More Practice

To be perfectly honest.... I am not just practicing Oriental brush painting. I'm getting very carried away...

Napping Mother with New Pet

Seen on "The Dish" hike

Jesse, I'm hoping that you can enlighten me as to what this is.
The squirrel's markings were very unique
Click to see details. View was fantastic

Yesterday afternoon I went with three high school friends to "The Dish," a hiking spot behind Stanford University. Jesse used to go there and I had never done it... so I thought of her as I tromped over the rolling hills. We saw three gorgeous bluebirds, an enormous hawk, and lots of other hikers. It was the first sunny Saturday in a couple of weeks. Signs were out for coyotes but we didn't see any. The vistas across the Bay were incredible. I had a great time!!

Moving a Chandler & Price Press

My most photo filled post to date, but the moving of the press was an engineering feat worth seeing. Two of the three movers were firemen and understood basic physics. They knew how to do the job efficiently and safely. Besides knowing how to tie incredible knots, they came equipt with a come along, straps that could withstand 3.,000 lbs pressure, two car jacks, wood for the ramp and a trailer that held 1500 lbs. It was fun to watch the process. The press is gone but it's gone top a good home.

Death of the Pie in the Sky Press

Tomorrow is the big day. Adam is coming from Santa Cruz to move the 1,000 lb. printing press and type case that have been in my father's store room for 30 years. I've spent many hours cleaning out the room so it will go smoothly. Adam is bringing two burly guys with him and we have 2" pipes to roll it out the door. It will be a tight squeeze... we may have to remove the door frame... Years ago Ted & I ran the "Pie in the Sky Press out of our home in Arcata, California. Adam and his wife are excited to print and we are thrilled that someone bought it who will use it. This posting is dedicated to Lewis Pryor, the gentleman who taught me all I know about letterpress printing.

This Weeks Practice

I found a couple library books that helped me learn how to paint orchids.

I know, the second painting isn't an orchid!!!

Tomorrow is my second class.

One of my Father's Favorites

Stuffed Peppers a la Laurie

Chasing /Shooting

My parents went to Burlingame today to visit friends, eat lunch and play cards. I went over to Grandma's and raked and filled another yard waste can. Aterwards the two of us went to the bank and grocery store. On the way home we saw a gorgeous rainbow, stopping every so often to get a shot. "Have you ever chased a rainbow?" I asked her. "No," she said with a grin. It was fun!!

Practice

First Try

Some of my first efforts at the Oriental Brush Painting Class that I began today. The teacher was a spry 80 year old who couldn't have been nicer. Class was small due to constant rain, but it was interesting. I now have a card table set up in my bedroom where I hope to practice before my second class next Thursday.

Sweeping Water

At least it's not snow.... When we get heavy rains one of the drains in the patio gets jammed up. Usually my dad gets a pump and drains it that way. I convinced him to let me sweep it into the pool after we had lowered the water level. It did the trick. These recent storms remind me of springtime ones in RI. Fast and furious. I'm all decked out because it continued to rain as I swept. Tomorrow I go to Qi Gong in the morning aned Oriental Brush Painting in the afternoon. I haven't been swimming much as the storms include lightening/thunder.

On your 2nd. Birthday, Theo

Two years ago
I stared thru glass
mesmorized by your arms and legs
long black hair
and perfectness.
I watched the nurse
scrub your skin
and measure your length.
Except for a diaper
your were naked,
eyes still closed
but eager to begin
life.
Amazing.

(obviously written January 18)

Two New Classes

Today was my first Dayan Qi Gong class at the local senior center. (It was cheaper than at the local recreation dept.) The teacher was great, explaining and demonstrating everything. Qi Gong is similar to Tai Chi, but there are some differences, too. Half way thru the hour and a half class we had a 15 minute break. The teacher served tea during this time. I declined the tea, but a classmate had brought a cake that looked like pound cake to share. I accepted half a piece and thought it was quite tasty. "This is so moist," another classmate commented. The woman who brought the cake said, That's because it's soaked in vodka." It was a very moist cake!!

I also went with my dad today to a one hour class on how to walk and build muscle tone for older folks. I stayed to observe and was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the instructor and with the basic information he passed along that was so valuable. Most of all, I loved seeing my dad laugh and have some FUN!!!

More Friends from the Past

The day began at 7:30 am when my nephew came to eat breakfast with us. He works nearby and often stops by. From 8 - 8:30 I walked Bingo. At 9:10 I drove my father to an appointment, arriving home at 10:45, just in time to swim 50 laps at Rinconada and shower before my friends picked me up at 1:00. We had a great time and the food was wonderful. (Ted, you should recognize the gal on the right!!) I arrived home at 3:20... then walked the dog again at 4:15. Somewhere in there I also registered for a Tai Chi class on Thursdays. Big storm expected tomorrow... lucky for me it only involves rain.

Unique Eyebrows!!

I offered to trim 'em, but she refused, saying they were her trademark.

Meeting of the HS Friends

50 Year Old Spices

After I threw these 50 year old spices in the trash, Mike dug them out and took them home. (Not for the spices, which were long gone, but for the antique tins) "What are you going to do with them? I asked, "Sell them on e-Bay??"

Farewell

Mike was kind enough to drive Ted and me up to SFO at 3:30 am this morning. I'm assuming that Ted is somehwhere over the Atlantic even as I type. His trip back involves almost 24 hours of traveling door to door. Hopefully it was not too exhausting. I'll miss you.

What is this Crazy Place

Hint: Click to enlarge. We know Kevin & Jesse will guess it right away!!!