Sunday, January 31, 2010

took a walk around the waterfront this morning and ran into a old friend walking her old dog. We walked over to the grass park so the dog could pee.

We sat on a bench talking while other dog owners came by and said hello.

This friend and her dog live on a boat moored in the harbor and everyone knows her or her dog. A whole community that I hardly know exists.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Unexpected sunny day. Driving along the coast to Asilomar, lots of traffic, people out walking, kids, families, huge waves from yesterday's storm. I am looking at sites for the March writing classes. Some wonderful places.

Friday, January 29, 2010

In the grove of oak and pine trees near St James Church I noticed that someone has carefully circled each tree and bush with a line of pine twigs. It is so touching but I am not sure why.

We meet on Fridays at noon for meditation. After we sit every thing seems so fresh and alive.

Thursday, January 28, 2010


The giant acacia tree is blooming now, bright yellow flowers right outside my front window.. I pointed out the tree to the visiting 8 year old. She put down her Harry Potter book and said, Wow, I didn't notice it before. Then she went back to her book.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010


Drove to Carmel Valley village this afternoon. Everything is green and bursting with life. My friend Patrica worked on my sore shoulder and gave me confidence that it would get better. And I do feel better this evening.

I loved Obama's speech this evening. I am always moved by his talks.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The electricity went out for awhile this afternoon. I started gathering candles and flashlights. I never know how long it will last and began to make plans.

And then one and half hours later I heard the refrigerator humming and it was back.

And nothing bad happened in the neighborhood. We are all fine. its just a reminder how fragile our system really is.

I do know how to survive.

Monday, January 25, 2010


The days are slightly longer as we end January, but not quite long enough. Feel like I am too busy and don't know what to cut back on. Some big sewing projects that should end soon.

Now I am ready for bed.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Snuck out this morning for an early breakfast with my brother. Went to Rosine's downtown. Hot coffee, eggs benedict and good conversation. A good start for the busy day

Friday, January 22, 2010

We went to San Juan Bautista this afternoon between rain storms. To the cemetery to check out grave stones on old relatives.

Trudging up and down the wet hillside until we found the tree graves we were looking for.

These are the relatives who immigrated to California in the gold rush.

I wonder if in the future anyone will look for my grave?

Thursday, January 21, 2010

My friend Angela brought me a home made carrot cake cupcake made from a recipe created by Myra of Earthbound Farms. Such a small world.

Actually 4 cup cakes. I ate the first one as she walked out the door. I am saving the others for later in the day. UMMMMM

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

More rain but today I am prepared. I am not startled by lightening and thunder nor by great massive downpours. I met my friend Tasha at the Paris Bakery for our usual coffee and conversation. Lots of wet people there. Good day today.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

As the storm comes closer and the day darkens I rush to take a both in case the electricity goes off. As I am sitting in the bath water lightening flases over the house.

I see the flash of light through the skylight. Immediately comes the thunder.

I jump out of the bath, worse place to be if lightening strikes the house.

Now I am safe in the living room drying off in front of the fire in the fireplace. Still more lightening and thunder.

Monday, January 18, 2010

A storm front is coming through with rain, wind and now thunder.

Went to see A Single Man yesterday afternoon and Caught the saddness in the movie. Now I am feeling lots of grief and sadness. I need to find a happy movie today.

Friday, January 15, 2010


The acacia trees are in bloom, bright yellow and a few fruit trees are sprouting pink blossoms. Spring is in the air. But still the days are short and today there was no sunshine at all.

This weekend I am going to two, yes two movies. Yea.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Writers circle is starting up again at the OLLI center at CSUMB. This morning I parked at the parking lot a bit early and ate a donut and read the New York times.

All my writing friends started arriving. I was so glad to see them and to listen to their current Writing.

We all are such good writers, I don't know why publishers are not knocking on our doors.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Outside the Paris Bakery the usual flocks of sparrows and pigeons were snatching at crumbs of bread from the bakery. The sparrows quick, jumping, darting across the sidewalk while the pigeons plot their way waiting for the right opening. Good complementary behavior.

I had a petite pain toasted with extra butter and jam and coffee, my Wednesday morning usual.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I am looking for a parking place in a crowded parking lot by the hospital. I watch a man climb into his white work truck. I stop and wait for him to leave. But he doesn't leave. He sits in his front seat talking on his cell phone.

Of course this is the new pattern of using your parked car as an office. I should have known. I drive on and find another place to park.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Went to Physical Therapy this morning. She asked a lot of question about whether I am getting better and I can't really tell. They want me to come in twice a week but the times don't work for me. I come in once a week. My shoulder still hurts at night, and I have limited movement. But my arm is getting stronger as I do the daily exercises.

I will just trust that I am getting better and keep doing the daily exercises. What else is there to do?

Sunday, January 10, 2010

I went to see Sherlock Holmes movie last night at the cinemaplex at the shopping center. The place was crowded, I had forgot what Saturday night was like.

the movie wasn't so good but still it was entertaining. There wasn't an empty seat in the house.
Up early this Sunday morning to set up for a half day sitting, silence. Need to make the tea, turn on the heater, arrange the cushions and chairs, unlock the front door, warm up the bell.

Yes I am looking forward to the stillness.

Friday, January 8, 2010

I fill my car up with gas usually on Fridays before I meet with Dina for writing at Juice and Java. I seem to travel about 100 miles a week, running around town. It doesn't seem like very much.

If I were to walk a hundred miles every week I would be in great shape.

So my car gets to stay in great shape moving me around the community.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

With the kids visit I got into the pattern of having a fire in the fireplace every evening. Today I went out to the store to buy more wood and pressed logs.

Tonight it isn't cold enough for a fire. We had a warm sunny day and my heater is not needed to night. Spring is on the way.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

It is so quiet around the house. I have a fire in the fireplace. The day was warm but now it is chilly. I have been working on my physical therapy exercises and now my shoulder and arm are sore. I guess no pain, no gain. I hope that is true.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The issue is patience, learning to wait until the suitcases are packed, the last cup of apple juice is drunk, the shoes are found, the toys are packed and unpacked and everyone is ready to actually climb into the car to drive to the airport.

The house is neat and quiet now and the boys and their moms are gone. I already miss them.

Monday, January 4, 2010


We took our afternoon walk at Big Sur State Park. We paid the $9 entrance fee, parked in the picnic area and walked up over the hill. The stone bridge across the river was gone. 'a big gaping hole.

I kept looking at the missing bridge. The stone supports were still there but the cross beams were not.

It is surprising how hard it is to accept such a big alteration in the environment. My mental mind just would not adjust.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

The four kids were running around the house, teasing and screaming, ignoring the adults' request that they put their shoes on so we could drive them home.

Finally I got out of my chair and roared, STOP. PUT YOUR SHOES ON NOW AND BE QUIET.

they stopped and looked at me and then put their shoes on. And we drove them home.

But I feel a little embarrassed that I had to resort to such a loud roar. There must be an easier way.

Friday, January 1, 2010


Some of my relatives ran into the ocean today to celebrate New Years Day. I stood at a distance and cheered them on. they then went home and took hot showers and felt pretty good. I had no impulse to do the same.

The tide was high, lots of people walking on the wharf, the sun came out. A good way to begin a new year.