Insomnia

Up at 4 again, can't turn the brain off. Lacey and I slept hard from 12-4. Now the body is buzzing and the mind races. I try doing mind meditation, visualizing the inside of the nose and the area behind the eyes and down the throat...says O mag.

Now3 that I have both Ugg slippers and boots my feet at warm. Today I am going to wear my boots for the first time. They may be too warm,,what a change,,,warm feet. It's 50. My feet are warm but I couldn't zip them alone. Fortunately, they kids here helped me!

I'm having a favorite book contest at school and the book fair at the end of Jan. We're also taking inventory. I need to clear out some books published before 1990.

Finished my book and am not reading Robert's Pagan Stone then on to Steel's

A Good Woman

and Oprah's

Big Book of Happiness

which is really cool filled with articles from her mag, on insomnia mental illness, bipolar disorder....

It was such a long drive to Concord yesterday. Some was carpool lane but, I's have to be there and get a roommate here. It's only 80 percent too.It's part public library since Baypoint is unincorporated and so my thoughts of sleeping there went out the window. bad idea anyway...I'd have to rent a room or something. But poor Lacey would miss me. Commuting would get old fast.

I made a sandwich today f avocado on my punpernicle swirl bread with turkey, cheese mayo and humus with red pepper on the other side. I made it during a literary magazine and the girls all wanted some! I didn't know what an avocado or humus was then!

I ate up all that wonderful casserole of scalloped potatoes and ham. I NEED to make a new one. Not with heavy cream this time as lovely as that was. I want to make some ass kicking mac and cheese too with 3 kinds of cheese,rue, milk, condensed milk...mac, and toasted homemade bread crumbs on top. Yummy! Comfort food,

I need to make my butternut squash in to soup or risotto or something soon too.
Made some stuffed red peppers now for some mushrooms too.

Boy, a lot gets done wen I'm manic and Lacey just watches amazed and puzzled as I rush from one thing to another. She stays and sleeps.

Things I realized...

Times with family for me are few and far between I need to go to all screw the cost..time dwindles down to a precious few, as the song and dad said,days together. Just go! The next time, la proxima vez...said that about Gwen too...still haven't seen any of her wedding pictures or video.

At least with Nancy I got a picture and Bob too.

It's 10:30 and I need a nap and I'm ready for lunch. Due to my meeting I actually got one.

---------------------a Christmas list of questions.......................

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate. hot chocolate

Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree? Presents are always wrapped.

Colored lights on tree or white? When we had a tree, I liked the colours. Had some snowballs and bubble lights and still do but now the ones I find are white. We also put decorations around the door an wreaths on the double doors which are now red so the evergreen wreaths and red ribbons look good.

When do you put your decorations up? There are decorations?? Er, not very often these days. Last year I did a tree this year not... I hate taking it down.

What is your favourite holiday dish? ham and scalloped potatoes

Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Having time to read endlessly, balloons on the tree

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes after midnight mass

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I have collected for 30 years from around the world and from my mother. Unfortunately my brothers Zorro one was broken in the hand over. He still has the plastic ones but he put them all in a paper bag together instead of wrapping things separately and with two little kids it was hard for him. These days, unless I have Christmas here, I don't bother. It is so liberating!

Snow! Love it or Dread it? I loved it, because we didn't ever have much, & it seemed special, & was soon gone.

Can you ice skate? Yep! Used to in Mi on the sidewalk and my brother and me on the Rouge River in MI...he fell in! When Joe was at USNA we skated a lot on the indoor rink. They have outdoor holiday rinks here and in S.F. and although I still have the skates from age 16, I haven't used them since then. Like the sled I left behind with Mickey when we moved to HI and CA gone.

Do you remember your favorite gift? A huge doll when I was 6, as big as me! Always books.

What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family get together, midnight mass, friends over for brunch, New Years dinner with friends.

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

What is your favorite tradition? balloons on the Christmas tree, Christmas in the Adobes in Monterey, La posada, Shopping in S.F., looking at the Christmas windows in D.C..

Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving? I enjoy both, but I do love to give something, even if it is only an ear to listen.

What is your favorite Christmas Song? White Christmas, Whose Child is this

Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum a little

Ever recycled a Christmas present? Honestly? yep I re gift

*********
I stole this from one of the Sunday paper magazines, because it appealed to me.

What would you like for Christmas....

If you were feeling greedy?
A trip to the spa, progressive supper in Charleston with carriage rides between courses
If you weren't feeling greedy?
time with my family
If you were being practical?
a clean house and yard work, clean the garage
If you had to share your present?
A first class trip for two around the world.
If you had a present for one day only, (then had to give it back)?
A chance to give the homeless 2 great meals for Christmas Day, with a bed for the night, in comfort & luxury. Well, one day is 24 hours right?

Try it if you like, I found it quite hard to think of things that were not flippant or ridiculous... after all it is just a fantasy...

I have Christmases when company alone is priceless.

Up at 5

At work by 6:30, couldn't see to find my key, the janitor had to come and turn off the alarm. I was the first one on campus. I figured since I was up after reading until 1:30 last night or this morning I'd come in and get some work done while it's quiet. I never get the time during the day. This keyboard is easier to type on than my laptop too. I was going to do this yesterday but the Internet went down.

Those Ugg slippers are so warm filled with sheep shin and the boots too. You don't wear socks with them who knew...

I also got these orthotics to put in my SAS shoes I bought last Fri. Hopefully with my new socks I can stand a little longer. Loosing 100 lbs would help too but in the interim....

I'm working on resumes for a part time community college librarian/faculty slot, technical services manager in Santa Cruz and as a Manager to the library in Santa CLara.

Well the interview went well but its only 80 percent there is money for this year but who knows how stable it is with budgets for next...? It was over 2 hrs up and back too bar for each day. Glad I had a sub.

Another busy day. Came home read, scalded my hand on hot scalloped potatoe lava" and took a nap till Bob called.

Got my hair done

cut and colored and highlighted...not sure I like it.

They are called highlights and low lights or as one of my TA's said, "did you die your hair?"

I spoke to my principal today....

I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow at 9 then at 11 I leave to drive to Concord for my interview, It's about an hr. I think. Then an hour back and I don't know if I'll get back. I may get a sub. It's a short day. School is out at 1:30.

We have so much to do I hate to leave Ramses alone. He's overwhelmed. I'm putting a lot on his shoulders.


I woke at 2:30 last night after 4 hrs of sleep and took a sleeping pill till 7. Yesterday I was so tired.

It feels like bugs are under my skin it buzzes and the mind races.

I spilled some tamarind on my comforter cover and it's in the wash. Fortunately, Duvets protect the down comforter, and my comforter was not leaked on.

I got another 400. dollar reimbursement check today. That's about it.

I'm watching "The biggest looser...I need to go on there." Back to the pool. Time to christen my new bathing suit and towel

I went back and got the Ugg boots and some slippers along with 3 more pair of socks.

It was up to 50 today. What a nice change from Mon. It was so cold and in the library 55 degrees just like home.

Couldn't be under the down comforter though.

Tess of the Durberville's

I watched Masterpiece Theater again last night and

Tess

by Thackeray U think, again. Last week I saw

Great Expectations

by Dickens which U never saw before though I have the book. It was much different than I thought.

I slept from 11 ish to 3:30 and after tossing for an hour trying meditation and visualization, I hot up and packed my lunch, put the tamales in the frig and did dishes. I read some and the question was to swim or not. Blogging,resumes and a to do list won I also did a Dec. accomplishment list for my principal. I decided not to take a sleeping pill cuz it was so close to 7.
Time to make so,e oatmeal with raspberries. I made cranberry bread last week. I'm ready to do some yeast baking /pancakes.

I've got to get back in the water and to walking or on the treadmill if not outside.

Yesterday it was lovely. I pulled some weeds. The first paperwhite came up. Thank you Bob.


I applied for this job


Technical Customer Support Specialist
Work for a Dynamic Start-up in Silicon Valley!

Our client is seeking a Technical Customer Support Specialist. Duties of this challenging and never boring position include: Respond to and resolve incoming Customer Support requests from end-users, customers, librarians, technical staff and partners. Document, escalate and resolve second level Customer Support requests. Contribute to documentation including knowledge bases and internal Wiki. Technical Support Specialist to provide world class support for our web-based library products. You will be a key member of the Customer Support team, providing direct support to customers worldwide. Although IT/Desktop Support/Developer/QA roles may be applicable, this is not a pure IT or Engineering role. Please send a resume that highlights your technical skills from the requirements below, as well as specific examples of how you solved problems for internal or external clients. We are a small company - every hire we make is extremely critical.
Required Experience
• An MLS!
• Staff experience with an academic/public/special library
• Knowledge of library ILS, OPAC, CMS and proxy server systems
• MARC cataloging experience
• Experience with web application programming and servers (ASP/.NET on IIS, Perl, PHP, JSP/Java or Apache/Tomcat etc.)
• Database experience (SQL, Oracle, FileMaker)
• GUI scripting (VB, AppleScript)
• UNIX skills
• Experience using salesforce.com for CRM
• Understanding of quality and feedback processes and measurement
• Spanish fluency (both written and spoken)
• Experience with electronic information databases and library systems
• At least 3 years of level I/II support or supervisory role, preferably in an internet-based call center and/or email environment
• Get-It-Done attitude!
• Ability to work well with different levels of internet customers, from novice end-users to arrogant experts
• Experience with technical aspects of websites, browsers and the Internet protocols (TCP/IP, HTML, HTTP)
• Proficiency with the major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari), desktop applications (Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat) and their quirks
• Whole system holistic problem solving skills
• Strong verbal/written communication skills
• Practical desktop support experience (Windows and Macintosh)
• Self-motivated multi-tasking with well developed personal organization, proven detail oriented problem solving and follow through to completion
Required Skills
• Database

Probably over my head and I will be vested for retirement in June but interesting. I'm also looking at a community college part time, and at a technical services manager at Santa Cruz Public library where I used to work. I'd like to live there. Like the commute to Monterey, the mountain at 2k in the winter can be a bitch of a commute.


I doubled my extra heavy down comforter I got in Copenhagen and Lacey and I are snug. I love the flannel sheets and comforter duvet.

Wisdom

------------------------------


The Journey to Greatness by Noah Ben-Shia
Words of wisdom for life…
The journey of life is not a rehearsal and the lessons you learn

Don’t live life in the past lane.
Personal liberation is also to others

If you want to give God a good laugh tell him your plans
We have all the time we need until we don’t
We get dragged screaming to a better place
You are in control of how you react to what life delivers to your door.
Honesty,love and faith are the 3 magic doors in your life.
Self transformation requires self witnessing.
Tell yourself the truth
What isn’t said between people is also heard.
If you can’t be honest to can’t get to love.
To find a friend be one.
Forgive others forgive yourself

Faith
letting go or letting God
life is a gift, prayer is a thank you note

Humility
something greater than yourself
out your faith not your fear in front
a sheep lead by a lion can defeat a lion lead by a sheep

It's not what job I'm going to but who I am going to that job.

The greatest opportunity in life is daring to be who we might yet become

the only one with a clear conscience is one with a bad memory

insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results
We inherit from both parents
nothing lives heavier on children is the unlived life of their parents
we are all vulnerable
the past is infectious of the future
struggle is a necessary dignity of life...the butterfly had to struggle to get out of the cocoon for a reason
People don't do things to you they do things for them
Wisdom is more than laughing at our self
when you die you will be asked why you were not all you could be the path ahead is always under construction
play the part not the result
Laugh at yourself
everyone gets rained on but they can also be God blowing us kisses
We are alone but all alone together
Put your faith not your fear in charge
Peace and Blessings
----------------------------------
I'm reading Hand of Evil by Jance

I'm in a manic phase and have reversed my sleep cycle. In an effort to reverse it for the work week to come I tried to sleep. I was tempted to make a list of monthly accomplishments, a to do list for work and a grocery list on the computer but didn't.
I finally took a sleeping will near 4 when I couldn't turn the brain off after and hour or 2.
I got up at 8 and then 11 and went to the farmers market and to the supermarket to get some things i forgot yesterday and still forgot the mushrooms and to take back my Jif peanut butter for the creamy with honey variety. It had been so long I forgot I liked the new kind, the other one went rancid. I used 1/2 the jar. Why don't they sell the smaller jar the way they used to?

The same with olive oil. How can it be 5.00 for a small bottle of the regular stuff? How can people taste the stuff and vinegar? Blah! I don't like olive oil much anyway.

I was going to treat myself to cranberry raspberry juice I passed when I saw it was 5. a bottle for a litter.

Yet at the farmers market I spent 12. on 3 baskets of blueberries and one of raspberries. peas sprouts are here. You stir fry them.

Time to get the oatmeal out and use those frozen raspberries.

I watched the movie Indiana Jones Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I liked it.

Went to get gas and to the library and to get the dangeling plastic thing pulled off from under my car.

I made cube steak last night for this week. Cream of mushroom soup can't compete with heavy cream. The 50's cooking used it a lot. Mom made tuna, potato chips and c o m soup casserole we loved for comfort food. Wonder why she didn't do mac and cheese/ We got pizza but no Chinese or Mexican till I was a teenager and no spaghetti. I remember roast on sunday meatloaf and chipped beef, mashed potatoes and peas burried under,

At 3 a.m. I put a computer box in the garage filled the bottom with 2 bags of plastic bags them an old blanket and a cat pillow and put it outside for the stray black cat that lives in my yard. Today he got the ham scraps. I think he may be the kitten I fostered. Now he's a bit feral again I can't touch him and he growls at me. I call him Diablo. He doesn't mess with Lacey on the rare times she goes out.
The other one, Brutus, does and he attacked me but i can touch him.

Pj sent me a blue dolphin towel for Christmas and my new bathing suit is blue.

I'm glad it finally arrived. Since my other disappeared from the car, I was wearing an old one and had almost popped a boob so I started wearing a bra under it and a t shirt on top.

Missed Michael's call. He said the Bar Mitzvah was great and I was missed during the luncheon.
Wish I was there, I should have gone.

I made scalloped potatoes and ham today. I made the rue and add heavy cream and 1/2 and 1/2 and jack and cheddar cheese much better than my Christmas one. Outrageous.

This is the Thai from last night:

Thai long beans
Ingredients
• 2-4 cups regular green beans OR 1 bundle of Chinese "long beans"
• 3 Tbsp. very small dried shrimp (available at Asian Markets, either by weight or in packets), OR add 1 extra tsp. shrimp paste to the stir-fry sauce
• 1/4 cup hot water (only if using dried shrimp)
STIR-FRY SAUCE:
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-size galangal OR ginger, sliced
• 2 shallots OR 2 slices cooking onion
• 1 tsp. shrimp paste (available by the jar at Asian stores• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• 1-2 red chilies, OR 1-2 tsp. red chili sauce (to taste)
• 2 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
First, measure out 3 Tbsp. dried shrimp (if using). Place it in a cup or small bowl. Note: This kind of dried shrimp can be purchased by weight at Asian spice and herb stores, or in packages at Asian food stores.

Tamarind fish

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
• SERVES 2
• 2-3 fillets of talapia, or other white-fleshed fish (cod, sole, snapper, etc...)
• generous handful fresh coriander
• 3 spring (green) onions, sliced
• TAMARIND SAUCE:
• 1 Tbsp. tamarind paste (available by the jar at Chinese, Asian, or Indian food stores)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tbsp. palm or brown sugar (or substitute 1 1/2 Tbsp. white sugar) - adjust to taste
• 3/4 tsp. shrimp paste (available by the jar at Asian/Chinese food stores)
• 3 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1/3 loose cup chopped fresh coriander (include both stems and leaves)
• 2 tsp. Nam Prik Pao (or substitute other red chili sauce)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-size piece ginger, grated or cut thinly into strips
Preparation:
1. Rinse and pat dry fish. Place fillets in a flat baking dish (preferably one with a tight-fitting cover - or you can use tin foil to cover it).
2. Place all "Tamarind Sauce" ingredients together in a sauce pan. Gently warm over low to medium heat until you get a uniform consistency.
Tip: The amount of sugar in the recipe may seem like too much, but it's needed to balance out the extreme sourness of the tamarind - unless you're one of those people who prefers very sour flavors. The Thai way is to always keep a balance of the 4 big "tastes": sweet, sour, spicy, and salty.
3. Taste-test the sauce, adding more sugar if too sour, or more fish sauce if not salty enough. Also add more chili sauce if you prefer it spicier - again, looking for that special Thai balance of flavors.
4. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 of the sauce over the fish fillets. Cover the rest and keep warm over minimum heat for later.
5. Turn the fillets over several times in the sauce/marinade, then cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked. Fish is done perfectly when the flesh flakes easily and is no longer translucent. Note that thick fillets may need 20-25 minutes.
6. When fish is cooked, remove it from the oven. Lift fillets out of the baking dish and place on a serving plate or individual plates. Pour reserved tamarind sauce over, then top with spring onion and fresh coriander.



• Yellow Curry
Sauce Ingredients:
• 1-2 red chilies (or substitute green), depending on desired spice level (you can also leave out the chili for an extra mild curry)
• 2 shallots (or 1 small cooking onion)
• 1 thumb-size piece galangal (see Glossary) OR ginger, sliced
• 3 large cloves garlic
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. fresh nutmeg (or substitute cinnamon)
• 3 Tbsp. fish sauce (available at Asian/Chinese food stores)
• 1 tsp. dried turmeric OR 1 thumb-size piece fresh turmeric, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 4 fresh or frozen kaffir lime leaves, snipped into small pieces with scissors (discard central stem)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (or juice from 1/2 lime)
• 1 Tbsp. ketchup OR 1 Tbsp. tomato paste + 1 tsp. sugar
• Other ingredients:
• ½ chicken chopped into pieces
• 1 stalk lemon grass (for more information, see below)
• 2 potatoes, chopped into wedges or small chunks
• 1 green and/or red bell pepper, de-seeded and sliced
• 1-2 additional kaffir lime leaves, left whole
• approx. 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 loose cup fresh coriander OR fresh basil to finish the dish

First, make the curry sauce by placing all sauce ingredients together in your food processor or blender. OR, you can also mince the ingredients by hand, or pound dry ingredients together with a pestle & mortar.

Ingredients: Thai coconut soup•

1 onion, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 can chickpeas (optional)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 2 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• juice from 3 limes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil or cilantro
Preparation:
Saute the onion, peppers and garlic in olive oil in a large pot until onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the basil and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook over low heat for one hour.
Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, then return to the pot. Add basil or cilantro and enjoy your coconut soup

last day waste of time

I went to get my MRI and the traffic was horrible and accidents galore; then I waited for 2 hrs until they finally told me they had no record of my appointment. I went out for a sandwich and found the honey baked store closed and since it was 3 they next 5 places closed too finally I stopped at Safeway and got a horrible sandwich and some groceries and returned to see that they could squeeze me in at 8. so I went home.

what a waste of my last day off.
Then I went to get some shoes and socks.

I also tried on UGg's. I finally got them on after much struggle and they were comfortable and warm. I determined minimum use, difficulty putting them on even the low ones, and they were still 133 even on sale. I was tempted to get some nice slippers though. I did get Thrlo socks. I love them at 13.50. I keep loosing them though. today though I wish I got them. It's cold.

I got some in Williamsburg but held off earlier waiting for the Jan sale.

I needed a 1/2 size up and a w. At the beginning of the day a 7/5 is fine but by noon I need the wide. For my aerobics class I need the smaller size to hold my foot firmer.

Gas is 1.81 again.

I ran errands for 4 hrs.

Everyone else in my family is in Charlotte. Wish I was too. Too expensive for me this year. If I had notice no problem.

I had frequent flier miles for a flight but by the time I got the invitation it was not 20k but 50k miles. I went from going to Charleston for this great progressive supper, Savannah again and St Augustine and St. Simeon's to the MRI fiasco,

I feel guilty I didn;t go. As time said, time is precious... as they song says it dwindles down to a precious few....

Hope Steven had and has a great Bar Mitzvah. I stopped at the p.o. to get stamps so I could mail your check and card.

Even today I was looking for a flight.

My fried PJ called from OR. He's a design engineer. We email but I talk to him once a year. We exchange Christmas gifts. We had a good chat. I met him at Doe Bay on Orcas Island in the San Juan islands off Seattle. Or weather and economy is even more depressed. His health is not good.

Karen's husband won 25k at the slots!

Made some spinach fettuccine with basil sun dried tomatoes sauce which you don't heat...hum

Next year I'll have to make some with my fresh basil. Last night it was butternut squash from the farmers market and Alfredo. I need to make some butternut squash risotto or angel hair pasta.

This morning i made these souffle pancakes. whip 3 eggs and 1/2 c milk in blender then add 2 T flour and cook a bit at a time in butter rolls up and serve with jam and powdered sugar... rolls up and serve with jam and powdered sugar...hum like Martha Stewart's silver dollar pancakes better or cranberry apple phylo tart.

I went to the store and spent 100. on groceries. It seems like everything is so expensive.

I got some Thai coconut soup, tamarind fish and green log beans. I need to make it.

I'm cooking cube steak.

It's 33 degrees burrrrrrrrrrrr. Although it's always 55 in my house the heat has been kicking on.

I'm think of selling my Waterford on eBay and my gold for cash.

I've lost 45 percent or 125k on stocks and more in the ira et al. poor us....

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring
the best to you and yours!


_____________________________Happy Bar Mitzvah Steven.==========

Happy 2009

May the New Year's bring us all more health, wealth and happiness,

I have an appointment for my MRI on Friday. 2008 was the worst year for everyone not over 70 -- holy smokes.

Happy Birthday to Mary Helen. She was born in 1929. I guess she has seen but may not remember worse.

Gas went back up.

With all the forclosures I think all the fireworks and muncipicial parties and parades should be canceled.

I need to fax some documents back to Mt. Diablo and figure out how far Concord is, abour an hour I think.

I read Scarpetta by P Cornwelland Artic Drift this holiday.

Merry Christmas

Merry to all

Off to midnight mass at the Mission at Santa Clara to enjoy the music and come out blessed ro the misty morn and appreciate the silent night and the lights...a spiritual momentthen I have an invitation to Caro's for dinner.

I'm making scallaped potatoes, macarroni and cheese and ham with pineapple in brown sugar and butter; along with yeast rolls. YUM!

Twas the night before Christmas

I need a lanyard for my glasses and the remote control.

Monterey

Caro and I drove down to Monterey about an hour 's drive s. It was clear and a nice day. It sure was dark by 5 though. Dinner was nothing spectacular.
Iy was a beautiful clear night.

We stopped in at Goodwill. It depressed me. Caro found some bargins including a platter from Italy.

For dinner Caro had lamb with fingerling potatoes. I had scallops and risotto. She had a gran manier souffle for dessert and I had creme brulee. She started with crab cakes and I got something....

What I remember is the great Cosmopolitan. Thank you Michael and Bob.

We walked afterwards on the pier. They couldn't five away their clab chowder the place was dead.

I am so glad I am not traveling in the snow and weather. I wanted to be there but given the delays this is not a good week.

I got my retirement papers. On my birthday I hit the magic number. In June I will be vested. It's nice to know you get a certain amount per month for life.

Baking

At the potluck no one ate my cake. Maybe it was the persimmons vs. carrots. I didn't want to make it. There was not the same type of good this time as around Halloween. Every one's too busy and too tired. Too many sweets.

Someone gives a gift and you feel obligated to bake something for them. Why? I appreciate getting the chocolate camel bark with nuts from Ann but I don't want to bake for her and the secretaries and so forth....

I think the kuds stole the candy when they cleaned out my car along with some money.
Do they want that sugar? There is cranberry bread....but cranberries are out of season. i made 2 more more for me on New Year/s morning.


I thought to make lemon bars, a recipe from a blog I follow from Spain..the problem is the measurements need to be converted.
Tomorrow I'm at a conference all day.

My aide played hooky on his 6th day of work and called in sick on a day when he had a meeting to do training to work on his school assignments. I think.

I'm off tomorrow to the DRC to work on the District library plan. I have a sub.

I'm on it off I go to bake...again.

I got a refund today

Not all of my Teen Read Week Books have been refunded, but over 6-700.00 which is a start.

I still haven't turned the heat on and I didn't last year either but it's been so cold that it kicks on at 55. I'm wrapped under a king size down comforter from the moment I come home and wear a fleece jacket over my nightgown. I've got bed sock's and slippers.

Tomorrow is a potluck at school. I think I'm making something with permissons or pomigranetes. or this salad I like a lot with Romaine, blue cheese crutons, pine nuts, and cranberries dried on top.

Happy Birthday to me

The kids are out cleaning out my car which means I will have everything in boxes and never know where anything is. But at least they wanted to do something or get out of being my TA for a period.
Yesterday was too rainy to drive all the way to Monterey for dinner so we put it off for another day and today I'm feeling left out and put off. Mary Helen sent me a card as she always does and Marilyn sent me a scarf and hat she either knit or crocheted. I can't tell the difference.

I decided I'm doing to pack up a poncho Mom knit, a suit and send them to Gwen. I'm not sure they will fit her but they did me for awhile when I was size 8. I wish I still had her knitting bag, There were counters and patterns and needles galore. I used to want her to knit me Navy blue sweaters and she did royal blue and gold and a navy ear cover and mittens. Little did I appreciate how difficult it is to see the little stuff at 55! I used to laugh when she wanted me to thread a needle. I also have a sweater I bought for Gwen in Italy to send on to Clare. That's my playing it forward.

A good thing happened this morning even though I left the raspberries and blueberries on the counter, I found my glasses. I heard a clunk around 6:30 before Lacey and I unsnuggled. I figured it was my glasses that were on the pillow. I couldn't find them this morning once I started looking so I started going through glass cases and found my lost glasses hanging out in a case. I don't remember putting them there. Good news. The old prescription wasn't doing it for me.

I think I'll stop by Il Fornaio tonight on the way home to pick up some risotto. It's cold and rainy out.

What was happenening in 1953...
Eisenhower was President
GE promised to fire all Communist employees!
Here to Eternity was the best film
Audrey Hepburn won Best Actress for Roman Holiday
a gallon of milk was .94 not 3.83!
a gallon of gas was.22 I remember .29! and now is 1.70
A new auto $1,850.00 not 23,225 or more...
a new house was 17,400.00 now it's 500,00.00 and falling
lets not talk about the dow jones....

Cold here means 40's....but dropping this week. My blood has thinned.

so cold

I had a hat and gloves on at the farmer's market. I must get the down too.. fleese isn't enought today. With the rain moisture in the it it penetrates. Burrrrrrr!!

Time to make my carrot birthday cake.

The Christmas party

At 4 or so I drove over to Eric's house and as he prepped the outside fire pit I talked with 2 of the English teachers. One just got married. It turns out they are all related sorta. Carl married Jill's sister. Susan just married someones brother in law...too close. The all work in the sa,e school and live close to one another.
They were amazed I was here with all my family ON the East coast.

With staff dues we paid for 2 guys to cook and prepare tacos. Now these are authentic. grilled carne asada, pork and chicken. then grilled chicken and onions, tiny grilled tortillas and add lime, cilantro, onion, salsa or salsa verde... too hot for me, and radishes. There was rice and beans too. Yum. There were lots of left overs since I helped clean up, and I got to take some home which fed me today..along with sour svream and avocado. There were tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole, veggies and dip. Afterwards, there were 2 trays of cookies. 400 dollars

No potluck yeah!

The white elephant was fun. There was a color printer and a foot soaker and I got a girls gone wild t shirt. There was this huge coconut size fruit prickly that smells and tastes terrible. Like last year I was no. 1.

I stayed about 4 hrs.

It was cold. The doors were open. Outside there was a firepit. There were 34-40 people there.

U got home by 9 or so and slept in till 1

The heater kicked on no more 20 dollar gas bills. One that came today was 19. gas and 12 electric. Mt heat doesn't go on till it drops to 55 inside. I've been under a down comforter with Lacey on top of me all day. I finished my book and napped.

Lacey on my lap is a new behavior for her.

Holiday party

It was warm 40 -69 today...

This afternoon, starting at 4 our Christmas party starts. I forgot the candle and the food for the food barrel and am stopping at Safeway to get a live crab and will shread newspaper and put it in a cardboard box. I almost forgot the whole thing like I did bowling night.

The kids are flocking in to get books and I am really glad because I need those circulation numbers up. Next year I'll write a grant so the teachers can read the books over summer vacation. Teen read week can then be held before Thanksgiving.

Things I'm Thankful for:

I got my new library assistant Ramses on Wed.
Teen Read Week is over and the kids are coming in to get books and are excited.
My circ. statistics are up.
I have a parent volunteer! She is great! They both are Spanish speakers.
I'm defrosting the refrigerator in the library.
I made butternut squash ravoli with Alfredo sauce last nice and shrimp scampi.
Lacey snuggles
Carolina
Marilyn
Kim

I can see my breath in the morning

Not that I've ever burned anything but a gas log in 30 years but...The Bay Area Air District has issued a Winter Spare the Air Alert for Wednesday, December 10, which bans wood burning both indoors and outdoors through noon tomorrow.

Air quality in the Bay Area is forecast to be unhealthy. It is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to burn wood in fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts, pellet stoves, and outdoor fire-pits. This wood-burning ban will be in effect for Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southern Sonoma and southwestern Solano Counties.

Winter air pollution is mainly caused by small particle pollution or particulate matter (PM) from wood smoke. Smoke from wood-burning fires is linked to illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and lung disease, and is especially harmful for children and the elderly.

For more information about the wood burning rule, or to check before you burn, visit www.sparetheair.org or call 1-877-4-NO-BURN. Any one else experiencing this in their area?

It's 39 in the morning and 60 in the afternoon. I hear VA is in the &)'s today. What crazy weather. This weekend it's suposted to be rainy and cold. My least favorite type of weather.

I'm on my way to the district give away and then at 7 a PTA meeting...my first to ask for help on my book sale in Jan.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

I sendt off my musical Christmas cards to Clare with Dora saying Feliz Navidad and Merry Christmas and Sesame Street Elmo for Wesley talking and giggling enough to make Gwen and Mario cringe. I even bought a few Christmas stamps but that's the end of Christmas puerchasing and mailing. Fa La La La LA LA la la LA.

Mary Helen send me this parable:

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession :

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.


My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,


Ben Stein


=

Today I went to the back docror

The leaves are falling...it's shirt and sweater weather. The mornings are cool.

She ordered another MRI and suggested perhaps I have a lower disc problem.

It was a more laid back day, Last week was so busy.

I took my Bar Mitzvah outfit back to the store. The mall didn't seem too crowded.

I want to stay out of it. No more shopping for me. It's a meager year.

I need to scan some documents into the computer this week. It requires me going over to the tech center and getting some help. Let me put it under thinhs I need to do cut don't want to....another one.

I made stuffed peppers. The red peppers were sweet. I can see why people take the skin off but I can't be bothered and it doesn't make that much difference to me.

Caro and I are going to see Christmas in the park and driving down to Monterey on Sunday for dinner to Fresh Cream. see freshcream.com

Pearl Harbor Day

I remember taking a launch out to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. You couldn't help but be moved. There was still oil seeping out...eerie... Now its 55 years later.

Living in HI Christmas trees and groceries were expensive. For the past 2 years I had a tiny one. This year I don't think so. I had the little ones in my room and 2 times I cut a limb off my blue spruce in the front yard and had my designer version.

Sift surroundings sends me a 20 dollar birthday coupon that needs to be used by 12/31 so I bought another pair of tencel pants...black this time. I just can't find my other pair of jeans and they were a major part of my wardrobe. They also have these bed socks I love. I do well with this company. I did send back a sweater and a pair of white silk pants. You can see through then. The black I have are fine.

I have 2 wreaths up and 2 baskets out, but that's it.

I got the Patricia Cornwell book

Scarpetta

.

I filled up for 11.00 today.

I go to the back dr. tomorrow.

Cat snuggle

Lacey, my cat snuggles up next to me for warmth but doesn't like to be picked ip pr held and takes off of she see's you coming. I wanted to pick her up when she decided to walk on my laptop keyboard. Like covers, she dug her keys in and popped the u and i key off the keyboard. i found them this morning.
I managed to put the i key back on. Now to repeat when I find the u key again.
I only type on my stomach in my bed. So it's got to be nearby.

I got up at 9 and made breakfast, then came back to bed to bed and read napping until 4.

My bills are doe for all the presents i bought for me. While shipping was still free I got a nightgown from Land's end. I also got some pants, olive tencel and a cream warm snugly sweater from soft surroundings.com. I got 2 blouses from them too one rose and one green tencel and another blue and a denim skirt from coldwatercreek.com.

I need to return the skirt and top I bought for the Jan Bar mitzvah in Charlotte. I can't afford to go. The flights cost 50k miles and i only have 32.

I really wanted to go to the progressive supper in Charleston on the 23rd too. In all the old inn's there were appetizers then a carriage ride to the inn for a 3 course dinner and another ride for dessert and tea. I love these old buildings like in Alexandria in candlelight.

I went to Christmas in the Adobes here in Monterey. It was foggy which added to the ambiance of the old inn's and the decents in period costumes. Thank goodness there was hor cider and hot chocolate.
One year I WENT TO ALL THE BED AND BREAKFAST Victorians. I like PACIFIC Grove.

On my almost birthday, my friend Caro are going for dinner to a place there called sweet cream. yum.................

oops... I forgot Lacey's shots. oh well next week........she won't mind.

It's been a hard week.

Books are still arriving. Ir's been hard to do it all without an assistant,

Now I'm missing 2 keys on my laptop.

I'm glad gas is below 190.

I paid my property tax...1500.

I hung wreaths on the doors tonight.

Teen Read Week in progress

I am so tired. I got everyone scheduled and have given so many book talks I am dead on my feet.

The mayor, other librarians, superintendent, city librarian and the real author of Vampire High, a guy I worked with at biblioteca came.

He was super. He usually charges 3400. a visit.

Kids are checking out books. If they don't go up, I go.

It doesn't help that the books came late.

Make a birthday cake for one of my TA's last night.

I went for an eye exam today. My prescription hasn't changed since last year. I can't find my latest pair of 450 dollar glasses and new frames don't get covered until Oct.

I could get contacts.

I don't have the patience.

HDTV

After 2 week on the floor and 2 tries on the 3rd try I got the new tv working.
Now to get rid of the other one. I can barely lift it.

The turkey and rolls are gone. I read 5 books.

I have a very busy week planned. Teen Read Week is packed with classes, the mayor and teachers.

I just want it over and to be reimbursed.

Today when I was out someone ripped off the cash box and over 150, is gone.

The police were called and I thought I was the only one that had the combination.

They assumed I must have done it..... as if!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday was the enf of a really bad week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

Things I am Thankful for:
I'm not in Bombay India as a hostage
It's so nice to have 5 days off.
public libraries are free
my health
Lacey
my home
my friends and family


I'm reading Belson DeMille's The Gate House.

Slept for 16 hrs

Gas is dowm to 220. if you pay cash

I stopped on the way back from the hospital. I was not happy to pay a co pay and have my dermatologist say she needed to see me then say there was nothing else to be done. They could change medication and that was it. Why did I even go in for her 5 minute look see? I sent her a picture, she could have said the same thing my email or phone.

My back is acting up.

I'm really tired. I have a aculty meeting and then a school site council meeting starting at 5.

I just want to go home and sleep. My stomach is still queeze and having cheese broccoli soup didn't help.

I got 1 top and pant and a blouse I really like, and 3 things I didn't. They go back then I could get these bed socks they have.

on the way to work

after my swim I experienced 3 bouts of projectile vomiting, The first all over me the 2nd and 3rd out the door, Then even though there was just water you shake,

I started about going home for a block then turned around and went to work falling asleep every 4 min. while driving. Then, got to work remarkably without an accident and told the secretary....

I dried off and still falling asleep decided to go home. I almost crashed and weaved all the way there and slept from 10-8.

I had gained 2 lbs back. The purging should help. Glad my stomach was empty. Scared to eat anything the whole day; finally I had a poached egg.

Hacked my lungs out all day

It sounds like I have fluid in them. Took some codeine when I got home and napped.
I was up at 5 but was leery of emersing myself in the cold air with this cold.


I got my first issur of O magazine tofay. Thank yoyu Michael.

It was 82 again again today. I should have stayed home I dozed, had a hard time concentrating and didn't feel like working. I didn't feel like I could with no one else here.

I interview assistants in a week. There are 10.

Took my first picture of Lacey today.

Bought a mouse and signed in kids.

Gas ia 2:23

Time to fill up. I noticed when I drove across town to the larger farmer's market. It goes on for 5 blocks, filled with persimmons and pomegranates, celery peppers, apples, grapes and food galore. I got yellow and black mile with tortillas and went for the chicken curry m Indian, with Nan, a savory whole wheat crepe with spinach, feta and tomatoes. I got fresh squeezed O.J. to feed my cold and a pumpernickel bagel along with some fresco sea scallops.

I needed to take my camera. I really don't know how to use it.

I stopped to get some cold pills. I have been infer the weather and slept a lot. I stopped at the library to drop off some books.

I went home for a nap. I read and slept for 3 hrs. I for up closed the doors and made the scallops.

My ear is still messed up. It hurts.

I'm sick

I slept for 12 hrs. then took a nap after reading. I finishes a new book and finished the other one. Time to move on to another,

U have a ton to take to the library tomorrow. After I went to all the effort to get the books for a teacher she brought them all back to me.

I'm trying to finalize some travel plans and explore accommodations in St Augustine. I wonder what to pack.

I got a new outfit. I want to go to a BBQ place in Charlotte for dinner. It seems like Stephen is having the main formal Bar mit in NY and only family in NC. They haven't been there as long.

Why go?

I" ;ooking forward to a progressive supper in Charleston not ostracisism and exclusion.

The dentist said all was well

The alarm went off at 2. I reset the clock and alarm and it went off correctly at 4:59. I got to the pool by 5:50 and planned to swim to 6:30. Somehow I forgot the reason I was there so early and swam until 6:50. I left at 7:30 so much for the meeting....I swam 24 laps.
My ear is still hurting.

I have an IEP next week at 7:45.

I had a mom come in and volunteer all day she got a lot done. She was interested in the job but it closed yesterday. There are 20 applicants.

I have a derm apt on the 19th.

A lot more books came today. I got them all unpacked and stamped and tattle taped and var coded. Now onto cataloging.Then the magazines, teaching classes, handling kids, taking fines, running overdue notices....

Then home for a nap.

Mom's 90th birthday!

I keep hearing about elderly parents in dementia and perhaps they were fortunate to pass without too much pain

What a lady, I miss her every day. She dealt with politics too.

My books are pouring in and I was trying to cover them. I finally realized you needed to put the spine label under the cover. I don't cover well anyway. What a pain to process books, stamp, put in tattle tape, put on bar code protector. Time consuming. Then there are the magazines.

I'm using child labor. Then I have to ship them out to the district resource center for their cataloging.

I went swimming. It really helped my back. I was in knots. The alarm didn't go off again so I was late in the pool at 6:30.

Tomorrow I have a Faculty council meeting for all department heads, so I need to swim 5:30-6:3- then the meeting is at 7:30.

Misplaced my latest glasses and have been wearing the old pair. Each pair cost 500.or more. These really don't
have the progressive part or if they are it's not strong enough. I had an apt. today at the eye dr. but canceled because the Dr. I prefer is semi retired and canceled asking me to see another Dr. I rescheduled. She is my age. I'll get a pair and put it on my flex bucks,

I found my sunglasses. The bag was on the drivers floor and sunglasses on the passenger seat.

I made fish and risotto for dinner.

My R ear hurts, like I have water in it. I need ear plugs like I had made in HI.

Wish I could find Mom's knitting needles to give to Gwen.

Frustration

First ny alarm that I set early didn't go off. I woke at 6:30.

Next with Rupert gone I was very busy. Every time I'd go baxk in my book room I found rirles kids had thrown in the wrong place. I picked up 15 in one aisle. Then to teach. I found more stuff on the shelves and pulled that.

Next my Amazon orders began to come in and I had to process books.

Then, the bookeeper told me my Principal had not approved my order and she could not reimburse ME.

There is something that runs me raw interacting with her. I avoid it until impossible.

I took myself off to the shopping center for 2 truffles from Godiva with my coupon but wanted the peanut butter cup and left that.

Bought a pretzel. bad! 420 calories!

I think someone broke into my car and stole my black bag and sun glasses. They are Coach and in the making 3 pair were taken. I saw a Coach store in the mall. That explains why the kids recognize them.

Breakfast with friends

This morning I got up really early like a crazy person on Veteran's Day, and went to swim. I swam 23 laps. My longest yet.

Then I meet my friends, Lisa, Janice and Peggy for breakfast in a new place. It was so cool.

The restaurant used to be down near the Water District when I worked there.
I never got to it and had heard it was good. It is called City Diner and is filled with memorabilia from the 50's from a whole car on the wall to Marilin Monroe, James Dean on the walls with film shots and posters of movies.
The menu mimics the names in their specials. It was really good. I wanted eggs Benedict but got the special, Marilyn Monroe, hash browns with wheat toast, 2 poached eggs and a sausage with tea. Better than my other 2 choices, a Monte Christo or eggs and cheese and hash brown potatoes.
We had a lovely time as always catching up,getting advice and enjoying long friendships.... You can have a piece of toast or beg a potato or eat the remainder of some one's potatoes when she's done and leaving them as Janice did to Peggy's without anybody thinking anything strange about it.
Peggy left early and we stayed another hour or so finishing at 11. A 2 and a half hour brunch heavenly even minus the calories.

Then I went to circuit city and got mouse for school, a t.v. which I can't connect; a camera and a new bedroom phone which I did connect.
The young man said all you have to do is plug it in. So I moved this enormous 19 inch t.v. and put this flat screen 19 in open box Toshiba special deal one on the dresser. No signal. Then I called the help desk they said to connect the antenna. No signal. At that point I put the other back up until I have a wrench to take the cable off my attic antenna and attach it to the new TV again. Frustration!

Flat screens are so cool and light. A huge difference in weight between the one I have and the new one. Technology really moved a long way since I last bought a t.v. I considered one with a DVD in it but passed.

I couldn't believe I couldn't order this mouse through school. The bookkeeper said to go buy one so I did now if she says 19. is too expensive, too bad, it's not worth my gas, time and frustration.

Cameras need a memory card, then and case and now for Christmas I'm asking for the adaptor to connect it to my laptop. Gee... any way to make a dime.
They are like cell phones, first the phone then the case then the car recharger then the plan. Yikes.
Not to mention computer connection plans and cable t.v.

I just need to learn how to use the camera. So far I know how to put in the memory card and the battery, take a picture and delete them.

Then I stopped and got some more Thai coconut lemon grass corn soup, green garlic and sauce, tried the garlic chicken and fish and got some more yellow curry. Yum!

I read a little took a nap, moved the alarm earlier so I can get more laps in in the morning.

Lost another lb. today.

Now I'll make my plane reservation stopping on Sat, 12/20 at Dulles at 9 p.M. and on Sat and again on Sun. 1/4 at 11 a.m. so I can visit with Karen coming or going I hope.

I went to the dentist Monday to fill a cavity on a front tooth. No shot!

I'm reading John Stanford's Heat lighting with Dewey to follow.

I better fix the latch on my back door so all this doesn't walk out.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Today was Rupert's last day

Fortunately tomorrow is a day off. I hope we find someone soon. The sub I had read her bible all day! Yikes!

My hours are so strange. I waited until 3 to sleep last night and napped from 5 to 11:30 then had dinner. All weekend I worked on my book order until the wee hours. Then I expected my weary body to get up 2 hours later and go swim or zumba....

Tomorrow I am meeting 3 ladies from the library for breakfast. They called on Columbus day , but I didn't have it off. We all used to work at biblioteca. 2 still do. The third, Lisa, is a super clerk. She runs the place. I'll go swim first.
Our birthday club"

I went to swim this morning at 6"3- and got one lap in before the swim team descended. I hate them taking the whole place over. I returned home after a shower and got the flowers I forgot for the secretary. i got her some beautiful sunflowers at the farmers market. They were turning the vase water pink. I got to enjoy them for a little while.

I trimmed the roses back on Sun. and cut the last one. The lemon and orange trees got cut too and the oranges are starting to drop.


I need to buy a camera and t.v. and phone. I cant call out on my bedroom phone.

I still haven't made my reservation to Charlotte. I wanted to stop over to see my friend Karen on Sat. the 20th.

I'm also waiting for my ff miles to post.

Turns out I got 30 k miles for my purchases on this new Visa

Chase kept cutting me off today. At the grocery store I had to call them. Then again they saved my butt on buying miles. Even as a transfer its 35 dollars and a dollar a mile. Then you can only give 15k a year. You can buy up to 60k but it's expensive, So much for free. Instead of 700 it would have cost 400. This is turning out to be an expensive ticket. The Chase person said to buy my ticket and when the miles post they will help me get a ticket...yeah right.

Went to Zomba. I'm getting better. The I swam I didn't get there till 7:30 because I was up till 3:30 ordering books. Then Chase declined them and I had to go back this afternoon and do them again. i had 2 hrs sleep and kept nodding off.

I went to the farmers market and got a pumpkin creme brulee, a cranberry orange scone which I topped with blueberries and some spinach and mushroom quiche. I have pork tamales and fish for later.

I can't decide if I want to go to Trinidad for Thanksgiving. Yes I want to be there. I just don't want to drive 12 hrs. I'll cook in advance and drive up Wed. and back Sun.?

I also napped from 5 to 11 and ate dinner from thai left overs.

Then I got on line to reserve books from the library for my teachers so the books I bought can be canceled. They should get here before the books ordered.

Grand plans

I'm down 21 lbs.

I'm exploring great plans. I'd I had known I could have gotten a ff flight at 2ok miles now it will "cost" 2x that if available. I'll ask Marilyn if she will donate 20k to me for my and and Christmas present.

I'll leave here on Fri. eve. arrive early sat. in no Va and visit w/ Karen.

Then off to NC and on the 23rd a progressive supper in Charleston, They have a hostel there.

Then to Savannah for a Christmas foodie tour.

and on to SSI and nearby island and back to Charlotte for the Bar Mitzvah.

I need to get a camera and a tv and a phone.

I hope I don't have to spend 700 on this airline ticket. I could buy them.

I kust spent 1000. on Amazon finishing my book order. That should get me a few points.

Teen Read Week

My principal said he doesn't read and will not be presenting a book for teen read week. I told him he had an obligation to lead my example and to present. Then I took 2 comics, aka graphic novels up to his office for him to choose from. I haven't heard back. That is incomprehensible to me. The superintendent is presenting.

He can't tell the kids he doesn't like to read.

I got gas this morning at 3.25. Then I went swimming and got in 16 laps or 1/2 mile.
Tomorrow I'll have more time for a mile then my aqua aerobics class and yoga. Then I have to hit the library.

My aide was out. It was busy. I didn't get time to do any selections. I did get some books I ordered and have been up past midnight the last 2 nights ordering from Amazon.

With Steven's Bar Mitzvah in Jan. I think I'll come E in Dec and revisit Savannah, Charleston and SSI. I wanted to go diving in Belize but the flights are full. If I had known I could have planned.

New Year's

Steven is having his Bar Mitzvah on 1/3 in Charlotte. I tought I'd be in school but mt vacation lasts until the 4th. Now I'll check on connections. I'd like to see Karen and still have some time in NC and VA and Savannah. Sounds like a week of a trip or more. Flying takes a day each way.

I got an early birthday present a subscription to O magazine. Thant you Michael.

Thank You! I got a notice it's coming !

busy day I got to the gym at 5:50 and in the pool by 6. I went to fill up with with election day gas but it was blocked off. Now it goes back up??

My assistant was out.

Hope he is there tomorrow when I'm at my book conference.

I'm worried about getting my books. My teachers are asking for them and tey are not here. I'm trying to cover by getting them copies at the public library.

I finally started ordering myself from Amazon on 11/3. The district and a P.O. takes too long.

Even with an early release day I still didn't get back to mt ordering. I brought it home rather than stay later. Mt back was protesting.

I have 1 book shipping from Amazon. It took only 2 days. I also got a shipment of 50 books from the catalog lady processed. I had the kids put spine labels on. It was not well done.

I lost a lb today and swam 20 laps! My best so far...ever increasing.

Obama Won!

WOW! History..1865 to 1963 to 2009 moments of critical racial change.
I thought we would have a woman first

I never thought a black man would be voted in. Are we finally color blind? I hope so.

Now to become blind to sexism too.

Almost went to my conference on the wrong day. It's Thurs not tomorrow.

Went to swim this morning. I need to get there earlier at 5:30.

Gas is down to 3.29. I need to fill up.

I need another 5 more hours in my work day un interupted. I'll bring stuff home but I need the computers there with the faster speed and multiple screens I can have open.

Swimming

This morning I took 34 dollars of groceries back to Lucky's. I'll get the soup etc. at Savemart. I refuse to pay that much more.

The Moosewood organic mac and cheese was no great shakes. It was a bit cold by the time I got to it.

I'm now cooking Sheppard's pie by Amy with organic veggies. It had few calories though,I'd prefer some meat too.

I wanted to get a Marie Callendar's for pie and even though I don't eat the crust and it was over 1000 calories.

It's raining.

Gas is down to 2.75.

I got a sub for my conference today. Now to get the money, I'd like to put it on my credit card but this school system makes it tough.

The sub, an Indian woman, has library experience. Hope she applies for the opening. She didn't come but another one did.

I had some flan yesterday.

I was going to bring some work home but I left it on my desk.

I put a flannel sheet on the bed last night. Only the top one. The down comforter was too hot.

I swam, but there was swim team. They threw me out. I was running late anyway so I only did a bit. It's hard to swim when you scrape bottom.

Hate Conan O/

All St. Day was yesterday

Even with daylight savings time and staying up till 2 to watch MC Cain on SN:Got to the gym at 6:30 swam but had to share the lane w 3 boys and their dad who kept wandering over to my 1/2 and kicking me. Then I went to zumba. I got my towel. Now just 20k more points for a t shirt.

Things I bring to the gym:

1 bathing suit
3 bras
2 underpants
one pant
2 t shirts
1 shorts
2 washcloths
5 towels
2 pareos
shampoo,conditioner,soap,face soap, razor, deodorant, comb,id card, wallet,cream for my face
my jacket
too much to carry in two tote bags
keys


Then to the farmers market
I got 5 kinds of apples, tangelos, brussle sprouts, red peppers, tamales w pork, green beans and eggplant. I got some quiche: spinach and mushroom, pumpkin creme brulee and a cranberry scone.

Afterwards, off to the grocery. The grill was going for ribs and tritip and chicken.
I got another electric toothbrush. This one not like sonic care is oral b and runs on batteries.

I'm so obsessive. I'm going to return some staples to lucky because they cost more than at savemart. Orthotics were 10 at savemart and 15 at lucky, the crest battery toothbrush was more too so back it goes along with 3 cans of soup and some mashed potatoes which is far cheaper not at lucky. I know better than t o shop there. My 3 items became 118 dollars.

then they give you this stupid coupon to hook you for the next time...if you spend 180 dollars...; Safeway is 100 and savemart gave me a 9 dollars off coupon if...
How many people are careful enough to track these?

I made some chicken salad with shredded chicken, apple, celery, dressing, almonds, grey chutney.

I'm making butternut squash soup. I got one at the farmers market. I made some before and it was o.k. but needed a lot to improve it's flavor. I had some of Wolfgang pucks organic while recovering and couldn't open my mouth past a spoon. His was good. I'm sure it has too much sodium. That's why it tasted good.

The price of gas fell again. I better fill up before the election.

I want a subscription to Oprah magazine. I got my first issue of Vegetarian Times and was underwhelmed. I was however, unaware of the impurity of the products out there.

I did it!

I won myself a hand towel for my 10,000 hours or points. I went to water aerobics today and got some swimming in. Amazing that I can feel the difference in m y swimming stamina. Meant to get there an hour earlier. Tomorrow even with daylight savings time I;ll help them open the door at 6:30 then go to my zumba class at 7:30, treadmill next, Off to the farmers market.

I went to the grocery store for 3 things and spent 118. My SKINNY COW IS BACK UP TO 4 A BOX NOW THAT WE ARE ALL ADDICTED.
i ALSO DISCOVERED MOOSEWOOD 3 CHEESE VEGETARIAN MACARONI AND CHEESE AND SOY BASED NO GLUTEN STIR FRY THAI AND SHEPPARD'S PIE NY AMY OR MORNING Star.
Asparagus was on sale and fresh OJ too.

Do we have to mention 1/2 price Halloween candy. I got a bag of M and M's for the candy jar at school 2.00 1/2 price. My favorite is bit of honey, then jelly bellies,reeces p b cups, frozen milky way.

Then I went to the library to get some more books for a teacher this time on poverty, illness and homelessness. One of my holds was there on working dogs. I have 7 things on hold and that's in San Jose. The Santa Clara city library is also sending some things. Their teen librarian is coming to my Teen Read Week in Dec.

I also got some graphics novels for the kids to read and add to our collection.

I'm scheduling all my readers.
I think I have a helper.

I'm watching world dance champeons. They are great...samba,salsa,chacha. Maybe I can get the salsa down but the samba? It's faster and more difficult.


It's soup weather and raining but with a zepher, a light, warm wind.

Gas is doen to 3.75.

Happy Halloween!

I got up at 6 to get to Caro's by 740 to pick up her clown costume. I had it ion for 20 min and thought I'd roast. Hot flash...turned on the fan.

LEFTOVERS WERE SPARSE BUT VEGGGIES FOR THE 1ST TIME WENT BY MY TOOTH The waterpic helps and I have this syringe thing to flush with too.

I go back in two weeks.

There was a lunch parade. We have aviators, football players, Dracula, mustached boys, witches, flappers, mummies, princesses, pirates, iphone, barcode, dow jones average, hot dog, a salad in a cargo net, a computers, bumblebees, cheerleaders, death eater from Harry Potter, electric workers than had been electrocuted, a construction guy, Pocahontas, a vamp girl, and so on.
It's started...a pumpkin was smashed on the street... I saw that on the way back from the p.o. and the library.

I walked in this morning with my pumpkin to give to the winner of the Halloween coloring contest and one of my habitual offenders had thrown an egg into the back seam of one of the arm chairs. It was cracked and goop and had run in the crack to the cushions and been spread on another chair too.

I ran over to the library to get a teacher a audio reading of Poe's stories. E. Vincent Peal does a really good one of the Raven. She'll follow with the Simpson's video version. I have a tape I got the other day of Poe's life and it was dry this summer and dry yesterday when shown to 6th graders.

I did two classes of 6th graders for instruction and am pooped. I'm not used to wearing shoes or being on my feet this much. I need to get some more SAS and insoles.

It rained

No trick ur treaters.

Potluck

My school really goes all our for the Halloween potluck. There is a woman who decorates it all. All the tables were decorated and people signed up and brought salads, desserts and main dishes including tortilla soup. Surprisingly some made a dish along with cheese galore, crackers, cream, cookies, cake...which were there too. There were chicken wings, chicken casserole, many salads, rice, quionoa and cookies.

It felt like someone cared.

It was nice. I went early got a plate and ate at 2, 3 hrs. later. I'm still unable to eat a meatball. The jaw just can't yawn or open wide enough.

I had a Poe program, scary story of the Headless horseman, makeup video, music... I forgot the story and it's too long to read with ole Ichabold Crane.

A busy day. Today I voted. It was also the first rain of the season. It always smells so good.

It made my hot flashes go away.

I can't find the umbrella. Lot's more rain coming.

Samba

We do a little in my zumba class and also in aqua aerobics. I like the beat.

I worked till 4 then hit the library and worked for a teacher on a next week assignment.

After I got home I pulled a chair over and stood on top to get some pasta doen. Unfortunately it has wheels and it went one way and I landed on my butt. Better than my knee on the cement between the car and the wall in the garage, which still hurts.

For my next trick I stood on the bottom shelf to get the casserole dish down and wnt flying across the kitchen into the counter.

A lot of effort for a pot luck at work.

I made penne, with feta, fresh basil and fresh grape and tomatoes with roasted pine nuts.

Gas is 2.91

What a difference.

He told my principal I was a good librarian and it sounded like the writing is on the wall already about me having a job next year.

gee I want to work harder now

My dentist broke mt jaw no wonder it was so swollen and painful.

Not enough good drugs

Where is the ice pack?

I've been swollen up like a pumpkin. I couldn't open my mouth enough to eat toast and it was too hard.
Took two days off after my principal put me in tears by telling me it was unexeptable to email I would be in late when I couldn't talk. SoB.

Got my wisdom tooth out

My dentist wanted me to pull both remaining. This lower r was easier than the last one. That had the dentist pr surgeon on the chair with a hammer. This one came out wasier. At a thousand dollars a pop. I'll wait.

Ha! if I only knew what was to come.

Fortunately insurance was 80/20. Still that's 1000. I owe 100.

I got my grant for Teen Read Week today. Since the library was closed for hearing tests, I spent the day spending the money selecting 100 titles.

Pool was closed

sINCE i DRAGGED MY PROTESTING BODY OUT OF BED THAT EARLY. I used the treadmill. Something was better than not at all.

Wisdom Teeth

Make an appt. with the oral surgeon to have another wisdom tooth taken out. My dentist wants me to do 2 but one is fine with me, That will be 3. I made him earn his money last time, he was sweating and I was coming out of the chair, I had him give me the tooth. It had long roots. He said I had good bones. Usually they take then out when younger and one root broke off. It was twisted subdermally NO Fun.

I got the swim suit I ordered. It fits on the r side but the left boob needs more support. It really had so go back.

Got to do the time

Spent Sunday finishing the book

Hot Mahogany

by Stone. and going to swim at 6:30 and then at 7:30 to Zumba class. I'm getting better. I recognize the music. I like the Latin beat.

I am worried that my L leg is numb all Sunday after I finished the workout I noticed it. While I was shaving it was numb. After the farmer's market and grocery store I put it up and the numbness moved all the way up to the groin. I have been feeling it in my calf most days. I always thought it was just not warmed up. Clearly that is not it.

I emailed my doctor. Since my blood sugar fasting number was 112 consistent with pre diabetes, I need to knock off the sugar and sodium, processed food and stick to the fruits and vegetables. I do that anyway but not enough and I have be be religious about the swimming.

It was cold this morning. I had the heater under my desk on. The afternoon was glorious though.

I have the treats for the librarian's meeting this week. I got 3 colors and typed of grapes from the farmers markets. Kettle corn. water, carrots, celery, cauliflower, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini bread and I will make some apple bread. That should do them. If I'm really inspired I'll bake oatmeal raisin cookies too.

I'm not feeling too nice towards them.

I lost 2 of the 3 lbs I gained. See what exercise will do for you. It helps to stay away from fast food too.

I got a lot of sleep over the weekend but it is getting colder and I still slept in this morning and I went to bed at 9 last night.

I am reading

Nothing to Loose

by Lee Child.

I had a blanket fall apart so I put it outside for the cats and put my comforter and duvet on the bed. Until last week the windows were still open.

Back to it

Went to water aerobics this morning. I was up but with the weather colder wanted to stay in bed.
I felt better afterwards. I had a really bad emotionally triggered eating day yesterday and it showed as I was up 3 lbs from no exercise this week. How depressing. All that fast food got me. I'm an emotional eater.

I'll go swim tomorrow and to the zumba class.

I am concerned that my r leg is numb. for weeks the calf had been. I thought it was not warmed up but it feels that way every morning. After class I noticed it was numb as i was shaving in the shower...totally.

I came home and readmy book rich mahogany and elevated it and it is still numb and that had spread to the knee and now to the groin.

Time to call the advise nurse.

I may put the remodel off

After talking with Caro last night I decided not to go to Direct Buy. They charge a membership fee, want at least 10k and even with counters and sink, oven, faucet I may not be close enough.

I got up early to go to faculty council this morning. I got here by 7:20. What a waste of time and air. Nothing was decided upon. We meet again next week.

I had my review this morning. I got reamed that the library wasn't the hub of the school, that my statistics on circ. are down, that the shelves are messy, that the computers are broken, the mice are missing, on and on.

The good news is I got a check today for retroactive money. Gee, I needed it. Couldn't figure it out why I was getting the check. It comes at a good time.

I'm no longer confident enough to go ahead with my kitchen remodel. I may do the ovens and the cabinet.

I still didn't go swim this morning. For the last two mornings I've been getting up at 5 without an alarm. The mornings are colder now. I stopped to get a taco on the way home...more fast food and noticed I needed a jacket.

I'm glad that this is Friday. I want to get out of here.

I have kids helping with the barcoding of our history books and am so angry when they screw up.

I am sad that I can't count on them to do work.

My library assitant didn't get the gob and still is without benefits. God for me, bad for him.

We are not off for Columbus day. Too bad.

My review

I wrote it up in about an hour after being reminded. I was shorter than last year and didn't even read it through before turning it in. I missed the 10: appointment time and wrote it then instead. Having all these books dumped on me took a bit of my time.

This has been a buzy month.

Tonight I'm suposted to go to best buy and see what they have at 7:30. Bob set me up. There is a membership fee. They want you to spend over 10k and maybe countertops and sinks and faucets may be there along with my double oven. Sounds too wierd.
Stay tuned for the report.

Up till 3:30

Finally took a sleeping pill. Turned off the 5:30 alarm. Missed 3 days swimming. That, combined with fast food should have undone all my good work,

Today 2 pallets of new replacement books came in. I used child labor and got them all unpacked during lunch and moved out of the lobby and into the conference room.
It was controlled chaos with all the boys showing off their macho selves and a couple girls pretending to be strong to be involved.

I'm reading

Nothing to Loose

my Lee Child.

Bob sent me a referral to a Direct Buy showroom so I'm going to look fir a new double oven.

I hope to swim in the morning. On Fri I have a 7:30 mtg. I'd have to swim 5:30-6:30.
Up at 5. Less and less sleep.

I'm going to sponsor the literary magazine again this year.

The estimate for my cabinet refinishing came in at 11k. Time to lok at Home depot too.

New babies

So nice to welcome new babies to the family.

I'm extremely reluctant to spend money I have in this economy.

Sept. was a long mo. and I already spent my paycheck and here it is Oct. 8. I don't like getting paid once a month. I started the mo. with a 2k "loan" for overdrafts which I paid off. I should have reduced 2 other payments but I didn't. I also got my oil changed and 2 filters changed and it was over 100.??

I was off email for a week at work and missed two events, an in-service pm Wed. and bowling and burgers on Fri.. I'm pissed.

I've been sleeping in.


Back to the swim in the morning.
It was 86.

Off to the dentist

No one likes to go to the dentist and I need to have the lower l wisdom tooth pulled. It has a cavity. The last one was no fun. She told me to get both done. I said no. I also noticed only pictures that my teeth are yellow. Who cares? I said that a year or two ago. Now I noticed in the photo and she will whiten them for 500. I told her she was mechugnagh. (crazy) I could do it for 250.

I also have another cavity in my front tooth. Unfortunately, there is not a tooth in my head without cavities. But as I remember from the last time he ripped one out her said I have good bones. I think that was last year.
A parent came in today and she had no front teeth.

I guess I'm lucky they are not in a glass.

My aide went for a job interview today. It's a cut in pay but a has benefits and lets him run a library.

My Teen read week is going to be the first week in Dec. I need to get the money and on the stick ordering.

I slept in this morning. I needed the rest but felt guilty. When the alarm went off at 5:30 I turned it off and kept the 1.5 houris for myself under the covers. I felt guilty.

I made raspberry yesterday. Looks good. Tastes better. I took the other 6 or 7 quart's in to school froze them in single layers then put them in a container for the winter. I like them in oatmeal especially when they are few and far between. The price goes up so high. Strawberries are not the same.

I still need to write my goals. I will go swim in the morning. I have a long way to go and every time I get naked in front of the mirror I am reminded.

Crazy workout

Was up at 5:30, stopped for gas, stopped at the grocery, was in the pool by 6:40, swam 13 crawl and 1 backstroke. Jumped into the shower to rinse, jumped into clothes to go to the zumba class. Water is easier. My r calf has been burning like it's not warmed up for about a week now. I dragged those weary parts up and down and legs where ever to the Congo and Samba and was pooped. I showered, dressed and went to the farmers market. I cut out the beloved cinnamon roll. Got some quiche, peppers, tamales and this was the last week for nectarines. Then I hit the other grocery for regular stuff.

I came home and made some eggplant parm. yummy I was going to the kitcgen desugn center. took a nap instead.

Happy Roshashana everyone.

Tina gave us a new cousin with Denzel and Brandon, an 8lb girl,Gabriella. Good job Tina! Welcome Gabby.

I'm reading

Quicksand

by Iris Johansen. Finished

Coming Home

by Danielle Steele.

Acting as my own general contractor again

This time will involve no permits

I have a cabinet maker, electrician, plumber I like now i need to pick the cam lights the double oven, and counter tops and get someone to do the drywall on the ceiling and do the counter tops.

I got 4 quotes. I feel like red riding hood the first one was too high, the next too... and the next just right.
Clearly the more you do the less it costs.
Frankly I'd rather be lazy, not make the decisions, do the work and pay more. I'm gonna have to pick out the lights, oven, sink, counters and stain anyway.
Where do you get dry wall anyway? How do you put in a new ceiling ? then drop the lights and paint? blah! How do ypu cut it, tape it in slap goop then paint it. cut out recsses for the cam lights.
hassle

Kitchenworks was too high, Kitchen..was lower, hated the guy, contractor A I liked, my cabinet guy I know does good work.

it would be a lot more convenient to have it all done in one fell swoop 4 weeks done. no decision block off kitchen , empty cabinets, have someone come cover floors, do all and only live amidst the mess for a month and be done.

it rained

Those automatic checkout machines

I don't like them. It takes too long.

I scan my credit card and it won't accept it and when I went at 6 I was the only one there and still I needed help them he couldn't get it done. I didn't get to the gym and in the water until 6:30. I made a cake for one of my TA's birthday and needed frosting. I almost left out the water.
I had to stir it in after it was in the pan. I forgot to put it in with the eggs and oil.

I lost another TA today, :-( she transferred to another teacher. This one I'll miss.

I must have hit the snooze bar on the alarm because it was near 6 by the time I got um, cut the cake off the pan and headed out the door. I cleaned the back seat out of recycle canvas bags filled two boxes and put them into the truck, I still didn't find my bathing suit. So, I'm still swimming in the revealing one with the spaghetti straps that just don't have enough strength to hold the load and a t shirt to cover the mass.

I showered and ran out of the gym to school with hair wet and barely combed. No wonder I'm still sneezing and coughing.

My assistant is getting married to his baby mama and taking time off to go to Marine world a day before and 2 days after for a honeymoon. Can you imagine?

Different strokes for different folks. He had a coupon, I'd go to Pacific Grove or to a b and b.

We're getting new/ replacement history books. Our last year one's were so poorly bound that they fell apart so the company is bringing us new ones. A lot of work plus I have to write my goals and everything else.

I must have read the scale wrong the other day instead of 10 today it showed more of what I would have expected, 3 lbs for the week.


The TA's ate Jens b.d. cake almost before she got there.


Nectarines are in their last and cauliflower and zucchini are bolting. Green beans are too big and not hercot verte.

Am I crazy to be remodeling in this economy?

Lost my bathing suit

Searched the cat 4 times, twice last night and 2x this morning...no suit? I wore an old one w. a T shirt. It show too much cleavage. I figured I'd popp out without the support.

Why is the L breast always bigger? Because it's where your heart is?

I'm down 10lbs.

Between being sick and swimming and trying to keep the calories to 1000 or a a bit above 1500 I surprised myself on the scale before my swim with suit and croc's on at being down that much. Before that it was 1 lb.

Swam this morning but yesterday I bagged it to sleep in. Last night I met this this real cool surfer boy from Kitchen Works who wants to redo my kitchen for 30k.

I think I can go less than that but it's been interesting and yesterday I met with another contractor who I assume will come in lower. I forgot to tell him the bar needs to be done too or does it?

Today the last kitchen person comes then on Thursday my original pantry maker comes to tell me about the rest. Essentially now that my learning curve is higher.
I need to hit the Expo center. Pick out counter tops. I tend to go with the white maybe a little speckle granite like but stronger. Then red oak cabinets. I found out my pantry is veneer. Looks fine to me. I need the lights and electric done and double opens, a sink, garbage disposal and faucet. I may move the cabinet over the refrigerator out too. Only one outlet needs to be added because my range top is electronic. Who needs it?

A lot. I'm glad I did the floor, windows and the other appliances.

It costs more but it's a lot easier and less hassle to let someone else take care of it.


I have a large galley kitchen and the top is a T and the bottom is a eating area for a table. The family room is attached on the other side of the kitchen counter cooktop. My dining room is on the other side of the eating area thru a door.

It's another warm day. There was a fight on campus and the hormones are raging in teenagers.

I'm running a bookmark contest.

The designer today quoted lower and had a harder push. I liked him the least. He agreed to meet any quote and lower by 25.00.