Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Earthquake,

Yep, last night at the Cherry Center we were all sitting quietly listening to a speaker and the room started shaking and shaking and shaking. And then it stopped and none of us could focus again on the speaker. We all wanted to go home and see if our families were OK.

The good news. we are all OK. No reported serious damage.

Today I am going to my second training on Disaster preparedness. I need to get supplies in my house for possible disasters.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007


Rewarding myself for stuffing and licking envelops this morning I went to Loose Noodle for spaghetti and meat balls lunch.

I was the only customer at lunch time. I sat at a front window table reading the newspaper, listening to Ella Fitzgerald croon softly.

Where is everybody?

The waiter was too attentive to my every movement.

The food was delicious.

Where is everyone?

Monday, October 29, 2007


Driving home at night, the usual route. I am tired and discouraged from a long meeting with the Christians.

The three story house on Van Buren street is different tonight. A light is shinning in the second story window. I stop to look. I have never seen a light on in the house during the 35 years I have driven up this street. The light seems ordinary.

I have heard stories about this well maintained large empty house surrounded by tiny rented apartments. I don't know why it has been empty for so long.

I resist knocking on the door to see who is living here. I'm too tired and I want to get into my own warm house. Maybe tomorrow in the daylight I can spot the occupants.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Went to hear the poet Robert Hass at MPC last night. Full house , lots of people but no one knew how to turn on the right lights or manage the sound system. So Hass stood in the dark talking through a microphone that was on too low, to the audience who were brightly lit with florescent lights. Very uncomfortable. It was difficult to understand what he was talking about.

I want to make all kinds of nasty comments about poets who don't know they don't know about lights and mikes. But so what, Hass showed up and we dutifully sat through the performance in spite of the obstacles. I am inspired to read some of his poems to see what this was all about.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

In the middle of sewing class this morning I started fantasizing about the perfect bear claw. Yes I was ready to eat one right now. Towards the end of class I talked about perfect bear claws even though it had nothing to do with sewing.

I ate a bear claw soon afterwards and it wasn't perfect but it was close enough. One other sewing student showed up at the bakery, having been seduced by my quest for the perfect bear claw at Pavels.

The bakery was busy. One young attractive server was bored and had stashed a picture magazine behind the counter and would take quick moments of reading and turning the pages between taking orders from the hurried customers. I think she thought she was invisible.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Thick fog again this morning, cool.

Spent time putting labels and stamps on envelops, writing notes, getting ready to mail a fund raising card out right after the election.

Then went to the movies with a friend to see Lars and the Real Girl. I laughed and I cried.

I still feel a bit sad and happy at the same time.

There are still fires in Southern California.

Thursday, October 25, 2007


Full moon last night.

Kept waking up to the droning of the airplanes spaying stuff on all of us, back and forth through the night. Trying to eliminate the Brown apple moth that has recently moved to this area. Lots of public outcry and one law suit.

The judge said let them spray in spite of the claims of potential human damage.

Fires continue is Southern California.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007


This morning along the wharf the water has an orange murky tint, red tide. The air has traces of smoke.

I continue to be obsessed with the Southern California fires even though I now know that all my family is safe.

A young woman with a pickup parks by the beach. She talks to the closed back door, saying , now calm down, don't run. As soon as the door is partially open, a flash of movement erupts and four large dogs race out to the water. She just shakes her head, oh well what can I do. I want to warn her that this is a leash only beach but I don't because I see that I am angry.

I keep walking and buy two donuts from Reds to take home to eat while I read the newspaper reports on the fires.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Here is another satellite picture of the fires. Half a million people have been evacuated. It's warm here in Monterey, no wind. I keep wanting to know more about what is happening with these fires.

Monday, October 22, 2007

I have forgotten whatever I was going to write about.

The fires in Southern California are scary. I have family in Southern California. They are safe now but the fires continue to rage.

I am grateful for the rain we have had this fall. Lots of green grasses growing around here now.

Are we safe? I don't know.

Sunday, October 21, 2007


I went to buy some new pins and needles at the Quilt store in Pacific Grove. I struggled with my composure as I looked at all the wonderful colors and shapes.

I am almost finished with my current quilt and will be able to buy more fabric soon.

On my early morning walk by the wharf there was a newly dead sea lion on the beach. I assume he was newly dead because there was no smell and just 3 sea gulls poking around hesitantly waiting to see if he was going to respond.

One gull finally jumped on the back of the sea lion and claimed the territory.

Saturday, October 20, 2007


Oh it's so ugly. the Casa Munras has been remodeled, all the Spanish influences have been removed and the place has been painted a bright pumpkin orange.

Across the street is a three story motel painted lime green.

You have to wear sun glasses when you drive into town.

I can hardly stand it.

Friday, October 19, 2007

warm beautiful afternoon, I lie on the couch reading. The house is so silent. When I turn on my computer it doesn't work. Then I notice the electricity is off.

The old fears start up, is this the end? There has been no storm or earthquake or accident. Just silence. The 7 year old neighbor boy suggest I call someone.

My cell phone. Yes, I call PG&E and piece together from their automated voices that they know about the outage and it will be fixed in 3 hours.

Sure enough, the slick blue and white trucks show up at the end of the street and soon my refrigerator is humming.

Another bullet dodged.

Thursday, October 18, 2007


If you drove by my house yesterday afternoon you would have heard Christmas music blaring and three young school age children singing and dancing. They found a CD of Christmas music at the library and spent the afternoon singing.

The rain had stopped, and the sun was hot and bright.

Everyone was happy until one of the boys turned on the water hose on the younger girl and everyone started fighting and crying.

I wrapped the kids in blankets, put their wet clothes in the drier and we watched the Curious George movie. By the time the Mom came there were no complaints.

I was tired.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007


Had lunch at Whaler's Cove at Point Lobos with some friends today. I don't know why I don't go there more often, it was so beautiful, overcast sky, brooding water, looming hills, granite rocks.


Maybe I will go again tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Last month I picked some nasturtium seeds from some rangy plants by the waterfront. I dried out the seeds and planted them. THEY ARE UP, shinny green leaves. I am so excited. I want to run downtown and pick some more seeds. I try to be invisible when I gather seeds from public places. So far I haven't been arrested.

Rain today, the fire season is officially over.

Monday, October 15, 2007

At lunch today Ken talked about the artist Percy Grey. I had never heard of him. Ken and Wilda raved about his work. I looked it up on Google and here it is and it is wonderful. So expressive.

Drove to Santa Cruz in the morning for breakfast with friends. The artichoke fields were filled with irrigation equipment watering the plants. The sky was filed with rain clouds .

The heavy traffic was slow in the opposite direction.

Sunday, October 14, 2007


The clocked stopped in my living room so I took it down. Now I keep checking for the time and not finding it. Even though I know it's not there I forget and am surprised by the absence.

On our walk this morning by the Coast guard pier we see a single night heron sitting high in the cypress tree.

My house feels empty after my sister left this morning.

Saturday, October 13, 2007


The nicest part of a visit with my sister is the early morning coffee and talking. We sit around and tell each other the truth of our lives.

Later we walk downtown and check out what's happening on the waterfront.

My sister loves to travel and has many plans for trips in the future. I keep trying to understand what it is she loves and she tries to understand why I am not drawn to traveling. It's sort of like bridge playing, either you like it or you don't.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Went to see the movie, INTO THE WILD with a movie buddy. We sat through the whole movie and then went for a bite to eat at Rosine's.

We started arguing about the movie. She thought it was inspirational and wonderful and I thought it was sad, sad, sad. What a waste for that young man to die.

She said he left his body and was happy. We went on and on and then I realized that we had seen completely different movies. She is looking forward to the relief of death and I want these kids to grow up and be responsible.

Well next week we will see another movie and have something new to argue about.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

I am fascinated by these pictures by 16th Century artist Arcimboldo. Pictures made with fruits, veggies, plants. They are appealing and grotesque.

Rain cleared this morning, Plumber and two helpers and two trucks came this morning and dug up the street. I and several little neighborhood boys peered into the hole and saw the broken pipe. yea!

I celebrated by going to Pacific Grove and eating a perfect bear claw at Pavels.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007


This morning the plumber called to cancel today's work because not enough plumbers showed up for work this morning. Will Tomorrow be OK?

Last week we could do the work because the street was being repaired by the city. Tonight it is going to rain. And the broken sewer pipe continues.

I do cringe when I think about where all waste water is actually going. sigh

Monday, October 8, 2007


Driving to John's home is tricky, up a long windy street and then down a steep short driveway. I take my life in my hands as the car tips forward over the top and then down. I am glad to arrive.

All day I have been thinking of what we will be eating. John cooks real food.

Everyone arrives and we spend several hours talking about books, and then it's time to leave. I have the car facing up the hill. Now it is dark.

I remind myself that I am brave. Balancing the brakes with the gas I am able to push the car up the driveway to the county road. mmmm, it gets easier each time.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

I woke up rested, hurray!

Took an early morning walk on the waterfront. Cool clear light, sun shinning, few people and cars. I kept hearing some one following me . When I turned around there was no one there.

Finally I realized that my left shoe was squeaking, this old shoe that I have worn daily for years now complained to me. I tried different styles of walking to see if I could shake free from the complaining voice.

Eventually I surrendered to the sound and began looking around .

A young skinning couple, dressed in Garth clothes, tattoos, piercings, were waiting for the light to change. The Man held a rope with a big reddish dog attached. He was rough with this dog and after crossing the street he kicked it. I winced. The dog winced. They walked away from me. Is there something I should have done?

Saturday, October 6, 2007

I am so tired that I don't think I will be able to go to sleep. Certainly I can't read. I just watched a DVD documentary called: THE CUTTING EDGE: THE MAGIC OF MOVIE EDITING.

It was perfect. I could lie on the couch and just watch people talking about movies. I didn't even have to look at the movie.

I love going to the movies but I was unable to get off the couch.

Why am I tired? Well I drove to Redwood City and back on Friday for an all day workshop, then had a small group at my home Friday evening and then was up at 5am to prepare for a day sitting at the Cherry Center. I escaped from the sitting at 2 pm and came home to the couch. sigh

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Already I am tired and I haven't gone anyplace. Tomorrow I am driving to Redwood City for a day long class and on Saturday we have a day long sitting. I have made myself tired thinking o f them.

Took a walk in the late afternoon. Lots of wind. Many groups of military people in uniform running around. Some of them are carrying full packs.

In between are the high school kids doing their afternoon running. Clusters of women pushing stroller weave through the streets and the runners. The schools have started a physical fitness programs on Thursdays after school to encourage the kids to run. It must be working because here they are.

They all looked sweaty and healthy. I wish we didn't need soldiers, sailors and marines.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007


I was just wasting time at the library waiting for my street to reopen so I could drive home. I noticed an old bent women watching me. Finally she came over and asked if I would give her a ride to Clay street up the hill. She said she had missed her ride home.

Reluctantly I agreed, after all I was wasting time. She walked slowly, bent over. I tried to figure out what the real story was, Was she confused? Who would have left her at the library? But she was a quick talker and avoided all my questions.

I took her to Cay street and she said; wait, I have to deliver this letter. I watched her hobble up a driveway and then return. And now take me home, back down the hill, a block from the library. I live here she said and got out and hobbled away.

I never did figure out what was happening. She seemed pretty happy as she shuffled away.
When I got home, my street was open for traffic.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007


My little street is closed for two days while it is being oiled and sludged. Unfortunately the plumber was supposed to start digging up the road to fix my broken sewer pipe. He had to stop and all our blue street marks are being erased so we have to start over again in determining where the leak is.

sigh

It's noon and the trucks haven't moved in yet. There is a warm quiet in the neighborhood since all the cars have been moved out.

I love this wise old elephant.

sigh

Monday, October 1, 2007


In the late morning I walked along the trail at Asilomar park. I wanted to see an oyster catcher on the rocks. I stopped and scanned the beach, the jutting rocks and the shifting oceans.

A weather system hung out over the ocean, a long straight cut of clouds.

I saw lines of pelicans flying low, cormorants silhouetted on the rocks,
gulls digging in smelly sea weed piled on the beach but no oyster catchers.

The line of clouds moved in covering the blue sky. Maybe next week I will see my oyster catcher or maybe next week I will want to see something else.