other night, and simply mentioned while out driving you can't figure out what town you are in. There are no telephone poles with that silver metal band with the town's initials posted on it! This was a surprise to the non right coasters. But, an astute left coaster stated that each town (not all I have found) has different color street signs. I still don't know where I am, most days!

The noon and six o'clock whistle that blows in some east towns; non existent in Socal. This could be a good thing, if you are not used to the blaring sirens! Even though blaring, there is a comfort to "know" what time "it really is".

We all run around in our lives with particular thoughts and ideas in our brains, but how do they once spoken get assimilated in other's minds?

Enjoy your meaning of life. Smile, eat a marshmallow daily, and laugh till there are tears running down your face!

--

The day of GGB...Galleries, Gardens, and Beach...

This past Sunday we had the pleasure to visit the Getty Museum in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. $10 bucks to park, and the museum is free! Once out of the parking garage, we boarded a tram to head up the mountain. The buildings are and grounds are simply stunning. I was in awe of the panoramic views.

Phill and I were excited to visit this museum with our friends. Their knowledge of the collections aided us in enjoying each building we toured through.

In the galleries all mediums were on display; mosaics, oil, sculpture, pen and ink to name a few.

I was drawn to the expressions on the faces.They were mesmerizing! In one painting, "Spring", painted in 1894, the little girls seemed that they could walk right off the canvas.

The photography exhibit by the artist Jo Ann Callis was wonderfully engaging. Her "Guilty Pleasures" photographic display of desserts had us riveted to the images.

On the grounds of the museum is an outdoor garden, "The Flowering Maze." The maze is surrounded by a floral fantasy. We had a great time taking in the sunshine walking through the pathways, eyeing such exotic plants!

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After our lovely peaceful day at the Getty, we drove to Venice Beach.

Walking to the beach from our parked car, it is apparent this is one unique town. Venice Beach, as finally decided by the Jersey Boys is, "Seaside Heights on Crack." This beach area is jam packed with tourists, locals, musicians, entrepreneurs, and them some. It is by far the craziest beach town I have ever seen. Legal THC and Pot are sold in many stores. I was amazed how many afflicted peeps are patrons of these med shops! I was even handed a postcard listing what diseases can be helped!

On the beach we could see and hear a huge drum circle! There had to be well over 200 people playing, dancing and taking in the cacophony of sound. We had a blast taking in the sights, and music.

As it was a few days after the passing of MJ, many fans were selling his tribute T-Shirts.

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Tonight we were fortunate enough to be out in the car while the sun started to set. As you can see by these photos, it was magnificent. This had to be the prettiest sunset we have seen here yet. Enjoy!

Seen along the way...

A few views as we drove south on the PCH. We were coastline along beaches and beach towns. So cool. I loved the road sign!!

We met this gentleman at the Farmer's Market in Dana Point. I you look closely , he is carrying his pet parrot on his back. I asked, "why are you carrying your bird?" He laughed, and stated that birds are like dogs they need the companionship. Personally, I don't think the bird really cared. Probably if it's wings weren't clipped he would show the owner what it really cared about! But, he said he knew of people that take their trusted sidekick birds on planes. These birds speak.....so you know where this conversation went from here...."Hey can you fly this faster?" "What only a stinking pack of peanuts?" "Polly want a better Pilot!". We had a great laugh, I asked if i could take his pick and we were on our way!

The market has a varied group of wonderful farmers, organic farmers, and crafters (the second Saturday of every month.) Our most favorite organic fruit farmer/seller is our weekly ha ha. He is just so free and open. One of those clazy characters, that make you laugh. This first time we bought cherries from him (quite delicious), he explained his measuring system. First a quart container is filled, and then you get a hand full, then you get a few sprinkled on top!! All for 5 bucks. The show is well worth it. (I don't have his picture, I reallly wanted to ask him though.) This past Saturday, we were happy to see him back at his booth. He told us he was losing his voice, and had leukemia all week. I said leukemia!? He replied, yes for a week, but it is getting better. (we figured out laryngitis as we walked away with the most delicious organic cherries!) I have now named him Shroom boy.

Maybe reading all those Dr. Suess books growing up was a good thing! All in Whoville are alive and well!

Kingbaboo's Sunday Road Tripz

A few weeks ago, Phill said we were going for a ride to an airport. Inwardly I groaned. Phill used to fly small planes, and we have spent many an hour at small airports. But, I was a sport clapped my hands and said let's go!! We ended up at Torrey Pines Sailport. Hours were spent there watching the Paragliders come and go. The sailport is perched on a cliff dropping off to the Pacific Ocean! The beauty is phenomenal. I have a little fear of heights, and was glad if you were a spectator, you had to stay behind the marked area! Phill was in his glory! We took many pictures, just revelling in the beauty of the sport! At the end of this visit, I was dizzy! Phill had to hold my hand back to the car. It doesn't take much for a blonde to get involved! hahah.

This Sunday Kingbaboo said to me....I want to take you on a bike ride. We are going to ride The Ortega Highway, through the Cleveland National Forest, and then to Lake Elsinore. I was a little nervous, but took 3 Advil for my upcoming hip pain and jumped on the bike.

Kingbaboo rather a mild man, transforms into Speed Demon on a bike. Let's for sake of this writing refer to him as Kingbaboo Speed Demon: KSD. I have ridden with KSD since I was 18. Who besides this writer, and KSD has done 90 mph on the Pulaski Skyway? If Mr. James M reads this blog, I know he has a tale worth telling.

There were various road signs that curlicued and stated 25 mph. KSD believes a motorcycle can handle those curves 10-15 mph fassssster. When we arrived at the top of the mountain, KSD stopped for a photo op.

Lake Elsinore is far below in the distance. One sign I spied at 80 mph that we were at 2,600 elevation. We arrived alive down the mountain pass, and in the sky we spied dozens of parachutes! I was praying for a hip break, so we found the field and enjoyed the atmosphere for awhile.

At one point I counted 23 jumpers loading into a jet. Right behind them 18 more loaded themselves into another awaiting jet. We had a blast watching these fun loving men and women whoosh onto the field from far heights in the sky.

I then inquired to KSD do we have to go back the way we came? (please say no, please say no!!) Well kids, this wouldn't be a story if we drove back by freeway.

So up the mountain we climb. But this time something has changed. We are on the leaning edge to the abyss. No guardrail, no nuttin' just a painted line to see where the road ends. A mathematician I am not. But I knew our angle of attack was 45 degrees or more. I THOUGHT I WAS GOONA DIE!!!!! Now my brain is thinking, if our tires slip, slide or wobble, that would be it.

We finally make it up and down the crazy road, Phill turns his head and says, "This always makes me feel like I am in a commercial." I say to KSD, "that made me feel like I was in a nightmare!" A chuckle nonetheless.

I guess this is why we have been married 30 years. The Yin and Yang of our relationship!

Ciao for now, and hold on tight!