MONTEREY NEWS

2012-01-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

warm balmy day. Enticed the kids away from their computers for lunch on Cannery Row. They whinned and complained at first and then finally we broke through the trance and laughed. The ocean was sparkling, the sky blue. But as soon as we got home the computer were back on.

2012-01-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

I lost the sense of time. Two grandchildren are visiting. One is a chatterbox, the other is stoic. Finally they are off to school this morning and I can find my way back to myself.

What was it that I so wanted to do?

2012-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

Saw a great blue heron sitting on top of the redwood tree in the gully. It is time for them to return and rebuild their nests. see him sitting there just gladdened my heart.

Went downtown and walked the whole length of Avarado St, 20 minutes it took. Part of my plan to increase exercise in reclaiming walking.

2012-01-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

Went to Denney's for lunch today, looking for comfort food and there it was. I do like going to Denney's. Had a hamburger and fries and water. I have given up drinking cokes most of the time. Ummm really good.

Then went home and took a nap. I guess you can say that I didn't do much today.

2012-01-23T22:26:00.000-08:00

Distracted myself with TV. Watched the third episode of Downton Abbey. It is so easy to get caught up in their beautiful complicated lives. Of course the plot left me hanging for another week to see how it all turns out. I am always looking for some good ending. Everything ends well doesn't it?

2012-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I am so tired I can hardly move.

Stopped off at Asilomar Beach before meeting friends for dinner. Glassy wet sands, rolling waves, low tide, clusters of shore birds picking at the edges of the water. several people scattered across the long beach. dusk.

I had my window rolled down. It was almost as good as walking on the beach.

2012-01-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

My sister and I spent the day talking about death and our family. We are no ways close to understanding any of this.

Windyrainy storm but not so cold.

2012-01-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

The new semester's writing circle started today. 14 people showed up most wanting to read something. we each had ten minutes. I read a piece and then listened to twelve other pieces. I have lost the pattern of writing every day. Need to start up again. I love these writes.

2012-01-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

Spent the day quietly as I thought about my lost nephew. So sad to lose someone so young. Even though the sun shone all day my heart just wasn't into it. Night time is better for how I feel.

2012-01-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

I spent an hour this morning at the Del Monte Ave. McDonald's. I had finished my workout at the Sport Center and had time before a meeting. Felt I was in an older men's club. I was the only woman customer. Lots of guys talking with each other.

I read the newspaper slowly and wished I was with a bunch of bright articulate women. I wish it was my club house.

I always feel a little guilty going to McDonalds. It is so politically incorrect.

2012-01-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Even though the sun is out, it is cold today. I am sitting in my room shivering. Finally I turned on the heater and am slowly warming up.

Less traffic on the raad. It's a holiday, need to do something fun.

2012-01-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at the Barnyard Center coffee house in Carmel trying to write. Two women on the other side of the room were talking. They were oblivious to how loud they sounded and how intimate the conversation. I got to hear who they disliked, what school they taught in, their complaints about everything. I resisted the urge to go over and let them know. Everyone in the coffee house could hear them talk. It was difficult to write.

2012-01-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

The cat must have snuck in while the front door was open during the warm afternoon. It was dark and cold when I first saw him creep down the hall. I called to him. I know this cat, the orange wild cat form the neighborhood. I could not get the cat near the door . I decided to leave him be until morning. Several time during the night I heard the meowing in the hall. At day break, I opened the front door and he was wiling to saunter out the door.

2012-01-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

I saw a man shaving and driving his car this morning. He was driving right by me. He was working on his upper lib. YUCKY. So dangerous.

I was going to meet a friend for lunch and then she cancelled but I still went out my myself. First I went to Lou Lou's on the wharf but they were closed for the week, then I went to the pub but no one noticed me so finally I went to the Sand Piper and had a mediocre hamburger and fries. Got to read my newspaper. it would have been more fun with a friend.

2012-01-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Just received in the mail the new book by Pico Iyer called THE MAN WITHIN MY HEAD. I love his books. so now it is on top of my very crowed table to read in the evening. Too many books but I just can't resist.

2012-01-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

I have developed some skills with pandora radio on my ipone. During my treadmill walk I listened to Patsy Cline and during the bicycle I listened to Leonard Cohen. I go three times a week to the Sports Center. Each time I start planning on what station to listen to. What a treat to have so many choice. Of course I still don't much like the exercise part but it is helping to relearn to walk.

2012-01-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

What to say, what to say. The day was good. the moon is out aging tonight flooding the neighborhood with light. I watered the yard. everything is so dry. I am waiting for rain.

2012-01-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

Warm day today. Had the front door open all afternoon. The neighbor's 10 year old boy was going up and down the street on crutches. When I asked him he said that he broke his foot. I sighed and then he laughed. He was joking. He liked using his neighbors crutches. I wanted to scold him for scaring me but I laughed with him. I hope he never really needs crutches,

2012-01-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

At dawn and dusk today I got a glimpse of the crows on the move to and from their roosting place. The neighbors watering system leaks water on to the street much to the delight of the birds. the birds bathe and play in the puddles. They have tried unsuccessfully to fix these leaks. I am rooting for them to continue creating puddles for the birds.

Saw a dead deer on the side of the road going up Pacific Street. Got to watch out for these deers.

2012-01-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

I slept for eleven hours last night, eleven hours of deep sleep. I felt so good this morning.

The moon is now shinning through my skylight on to my bed. I don't think it will keep me awake tonight. I am on a roll.

2012-01-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Another sunny day. We must be heading into a drought. This is January, we need to suffer with rain and storms and thunder and lightening. but no we have warmth and flowers. the acacia trees are about to burst into gorgeous yellow blossoms.

I still haven't had a hard storm to test out my new roof. I am waiting.

2012-01-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's cold this morning but I sense that the sun wll be out and we will be warm by afternoon. My family is now all gone and my house is empty. It always takes time to find my place again. I like being alone and I love my family visits.

2012-01-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

Sitting in my bedroom at dusk, listening to the neighbors drag out their garbage bins for tomorrow's pick up. Crows are flying overhead going to Jack's peak.

I have some extra cardboard boxes to dispose of. I wonder if anyone has room in their garbage cans. Do I have to ask or can I just go outside in the dark and add my garbage. UMMMMMM.

2012-01-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Warm day. Opened the doors and window to air out the cooking and fireplace smells that had accumulated over the last week. I showed the younger children the scented geraniums in the garden. See these are not eaten by the tribe of deer that live in the gully. They eat everything else. Somehow it didn't seem significant to these young kids.

2011-12-31T19:09:00.000-08:00

We had 19 people for dinner, many of them kids. Now some are watching a movie. and some (kids) running up and down the stairs, slamming doors and jabbering. the adults are quiet, gathering their energy to pull together and leave. I am sitting in my room and wondering if it is too early to go to bed.

2011-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm back from four days with my family at Asilomar. Although I did not have to travel far, only 5 miles it still was a whole other world. Glad to go and glad to return. Now I am sitting in front of the fire at home deciding what to do next.

2011-12-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

The four of us girls went to Pt. Pinos Grill for lunch today. One is ten and the others are adults. We wanted to include the ten year old so she could learn what the women do in our family.

Well we laugh a lot and have perfected the word "what?" to mean many things. We also tell stories about each other. We know haw to have a good time.

2011-12-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

I finally realized that the garden is dry, dry, dry. No rain in the forecast for the next seven days. I pulled out the hose and watered it all. I could hear the plants whisper thank you.

I wonder if we are going to have more rain this winter.

2011-12-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Lots of excitement around the house as my sister and her helpers were cooking all morning. This evening we are going to my son's house for a Mexican food dinner for Christmas eve.

Spent some time this afternoon at the occupy meeting at Colton Hall. Sometimes I feel so sad at the state of the world.

2011-12-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

Now that holiday family is visiting I am eating out much more. I always like eating in restaurants but now I am full. I eat much simpler when I am on my own.

We continue to be fascinated by the current series on Dr. Who. Watched for several hours this afternoon. We have a lot more episodes to go.

2011-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

cold windy day. Spent most of the day at home reading a mystery story. I had things to do but didn't do them. Tomorrow.

2011-12-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

My daughter flies into Monterey tomorrow night at 11:30pm. I want to go pick her up but I am not sure I can be coherent enough at that time of night. Its now 8:30 and I am dropping quickly. she offered to take a taxi but I feel I am not a good enough mother to let her do that.

I'm going to bed now to think about it.

2011-12-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

I am loosing the fight with the rodent in the house. Last night he gnawed at my bedroom door and tore apart the rug. I cowered in my bed until morning. This morning I went to the hardware store for stronger weapons. This is war. It is beginning to feel personal. There is no food in my room but me.

2011-12-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

There was a dead baby deer along the side of Holman Highway on the way to Pacific Grove. We have a herd of deer in our neighborhood lately. Nothing is safe from the deer in our yards, unless the fences are high.

and don't even start me on the racoons. They walk across my skylight at night on their way someplace.

2011-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Up early this morning for morning zazen at the cherry Center. Hard to motivate myself and then it turns our great. Looks like ti might rain, overcast cold. Oh yes I remember it is winter, not summer. It is supposed to be cold and damp. How quickly I forget.

2011-12-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

Last night as I was sitting in my room reading I heard a group of people coming down the street singing Christmas carols. Laughing and talking and then breaking out in song. And with the singers were a couple of little boys who were just screaming and making noise. I think they were self conscious about this effort to singing in the street.

Somehow it was all comforting.

2011-12-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

I have unopened boxes and stacks of books on my bedroom floor and I just can't make myself do something about this. I am unmotivated. Usually I do what I need to do, pay bills, take out the garbage, do the laundry, wash my dishes. but clean my bedroom just doesn't get done. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not.

2011-12-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Suddenly tonight we are flooded with Christmas lights. The puddles are reflecting the lights creating quite a display.

Our local police station is awash in lights to cheer up anyone who comes or is brought to the station. I think they should have a bit more decorum to reflect the somber feelings of having to be at the police station.

Oh well

2011-12-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

Went to an early movie with some friends but it turned out that the movie was sold out so instead we went to dinner at Victorian Corners and talked for hours. Eating and talking without any hurry. What a treat. I didn't even miss not seeing the movie.

2011-12-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

the full moon keeps waking me up in the middle of the night. So bright. but now it is waning. I am blaming the moon on my restless sleep but maybe it is the bowl of gum drops I ate that digested so slowly. Maybe it is the garbage cans be pushed up the ally, maybe the Christmas lights glowing into my window, maybe it is just getting old.

2011-12-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

My skin feels so dry in this cold weather. I rub moisturizer on them everyday but still they look flaky and dehydrated.

Went to the Sports Center this morning and was working on the treadmill listening to Mozart piano sonata. the person next to me started coughing. I pushed the stop button and left and washed my hands. I don't want to catch any of the colds that are moving around town.

2011-12-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to spent an hour watching TV while the rain was coming down. Sitting in my recliner with a blanket. I couldn't find anything but cooking shows. So I watched Jacques Pepin cooking potatoes. Yes I want to eat better. I need to start doing more cooking. First I will watch the shows and then I will cook.

2011-12-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

I didn't see the eclipse this morning but I did think about it and imagined it in my mind while I was lying in bed. Maybe that is good enough.

2011-12-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today I was usually tired. No reason that I can see. Went to my regular Friday noon time zen sitting at St James Church. The whole event was so sweet. the silence and the talking were great. We are completing two years of Friday sittings and will begin our third year in January. Came home for a nap.

2011-12-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

I am still undecided about whether I will watch the evening news. I am so tired of the news and yet the habit of watching every evening is hard to break. Maybe I will just peak a little. Maybe there is some good news.

2011-12-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

Went to see the movie JACK AND JILL. I don't recommend it. However the eleven year old boy laughed at all the farts and stumbling. I laughted too but somewhat more self consciously.

2011-12-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Spent the morning with the Plein Air writing group at Pino's Italian cafe. We talked,wrote and read to each other. the temporary Ice Skating ring was just opening as we left.

the morning started cold and then the sun warmed us up.

2011-12-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

It is cold outside and this drafty house does not hold any heat. I have a fire in the fireplace and the heater on. couldn't find anything on the TV so the house is quiet.

Took a nap this afternoon. I wonder if I will sleep tonight.

2011-12-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Sc9ott and I watched the movie Fargo on
TV tonight. Now I want to lock all my doors. It is such a perfect winter movie. It hasn't aged at all. Such beautiful scenes of snow.

Last night it was so cold here in Monterey that I had to get up and get another blanket for my bed. Tonight I will be prepared.

2011-12-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

I can't find anything good on TV to distract myself. I have a fire going, the house is heating up. A dog is barking outside. Guess I will settle in with a good book. Maybe the dog will stop barking.

Oh yes the mouse trap is set again to night in an attempt to catch it. the trap has been set for weeks. Soon we will be lucky.

2011-12-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

Went to see the DESCENDENTS at the Osio tonight. I liked the movie a lot. Downtown was hoping with cowboys. It's cowboy poetry festival this weekend. A crowd of young men were holding up signs in front of Well Fargo for Occupy Monterey. Lively town.

2011-12-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

I see a lot of fresh piles of dirt in the front year. The gophers are digging in. I'm thinking they will eat the weeds and leave the real plants alone. But maybe I am wrong.

I have one little seedling that I am protecting. If it survives it will be a massive oak tree and will shade my skylight form the summer sun.

I planted the acorn two years ago and now it is about ten inches tall. I can only hope.

2011-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

The ten year old and I sat on the couch this afternoon and looked at U tube videos of laughing babies. The laughter was infectious and we almost fell off the couch laughing. She kept asking why do babies laugh so much and I said I didn't know.

2011-11-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

I read a statistic that 85% of last years college graduates had to move home with their parents because of lack of jobs and debt. UMMM Maybe it is time to start an exchange program where parents can exchange their graduate for another graduate. A way to get a new perspective on young people. Moms wouldn't feel the need to take care of this stranger and the dinner conversations might be more fun.

2011-11-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

I am thinking that my room really needs to be cleaned. My plans for tomorrow suddenly changed so I could do this or maybe I could go to the beach or the movies. I will always have my room to clean.

2011-11-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

My neighbor Gerald is now pruning his oak trees so severely that there are leaves and branches only on the top. they look like umbrellas. The good news is that he has stopped starting fires and building giant tree houses.

The pruning is tolerable to us but maybe not to the trees.

2011-11-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

I have finally added a fourth blanket to my bed. I like to sleep with the window open and the nights are colder. I can feel the cold skin on my exposed face but my body is warm. Perfect for sleeping.

2011-11-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

No I am not going to shop today. I hate crowds and I don't like spending money. But I am susceptible to hype and excitement. I don't want to miss anything important as if being at target could be considered important. Shopping on Amazon is just not the same.

Well it is only 7am and I can change my mind many times today if need be.

2011-11-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

I have built the first fire of the season in my fireplace. I love the feel of a fire even though I am terrified of my house burning down. Life is good when the fire is just right. Now I am going to make dinner and then watch Rachel Maddow on TV.

2011-11-22T19:37:00.000-08:00

Went ot the new Starbucks on Alvarado Street this morning at 8:30. It was crowded. Lots of mothers with young children sitting at the tables. The kids drinking hot chocolate and eating breakfast. The mothers looking bleary eyed drinking their coffee. I assume they were on their way to school.

I had my drink and read the New York Times. Also read another chapter on i phones in the complete idiot's guide to i phones. I am still learning.

2011-11-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Fall day i Monterey. the rain has brought out the lushness in the plants and trees.

Went to the Sports Center and I have increased the amount of time on the treadmill and the bicycle slowly. I am still having some difficulty with walking but my knees seem to be healed. So I will keep showing up at the sports center probably for the rest of my life.

2011-11-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

Lots of rain today. I spent some time today cutting out the fabric for a zen robe for a friend. I have been meaning to do this for a long time and now it is done. I rewarded myself with some unintrerruped time with the new Lee Child's book. A good book is a joy.

2011-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Saw long lines of pelicans flying over the water outside of Moss Landing. Huge waves crashing. Spent time sitting on the deck of Moss Landing Marine lab. the doors to the building were locked so we walked around the edge of the building on to the deck.

It takes a while to settle in and start seeing what is really around. I am particularly interested in the bird life. We also saw whales off in the distance.

2011-11-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

I sat out the Occupy Monterey rally tonight. It's cold, dark and wet. Yes I support them or maybe it is better to say I am part of the 99% so their interests are my interests. and it is good to see these young people working for change. This old person is going to stay in doors tonight.

2011-11-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

I went to the Alternative Cafe in Seaside to hear my friend Michael Reid read from his newly published book. It was dark and there was not parking in front. It took all my courage to park my car on another block and walk to the cafe. I couldn't tell if it was a safe area or not. I didn't get hurt and the reading was great.

2011-11-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

I am just about finished reading the Steve Jobs book. I am just dragging my feet with this one. I now have a better understanding of how my iphone actually works and maybe I will be able to use the ipod part of it in the gym. Sometimes it is all a mystery to me.

I would not have liked Jobs as a friend or as a boss. Too angry a personality.

2011-11-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here in my warm house while protestors are gathering at Colton Hall for a 24 hour protest. For a moment I though I could go but I am not able to do so but I will be thinking of them and wishing them well.

Occupy Monterey is alive and well, thank you very much.

2011-11-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

Went to see J Edgar at the Pacific Grove cinema last night. Sparse elderly audience. I fit right in. the movie wad dour and humorless. It was a well made film but too heavy and sad for me. I want to see a comedy now.

We are starting the 4 months of darkness now with the days shorter and cooler. I am holding my breath until it is over.

2011-11-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

sun is out but still a bit chilly. I am busy setting up my living room for the last of the fall Sunday classes. Can't decide whether to turn on the hater or not. the room is slowly warming up with the sun. Maybe I will wait and see. My body seems to tolerate cool rooms but some people seem to shiver.

2011-11-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

Lots of rain today. My house is snug and dry, thank you new roof. Out most of the day and now I am home and plan to stay here even though Occupy Monterey is having a rally later. Can't do it. I have books to read, food to eat and news to watch.

2011-11-10T20:33:00.001-08:00

I have been following Occupy Monterey on Facebook. There are lots of conversations and activities. I guess tomorrow there will be an event at Colton Hall for Veterans Day.

Sometimes I think this group is more interesting on facebook then in person.

2011-11-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Took a leisurely walk around Asilomar conference center today with the 10 and 11 year old kids. We checked out the new reception area, bought an ice cream at the gift store, sat on the deck. Lots of construction noise going on. Yes this will be a good place for a family reunion.

2011-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

I have the new Steve Jobs biography from the library. I was very excited about reserving it but now I can't remember why I wanted to read it. i will start it and see, maybe it is good. It certainly has had good reviews.

2011-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Spent most of the day in the house at a class and then a board meeting. the daylight hours just disappeared. Now I am tired but it is too early to go to bed.

I read Blue Nights by Joan Didion this week and was quite moved by her writing and her insight into aging. Yes aging is hard.

2011-11-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Went to the press conference for the beginning of the encampment for occupy Monterey. Hundreds of people came out on this cold afternoon. There is a lot of concern about what is happening in our country. I have no idea how it will turn out. There were three guys wearing dark clothes and masks, they looked sinister. I was told they were part of the anonymous group. I don't know who they are. I will keep showing up.

2011-11-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

I saw MARGIN CALL tonight and I was very upset with the story. And the story is probably true. corruption and money. I don't even know what I can say about it. But it reinforces my intention to go to the beginning of Occupy Monterey tomorrow at noon.

2011-11-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

I turned on the light in the hall bathroom and there they were, a line of ants. Yuck. I sprayed 409 cleaning fluid on them. I hope this will stop the migration. I am not sure what they are thinking to eat. None of it looks good to me.

2011-11-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

I keep checking on line to see how the strike in Oakland is doing. Huge numbers of people protesting.

Went to the sports center to do my usual workout.so noisy in the center. I wish it could be quieter.

2011-11-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

I feel so dumb. Fro years I could not figure out how to get stains out of clothes. No one else seemed to have them. Did they just throw away stained clothes. I tended to wear those stained clothes and pretend not to notice.

but now I know. Just spray form a stain remover bottle and let it sit over night and then wash. Stains gone or lat least most of them. How come it took me so long to learn.

2011-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture that Jojo took in Pennsylvania at work. I do like it. bird migration is going on down on the waterfront, A group of middle school boys came by trick or treating and I gave them candy labeled "creepy candy for creepy kids" One of the candies looked like a hot dog but instead of a hot dog it was a bloody finger. they seemed to like it. I am not sure girls will like it but then again there are no girls in this neighborhood.

2011-10-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

At last evening's occupy Monterey general assembly I was mesmerized by the college kid leading the group who was wearing vampire make up, a huge wound in his neck and blood dripping down his face.

I knew he was going to a party for Halloween and yet it seemed ominous that he was covered in blood. On Friday 11 people were arrested at a protest in Carmel.

I was going home and locking my front door.

2011-10-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

early morning. I am getting ready for the half day sitting at St James. sun is just coming up. Heater is on to dispel the cold night air. I've made the tea, packed up the grapes and cookies and soon I will be out the door. I never know who is going to show up. I remind myself that it is fine, it is all fine.

2011-10-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

The occupy Monterey encampment starts on Nov. 4. I totally support the program and yet I am not going to camp out. I am too old and I just live several blocks away but I will participate.

I am reading and enjoying Haruki Murakami book AFTER DARK. He is such a good writer.

2011-10-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

My neighbor who has been building the tree house outside my kitchen window now has been starting fires in his back yard, I had a long talk with the assistant fire chief and he has visited this neighbor. Next time we see a fire we will call the fire department. he could burn down the whole neighborhood. I hope this all calms down

2011-10-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

I returned the extra 300 stamps that the clerk at the post office accidentally gave me last month. I had paid for 400 stamps but at home I realized I had 700 stamps. they were not so pleased to take them back.

2011-10-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

We are on a Dr. Who kick. The 10 year old was over in the late afternoon and we soon settled down for another episode of Dr. Who. I love seeing these current episodes with the kids.

the day never warmed up.

2011-10-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

I've started reading Tom Parrotta"s THE LEFTOVERS and am immediately captivated by it. Will let you know if it continues to be good.

Warm day. Went to Custom House plaza and listened to the free music this afternoon. Sitting in the shade with the chair I keep in my car. this is October in Monterey. Hundreds of people walking around.

2011-10-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

I did go to the second general assembly of our local Occupy Monterey group. we met at Colton Hall in the late afternoon. About 100 people. I am attending partly out of curiosity and partly because we need some change in our culture to bring about economic justice. I don't know what to make of it. I am impressed with the young people who are leading this group. I will keep attending until I don't.

2011-10-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

My neighbor continues to hammer and lift boards up to the top of ht tree, his tree house. I see him form my kitchen window and am no longer so upset He is becoing part of the landscape. I didn't think I would adjust but there it is, I adjust even if I don't want to.

The city never responded as to whether he has a right to build this new structure.

2011-10-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

At 7:13 am this morning I saw a lock of crows fly by my window. Yea, these are the crows coming from their roost to their assigned neighborhoods. Our neighborhood crows landed safely. Usually I don't catch the moment of arrival but today I looked up form the newspaper and saw them. I wonder if I will see them tomorrow.

2011-10-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

The rain water seeped through the gaps in the kitchen ceiling. The roofing company said they did not anticipate rain. Well neither did I. today they put the roof covering on and sealed it with tar and gravel. Just a little bit more to do tomorrow.

I have always advised people to walk lightly on the roof because I thought it was fragile, but these roofers are bouncing around with wheelbarrows and steaming pots of tar. The house shakes and roars and no one has put a foot through the roof. It must be stronger then I think.

2011-10-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

fled the house in the afternoon to escape the boiling tar. Roofers were busy moping the tar on the new roof. I wonder how long the smell will stay.

The kids and I watched another episode of Dr. who, their new favorite TV show. I like it too . It is perfect for the preteen set.

2011-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

The eleven year old boy and I visited the wharf this afternoon. The bay was tinted red, the red tide is here. We saw line of pelican fling low near the wharf. Also lots of pelicans perched on roofs and railing. Visitors were busy taking pictures. One solitary black bird sat near us. Fog hovered near the tops of the hills waitig for the signal to descend and engulf us. We ate some candy. We were very happy.

2011-10-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

I am just beginning a new sewing project which involves lots of measurements and cutting and then sewing. I have been reluctant to start but this afternoon I cut out the first piece. I am on my way. Just baby steps one at a time.

2011-10-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Went to Occupy Monterey demonstration this afternoon at Colton hall downtown Monterey. Lots of familiar faces and also lots of young people. Several hundred people. It was encouraging to be with this committed group. The older peace folks were reminding the younger people to not step on the flowers. The younger folks want to change the way our financial institutions work in our culture. There was a disconnect between the generations but it all worked out.

Scott set up the mouse trap in the kitchen. I haven't seen the mouse but he has.

2011-10-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Went to the movies in the late afternoon, Saw Ides of March, a political story that was quite intense and good.

We are still having warm weather, no fog in sight. My neighbor has slowed down on his tree platform construction. I wonder what is going on.

2011-10-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

We are trying to add a paypal button on the zen center's web page. Do you know how complicated this is. Many decisions and codes need to be made. And then still it isn't working. We want to allow impulse donations . Does that really happen. I guess we will find out once our paypal button works.

2011-10-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

On the road to Santa Cruz in the early afternoon. The fields were alive with harvesting. Huge lettuce machine and people and in the strawberry fields crews of workers bent over to pick the strawberries. I know it is hard work but visually it was b3autiful. Patches of new grasses along the sides of the roan.

Coming home at 5, intense rush hour traffic, bumper to bumper on this two lane road connecting Monterey to Santa Cruz.

2011-10-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

I talked to my son today about the neighbor who is building the high platform outside my kitchen window. He reminded me that you can't win neighbor fights. He kept saying you can't win and I didn't want to hear him. He is probably right. I will just monitor this construction now.

2011-10-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Warm showers this evening. doors open to cool off the house.

Went to lunch to a friend's new residence in Pebble Beach. She sent me directions to the house. They are living in an apartment over a garage on a large estate. I drove around these fancy huge homes and could not find it. I eventually found it by noticing another friend's car parked in the front. The friend said she was sorry she gave me the wrong address. but I was grumpy all through the lunch. She said that she gets numbers mixed up all the time.