socal so good..

Bucket List

2010-03-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

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:

Throw out first pitch at a Yankee game.
Sit behind home plate at a Yankee game.
Yell, "Welcome to Saturday Night Live" to open a show.
Do a voiceover for cartoon/commercial.
Re-get my motorcylce permit, and finally my mc license.
Stay overnight in a zoo/museum or castle.
See the Northern Lights.
Go on a cruise with the kids and extended family.
Enjoy the sunset with a picnic dinner and Kingbaboo.
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....

2009-12-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

...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

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

2009-08-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-06T15:04:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-06-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

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!

round town...

2009-05-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Always yearning to learn more about Socal, we have sampled different venues. It has been fun...enjoy the pics.

Bougainvillea grow everywhere! Such beautiful eye candy everywhere you look. These pictures were taken along the Pacific Coast Highway.

We drove to Long Beach, the Queen Mary is dry docked there. Some night we will walk the ghost tour! What a beautiful ship. Phill was so thrilled to see the radio room. Ironically, the equipment looked like what he had to give away for us to move west. His ghost was in that room...dit, dah, dit, dah....

The Queen Mary is also a hotel and has 4 or 5 restaurants. The architecture was unbelievable! We felt transformed back in time!

Doheny State Park 2009 Blues Festival. We enjoyed Sharon Jones, BB King and so many other blues bands! 2 days each May this festival is held. Brian Setzer was the headliner on Saturday. We chose Sunday to take it all in. Hours o'fun. Right in our backyard too. What a way to rock the day. 3 stages a bluezafalooza!

still cRaZy

2009-05-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am here! Haven't had much to say lately. We sold our NJ house last week. As you can see, I am hangin' in there.....

Hope all is well with everyone who reads these blogs of dumby.

Enjoy the day, and eat a marshmallow or two for smiles and happiness!

WHOMISCAL!!!

2009-05-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading The New Yorker magazine, (no I wasn't it just sounded far more intellectual than what I was really reading.. Knit Patterns for the Blonde...) and I read the word what I thought was "WHOMISICAL". Realizing my whimsical misread, I went off on a tangent. Whimsy is giggles, tiptoes, fairies and cute animals dressed in cute clothing.

Whomzy I decided, is loud raucous laughter when something just hits your funny bone, screaming in surprise when scared; then laughing till tears run down your face, cross-eyed mermaids, and things/places/people you see that make an impact with gleeful fun.

Today my sister called to tell me about the skunk in her backyard. She had me whomzy laughing, I hope I didn't blow out her eardrums! The problem with whomzies, is that is is contagious! Whomiscal laughter can spread so fast..before you know it, everyone in the vicinity will catch the "bug".

Tonight I decided it is Italian homemade sauce Baked Ravioli night.

So, I went on a scavenger hunt in my local food store. I didn't realize that I was on a hunt until:

#1 The only ravioli sold is Celantano's. One brand, two sizes. Mini or not.

#2 Italian Blend Cheese by Sargento, is not sold in Socal.

(by now the Whomzy has set in, and I start laughing to myself. Which I had to call my sister, and start laughing with her.)

#3 The meat department doesn't sell Meatloaf mix (you know ground beef, pork and veal.) The butcher sort of giggled when I asked him if he sold it. By the way, I make a mean homemade sauce with this mix. I now have 3 lbs of ground meat....Yes, It is all cooking on the stove. Cooking for an army again!!

#4 Pistachio ice cream is not to be found in my local food stores. More laughter at this point.

The manager did come up to me in the store asking if I was finding everything ok. HAHAHAHAHA. I had the whomiscal look on my face, and answered, "Oh yes."

I know reading this silliness and nonsense has you remembering something Whomiscal in your life!

Got Whomzy?

drum it in!

2009-05-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday we found ourselves at Huntington Beach. It is north of where we live; and a very touristy beach town. Unlike the seaside towns of Jersey, there are no rides here or boardwalk. Many of the beach towns though on the left coast have fishing piers that expand out over the ocean waves. Some piers have full blown restaurants, "Ruby's" at the end, or just a shack that sells food. Always, there are characters that complete the atmosphere of the beach area.

We were in for a treat, because upon getting out of our car we heard drums!! I love drum circles, there is something so free about them! We meandered ( I danced a little), towards the music, and found an eclectic group of musicians, dancers, families, children all enjoying the freedom of free flowing music. Even the gentleman with the cowbell found his place in this multi-cultural group. The age range was from young teens to senior citizens. We saw one man at least 80 years old with a huge smile on his face while he sat with the crowd drumming to the music.

I found this video on You Tube of exactly what we saw and heard yesterday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsME3VwnvcA

Now I need to buy a djembe and drum my little happy heart out!

sumpin' a-fowl is going on 'round here..

2009-04-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile Phill can get free tickets to the Anaheim Ducks. Being new to the area, and truthfully wanting to "try" new things/venues, (free is always a bonus) we went to the Honda Arena to partake as spectator fans in a hockey game...The Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks. Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This is the second game we have attended. At least this time I didn't say "NY Rangers" out loud. Phill said he would fine me $100 smackeroos if I played snob again!

So this venture to the arena, we figured why not blend in (can we do that?), and enjoy the evening with a few thousand or more fans.

Struggling through traffic on The 5, we arrive in style having enough time to enjoy the outdoor party hosted by the Ducks! All fans were invited, "To join in and enjoy the playoff atmosphere." Somehow that struck me funny.

The color of the night was either orange or black. Phill was wearing plaid (always mad for it), and I fuchsia. Maybe a hasty decision isn't always the bestest one, we purchased Duck's apparel. I threw my jersey over this Jersey girl, Phill had to go inside the men's room and change.

Waiting for Phill, I am feeling like one of the crowd! Yea, this is my team. When I spot Phill walking towards me in his Duck Duck, oh you silly goose, jersey I start to laugh.

Phill says, "What's so funny?" I am pretty sure I made him self conscious.

I replied, "Do you feel like a db right now?" ( A more polite term for db, is Scmucky Duck). We start howling!

What were we thinking? Wearing the other gangs colors!! We have always been NY Ranger's fans, but not fans like we are YANKEE fans.

We bleed blue.

To get past this silliness, let's eat some fooood!

Not everyone was wearing the color of the evening. We did have Weinerschnitzel's Angus hot dogs, and poor, poor Phill had to suffer and get a photo with these two pathetic, Miller Lite girls.

I had to retake the photo 3 times, just to make sure Phill was looking at the camera lens! Focus here Phill.

I decided I needed a photo-op with a popcorn hottie. The teen behind the counter wasn't into old Italian, chubby, popcorn eaters. No photo op with him. HIS LOSS!!

Oh well, so I made my own fun. Now this is where in times past, I have gotten myself into little bits of trouble! "Hey Dessert Boy!" (another tale, another time....)

As we strolled into the arena, we even received crying towels, to whip and wave around! I sprained my right wrist trying to rotate the silly thing. I also had some loose popcorn kernels on it, after knoshing on my Popcornopolis Kettle Corn. I realized after gyrating the towel after a huge brawl on the ice, that the fans behind me might be wearing embedded bits o'corn! I couldn't make myself to turn around. Better than beer down the back, right?

Oh the Schmucky Ducks? They lost. Their punches were on target, their pucks? Foggedaboudit. I wanted to start a chant, "Let's go schmucker's!" I knew that was not the best thing to yell...

We have tickets again for tomorrow night. We will wear our colors, bring our towels, and hope to see finally a winning Stanley Cup Ice Hockey Playoff Game.

round town and back again

2009-04-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

While my family was visiting in socal, we have had some fun day trips. We visited the Santa Monica Fishing Pier, Mullholland Drive, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Knott Berry Farms; visiting new areas and taking wonderful pics.

Santa Monica's Pier is so small compared to the boardwalk's in Jersey. I couldn't imagine summertime crowds trying to get around each other. Us Jerseyians all understand the Bennie stroll. Santa Monica was quite beautiful and quaint. The sea breeze and expansive beach were inviting to say the least!

Zoltar told me my fortune. I had to listen quite closely. I thought I heard Zoltar say something about being a weird chick. I must of heard wrong! Fortune Smortune!

Mullholland Drive was this incredibly windy, hilly, cliff-edged road heading towards Beverly Hills. There were so many "For Sale" signs out in front of the gated hill-top drives. We were searching for someone famous or even paparazzi. No luck. We even had a bet going about how many Rolls-Royce we would see in this area. By the end of the day, zero were spotted. I think the cars are not allowed on the roads on Mondays. I am pretty sure I read that somewhere..... We did see this though....

This is someones front gate to their property. A house. Not a hotel, resort or spa. A home. Cripe!

Entering Hollywood we drove by the Muppet Studios. Which used to be Charlie Chaplin's Home and Studio. Daniel had a visit their last year. He said the studio is remarkable inside.

We also shopped in Amoeba Music in Hollywood. "The Supreme Source For Your Musical Inspiration". Over 1 million new and used cd's in stock! I wanted to take pics inside the store, but didn't want to get forced to get a tattoo or something pierced!

I found a great DVD set of Rocky and Bullwinkle, and a set of The Little Rascals. Now I need a rainy day, to sit back and laugh watching these old shows. Amoeba Music's front door faces the 'Hollywood' sign out into the distance. Somewhere in this foreground of the picture, you can spy the sign.

Yesterday, we went to Knott Berry Farms. I am not a big amusement park kind of person. I was excited to go, since I always wanted to visit since I was a kid. The heck with roller coasters and rides! I wanted to see Charlie Brown and the Gang!

I have to admit though. Seeing Lucy's head the size of a medicine ball, was a little creepy. I only screamed out loud once!

Next road trip? In San Diego there is a diner, "The Corvette Diner". It is relocating, so I will wait to go there. But, I was told by two very believable sources...

the patrons can misbehave just a little. And, the staff breaks out in song or something like that.

On one of those silly nights when there is nuttin' else to do.......road trip!

heading over the mountain pass...

2009-04-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I loaded up the Conestoga Wagon, a.k.a. lil' blue, my turbo charged 5 speed on the floor, VW Beetle and headed north to my bro and sis-in-laws abode in the San Joaquin Valley. The Conestoga was loaded with personal belongings, Italian sausages (what Italian hits the road without sausage in the car?),

my two cats I adore, fruit to knosh on and of course dark chocolate. With cats in tow I picked up Phill at work to head north through Los Angeles and up, up, up the mountain pass. I was the designated driver and was ready for our adventure.

To head up through The Grapevine you drive up mountain elevations up to 5000 feet. Thankfully, my turbo charged Conestoga can vroom and go! Passing all the 18 wheelers with ease and speed, the only concern was the high wind warning posted at the foot of the mountain. The Santa Anna winds wreck havoc through this mountain pass, and I was white knuckling worried that our car would be tossed over the rim of the road. I had seen pictures of huge haulers tossed and flipped like they weighed no more than a feather. I fear the Santa Anna Winds.

All was good, we were sailing with the other California dreamin' adventurers pushing past the head-on winds climbing to the summit. The views are absolutely magnificent! We drove by Angeles National Forest, summits of green and yellow wildflowers, mountain peaks as high as the sky, Pyramid Lake; the highway 99 (or freeway, haven't figured that out yet), which all leads down to the valley up north.

Selma the Raisin Capital of the world, has acres and acres of grape vines shriveling the future harvest in the sun. Yes, and on a billboard there was a California Raisin waving at all the peeps driving by.

We drove by structures that puzzle and amaze. They rival any modern art sculpture. Phill thought the concrete silos were filled with pistachios.

In the middle and in between here and there, the sun was still high in the sky. Suddenly Phill yells, "There is something in the road!" I spy a sofa cushion in the fast lane, and another cushion in the slow lane. I realize I can't drive into these lanes. Right in front of me is a SUV that suddenly swerves to the right.

I immediately start multi-tasking: Screaming like a girl "Oh my God, oh my God!!!!!!!", downshifting, and trying to find the hazard light button. I spy with my huge blue googely popping out in shock eyes that right in front of us is a sea grass green sofa blowing in the center lane of the highway!

I can't get around the sofa, instantly we had cars swerving to avoid us! Somehow by the grace of my Guardian Angel Victoria, ( I am pretty sure I had summoned with my panicked bellows) we were quickly driving around this life altering sofa, and onto safety. "Holy Flying Sofa," I screamed!!!

I cannot explain why we were not crushed from the others around me. I never did find the hazard light button during this time, but my heart once again was a-pounding in my chest! Phill and I drove onward stunned and scared out of our wits!

We must have entered the holy flying sofa phenomenon. Maybe Rod Sterling was outside the car watching as we entered the Twilight Zone.

It all happened so fast, but still as of today, quite unexplainable. I guess it just wasn't our time. Thank God, and my Guardian Angel Victoria! They made sure our obit's wouldn't state ...smashed into smithereens by the holy flying sofa escapde.

You can be sure that if Phill was driving....I would either have been knitting, knoshing on that chocolate in my bag, gabbing, and not being the ever so diligent co-Conestoga pilot.

My eyes wouldn't have been on the road.

The ironic part of this story is that for a many months Phill and I have not had a sofa. We had to lighten the load to move west. Recently we have been discussing if it was finally time to shop for something like a comfy sofa in the living room.

You can be sure, that when we finally decide and find a comfy sofa, it won't be in the middle of a 5 lane highway, nor will it be sea green in color. Holy Flying Sofa, where is your owner? How could anyone have a sofa blow out of their vehicle and leave it there?

On our way back home, Phill drove. I didn't play, I didn't knit, I didn't eat. I watched the road with eagle eyes! No way would we be victims of flying debris on this road ever again!

Whewpha!

I am now pondering the thought that when we travel we should be wearing rubber sumo suits We might look silly, but I might be on to sumpin'......

farmer's market booty......

2009-04-03T11:41:00.001-07:00

Each Saturday, Phill and I have been shopping at the local Farmer's Markets. Look at the wonderful booty we purchased! This week we found the Dana Point market. It is so close to our home. We are having so much fun, exploring the fresh foods for sale. Our next favorite market is in Corona Del Mar. That market is 3o minutes north on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). The breathtaking views along the ocean are eye candy along the route to that market.

These California strawberries are the bestest we have tasted, and you know each one is lovingly dipped into my secret mix of melted chocolate! (If I tell you my recipe, then I am gonna have to ....off ya.) (So don't ask, and whatever you do, don't ask my mother...she can't keep a secret for anything! Especially, my secret chocolate mix!!)

The bag of oranges, five bucks! Since I am the self-appointed "Queen of Scurvy", I trust Phill wholeheartedly when he says these oranges are the most delicious he has ever tasted. I have been forced to try a segment or two. Then I get the shivers and run around the house until the citrus goosebumps go away!

We walk around the market with our canvas bags brimming with fresh grown vegetables and fruits. Having a blast spending a dollar for this and that. Nuttin' beats a cheap and healthy day at the market!

Come and visit, we will buy you Brussel Sprouts!!!

Oh my gosh......clipped right out of today's Orange County Register.....

2009-03-26T15:14:00.001-07:00

To think "Hey Rube Get A Tube" Parade and Race held each September in Point Pleasant was "out there". Or the crazy, in your face fireworks held on the Manasquan Beach every 4th of July. I did by mistake once, drive to NYU during the Rainbow Coalition Parade in NYC in July. Needless to say, the silver lame speedos I spotted were terrific to say the least!

10,000 peeps mooned last year! 10,000!!!!!! I guess the police won't yell, "drop them" on this day!

Somehow curiosity is getting the better of me, I want to know why this mooning started and why has it been held annually for over 30 years.

Oh by the way, I just realized that street where the bar is...is in walking distance from my home.....................

blondey science lesson #1....

2009-03-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Which way is the wind blowing?

A) West

B) North

C) This-a-way

D) That-a-way

Correct answer gets you 1 thousand life science points!

The correct blondey science class #1 answer is letter D. The wind is blowing that-a-way! Welcome to simple science!

bronx and adventures of the the other world...

2009-03-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

THE BRONX ZOO. There were different species of monkeys, gazelley types of creatures and a rather vocal grumbly lion. His jungle sounds made your hair stand up on end! Most animals were away for the winter. I think they were in Florida!

Then on over to Arthur Avenue.

The Italian Food mecca in the Bronx! A wonderful ending to a wonderful day. What could be better ~ a carafe of house wine and a platter of antipasto. Life is good.

Getting to NYC was another story.... Having a bulky backpack and totebag I was struggling to keep my belongings in one place on the NYC bound bus. I shifted towards the HUGE picture window on the bus. All of a sudden my window swings out and open! The bus driver is yelling at me to close the window! I yelled back with certainty, "I didn't open it!" (it was my elbow...I must have a high IQ for that ever so smart elbow of mine!)

The woman behind me immediately helps and grabs the swinging window back into place. We shove down the bar that latches the window closed and locked. My

Good Samaritan then says to me, to get my foot and kick the bar down! I said back to her now almost laughing/crying, "I can't get my leg up that far." All during this- you got to me kidding me, I don't want any part of this adventure time- I am holding onto my belongings with a white knuckle grip! My buddy now gets up and with her high heeled boots and bravado ready to give one swift kick to the faulty latch! I quickly convinced her that the latch was back in it's secure location. She then looks me in the eye and says, "you don't need a lawsuit."

Panic? Sweating? Scared? You bet! All the rest of the bumpy, bumpy ride into Port Authority I was panicked that my large bus window would fall out of it's hinge and plunge me and my lonesome into litigation hell!

Once we reached the bus depot, I think I ran

all the way to safety right into my youngest son's arms!

The following day I was riding the subway (all by myself for the second time in my life) I really thought would I rather....be on a bus with a swinging loose huge picture window, or be sitting across from a fellow passenger while he repeatedly banged his head on the wall, and at the same lucky time, wild teenagers were huffing some sort of substance behind me.

Myself and other passengers moved ourselves to another area of the subway car. I then decided the bus although a different scarier was scarier safer.

Regards, Amy the Adventurer.

solitary content-ment

2009-03-03T09:29:00.001-08:00

While walking in the sun last week, I saw my shadow.

I was a human sundial.

It was ten to one.

I was having the time of my life.

going silly with the slightly deranged....

2009-02-22T20:50:00.000-08:00

Happily for Phill and I, my brother is staying with us, as he works in our area for awhile. Today we took him today to Salt Creek. Salt Creek is the pathway down to the ocean. It was just before sunset, and the magic hour was tinted in pink. Rather overcast, but spectacular to say the least.

We are having a great afternoon slowly making our way down the concrete switchbacks and then down the 12o steps. Taking in the beauty and the.....what? Oh come on, now what?

What is that in the distance on the beach? It looks like a man in a diaper...no wait a minute, he looks like the strongman at a circus. But rather, diminutive in height and on the pale side of never seeing the sun. His black shoes and black calf high socks framed his slightly bowed legs.

The closer we came to him, we saw that he was running in his underwear. Soggy white boxer shorts with a black waistband. Somehow we all understood that he was cwazy, and we were thankful to have a steep wall of rocks separating us from "Cap'n Soggy Bottoms."

His erractic behavior had us keeping an eye on "Soggy Bottoms". Beachcombers, runners and families down on the beach were making huge walking arcs around him; for good reasons we were sure!

As we were reaching the end of the walkway, in the distance we hear the distinct 'whop whop whop' of helicopters. We were searching the sky, and at that point they could only be heard not seen. Suddenly, two large military helicopters emerge from around the mountain range and follow the beach along the coastline.

We are in awe, then in utter shock as we see that "Cap'n Soggy Bottoms", (insert "ly" verb here)__________ly turns to the sky and gives our courageous military men the double bird. We were in hopes that the copters would have swooped down and (insert verb here) _______ed him.

It was time to climb back up those 120 steeper than ever stairs, to the impossibly steep switchbacks. Phill is way ahead of my brother and I. He looks back and he sees "Soggy Bottoms "starting to jog up to the steps. Phill then gives me the high sign, that I better get a move on...I was hurrying, scurrying , while my heart was thumping out of my chest, my breath was coming out in gasps, hoping against all hopes that no way on the face of the earth would our paths~ be it either the boogens, your worst nightmare, "Cap'n Soggy Bottoms" ever cross.

I don't know how we did it, but somehow our high alertness and not wanting to be in the same space as that circus reject, got our adrenaline flowing us right up into the safety of our locked car.

Never a dull moment! I was glad I wasn't alone. Once locked safely in the car, we all started laughing about what a crazy world we live in! Also, very thankful that in our lifetimes we never ran anywhere in our underwear. Ever!

Colors ~ an interpretation.

2009-02-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

We all fill out our lives with color. It is just who and how we are. The first color T.V. set in my house growing up, was when I was 16 years old. Everything I watched growing up was in black and white. I was surprised to learn that the actors wore costumes that matched! I am a huge fan of old 1930-1960 movies being shown in black and white. My imagination goes wild bringing the costumes and movie sets to life in the colors I “see”.

Being an artistic kid, I always saw shadows, and hues; the rich deepness and tones in colors amaze me. That is probably why I enjoy taking pictures of flowers and trees. Nature unfolds it’s glory everyday for us all to see and partake in it’s splendor.

Last summer while Phill and I were walking Manasquan Beach at sunrise, it came to me that a sunrise is like a joke. You have to be there to get the punch line! I laughed all day with that one. The sunrise was magnificent; with oranges, red and yellows filling up the new morning sky.

Why did you wear what you wore today? Besides being functional, it was the colors of course. Your favorite clothing drapes you in colors that are soothing to your soul, or maybe to make a statement of your being. I always have a hard time packing when I go away, I never know what color will be the shade of my day!

My oldest son was sharing with me a while ago, that music has color too. I was being shown the sounds of greens and reds on a piano. Somewhere you have to use your imagination and intuition to be able to see what colors are around you in fluid strokes of color; also to truly hear music that is filled with color.

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

I knew a wonderful woman who was the color “pastel blue”. It amazed me, to be able to see her aura. Pastel blue is gentle like the breeze, and loving like a hug. That is how she was. Pastel Blue.

We all exude beautiful spectrum's of shades, and hues. Maybe even though in life we tend to see in black and white. It is the colorful variations that bend and mold our world.

This week, an angel received her wings. Looking closely you will find that those glorious wings have hint of pastel blue.

alarms, bells, and things that go BuMp in the night!

2009-02-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

I spotted today, outside my bedroom window this red alarm bell. I investigated further, and found out that each condo unit has one on the wall mounted outside by the front doors. Each walkway leads to two front doors along a concrete canyon, so when and if that red bell does ring it’s gonna make a racket.

What is it used for? Fire? Earthquakes? Eating too much at a meal? One is to wonder…. I do know that I am proudly practiced in screaming like a girl, or letting out a banshee yell that curdles milk. (I am rather proud of that yell!) (That yell almost got me booted off a Merry-go round in Jersey years ago…)

When my sister, brother and I were young kids, our father brought home a portable Westinghouse reel-to-reel tape recorder. It had a wired microphone to “speak” into. I can still remember the smell of the leather case today. The three of us spent crazy hours sitting around the dining room table making recordings.

Oh those were the days! We either made up gangster voices we heard in the detective movies, or were chickens clucking along to songs or having chicken fights…”cluck, cluck, CLUCK!” (Kudos to our mother for buying us the record, “Henrietta the Chicken sings opera”) Sometimes the chickens were gangsters. Hahaha.

Being one who was rather vocal I perfected my murderous scream to the delight of my older bro and sis. I don’t think my mother appreciated my screams, but they were Hollywood quality dying screams!! We would then play back our recordings and just laughed until we cried! “You dirty rat, you killed…(insert scream here!!) hahaha. I would scream just to let it out. Oh man.

Those days Perry Mason was on T.V. I even could impersonate his furrowed brow, or screw up my face to resemble those bad guys, Sam, Bub, Lou and Hal. Sam had a closed left eye, mouth drawn down to the right, and a deep voice. Bub had the opposite facial tics and so on. (Go ahead try it…)

To this day, I think I walk around with that Perry Mason furrowed brow! I have the deep wrinkle to prove it. I guess the wind changed while I had my face contorted!

So sadly if that red alarm bells does ring, you can be sure that from socal to NJ and back, everyone will hear loud gangster clucking or a murderous scream that will most likely get us invited out of this library quiet neighborhood. One thing I am certain of, I know I will be the bump in the night, like a flying projectile right into my bedroom ceiling!

nuttin' but the toof.....

2009-02-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

This ad arrived in the mail on Friday. I started to laugh till I had tears in my eyes....(and silently praying I will never need teeth in a day!)

This silly ad brought me to a place long ago and far away......

Back in 1979 I worked in a lovely local health food store. The owner was a gentle man, a friend, and very honorable. We had many loyal customers who were into good health, and good karma.

There was one gentleman though, I do not remember his name, but will never forget his tinted aviator glasses, his paunch, his '70's permed hair and his over all creepiness. He would grab my elbow with a sweaty hand, or try to feel my back....ewww. I was 20 years old, and wise. I would make sure I went behind the counter when he came in the store so he couldn't try to handle me. One day as I spied my "buddy" walking in, I mentioned to my boss my friend what he did to me...

Within minutes of the man shopping in the store, my boss starts to tell me this story... he was speaking rather loudly, and at the time I had no idea what was going on.

.....One night a man walked into a wonderful restaurant in the city. He sat down and his server told him of the specials that evening. He was told of the steak specials, and was tempted to order one of them for his dinner. The gentleman wanted to order the steak, but told his server that he regretfully left his teeth home! The server put in the order, and set it on the table. The server then proceeded to pull of out his jacket a full set of dentures! The hungry man tried them, but they were too tight! He told his server they were of no use. Again the server pulled out another set, and these were too loose! This went on until the hungry man had a pair in his mouth that were perfect, and he ate his steak dinner with ease and delight! (My boss at this time has tears in his eyes relaying this story to me; I was staring at him thinking to myself, 'what the heck??')

So at the end of the diner's delicious dinner he asked his server where he had all those dentures from, and did he owe him any money. The server told the man, no cost at all! My brother works for the local morgue!!!!!!

At that exact moment, the end of this story brought the creepy permed haired customer man to bellow and storm out of the store, "I have heard quite enough!"

My boss looked at me and stated, " he will never bother you again, Amy."

Still laughing from this incredible story, It was then told why the creepy man left. The angry customer was a professor at the local dental school!

We laughed all day.... And until my last day working at this lovely store, I was never approached and groped again.

I am telling the toof!

So now I have to fess up on something I did....

The day the movers arrived to unpack our belongings here in socal they rang my front doorbell.

Omar introduced himself, and what the plan was for the day. Behind Omar was a tall lanky long-haired 30-ish year old man, with no front teeth. He put out his hand and said, "I'm Yak." I shook his hand, and replied, "Hi Yak." Jose standing in the rear shook my hand and introduced himself as well.

Phill then came to the door, and I let him know the movers were here, and ready to go. The introductions started again...Omar says, "Hi I am Omar." He proceeds to shake Phill's hand. Yak says, "I am Yak." Phill replies, "Hi Jack."

WHAT?? Now I am dying inside. Did my blonde brain just think and say his name was Yak??? I knew immediately I didn't hear properly because of Yak's lack of front toof's. Oh my gosh. When Phill and I finally got to be alone, I fess up what I did. Man did we laugh! I hope Yak didn't realize my goof. He was a nice guy. Sorry Yak.

As my father used to say, "If you are not true to your teeth, they will be false to you!"

And, that's the toof!

so how was your day so far?

2009-02-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

What a question to ask! "So, how was your day so far?"

I feel that it is a loaded question, just waiting for a one-two punch answer. Maybe being a Jersey girl, I rankle when that is asked.... Who is asking, the clerks at retail stores! East coast we meet a potential customer or clerk and either say, "Howyadoin' " or don't even make a hint of eye contact and go about the business at hand. I like it that way, no interference, no obligation to recognize. Howyadoin' is not a question, it is a statement of fact. Don't want to hear how you are really doing, no way no how! I know in my heart we are not a mean people, just preoccupied with matters at hand, tasks to do, and places to go. I am not here to be your bestest friend, I am here to purchase what I need/and/or want.

The first time this was asked, I just went food shopping in socal for the first time. My nerves were raw, feeling outplaced and alone. A clerk asked, "so how was your day so far?" Tears welled up in my eyes, and I incoherently mumbled something awkward back. Do you really want to know??????

So today again that imposing question was asked of me....again Amy the mumbler couldn't answer.... I just blankly stared and felt awkward. Who knows...I have heard that asked at 7:45 a.m. in a coffee shop to a gentleman. I almost burst out laughing!! How is your day so far?????

I had a great day so far. I woke up ! Had my favorite cup o' community coffee, made plans to create a few homemade pizza's for dinner.....man my day so far was awesome!

I went driving around today, because it is raining. I tried to get my car a free raindrop car wash. Somehow lil' blue doesn't look as clean as I wished it would. It is supposed to rain all weekend. Maybe tomorrow I will suds it up before I go for that drive! So, how was your day so far? Bubbly!!! I think somehow I will violate some green law driving down the road tossing bubbles off my car. Bummer.

I have found the coolest road. Selva Road.

The picture I took doesn't really show the steepness to this road. It does show what the land really looks like here; so very hilly. I have renamed Selva Road, as Weeeeeee! Can you imagine sleigh riding down this hill?

I had my car in low gear going down it. Maybe tomorrow while I am driving all bubbly, I will test my stick shift skills going UP!

So, how was your day so far? It is gonna be a blast!!

This week was another learning experience~ the Dana Point Post Office. Walking in I see people milling around like they are waiting for the next subway to stop. Being ever so observant ~ I feel something is way different! Why do we mill about in the Post Office? Because you must take a ticket and wait till your number is called!!!!!!! Reminiscent of any other government agency in Caly??

I have decided that Californian's are all little kids deep down inside, and make a game out of most everything! I think the next time I go to purchase something I might yell "Uno!" when my last item has scanned! Wouldn't that be a blast! Ok, so maybe my games are a little more twisted....

Thankfully, I had to wait at least 10 minutes in the post office until my number was called. In that time I wrestled with myself not to order a pound of pastrami, a few hard rolls, and some imported provolone cheese. I did have that giggly look on my face though when I approached the counter. I behaved.

Bummer!

So howyadoin so far?

Whaddayawannofor?

Gotta love it!

i'd rather eat lima beans!

2009-01-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

My most favorite saying when I don't want to (1 do something (2 eat something or (3 be somewhere is , "I'd rather eat lima beans!"

Today that ole lima bean mantra was repeated over and over again!

Why? Do you have to ask? I'll tell ya why..... it seems the good old DMV (yes!) of California missed me. The lovely letter I received in the mail, highlighted stapled and duplicated 42 times on black and white glossy 8x10 photographs...(oh sorry started to relive the saga of Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant.....)

The letter so nicely informed me that I didn't show proof that my car was registered in the state of NJ when I first visited....was I asked for any official document? NO. And, kids you cannot have any omissions or cross-outs on your submitted form. OOOps, my black inked out writing mistakes got me into a heap of trouble. I was educated in public school which didn't let the likes of Sister Joseph rapping my knuckles to teach me to be neat with my writing. Public school willingly let me explore my own style of penmanship! Maybe Sister Joseph is running California's DMV now?????

What else do I have to do with my days?

I along with the throngs of other non rule followers stood on the long, long line to the information desk. Watching the clock tick away 25 very slow minutes it was my turn for that coveted bingo number B82!

Pizza is always ready in 20 minutes, so is take out Chinese food. In twenty minutes I was ready for take out too! I approached my new friend behind the counter of mismatched and misguided rules with a nice happy smile on my face, and a little wave.

I can be nice when I need/want/or have too. haha.

I then explained why I was back, and wholeheartedly apologized for having messy penmanship; all the while hiding my knuckles just in case Sister Joseph rounded the corner!

All is good, all is taken care of. But wait, the TRUCK!! When will that be rejected???

I will eat a bowl of lima beans before I step back into another DMV office again! Phill is officially tagged, "he is it!"

Run away and hide!

stuff...

2009-01-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made a recipe that I got in my cooking class during senior year of high school "Scalloped Potatoes and Ham". Needing only 5 credits to finish out my senior year,this was the perfect 3rd period class. Tonight while preparing this labor intensive recipe (not really, but always makes one sound like a top notch chef) my mind started to wander and think about stuff.

Good, bad or indifferent ~ I haven't worked in over a month now. Exactly 34 days - the scratch marks I am making on my giant sized Special Dark Hershey's chocolate bar coincide with my count! Once I get hired, I will partake in knoshing on my daily reminder. Now that we are settled in, it is time to get my working show on the road.

Being alone most of my days, I have huge conversations in my head. I win all arguments, and do listen to reason too! The mantra my inner centered self is always telling me, 'haste makes waste'. I have been taking my time and doing everything slow, correct, and sure. You should see how I have perfected the remote control aim at the tv!

It is only January, and I am planning opening day tv with my Yankees. I have almost solved how not to miss a game. I have my favorite hat ready, and you can bet it will be hot dogs for dinner that night! April...12th or something like that. I can hear the announcer now.....

Today I was driving down the highway (ooops... freeway 5) south. While driving under this huge concrete overpass, my heart started to flip. What if an earthquake hit now? Oh my gosh, hurray up traffic move on, move on! This had me pondering that I am basically a brave girl....maybe....

Then I started to list what gives me the creeps and willies....

bugs

cheap fabrics

oranges and pulp

bad smells

concrete overpasses that defy gravity

As a young girl I could set my mother into oblivion by just quietly stating that I didn't want the orange juice with pulp. Have you ever seen a rather calm and loving Italian mother be told no to food? Immediately her voice would raise an octave or too, and I knew her blood pressure would rise faster than a Ferrari racing down a road with a turbo engine going 110 mph! I was in serious citrus trouble. I still see that stainless steel strainer, resting on my juice glass. I knew in minutes torture was mine to drink (with a smile on my face!)

It is all just fun stuff. Smile, dance and eat a marshmallow daily.

**Thankfully, my sister saved this age old 1976 high school recipe since it is so delicious! As you can see in the photo, I am still cooking for an army. Anyone want some leftovers???? Actually, I doubled the recipe. You never know who will drop by for dinner.

*** keep reading if you want the recipe......

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

4 c thinly sliced potatoes

2 c ham cut into small strips

2/3 c finely chopped onion

mix together - 2 tbs flour, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 tsp salt

3 tbs butter

1 1/2 c scaled milk

Grease 2 qt casserole. Arrange layers of potatoes, ham, onions, sprinkle w/flour mixture, dot with butter.

Ending w/po layer on top.

Pour hot mile over all.

Bake 45 mins @ 375 degrees. Cover and bake 15 min longer or until tender.

Enjoy.

a 3-ring circus...HoOps of fire....and a 2 trick pony...

2009-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

What an experience....the California DMV. Enough said? And to think that I had NJ in the lowest of lows of all DMV's on earth. Nothing to compares to California's 'the most craziest show on earth!'

What you want to move to the lovely state of California??? You better get your game on!

We walk into the local office...all very subdubed except for the incessent calling of bingo numbers... G22 window 33 please..A19 window 1....

Explaining to our counter host we just moved in to socal (better lie about that move date....or $$$$), we get our forms to fill out. We now have access to the "sideline"...oooh. Oh my gosh, you can't have more than 3 items of buisness....what??? It is okay, you just get additional bingo numbers to listen to. Okay, no prob there...why is my wallet sweating in deep depreciatonal value??

Finally, B33 that's us! That's us!! Walkng over to counter 19 with filled out forms in hand we are ready.

What you have 2 numbers? Oh you better listen to it being called! Wait, am I supposed to clone myself at this point? No problem counter #3 came to moi! Go figure.

Whoa, woah, woah..... you can't register your car, truck and motorcycle....not now! You need to go to the Smog R Us across the street and get a nifty $58 certificate to state you won't stink up our Sunshine State.

Well okay....while we are being informed of the rules we didn't follow; counter #3 wants me to run over to her spot. Okay, so I run and get the bucko rules on my license. You pay $28 and we let you take our nifty test and take your thumbprint and lovely pic. I was wondering what if I didn't have a right thumb.....

Run back to counter #19 whaddaImis...

Oh look, you didn't get to the Vin checker.... oh the vin checker!!! What the heck? So now our lovely DMV 'chuckles the burgandy haired clown' stated sorta like...would you look at, that the vin-ners don't come back until 1:30.....it is 12:15!!!!

But wait, let's get you paid, and started on your paperwork...$450 please! What??

Wait, I just moved here (remember the move in date penalty clause??? Thank God I was wearing the correct color of the day!!) But chuckles I said with a nice happy face (was that a chore to do!), please I said so sweetly with my gapped tooth smile, "we just signed our lease"....schmoozing the clown..it worked! Okay now you have to pay $345...more reasonable.

Here starts the hoops of fire.....YOU HAVE A TRUCK?????

By gosh and you be screwed golly...you need a certifiable weight certificate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A what?????

(as I type this, Phill is driving one hour away to the closest certifiable DMV you be screwed you ever came to our state another $58 dolla weight scale in LA!)

Amy the ever diligent, followed every rule, every $$ (remember Little Man that hit my car? His money mommy sent for my repair $$ now has been donated so gratefully to DMV....everything happens for a reason!!!)

I passed Smog R Us, waited a long time for the vin-ner to arrive- passed!

And then waited on-line for my thumbprint, photo, and drivers test!

No kids, I went in cold. No studying for me!! I passed~ missed only two (hence the two trick pony...) As I am waiting on another line, sweating more than my wallet I am worried at 51 years old the happy test checker will say too loudly "you failed" I had thoughts of how much I could pay her off...$$ Strangers all around give each other thumbs up when passing! I immediately was transported to 2nd grade worrying how I did...but in the 60's we didn't know thumbs up....hahahah. I did receive a smiley face on my test! Almost better than a gold star...and to think the test was corrected in that pc green ink. No hard feelings from me!!

....The motorcycle...oh that didn't even get processed....Phill will be working on his wheelies and riding while standing on the seat trick! Then he will report to counter...

fuhgeddaboudit..

your ship has come in........

2009-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

While walking and discovering Dana Point Harbor, I found my boat! Honestly, I didn't know I was looking for it, but alas you can see it is mine all mine!!

Dana Point is named after Mr. Dana, I am pretty sure his name wasn't Mr. Point; in fact if I read the plaque that adorned his statue I could probably tell you more than you would ever want to know. So thank me now for just taking a pic of his impressive statute.

Dana Point is a harbor on the Pacific Ocean. It is impressive, breathtakingly beautiful, and has really cool pelicans dropping into the water here and there. Their splash is one short of a cannonball!

Living recently near the intercostal waterway on the east coast, I was always regaling in it's splendor. Hours were spent there enjoying in the beauty of the water and of course the scenic view.

Yesterday, I was tickled to find another place to sit and ponder life around me. I have to say I will most likely be spending many hours at the point. No doubt about it.

Oh yes, my east coast friends ~ It was vewy, vewy cold while I explored the point. Yes, it was!!!! (Okay, I am fibbing just a little. It was um, like you know 80 degrees. With yes, yes gale force winds. Okay that is a little lie too.) But I did shiver just a little; a teeny tiny shiver of gleeful oh my gosh what have we got here shiver! You were all in my thoughts and prayers of warmth.

To own a boat in my opinion you must have a really cool name for the vessel. It is amazing to see how many clever-minded watercraft aficionado's there are at the harbor! I came up with the name, "What the hull you lookin' at". Phill after spying a dingy came up with, "Size doesn't matter!".

Anchors aweigh my friends. enjoy the ride.

It must be here somewhere....

2009-01-14T12:08:00.001-08:00

If home is where your heart is, then in bits and pieces somewhere in all these packing boxes I am finding small pulses of my heart. We had 363 boxes delivered yesterday, so the scavenger hunt of finding heart warming jigsaw pieces is on! From little knick knack gifts that were given to me throughout the years, or treasured pictures that must be front and present on the fridge. These little do-dads of love are slowly warming up this socal home. Needless to say, after 30 years of marriage a skeleton or two did show up in the closet! The biggest warmth of all yesterday was my big brudder Mark, he gave us his love and support unconditionally. Thank you Marky Maypo.

Thankfulness and wonderful memories with family and friends warms a home; alongside laughter and tears. It brings the blank canvas of house to life. Today unpacking each box I am crying this house to life.

Tomorrow let's hope the laughter starts!

Mattie and Ollie knew just what to do during moving in day....hunker down and take it all in.

Coffee warms the heart too...time for more.

overheard in laguna beach

2009-01-11T18:06:00.000-08:00

As Phill and I were taking in the sunset this Sunday afternoon, we heard something so extraordinary, so explicit, so prolific that we just had to share....

a little wiggly, giggly 3 to 4 year old girl monkeying around in the sand with her family taking in the sunset said,

"ciao, sol."

What a wonderful way to end the day....out of the mouth of babes.

SHakE RATTLE!! AND ROLL......

2009-01-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I had my Nonni's pasta pot for my earthquake helmet. That life saving pot is in storage right now. I had to use a emergency back up earthquake helmet.

Yes, boys and girls. We had an earthquake tonight. How do I know? The couch was shaking, and shaking and shaking. I looked at Phill and he had the same "oh crap" look in his face too!

I I ran and got out from my luggage my wind up flashlight and my wind up radio. I am now prepared.

I also did the proper emergency technique and got under the table!

Obviously these pictures are all staged, but the quake, rattle

and roll was not! Honestly it was the same feeling during a horrific thunder and lightning storm. Just waiting for that final KAPOW!!

My heart is a little a pounding, and am pretty sure I am going to go eat that full box of cookies I bought at Trader Joe's today. If I am gonna go, I am gonna go on a full stomach of Trader Joe's Jo-Jo's.

This probably measured a .5 on the Richter scale, but to me it was huge. I hope I sleep tonight!!!

UPDATE!! THIS WAS A 4.5 RICHTER SCALE SCARY!!

HuCkLe BuCkLe BeAnStAlK.....

2009-01-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

as young kids my brother, sister and i would play huckle buckle beanstalk. if you never had the most thrilling enjoyment of hiding something from others and waiting for them to find it, you haven't lived! the joy of the game??? is to find that pesky whatnot and yell at the top of your lungs, "huckle buckle beanstalk!!" i have fond memories waiting in a room and running out looking everywhere for the old maid deck of cards my brother hid. it was a rainy summer day....we finally found it in the kitchen oven. too much fun!

so finding a place to live in socal has been like hbb...some places you are sure the golden gem of home is hidden in the walls, and some when you run out as fast as you can so you don't gag had no golden gem hidden in it at all. traversing and traveling far and wide huckling and buckling looking for that pesky golden gem of home. this is the ultimate grown up scavenger hunt of all time. somewhere i have lost my childlike giggle while i huckle buckle. while i am on this all out hunt for home, i am ever so grateful for those little yappy dogs that live rightside so very where near the huckle buckle golden gem of home might be hid. i am pretty sure the yappy barks are subtle hints to run as fast as you can....

possibly as early as tomorrow phill and i will be yelling, "huckle buckle beanstalk". this will certainly in turn scare our new neighbors, or maybe start a new game in the neighborhood. i am ready to scream my lungs out!

california bump and grind.....

2009-01-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

it's not what you think. not at all.

look at lil' blue.... phill was so upset he ran and got the scrape fixed. he thought he must of hit something. i arrive in caly and phill finally tells me what happened.

oh no not again!

would you believe it? it seems someone in the parking garage where our temporary housing is had scraped my car. we approached the head of security, and his reply was do you know how expensive that bmw is that hit you?

what???? we are now in the process of trying to contact mr $$ bmw to see if he can $$ us. man oh man..

oh the show continues .... yesterday driving to costa mesa heading out on my own for the first time lil' blue and i get rear-ended by a teenager. he accuses me of stopping short....well let's see if was driving in traffic and the road had a lane closing for repairs...driving carefully and slowly....nope didn't stop short. well i take that back, i stopped short when my car was hit from behind and my head did one of those back and forth bobbles we all try to avoid. needless to say, i was very shaken up. needless to say the young man has some years to grow up.

mr little man's mom promised me as i had to talk to her on his cell phone, that they would cover all repairs. i called the police after little man left, i felt that was the proper call to place. it seems little man's family called police and stated i was the cause. nope. the repair for my car shouldn't be to much...it is even hard to see in the picture. but most definately i probably will stay off the road today.

ROSE BOWL PARADE FLOATS!

2009-01-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

So today we head out on an hour or so north journey to see and smell the "Rose Bowl Parade Floats!" Being rather excited, and juiced up on advil (still fighting my flu like symptoms) off we buzz up the road. Using our cell phone gps's (I am being accused of holding mine upside down), and reading road signs where to go...we get off the floral splendor track. However stopping at a local donuts shop, we figure out we were not on track! Somehow my phone map was upside down...go figure. So finally we arrive in beautiful Pasadena. You can see the crowds milling towards the gated entry at Victory Park. Finally finding a parking spot down a steep hill, we slowly make our way to floral fantasy!

Upon getting to the gated kingdom we are told that no more tickets are being sold today. What???? I tell the young man that we came all the way from New Jersey to see the floats. He then responded that some have come as far as Vegas! Yes, in my Jersey Girl head I wanted to teach him a lesson on maps and distance from Jersey to Vegas, but alas I was considerate of his map disability and said, "Oh, okay." I had to ask though, "can you smell the flowers?" "Only in the early morning," my map mismatched guardman replied. With hunched over shoulders, and dreams blown away like the fuzz on the front yard dandelions we walked back downhill to our awaiting car.

Did we feel like bimbo's?? Maybe.

This misadventure put us on a new road towards home ~ Freeway 605 to Seal Beach. What is Seal Beach? That is the mystery....it is near the Navy base (hence...Seal Beach) we think. But, it is also close to LEISURE WORLD!!!

Not sure what you do at Leisure World, but some day in the not to distance future we might just find out. p.s. 9000 retired guests live right at the moment in Leisure World!

I do think that our next floral fantasy drive might just be right here:

2009 smoke and mirrors kids......

2009-01-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

back to the instant replay, back to the video tape....the ball drop here in socal was a rerun!! we called "home" at 9p.m. our time, and celebrated on the phone with the fam as the ball dropped in nyc/jersey. we searched tv here, and no luck to see it drop. magically at 11:45 socal time the smoke and mirrors show appeared on tv!

we did celebrate twice though. everyone saying good riddance to 2008, and a hearty hello to 2009. bang those pots and pans~wake all in whoville and raise the voices for all to hear!

let's hope 2009 is alive with promise, and prosperity.

2008-12-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

sunset at a local outdoor mall.

6 days in socal

2008-12-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

Things I have figured out:

Either you are driving 55-60 mph, or you are at a 4 corner stop sign intersection. Everyone waits their turn at the stop sign. And, there is no inbetween from 0-55mph!

Everyone is shiny happy people here. I ordered a cup of coffee at In and Out Burger, and my server Barbie (yes, that was her name) was so gd cheerful for my order. This had me sitting at a table laughing till I cried. If I come east and seem cheeful (or a little too cheerful), I am sure someone will flick that gadabout cheerfulness right out of me!

Even my cats are acting silly. WTF? haha.

2 mins of rain....

2008-12-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from socal. What I have found out- 2 mins of rain is a storm! Having a very satisfying dinner for Christmas ain't too shabby.