Sunflowers

Ethan the preppie boy.

I planted some of the sunflower seeds I started soaking yesterday. I'm not sure they need to soak like nasturtium and sweet peas though.

I love them. I always plants dozens and never get the yield.

I picked up the literary magazine today.

I made a poster and they go on sale tomorrow for $8. Hopefully some of the parents will buy one too while they are here for back to school night.

The ergonomics guy came, took pictures and made recommendations for my work place.

He said to lift the computer on my desk, get 2 new chairs one for my desk that will support my back and also allow the arms to be fitted, type with the keyboard going down and get a new high chair for the circ. counter. He took pictures and immediately took a shelf out to allow room for my feet under the counter.

I've been going to the freebee sales to scavenge stuff.

The stuff there has been there for years and I know it was surplus. I brought one chair back the first day. The others flipped over backward.

Tomorrow I go to PT.

I need to learn how to write grants. ironic.

I talked with Armando tonight he;s ready to come back. The fish and visits rule is beginning to apply.

I told him to take the train back. It goes from Indianapolis to Chicago and then nonstop to Emeryville/Berkeley, near San Francisco.

Farmers Market

Abby dressed for spring.

She reminds me of Tina with Emily and Connie's dark coloring.

I went to the Farmers Market then home to have my oatmeal bypassing the bread stand...well I did look to see if they had a cinnamon roll, but the only ones they had, had nuts. I don't like walnuts. I miss my own juice. Even the fresh squeezed stuff you get in the store doesn't come close. I've been spoiled. Today I started on grapefruit juice.

I got my beets, radishes, turnips, which look like easter egg radishes, strawberries and some broccoli and cauliflower. Then I got seedlings ready to transplant in 4" pots of 3 types of tomatoes.
I came home and transplanted them.
I'll keep them indoors for another week or so maybe putting them on the window sill to sun.
I watered all the plants outdoors on the deck.. We need the rain that is coming this
week.

The guy at the ham and sausage stand took back my old package and replaced it with a ham and made a customer for life. I added his ham to the icky, normal ham steak I got and to the scalloped potatoes or au gratin, I made last night. Finally got around to "Easter Dinner."

Then I went to the supermarket to get water and oatmeal, zucchini, pineapple, blueberries and raspberries. I also got some zinnia and 3 types of sunflower seeds.

Now to plant them and weed a bit.

Emerald hills

Libby is so cute in her spring dress.

Untampered joy,some how as we socialize we get taught "appropriate behavior".

The hills all winter get greener and greener and by St. Patrick's Day they are brillant.

I just squeezed my OJ and oatmeal with strawberries. I've been on it a week now. When I bought one basket of strawberries it was too few but this week 3 was too many. It depends where I am. This week I had a pineapple too.

For grilled fish or chicken make this sauce. Add mint, lemon,dill,yogurt and grated cucumber for a nice raita.

We stayed till 4 last night working on "the present" and finished another part. It's going to cost a fortune to ship.

I'm thinking of having a mothers day card workshop.

We're going to have a pizza party for our library volunteers.

I transplanted my beautuful amaryllis today to find the root ball was really all there was the bulb had not attached to any soil so I probably put it in shock and it didn't need to be in a larger pot.

My last window got installed.

We may get a tiny bit more rain. I smelled it driving home last night. 1 tank of gas lasts 2 weeks so I spend $50 a month on gas.

I've been watching The Complete Jane Austin. The last two Sunday's on Masterpiece Theater it's been Pride and Predjuice, which I read,Emma and tomorrow it's Sense and Sensibility.

I need to go out shopping for a pretty over sized china tea cup for Marilyn's

birthday.

I'm finally going to use my birthday gift certificate from Carol to go to Il Fornaio, they have Risotto with shrimp and scallops with sliced artichokes. It comes with potato,basil and roasted garlic focaccia and Crostata al frutti di boso, a fresh berry tart with blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. With A little dry white wine yum.

Apple Blossom Amaryllis

My 2nd Amaryllis opened. It's absolutely stunning. The second bloom opened this morning. The bloom is pale cream with apricot colored stripes and a second bloom inside. I had to stake it. Although it only comes to my knee it is top heavy and fell over. Perhaps time to repot it too.
The Christmas tree I had in the bedroom is now all but dead in it's pot and this is where I go from the 6".

I've been spending the last of my library budget. They tell me I have $400 and I spend 300. and they tell me I have 200. more so I just spent that. I like their math. Maybe I can have them do my personal budget too.

I squeezed the last of my OJ this morning. I guess I have one or two more days with my own oranges. Usually I do it the night before but I have a few of those mornings that it has to wait.

Last night we stayed till 5 and when I got home I finished my book.

Today I have an aide I'll have working on the "project" some more. I ended up having her shelve, but she found a box to ship "it" in. Two of my aides came in during lunch.

I finally got to my oatmeal with strawberries. It's 12:00. The OJ went early.

I think I'll fix my "Easter" dinner tonight.

6 more physical therapy sessions were "approved" for me. I have my 1st of the second 6 4/1. I feel it already in my upper back.

The ergonomic guy is coming to assess my workstation on Mon.
That's a tight fit, ist the p.t. then the assessment. I had to think a moment to make sure I'd be here.

I brought in my pillow for my chair and at this point of the day, I have the upper portion rolled over to support my upper back and my shoulders are screaming at me for typing all morning and pulling a heavy shelving cart. USE KID LABOR had to be my motto.

Victor is coming tonight to install my last window above the fireplace where the Christmas tree was (and the rosebush is). Then he has to paint the wall he messed up with his ladder.

Bowling?

In our faculty meeting they announced a bowling league starting. I might do that. I've been in 2 one at 19 and one at 29. I even have my own ball somewhere..if I can lift 12 lbs. ant more. It was a gift from my boyfriend at the bowling alley when I was 19. It's purple.

The mainstreaming of special Ed. students is changing next year now they have a special day class and study skills and teachers next year they still will but wit larger group integration.

Our school is the academic school. Also, the bad kids are getting dumped from one school to another so that the 3rd will not suffer during their WASC accreditation.

The kids stayed after school to help me with a big project It's going to be such a surprise . Probably a waste of my time though. She won't appreciate the time or effort or even acknolodge it but anyway....

I went to nap at 6 last night woke up at 1 read till 4 got up to squeeze juice and make oatmeal. I've been on my oatmeal regime all week with strawberries and brown sugar.
I'm reading a really good book by Jayne Ann Krantz, Sizzle and Burn.

Teacher's Meeting Days!

I'm not giving up any more of my vacations to work. I feel like I never had a week off in Feb. As a consequence, I feel tired and in need of a break. It's not nearly as much as the teachers, but I'm ready for a break. It gets worse because I know other districts had this week off. Three weeks to go.

We are lucky to have 4 weeks off and summer. I got an invitation to come and sign my contract for next year.

But, the only had 3 days for a winter break. My friend Kim fell in the rain selling girl scout cookies. She sent her daughter and husband skiing and is muddling through.

Since there is a teacher's meeting today I'll run over to Caro's today during lunch.
I don't like to be in traffic after 5.

The bookkeeper's husband won a 10k cruise. Oops, she wasn't supposed to tell me.

I filled up for 25.00 at 3.49 a gal. Love that Prius.

I want to go on a cuuise. I want to go anywhere, I have the travel bug.

Teachers Meeting Days

I feel like I never had a winter break since I went in to the chiropractor, Dr. or work each day. I'm not going to do that again. Spring break is the week of the 17th. I am of people out this week. Easter is traditional right?

My friend Kim fell and broke her leg delivering girl scout cookies. She sent her daughter and husband skiing.

Spring break is only 2 weeks away.

School is out in 10 weeks.

Gourmet, give me the grand prize of a trip to Italy!

The Wisteria is in bloom!

The weather is in the 70's and sunny. I love the spring. My sweet peas are coming up and getting ready to bloom and a new amaryllis that is double bloomed on one spike had opened. It's a surprise inside like tulips each time. Lilac trees are blooming and the streets are covered with white blossoms.

I went over to Caro's after school today to pick something up and she gave me some pound cake she made with lemon and some eggplant to take home with ground beef or pork, scallions and sesame oil. I made some rice and asparagus and it was outstanding. I totally forgot my stuff so I'll go back tomarrow.

I think I've about zeroed out my budget for the year. I'm waiting to hear.

I just finished the book Remember Me.

I ate my beet tops

We could use some rain. I'm already tired of watering but now it's just once a week not every day or every other day.
I went out to track down a student that has our drawings for the literary magazine. It's already too late but at least I know who she is now. I hope to get it back printed by 4/2, back to school night when they show off their science projects. That way maybe some parents will buy it too.

My brioche turned out really well, yeasty, eggy and delicious. They were better than Caro's cinnamon rolls which she cooked a tad to long and used no butter or icing. They need the goop.

I ran out at lunch to the post office, the library and to pick up a take out order of chicken salad. All in 30 min.

I ate my beet tops tonight for dinner followed by asparagus. I sauteed them but I think I like them boiled better. Sauteing them didn't get them cooked totally. The stalks were still stringy. They are not as good as beets but I won't just cut them off any more. The stems like spinach need to be removed. tiny one are ok raw.
Next I try Swiss chard.

Carolina made a red beet salad and yellow tomatoes on lettuce for dinner yesterday. She had asparagus, a sauce of green grapes, wine, stock and mushrooms to put on top of her grilled hens. There was basmati rice with lentils and a kind of raita, cucumber and yogurt sauce with lemon, there was potato salad with too much lemon too. She makes a mango, cilantro, tomato, red onion, hot pepper, pico de gallo, salsa too but just smelling it is too hot for me.

Today Forbes and Gourmet arrived.

Happy Easter!

I'm making brioche. It's a rich egg bread perfect for toast or french toast. Since I had oatmeal with strawberries, fresh squeezed OJ and fresh pineapple for breakfast, I'm feeling virtuous.
Time to go punch it down. I haven't done a lot with yeast in a long time.

I went to the Farmer's Market for my strawberries and beets. This time I'm, going to eat the tops too. Carol told me to boil them but the vendor said to saute them. That sounds better to me.

Yesterday I sliced one and put it in the oven on a silpat to bake at 200 and dry for beet chips.

Marilyn says they are her favorite part. She says he roommates grate them in salads. I only remember Mom opening a can.

Had my Godivia chick early and jelly bellies.

Caro is making cinnamon rolls. I want to make scalloped potatoes and ham. She is making Cornish hens and potato salad and I am bringing asparagus, a lemon souffle abd strawberries.

I wish I had another day off.

Tempurpedic

I once thought of getting a Tempurpedic mattress. They are over 2000. dollars and I was not able to justify it, so one year for my birthday, I got the pillow. Now I'm using it at school.

I also want a wedge for under my knees. I do have a "husband" a pillow with arms that we used in college to sit up in bed on on the couch. I also have a cervical pillow to support my neck while reading or using the computer in bed. The Dr. gave me a lumbar pillow for the car.

There's also one to put in your car made especially shaped for your back. It raises you up and takes the pressure off the spine. I 'd like a massage chair. the gym has one and my hairdresser too had one for her table when she yanks my eyebrows out by wax and in her pedicure chairs.

One day I'd like it but in a spa/hot tub. My neighbor has a wooden one I used it a lot. He gave me carte blanche access.

I have a desire to make yeast bread. I took their favorite cinnamon bread into the secretaries yesterday. The Farmer's market had cross buns. I'm thinking of making a brioche. It's an Easter tradition.

Time to plant strawberries and tomatoes. Orange and lemon trees are in blossom.

Gardening relaxes me. It's even exercise. I need some relaxation. Time to start seeds was over Christmas, now they are in 4 in" pots.

2 c. sea salt, 1 T. b. soda, 1 c. Epsom salt, essential oil like lavender oil, 1 t. flower petals, lavender or rose petals makes a nice bath salt.

Sometimes after squeezing oranges or lemons I throw them in the tub for the essential oils to seep out while the tub is filling then scoop them out with a strainer.

Remember when you were supposed to put your elbows in lemons to soften and bleach them?

The daffodils have faded

Freesias last longer and smell better.

It's generally cool in the mornings in the 50's and by noon when the fog rolls off into the 70's. My heating will went down to 40 something which is down 20 dollars from the worst of winter. Granted I never put on the heat. It's always at 55 and on;y comes on automatically when it falls below that. I still sleep under a down comforter in a flannel nightgown with a shawl because the neckline for this gown I prefer is low and square. It is too cool without and keeps slipping off my shoulders. I have Lacy too.

I'm in an e-mail fight with a teacher. I didn't want to participate in email so I asked to meet with her this morning face to face during her prep. She agreed but during her prep she was not available and wrote back replying to my voice mail saying she didn't have time to meet with me during her preparation for her classes, was not a teacher that brought her classes and that I was gone at 3:30 yesterday and she did not see me at 8 in the morning. I was here. I didn't know I had to check in with her. Get your own key to the laminator room and leave me be. Those are my hours. I work very hard. She went on to say she doesn't feel the library is a welcome place and she doesn't like my tone to students or teachers.

These sixth grade teachers don't like change, are a world on to themselves and are very difficult to infiltrate. With that unresponded to I left and went to see my friend Caro and have my taxes done. I didn't make as much last year so I'll get a return.

I got an Easter dinner invitation. (I hate Corinish hens.) I'd rather say home, go to the farmers market and read.

Her mom is my mom's age and becomming senile, has some dementia, incontenence and is cared for at home. She needs elder care while Caro works mornings and she needs a "Mina" sitter if Caro needs to run errands. She is diabetic and sometimes refuses to eat, dress pr bathe. Caro cooks and cleans everything. For that she takes the 400. a month. It's not close to compensation for 24 hr. a day care, room and board.There for the grace of God do we. Mina is just shrinking. There won't be much time left now.

I got a ham slice and was going to make scallopped potatoes and asparagus.

I wish we had spring break this week but, by the week of the 16th I'll be ready too, It will be a Passover break.

It's snowing flower petals

White blossoms are floating off the fruit trees and it's like snow in the wind. This is a really pretty time of the year here. It's time to plant azaleas and inpatients and marigolds, and start seeds of tomatoes. I transplanted a 4" pink Lilly last night. The roots were wrapped around itself begging for some stretch room in a 6 in pot. I always water the secretaries azalea circle. It too needs replanting. Maybe I'll take it home this weekend and do that for her if she wants.
I got the office staff another loaf of cinnamon bread.

One of the 6th grade teachers complained a lot of being able to get in to the library. I emailed her back that she was welcome to send her stuff down and we would try to do it for her. She wrote back that if our TA; could why weren't they all told. I told her that our TA's could cut them out but Carol or I would run them as time permitted if they were not able to make the time to come down. She said they feel unwelcome as though they are interrupting me. I've yet to respond, but put a note in the bulletin saying the same.

Ants come out when I 'm squeezing juice I swear they can smell the sugar. Oogie that they are so close.

I had to run over to the print shop today for last minute literary additions and I found the girl that had the pictures.

I'd like to tell 'Judith" aka Mrs. Downs, not Ms., they haven't been too welcoming to me either. Rather than have this shoot back in email I'll talk with her.

I'd rather noI had some CA roll sushi with brown rice and more oatmeal for breakfast.

Truss

I put on a too tight L T shirt and a too tight vest today and it feels like I imagine it did when they used to bind your breasts. It's wierd. First you wear a minimizer to flatten the load. The other half of the population is wearing push up bras and Wonderbra's that inflate or some such thing. I never had a problem with that. Even in 5th grade the street kids were telling me to get a bra.

I remember Emily developed early too. She was around 10 I think. I don't think I sprouted that early. I couldn't wait to have a period or need to shave my legs. I went so far as to wear a belt when visiting my friend Ilona to prove I was old enough even though I hadn't started. What was I thinking?!? Didn't have a clue. My H levels are still high so although I haven't had one since the summer I'm still in the in-between phase. I'm glad. No more money, hassle, ruined sheets, underwear and all the rest of the mess. The only part I'll miss is the juice and the skin quality. I think.

I was glad when I wore a garter belt and girdle I didn't need one to hold anything in. Now I'm happy to have support hose with a tummy panel. I lost 10 lbs.

I had my oatmeal again this morning and yet finished it along with my OJ at lunchtime. I don't like to eat first thing in the morning. It takes me till about 10 to think about it. I heated it in the microwave. I had to clean that sucker first. I don't remember Armando keeping it like that.

Today I have a department meeting at 1:30. The kids get out early. One of my "helpers" "helped" herself to some change that was on the corner of my desk last night. Lesson 1. Don't lend money. #2, Lock up your money, #3 Don't buy stuff from the kids. Maybe I have to lower my expectations.

At the department meeting I got yelled at for only opening the library at 8 and closing it at 3:30. They want to get in to use the laminator. I'm always there I never leave. I'm pissed.

After that, I gave my thief a ride part way home and took myself to Caldwater Creek where they were having a 60 percent off sale.

My feet were literally ready to give out after walking to my meeting and then through the mall. I didn't think I could get to the car and back to get the catalog so I asked a manager if they had one. The clerk said no. He said yes. I waited forever listening to her go over a transaction with a patron before being helped and got a compact of aloe soap for my patience.

On the way out, I cashed in my Godiva freebie coupon for 2 pieces of chocolate and bypassed the Annie pretzel stand purchase with some restraint and treated myself to the nearby visit to the flaffel drive-in. I got a flaffel salad and 2 pitas which is enough flaffel balls and salad: cucumber, tomato, lettuce and white sauce to make 4 pita sandwiches. One day I'll be good enough to just get the balls. Next time I'll call it in and split it with my friend Inna.

I really like to go there in the summer when I have a cucumber and tomatoes from the farmers market to supplement their salad and get an extra white sauce instead of the hot sauce. They have this meat ball with pine nuts that I may try next time. A man I was sitting with let me try a pita chip piece. Thank you, I'll pass. Why fry them?

I need to get over to Caro's and finish my taxes. I think I'm gonna pay big time so I have to be creative.

When I thought I was traveling, I bought some clothes from Caldwater Creek. They don't fit so I have to get over to take them back to the shop. If you have them place the order from the shop you don't pay shipping. It seems there are coupons for 25.00 off in all the magazines except when I want one. I tried on a top and immediately whipped off my vest when I saw how horrible it looked with out the jacket to cover it up. Time to give away that T shirt too.
The clothes closet at school needs it more than I do. Gwen's list of what she got at Goodwill for 12 made me look at my one t shirt for 9 and be sad. She's a good bargain shopper.

I wrote to the Lean plate club at the Washington Post to tell them I was having beets, asparagus, brown basmati rice, dahl and chicken for dinner. I also told them I made the lemon souffle from Last month's Bon Appetite and changed it to put in blueberries. It would be good with strawberries too or even a strawberry souffle.
We'll see if I get published again.

Took a 3 a.m. sleeping pill after reading.

Daffodil Days

This is the day when everyone got daffodils in support of the Am. Cancer Assn. My dentist bought some too. Hers were a donation to a cancer patient, mine too in part because I know a bunch of 10 don't cost 10.00 They are competing here with the freesias and gardenia next to my bed.

I've got asparagus cooking and did my OJ and oatmeal for tomorrow. I made the oatmeal this morning with these huge raisins I get from the farmers market. (Alas, that was the end of them they almost made it though till next season). Today I added blueberries but I like strawberries too and best raspberries. I'm working on getting back on this food regime.

I'm also cooking the beets I got at the farmer's market. The vendor asked me if I ate the tops and I said no but I'm sure they are very sweet and nutritious. I'll move up slowly on that one. Maybe if I had a rabbit it could have the tops of carrots and beets.

Carol, my assistant, said she boils then and grew up eating them. She makes pollenta, an Italian grain sorta like risotto but made with a cornmeal base. I got two packages in Nov. and gave her one. I've yet to make mine.

I was very busy today and one of the other new teachers came over for lunch and I finally stopped took him in the back room where I finished my yogurt and heated some chicken Indian rice curry. It was hot. I finished it for dinner with dahl.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I've got my green on and even fished out my green socks to match.

Green beer or any beer never appealed to me.

It's only 10:30 and I've already put on my first pain patch and popped 500 mg of Motrin.

I've a lot to do.

I also put in my application to run the library during summer school.

I had my first tomato of the season yum. It was from the farmer's market and a green house but still, it had flavor.:-) The strawberries got eaten at 4 after my apt. Next time 3 baskets. (It's cheaper that way, and 1 need a day day x7.)

I'm actually eating my salad at lunch time. I added avocado, cauliflower, broccoli and

I squeezed I still think it's squoze o.j. this morning. It is really something I need to do the night before.

The sun is shining at it's supposed to get up to 70 today. Yesterday I think I got a little sun.

I need to put on the sun screen.

I'm off to physical therapy and the orthopedist Dr. soon.

I need an oil change and I'm 600 miles from going over the 10,000 mile mark since I bought my car in Oct. of 06.

Property taxes come due soon too. It makes for a tight mo.

I got the oil changed between my pt apt. the library and the Dr. At pt i rode the bike lifted free weights and had ice applied.

The Dr. gave me a lumbar pillow told me I could double the hydrocodone to 20 -650 and gave my a hydro cortisone shot in my back. I came hoe and fell asleep while on the laptop.

Since my computer crashed at work I've been perching on a tall stool. I've brought in pillows but she ordered an ergonomic work station. It's terrible on my back.

When I got up I made my juice for tomorrow , put out the trash, cleaned the whirlpool tub and put more leons in the car to give away.

I put a sign on the bucket at work that said: Homeless lemons Organic mutant don't hate e because I'm ugly, I'm beautiful inside. :-)

Hot Cross Buns

They had them at the farmers market today and finally I got some strawberries that are soooooooo sweet. I had some for breakfast today along with blueberries, some tangerine juice augmented by 2 tiny tangerines I squeezed and mint tea w/ lemon.

I got some beets, bread and some pieces of cauliflower and broccoli for lunches. I got 2 radishes yesterday.

I went to get Armando's roommate Alfredo and he had other work, I was angry since I got up early to get him. I took the microwave and my blanket, Armando's blanket and some of his clothes to wash in revenge. I'll take the microwave into school. I'm doing the wash now.

I have Thomas helping pull weeds, cut the grass and move all the stuff in my office. Perhaps there will be time to shape the fruit trees too. Didyou know soething like a possum climbs the fruit tress and eats the inside of the fruit, the drops too, but not the lemons.

They are nocturnal and eat cat food too so I never leave it out at night. They are big and ugly and comr up out of sewers. They have big long noses. It freaked me out to see one outside my patio door.

I was hurting last night and couldn't get to sleep so I took another pain pill and muscle relaxer and I was out like Lacy.


Time to sort and file papers. UGgggggggggg:-(

We cleaned the office and I got through most of it, put books on shelves and have just papers to file now.
Ob the other hand, he cut a lot from my lemon and orange trees and I have 2 full grocery bags full of lemons and one more of oranges to squeeze. I will take a bag of lemons into school and give another to Caro when she finishes my taxes. Some are truly mutant huge.

There were a lot he cut that were over into my neighbor's yard.

Glad the grass is cut and all the plants watered.

Now time for asparagus! I ate the whole bunch in the bath tub no less.

My fingernails are breaking off. I need Knox gelatin but the stuff is made from cow's hooves. I wonder if there is another way. I researched this. Knox must had a good ad campaign for that factoid to have stuck in my head. It doesn't work. I need more calcium. Nails reflect your health.

I am listening to a ta[e by Molly Ivan's on George W. It is so interesting and funny. How that good ole boy did anything heir apparent to the George H W. who made all the money. GWB just looses other people's.

I'm glad it's only a few more months more.

I'm was reading when I fell asleep for an hour. The lavender beneath my window and the orange blossoms are coming into bloom.

On SSI (St. Simon's Island)in GA, there is a sign that says " A man named Wesley passed this way". My dad, Bob, Michael and now Wesley have had there pictures taken there. Wonder if I can carry a card that WO... and put it in front for my picture the next time I go? The John from 1785 would roll over.

I woke up this morning rested

For the first time this week I went to sleep without a sleeping pill. I also barely napped yesterday. I had a brief dream of having left my trunk open while I did an in home visit. (I don't do home visits) I just ran in and saw and knew the kids hanging around. When I came out they were running off with all my tools, (Not that I have any tools in my garage or trunk) They looked like angels while they stuffed stuff under their shirts and passed off to their friends.

This morning I made a crumpet, baked oatmeal raisin cookies, squose 3 tiny tangerines to add to the not too flavorful fresh squeezed stuff I bought, watched the end of the news. Now I'm watching a garden show.

Then reality struck. I read email. My trip is off. I need to teach summer school. I need to take care of an obligation here.

That will give me the opportunity to get in better shape for another summer and do more research and planning.

I'm very sad but reality is just that.

The fantasy was nice.

I was getting so excited and I haven't been excited about much in a long time.

I'm out to get my aggression out pruning some fruit trees.

I'll put some Lidoderm patches on my spine , back and along my shoulders. It numbs the area. They are time releases over 12 hrs. They are square like the nitro patches dad had for his heart.

I feel like crying. Reality is a bitch.

Went out to pick up my prescriptions for my back and it the store. I got a whole wheat baguette, pine nuts and asparagus was on sale yeah! Also red potatoes and mushrooms. I got them all and some clam chowder, perfect for this misty, sunny day.


I admit I'm a eater when sad or mad and I bought lemon girl scout cookies too but I haven't opened them yet!

I came home sent Easter cards to all the kids with stickers. I enjoy doing them as much as they kids like getting them each in their individual envelopes. Gwen and Michael taught me that. After decorating them again too late for St. Patrick's Day, I had some soup, took a pill and a nap after reading about the Incas for awhile until the history put me asleep. I made 4 packages of mushrooms, 2 sliced, 1 shataike (sic) and one pkg of steak ones in sherry. Amazing how they reduce.

Today was the job fair at the Co. of Ed. I'm glad I don't have to go.

My back was hurting so I never did get to the shaping. Maybe tomorrow.

TGIF

I am so ready for this weekend. The kids are driving me crazy. I had helpers and it takes me 2x as long having them help.

Today was ESPN day. I wore sweats because I have no sports t shirts.

I have been very busy.

During lunch I had a sales rep. come and now at 3:15 I'm trying to eat lunch. I finally finished it driving home. Then I finished my tea with the last of the baguette. It was nice to put my feet up and have afternoon tea with Lacy. I just have to set the microwave at 20 sec, not 40 so it won't be petrified.

I finally got through to physical therapy after talking with the supervisor and I am scheduled for Monday. I see the Dr at 2:30.

I've got 2 patches on and my back brace. The nurse put them on cuz I couldn't reach. It helps, and now a pill.

Maybe I can sneak out to lunch in between.

Last night I started earlier and took a sleeping pill at 12:39, they are 2 yrs. out of date. I wonder of there is any value in them at all?

I started a really good book The Book of Names by J. Gregory.

I've started researching Argentina. I want to go to Buenos Aires and Patagonia. The Lake region looks spectacular too.

Like the ice fields parkway in Alberta there are ice fields. Remember Gore's book about Global warming? The glaciers are there too.

All the trees are in bloom

I never did get around to eating my lunch so at 4 when I got home I cooked an entire batch of asparagus and had that with some Artisan Organic baguette. After I napped from 4-11 I got up and worked till 2.

Then I turned out the light and by 3 took a old sleeping pill at 4 I took another one. Finally I got to sleep till 7.

Asparagus is on sale.

All the iris are in bloom: bearded white, yellow and purple; and all the white flowering trees and the pink flowering plum are beautiful. I cut some freesias and the smell great next to my bed.

I went out to lunch for Chicken salad with my friend Inna from Russia that got canned. She is bitter and angry. One of the 1/2 time counselors got pink slipped too.

I need to work on portion control. Last time I ate the whole chicken salad by myself!

She's going to the job fair this weekend.

I'm cleaning my office and doing yard work.I'm determined to get it more organized and papers filed. I have 9 filing cabinets, (9 drawers, one 2 shelf bookcase, one floor to ceiling bookcase and another mid way up and two desks.) One with a computer and chair and the other is the desk Mom and Dad had. and a desk chair. I hae to pick up the computer and put a plastic cover on the desk and clear out the floor and clean it then put a plastic mat on the wood for the chair to roll on. I got the mats at the teacher give away. I think I'll get some help lifting from Armando's roommate. My back won't take it.

Today I had a kid put a patch on my back spine near my neck to numb the area. It helps and felt cold but better.
I had my evaluation today and went up one thing. Next year should be better.

This faculty is hard to break into. They don't like change.

I think I need to go to Argentina on my trip too. Patagonia is not to be missed or Iguzu falls.

Better start walking.

I need to finish the installation of my refinished cabinets in the kitchen, add a new sink and ovens too. I want one big sink.

Hawaiian Day

Got the mi mu and the flowers and off I go. At lunch there is a hula hoop and limbo contest.

All the kids are in leis and teachers have some shirts, skirts, leis, a few head cirls of flowers and I gave puka beads to the attendance clerk. I thought about picking some roses for my hair but lipstick and blush was enough. I am the only one in a mu mu and no one took the other one I brought in yesterday. I gave away the 2 other Aloha shirts I had made. one to Goodwill and one was taken last Aloha day at Gardner.

My assistant is out today. so I've just now gotten to my tea. I used the new Starbuck's mug today. I'm pretty sure it leaks. I have kept the tea warm till now 12:00. 5 hrs is not too bad. Yesterday I tested it a bit and I thought it barely kept things warm 30 min. I didn't see where the thermos was this morning so I tried this other. I have to unscrew the top and drink with it off so it won't leak on me. I had my TA try it and she says it doesn't leak...stay tuned.
With Carol gone I'm not forced to go to lunch at 11:30 when I am barely getting to breakfast and can take it at 12 or later which suits me better. She leaves at 12 and works 1/2 time.

I'm having an Easter coloring contest in conjunction with the supermarket I went to yesterday, Costentino's, a high end speciality one that had a great deli, super veggies, great bread and bakery, good wine, super meat and is VERY expensive. I took dad there once and we got speciality flour. That's when we were doing so well on the Pritikin diet.

We made a soup or two a week all in mugs and ready to nuke and hot cereal for each morning again, in mugs ready to nuke and made a lot of veggies and fish and meat. I'll have to pull out the notebook/cookbook again. I was constantly making chicken stock. I guess there were a lot of chicken dishes too. I remember it being mostly protein. I got down to 150 on that one and running 5 miles a day.

I got my favorite Tangerine juice and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice both yesterday and forgot to take it this morning. I brought in some other things for the freezer here, a salad and some Indian chicken curry. I prefer the Thai yellow curry but we'll see how this is.

I talked to Armando. I thought they had snow in Indianapolis but he says not in the city. He's coming home soon.

My physical therapy has me in limbo. The specialist Dr. said to go 2x a week and I tried to make appoints and the scheduler and physical therapist won't make any more until they talk to the Dr. I've called every day and it's time to call the DR. I called to do that and they referred me back to the PT receptionist who has been out for awhile. They asked me to call back at 1 and talk to the supervisor. Why don't they say "the supervisor will call you back?"

Then I could climb all those steps and ruins and maybe even the 4 day Inca trail.

Clearly, now, I'm not in shape to go. my neck is burning and it's spreading to the tops of my shoulders and it's time to put on my back brace which I left at home.

I'm working my way around to a Spinach salad.

An

Emmy

holder said this"

there are loopholes in my brain when the hard disk crashes. You can create dark neighborhoods as easily as you can create rural wonderlands."

Machu Picchu

The treck to Peru will be ardous, not only is it high it it steep. If the llamas don't spit on me the altitude will get me. Drink cocoa leaf tea. Bring Pepto too.
Now possibilities open the Gallapagos Islands too.

1 (SATURDAY)
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Quito and transfer to the Hotel
or
similar for overnight.

Day 2 (SUNDAY)
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra airport in Galapagos
(aprox. 2
hours flight, AIRFARE INCLUDED ). Passengers are greeted by guides at
the
airport and transferred to the Itabaca canal and cross to the Island of
Santa Cruz and ride to Puerto Ayora. On the way to Puerto Ayora you
cross
the highlands of Santa Cruz passengers will observe the twin pit
crates, Los
Gemelos and later visit Cerro Chato. Opportunity to admire the famous
Giant
Tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Lunch at the Highland of
Santa Cruz Charles Darwin Station, staffed with international
scientists
doing biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also
admire giant tortoises and their one year old offspring, the second
being a
miniature version of the first and are part of the breeding program.
Admire
the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds.
The
visit to the station lasts around 40 minutes. After this visit
passengers
have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs or can
mail
postcards. Passenger welcome & briefing, there is a cocktail and a
presentation of the crew. At this time a safety drill is practiced.
(National Park regulation). Free time on board.

Day 3 (MONDAY)
Wake up call, in each cabin there are speakers and a light music will
awaken
passengers softly. Buffet Breakfast. Disembark at Punta Suarez, dry
landing
and walk on lava terrain. Aside from the sea lion colonies this is one
of
the most important sites for bird watching. Here as soon as you
disembark
many species can be spotted up close, among these the hood mocking
bird, red
billed tropic birds. You will also spot large marine iguanas with
traces of
green and red along with lava lizards and colorful sally light foot
crabs.
After a short trek you will run into colonies of masked and blue footed
boobies and their nesting grounds sometimes overlapped over the trail.
You
will also find Galapagos doves, hawks and swallow-tailed gulls. After
crossing the nesting grounds you will reach the world colony of waved
albatross (15000 aprox.), they all come to the Galapagos for their
mating
rituals. Finally you will visit the blowhole where water shoots into
the air
at almost 23 m. (75 ft.). After a 3 hour trek you will want to stay
longer.
Lunch. Disembarkation at Bahia Gardner (isla Española), wet landing on
a
white coral beach amidst a large colony of sea lions, this site has no
trails but is considered an open area where you can spot: Galapagos
hawks,
American oyster catchers, Galapagos doves, hood mockingbirds, 3 species
of
Darwin finches, yellow warblers, lava lizards and marine iguanas and a
great
place for swimming and snorkeling, the best spot is by the islet that
looks
like a turtle; here if you are lucky you can admire many of the
Galapagos
marine species such as King Angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrot
fish, manta rays, white tipped reef sharks, and many more. Cocktail &
Dinner
Guides? briefing on next day activities at the living room.

Day 4 (TUESDAY)
Wake up call, in each cabin there are speakers and a light music will
awaken
passengers softly. Buffet Breakfast. Visit Ochoa Beach at Isla Lobos,
after
a walk on a short trail passengers can swim and practice snorkeling
with sea
lions. Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Interpretation Centre,
the
visit to the interpretation centre, where you learn about the natural
and
human history of the islands through display presentations, lasts more
or
less one hour. There is some time to shop in town for souvenirs. Lunch.
Disembarkation, wet landing at Punta Pitt (San Cristobal), guides
provide
passengers with towels so they can dry their feet and put on their
shoes and
begin the morning hike to the top of Pitt Point, an excellent
opportunity to
view important nesting sites for many sea birds including blue footed,
masked and red footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls and
storm
petrels. Passengers board & at the bar awaits a delicious cocktail &
snacks,
the yacht or ship departs to navigate through the Leon Dormido (Kicker
rock)
a vertical tuff cone formation rising almost 153 m. (500 ft.) from the
ocean, representing for many a sleeping lion or a shoe in mid - ocean;
aside
from the beauty in formation itself you can spot blue footed and masked
boobies, frigate birds on its cliffs and sea lions along the shore.
Farewell
cocktail. Guides? briefing on next day activities. Dinner.

Day 5 (WEDNESDAY)
Early wake up call. Disembarkation at Seymour Norte here after a dry
landing
you will be encountered by swallow tailed gulls and sea lions that will
be
found bodysurfing, it is also known for being another major nesting
site for
blue footed boobies, and the largest colony of magnificent frigate
birds
(different from the great frigate birds). You will also spot marine
iguanas
and the opportunity to see land iguanas. Breakfast. Disembark at the
docks
(Isle of Baltra), passengers board a bus that drives them to the
airport for
their flight back to Quito (AIRFARE INCLUDED). Meeting and assistance
upon
arrival in Quito and transfer to the Four points Sheraton Hotel or
similar
for overnight.

Day 6 QUITO LIMA (THURSDAY)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your connection flight to
Lima
(not included) to take an exiting extension to Peru, Cusco and Machu
Picchu.
Upon arrival transfer to Boulevard Hotel or similar. Overnight. (B)

Day 7 - LIMA / CUSCO (FRIDAY)
Pick up and transfer to the Lima airport for the flight to Cusco
(airfare
included). Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to Picoaga Hotel or
similar, followed by a few cups of mate de coca, whilst you iron out
any
questions you may have with us. At 1:45 pm Cusco city tour. This tour
includes the major sites of historical interest in Cusco, including the
ruins of Sacsahuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay and the temple of the Sun.
Also
included in this is a tourist card, giving you access to all the sites
in
the Cusco area as a whole (i.e., including outside of the City itself).
This
tour finishes at 18:00 hrs. Overnight. (B)

Day 8 - CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU (SATURDAY)
At 5:30am you will leave the Hotel to the train station , the train
leaves
at 6:00 am. Travel is in "Vistadome" Class (formerly "Autowagon"). At
9:40
a.m., you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes Station, from where you
take a
25 minute bus ride to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Once there, you will
have a
guided tour, with a professional English speaking guide. The ruins are
on
the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two separate areas: the
agricultural
and the urban. Lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (included). In
the
afternoon take the train back to Cusco. Overnight at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 9 - PISAC & OLLANTAYTAMBO (SUNDAY)
(Note: This Tour is available just on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday).
You will be picked up at 8,45A.M. Full day excursion to the Urubamba
Valley,
visiting: the village of Pisac, a picturesque town of creole and
colonial
aspect and its lndian market and craftfair. Lunch provided. In the
afternoon
you'll visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an architectural group
that
in the days of the Tahuantinsuyo empire was a gigantic agricultural,
administrative, social, religious and military complex, then the
Chincero
market. At the end Return to Cusco and Overnight. (B,L)

Day 10 - CUSCO / LIMA (MONDAY)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight back to
Lima
(airfare included).

the shorter version goes like this:

SERVICES AT LIMA & CUSCO


DATE DESTINATION TIME SERVICE
Day 01 Lima Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
OVERFLIGHT NAZCA LINES:
Departure in a light aircraft to Ica city. Upon arrival transfer to a smaller aircraft specially prepared for observation. Overflight the enigmatic Nazca Lines flight over the Mysterious Nazca Lines which are seen only from the air, the giant geometrical and animal figures were etched on the desert sands by the Nazca people 1,500 years ago and their purpose is still a mystery.Transfer back in the same plane to Ica. Lunch and return to Lima by air.

Transfer to the airport.

Day 02 Lima Airline ticket to Cusco.

Day 03 Cuzco Transfer to the train station.
MACHU PICCHU VISIT:
Arrival by Vistadome class train to Machu Picchu ruins. From Aguas Calientes station you will be transported by bus to the top of the mountain and to citadel of Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu is the department of Cusco’s most important tourist attraction and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Discovered in 1911 by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, this city is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of scenic architecture in the world. The Incas, using ingenious engineering techniques, were able to transport heavy stone blocks up the mountain side, and once there, they used their excellent masonry skills to produce amazingly polished stones that fit together perfectly. After a three hours guided visit in the ruins.


Day 04 Cuzco At the appointed time, you will return to the station to take your train ride to Ollantaytambo station at the Sacred Valley.
Transfer from Ollanta Station in the Sacred Valley to Cusco Hotel.

Day 05 Cuzco Airline ticket to Lima.

............................
Michael watched the launch of the shuttle from St Simon's Island this early a.m. When we lived in Fla. Joe went to see the space center. It was never a great interest to me, not even when at Nasa in Houston.

By 4 I left school. By 3 I finally got around to trying to eat my soup. After 4 bites it was time to see if I could work the scanner. Finally faxed my docs. because I didn't have time to fool with it. The scanner is connected to a Mac.
I put my document in and pressed the button then what?

I have my review this week.

Gas is 3.45 here. Bet it's cheaper in SC.

I went grocery shopping and ate risotto with scallops and shrimp. I even went to the store that gives a 5 percent discount to teachers on Tuesday.

I fell asleep at 6 while trying to update this page. After my 4 hr nap I found my mu mu for aloha day and puka shells.

Next we have business day and espn day I may have problems with that. I need a sports jersey. Last year we had University day. I liked that better.

Once I ran a crazy hair day and crazy hats. I blew Halloween last year but was a clown one year and once a princess or lady in waiting.

After looking at my visa bill I'm trying to swear off Starbucks and make and take my own tea. I don't need the hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches or coffee cake.

I need to avoid drive through too and use up what's in the frig. I've got the best and most expensive around.

I started hurting by 12 and put on my brace. Then the patch goes on the shoulder. I need to do the exercises.

No wonder the stray cats like my deck, they get spare ribs, chicken, steak, turkey, shrimp and what ever else I haven't gotten around to and water.

I'm reading:

Peru Under the Inca's

..

Cranberry Orange Quickbread

It sells in a mix with a tiny can of yucky cranberries and a mix of yucky powder for about 3.59. I can't even taste the orange.

Quickbreads are so easy to make and bake. 2 c flour, sugar, 1 c cranberries and orange peel in this case, b. powder and off you go, eggs and water. In almost the same amount of time u hae a better tasting product and gealthier too. I buy cranberries at Thanksgiving or after on sale, freeze them and use them as needed. They shop well in the Cuisinart frozen.

For Christmas I make people cookies or quickbread, the one above is my favorite, and I just baked some. I also like the cinnamon swirl. Pumpkin and zucchini come in later. They are probably the most healthy. I'll come up with a lemon poppy seed one soon too.

For Valentines Day I got a red Starbuck's mug, I've yet to try it it see if it leaks, but I love the color. I want one of those mugs that you pour in your tea and 6 hrs. later it's still hot. My thermos does do that but it's not the same.

I had my first kiwi of the season today along with my strawberries and o.j.. Lot's of vitamin C and I love them. They like to grow by the cost too. That should be enough to stave off this cold.. I have fits of sneezing.

Last night because I took a 5 hr nap one sleeping pill didn't put me out so I took too. It made a bizarre trip to the bathroom at 4 or 5 a.m. and I wasn't too happy to be getting up at 7 with this new time thing. The pills expired in 07 so I figured they weren't as potent and I used my last one up. Now I'll start on those not expired as needed.

Today is weird clothes day. I forgot. I have lots of those, things that don't match would be fun to wear on purpose. Tomarrow is black day and Wed. we have Hawaiian day.

I see the Dr. again on St Patrick's Day.

Emily should like seeing the river green in Chicago. Hum, I guess she's been there longer than one year.
I was doing some research on St. Patrick's day for a teacher and saw some great pictures.

Yesterday, after changing the sheets, 2 loads of laundry it was time to put on my back brace and take a pain killer.

I get so busy at work I'm lucky if I have time to eat lunch much less breakfast. It's 2 and I'm still working on the o.j. and strawberries.

The salad may have to wait for tomarrow...Nope got it down by 3.

Looking at itinerary's in Peru here's one:

1 Lima to Cusco
Fly from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco you will be escorted directly to your exceptional hotel. After being briefed on your tours in Peru you will be able to spend the rest of the day at your leisure, resting and acclimatizing.

2 Sacred Valley
Spend the day visiting the Sacred Valley with your private guide. You will visit such sites as the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and the impressive Pisac Market among other beautiful lookouts through Chincheros. In the evening you will overnight in one of the many beautiful hotels in the area

3 Machu Picchu
After a refreshing breakfast you will embark on a short train ride to the Machu Picchu area. Your luggage will be taken to your hotel in Aguas Calientes while you make your way up to the Majestic ruins of Machu Picchu.

4 Machu Picchu Cusco
In the early morning you will be given the chance to return to the ruins to see them in the morning hours. In the afternoon you will take the Vistadome, First Class Train, back to Cusco, where you will be met and escorted back to your Cusco hotel.

5 Cusco
Following breakfast you will begin a guided tour of Cusco and the many extraordinary archaeological sites that surround her such as the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun (Korikancha), as well as Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay - to name just a few. 6 Return to Lima
After breakfast you will have the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon you will be escorted to the airport for you flight back to Lima where a member of our staff will meet you and assist with your travel arrangements before you take your flight home.

I rarely take tours. Maybe Lima and Cusco by night. I arrange my own hotel, flights, train, etc. I do use their itineraries and modify though.

A fellow came into the library as I was leaving tonight about 4 and wanted to know about English lessons, I told him in Spanish where they are offered and where to get information and gave him directions to the public library 3 blocks away and what to ask and the name of biblioteca LatinaAmericana where I worked for 8 yrs so he could ask someone who spoke Spanish, I told him if they couldn't help to come back and I'd help him tomorrow. It was nice to speak Spanish.

Australia

Seems to have the perfect temp at the end of June. and I can get in 5 dives and one night dive off Lady Elliott Island or there is Heron Island with about the same. You fly 24 hrs to Sydney then another hr. to the top of the Gold Coast above Brisbane around Gladstone and take a launch out to the islands. They are expensive. There is an alternative to stay on the mainland and take day dive trips or live on a dive boat.
I also want to spend some time in Sydney and maybe around the Gold Coast which may be like Big Sur here. I don't sit and bask in the sun. Not for 34 years even if I still wore bikinis. Sunscreen and visors for me.

I hae no desire to travel 1/2 way accross the country and back to see Ayers rock though.

Then I could stop in New Zealand too.

I better start swimming and walking now.

The alternative still involves walking a lot but ultimately in Peru,

It sure is a lot closer to fly to Lima, stopping in El Salvador for brunch then on to Lima from SF and after a night there to fly to Cusco. In Cuzco I would go to Aguas Calientes and on the tour train to Machu Picchu. I want to spend several days here. Not only in the altitude a killer but the walking and steps on the Inca Road will kill me. There is a hot spring, unsurprisingly, in Aguas Calientes, and I'll hit that. I want to spend some time in Cusco, the highest city, at the markets, in Lima and maybe see the Nazca lines and Lake Titicaka.

It's all damp and I hate humidity but what are ya gonna do?

The trips are both arduous and cost about the same.

The v key and another on my keyboard are sticking. Sometimes it takes striking it 2-4 times to see it.

I was thinking about the sliced mushrooms we get in the store and all the salad stuff, lettuce in a bag et al, packaged cake mixes and deli items and how much more they are than the price it cost to mix 2c flour and the rest and do it from scratch. We pay a lot for convenience.

There must be a huge profit margin. But, there are times when I just don't care spare me and give it to me in 5 min. I will pay. Then, like today, there are others when I bemoan the waste.

Strawberries are here

As I dashed into Safeway yesterday I saw the 2 for 1 dreaded "white shouldered" strawberries and, of course, got some. They are better at the Farmer's Market. These they rust to market. I wondered why Bob ran out to get some of Marie Calender Strawberry Glaze when he was here. Usually I only but the ones that melt in your melt and are truly ripe as I did then. I forget that for the majority of the rest of the country your don't have this bounty.

I was amazed when we arrived in 77. Peppers 10 for1.00 and stands lined the hwy. Artachokes are in season now too. They grow by the coast and like cool, fog as do leeks and kiwi, which are also in season.

I got some asparagus too but unlike the earlier two this was expensive and I'll wait nearer to Easter for the bounty and eat as much as I can.

I slept in and squeezed my o.j. this a.m It was wonderful even if it took a whole bowl of oranges. My oranges are much better than the fresh o.j. sold. As daddy used to say when he brought my in a glass of fresh juice with his hand still dripping..."hope you like the service in this hotel." Wish he was still around I'd gladly squeeze it for him!
Had some of my favorite pumpernickel rye swirl toast and mint tea with lemon from my tree.

Lacey went out to eat some kitty grass I have growing for her and smell all the plants to see what cat had come by her yard in the night.

My throat seems to be better.

I returned a red round, squat thermos I got at Starbucks around Christmas from Armando. It leaked and made me crazy. I returned it once and the 2nd one leaked so this time I got another red one, taller that holds a tad over 2 c and it works fine. They filled it with Earl Grey tea for me to test just to apologize for the hassle and inconvenience.

I don't often have the time to leave the library to heat up a cup in the lounge. Sometimes I pour a cap full and don't even get time to drink it. I may bring in Armando's microwave to work while he's in IN.

I've been spending a lot of money there.

In the winter there is something nice and soothing about a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate on the way in to work or after work to treat yourself.

It doesn't come close to the hot chocolate I got from Serendipity 3 in NYC but I make due. When I don't want to pay 25.00 for 2 packages of the mix and I don't need another glass, spoon or straws. It does make 12 c though. It's supposed to be ice but I make it hot.

I'm reading Kay Hooper's Blood Dreams, Stuart Woods Beverly Hills Dead and maybe. James Patterson's 7th Heaven. I like him on tape. I'm not so sure about the book. I've heard it's good. We'll see, stay tuned.

Just finished the latest D. Steel. She's become so formulaic; I like her better than Grisham.

We're looking at a trip to Machu Piccu this summer. It's been a long time since I've been out of the country internationally and although Australia, Turkey, Rome, Greece and Yug. and Prague are also on my list Europe will be too hot and I'm not aailable in Oct.

I want to dive on the Great Barrier Reef It's one of my goals along with Machu Piccu before I kick.machupiccutours.com

Daffodils

The lady I brought cyclamin, azaleas and chocolate truffles to brought me some daffodils. l love their bright yellow color. When I got home I found my first iris in bloom. I have dutch iris and bearded iris both, It looks like freesias are in bloom on the patio and a tulip is getting ready to open, These go with the peppermint armarlis in bloom inside.

I ran out today to the post office and for some chicken soup. I've got a sore throat creeping up. Santa Clara downtown is really pretty. I've been blocks away since Aug. and never knew the shopping center was there or the post office with the fountain and I like the park with the gazebo to get away for lunch.

Since my computer at work started doing a disk erase I swapped out one of the kids ones. The only problem is that all my data was on the other hard disk. I wish I had time to copy it to email. I have some on a disk but the new computer only uses c/d.

Went to the dentist today for my quarterly cleaning, then hit the market for mint tea and o.j.

Spring

Time to cut the grass and enjoy this beautiful weather.

I took yesterday morning off to relax and came in at noon. My back was still hurting by the time I left at 4.

I've placed my book order for the year and have been cataloging up a storm.

Then I go home and crash. At least I know more of what I need to do here now.

By lunch I feel like I have to get out of here even if it is for a half an hour. I go to read in the car or to the library and today I went to a nearby Thai restaurant.

It is not as good as the one I normally hit. It was nice though to have food for lunch and dinner too though.

There is a new crafish restaurant at the corner shopping center and I went in and got a lb. of the mild to try. By the time you pull off the head and get the tiny part from the tail it's not much or worth all the work for 10.00. There is crab, shrimp and a 3.5lb. lobster for 60.00.

I'll get the tail on sale and cook it here thank you.