Setbacks are just practice for success!

Tomorrow will be getting warmer.  It has been so windy.  Dad and I are going to the movies and see Water For Elephants with Reese Witherspoon.  Possibly, in the afternoon, looks like we will go to Debbie's for Tyler's seventh birthday.  Today was pretty quiet.  I may be getting cabin fever.  Goooooo  Warm Weather!  Yea!  Can't wait!

You are gifted in more ways than you realize.

Dad's melanoma surgery went really well today.  We decided to keep busy afterwards to keep his mind off of it.  Long story short - everything turned out fantastic - and dad, myself, Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel ended up having In~n~Out Burgers at Debbie and Lenny's house.  We all had the best time.  It really was a perfect and fun day.  Lots of confusion - the usual miscommunication and Uncle Joe getting lost - this is why all of our lunches are about six hours long!  Really.  Really.  Really!

This morning I fixed myself two quarter-pounder grass-fed hamburgers with lots of red onions and mushrooms.  Very delicious and they kept me full and satisfied all day. 

Had my hair cut and colored this afternoon. Looks pretty good.  But, I am just too fat.  What the heck am I going to do about this.



Watched the Royal Wedding with William and Catherine all night.  That is one lonnnnngggg wedding. 

It's your turn to shine!

Luigi looks so cute with his fresh haircut.  I'm still trying to keep my computer time super-short because of the clunking sound.

Dad is going in to get his melanoma surgery this morning.  Remember, he had it done a couple of months ago, but they did not get it all. 

Cheri's dad died.  They are in Fort Worth, Texas and they are all going to go to Oklahoma to bury him.  It is so sad.  He was such a really great guy.  Our prayers and thoughts go with you Cheri and all of your beautiful family.



Remember Bobby had his really bad motorcycle accident last week?  Here are the facebook comments I just read:

scariest thing ever is looking in your mirror seeing your friend get hit by a car and slide like a rag doll then slamming on your brakes running to them not knowing if they are alive then seeing blood everywhere see you soon hope ur ok buddy

5 hours ago

• • 
  • 
    

    Bobby Ducharme crack neck crack skull crack wrist and cracked ankle and messed up shoulder that needed sugery
• Ouch!
•  

 

You're already a success.

Quick posting.  My computer is still clunking.  Barely using it.  Don't want it to die on me before I get my new computer.  Taking Luigi in to get groomed this morning.  I have been using my time, reading Geocaching books.  It's kind of relaxing not on the computer constantly, but I still miss it.  I always want to look up 10,000 different things all day long.  I can't help it.  Everything is Interesting!
But, I'm afraid to take the time to read all of my favorite blogs.  I'll have to catch up after I get my new computer.

Ordered New Computer

I have ordered a new Gateway computer online from HSN.  It should arrive by 5/05/11.  This computer is making a lot of clunking sounds, so I don't want t use it too much.  Hopefully, it won't completely die and I can transfer some of my stuff.
Very excited about getting a brand new computer.

Make the best choices possible for yourself. You deserve no less!

My computer kept "clunking".  I thought it was my "spare backup" - so I uninstalled it.  Kept clunking.  Suddenly, it kept printing pages.  Lots of pages.  Somehow, there were over 53 weird printings in my printing queue.  I cancelled them.  Cross fingers.  Right now, no more clunking in the background.  I love the computer, but, probably as you already know - it's always something!  lol

Today is Family Day.  Going to Uncle Joe's at 12:00 noon to play for a couple of hours.  Then over to Jack-in-the-box.  Hey, it's a tough life - but someone has to do it!  I don't know anyone else who has an easier life.  It kind of embarrasses me - but, I do appreciate it!

Dad and I have been fussing at each other so much lately.  Dad came up with a brilliant idea.  When one of us wants the other to "Stop"! talking, they just say, "No Comment".  That's it.  End of friction.  For us, it is perfect.  I think things are going to honestly get much calmer.  Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

12:30am
Clunking is back!  I googled the clunking.  My computer may be dying.  I may have to get a new computer.  This is a great computer, but it is about four years old.  So far, I have always bought Gateway computers from HSN off of the TV.  Of course, right now - they are not promoting any computers.  Scary.  Do I wait for my computer to completely die - or just get another.  I went online- there is no computer that is striking my fancy.  Well, tomorrow is another day.  :-)

Spring is the perfect time to plant a new dream!

Today is Easter!  At 1:30pm we meet Uncle Joe, Auntie Isabel and Tommy at Harry's Hofbrau.  I had roast beef and mashed potatoes and brown gravy.  Delicious chocolate ice cream.  Debbie called and we all went to her house.  She sent us home with home-made lasagna.  I may have died and gone to heaven.  Delicious! 

Carol left an Easter surprise on our porch for dad and I.  See's Chocolates and a Hallmark Easter card.  Now it really does feel like Easter!  I could never explain how special Carol and Bill are in our lives every single day!

Online, it says that Safeway has Organic, grass-fed beef.  Think I'll go over there soon and try some.  I keep reading how good grass-fed beef is for you, and I'm interested in trying it.  Somehow, I am thinking if I were to enjoy and eat the grass-fed beef every day and do a half hour of Leslie Sansone walking and toning tapes - I really could drop this weight.


Went on eBay yesterday and bought a Magellan eXplorist GC GPS for geocaching.  Got a good deal. Brand new.  $63.00 and the seller just happens to be right from here in Hayward.  What a small world.  The main reason I want it is to go paperless and read all the hints and comments.  Now, to see if I actually get myself outside and do it.  Hayward is so populated, that almost 100% of our geocaches are micro-caches.  They are very, very tiny.

Even in times of trouble, life can be good

1:00am  Heard the fire truck and ambulance.  The ambulance took our next door neighbor, Alma.  She is about 80 and lives alone.  She waved to us, so hopefully, nothing too serious.  She's been using the oxygen more lately. 

Today, Tammie and LindaRae called.  Tammie is visiting LindaRae for two weeks.  Tomorrow LindaRae is leaving rehab to go home. 

Honestly, I love everybody - but I just spend ALL my time with older people and life is always about doctors, etc.  I really wish I could get back to the game of LIFE!  I feel like by the time I do, I will be the 80 year old.  How do you care for everybody else, but get to care for yourself too.  It's just that they need constant care and there is no getting away.  I honestly want to jump out of my own skin most of the time.  I live in my little black cave now trying to stay calm and collected. 

I'm sure when it starts to get sunnier outside, I'll start feeling sunnier again too!  That's life.  Even when life is technically perfect and there are no worries, there is always the flip side.  I do need to find an outlet.  When the weather gets a little warmer, think I'll take myself out and do a little geocaching.  Kinda simple, and kinda pleasant!

10am

Uh Oh - I'd better stop my complaining.  Dad had just been talking about how there is only one other "man" left from their couples rv'ing group that they had belonged to for about thirty years.  This morning we learned, that now, dad is the only man left.  I really do not like to think about that.  My being "free" and dad being healthy are two very separate topics.  I just want them to both be at the same time somehow.  I'd better spend more time appreciating that dad is healthy.

11am

Wowser!  It must be a full moon or something.  CoCo just called and Bobby was mad and jumped on his motorcycle and ended up ramming into the back of a truck.  He broke his clavicle, has a gashed/broken skull and I don't know what all else. 

Well, the world that heals together - stays together!  Gotta always look at the bright side.  Smile.

12pm
They have brought hospice in for Cheri's dad.  Cheri has gone to Ft. Worth, Texas to be with her mom and dad.  Right now, her dad is declining.  Our prayers are with you and your family Cheri.

1pm 
Our new neighbors are moving in.  It is a couple, but I don't know their names yet.  Jim died about two months ago and his wife Susie moved back  to Chicago to be with her family.  About one month ago Meg moved in three doors down, and two months ago Jackie moved in across the street.  There is still one more coach for sale which is across the street right between Jackie and the new couple.  Maybe this block will start getting pretty interesting again!

Any day is a good starting point for success!

All cameras all the time!  You know that my red Casio Exilim EX-S10A died on me yesterday.  Today, I went to Best Buy and bought their last black Casio Exilim EX-ZS10 for $110 including tax.  Checked on the computer, and "possibly" my battery completely died on the red camera.  So, I ordered a new battery on eBay.  I would be very happy to have both these cameras.  The new camera has 14.1 megapixels; HD movie; and 26mm wide.  The buttons and controls are very similar, so my learning curve should be fairly easy.  Yea!

Bill and Carol drove Sadie to Tracy this morning to spend the next two weeks with Carl and Nikki and Carli and Carlos and their three dogs and two cats.  Sadie should have a good time.  Wish I were going somewhere!  Maybe this summer when the weather gets hot, I'll go do some simple car camping.   Doesn't that sound like fun!

Start living your dreams today. Why wait!

I just found out a couple of days ago that ANOTHER one of my classmates, Rick French died last week!  Is 59 the age when all of your acquaintances start showing up in the obituaries?  I feel like I am ready to Start my life!  How can the end be so near?  Is it?  I just figure I'll be healthy and happy through my 90's or better yet 100's.  No one wants to have such a short life.  This is just another great reminder how short and fragile life is.  Go out and enjoy each day!  I want to be one of those folks that is renewing her drivers license in my 100's.  :-)

I want to visit all 50 states, North, Central and South America.  Australia, New Zealand, and about 100+ other countries.  Why not.   It is a pretty interesting planet.  Smile.

Every success story includes some mistakes!

We had lunch today at Appleby's in Hayward with Uncle Joe, Auntie Isabel, Jerry and Ed Garcia and Jimmy who is 90 years old and used to want to marry Auntie Dorothy.  Jimmy's mom, and dad and Uncle Joe's mom - Nana - used to play jacks together as little girls in Calabria, Italy - in the province of Cosenza - and then they and several other families all moved to America at the same time and all lived near each other.  So, that is why everyone we know says they are our cousin!

Wouldn't you know that my battery on my camera was not charged!  Jerry had the waitress use her camera, so that's not too bad.  We did all have a great time and looks like everyone wants to get together and have lunch together again real soon.

Of course, I came home and mellowed out at the jacuzzi.  Bill and Sadie came over and played.  Sadie looks so cute with her fresh hair cut.  Tomorrow Bill takes Sadie to Carl and Nikki's house, since Sunday (Easter Sunday) at 6:00am, Bill and Carol and four other couples from the park, all leave for San Francisco airport to fly to Florida.  They are going on a 15-day cruise through the Panama Canal.  It sounds so exciting.  Their ship on Princess Cruise returns to Pier 35 in San Francisco on May 10th at 7:00am.  It sure is going to be quiet around here.  Bill and Sadie are in and out of our house all day and all night. 

10:00pm
I have just discovered that my camera has died!  After all of my searching for a new camera, I still haven't found the one I want.  But, now I MUST go find Something!  Well, the search is on!!!

You have so much to offer!

Another laid-back day!

Boost your confidence. Notice what you do right!

What a great day.  We did absolutely nothing.  Stayed home all day.  Had chimichangas for breakfast.  Had chimichangas for lunch.  Had bacon and eggs for dinner.  Had watermelon for dessert.  Read all day.  Was on the computer all day.  Played with Luigi all day.  This morning it was kind of wet and rainy and set the mood for a nice laid-back day. 

Laid-back Luigi



You're easy to like!

Yeaaaa!  Bill brought us a watermelon this morning!  I love watermelon.  Carol bought it at some produce cart.  Bill is going to find out where and when the cart is available.  Dad and I had watermelon for breakfast!  It is one delicious watermelon.

At 1:00pm we meet Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at In~n~Out Burgers in Pleasanton.  So, we know we are going to have a fun afternoon.

Bill made us feel better, by saying Karen should not have tried to pet Luigi while we were in our car.  To be honest, Luigi doesn't really like to be petted at all.  I know it sounds odd, but he doesn't like to be petted.  Even if he is laying on my lap, if I reach and stroke him, he jumps off immediately.  He likes to play.  He likes to sit quietly on or beside you, but he does not like to be petted.  It's just who he is.  But, he is a lot of fun and likes to entertain you!

Soul Surfer

Dad and I are going to see Soul Surfer this morning at the movies.  Remember the 13 year old girl that lost her arm to a shark while surfing and then went on to compete in surfing.  All the reviews say this is a really inspirational movie.

Skipper and Cheri, Tony and Susan are having a ball in Las Vegas.  They called us and their laughter is so contagious!

Here's a picture of our swimming pool.  I love to swim in this pool after dark when I have it all to myself!

Clear skies are ahead

Wow!  59 years old.  A guy, Bill Burke, that I went from elementary school through high school, has died of throat cancer.  You know, you read about it in the newspaper, they tell you about his life.  It just seems too too short for a man with such a full life.  Let's be honest.  I do feel badly for Bill.  But, introspectively, it makes me worry.  Yes, I want to be here for my dad.  Hoping that there will be plenty of time for me to travel and be free.  Each day is a gift, but tomorrow is not promised.  I will definitely stay here where I am needed.  And pray there will be time for me in the future. 

Luigi almost bit Karen today.  Luigi is a biter.  Fortunately, Karen knows Luigi and pulled her hand away in the nick of time.  To be honest, I don't think I'm going to be able to take Luigi with me when I get on the road.  He has just bitten too many people.  He is a good dog with us, but he is too high-strung and freaked-out by others.  I have tried a thousand things, and I personally do not have the answer to this problem.  He is 4 1/2 and I don't believe he will outgrow this.  hehe but, you should look at him right now.  He is so amazingly cute.  I wish he could be like this 100% of the time.  For now, I think I'd better just keep him home and happy.  He is really precious.

ALL MY CHILDREN  Has Been Cancelled!

Yep - it offically ends in September.  I have been a loyal viewer since the very beginning.  It's true, the old gal ain't what she used to be.  I've sort of silently been begging them to end it.  I'm too weak to walk away.  Through all the ups and downs of life, for one hour a day, I could escape into Pine Valley.  Of course, my favorite saying is, "The only thing that remains constant is change!".  And this is so true.  So, this is almost good-bye dear friend.  Happy to see you go, and you will be missed.  Guess this will be my "empty-nest" syndrome.  lol  haha
Ain't life grand!

http://www.real-self-defense.com/unbreakable-umbrella.html

This umbrella is REALLY impressive!  It not only should last a lifetime - it can be used as a walking stick and self defense.  Amazing umbrella!  Of course, I almost never use an umbrella and I don't want to use it as a weapon, but I just find it very cool.

AAAAARRRRRGGGGG.....  I have erased all of my pictures on my computer.  This is not good.  I'm kind of not sure why I am not more upset about this.  Strangely, I just kind of like to keep moving forward.  Maybe, now that I have my own blog, I will have somewhere safe to post future pictures.

This morning I cooked up a huge batch of lentil soup with hot italian sausage, garlic, onion, oregano, red pepper - nice and spicy.  It really turned out delicious and I froze six containers to enjoy later.

Tonight for dinner we had oolio oolio.  It's spaghetti with oil, garlic, oregano, and red pepper.  Very spicy and delicious. 

It's late, but good news!  I got my pictures back!  I still need to get out there and take lots of new ones anyway.  I wonder how or where you make back-up pictures away from the computer.

Live this day the way it was meant to be: worry-free.

How lucky are we.  This morning the cleaning ladies are coming.  Having some one help you with cleaning toilets, showers, bathroom and kitchen floors - is that not a great blessing.  And the plus side of this, we help provide someone else with earning an income.  It is a blessing and a win-win.  I never take it for granted.  We are truly blessed.

And speaking of blessings.  Today Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel are coming to our house.  Then we are all going to lunch to Sizzler's.  So this is really a party day.  Luigi will have fun as we run around while the cleaning gals are here.  Luigi loves seeing the family. 

I'm reading Rocco Dispirito's book "Now Eat This! Diet"  I'm writing down the unusual ingredients he is recommending.  It will be fun to try and track them down at health food stores and groceries.  One really easy thing he just mentioned is to make a grilled cheese sandwich with butter-flavored cooking spray - not butter or margarine.  It sounds yucky - but it sounds like fun to try.  So, of course, I'm going to try it!

A test you face will bring out the best in you.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/american-eagle/video-full-episode/4349/

This is a full-length PBS special on eagles and specifically the male bald eagle that we are watching on the live-cam!



While dad went to exercise class, I ran to Lucky's and did some good grocery shopping.  When I came out to my car - it was Pouring Down Rain.  It was actually pretty fun - boy am I FAST!  Came home and baked drumsticks with a recipe I found.  Didn't really turn out as well as I had hoped, but we ate them for lunch.  And then for dinner we had pastrami on dark rye.  Mmmm...  much better!

Dream bigger. You deserve the very best!

Dad got a really good workout at his Physical Therapy session this morning.  Luigi and I enjoyed waiting out in the car with YouTube learning more about the eagles and how to tell the mom eagle from the dad eagle.  Then we settled in and watched Barbra Streisand videos.  Turns out that is still my absolutely, very favorite part ever.  So many great clips of Barbra, videos, live performances, out-takes from her movies. 

Then Luigi and I ran around for about four hours and got a lot accomplished.  It's so nice to have my car back this week. 

Now, back to watching the eagles video!

Baby Macaws - It Must Be Spring!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aramacaw

Baby birds everywhere!  This live stream does not have sound, but these two baby macaws have just hatched from their eggs!  These live video streams are so amazing.

Live Stream - Eagle's Nest and Her Three Baby Eagles

http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

This is so fascinating that I just cannot stop watching.  This is a Live 24/7 Eagle's Nest.  She has had three baby eagles in the last few days.  I want to be out in the world so much.  Just the peacefulness of nature.  The wonders of the world.  The simple pleasures.  My life is good and safe and fairly calm now, but not wondrous and interesting and not fun.  I try to appreciate each day and count all of my many blessings.  It's just that, well.....  I want More!  hahaha  hey!  Why not!   I Love Fun!

What a Great Day!  We had so much fun today at lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Denny's Restaurant in Fremont.   Our three hour lunch flew by so quickly.  Seems we just always have so much to talk about and laugh about.   These really are the simple pleasures of life that I love.  Then when we came home I went down and enjoyed the jacuzzi and the swimming pool.  Had them all to myself, which is exactly how I love them. 

Okay, back to watching my baby eagles!

Arthur

This morning dad and I went to the movies and saw "Arthur" with Russell Brand and Helen Mirren.  Cute movie.  Good popcorn. 

Last night a man brought two of his dogs to the silent films.  We could bring Luigi, but very unfortunately, Luigi tends to bite and nip.  We have already been in trouble for him biting a 93 year old woman at Baywood.  The police called.  Animal Control called.  He was quarantined at our house for 10 days.  He has bitten several people at our house.  Rips their clothes.  Draws blood.  THEN wants to play FETCH!  I don't know if he gets, startled, scared, intimidated, possesive - but he can be good and then, unexpectedly - it's too late.  We very much want to take him with us, but I'm not certain we can keep everyone else safe. 

Watched the Master's when we got home this afternoon.  Wow!  That was pretty exciting. 

Finally, had my peanut butter and jelly sandwich tonight.  I have been craving for one and finally made them for dad and I.  Turned out delicious.  Super fresh and soft whole wheat bread.  Just the perfect amount of peanut butter and strawberry jam.  Maybe I've finally found my calling.  lol

Silent Movies

Tonight dad and I went to the Charlie Chaplin - Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and saw a newsreel, a short and a full-length silent movie.  This was Clara Bow's second movie.  She was only 16.  She just had a small role.  Two of the leading roles met during this movie and married for 61 years!  They also had tours during the Intermission.  It last for three whole hours.  $5 donation for the film.  $1 popcorn  $1 soda  We had a really fun time.  They had a really good crowd there.  The piano player was positively spectacular.  I could have listened to her play piano all night, even without the films.  Total, full emotions, throughout all of the reels.

Last night I cancelled my WeightWatchersonline.  I just am not using it.  Why waste the money.  I still want to lose weight, but it's not going to be that way.  I need to look up a couple of menu's that I can repeat a lot, and just try to eat less.  I noticed since tonight is one of the fewest nights I have been out in 4 1/2 years, that usually I just sit home and eat.  The biggest problem is, poor dad gets so upset if I suggest going out without him.  Not sure if he is more concerned about my safety or his being alone.  Kind of a combination I think.  It did feel so good to get out of this house.  I feel like a recluse.  Oh, I AM a recluse right now.  hahaha

Why put yourself down when you can lift yourself up?

Everything turned out great today.  I did get my car back at 5:00pm today with the new air condtioner compressor.

LindaRae's surgery went well last night.

We enjoyed TV today with The Streets of San Francisco; Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; my Oakland A's (lost) :-(

The San Franicisco Giants won in Extra Innings, and the Masters in Georgia with Tiger Woods coming from 15th to 4th position today.  Hope Sunday he takes home another Green Jacket.

I just decided to relax and let everything take its course today.

And of course - we played about 10 hours of fetch with Luigi!  This little guy just never tires of his favorite game.

We had spaghetti for dinner.  And, of course, I had a root beer popsicle for dessert!

Happy endings happen all the time!

Bill joined us for lunch today at Coco's Restaurant.  I took some pictures after lunch and then Bill had to leave.  Finally, when the family was leaving, a nice lady at a nearby table offered to take a picture of the four of us.  As I called for Uncle Joe to come back for one more picture - the woman suddenly recognized the family.  They all knew each other from growing up and dinner dances at Columbo Club and her dad had actually wanted to marry Auntie Dorothy!  Her dad is now 90 years old and he still has a picture of Auntie Dorothy on his wall!  It was a fun reunion. 

At 3:30pm I called about my car.  The mechanic thinks it "might" be my air conditioner and if it is, it will cost about $700.00.  Will I get my car back before next week?  I'm not optimistic.  It's not fair to expect one person - on two crutches - to handle all the cars he has to work on.  Next time, I will go somewhere else.  It's no surprise - I Want My Car!

LindaRae's surgery went well yesterday. The doctor said that everything went as expected and the results should be good. We are hoping for a speedy recovery after a few more days in the hospital and some rehab after that. The procedure called for a rod to be placed from T9 to L2, which seems like a lot considering that is 6 vertebrae, but doctor says it will not limit her range of motion and that is what we are hoping. She will be in hospital another 2-4 days, then to rehab or home or some combination to complete the antibiotic regimen that began a while ago.

8:00pm
LindaRae is back in surgery.  A screw was affecting a nerve.  Some nightmares continue a little longer.

Hope is stronger than doubt


We took dad to the eye doctor today.  Just a broken blood vessel.  His vision is still good enough to pass the driving test.  Because of his age, they don't think he needs to have his cataracts removed until he says he can't see well enough.  They gave him some refresher eye drops.  I just feel much better knowing everything is looking good.  He suggested we come in every six months, but we think he just said that to keep me appeased.  I just like to have peace of mind.  We probably won't actually go in, unless something else comes up.

I had a Great visit to the dentist.  I've been using this cool electric toothbrush called Hydrabrush with 8 micro brushes that clean all surfaces at one time and only takes 30 to 40 seconds to brush your teeth.  Although, I also still use a regular toothbrush for my gums to keep my mouth feeling nice and fresh.  The hydrabrush is doing a great job, and instead of having to go for a cleaning every four months, I can now go for the regular six months!  Yea!
Here is a picture of my dentist, Dr. Wick.

My car has been with the solo mechanic on crutches for two nights and he still has not checked out my car to listen to the noise yet.  mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm  dare I say.........      Not Happy!  Tomorrow, I may need to move my car to a different mechanic.  Although, it is Family Day tomorrow.  I'll call him again in the morning.  This has been a fun day.  We brought Luigi with us.  Dad was our chauffer.  Usually, dad sits in the back seat of my car.  Although, this morning dad had a scare.  His back.  He couldn't get out of bed this morning and really scared himself.  We decided he needs to keep the telephone on the other bed next to his with the remote controls, so that if he has something else happen he can call either me or Bill next door.  He has taken about four pain pills today and it has helped.  Never a dull moment.  We just try to laugh and keep it light.  We actually had a nice day today.  Got a call from Craig.  LindaRae was going in for her surgery today.  Should be in surgery about four to six hours.  Bill and Sadie just came over to play with dad and Luigi.

Nothing can stop you!

Nothing can stop you - except your car.  Yep, I was running around with Luigi this morning getting lots accomplished when I kept sort of hearing a noise my car was making.  It kind of comes and goes, and gets lower and louder.  Muffler?  Belt?  I have no idea, but it was starting to make me nervous.  Dad and Bill had gone out for hot dogs for lunch after Clark's Pest Control had serviced both our houses, and now they were running around having fun.  So, they were kind enough to cut their fun short and come meet me at the auto repair shop.  We dropped my car off and came on home.  The poor mechanic works alone and he is on crutches!  An old classic car he was working on jumped from park to drive and ran over his foot!!!  Hopefully, tomorrow we will find out what the noise is.  Dad has to skip exercise so he can take me to my dentist appointment in the morning.  He in the afternoon, we have scheduled an eye appointment for him.  He has another broken blood vessel in his eye, and he has been having a lot of trouble with his vision recently.

Tonight he goes to his NEVRA meeting at the club house.  I think he goes for the donuts.  :-)
It's a good social outing for him.  I get the luxury of an hour to myself.  aaaahhhhhhhhhh

You're beautiful - in mind, body, heart and spirit!

We had such a fun day with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel!  We got to their house at the same moment they were getting back from a perfect morning.  One of those mornings where they went to do half a dozen errands and everything went fast and perfect.  They were buzzing with energy and excitement.  We spent a fast two hours laughing and chatting and then all of the emergency bells went off in the hallways.  Every single person in all of the apartments came pouring out into the halls.  It turned out to be a test, but wow was there a lot of action before we found out.  People confused, upset, anticipatory - running around, not sure what to do.  These are pretty much all folks in their 80's and 90's.  Quite a hearty bunch, despite all the walkers and oxygen tanks!  We just kept laughing and having a fun afternoon and then off we went for lunch to Jack-in-the-Box.  Sounds like a simple day doesn't it.  But, you know, there are some days you will remember always as the Best Day!

Hey, about 9:00pm I finally got down to the swimming pool.  The water was perfect.  So, I swam a while and jacuzzied a while.  This has been a perfect day and a pefect night.

Charlie Chaplin - Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

Dad, Luigi and I went to the Charlie Chaplin Museum in the Niles District of Fremont today.  It is only about five miles from us, but we have never been to the museum before.  It had just opened at noon, and we had it pretty much to ourselves and they gave us a private tour.  It was so great and so interesting.  There were lots of pictures and Neal, our volunteer docent, told us all the stories and histories.  They had all the original crank cameras and films and authentic artifacts.  The screening room walls lined with tin - full of old film cameras, the original, turn-of-the century projection room and adorned with century-old graffiti!  The details in the background and history were captivating.  Absolutely awesome piece of history of the town, the studios, the stars.  You really feel like you've been transported back in time.  Charlie Chaplin made five films in Niles, including The Tramp.  I highly recommend everyone stopping in and visiting this museum.  The tour is free and was so informative.  And they will take you to parts of the museum you just will not discover walking around on your own.  We were so surprised and impressed with this museum.  Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons they show original silent films for $5.00 including live piano and guest celebrities and they encourage the audience to participate with boos and cheers, etc.  We now have the current schedule and definitely are going back to enjoy the films.

 

The journey is the reward

Sometimes it feels like we can hardly wait until our lives change so we can at last be happy.

We tell ourselves it will happen when our kids get older, when we get a better job, a nicer car or a bigger house.  Or it will surely happen when we are able to go on nice vacations or retire.

The truth is there's no better time to be happy than right now.  If not now, when?  Your life will always have its challenges and goals to be met.  It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

Philosopher Alfred D. Souza said, "For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin, real life.  But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.  Then life would begin.  At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." 

There is no "way to happiness."  Happiness is in the journey and the way.

So treasure every moment that you have.  And treasure it more if you can share it with a family or with someone special, someone special enough to spend time with you.

Dog Plays Dead Video on David Letterman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DalB-CvO7Qc

Let's Drive!

Wow!  Regular gasoline is now officially over $4.00 a gallon.  What a surprise at the fuel pump.  Especially, since I usually fill her up at half a tank, and somehow I was down to under a quarter-tank.  That was really a shock.  It will be curious to see what happens from here. 

Ran my errands today.  First, I took Luigi with me, but I realized it was getting a tad warm and I can't leave him in the car.  So, I had to bring him back home and go back out.  Glad I did though.  I sure got a lot accomplished.

Looks like I will not be going to Kat's high-school graduation.  The plane tickets are just so darned expensive.  Guess this is a sign that I'd better stick close to home with dad. 

Today they opened the swimming pool at the club house.  How did this day get away from me?  I never made it down there.  Well, tomorrow is supposed to be nice and windy, so I'm sure I'll make it down to the jacuzzi.