Bummer

Sunday when my cousin arrived I tried to take some photos with my Dad's very complicated digital camera. No luck. I ended up with three images, but they are all on video. I have no idea how to access them and spent hours trying to delete photos from his camera because the card was filled. No luck at that either. I got so frustrated that I called Teddie and my digital camera is in the mail as I type. Soon there will be more photos... I did not bring my own camera because I figured I could use my Dad's and I was only bringing one rolling back pack. Next time my camera will be in my back pack.

Visitors

Sunday my first cousin, Brian, and his wife of almost 50 years, Cairns, dropped by on their trek from the Northwest to Arizona. They are parents to 9 children and 14 grandchildren. They arrived at 8:30 am, just in time for a breakfast of a Dutch Baby, bacon and melon, that my Dad had prepared. He had all the premeasured ingredients arranged on the kitchen counter the night before. Once they arrived he flew into action. At that instant I left for church, but arrived home in time to say good bye to my cousin and his wife. He is interested in doing some research on the Dempsey side of the family. I am thrilled. Maybe his interest will jumpstart me again.

Blogging

Can't remember much of Friday except that I went swimming with Patti. Saturday I brought Grandma over to look at the various blogs at the computer 240. She said it was like being at a small movie theater, especially when we saw Evelyn hopping, singing and wiggling her ponytails. She saw your gorgeous pool, Ted, and was impressed. She laughed at Theo climbing up everything and said that his grandfather did the same!! At 4:45 Jane picked me up. We stopped by Target and a restaurant before dropping by her house to begin setting up her blog. You will find it listed on my sidebar, 30minuteseveryday.blogspot.com. Before learning how to post photos Jane, Darryl and I went to a Nicholas Sparks movie, definitly a chick flick, but scary and sad. Beautiful scenery, set on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Unfortunatly I can't remember the title, but Richard Gere had a lead role. Back to Jane's to practice blogging, then home. I was exhausted because I had also gone swimming with Patti and everyday I walk Bingo from 7 - 7:30 am.

Today

Mom, Dad, and I went to a play tonight at the community center, only 4 blocks away. The book that the play was based on was written by cheeseheads and set in Wisconsin. Lines referred to Mt. Horeb, Dodgeville, and Mineral Point, all places Mary and Jesse would recognize. I remember seeing a movie by the same name (The Spitfire Grill) years ago. I loved it for the great story, the lack of violence, and the gorgeous scenery. The play was a musical and very well done. It's nice to see something and then only have a 5 minute drive home!! Still in the high 80's here. Swam in the late afternoon, then lifeguarded while my Dad did 6 laps. Water 72 degrees. Evening balmy and warm. We are talking about driving to Santa Cruz to see Marianne on Saturday. All depends if she is available. Went to Cosco this morning with my parents. They were disappointed that more vendors weren't passing out free samples.

Go Bears

Guess who gave Jane the Cal shirt?? Duh.

More Chihuly

This work by the glass artist hangs in the medical clinic where my sister, Jane, works. It was 5 feet across.

Collection of Tin Cans

This collection of fruitcake, cookie and almond tins were hiding in a cupboard in the infamous store room. They are now in a special blue garbage can marked "recycling."

No Tooth Pulling on Friday

Monday I was laid low with a cracked root on a back tooth. Those of you who know my affection for anything dental will know right off the bat that I had to be miserable to go to two dentists in one day. I had received a blessing on Sunday at church for the problem. Was told that the pain would be relieved. Tuesday morning I woke up with absolutely no pain and able to eat anything. (I will NEVER eat another almond, though.) This morning I cancelled the Friday appointment with the oral surgeon. I am humbled by the experience and very grateful.

Dad's Lunch

Hamburger and a BUCKET of fries

Patti and Mike

Click on photo and you will see a line of colorful spheres in the distance. Taken near the Presidio.

At the Exhibit

Chihuly Exhibit

The photos below were taken at the Chihuly exhibit at SF's deYoung Museum. Mom, Dad, Mike, Patti, and I left at 9:00 am to go see it. What a mob. The exhibit has run from June 14 and will be over in 4 days. Seemed like every gray haired person in the Bay Area was there. The pictures don't do the show justice. It was colorful, fun, and aquatic in nature... I loved it.

Reddish orange tentacle shape is eight feet tall. Length of display was at least 30 feet. Patti thought this looked like a garden. This close up shot is part of part of display with reddish tentacle shape.

eight foot high reddish shape is at far end of this shot

The three photos directly above this type are my favorites. We walked in a dark room with all the shell and aquatic shapes piled 8 feet above us on well lit clear panels. It was a fanciful trip to the ocean.

These shapes look like marbles and hard candy. Don't be deceived. The 2 boats took up a space 25 feet long. The spheres were as big as basketballs.

Close upof a bowl/flower shape that was 3 feet across

Flower shapes 10" across, a whole 15 foot wall of them!!

200 Pelicans

My dad and I took Bingo for a walk in the Baylands, hundreds of acres of nearby marsh and wetlands. After walking for only 15 minutes we came to a marsh filled with 200 pelicans. I will NEVER go there without a camera again. The sight was magical, a mass of white feathers ruffling in the breeze. Periodically a few would glide in to join the others. The floated in like miniature 747's, slow and steady, banking to hit the water just right, dragging their yellow feet to land. I could have stayed longer, but it was hot and we needed to get home. Hopefully I will get to return and take a few photos.

Bad Luck

Unfortunatly one of my back teeth started hurting on Friday. I thought something was caught between the teeth and flossed repeatedly. The pain continued. Today, after waking up at 3 am, I went first to a dentist who gave me a referral to an endodontist AND an oral surgeon. The endodontist said the tooth had already had a root canal and altho she would do another, the prognosis was not good. So Friday morning I will go to the oral surgeon and have the tooth with a cracked root yanked out. I brought this misery on myself, by eating chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joes. Yes they were covered with dark chocolate.

Toasting

Not sure if you can see the miniature ceramic coffee looking cups that Matt and Dad are using to toast. They are for tequila but could be used as coffee cups for a ten inch tall elf. Maybe if you click on the photo you can see them. We had a delicious dinner at Matt and Robin's tonight.

Bean Picker

This is my brother picking string beans in the dark. He comes over every night at 10 pm to walk the dog. Last night he did a little bean picking, too.

Free Money

After walking the dog I went to Matt's and helped convince a mob of garage sailors to buy John Pop's old stuff, or to take some of it for free. I sold the powerwasher for 30.00, but everything else went for a a pittance. The most fun I had was giving stuff away.... old books, old cookie tins, stadium seat cushions.....A Chinese family with two little kids had no idea how to play skittles, but after a brief explanation they walked away with a 40 year old toy, thrilled. My father was 49.00 richer by noon and I had nothing to take to the dump. Was fun to see Matt and his family, too.

Surprise

Walked Bingo at 7:00 am. My parents warned me to be on the lookout for a homeless man who hung out near the library, which is one block away. At the end of the walk, I rounded a corner near the library and saw a man in gray slacks, tie, and white shirt. He was gray headed and pushing a baby stroller filled with boxes. He was on the other side of the street and did not notice me, but... as he began walking up a gravel path behind the fire station he suddenly darted in the bushes. I was shocked when he dropped his drawers, squatted in the greenery, pink legs and butt in full view. The library bathroom wasn't open. I felt sorry for the guy and began wondering what it would be like to have no home to go relax in, to cook in, to read in, to bath in....... My brother Matt said I should have called the police... I felt otherwise

Catching Up

Finally straightened out the 3 hour time difference.... Now I can go to bed when everyone else does. I've spent much of the past two days cleaning one of the store rooms. Interesting discoveries..... a box of 200 plus bank statements from 1952 - 1955, a box of all of dad's finals and reports from Stanford (1942 - 43), lots of empty jars and plenty of fruit cake cans. Much of the other stuff (a power washer, a brass boy scout bugle, books, ...) went to Matt's. His neighborhood is having a yard sale tomorrow. After walking the dog at 7 am I will head over. Hopefully I'll get to jump in the pool again before the sun disappears behind the redwood tree. Thai restaurant food tonight. Drove down Oak Grove tonight, Jesse. Had to stop at the tracks to let a train pass. Surprise.

70 Degrees

No salt in this pool... as refreshing as the ocean.

Two and a Half Handsome Dudes

No words needed!!

Hike with RI Audubon Society

John and I went with a group of birders to Trustom Pond on a bird walk. We birded from 8:30 to 10:00 am, and spotted a green heron, a night heron, mute swans, cormorants, and a fawn. We heard all kinds of other twitterings, but couldn't catch the birds in our binoculars. Too many green leaves. We both enjoyed the walk and the friendly people. Maybe when I return from CA..... we'll do it again.

Moving Day

The dining room - filled

A bit of red in our already colorful living room - the mover's protective carpet

The truck backed right up to the deck

Teddie and Theo at 34, yes, he's getting BIG!!

Grandpa Pesch and Theo in CT.

About an hour after the movers unloaded in RI it began raining. Timing was perfect.

Amazing

Worked today for 4 hours at Broad Rock Middle School, assisting a BLIND substitute teacher. The guy was amazing , articulate and informed. In the course of chatting he revealed other health problems he had that would have stopped me in my tracks... on top of being blind. It was inspiring to work with such a determined person. Hopefully someday a principal will see past his white and red cane and give him a chance to have his own class. Watched a movie in the 8th grade social studies class on tolerance called "A Place at the Table." Everyone, not just 12 year olds, should see it. Check out your library. I'm finding substituting exciting and refreshing. A nice change from my old routine.

Mission Accomplished

Euonymous successfully transplanted. Laurie with unnamed favorite digger. Stump John removed in foreground. Photo by Caleb (age 10). Off to waterwalking.

Almost as Much Fun

While I was gone this morning (and before it began raining) John dug up what was left of the forsythia plant that grew in the patch of green circled by our driveway. I appreciated his work because it is no fun whacking at something with multiple trunks, then struggling to get it out of the dirt.. Because I recently planted a clump of beach grass that will take over an 8x8 area, I have to move a three foot high euonymous plant that is now too close to the newcomer. So... I put on my green gardening shoes and swung that wonderful doubled edged tool with a splayed pick on one end and a hatchet on the other. I have no idea what it's called, but it's perfectly balanced and the weight of the splayed end makes it effective and easy to use. I love swinging it, and found my time digging in the dirt to be almost as enjoyable as riding a wave. Almost. Tomorrow, if the weather cooperates, I will dig up the enonymous and move it to its' new home.

Red Ping Pong Balls

Two cherry tomatoe plants, six inches high,
afterthoughts from the Farmers Market,
exploded. Hungry for sky,
climbing, reaching,
bursting out of their wire cages,
they shaded heirlooms
and hid red ping pong balls
(tomatoes, really!)
in a hive of tangled green.

Then in September, morning glories
appeared overnight,
opening and closing.
Wild with sprawl,
their brilliance turned the mass of green
magenta
and buried the
red ping pong balls
(tomatoes, really!)
completely.

(a lone poem written way past bedtime.)

Pizza Boy with Prize Winning Pizza

Contest rules called not only for recipe, but for photos. Too bad I cut off the top and bottom edges. Still looks good, though, doesn't it? I really did enter this in a contest. Three lucky people get to go to Disneyworld with me. (if I win)

Vegetarian Greek Pizza
Yields 6 large pieces

1 Mama Mary’s 12” Gourmet Pizza Crust
1 8 oz. bag shredded mozzarella cheese
1 10 oz. bag of fresh spinach with big stems removed
1 two inch fresh mozzarella ball, sliced in ¼” thick pieces
12 large kalamata pitted olives, sliced (no substitutions!)
2 Tbsp. sliced green onions
6 – 8 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
2-3 Tbsp. blue cheese, crumbled
2 Tbsp. grated orange cheddar cheese
parmesan cheese
cajun seasoning


Preheat oven to 425. Mist entire top of pizza with olive oil. Set crust on perforated pizza pan.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over top of the crust, leaving a rim if you like. (Or not!) Set aside.
In large covered frying pan, saute spinach in 1 Tbs. of olive oil and 2 Tbs. of water, just until wilted. Do not overcook. Remove spinach from frying pan immediately. Drain well and blot dry with paper towels. Chop spinach. Spread chopped spinach over shredded cheese. Set slices of fresh mozzarella on top on spinach. Next add kalamata olives, along with green onions, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese. Top with orange cheddar cheese. Sprinkle lightly with parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool on rack 5 minutes before cutting.

Over and Out

We did not feel the full fury of Hanna. It began raining around 10:00 pm last night then the wind picked up. Mr. Cat sat in my bedroom window, next to the screen, twitching his tail with each gust. I had a hard time going to sleep not knowing what tree might topple and imagining our basement full of water as I watched rain race down Whitford Street, but when I awoke at 7 the streets were dry and wind was gone. Nothing but blue. A welcome change from yesterday's heavy air and not a drop in the basement. I'm sure my prolific tomatoes will keep producing now that they've had a soaking.

Another Dreary Shot...

Still waiting.... Dunes Club in distance. Click for detail.

Waiting for Remnants of Hanna

Gray and dreary day, waves building, but as of 5 o'clock not much to look at. Surfers out in full force waiting.

Yesterday

Ended up working in the office at Broad Rock Middle School. Since it was run much like my old school the day went smoothly. Office was air conditioned and I was off my feet. Teddie's in-laws invited me to meet them at the beach in the afternoon. Waves were perfect. Water was even better. Homemade spinach pizza for dinner. Phone call from Ted. On a scale from 1 - 10, the day was an 11.

First Sub Job Sept. 4

Please don't try to phone me between 7:00 am and 2:30. I will be subbing as a teacher assistant at Broad Rock Middle School in SK. I have no idea what I'll be doing. Should be interesting!!

Read Any of Them??

Has anyone read any of the books listed under "Books I Want to Read?" I've read reviews of each and they all sound good.

Subbing at Wakefield Elementary

Turned in my paperwork at SK school system at 11:15 am to be a sub for them. Just grabbed my first assignment at Wakefield Elementary, 3rd. grade, on September 10. It is two blocks from my house. I'm happy!!! Everything is done online, so whoever spots the opening first and wants it, takes it. Guess I'll be checking the computer more often.

Labor Day

Spent part of the morning laboring with a shovel, digging out a 5 year old rose bushs in my flower garden. My zebra grass looks so elegant as we sit on the deck, waving in the wind, that I wanted more. The rose was way too much work. Replaced it with myscanthus, commonly known as maiden glow or morning glow or .... I can't remember. It will grow 5-6 feet high and provide us with quite a show when the skinny leaves catch the breeze. John and I went to to Narragansett Beach at 5:30. First time all summer I have been overpowered by a wave. Very rough!!