tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84586002024-03-07T12:19:49.897-08:00Flying TriangleDon't get any ideas.suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.comBlogger671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-52586709149029992672015-12-01T22:17:00.000-08:002015-12-01T22:17:03.741-08:00Winter Is ComingDecember is here. Our nights are finally skidding towards and beyond freezing when it seemed like Indian summer would never end. It's rained a little but not nearly enough. C'mon, El Nino!<br />
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November's adventures:<br />
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After lo these many decades of living in the Bay Area, M and I finally went to Alcatraz. It was a beautiful day to visit a sad, crumbling place. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/albums/72157658664958794" target="_blank">More photos here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuVE2MdshrIFGHVqUtgR4bSCcNKp_-_6rsyB2c7osJ2sugB7gs8GGA8qQQfpC5TzL3Jhtx2RODMazUrez0EfKmthdffNcD6YT8EkDyveiU3RexzOm4ESLVkgJA4_vcHXOLlcZ/s1600/12183733_10153085774547063_2361195907741326377_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuVE2MdshrIFGHVqUtgR4bSCcNKp_-_6rsyB2c7osJ2sugB7gs8GGA8qQQfpC5TzL3Jhtx2RODMazUrez0EfKmthdffNcD6YT8EkDyveiU3RexzOm4ESLVkgJA4_vcHXOLlcZ/s320/12183733_10153085774547063_2361195907741326377_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FwPkMrS32QJR3HrqkH5O6opVxELaKMneecQinq5HPVBKT8czCp-ZMpq-CoZuFFjit35paEmodTsw2GGHRnlWC0vguQn5ZRvBby4k58pyDhYPNmlPk1ttvc3IfSlFT35wbr8M/s1600/Alcatraz%252C+city+from+the+water+pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FwPkMrS32QJR3HrqkH5O6opVxELaKMneecQinq5HPVBKT8czCp-ZMpq-CoZuFFjit35paEmodTsw2GGHRnlWC0vguQn5ZRvBby4k58pyDhYPNmlPk1ttvc3IfSlFT35wbr8M/s320/Alcatraz%252C+city+from+the+water+pano.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC6vJQLPpb49TdHQmhZMnCOVbQq9S-nUOVFKk0v1pwXmFmDizVu6b2_-Bx2k9q7768cncuQPyTJu6uMq3JpJrHB51SJF7i6y0mJb5ZfKqJAu9C9quVkMXkXA1B7-7fTtJi_0p/s1600/In+the+hospital+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC6vJQLPpb49TdHQmhZMnCOVbQq9S-nUOVFKk0v1pwXmFmDizVu6b2_-Bx2k9q7768cncuQPyTJu6uMq3JpJrHB51SJF7i6y0mJb5ZfKqJAu9C9quVkMXkXA1B7-7fTtJi_0p/s320/In+the+hospital+.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I took the whole week of Thanksgiving off and we headed south to the in-laws for Turkey Day. It was very pleasant. I slept in! Rex and Jack got along, relatively speaking, though it was pretty funny seeing Rex cow an 85 pound lab in the prime of life.<br />
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We visited the <a href="http://www.shieldsdategarden.com/" target="_blank">Shields Date Garden</a> in Indio to eat dates and observe the <a href="http://www.shieldsdategarden.com/shields_dates_the_garden.aspx" target="_blank">religious "art"</a> in the garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwbqeLQ1XBGcng2CAJB8ANBZu8wER334yig-bVWO8rGYZjzh_i2xnLBym2WY1RAvcUJ7k87Y3VZJUUq4T0lTEHQFLD_Bg6uEeYhYU4wCkeOkCfoYB9JmJJ4LgMf0i47zxzGTD/s1600/On+the+bridge%252C+Shields+Date+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwbqeLQ1XBGcng2CAJB8ANBZu8wER334yig-bVWO8rGYZjzh_i2xnLBym2WY1RAvcUJ7k87Y3VZJUUq4T0lTEHQFLD_Bg6uEeYhYU4wCkeOkCfoYB9JmJJ4LgMf0i47zxzGTD/s320/On+the+bridge%252C+Shields+Date+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08nqcAzrhqi6rRWZCZm5SrMJ7O_hoQGBXqwCRtwKhoplIB92VdsyRMm07KQgUe4VoDEqTGeTKD-V9GBehX-A7GB8di9Wc5oZoBCfzA_ooBUgU3l94ElemuRElshoVICUclfMi/s1600/In+the+manger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08nqcAzrhqi6rRWZCZm5SrMJ7O_hoQGBXqwCRtwKhoplIB92VdsyRMm07KQgUe4VoDEqTGeTKD-V9GBehX-A7GB8di9Wc5oZoBCfzA_ooBUgU3l94ElemuRElshoVICUclfMi/s320/In+the+manger.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We rode the famous Palm Springs tram. It was cold at the summit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtZZ_0TwHB0YD1b9TIu2ZiRJC-0MKV63QniI3RApIsSvRDerG_d7D4X0PDPC3_tLAz4DicPsUBt47eVLxUvBWVLulUDfeZSthdhoSjd-AMh2fFeOHK8aFH4alDJs0ok0L0zYc/s1600/Tram%252C+valley+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtZZ_0TwHB0YD1b9TIu2ZiRJC-0MKV63QniI3RApIsSvRDerG_d7D4X0PDPC3_tLAz4DicPsUBt47eVLxUvBWVLulUDfeZSthdhoSjd-AMh2fFeOHK8aFH4alDJs0ok0L0zYc/s320/Tram%252C+valley+floor.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Christin and Scott came over Thanksgiving Day. We ate well and played cards. And watched football. I miss watching football.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BrPNU7GGaIDEeZbptFnMyrYiIMh7VQbTE0x0DTL3YANEV19HXf0Q74IlRD2wCWl4nScgjKF4GcCcn8v-dSAGhdKi-O-Stj9zD1otRX4LTSYlNZ-sJPirPsK1m6ygqMnMXIRQ/s1600/Sibs+in+the+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BrPNU7GGaIDEeZbptFnMyrYiIMh7VQbTE0x0DTL3YANEV19HXf0Q74IlRD2wCWl4nScgjKF4GcCcn8v-dSAGhdKi-O-Stj9zD1otRX4LTSYlNZ-sJPirPsK1m6ygqMnMXIRQ/s320/Sibs+in+the+kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The day after Thanksgiving, M and I went hotrod parts shopping in Seal Beach and had lunch in Newport Beach. It's easy to see why so many people want to live by the beaches in Southern California.<br />
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We took Arienne out for a round of mini-golf at Camelot.<br />
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I was and am thankful for such a lovely break from life's routine and for this branch of my family. Here's the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/albums/72157661838792525" target="_blank">Flickr album.</a><br />
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We came home from five days in Orange County to frost-drooping plants and a patio finally carpeted in leaves from the mulberry tree. I tore up most of the remaining plants from garden bed. We're sharing the slow-growing kale with insects and the last of the chard and herbs are hanging on, their growth slowed to incremental. On Sunday we ate the last of the beans, boiled and mashed, and peppers, sautéed with onions. I'm contemplating frying up the last three frost-bitten green tomatoes. It was work, but I got so much enjoyment from our little garden this year. M and I are already planning next year's growing scheme.<br />
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I continue my search for more happiness, listening to instructive podcasts, walking the dog, looking at the sky, trying to keep creativity alive in my life. I knitted some fingerless gloves, three to be exact - the middle effort didn't quite come out right. It's funny how the cold weather makes me want to knit.<br />
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How was your Thanksgiving.suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-19362042150121824622015-10-18T21:50:00.003-07:002015-10-19T19:08:13.784-07:00Days Are Long...but years are short. I read that recently in <a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-happiness-project/about-the-book/" target="_blank">The Happiness Project</a>. I certainly feel that way. The days pile up slowly, then are gone in a flash. What did I do this summer? This year? How have I gone so long without posting?<br />
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The air feels like autumn (yet again), surrounding the sunlight in a warm haze, pulling summer gently away into the past, peeling the leaves off the the trees, sneaking in the brisk wind that brings down branches while we sleep, a dry storm. We're all hoping for a real one, though I was relieved when we arrived in SFO from JFK a few Fridays ago, from rain to moonshine, and was happy for it until I remembered that I need to wish for downpours, not be glad to have left precipitation behind.<br />
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Speaking of years, I had a birthday! M threw a party for me. I was so touched and grateful for everyone who came.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RsDpfw0vPstHbE8LAvigTR7AxbO0lCE4gfeqSQ7Aya_v-432lCssa_uij_dJMvup5Cf0Dsu59MKyFXI88Asq7akQFSemkoNVzeZJ0yite4eTRpKGfnsaEN4A-Zs-t5OWGrgi/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RsDpfw0vPstHbE8LAvigTR7AxbO0lCE4gfeqSQ7Aya_v-432lCssa_uij_dJMvup5Cf0Dsu59MKyFXI88Asq7akQFSemkoNVzeZJ0yite4eTRpKGfnsaEN4A-Zs-t5OWGrgi/s320/Cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kNkgT36-yhkvyaoq2azZJCwww2WO1VbNrcbpUWu_hUXT0j71ugG0qfKRX_y6QPx3uqUcKU3XeVi1XKxAPejYZxCUkKu46cZIDQn3XxIts9LG_amG7qlLn77K8THMgLMPVC-e/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kNkgT36-yhkvyaoq2azZJCwww2WO1VbNrcbpUWu_hUXT0j71ugG0qfKRX_y6QPx3uqUcKU3XeVi1XKxAPejYZxCUkKu46cZIDQn3XxIts9LG_amG7qlLn77K8THMgLMPVC-e/s320/Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The day after the party, Felicia took us up to Coppola for lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcAwkIURZDKyQ4RGY0B48L_pFWYkWJsxnjOxaotNdbbEvSiOgBjGKP38LE0eXize5ptLAZSpKWxvCRz5q_HXvqheGttPir0AipJo02mM19KwDaMjJfxUnbvD0CGDrOZPiL4gQ/s1600/Family+on+the+Coppola+stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcAwkIURZDKyQ4RGY0B48L_pFWYkWJsxnjOxaotNdbbEvSiOgBjGKP38LE0eXize5ptLAZSpKWxvCRz5q_HXvqheGttPir0AipJo02mM19KwDaMjJfxUnbvD0CGDrOZPiL4gQ/s320/Family+on+the+Coppola+stairs.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqomaRB5iKfJTfEcSosXL6ICGx_GQMLeLyfTa9GbuIVIthlj5riqVMyvanSsX3mMfyNHwnwbNhy063cjJOwV3w2SXUqrPbdiIFpucHtE_i-IoBD3bm5nORXDFfDRWsHLtb2UH2/s1600/Coppola+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqomaRB5iKfJTfEcSosXL6ICGx_GQMLeLyfTa9GbuIVIthlj5riqVMyvanSsX3mMfyNHwnwbNhy063cjJOwV3w2SXUqrPbdiIFpucHtE_i-IoBD3bm5nORXDFfDRWsHLtb2UH2/s320/Coppola+view.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Here's the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/albums/72157658531104000" target="_blank">Flickr set</a>.<br />
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Since my birthday, I've been to New York and back twice, both times for work. The first conference was at Javits Center, very large, and it took a lot out of me to attend. I was so glad M came with me. We had some fun, though, good food, seeing the Madhu Caiolas and Noah, and going to the newly reopened Cooper Hewitt.<br />
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Here is that <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/albums/72157659422093131" target="_blank">Flickr set</a>.<br />
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I was back again six days later for a smaller event - I tried to make the most of the time I had.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdue3dNcMyGkoYgTfCQ4l-qgm181LmsZxE9p3v0Eoc_9kbFvTygilueAXL0JqBA8QxH1CmbRSZI-_IkR4GzyyCzVnyxk-nMOWM6_rQ7Esf-bZlvwdhqq2UN43hYpzUn5KLfPUP/s1600/View+from+the+Midtown+Hilton%252C+New+York%252C+NY+Oct+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdue3dNcMyGkoYgTfCQ4l-qgm181LmsZxE9p3v0Eoc_9kbFvTygilueAXL0JqBA8QxH1CmbRSZI-_IkR4GzyyCzVnyxk-nMOWM6_rQ7Esf-bZlvwdhqq2UN43hYpzUn5KLfPUP/s320/View+from+the+Midtown+Hilton%252C+New+York%252C+NY+Oct+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I went for a lovely walk in Central Park Sunday morning. </span><br />
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On Sunday night, I went out with Monique and Gina to see <a href="http://fuerzabruta.com.ar/nyc/" target="_blank">Fuerza Bruta</a>, a fun performance piece. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I finally made the time to get down to the new home of Poets House; I volunteered there when I lived in New York, at the Spring Street location. It moved to the financial district after 9/11, and it's in River Terrace a beautiful neighborhood by the mouth of the Hudson. I attended a <a href="http://www.poetshouse.org/programs-and-events/readings-and-conversations/seismographic-attention-evening-jane-hirshfield" target="_blank">poetry reading and discussion with Jane Hirshfield</a>. Very inspiring - I noted that I was one of the youngest people in the audience, and which reminded me how very niche poetry is these days. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I had dinner with my friend Cathleen on Tuesday night. On my last night in New York, I slipped out of the conference as soon as I could and walked downtown to Union Square. I had time to wander through Fishes Eddy and the farmers market (so many memories of shopping for so many meals!) before spending a lot of time in the Barnes & Noble waiting for and then enjoying the talk and book signing for the new <a href="http://www.humansofnewyork.com/hony-stories" target="_blank">Humans of New York book</a> by Brandon Stanton, released that very day. </span></div>
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Check out the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/albums/72157659915487275" target="_blank">Flickr set</a>.<br />
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These are the kinds of activities that remind me how incredible, vibrant, and rich New York is, and why I enjoyed living there for so long.<br />
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But Sonoma County has its charms, too. For instance, Felicia took me to see <a href="http://www.parsonsdance.org/" target="_blank">Parsons Dance Company</a> for my birthday the week between New York trips. And I had a lovely day today, walking the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm" target="_blank">Tennessee Valley trail</a> with the PA Gals.<br />
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I have a very good life!</div>
suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-39312364223509370762015-07-27T19:54:00.002-07:002015-07-27T20:04:50.564-07:00Flickr linkThanks for the reminder, Kam, I meant to post this: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/</a>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-22236142659197319972015-07-26T22:20:00.001-07:002015-07-26T22:20:45.356-07:00Summer Adventures!So my resolve to post entries more frequently has been put to the test--and defeated--by Life Stuff. But not snuffed out! Allons!<br />
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I also realized that photo organization takes up a lot of my time. I have to "lay them off" as the pros say from my camera into iPhoto, then edit and download them onto my desktop, then upload them to Flickr, and then upload some of them to a post here and finally to the Blurb book project. After that, posting a blog seems to be quite out of reach. Keeping it all straight is by no means easy either, even as organized as I am. First World problems, to be sure, and my current excuse for not putting digital pen to digital paper more often of late.<br />
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Since pictures are worth 3-4 figures of words, I give you my summer so far in photos.<br />
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Julian graduated from high school, and we celebrated with him, family, and friends.<br />
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Mom turned 75 and we celebrated with her and even more family and friends.<br />
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I went to a conference in San Francisco at the end of June. It went well. It ended.<br />
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Kalyani, Hannah, Jo, and Susi drove out from New York. We camped in Lassen. It's been a long time since we've camped!<br />
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Mark and I hiked to the top of Cinder Cone. The views alone were totally worth the steep, sweaty climb. We paced ourselves.<br />
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We had most of Butte Lake campground to ourselves. The lake level was quite low, which meant it was better for kayaking than swimming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWzZpiAieFtJRQ8FqmbcYnVZpbcrHrKOl3r5cLaiIMycPDry8IEVwHwpl3YlvvRDGc0jDFWdcF8ZFHSLuswWYrH5fUvCr59KBMrjk1Q4f7kuIEUzg65lLSKqVNFERQVeM9Ueu/s1600/Campfire+pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWzZpiAieFtJRQ8FqmbcYnVZpbcrHrKOl3r5cLaiIMycPDry8IEVwHwpl3YlvvRDGc0jDFWdcF8ZFHSLuswWYrH5fUvCr59KBMrjk1Q4f7kuIEUzg65lLSKqVNFERQVeM9Ueu/s320/Campfire+pano.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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M and I hiked to Bumpass Hell. Pretty amazing place. Driving through the park was great - such vistas!<br />
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It rained pretty steadily our last afternoon there. Luckily the canopies provided enough shelter for games, conversation, and dinner. It was not a restful night for me, however - too damp for a good night's sleep. Despite reveling in the complete lack of connectivity, I was ready to leave. I hope it won't be another two years before we camp again, however.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHeNY1bkKBFVY92fXp2TFAEwIUVB2GtCR9ttw2s6wNXupD53rBOGZ2VOtecMhXsXmqz6Yz4WyckvH34KsKQ0UIb30elHZ0bm9vhw-06Yq3h0d8GNd3x-vMu8zUxCi18aypWJN/s1600/Campground+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHeNY1bkKBFVY92fXp2TFAEwIUVB2GtCR9ttw2s6wNXupD53rBOGZ2VOtecMhXsXmqz6Yz4WyckvH34KsKQ0UIb30elHZ0bm9vhw-06Yq3h0d8GNd3x-vMu8zUxCi18aypWJN/s320/Campground+group.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We then rendezvous'd up on the coast. We had enough time to take a walk on the Stornetta Public Lands and visit <a href="http://bbryanpreserve.com/" target="_blank">B. Bryan Preserve</a>, where we were "kissed" by giraffes. They are pretty amazing creatures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YUHcIibQTp-8toi1k73UYFjQjsy5uEJj2milxZuCA0oFgHMMBALyHcGcLgj6oZJysDTGE7MLDZufKccDFSiO0NNyYSlndHacDBUnLHtyGfSBs_2PE635r7Z80KzUqqzo-o3z/s1600/Kalyani+%2526+girls%252C+SPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YUHcIibQTp-8toi1k73UYFjQjsy5uEJj2milxZuCA0oFgHMMBALyHcGcLgj6oZJysDTGE7MLDZufKccDFSiO0NNyYSlndHacDBUnLHtyGfSBs_2PE635r7Z80KzUqqzo-o3z/s320/Kalyani+%2526+girls%252C+SPL.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I had a conference in Portland, so was there all last week. It's been in Portland for a dozen years, which has been wonderful occasion to see Lloyd, Jacque, and the cousins. Next year it will move to Austin, so I'm glad that I'll have a chance to see Dad & Ginny, but will miss the Portland pilgrimage. Lloyd and Jacque took me on a tour of the Columbia Gorge. We saw Multnohmah Falls, had lunch at Skamania Lodge, then stopped to see <a href="http://www.oregon.com/attractions/bonneville-fish-hatchery" target="_blank">Herman the Sturgeon</a>!<br />
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I did have some good meals at <a href="http://oxpdx.com/" target="_blank">Ox</a>, <a href="http://www.noblerotpdx.com/" target="_blank">Noble Rot</a>, and <a href="http://www.thefarmcafe.com/" target="_blank">Farm Cafe</a> during the conference. I also had a few hours after the conference ended to take in the I<a href="http://www.rosegardenstore.org/rose-gardens.cfm" target="_blank">nternational Rose Test Garden</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn-cWGOnJ-FT1hq9zxPQGUQGlS682KKcF7EYX-CVBLWZN2juawhpPSMVQWNjWJx0VVyB7lovSVtLOb5dzTZzfPTtOzzouZck8dFYUXYqPjALiQYoZrjq9Q2XMX3cSik3OGpUU/s1600/Selfie+at+the+International+Rose+Test+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn-cWGOnJ-FT1hq9zxPQGUQGlS682KKcF7EYX-CVBLWZN2juawhpPSMVQWNjWJx0VVyB7lovSVtLOb5dzTZzfPTtOzzouZck8dFYUXYqPjALiQYoZrjq9Q2XMX3cSik3OGpUU/s320/Selfie+at+the+International+Rose+Test+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'm really glad to be home. No more conferences until the end of September! The garden is going great guns and is a source of deep satisfaction for me.<br />
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Bonus adventure: Have you ever seen a steam roller be a tool for art creation? We did in June.<br />
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<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-91663759499104799732015-05-31T17:29:00.002-07:002015-05-31T18:42:38.880-07:00May ClosesIt's the end of spring and the days are so long, there's almost too much of them to enjoy. I find myself going to bed while it's there's still a bit of dark blue in the sky, like the nursery rhyme.<br />
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Our little garden bed is growing pretty well. It's breezy almost every evening, which seems different than previous summers, making it hard for some of the peas to climb, but I help as best I can, rappelling twine down from the tops of poles, cramming their little tendrils into the cracks in the bamboo, hoping they'll have enough time to grown into a hold before the evening breezes start up again. The chard is prone to leaf miner, but I'm determined to rout it out. The tomatoes are all looking hearty, but none has set yet. We've started adding chard, kale, lettuce, and herbs to our meals regularly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7lRAkEWO4Tf5ASEI4BuQK2De9TLWY-klXmrorCJTqqyrOMvUaPlD15rpA8hx0gPkUgNgaf6bsGORYnwIfl6bUvBRIZx9A1aHWYHKYwJPxjumzuL6AIYNBWgqohDXx-MfjYvs/s1600/Golden+snowpea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7lRAkEWO4Tf5ASEI4BuQK2De9TLWY-klXmrorCJTqqyrOMvUaPlD15rpA8hx0gPkUgNgaf6bsGORYnwIfl6bUvBRIZx9A1aHWYHKYwJPxjumzuL6AIYNBWgqohDXx-MfjYvs/s200/Golden+snowpea.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A golden snow pea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xhKo4H6f-MCCD5N3ByZ3y4SN8bPPOTp5nN7WKHkydwj0zPZkJR686p36TgDrYw37kMW2kKlLcHyMEbdjJGTlWxcZO6xPDuFGhwBrfVJpUghKiM8m8apCQxxCOZfGbgEXGtmW/s1600/chard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xhKo4H6f-MCCD5N3ByZ3y4SN8bPPOTp5nN7WKHkydwj0zPZkJR686p36TgDrYw37kMW2kKlLcHyMEbdjJGTlWxcZO6xPDuFGhwBrfVJpUghKiM8m8apCQxxCOZfGbgEXGtmW/s200/chard.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vulcan chard</td></tr>
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We've learned a lot about gardening in just this short amount of time, chief among them: soaker hoses on timers is the way to go.<br />
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M is busy teaching himself to weld. He's made a couple of machine stands already, one from one of my brake rotors, which he was good enough to change for me. He found a bucket of rusty used horseshoes at a garage sale and is already using them for few household projects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv9Saz5Wqbz75BIYgKVID8CxubmveXgsVoH4lMT7Y2Miwxd5WkQvtz1IDnk47TASvxn3VI57zvNoZV_xtqFFgsnR63EyO-6OClJzjhXsxK7zU4xt0VMPcCew6CC09rmJaJSqU/s1600/potholder+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv9Saz5Wqbz75BIYgKVID8CxubmveXgsVoH4lMT7Y2Miwxd5WkQvtz1IDnk47TASvxn3VI57zvNoZV_xtqFFgsnR63EyO-6OClJzjhXsxK7zU4xt0VMPcCew6CC09rmJaJSqU/s200/potholder+holder.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potholder corral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxJLKwJqaGMpvA6LGivkM3Ly8F3-NjG_zsP2iw3aEtZJLio_eCc9zYGSrU4Rxm4FoaGZ_fIXeEzHKBrkJWtM5JDjMqtMaMr8fzwe2Kuv4YbWyMtbGLCHRSNZTRBUVpqPCvr9N/s1600/Horseshoe+star+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxJLKwJqaGMpvA6LGivkM3Ly8F3-NjG_zsP2iw3aEtZJLio_eCc9zYGSrU4Rxm4FoaGZ_fIXeEzHKBrkJWtM5JDjMqtMaMr8fzwe2Kuv4YbWyMtbGLCHRSNZTRBUVpqPCvr9N/s200/Horseshoe+star+in+progress.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star art in progress</td></tr>
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He wants plenty of welding practice before attempting to plug the hole in the Chevelle floorboard. It's good to see him so excited about his projects although the wine bottles into glasses effort has subsided, unfortunately. I think we've drawn about even in terms of crafty dilettantism.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZIqRmVGd2ca0ozsLe0JnP3GhQIs7084hkBzGiB-MM0Nv8X2RW7Zqd588ONacwLGjVz75Cukt6-RU1qPfupJDhnqOWRELI0_1k33eT-pO9ZQTrc296g3DbGCjjzkqeqcBbscM/s1600/PA+gals+lunch+at+Assemble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZIqRmVGd2ca0ozsLe0JnP3GhQIs7084hkBzGiB-MM0Nv8X2RW7Zqd588ONacwLGjVz75Cukt6-RU1qPfupJDhnqOWRELI0_1k33eT-pO9ZQTrc296g3DbGCjjzkqeqcBbscM/s320/PA+gals+lunch+at+Assemble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Memorial Day weekend was quiet. I did meet the PA Gals for lunch and a wander through the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm" target="_blank">Rosie the Riveter Museum</a> in Richmond. It was interesting, though of course we did more talking amongst ourselves than museum-ing. I'd like to go back. There was a "Rosie" there, and I think there is most weekends - that would be a fascinating conversation. She and M could have compared learning to weld notes! I have been doing a lot of museums this year. I don't have any more visits currently planned, so I better get cracking. Maybe I should make at least one per month my goal for the rest of the year.<br />
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I just got back from a conference in Santa Clara. It went well. I'm glad it's over.<br />
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<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-74266574434675364442015-05-20T21:23:00.001-07:002015-05-20T21:31:32.204-07:00Life, Continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My life continues to be divided along the very stark lines of working and not working. Work is very intense. Deadlines loom and pass like thunderstorms, sometimes just threatening, sometimes providing relief, sometimes darkening, sometimes sharply illuminating. But the undercurrent is always gratitude, that I have lovely people to work with and that I'm employed. And hey, it's not like anyone dies or anything. I bring roses to work and stink up the joint with their perfume. I crack jokes with coworkers and I'd say smiles outnumber frowns 2-1, even my own. I go to the gym. Walk the dog. Listen to podcasts. </div>
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And hey, there are weekend adventures, resetting the stress clock.</div>
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We took a long, foggy ride to Bolinas, a place I'd never been, which is crazy considering how long I've lived here. We rode through dripping pine and eucalyptus forests. We edged the Lagunitas reservoir and imagined how wonderful the vistas must be when they weren't gray-wooled with fog.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low tide at Bolinas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lRERv-_TpXaVvq9Xn7CTmoIY0qiRy1_5KrrVdLfAPlUSjQUZasuf7qwYzcGSVxLo9y08Fr9NsdIprwfz4y1e5NSKtMF_mrsaI2SIMgfnJPKZudNKSOi7VGikz_9B_5vk4Z5R/s1600/Bolinas+shrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lRERv-_TpXaVvq9Xn7CTmoIY0qiRy1_5KrrVdLfAPlUSjQUZasuf7qwYzcGSVxLo9y08Fr9NsdIprwfz4y1e5NSKtMF_mrsaI2SIMgfnJPKZudNKSOi7VGikz_9B_5vk4Z5R/s320/Bolinas+shrine.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolinas public shrine</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The town of Bolinas itself is lovely, if remote and chilly and filled with hipster surfers, an almost inconceivable breed of humans. But even Bolinas is exclusively expensive these days. As we had </span>lunch in an outdoor cafe, a golf cart pulled up to a parking spot on the street, a surfboard on top and two bulldogs riding shotgun. I'd like to go back on a sunny day, spend more time at the beach.</div>
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Last weekend we were in Chico, celebrating Mark's 55th and Sophia's 5th. </div>
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Dad and Ginny came out from Texas. We went to Sierra Nevada for an early dinner, as per our tradition. It was graduation weekend for Chico, so lots of crowds, but we went at the perfect time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhcKRMb53LLhWlNTSDx1A1SMyMHhyphenhyphenKb_TH6AZY3ZlV5Ib6-4NX2V8aPHuDm8JqxKYnswCMMLk_L6pauesmOART7H3wM3vwWTxtRwbK_LPjr1Gh24Pym0-vZUv7JVeRzgKwbVS/s1600/Lighting+the+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhcKRMb53LLhWlNTSDx1A1SMyMHhyphenhyphenKb_TH6AZY3ZlV5Ib6-4NX2V8aPHuDm8JqxKYnswCMMLk_L6pauesmOART7H3wM3vwWTxtRwbK_LPjr1Gh24Pym0-vZUv7JVeRzgKwbVS/s320/Lighting+the+candles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxoFBMpZTXKwb_w9_2O9vvxqCwvSRmrgDp2BwrOlh2ibbccd3Xrebzu-Kl4gqDR-hlWcFj9NqtLIjcvqVKUHEsdd032z60HcxL1LMhmaIRsRvKPQDBcW3XWRz0XzhPRql_5WW/s1600/Portrait+at+the+Stansbury+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxoFBMpZTXKwb_w9_2O9vvxqCwvSRmrgDp2BwrOlh2ibbccd3Xrebzu-Kl4gqDR-hlWcFj9NqtLIjcvqVKUHEsdd032z60HcxL1LMhmaIRsRvKPQDBcW3XWRz0XzhPRql_5WW/s320/Portrait+at+the+Stansbury+Home.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
In just about a month, M and I will celebrate 10 years of marital (mostly) bliss. Everyone was kind enough to stop by the Stansbury Home on the way back from dinner to pose for a portrait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGJOvCs1vOoVPzu_7JD4EVssZzgVNQfTH-bVGhqsZlanS9CrfdBTIjOBf3HmgQd1MEbSyH5cOPvRHtmY9wksRjOzNHZb2eUd0f5oMmCywP1A9ukK-YpP4wjDjk0IFeB-V_-jb/s1600/View+from+the+Motel+6%252C+Chico%252C+CA+May+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGJOvCs1vOoVPzu_7JD4EVssZzgVNQfTH-bVGhqsZlanS9CrfdBTIjOBf3HmgQd1MEbSyH5cOPvRHtmY9wksRjOzNHZb2eUd0f5oMmCywP1A9ukK-YpP4wjDjk0IFeB-V_-jb/s320/View+from+the+Motel+6%252C+Chico%252C+CA+May+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same ol' view from the Motel 6</td></tr>
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A brief but satisfying visit. Rex did not chase Mark and Glo's chickens, thank goodness. </div>
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In other news:</div>
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The garden bed is coming along nicely. There's a lizard who, yes, I'm going to say it - lounges between the deck and the hay bales, soaking up the sun. He's the color of oak leaves and clay clods, the shape of the mulch, so I almost step on him every evening as I inspect the vegetables. I wish I could make him my pet, but he's probably pretty freaked out by my clomping. </div>
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I also recently had a meet-up with the Pointy Pals, my writing group, and I have been challenged-slash-inspired to write a poem. It really has been too long! So I hope to have some poetry to share in the next couple of weeks.<br />
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M is working hard on the hotrod. I don't know if there's any kind of timeline to completion, but it's wonderful (mostly) hearing the clang and whine and rumble of power tools ripping it apart so we can put it back together again. And yes, I think I'll have a role to play, if a minor one.</div>
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suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-73428297595831036182015-04-26T22:02:00.001-07:002015-04-27T19:18:42.548-07:00More Art, More Family, More Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a lovely couple of weeks. I don't think I've absorbed this much art in a month ever. </div>
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I've been a member of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco for a while, mostly because I really enjoy the special exhibitions at the de Young and Legion of Honor. I've been wanting to see an annual exhibit, <a href="https://deyoung.famsf.org/bouquets" target="_blank">Bouquets to Art</a>, for a number of years, and I finally got the perfect opportunity. I played a bit of hooky on my way to a conference last Sunday morning and spent a few hours at the museum seeing some pieces from the permanent collection interpreted by floral designers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7-HcQDssG3X3ABcfbrCqpGYCiR1s8N0iYst0E_MxDTCUF-iA_ilEDZEOQlvqWmgZNjKtNYG6m9NRCTVP5U31gRBwZAQpDoQjikPDuTeeLvJR4lSFmMzRz6cJVmwe26oFK8i8/s1600/Bouquets+to+Art+-+Girasole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7-HcQDssG3X3ABcfbrCqpGYCiR1s8N0iYst0E_MxDTCUF-iA_ilEDZEOQlvqWmgZNjKtNYG6m9NRCTVP5U31gRBwZAQpDoQjikPDuTeeLvJR4lSFmMzRz6cJVmwe26oFK8i8/s1600/Bouquets+to+Art+-+Girasole.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2v65M-Xu_kvSJhOlh9ixrD0jv0C4hyjMWlwwN2RAst6iKgYqLY0_wY9IGJlnXnrytd2gMWwEgUig_1atT3q-3VA2a12Ho1s0K3LO0a-FLk2-22BaUcIMTlQW5D7X7T8uzKML/s1600/Bouquets+to+Art,+full+length.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2v65M-Xu_kvSJhOlh9ixrD0jv0C4hyjMWlwwN2RAst6iKgYqLY0_wY9IGJlnXnrytd2gMWwEgUig_1atT3q-3VA2a12Ho1s0K3LO0a-FLk2-22BaUcIMTlQW5D7X7T8uzKML/s1600/Bouquets+to+Art,+full+length.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was better than I expected, both the flower arrangements, and the permanent collection, which I felt like I hadn't really spent enough time with before. Some of the arrangements weren't particularly imaginative (I guess there's not much you can do with a painting of cherry blossoms in a ginger jar), but others were. I also took in another well-received show while I was there, "<a href="https://deyoung.famsf.org/scotland" target="_blank">Botticelli to Braque</a>," an exhibit from the National Gallery of Scotland. It was a great way to "fill the well" before the conference. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Grand Hyatt, San Francisco</td></tr>
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The conference went very well. It's one of my favorite - a lot of really nice people. One woman I've known for a few years remarked at lunch that she "needed her Suzanne time" - I thought that was so sweet. The best part was Mark coming for a few days! We had fun hanging out during the show and in the evenings. The last night we met Katrin for dinner, which made it even more special. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosRmmm093mYKElNxSY79oid_OEGyBPevon8X7oCN_j-hgqtXzartmAiVTbXvAz5PK9dcZFM1MeZ-V0lceRu4BZKlsSd1mRd521l9nkwFGjI8IWkg74xb-x47f9_WcN5SOZaie/s1600/With+Mark+at+Fluent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosRmmm093mYKElNxSY79oid_OEGyBPevon8X7oCN_j-hgqtXzartmAiVTbXvAz5PK9dcZFM1MeZ-V0lceRu4BZKlsSd1mRd521l9nkwFGjI8IWkg74xb-x47f9_WcN5SOZaie/s1600/With+Mark+at+Fluent.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a long week, though. It was my own fault, but I had made plans to run early networking events every morning, so I didn't have time get to the gym. Also, sleeping through the night is but an elusive memory for me these days. It took a few days to recover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_1aBdVSWJkFSmjef5WnCERCFK_XOEtjOLwsTpnbFzRwSfvWK1-ay8agDqreFKf0PgqtEqD_vztqj8QnvsFFUgATO5jNvYjnYmL3hy_meHow68CiIg2zyCN8VYYIfYbIvZSIC/s1600/Felicia+High+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_1aBdVSWJkFSmjef5WnCERCFK_XOEtjOLwsTpnbFzRwSfvWK1-ay8agDqreFKf0PgqtEqD_vztqj8QnvsFFUgATO5jNvYjnYmL3hy_meHow68CiIg2zyCN8VYYIfYbIvZSIC/s1600/Felicia+High+Style.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
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But that didn't stop me from enjoying another art-filled day in the City. Felicia and I went to see a <a href="http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/highstyle" target="_blank">costume exhibit</a> from the Brooklyn Museum on view at the Legion of Honor on Saturday. We also wandered through the permanent collection and around the grounds a bit after lunch. It was the first time she'd been there, which was nice. It had rained (yay!) the night before, so when the sky cleared we had beautiful views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Land's End. It was great to get my Felicia time in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BnJrT-RCcFazzhV_zHRKQt0mb1aW6SryBCmr5_zmi5fP3XrpMCj2IVOt8R5cbUPedKhFmOpDdmQXDsdedxC2LAKl91Oay1e8JNA5i0Tawg_qqsgcxMsVkFOCRRSRZ4A3_pHA/s1600/Felicia's%2Bfavorite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BnJrT-RCcFazzhV_zHRKQt0mb1aW6SryBCmr5_zmi5fP3XrpMCj2IVOt8R5cbUPedKhFmOpDdmQXDsdedxC2LAKl91Oay1e8JNA5i0Tawg_qqsgcxMsVkFOCRRSRZ4A3_pHA/s1600/Felicia's%2Bfavorite.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsey36-_M1GgL3qcVXhoj0hGR2MaBl6YXrb1AqHiqrjClZ9VGLg1j2t5Wj80e1sCjcjZLA-LGQlgrK73b-yuvipKAiO0jSx8LhRC1mDnKfpdxhkWUbAr5INUMnxGBATrxPxLf/s1600/Selfie+in+the+Salon+Doree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsey36-_M1GgL3qcVXhoj0hGR2MaBl6YXrb1AqHiqrjClZ9VGLg1j2t5Wj80e1sCjcjZLA-LGQlgrK73b-yuvipKAiO0jSx8LhRC1mDnKfpdxhkWUbAr5INUMnxGBATrxPxLf/s1600/Selfie+in+the+Salon+Doree.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't plan for it, which maybe helped, but today was one of the more productive days I've had for a while. I got up early and went to church - I had really been missing it, and it was a lovely, inspiring service. I made a quick trip to the garden store on my way home, and so was able to finish putting in the starts in the raised bed. M has become quite the drip irrigation master. I'm hoping this will allow us to have lots of veggies without raising our water rates too much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF7iGdMPdBx87csYR4Z_wI-v7-RcFJWxEMc-uETL6GxOzRR5rITeDbFpPO3w1ZXRHRYTsgMpyK1347xnnRtRqnM3d6ySQ0Ch3hbNLy9KLm9YY0QD3fYo8MYNgFrdIOmhSLC2r/s1600/Garden+bed+planted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF7iGdMPdBx87csYR4Z_wI-v7-RcFJWxEMc-uETL6GxOzRR5rITeDbFpPO3w1ZXRHRYTsgMpyK1347xnnRtRqnM3d6ySQ0Ch3hbNLy9KLm9YY0QD3fYo8MYNgFrdIOmhSLC2r/s1600/Garden+bed+planted.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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We've been talking about getting a Japanese maple for months now, to put between the stock tanks on the patio. While I was at the garden store, I saw one I liked. I mentioned that to M when I got home and he decided it was time. Off he went. Waiting for him to return, I weeded the front year, read more of the book I'm enjoying, <a href="http://www.margaretgeorge.com/books/helen-of-troy/description" target="_blank">Helen of Troy</a> by Margaret George and vacuumed my car, which needed it, and did some other cleaning odd and ends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuE_NST_dJ-EMsiZQ86zRY6bbIt9XuzHJSYZGInSnf-LCS8GJx4P933mNNOj4w5vc4ibH-6fI03-bInbyjmvT12BgmAWUchf4WjdD4-5v4V1VJNjWB66s5vgzB63r7uHKC-KC/s1600/The+Japanese+maple+arrives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuE_NST_dJ-EMsiZQ86zRY6bbIt9XuzHJSYZGInSnf-LCS8GJx4P933mNNOj4w5vc4ibH-6fI03-bInbyjmvT12BgmAWUchf4WjdD4-5v4V1VJNjWB66s5vgzB63r7uHKC-KC/s1600/The+Japanese+maple+arrives.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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The transplanted maple looks absolutely fantastic - exactly what the space needed. I hope it thrives. He also got a dwarf orange tree that he planted back by the peach trees. We spent an hour or so sitting on the deck as evening came on, admiring our handiwork while the birds flitted about as they do. </div>
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Another project I haven't had much to do with yet, but I'm very excited about: after a decade of languishing in the garage covered with Costco items and patio storage, M has unearthed the Chevelle for renovation. He's been hard at work pulling out the interior and getting it read for repairs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHgLVo3NT4Sj4Lyn8mNstIYwmWmDP8PNIo_qh3g__WHucxi7LnwudYEgyoXgwWzxG4toe3ZcbUXJzDXafRP3JMREMCRIMMr5uJJ_XMeAl-bYmcZYwwH8mqKStoZ93kRseZ_r_/s1600/inside+the+Chevelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHgLVo3NT4Sj4Lyn8mNstIYwmWmDP8PNIo_qh3g__WHucxi7LnwudYEgyoXgwWzxG4toe3ZcbUXJzDXafRP3JMREMCRIMMr5uJJ_XMeAl-bYmcZYwwH8mqKStoZ93kRseZ_r_/s1600/inside+the+Chevelle.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've volunteered to help with installing the new carpeting, upholstery, and headliner, when it comes time. It may take a while, but he's making great progress. We're both very excited about driving it around again. I remember how fun it was to turn heads as we drove around in barely mufflered style.</div>
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*****</div>
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Other misc. medical notes - feel free to stop reading now if it's TMI: I have new dental crown. I've had some low-grade pain in my upper back for a while, so had it Xrayed - it's a compression, so I had my first bone-density test a couple of weeks ago. It felt very Star Trek to lay there fully clothed while the white plastic "arm" with the spotlight scanned me from above. I've also decided to try to deal with the hot flashes that wake me up at night with prescription hormones. They've been playing havoc with my sleep and I'm desperate to make them stop. Ah, aging. Hope to feel rested enough to get to the gym tomorrow, it's been too long.suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-64034071817671819852015-04-18T19:18:00.000-07:002015-04-18T19:26:27.251-07:00Weekends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of weekends ago I spent a half a day learning a little more about the art of letterpress. I love how this type of printing creates a texture in the paper. I think it's had a bit or a resurgence in popularity, but it's not something that can really scale. Letterpress printers like this aren't made anymore, apparently. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furniture holding the printing elements in place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workshop leader Eric Johnson of <a href="http://iotapress.com/about.html" target="_blank">Iota Press</a> pulls the cover off of the press</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished "book cover."</td></tr>
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I didn't get a picture of it, but the last piece of equipment we used was a paper cutter, also purchased from the local museum. We took turns effortlessly slicing 1/8" strips from a phone book. That was surprisingly fun. </div>
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It was Don's birthday last weekend, so we headed up the coast to help celebrate. Lots of good food as always, and the company of good friends in the form of Caitlin, Sean, Mary, and Tom. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I've had a bee in my creative bonnet to make some buttons and shawl pins for my knitted creations, so Mom helped me get the pieces started. I used some of my cookie and biscuit cutters for the basic shapes as well as some tools that Mom had. It was so nice so be in the studio with her, working on our respective projects. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXkxhpgn0l8ldDMsOE5_9NtkbR21t25yo3RyadW1MdqBgY5k-p7XeGPzMHOKjQHx8pxeZxxE_c4BSXbPuO01AMqTOWqu7R23ZHOyx9exVIyLcgiXqLBBfD7QmM4uEQywl4DoC/s1600/Alder+Creek+pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXkxhpgn0l8ldDMsOE5_9NtkbR21t25yo3RyadW1MdqBgY5k-p7XeGPzMHOKjQHx8pxeZxxE_c4BSXbPuO01AMqTOWqu7R23ZHOyx9exVIyLcgiXqLBBfD7QmM4uEQywl4DoC/s1600/Alder+Creek+pano.jpg" height="61" width="320" /></a></div>
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M and I took Rex to Alder Creek for a walk. On our way down, we met a guy coming up the road who had been trying to photography a <a href="http://www.mendonomasightings.com/tag/brown-shrike/" target="_blank">brown shrike</a>, which apparently is extremely rare in these parts. We observed how the road to the beach is becoming even more overgrown. The <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/16940904358/" target="_blank">Velella</a> were on the beach in abundance, in various states of colorful desiccation.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture before the official birthday portrait. </td></tr>
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Another creative thing I have been actively pursuing over the last few years: taking macro photos of flora. I've spared my Flickr feed, but I have started <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157651514469060/" target="_blank">an album</a> finally. I may have to start a separate one of Rex's nose and small flora. He hates having his picture taken, but when I point my camera at something on the ground, you can be sure he wants to sniff it.<br />
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I've been putting off packing today, though I'm off early tomorrow for a conference in San Francisco which starts on Monday. (Mark will be coming - yay! A fun first for us sibs.) Instead, M and I started a project we had hoped to finish in just one day, a raised garden bed, made mostly of straw bales. We had seen this in a garden last year. Alas, we were thwarted by math - the soil sellers didn't calculate the amount we needed properly, so we weren't able to fill in the bed today. Despite that, we got pretty far along in the project, including getting herb and veggie starts. We'll focus on beans, zucchini, kale, a pepper and a pumpkin. Maybe fill in with some flowers if we have room.<br />
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<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-56005938038018807862015-04-05T22:39:00.001-07:002015-04-05T22:41:26.286-07:00Boston and Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
M and I had a great week in Boston. We flew into town on the 14th, several weeks after "Snowmageddon" thank goodness. The roads were clear and the T was running. Mom and Don made it really easy for us, picking up Rex the night before we left. </div>
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The conference hotel was the Marriott Copley Place - a very convenient location and connected to the convention center and shopping mall by a series of sky bridges. While the snow wasn't really an issue, it was quite cold, so it was great to be able to walk around and get meals without suffering too much. We westerners didn't really have the right shoes. </div>
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On Sunday we met Kamala at the <a href="http://www.gardnermuseum.org/home/" target="_blank">Isabella Gardner Museum</a> for lunch and a <a href="http://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/events/6168" target="_blank">chamber music concert</a>, the Aizuri Quartet with a featured second cello performer for the final piece. </div>
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It was an interesting performance space, a tall square with just one row of seats per side on the top three floors. We had to lean on the railing and peer down to see the performers, so I ended up watching people across the way, the way they listened - so I guess we audience members became part of the performance.<br />
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The museum was beautiful and had a very eclectic, almost quirky collection. It was the 25th anniversary of the high <a href="http://www.gardnermuseum.org/resources/theft/" target="_blank">art heist</a> at the Gardner, so it was in the local news quite a bit. We were there on a Sunday so it closed a little early. We definitely didn't have enough time to see the rest of the museum. Sargent's enormous <a href="http://www.gardnermuseum.org/collection/artwork/1st_floor/spanish_cloister/el_jaleo" target="_blank">El Jaleo</a> was a highlight for me. </div>
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The conference went well. It was wonderful having M with me. He had historic and snowy adventures during the day, and then we'd get dinner together in the evenings. He did catch a cold, unfortunately, which I also picked up. Luckily, it was slow moving.</div>
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The evening that the conference ended, I wandered out into Copley Square before M had returned from his touring that day. Trinity Church was closed, but the Public Library was open. I got there just in time for a <a href="http://www.bpl.org/central/tours.htm" target="_blank">tour</a>! I hadn't realized how much art it contained. I've become a fan of tours. I never would have got as much out of just wandering around.<br />
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On Saturday, after moving to a different hotel, M and I split up - he went to see the USS Constitution, which I took in on my last visit. I planned to wander around Trinity Church, then do the Museum of Fine Art, which M had already done. But when I got to the church a little after 10am, I saw that there was an <a href="http://trinitychurchboston.org/worship-and-music/music/organs" target="_blank">organ</a> <a href="http://trinitychurchboston.org/worship-and-music/music/concerts#FAT" target="_blank">recital</a> scheduled for 12:15! So hopped on the T, did the MFA for a little more than an hour, then took the T back to Trinity for the concert. I love how his feet danced over the pedals. It's a lovely space, and I had time to take in the church during the music. It smelled good, too.<br />
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After the concert, I went back to the MFA for lunch and another tour, highlights of the European art collection that culminated in a room full of Impressionists. The music piled on - during the tour, we took in a <a href="http://www.mfa.org/programs/performance-art/lee-mingwei-sonic-blossom" target="_blank">Sonic Blossom</a> performance. I really liked how many of the rooms combined different types of art - fine art on the walls and furniture and other applied arts of the time period in the center of the room.<br />
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After the museum, I met Kamala and Eliza for a drink near Eliza's new office. We rendezvoused with M for dinner in the Faneuil Hall area.<br />
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On our last morning in Boston, I walked around for a little while, hoping to take in a few sights. I did see the place where the Tea Party happened, and wandered along the edge of the Chinatown neighborhood. After about an hour, the snow and chill got to me. And I was a little worried about getting lost. Boston is not the grid that New York is, that's for sure.<br />
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We met up with Kamala, Sam, and his new girlfriend Tiffany for lunch at Legal Seafood. It was a lovely way to end our visit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6sqM5nNR0nFbT5DWMwBpnSc9ojLu9hkXGrcAIRktAfT1nAaycSs1xnGxjEr0dBt12gJf6HA7eaJJ0DwavYx7F4kYx7isrflJ3gEESc55WvQoULb7mxX1SiQvPK6tQry1xbVG/s1600/Lunch+at+Legal+Seafood,+Boston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6sqM5nNR0nFbT5DWMwBpnSc9ojLu9hkXGrcAIRktAfT1nAaycSs1xnGxjEr0dBt12gJf6HA7eaJJ0DwavYx7F4kYx7isrflJ3gEESc55WvQoULb7mxX1SiQvPK6tQry1xbVG/s1600/Lunch+at+Legal+Seafood,+Boston.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's great mixing family and history and art and music with business. I'm very fortunate. Here's the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157649176588644/" target="_blank">Flickr album</a> with more photos.</div>
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We got home late Saturday night. On Sunday I drove up to Gualala to meet Mom for lunch and pick up Rex. We missed him so much! He was sad to leave Grandma and Grandpa, however. Almost two weeks later we're finally feeling almost healthy. Funny how the cold really hung on.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8458600%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ANlsRd-WBe8%252FVSHyCsGh14I%252FAAAAAAAACIo%252FZQjjE1bMUi0%252Fs1600%252FLunch%25252Bat%25252BLegal%25252BSeafood%25252C%25252BBoston.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3081px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8458600%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ANlsRd-WBe8%252FVSHyCsGh14I%252FAAAAAAAACIo%252FZQjjE1bMUi0%252Fs1600%252FLunch%25252Bat%25252BLegal%25252BSeafood%25252C%25252BBoston.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3081px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-80490436828475223672015-03-08T17:13:00.001-07:002015-03-08T17:13:37.050-07:00More of the SameNot much excitement to report out this way. Still no rain. I did get a new camera yesterday, a Nikon CoolPix. It was cheap at Costco and seems to be enough camera for my needs. Also, the video part seems easier to figure out - I had a hard time knowing if my last camera was recording or not. It's amazing to me how many features is has for so small a device and price.<br />
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M and I have been enjoying the fine weather with the motorcycle, taking a ride to the beach last weekend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdHUqQ-Bedn2tOeDmEsVzOQLVoKN_X9CmOSL7WD2nOnvMVzgwnV57iA8pHXDbVF9vzreqxyRW6IHw5emg0J6jKn-nTdafr8-b-ff_eICv0ly8R0cdixu7nYY6VxrJig8xHOXF/s1600/Coleman+Beach+pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdHUqQ-Bedn2tOeDmEsVzOQLVoKN_X9CmOSL7WD2nOnvMVzgwnV57iA8pHXDbVF9vzreqxyRW6IHw5emg0J6jKn-nTdafr8-b-ff_eICv0ly8R0cdixu7nYY6VxrJig8xHOXF/s1600/Coleman+Beach+pano.jpg" height="93" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday we took a much longer ride, five and a half hours, along Dry Creek Road and then along King Ridge. I found out that four hours is really about my limit. I was wiped out for the rest of the day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfOO8P6COaI18Knqm2ZpO8w96D5gmALWn0LPXnxbmvZXj6qW-dwhpCipbb3QP0zAPlSBy7ll0OZMfOwqfF019Kub8wYG31lB5mLH0aeEGYFm3cXeyfE8Tdg8RwBX0l-GZJSp4/s1600/Old+Skaggs+Springs+Rd+lunch+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfOO8P6COaI18Knqm2ZpO8w96D5gmALWn0LPXnxbmvZXj6qW-dwhpCipbb3QP0zAPlSBy7ll0OZMfOwqfF019Kub8wYG31lB5mLH0aeEGYFm3cXeyfE8Tdg8RwBX0l-GZJSp4/s1600/Old+Skaggs+Springs+Rd+lunch+spot.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped for a picnic on the banks of this creek along Old Skaggs Springs Road</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_WLvPwxj8L_aQ0Nbe7AA-ewUy16MvzjWQcSe2QUuFlPIMK1ez5MNMt6sL4cKlktukK2_dwHHNy6EL4YkIQxDB2vtvZKDHXFvvm_o9bARiD7AzBXQVYPpZ2XsT5eL82f5RUAL/s1600/Lake+Sonoma+pano+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_WLvPwxj8L_aQ0Nbe7AA-ewUy16MvzjWQcSe2QUuFlPIMK1ez5MNMt6sL4cKlktukK2_dwHHNy6EL4YkIQxDB2vtvZKDHXFvvm_o9bARiD7AzBXQVYPpZ2XsT5eL82f5RUAL/s1600/Lake+Sonoma+pano+large.jpg" height="90" width="320" /></a></div>
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M continues on his home beautification projects. He tried to warn me how much he was going to cut back the oak tree, but I didn't really absorb it and was pretty shocked when I came home one day last week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAwcyf7Ov2pjDBrQPFscSIrBNzzVf5IoVdCZJaMUpNdBmSDnf4rkprD62QdYGwrT99FdIbmdf-8qZ1Z6hqVnPOFmEukyqPNwBG2VS8WNOrEUeNpT5CY1uXeEAVUz1V7RsSWA9/s1600/Chipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAwcyf7Ov2pjDBrQPFscSIrBNzzVf5IoVdCZJaMUpNdBmSDnf4rkprD62QdYGwrT99FdIbmdf-8qZ1Z6hqVnPOFmEukyqPNwBG2VS8WNOrEUeNpT5CY1uXeEAVUz1V7RsSWA9/s1600/Chipper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Some excitement is ahead however - we're going to Boston next week! I have a conference and M has never been, so he's really looking forward to it. I have an extra day on either end, so hopefully we'll be able to see Kamala and clan a couple of times.<br />
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From my Happiness Project notebook, some of the things that have made me happy lately:<br />
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Feb 25: M got up with me and made us waffles before work<br />
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Feb 28: Laying around and reading a book, <i>The Good Lord Bird</i><br />
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March 1: Going to church then taking a motorcycle ride, smelling juicy grass, manure, salt water, skunk, fresh air along the way<br />
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March 4: The huge luminous moon bookending my commute - golden in the morning darkness heading west, white in the east this evening<br />
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March 6: Going out to dinner and seeing M suffer from the super spicy Indian food<br />
<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-47131747755665937092015-02-22T20:50:00.003-08:002015-02-22T20:50:51.404-08:00San Jose -n- Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent much of last week in San Jose for a conference. I'm relieved to say it was successful overall and that I had a good time to boot. </div>
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I hosted a women's meetup on Wednesday evening. That went well. I also hosted some networking at tables at lunch the following two days that went very well, even better than usual, some interesting discussions. Those kinds of activities are very gratifying for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGojHsqjSnFECRUkRwy8RvrumEiRRxLUG7Le6aOdFOKBCPbSBCjYSktcV0TnQzd1GR2o9uLcdE3aZ1eXgD76eKECpnFjFhzDCdZr57PcTn8T8EVcCk9T_z8isAusKYw8HwqPG1/s1600/S+HW15+SanJose+womens+meetup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGojHsqjSnFECRUkRwy8RvrumEiRRxLUG7Le6aOdFOKBCPbSBCjYSktcV0TnQzd1GR2o9uLcdE3aZ1eXgD76eKECpnFjFhzDCdZr57PcTn8T8EVcCk9T_z8isAusKYw8HwqPG1/s1600/S+HW15+SanJose+womens+meetup.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got up early the next morning and went for a run with some of my colleagues as part of one of the conference activities. I admit, I didn't get very far, but it was mostly the doing that made me happy. That day was my 15th anniversary of being hired at O'Reilly. It's amazing how time flies, and how things change...yet also remain familiar. I don't take my work for granted and am really grateful that the last few years in particular have become so rewarding for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUtM-XRaj2RIMigZpfKVMFWSjd8qKg_-ABboNCpA6QLhxm21bEWKcXaVJVSm-Z4EJWadKf-nXaumUBRw-l12Y7XVm-aUN2uzrK_29WbyK1txO4eqf2XOQrxb1sU6YHIMHG3BG/s1600/Data+Dash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUtM-XRaj2RIMigZpfKVMFWSjd8qKg_-ABboNCpA6QLhxm21bEWKcXaVJVSm-Z4EJWadKf-nXaumUBRw-l12Y7XVm-aUN2uzrK_29WbyK1txO4eqf2XOQrxb1sU6YHIMHG3BG/s1600/Data+Dash.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The view from my room at the Hilton.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn63nageVGghnqJ2ZiJgA9M2oL-zVY2xx29TVqSEAsqfPkdcEIGSr-1GfedrgSVpuScq3XcR8imjBmHzkBM7suE-L2BCB_igm60B_MyW8lpyKUUhrg0bGJcqTdu9Ki3pyMmbQ/s1600/View+from+the+Hilton+San+Jose,+Feb+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn63nageVGghnqJ2ZiJgA9M2oL-zVY2xx29TVqSEAsqfPkdcEIGSr-1GfedrgSVpuScq3XcR8imjBmHzkBM7suE-L2BCB_igm60B_MyW8lpyKUUhrg0bGJcqTdu9Ki3pyMmbQ/s1600/View+from+the+Hilton+San+Jose,+Feb+2015.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Presidents Day weekend was before the San Jose trip and M and I were both pleasantly surprised at how productive we were with our various projects around the house. I think the good weather and lengthening days help. <br />
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I got together with friends Rachel and Katrin earlier this month. We had a fine time chatting as usual. Katch had recently been to New Mexico and brought back some lovely hand-spun yarn that she passed on to me. It felts up beautifully.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4iDktXj25ESviF6nYBb3jmYHXyO6YUNwMlN2jT7NffEDy5j6ZhotamBBKWQSfH_bw_Ddy-igMrEjkVWvzTrbBBVmLZ2H5S7drfJ_THOKmtDm-Ia8utgLVwRDLQ2cWOFgzLiO/s1600/Pouch+before+felting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4iDktXj25ESviF6nYBb3jmYHXyO6YUNwMlN2jT7NffEDy5j6ZhotamBBKWQSfH_bw_Ddy-igMrEjkVWvzTrbBBVmLZ2H5S7drfJ_THOKmtDm-Ia8utgLVwRDLQ2cWOFgzLiO/s1600/Pouch+before+felting.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCw5AyTwxHwpr3jDZdHXmB0F_FQJkjrdnNzMo8nIEUJu175qEOYFKV8KNuy8sCSXalvjeaW2MzaE0AZ0MHeA8P9PS0Vep2enNOWhzxA84Z0AOUeCLmxSKL_fE0q8R-BsY3wD5/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCw5AyTwxHwpr3jDZdHXmB0F_FQJkjrdnNzMo8nIEUJu175qEOYFKV8KNuy8sCSXalvjeaW2MzaE0AZ0MHeA8P9PS0Vep2enNOWhzxA84Z0AOUeCLmxSKL_fE0q8R-BsY3wD5/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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I'm enjoying having a knitted project. Though I'm done with the knitting part and now have to find a fun lining and zipper. I have most of the blue yarn left so need to think of a new project to start soon.<br />
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Another wonderful experience to report thanks to a gift: Mom and Don couldn't use their season tickets, so today M and I went to the City to hear some <a href="http://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2014-2015/Chamber-Music-Feb-22.aspx" target="_blank">chamber music</a> at Davies Symphony Hall. It was a beautiful day, crystal blue sky, warm. We had a pleasant lunch at <a href="http://absinthe.com/" target="_blank">Absinthe</a> then wandered few a few blocks of Hayes Valley before hearing the music. It was our first time there and we really enjoyed it.<br />
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*****<br />
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While I was in San Jose I shopped at <a href="http://www.muji.com/us/" target="_blank">Muji</a>, a petit, pared down Japanese department store. I bought a couple of notebooks and used one to start a happiness journal - every day I write down one thing that happened that day that made me happy. As I go through the day, it's nice to think about what I'll choose to jot down in the notebook. So far I mostly have a hard time picking just one or two things to record. I think that's a pretty good sign.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8458600%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-oX9zsj4_wOI%252FVOqnpc91wCI%252FAAAAAAAACGg%252FPFX7yfAASGU%252Fs1600%252FIMG_0867.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 278px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1197px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8458600%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-oX9zsj4_wOI%252FVOqnpc91wCI%252FAAAAAAAACGg%252FPFX7yfAASGU%252Fs1600%252FIMG_0867.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 278px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1197px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8458600%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-oX9zsj4_wOI%252FVOqnpc91wCI%252FAAAAAAAACGg%252FPFX7yfAASGU%252Fs1600%252FIMG_0867.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 278px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1197px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8458600%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-oX9zsj4_wOI%252FVOqnpc91wCI%252FAAAAAAAACGg%252FPFX7yfAASGU%252Fs1600%252FIMG_0867.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 278px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1197px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-6517070150455089982015-02-07T12:05:00.001-08:002015-02-07T12:09:28.178-08:00Forgiveness: The Greatest Healer of All<div class="MsoNormal">
I've been going to the Center for Spiritual Living for just over a year now, usually a couple of times a month. I started taking notes during the services in June to help me reflect and hopefully take actions for leading a more meaningful life. </div>
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In 2014, the Center's monthly topics focused on a different "Power of..." - Intention, Meditation, You, Humor, Awareness, etc. June's topic was forgiveness. The affirmation, which the congregation recites together near the beginning of each service, was: <i>I live in the spirit of that which I wish to become. I focus on my spiritual heritage. I feel myself to be whole, happy, and well.</i> I'm not really sure what that middle sentence is all about, but I really like this affirmation overall.</div>
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These are my notes from June 29 - <a href="http://www.cslsr.org/about-us-2/videos/video/featured/2014-06-29-removing-obstacles-to-forgiveness-dr-edward-viljoen" target="_blank">Removing Obstacles to Forgiveness</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>We are on our own path and timing for forgiveness, not
anyone else's.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The nature of force is to be met with resistance, so how can
I create an environment for forgiveness to enter and to exist since it can't be
forced? Nurture the inner space so forgiveness can enter.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I am AFRAID that forgiveness will:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>- make me seem weak<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>- mean that it is/was OK and allow the resentful-making
activity to continue<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>- reduce my power over the other < THIS<!-----></i></div>
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<i>Remove the fears of forgiving to remove/get at the real
problems. Do the "gentle work" to undo blocks and barriers to
forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Control what is yours to control.</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have a couple areas in my past where I don't feel I possess the power to forgive. But the service gave me some insight. It was good yet also a little uncomfortable and humbling to realize there are a couple of people (notably, my ex...sigh, there's some baggage I should drop, but hey, I'm on my own schedule, right?) whom I hold a grudge against because I think it somehow gives me power over them. I felt the lack of forgiveness glacier melting a scoche that day.</div>
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*****</div>
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At the end of January, I went down to the City for our first conference of the year. It was on bitcoin and other crypto currencies. It was quite interesting. Luckily, it was only one day. And a beautiful day it was - thank you, drought.</div>
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Our next conference is coming up on the 17th, in San Jose. It's a big one, so I think many of us will be very relieved when it's over. </div>
suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-74989591517019944722015-01-19T16:31:00.001-08:002015-01-19T16:31:16.160-08:00MLK Weekend + A Yearly Theme!It's been a good weekend, but as always, there doesn't seem to be enough hours to enjoy, even though M and I stayed up late (til after midnight!) last night, watching TV, reading, and knitting. Well, I was knitting.<br />
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We started the weekend with a date night, taking in Fury at the cheap, second run movie house, then going to dinner.<br />
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During our date I told M that I was feeling the need for some culture, so he suggested we go to Berkeley. We didn't really have a day over the weekend in mind, but Saturday dawned and that seemed like the thing to do. The Berkeley museum was closed, so we modified the plan for the <a href="http://www.museumca.org/" target="_blank">Oakland Museum</a> of California. We drove around town a little to get the feel, had lunch at a pretty good Mexican place, wandered around the edge of Lake Merritt, then hit the museum.<br />
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Like the Mexican place, the museum was also pretty good. A very succinct and well-exhibited history floor, plus some natural history exhibits, as well as Art art, focused around history and California artists: Dorthea Lange and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Group_f/64" target="_blank">f/64</a> group, the WPA murals, some Frida Kahlos, and Beat-era works. We particularly enjoyed the <a href="http://www.museumca.org/view/gallery-california-art#quickset-collection_art=5" target="_blank">California landscapes</a>. It wasn't overly crowded, which was nice. I had seen some <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/12710729905/in/set-72157641383304845" target="_blank">Joan Brown paintings</a> on <a href="http://flyingtriangle.blogspot.com/2014_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">our visit to the di Rosa Preserve</a> last year, and was happy to see several more of her works at the museum.<br />
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Sunday was pleasant. M indulged my desire to have a morning in bed - he fetched us coffee and the New York Times (I still haven't gotten beyond the Arts section), then made pancakes. I roused myself at noon and went out to get some yarn to make a hat for Mom's friend who will be starting chemo soon. It was a quick pattern, so I finished it up in one day. Amazing how when you follow directions to use the right yarn and needles, it turns out better! I usually try to make do from my stash, with mixed results. </div>
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We haven't really done much to reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. today, unfortunately. It's become another holiday that is just a day off for many, including me, a sort of desperate holiday bridge to look forward to that first day back at work after New Year's Day. Still, I appreciate the time away from work to reflect on my life in general.<br />
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We couldn't let the weekend go by without a little motorcycle ride, so we met Mom, Don, Caitlin, and Sean for a walk on Sears Point, which the <a href="http://www.sonomalandtrust.org/join_in/public_outings.html" target="_blank">Sonoma County Land Trus</a>t is working on.<br />
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We had lunch in Novato then went our separate ways.<br />
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I'm desperately trying not to have the Sunday-on-Monday blues, but am not very successful just now.<br />
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One thing I didn't do much of this long weekend other than the hike today, which was really more of a walk, was exercise. However, I did do the elliptical machine at the gym on Friday, and while I was working out, my Yearly Theme came to me! It's "Cultivate Happiness" which I know sounds a little vague and obvious, but I can make my theme actionable by breaking it down into activities and projects that support my happiness in three main ways - learning and trying new things, creating more stuff, and practicing being present. Making happiness a Theme is also a way of giving myself permission to do things I know will nourish me mentally and physically rather than thinking of them as unimportant or things to do when I have more time (like that ever happens!). For instance, blogging right now, and spending most of the day yesterday knitting Arna's cap, even though I probably "should have" been working. I think I can also arrange some of my work duties into the Yearly Theme, so even work can help fulfill my Yearly Theme, at least occasionally - and if I think of work tasks through the Theme filter, who knows, it might become more than occasionally!<br />
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M also wants to be very active about trying new things, which is actually why he suggested going to Berkeley this weekend - we don't really think of that city as a destination. Theme activity achieved! And I tried to incorporate my Theme activities while at the museum: Not only did I examine objects and art, I created a little animation, played a keyboard that made the sounds of various objects from the past, and added to my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157632576425349" target="_blank">Life Imitates Art</a> Flickr album.<br />
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Even just coming up with a Yearly Theme made me happy, as did writing about it. Voila! Sunday blues tamed a bit.suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-58294593933602025772015-01-11T21:21:00.002-08:002015-01-11T21:26:33.701-08:00Birthdays and Gathering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Friday, Jay turned 50 and M turned 44. A zero birthday means some celebration must be had, so I took the day off and we headed to the interior. We met Dad at the Motel 6 in Redding, then headed to Win River Casino and rendezvous'd with Mark, Felicia, Jay and his date Lisa. We dined, then hit the gaming floor for a few rounds with Lady Luck. </div>
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There were no big winners among us, not surprisingly - there is a casino business model after all. M and I dropped Dad back at the motel, then headed out to Steve and Jay's to continue celebrating. Mom and Don had come over, Glo and kids had come up with Mark, Felicia brought Sophia, and Steve's squeeze Lori had come over from Eureka. Officially a party! Mom made a cheesecake for M and a carrot cake for Jay. It was nice to see everyone. Steve's pad is coming along nicely.<br />
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Saturday morning, M and I had breakfast with Jay, Felicia, and Dad, then headed to <a href="http://lakeshastacaverns.com/" target="_blank">Shasta Caverns</a> for a little geological observation. We made the first tour of the day, so it was a very small group, just one other couple. The low lake level was a bit distressing, but caves are cool, in so many ways. The formation of stalactites over hundred of thousands, even millions of years puts our puny human birthdays in perspective.<br />
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After the caverns tour, we stopped briefly by Steve's again for a quick hello, then to the Pendleton Outlet store for a birthday gift for M, and thence to Chico. We hung out for a bit at Mark and Glo's and had a fine meal as always at Sierra Nevada Brewery. </div>
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We had a little more visiting with the Chico clan at breakfast today then headed home. We saw lots of birds - hawks, herons, egrets, snow geese mostly - on the way home. And! a porcupine at the washout in Chico! That was wild. He was just ambling along right near the road. It looked almost Muppet-ish, particularly around the footpads.<br />
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Here's the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157647914422684/" target="_blank">Flickr album</a> of our visit. I'm so glad Dad made the trip out, and to be so close to family and friends so we can mark these milestones, however briefly.<br />
<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-46499516639991957602015-01-02T16:11:00.002-08:002015-01-02T16:12:39.970-08:00The Double Sawbuck + HolidaysDespite noting it in the title, I neglected to mention in my last post that on Thanksgiving, "smoochiversary" referred to M and I celebrating two decades of togetherness. Maybe you figured that out. Well, "celebrate" might be too strong of a word. We had been thinking about it, and acknowledged it, but we didn't do anything to really celebrate it other than wonder at how the time flew by and be grateful that we are still very much in love.<br />
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I also had Grandma in my thoughts quite a bit over Thanksgiving. November 27th was the anniversary of her passing. I've really been missing her.<br />
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I know that I'm very lucky to work for a company that closes for almost two weeks at the end of every year. It makes the holidays so much more restful and enjoyable when you know that you won't be coming back from vacation to a massive pile-up of email messages and trying to catch up on projects. I had planned to try to have relaxing and also productive 16 days off, and with one vacation day and one weekend left in my holiday, I can say I've accomplished that.<br />
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In addition to the front yard project, M worked on a storage project, building cabinets in the garage for some of our excess kitchen stuff. I've been going through our cupboards here and there, sorting out some items for Goodwill and putting other things that we rarely use in boxes for storage. I admit I was a little resistant at first. Everything we own does have a place, so why find a new place for it? But, it is good to go through and make more space for things we use more often - it reduces both my mental and visual clutter a bit, and god knows I need more clutter reduction. We're also experimenting with rearranging things a little, which I think is a good exercise, even if we end up putting everything back the way it was.<br />
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Christmas was very nice. M and I went up to Mom and Don's for a few days. We ate well, walked on the beach, visited with neighbors Mary and Tom, as well as seeing Caitlin and Sean, whom we don't see enough of in the town where we live just a few miles from each other.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Seafoam was our white Christmas</i></td></tr>
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As part of their Christmas gift to us, we went to Monterey for a few days after Christmas with Mom and Don. We stayed at the Monterey Bay Lodge, which was close to downtown and right off the beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>View from our fireplace room</i></td></tr>
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We packed a lot into the two days, starting with the lovely drive down Highway 1 past San Francisco. We walked on the wharves, visited the Museum of Monterey, strolled down Cannery Row and found Julie's plaque which was pretty neat, went to the Aquarium, cruised along the beautiful beaches and 17 Mile Drive, had breakfast in quaint Pacific Grove, drove through picturesque Carmel (I now covet a <a href="http://talesfromcarmel.com/2011/04/06/hugh-comstocks-fairytale-cottages-by-the-sea/" target="_blank">Comstock Cottage</a>), saw hanks of Monarch butterflies hanging out in their sanctuary, did a little thrift store shopping. We saw lots of pelicans, sea otters, and seals outside of the aquarium. The traffic was pretty bad in spots, but that was the only snag. We had great weather, thankfully. Here's the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157650034845702/" target="_blank">photo album</a>.<br />
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Well, there was one other snag - my camera stopped working! I had my phone of course, so that was a memory saver. I can't get to the camera menu to muck around with it like I was able to when the same thing happened on our trip to Hawaii. I really hope I don't have to buy a new camera, though I'm sure I'd have fun with all of the new features...<br />
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What else about the vacation? I've been to the gym a few times. We watched "Enchanted" in the middle of the day. I've had meals with friends and dear Felicia, including a day in the East Bay with the Point Arena gals. I started knitting a scarf. I've reduced some clutter in the craft room, including ripping out two unfinished knitting projects, which I will try very hard not to replace with new unfinished knitting projects.<br />
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For the New Year, I didn't make any resolutions, but I have been working on an exercise inspired by someone whom I met through work. She created a very successful Kickstarter campaign for a creative, brainstorm-y <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/475206776/spark-notebook-a-place-for-your-life-plans-and-gre" target="_blank">notebook</a> that focuses on making an annual theme that you support with actions as a guide for your life and work. I haven't been able to distill my theme yet, but so far, being more creative and less fearful are my front-runners. It includes exercises, inspirational quotations and questions, and places for projects and monthly challenges, so I think it will be very useful.<br />
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Time is funny, isn't it, how it unfolds before us in plans and ideas, and stretches away behind in memories and, maybe, regrets. Given my age, <strike>I guess</strike> I'm starting the slide down the far side of life's fulcrum. Sometimes I feel as though I just want to settle deeper into the routines I've established - most of them make me happy and feel nourished, but sometimes they feel more like ruts. I also realize that going deeper can be another way to mix things up, if I do it in a mindful and positive way. 2014 was a pretty good year but it also had some major challenges, an annus somewhat horribilis. I'd like to think I learned a lot, at least. <br />
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Happy 2015. Here's to continuing to learn!suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-42715428030291145882014-12-14T16:25:00.000-08:002014-12-14T16:25:27.787-08:00December UpdateIt's been far too long since I've posted. I'm mulling resolutions for 2015 these days and "more blogging" is on the list. Again. I'm thinking of rechristening them goals, or at least attaching more concrete outcomes to the list this year. So, "more blogging" will probably become "blog at least once a month" which is the minimum output I'd prefer - don't know about your preferences, but then it's not really about you, is it? :)<br />
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Part of why I haven't blogged is because life's adventures have been modest of late. Luckily, work has mellowed to normal levels of stress from the freakishly high they were for a month or so since that also makes it hard to post.<br />
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The front yard project is coming along well. M has been working very hard removing the top six inches or so of soil, replacing it with good dirt, and pouring concrete pavers. I've been offering helpful design advice and assisting with the plants. It will still take a year or two for all of the new ground covers (elfin and creeping thyme, sedum, and dymondia mostly) to get established and spread to every nook and cranny of the yard, but even with just the new soil replacing the dead "lawn" it looks much better.<br />
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I'm not much of a Halloween celebrator, but our Accounting Department makes a big deal of it every year. I suggested they let the whole office know the theme this year so we could all join in. I hope you can tell the theme they chose from the photo below, taken with my friends Monique and Mace. Monique and I walked to the nearby grocery store to pick up lunch in our Old West attire, and it was kinda fun being out and about in dress-up getup.<br />
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M and I took a motorcycle ride to a place we'd tried to see before but were turned back because of fire: The Geysers. We weren't allowed very close to the plant, but there are tours a few times a year. It was a little unnerving seeing a whole valley threaded with pipes and steam rising from a couple of buildings. Apparently tapping the steam has increased the number of earthquakes in the area. It was a lovely ride through a very remote area.<br />
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Thanksgiving was a fine holiday. I took two additional days off of work, and that was great. I went up early to Mom's and got some extra relaxation in. Arienne, Christin, and Scott came up with M the next day, as did JeriLu and having a few more family members made it extra festive. The food was great of course. Booze flowed freely.<br />
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We played games in the evening, which was a fun change - Cards Against Humanity - once in between hands of 31 - and Pictionary! Team Women won against Team Men. We worked on a puzzle. The weather was clear at first then got a little wet, but we were able to squeeze in a walk on the Stornetta Public Lands.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Mom at Starcross</td></tr>
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Arienne, Christin, and Scott had to leave on Saturday; M and I stayed til Sunday. Mom and I did some holiday shopping at <a href="http://www.starcross.org/" target="_blank">Starcross</a>, a monastic community in Annapolis, at the Gualala Arts Festival of the Trees. We stopped off at the <a href="http://www.thesearanchchapel.org/" target="_blank">Sea Ranch Chapel</a>, a particularly lovely little building that I'd never actually been to before, though have passed probably a gazillion (at least!) times in my travels up and down the coast lo these many years. Here's the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157649555957875/" target="_blank">Flickr album</a> for Thanksgiving.<br />
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We finally got some rain! The mushrooms have gone mad this year. We also had a storm last Thursday. The various authorities were really hyping it, so most people were prepared. Unfortunately, the city did not clean out the culvert at the end of our street, so the water flooded the gutters and washed away much of M's hard work on the front part of our yard. It's mostly just a matter of getting more soil, but a frustrating setback in time and a little money.<br />
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Of course, it could have been much worse. On the bright side, we're happy with how the yard is coming along generally. There's a lot of planting left to do, and now we're a little worried about timing. We want to get in as much as we can when it's cool and rainy, but we don't want to have more wash away, either. Given the drought, we didn't anticipate that that would be a problem!<br />
<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-33427746197364495832014-10-25T22:59:00.001-07:002014-10-25T23:08:38.255-07:00Since My Last Post"Since My Last Post" should be the title of every post from now on, eh? Reflecting on the recent past always makes me happy. This last unit of history included:<br />
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A visit from Aunt Janice and a rendezvous at Mom and Don's. It was great to see her especially since the occasion became a partial family reunion of sorts with the Chico Axtells coming over too. We ate well, we walked the Stornetta Public Land bluffs, we played cards. The weather was unusually fine - I actually got sunburned on the walk. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157648372550906/" target="_blank">More photos in the Flickr album</a>.<br />
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It seems so long ago now, but just a few weeks ago I was in Phoenix for the <a href="http://gracehopper.org/" target="_blank">Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing</a> event. It was really wonderful to be at at a technical event that was almost all women, the very opposite of what I'm used to. I was in the room when Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made his most <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/9/6953697/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-women-raises" target="_blank">unfortunate remarks</a> about women not needing to ask for raises since karma will out, apparently. That took the happy edge off a bit. Unfortunately I was quartered an urban wasteland and worked a lot of long, intense days so didn't have time to see the city at all, but I was so glad I went. I met and reconnected with a lot of great people.<br />
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I had a weekend at home after the Arizona journey then was off to New York for my last conference of the year, yippee. I had less time in New York this time and the conference was exhausting, but I think I made the most of it. I journeyed down to my old neighborhood one night, dining at <a href="http://www.luciennyc.com/" target="_blank">Lucien</a> then walking up 2nd Avenue to Union Square, which was filled with folk - I imagined the ancient agoras of Athens must have similarly hosted throngs sitting, eating, playing chess, taking the evening air. On another night I shopped at <a href="http://www.fishseddy.com/" target="_blank">Fishs Eddy</a> before having pizza at <a href="http://www.eataly.com/" target="_blank">Eataly</a>. I had my traditional dinner with Cathleen on Friday, my last night, at <a href="http://etcetcnyc.com/" target="_blank">etcetc</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera students in the 42nd Street Subway</td></tr>
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The next morning, I arose, packed, checked out of the hotel then sallied forth. After the successful one-hour visit to MOMA last month, I tried it again at the Metropolitan. It was a very worthwhile whirlwind tour. Though there was a long line to get in, it moved swiftly and I was the only person in several of the rooms, including a <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/objects?exhibitionId={93F2A73E-D2AE-46A2-823B-A47219E55980}&pg=1&rpp=30" target="_blank">kimono exhibit</a>. I visited the Temple of Dendur which is always inspiring, and finished with a <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2014/grand-design" target="_blank">tapestry exhibit</a> which I had low expectations for but the sheer enormous scale of the tapestries and number was transformative. How often are you surrounded with a huge hall of them, allowing you to come eye to eye with beautifully woven representations of equine scrota, blood coursing from a recently beheaded neck, vistas of ancient Jericho, the serpent in Eden, and of course <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?exhibitionId=%7b1cbc75b8-0a13-4806-939e-eadeab4b16e7%7d&oid=238938&ft=*&fe=1" target="_blank">God</a>?<br />
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After the Met I subwayed downtown to Union Square where I felt produce envy at the farmers market which has only gotten larger and more wonderful in the 16 years since I lived nearby. I walked uptown and around Gramercy Park to meet the Caiola Madhu clan for a delightful south Indian lunch at <a href="http://www.saravanabhavan.com/" target="_blank">Saravana</a>. We shopped at <a href="http://www.kalustyans.com/" target="_blank">Kalustyan</a>'s, and then we all took the 6 train uptown. I picked up my bags at the hotel and met the car to JFK and home. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157648873761115/" target="_blank">More photos in the Flickr album</a>.<br />
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It was a relief to return, though work continues to be quite stressful.<br />
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M has been taking on even more homekeeping projects. I'm really enjoying his wine-bottles-to-glasses craft and we're (the royal we - he's doing all the work) finally replacing the front lawn sections with ground cover plants and stepping stones.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Even with the cone of shame for a skin allergy, Rex is able to adequately supervise the work.</span></td></tr>
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Dad was here from Texas for a few days, and it was great to see him. It was a good occasion to have Felicia and Erin over too. We had a lovely time reviewing all of the photos Ginny posted from their Morocco trip - made me want to go! I took Friday afternoon off and we went thrift shopping at Lytton Springs on our way up to Coppola for a wine tasting and vista enjoyment. He left for Chico this morning, but we had time for a nice breakfast with Felicia.<br />
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Tomorrow I'm meeting Rachel for lunch and then we're going to a clothing swap at a friend's place. Nothing like free clothes to lift the spirits!suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-13307698685609769412014-09-26T23:38:00.001-07:002014-09-26T23:40:16.357-07:00Happy Blog-iversary to MeTen years ago today I started blogging. Ten! Doesn't time fly? Fly!<br />
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I've been meaning to blog for some time and am glad this occasion finally compels me. I have no excuses other than work being stressful, some travel, and generally finding life rolling away the way that it does. Faithful readers, thank you for being here, still.<br />
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Since my last post:<br />
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Motorcycle rides through the desiccated countryside. A classic car show in Napa the weekend before the big earthquake. Undertaking some long overdue home keeping projects. The county fair.</div>
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Learning to meditate. A trip up the coast for the opening of Mom's show. So nice that again Mark and the kids were there.<br />
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We recently returned from a trip to New York. Business venn diagrammed by birthday, so M came with me. There were many highlights: several occasions to visit with the Manhattan Madhus, Book of Mormon, a service at the NY Center for Spiritual Living, a sail around the confluence of the East and Hudson rivers, a stay at the storied Algonquin, an unexpected an serendiptious lunch with Ginny and Laura, and a quick but lovely visit to the MOMA. I took notes during the trip and would like to share more, but given my lack of posts recently, I'm feeling pessimistic.<br />
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More travel, more stressful work, more family visits that make life so worthwhile all coming up soon, so I have a lot to look forward to! Oh, and more attempts to meditate.<br />
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<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-62953980242956791672014-08-03T18:48:00.006-07:002014-08-03T19:01:25.444-07:00The Fourth Was with Us. And BeyondWe went up to Mom and Don's over the 4th. Mark and the kids were there, as was JeriLu according to tradition - we celebrated her 70th birthday. We packed a lot into the three days..<br />
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We went up to Don's property up on the hill hoping to rescue a homemade Big Green Egg style cooker but unfortunately it was a little too primitive. We met the horses that are staying in the orchard. The palomino took quite an interest in Rex, who of course nipped at him. The horse didn't like that much and started chasing Rex, which freaked me out - I thought I was going to see him trampled so I tried to distract the horse, which in retrospect was not a very smart thing to do. Rex finally headed back to the gate with his tail between his legs, all disasters averted.<br />
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I took Ry and My into town to see Grandma at the gallery, and wander up and down Main Street one afternoon.<br />
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A few weeks before our visit, the barn at The Village burned down. That made me a little sad. So many memories! Katrin and family were also up for the 4th, so I met her, Peter, Leslie, Ruby, and Theo at The Village to see what was left, but it was just a patch of scorched earth by the time we got there. We walked up to Peter's cabin, then down to the river. It was a good visit, despite the feeling of loss over the barn.<br />
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We all headed out to the bluffs to watch the fireworks. We were worried about fog, but it was beautiful weather. Not too cold or windy and though the fog started lowering a bit, it ended up being more ethereal than obscuring, especially when the smoke from the ignition point on the wharf framed the lower part of our view.<br />
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*****<br />
<br />
I wrote a poem for Grandma a couple of weekends ago:<br />
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You get used to telling someone<br />
I love you<br />
when they can read it,<br />
hear it.<br />
Can words still echo in a heart or ear<br />
whose chambers have collapsed?<br />
<br />
If the ashes of my love rise<br />
to you in heaven<br />
will you taste the fiery spark?<br />
I don't think so, though I want to.<br />
So much love has gone unsensed.<br />
Does it collect in a pool,<br />
like a quarry with no outlet,<br />
a liquid darkness descending forever?<br />
<br />
If I bathed in said pool would I<br />
be washed clean of the despair<br />
of not knowing where my love for you flies?<br />
Please don't let it be wasted on air or<br />
seep away between the quarry stones or<br />
be that small blue egg (your favorite color<br />
the shade of heaven)<br />
that was yarded out of the juniper bush in mischief<br />
and dashed to the driveway,<br />
tender yolk and fragile oval shell exploded open<br />
for nothing<br />
for nothing<br />
<br />
please don't let I love you be<br />
for nothing.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
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July brought the annual excursion to Portland. (M spent that week with Mom and Don and apparently Rex pointedly did not go into the orchard with the horses on their visits to the hill property.)<br />
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I had only one night with Lloyd and Jacque, but we made the most of it. Heather came down with a friend, Michelle and her boys and Jim and Enid all came over for dinner. I really appreciate how they all come together for my visit. Before bed, I went through a number photo albums that Lloyd had brought back from Grandma's, and took a fine stack of prints, some that I hadn't seen in quite some time. Lloyd, Jacque, Heather, her friend and I had a lovely breakfast at <a href="http://breadandinkcafe.com/" target="_blank">Bread & Ink</a> the next morning, then they dropped me at the hotel for my work day to begin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks so Uncle Lloyd for snapping this one!</td></tr>
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The conference went well. It's our longest one, six days including set-up. I paced myself, which meant I didn't get out much, but had fun at some of the conference parties. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing around with Monique</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to look suave with Sharon. The mustache was a great way to get noticed!</td></tr>
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I did have one nice meal at <a href="http://nedluddpdx.com/" target="_blank">Ned Ludd</a>, followed by a long and pleasant postprandial walk back to the hotel through the lushly planted neighborhood. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, so many people wishing for so, so many things</td></tr>
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The conference ended after lunch on Thursday, so I took the streetcar and spent some time downtown, taking in the <a href="http://www.portlandartmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Portland Art Museum</a> for about 45 minutes, which wasn't enough of course, but I did enjoy it, particularly the first peoples artifacts and the large red Christmas-tree-shaped pile of Chihuly glass. I shopped my way (the museum store, <a href="http://craftywonderland.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Wonderland</a>, <a href="https://www.canoeonline.net/" target="_blank">Canoe</a>, <a href="http://www.powells.com/" target="_blank">Powells</a>, <a href="http://www.knit-purl.com/" target="_blank">Knit Purl</a>, <a href="http://www.buffaloexchange.com/location-details/portland" target="_blank">Buffalo Exchange</a>) to <a href="http://www.andinarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Andina</a> for dinner with friends from work. Writing all that, I see I probably could have spent more time in the museum after all, but I wasn't sure how long it would take me to walk over to the restaurant. Visiting the museum and seeing all of the art throughout the city (for instance, the bathrooms at the convention center have some really lovely art in them) reminded me that I've let my Art Imitates Life photo project lapse a bit too long.</div>
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It was nice to come home after so long away. </div>
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M and I have had nice weekends, last weekend sitting on the beach for a few hours. This one he's spending fixing one of the side-yard fences. I really appreciate that he knows how to do home-keeping stuff like that!</div>
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<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-73006171879524936782014-06-22T16:55:00.000-07:002014-06-22T16:56:07.525-07:00Hello, SummerYes, I still need to finish the Hawaii post!<br />
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In the meantime, the days of my life continue to unwind in a regular rhythm. (Or do they wind up? Guess it depends on my perspective at the time.)<br />
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Work is a bit higher level of stress than I'd like it to be, but then again exercising my brain at a higher level is A Good Thing. Two people have left my immediate team, which was partly OK since one didn't really want to be there anymore, and that's just a drag to be around, but it also means a lot of extra work for me and the new gal.. We had three days of training with two different leaders last week, which was energizing in many ways too. I think a lot of the stress is just that things are changing, and trying to both absorb the changes around me while embodying change as well.<br />
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Weekends have been lovely.<br />
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M and I took a motorcycle ride to Napa and lunched at <a href="http://oxbowpublicmarket.com/" target="_blank">Oxbow Public Market</a>, a place we hadn't been before.<br />
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We saw a good friend of M's twice: once at a performance of the SF Symphony at Weill Hall one evening for a <a href="http://gmc.sonoma.edu/event/1812469-dutoit-conducts-beethoven-and-shostakovich" target="_blank">really excellent Beethoven and Shostakovich</a> program.<br />
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The other time we rode out to his lovely home (which actually bears a close resemblance to my dream home...) in Sebastopol. His wife is a<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Terry-Sauve-Fine-Art/148280988554834?sk=photos_stream" target="_blank"> talented artist</a>, and was participating in an Open Studios tour event. I almost bought one of her works, but it sold before I could muster the courage--she charges artistic prices--to actually pull the trigger. Maybe next time. We continued on after the visit to have lunch in Occidental then over Coleman Valley Road to see the fog-wreathed sea.<br />
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Last Sunday, Mom and Don came down for a visit. We celebrated Mom's birthday the previous Friday and Fathers Day with a little gathering. Felicia, Erin, Jerilu, and Judith came over to celebrate. It was nice entertaining. We should probably do it more often, the house would probably be cleaner.<br />
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Yesterday was a lovely adventure: Sean and Caitlin invited us to a day of boating on Lake Sonoma. The day was warm but not unbearable, the dogs got along just fine, the water was beautiful. We cruised about, the men fished. We discussed the merits of boat-in camp sites. We saw mergansers (which Chavo tried to catch by swimming after them) and an osprey and pig tracks. We picnicked under an oak tree and lolled about in its shade. We imagined ourselves in the houseboats, the luxury yachts, the pontoon boats.<br />
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It was hard to see the water level so low, however.<br />
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And we continue to attend "church" irregularly. The theme for June has been forgiveness, so Sunday mornings have been extra thoughtful.<br />
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And now it's summer. I love the long days. The orioles and hummingbirds have continued to entertain us at the backyard feeder. We may have to add a few more.<br />
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Well, I should go pack. I'll be at a conference in Santa Clara all next week. Wish me luck!suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-12683053756395487452014-05-26T13:00:00.000-07:002014-05-26T13:59:43.660-07:00Wow. Two Months. <div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Is this the longest I’ve gone without blogging? Definitely some of my absence from writing is due to work stress. The job has been occupying a lot of my brain space, and that’s pretty tedious for me, so I can only imagine how unengaging it would be to read about. But things have gotten better at work: we hired a new manager for the position I’ve been filling in for, so in a few months I think I’ll be in a more creative space. I did some culinary projects this weekend—bread, yogurt, ice cream—so I think the agita grip is loosening a bit already.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, on to catching up. I’ll do the Hawaii post separately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Back in April, the big fun was taking a three day weekend and heading up to the coast for a multi-part visit. It was Don’s birthday, Jay and Brandon were visiting, and M and I were enjoying Mom’s Christmas gift to us, a night at the Greenwood Pier Inn, including dog sitting. We drove up Friday the 11th to hang out, walk on the beach, and have a lovely birthday dinner at a newish place in town, <a href="http://www.unedaeat.com/" target="_blank">Uneda Eat</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Saturday, Felicia came up and we drove up to Elk to check out <a href="http://www.greenwoodpierinn.com/north-sea-castle.html" target="_blank">the room at the Inn</a> and walk on the lovely beach there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then they all left and M and I got some snacks at the store and just stared at the incredible scenery from the deck for a few hours. I felt like we were in training for Hawaii. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were two funny moments during our stay. The first came when, after we had retreated inside to stay warmer while still enjoying the view, a young woman suddenly sprang up on our room’s deck from behind the fence, saw us staring (thank goodness that’s all we were doing!) and equally shocked, leapt back off the deck and ran away. We didn’t see her again! The second came after our nice dinner—we were relaxing in the enormous bathtub upstairs that commanded the same stunning view, watching the stars come out and…<a href="http://ardrone2.parrot.com/" target="_blank">a quadricopter</a> hovering near our window. That was a little unsettling. We couldn’t see where the pilot was. I hope it didn’t have a camera. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from continued work stress, the only other notable event in April was our enjoyment of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/233837813475675/" target="_blank">Noises Off</a> by one of our local theater companies. One of my work friends was in it, and it was very enjoyable. That’s two live performances this year! Pretty good. Regular attendance at “church” helps me meet my goal of taking in more live music too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve had some nice motorcycle rides. We had an incredible visit to Mt. Tamalpais last month, a place neither of us had been before. The visibility wasn’t great, but even so it was spectacular, helped by the abundant wildflowers and green pastures. I don’t think we’d realized that it had a 360-degree view of the bay, or that one of the roads along the top of a ridge afforded views of both the ocean and the valley. That one will be fun going the other direction, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, just yesterday we rode out to Guerneville for brunch, then up over Sweetwater Springs Road, past the old quicksilver mine, to Westside Road. It was hot and my helmet is (or maybe it’s my glasses) starting to give me headaches so it didn’t end well for me. But it’s such a pleasurable way to explore and for M and I to be together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had <a href="http://solidcon.com/solid2014" target="_blank">a conference</a> in the City last week. It was just a two-dayer so it went by quickly. I enjoyed it--robots and futuristic stuff. We had unusually lovely weather. The view from my hotel room was not the worst I've ever had, but close to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">M and I are also seeing more movies in the theater lately. I’m not sure why. We’re certainly eating out less in an entertaining (i.e., expensive) way in the past year or so, so maybe it’s a replacement for that. Yesterday afternoon, after the motorcycle ride, we saw X-Men: Days of Future Past which was a passable way to stay out of the heat. But it got me thinking a little this morning, as I was mucking around with photos and thinking about the photo book I mean to create this year (really, this year is the year!). I have so many photos now, of frivolous things and unremarkable moments as well as the more significant ones. In the future, how much will I care about some of the photos I put in? How much will I remember about what was happening when I took the photo? I think my reflections were also spurred by the realization that this week marks the 20th year of M’s first visit to New York, our first, amazing incredible date that still feels like it’s continuing. (Aw.) M asked me to come up with a photo and post it on Facebook, so I was looking through some old-ish photos—old friends whose names I can’t quite remember anymore, events that happened in a year I can’t recall. Will more details help jog more memories, or will I just wonder what the hell I was thinking? I guess I’ll have to wait til the future to find out. Here's the photo, one of the first we took together--writing this from the future of that moment, I know I'm glad I have it.</span></div>
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suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-44719341589442689652014-03-23T18:01:00.002-07:002014-03-23T18:27:32.399-07:00The Last Month…has been pretty quiet, which is why I haven't posted. It's not that nothing has happened. It's more like a nice series of brief adventures that I've collected enough of to set down.<br />
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Jay had his shoulder surgery and spent some time recuperating at Mom and Don's so I used that as an excuse for a "turn and burn," driving up for lunch and back the same day. We had a very scenic walk on the <a href="http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140311/articles/140319932">Stornetta Public Lands</a>, which were officially named a National Monument the Tuesday after my visit.<br />
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I stopped by Manchester Cemetery on my way up, to visit Jim's ashes. The flowers seem to be growing vigorously.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTRKqODmY53NEgzLbVKUPaeauu7DyW29qGk8qwcHuKQzJqPnXag-kSYv1dcgwUJJeNZGubnReuAdnmXC8u9xpbx-9J7TrL_eWHJLtG_EsrnxPeLItij3zg1IHezZmJf2vxzCA/s1600/Fluent+photobooth+with+Monique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTRKqODmY53NEgzLbVKUPaeauu7DyW29qGk8qwcHuKQzJqPnXag-kSYv1dcgwUJJeNZGubnReuAdnmXC8u9xpbx-9J7TrL_eWHJLtG_EsrnxPeLItij3zg1IHezZmJf2vxzCA/s1600/Fluent+photobooth+with+Monique.jpg" height="320" width="104" /></a>I couldn't spend much time in Manchester was because our second conference of the year happened the following Monday in San Francisco, and it went well. I had another one of my evening events for women. It was a good sized group and they were all very enthusiastic, clapping and cheering all of the speakers, and that was great. There was a photo booth in the Exhibit Hall, so my friend Monique and I mugged for the camera.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">M and I took a long wonderful motorcycle ride last weekend, heading up to Cazadero then King Ridge, then down along Sea View to Jenner and home along River Road. It was so steep and green and lovely. I don't think it will be green for much longer, given the drought. We're back to watering the outdoor succulents, roses, and peach trees with water caught in bowls and buckets in the sinks and shower.</span><br />
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On Monday, I did dinner and a movie with Felicia. I know that doesn't sound very adventurous, but I rarely see movies in the theater these days. I love having her in Santa Rosa.<br />
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This weekend, M and I spent 23 hours camping with Caitlin and Sean at Doran Beach in Bodega Bay. Despite the chill, lack of sleep (I didn't pack quite enough blankets, poor M's air mattress deflated on him at about 3am, Rex paced regularly, and waves that were so close they were more disruptive than soothing when it came to shut-eye), and being surrounded by other "campers" running their generators to watch TV while huddled in their Weekend Warriors, it's something we'd like to do again. Though I'm thinking that two nights is really the minimum stay for all the work that goes into packing and then unpacking. We had nice walks on the beach, pleasant hours contemplating the bay from the beach, an excellent beer tasting, good food, and a bonfire.<br />
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I will say that I'm also missing Grandma very much lately. I feel like my spring visit with her should be just around the corner. I had really cherished that routine which was also a small adventure to anticipate twice a year. The woman who leads the gym class I go to on Wednesday morning does not vary her music, which is bad enough--if it drives me crazy, how can she stand it?--but there's one song in the playlist by Mariah Carey about <a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/bye-bye-lyrics-mariah-carey.html">saying goodbye</a> and it usually makes me tear up when it starts to play. It is good to remember Grandma, though, no matter how sad I feel.suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-19224650000842659022014-02-24T22:31:00.000-08:002014-02-25T06:26:10.955-08:00Culture ContinuesThe first big conference of the year happened this month, our big data conference in glamorous Santa Clara, and I was glad to get back in the swing of eventing. It was very successful, which of course is always a relief, but also draining.<br />
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After recovering, I've since been very happy and humbled too by how much arty stuff I've been able to enjoy in the last few weeks.<br />
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Two weekends ago, a friend from work offered us free tickets to a wonderful concert at the Green Music Center, "<a href="http://santarosasymphony.com/13_14_events/event_Classical_5.asp" target="_blank">Sons of the Fjord</a>," featuring works by<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Grieg and Sibelius, and an American premiere by Orjan Matre, "Resurgence." The premiere was very interesting--the composer had placed musicians throughout the hall, including putting the brass backstage (they left one of</span> the doors open). We weren't too far from an oboist. We had come early to hear a lecture by the musical director and the clarinetist, so luckily we were prepared for it, and it did help me listen to the music. They talked about how placing the musicians in places other than the stage changed how you would hear the piece spatially, just as how where you sat would too. The pianist had been delayed because of bad weather and had just arrived the night before. I wonder what they would have done if he hadn't made it? M was able to bring a friend and there were quite a few people from work there--I sat next to someone in my book and knitting groups, so it ended up being a social occasion as well. Sadly, the seating was even more uncomfortable than our first visit to the Center months ago--hard chairs, I couldn't quite put my feet on the floor, and we were looking hard right. I wish we could have switched seats with the balcony across the way at intermission. Still, they were free tickets--I'm ungrateful to be complaining. Maybe the hard chairs are to help keep you awake.<br />
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The following Sunday, we saw a matinee of "<a href="http://www.rpcity.org/index.aspx?page=19&recordid=5182" target="_blank">Annie Get Your Gun</a>" at a local community theater. An acquaintance I used to work with was in the title role, and it was very well done. Surprisingly good singing.<br />
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For Presidents Day, we took a drive out to Bodega Head, thinking we might see some whales. We did not. It was clear but windy, so we didn't stay long. We did visit the campsite we'll have next month. That's a nice activity to look forward to.<br />
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Last Wednesday I went down to the City for the day to a developer conference. I had worked with one of the organizers to help put together a women in tech panel. I suggested one of our editors moderate the panel and secured another panelist, and it was really gratifying to see them on stage and how well it went. They were mobbed after it ended, something that hadn't happened to the other speakers I'd seen. I made some good contacts too.<br />
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On Saturday, M and I had another epic double date with friends Caitlin and Sean. We had purchased discount coupons weeks ago for a place I'd been wanting to see for years, the <a href="http://www.dirosaart.org/" target="_blank">di Rosa Art Preserve</a>. I had been worried/hoping it would rain, but we had spectacular weather yet again. We stopped for lunch on the way at the <a href="http://thefremontdiner.com/" target="_blank">Fremont Diner</a>, which was hopping.<br />
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I wasn't sure what to expect from the di Rosa. I figured a tour would be a good place to start since the di Rosa collection is mostly Northern California artists from the last forty years, and I'm really glad we did it. The docents gave some history of the collection and setting, but mostly just let us wander through the galleries, leaving it up to us to ask about works that interested us. The di Rosas were kind of art hoarders and there was so much art, in all kinds of media. I definitely didn't see all of it. </div>
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In addition to the two main galleries, there was a tunnel to the residence, which was also jam packed with art, and had a view of the meadow with yet more art. </div>
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It was a lot to take in. So I can look forward to another visit or two. We added significantly to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/99158622@N00/sets/72157632576425349/" target="_blank">Life Imitates Art</a> Flickr set. </div>
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After the di Rosa, we stopped at the new Carneros Brewery and tried some beer, then had dinner back in Santa Rosa. It was great spending so much time with them. We don't see them often enough, but when we do, we make the most of it!</div>
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On Sunday I was a little tuckered out from the art overload of the day before, but met Pointy Pal Rebecca for some conversation and a little work, had a walk on Taylor Mountain with Felicia, and made a Test Kitchen recipe that included kneaded kale, a first for me. Life is pretty darn good.</div>
<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-51203968156288684962014-02-02T15:59:00.001-08:002014-02-02T16:06:55.583-08:00City OutingI woke up to an unfamiliar sound this morning, and it took me a while to figure out what it was. And then I couldn't believe it. But finally, it's raining! Raining! Keep raining! I hope it will. It's been falling steadily today, not too much of a deluge, which is perfect, a nice soaking. I'd really been missing lying in bed on a dark Sunday morning listening to the rain falling. It was a lovely start to the day. The birds are very happy, prancing about on the deck, flitting through the oak tree, flying from fence line to fence line. What a relief, even just a brief one. And a surprise, I didn't see any precipitation in the forecast.<br />
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M and I did rouse ourselves from our rain-induced hypnosis and got to the Center this morning. The theme this month is meditation, and I'm glad I went since meditation is something I'd like to do more of. I'm also reading a book about meditation<span style="font-family: inherit;">, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14572.Peace_Is_Every_Step" target="_blank">Peace Is Every Step</a> by Thích Nhất Hạnh, so that's nice synergy. Being out for a bit made it nicer</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> to get home and putter around the house. Yogurt is straining in the fridge, keep</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">i</span>ng a Cook's test recipe of flan company, and a loaf of sandwich bread is cooling on the counter. I have no enthusiasm for the Superbowl. We'll do some sort of stir fry for dinner tonight, so M can master his wok chops.<br />
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But, yesterday! Yesterday was an adventure in the City. Felicia and I had been planning to see the <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/art-bulgari-la-dolce-vita-beyond-1950-1990" target="_blank">Bulgari exhibit at the de Young</a> for months and it was pretty eye-popping.<br />
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The exhibit area was kept very dark, I assume to highlight just how scintillating the jewelry is. Each case was lined with sparkly white material. There were more guards than usual, so Felicia couldn't sneak in any photos. There were a couple of "interactive" displays that were really just animated projections. After seeing the Gaultier exhibit a while back with the projections of faces on the mannequins, I wish they would have a technology where you could project your own face onto a display, as if you were wearing one of the designer dresses or the enormous emerald necklace that once adorned Elizabeth Taylor, and then take a picture. Wouldn't that be fun? I bet they'd get a lot of buzz around that too, though maybe they don't need that.<br />
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While we were having lunch at the de Young after seeing the exhibit, Felicia remembered that her friend had recommended a park in San Francisco that had incredible views and a mosaic staircase. Since it was a brilliant day and it wasn't too far from the museum, we set out on foot to find the park. It wasn't quite as close as I had thought it was going to be, and the first hill seemed like just a nice warm up. But then we came upon this set of stairs:</div>
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I hope you can see how many flights there are in the photo. And then when we got to the top of the stairs, there were a few more uphill streets to climb. Then more flights of stairs once we got to the park in order to get to the top. We paused regularly to, um, admire the views and kept up a "Hawaii" mantra since we'll both be going in a few months and are trying to get in shape for our trips. But it worth getting to the top! It's not much of a park, but the vistas are amazing--definitely earns the name of Grandview. We saw the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81641" target="_blank">Farallon Islands</a> on one side, and the bay on the other, filled with sailboats, Pt. Reyes to the north. We could see so many SF landmarks. We lucked out on an absolutely perfect day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PG8zAqT533FN_t6lL9F_FfuJeZC5dYsgdxlvoz4ApDXfW6hWDeh8blrCR-vOyquqLa5X8geRHHLYtv9MKIPCEIa6H9UJ1Yg2LPKLoPzcJmsoLETrRNXG0R3Kj4brYqtDgWwL/s1600/With+Felicia+at+Grandview+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PG8zAqT533FN_t6lL9F_FfuJeZC5dYsgdxlvoz4ApDXfW6hWDeh8blrCR-vOyquqLa5X8geRHHLYtv9MKIPCEIa6H9UJ1Yg2LPKLoPzcJmsoLETrRNXG0R3Kj4brYqtDgWwL/s1600/With+Felicia+at+Grandview+Park.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmQB4jYzQDyc7-fQo5Q1wW_OQYkcHJ96v7PhS1BzRahaMNTN_73J8T3mIOtiJ4RBsWnU-1cf2dhltrg0BedBQqXziMKKtW3RRyruGvZ5WA5FgGYTH8_pgA1SW3pZZddUvrc_7/s1600/16th+Street+Stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmQB4jYzQDyc7-fQo5Q1wW_OQYkcHJ96v7PhS1BzRahaMNTN_73J8T3mIOtiJ4RBsWnU-1cf2dhltrg0BedBQqXziMKKtW3RRyruGvZ5WA5FgGYTH8_pgA1SW3pZZddUvrc_7/s1600/16th+Street+Stairs.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>We walked down the other side of the park looking for the mosaic stairs. Here's a shot of just a few flights, but there are <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/thingstodo/article/Grandview-Park-and-the-Mosaic-Stairway-3228362.php#photo-2370984" target="_blank">10 or so, all beautifully done</a>. We had no idea what the theme was when we started, we just paused at each landing and looked behind us for the next installment. It was kind of fun coming from the top and working our way down. The water themed mosaic looked particularly beautiful with the blue sky, and blue blooms of the rosemary and pride of Madeira. </div>
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Such a lovely weekend. A wonderful start to February.</div>
<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458600.post-41477446157716972422014-01-20T21:10:00.001-08:002014-01-20T21:20:33.361-08:00The New Year<div class="MsoNormal">
…got off to a bittersweet start. On January 1, a group of us
gathered in Evergreen Cemetery where the Boonville road meets Highway 1 to bury
Jim's ashes. It's a beautiful, photogenic spot that has been a part of my
travels north and south for the past 40 years, and now is even more special. We
cried. We shared remembrances of Jim--well, I listened, others spoke. We passed around the small white box containing Jim's
ashes. We put handfuls and shovelfuls of earth over the box.<br />
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Alix read a poem that she had written years ago when Peny
passed away from leukemia:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Waving Hello To The Dead Just In Case<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes my mind skips, out of the blue<o:p></o:p></div>
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to the thought of my dead,<o:p></o:p></div>
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and I flick my wrist in a little wave<o:p></o:p></div>
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and murmur their names<o:p></o:p></div>
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just in case they're looking down,<o:p></o:p></div>
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leaning out in their angel nightgowns<o:p></o:p></div>
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from the edge of a cloud,<o:p></o:p></div>
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or listening in from some misty cosmic<o:p></o:p></div>
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waiting room where souls assemble<o:p></o:p></div>
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between one life and the next.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It could even be true that something survives,<o:p></o:p></div>
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some unlikely personal spirit that needs me<o:p></o:p></div>
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to remember, holding off the final death<o:p></o:p></div>
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of being forgotten, not counting,<o:p></o:p></div>
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as if they were never alive,<o:p></o:p></div>
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their names and their little ways unknown,<o:p></o:p></div>
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their stories lost to the tongue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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David and Rachel planted bulbs dug from the yard of the
Anchor Bay home, bickering a bit which I thought was a real Levine touch,
then sang a folksong, "Fare Thee Well My Honey." David
poured most of a Racer 5 IPA over the grave and some of us sipped the rest as
it was passed around. Peter retrieved a joint from his car and opened it over
the dirt and bulbs and beer. We paused for a few moments, then went back to Mom
and Don's for potluck, visiting, and a walk to the picnic grounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>It was a good remembrance and closure. But I'm still
pretty sad about Jim's passing, and Grandma's too. It's hard to let go of
beloveds.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In other news: <o:p></o:p></div>
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M and I have started to attend "church"--the
<a href="http://www.cslsr.org/" target="_blank">Center for Spiritual Living</a>. While we're both 99.99% atheist, I still feel
<i>forces</i>, for lack of a better word, in the world and I want to understand that
more deeply. I also want to be more mindful, grateful, and intentional
generally speaking. When a friend of mine from the gym started going and saying
how much she enjoyed it, I figured that it might be something to try. We've
attended four services and an evening networking event so far, and have gotten
some combination of inspiration, thought provoking conversation, and
reinforcement of positive self-esteem at each one. I can't say that my life has
been transformed (yet), but I like wrestling with bigger questions regularly. We've
also seen people that we know there. Who knows, maybe we'll make new friends, a
crazy idea. There's a lot of music, which I enjoy, though much of it reminds me
of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/14/will-ferrell-ana-gasteyer-snl_n_1512429.html" target="_blank">The Culps</a> from Saturday Night Live. I find myself humming the "Let Go,
Let God" song that is played at every service pretty regularly. </div>
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While I resolved not to make any resolutions this year, I
did make the intention (splitting hairs, I know--blame the church) to
"allow"--to more actively make space for more creativity and joy each
day. I don't know that I've really embraced that (yet), but I do think about it
a lot and I'm taking that as a good first step. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We celebrated the last of my Christmas/New Year's holiday
with an afternoon trip to Doran Beach. There are beachfront campsites there, so
we've made plans to go back to camp for a night with Caitlin and Sean in March.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QnQlbELJOCRDEIYnh9G2on71SeaHgmw68ZWClVQCFsUUCfFV_WnpPZFyrFTyiDPA975eyfw8Fpyev-1CPPYEnSYf1chHrCynRdq_o4blCmj7Ab9iXTA_HIaWtnJfz_5AlQN1/s1600/Afternoon+at+Doran+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QnQlbELJOCRDEIYnh9G2on71SeaHgmw68ZWClVQCFsUUCfFV_WnpPZFyrFTyiDPA975eyfw8Fpyev-1CPPYEnSYf1chHrCynRdq_o4blCmj7Ab9iXTA_HIaWtnJfz_5AlQN1/s1600/Afternoon+at+Doran+Beach.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I read a recent news story about how people with plans are
happier than most because of the anticipation, and I do have a lot to look
forward to in the next few months in addition to camping--seeing the Bulgari
exhibit at the de Young museum with Felicia, more rendezvous with the writing
partners, and a week in Kauai with M, Mom, and Don in May, among other
adventures.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
The drought is getting pretty bad, but the weather has been
absolutely spectacular. It's hard to imagine anything bad happening when the
sky is perpetually blue and the chill mornings warm to 70 degrees. Being
mindful of water use is fitting right in with my challenge to use less plastic
and throw less away, but it's going to be an awful spring and summer if we
don't get at least a little more precipitation.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03974196072622197210noreply@blogger.com1