Welcome to Hayward

Kicking around town can be lots of fun. Come join me.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Follow your heart. It won't steer you wrong.

Dad is going to exercise and afterwards, they are having their, last Wednesday of the month, exercise lunch.

I am taking Luigi to PetSmart to get groomed.

Big shopping day.  Went online to QVC tonight, and ordered knives, cutting boards, and 22 oz. tumblers. 

Oh, yes!  Also, bought a new electric blanket today.  I was so freezing cold last night.  Very excited about snuggling in and keeping nice and warm tonight.

Even though the weather is starting to grow cooler, I went barefooting all day running around doing errands.  I love it so much, I cannot explain.  It is such a free feeling, and I feel so in touch with the earth. 

 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Positivity is the best fuel there is!

This morning, dad and I are going to Castro Valley and visit Rose Lopes at her Senior Care house.  Last night, Ginny Palmer called, and they have moved Dale to Gateway Care and Rehab over on Patrick Street, to heal from his fall.



This is a practice picture that I took with my Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V cell phone.  Then went to "Gallery" on the phone.  Emailed the picture to myself.  Copy and pasted into my blog.  Pretty cool, huh!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Helping changes two lives; someone else's and yours!

Uncle Joe is going to the doctor this morning and getting the results to his latest tests about his stomach this morning.  Then dad and I are meeting him and Auntie Isabel in Dublin at the Waffle House.  This whole week has been so great.  Calm, fun, and positive.

The good news is, Uncle Joe has a bacterial infection.  The bad news is, the prescription costs $500!  So, they are going to take the prescription over to the Veterans hospital and see if they can get it filled there for $8.00.  They most likely will make him see one of the Vet's doctors, so we will see how this proceeds.

Dad and I went to Kaiser to visit Dale Palmer.  He is 90 years old and had a bad fall.  He was sound asleep, so we left him a note.

Today is Bill and Carol's 31st Anniversary.  We called and sang "Happy Anniversary" to them.  Bill said he forgot that today is there anniversary.  (Oops.)

5:00pm  Good News!  Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel went to the Veteran's Hospital - literally, within 15 minutes, they add the prescription approved - 3 medications - total $24.00.  The medicine will be mailed to them and they will receive it within a week.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

You are so loveable.

Bill brought us pizza last night.

This afternoon, dad and I are going to Uncle Joe's and Auntie Isabel's.  Tommy always goes to there house every Friday night and Sunday night.  We are having a big Thanksgiving dinner.  I'm very excited.  I love it!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Yes, you can accomplish anything!

For a number of reasons, many health-related - I have not worn my pierced earrings for a very long time and the inside of the back of my right ear had closed up.  So, Today - I went to Southland Mall to the Piercing Pagoda and had my ear
re-pierced.  I am so glad that I did.  I ended up spending $68 because they make you buy a new pair of earrings.  Tonight, I am sitting here very happy that I will be able to start wearing pierced earrings again. 

Talked to CoCo today.  They are now officially "snow-birds".  Tuesday they set out for Idaho, in their new 5th Wheel.  Right now they are in Oregon and will eventually spend a few months back in Modesto. 

Dad and I ran around including Walmart.  We ate all kinds of delicious left-overs and good food from Bill and Carol.  Plus, today I bought us a whole watermelon and some egg nog.  lol  Good combination.

I am especially enjoying my Android cell phone, which includes Kindle.  I am reading, "The Barefoot Sisters", "The Ultimate Vegan Guide",  "Living Large in a Small Tin Can" (the long, long honeymoon in an RV), "Quick-fix Vegan", and more.  I AM LOVING IT!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Believe in you!

This morning, dad and I are meeting Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel, after her hair appointment, at the donut shop at "A" Street. 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happiness is yours to choose.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dad and I are having Thanksgiving with Uncle Joe, Auntie Isabel and cousin Tommy at Harry's Hofbrau in San Leandro today.  This will be a fun day.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

You can change your world!

Dad and Bill went out for hot dogs and a drive.  I went to the movies and saw "Hugo" in 3D with Sir Ben Kingsley.  Then I went and bought produce and made  greens stir-fry with lots of garlic.  Delicious.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Take a shortcut to happiness. Smile!

Dad and I went grocery shopping this morning.  This afternoon we had lunch in Castro Valley at McDonalds with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel.  Beautiful day.

Monday, November 21, 2011

This day has so many positive possibilities!

Last night dad got very sick.  Bad tummy ache.  He finally threw up and felt better for a while.  Then he got very sick again.  We called Kaiser, but he did not want to go to emergency.  If he makes it through the night, we will see how he feels in the morning. 

Dad had a little diarrhea last night.  Had to turn his mattress and wash and change his sheets.  He did get some sleep on the couch.  He says he is feeling a little better, but so far, I cannot get him off the couch.  So far, he does seem to be doing better.  Cross fingers.

6:00pm - Dad is feeling much better.  Seems like he may have had a 24-hour bug.  Now, let's stay healthy for a long, long time.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Your dreams are waiting to be lived!

The Raiders and the 49ers both have games today. (They both won!)

Last night, it was fun watching Tiger Woods play great golf again!

This morning, I watched the Justin Bieber DVD, "Never Say Never".  I Love It.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Believe!

Today is the Cousin's Family Day.  Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel do not want to attend the Cousin's Family Day's anymore.  They are doing well, but they are definitely slowing down.  Uncle Joe is not looking as well.  He has been having diarrhea for several months now.  They have given him every test in the book.  He is losing weight and we just cannot find out what is happening.  Very frustrating and exhausting.  He is so loving and terrific, but this health-thing is taking it's toll.  He is 89, and of course, it is a little scary.

Great turn-out at Fuddruckers.  Kenny, Lisa, Jim, Carlotta, Debbie, Kim, Landon, Annie, Krissy, Tyler, Mason and Sydney.  Deaunn was not able to come today, because yesterday, her husband, Jean - and emergency heart surgery and they put a stint in.  The procedure went well and he is doing well. 

I have been downloading  so many Kindle books onto my Android cell phone.  I will never have time to read them all.  It is a little harder to read on that little screen than it is to read a book.  The screen is only about three inches.  One of the books is, "The Ultimate Vegan Guide, Compassionate Living Without Sacrifice".  I keep reading all these books about eating healthy, and then I keep eating very badly.  But, again, I want to try and eat much better.  Years ago, when I lived in Colorado, I was a vegetarian for two years - and I felt the best that I ever felt.  It seems so much more difficult when I am with my family.  But, actually, I think my dad would go along with me now.  He just likes it alot when I fix the food for him.  And even the nights that I only fix a big salad, he really likes it.

First, dad and I are going to stop by See's Candy at Stoneridge.  Dad received a coupon - buy one box - get one box free.  We would like to get a box for Bill and Carol next door.  These two are so good to us.  If I wrote down, every single day, what they do for us - it would be overwhelming.  They are the best!

Friday, November 18, 2011

 --[MICHELANGELO] --

"What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot grasp the fact that
a human foot is more noble than the shoe and human skin more beautiful
than the garment with which it is clothed."


I read this on one of my of my barefoot "groups" [SBL] Digest Number 5289.
SBL stands for, "The Society for Barefoot Living".
Yes, I read a lot of "groups", about vandwelling, vandwellers, and barefooting.  No wonder I am all alone.  I am a very strange person.  Oh, well.  I LOVE IT!

Today is Friday.  Usually, a day for myself.  Dad usually goes to exercise.  Then, he and Bill usually go out for hot dogs and a nice drive all around the Bay Area.

But, Bill's son, Kevin, is still visiting from Hawaii.  And poor Henry, across the street is still not going to exercise.  He first had a serious kidney problem, then serious heart problems.  He spent last week in the hospital.  So, just like Wednesday, since dad get depressed and sad quickly and easily, we are going to the movies this moring.  We are going to see "Jack and Jill" with Adam Sandler.  Good news is, it is going to rain today or tonight - and dad loves the rain!  It will be a fun day.  And Luigi is being real cuddly.  I love that.










    Thursday, November 17, 2011

    "GO CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS!  LIVE THE LIFE YOU'VE IMAGINED.  AS YOU SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE, THE LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE WILL BE SIMPLER."
                             - HENRY DAVID THOREAU, AMERICAN NATURALIST


    This should be a fun day.  Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel have a big steak bone that they want to bring to our house for Luigi today.  We are going to surprise them by having spaghetti, chow chow, spinach salad, salami and cheese and just a great lunch here at the house.  Also, I am going to surprise Auntie Isabel, as I have bought her favorite - See's Candy Black Licorice Medallions.  Think also, we'll give Luigi a nice shower this morning, so that he is nice and soft and smells real pretty.  A couple of nights ago, I cleaned his eyes and cut the hair around his eyes and face.  Does this all sound too simple?  Yes, I know it does.  And I Love It!  I love the simple life.

    Wednesday, November 16, 2011

    You don't have to be the best to be fabulous!

    This morning I mailed another book that I sold on Amazon.  This afternoon, dad and I went to the movies and saw, "J. Edgar" (Hoover), with Leonardo DiCaprio.  Direct by Clint Eastwood.  Also, "music" by Clint Eastwood.  Wouldn't it be fun to be so talented!

    We had bacon and eggs for dinner.  This was a beautiful, pleasant, wonderful day.

    Tuesday, November 15, 2011

    You can beat any challenge!

    This morning, I am going over to Fry's Electronics and having my new Sirius Satellite Radio - the Starmate 5 - installed.  Craig says that there is also a Starmate 8 - but, Sirius didn't have any available when I needed one.  Hopefully, all will go well.  My current one is not sitting on a cradle, it is permanently in, and I'm not sure how this will go.  Neither Craig, nor Skipper could get it removed.  Cross fingers this all goes well.  When I had this first one put in, I literally had to go back about twenty times, as there were so many problems.  Hope this one goes a lot smoother. 

    Monday, November 14, 2011

    You're one of the blessings other people count.

    LindaRae and Craig are leaving this morning to go visit her brother Jerry and his wife Elena in Sutter Creek, up by Placerville.  Their oldest daughter Chris and her two children (they all currently live in Costa Rica) are currently visiting  also.

    Dad and I got the house all cleaned up, vacuumed, dusted, etc.  Then we went to Raley's and picked up some liquids for Uncle Joe.  He is having his colonoscopy tomorrow.  We visited with them for a couple of hours.  I am very tired and we came home.  Poor dad.  His tendinitis arm and hurt leg from the fall he took by the car, Saturday night.  He doesn't know exactly what to do, and so far, he does not want me to call any of his doctors.  He is very sore.  So, we are playing it by ear for the moment.  Right now, I just want a nice long nap and rest.  Glad to have the house back to ourselves.  And my little Luigi is all cuddled up beside me.  Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh  (Long sigh of relief).  Smile.

    Sunday, November 13, 2011

    You deserve the very best!

    Tonight, LindaRae, Craig, dad and I went to Chef's Experience China Bistro for dinner.  Good food lots of fun.

    Earlier today, LindaeRae's son Dustin, his wife Erin, and their children Logan and Chloe came by and visited.  Luigi showed them all of us tricks.  Great visit. 

    Of course, in between all the activities we watched the San Francisco 49ers WIN!

    Naturally, dad is a little sore from his falls and scrapes last night, but he is doing great.  Just a little slower.  Early this morning, dad and Bill went in Bill's golf cart and passed out flyers.  Just an all-around beautiful day.

    We finished off the Krispy Kreme donuts.  Had lots of salami and cheese.  I sold and wrapped another book that I sold on Amazon.com.  Yesterday, I ran back to Krispy Kreme and bought the cup that Skipper said he would love to have.  It's all wrapped and ready to mail.  I hope he is Happily Surpised when he receives it!!

    Saturday, November 12, 2011

    There's so much to like about you!

    Craig is making us home-made German pancakes this morning.  None of us have had them before.  They sound really delicious. 

    Skipper and Cheri have to leave today and pick up Cheri's mom in Folsom by Sacramento.  I'm going to miss them terribly.

    Tonight, dad and I went to the Park's celebration of 34 years.  We have been here from the beginning.  Lots of fun.  Good food.  Fun people.  Great music.  Getting back into the car to come home, dad fell.  Pretty scary.  Fortunately, Lindarae was there, and Dan Scott helped get dad back up off the ground and into the car.  Yes, I took another little xanax.  These falls make me nervous.  But, he does seem okay.  More shaken up really.  We brought him home, and gave him a couple of drinks.  :-)    Now, I am Very Tired.  Quite the end to a beautiful day.  Did I mention that I went barefooting around town this afternoon.  I LOVE IT!

    Friday, November 11, 2011

    TEXAS ROADHOUSE - RIBEYE STEAK!

    I want to remind myself that I LOVE the Ribeye Steak - smothered in mushrooms!

    Today, LindaRae, Craig, Skipper, Cheri, dad and I, all went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch.  For Veteran's day, they offered FREE lunches!  Everything was so Delicious and we had the BEST time.  Then we all went shopping at Office Max, Fry's Electronics, etc.  Throughout the day, they bought three boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts!  Tonight, we had LindaRae's homemade spaghetti again, leftover from last night.  Along, with Cheri's chow chow, and garlic bread.  What a Feast!  We all played fetch with Luigi, and watched the Country Music Awards, and laughed and talked.  Great Day!

    Thursday, November 10, 2011

    You are 100% special.

    This morning has already started off lots of fun with Skipper and Cheri.  At 8:30am the cleaning ladies are coming.  The four of us are all going to McDonalds for breakfast.  Then at 1:00pm, we are all meeting Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Home Town Buffet for lunch.  This is a great day.

    9:00pm  - LindaRae and Craig arrived at 3:00pm.  LindaRae made home made spaghetti gravy and Cheri made chow chow.  The Oakland Raiders Won!  We had such a great day and a great night.  So much fun.  Even Bill and Sadie came over and had dinner with us.  Best day ever.

    Wednesday, November 9, 2011

    There is greatness in you.

    Skipper and Cheri should be arriving about 7:00pm or later.  They will stay for a couple of days.  They are also bring Cleo, their dog.  I love when they come to visit.  Today was so beautiful, dad and I took Luigi across the street to the park and played fetch.  This was a beautiful day.

    Tuesday, November 8, 2011

    A single smile can change everything!

    I ran around and got a lot of errands accomplished this morning.  Went to the library and got Tina Fey's Audiobook, "Bossy Pants".  Listened to it for about an hour.  I'm enjoying it.

    Dr. Waterhouse called dad to check on his tendinitis.  We have been giving him the Norco pain pills and they are really helping him.

    Tonight, dad and I went out to dinner for mexican food at Chevy's.  We had a good time.  This has been a busy, enjoyable day.

    Monday, November 7, 2011

    Help yourself, too!

    This morning, both dad and I have 11:30am appointments with Dr. Hardy, the dermitologist.  Dad to check his moles for melanoma. (Everything looked good!)  And me, to remove one ugly mole.  When we are done, we will meet Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel in Pleasanton.

    Uncle Joe made us hot Italian sausage on sourdough rolls.  Delicious! 

    Have I mentioned lately, that I still dream every day of someday getting a Class B van and traveling??  My dream is still alive.  It's on my mind 24 hours a day, even though I never have anyone to share my dream with.  Just, my own private, little (big) dream.  I just wanted to write it down, in my very own blog, because it is important to me.  Will I be lonely when the day comes, or ecstatically happy.  Somehow, I believe Happy Resonates Within Me!  Smile!

    Sunday, November 6, 2011

    The real secret to success is positive thinking. 

    This morning, dad and I went to the movies and saw, "Tower Heist" with Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy.

    We enjoyed watching the 49ers win!

    The Raiders were great the first half - and totally fell apart the second half.  Then we caught up with four episodes of Huell Howser from PBS.  His shows are on seven days a week, and it is our favorite program(s) these days.

    Luigi was nothing but energy all day and all night.  This little guy never slows down!

    9:00pm - Dad had an acute episode of his tendenitis in his right arm and shoulder tonight.  Excruciating pain and frozen arm to his body.  I quickly gave him his Norco pain medicine and shots of Duggan's Irish Cream and call the Kaiser Advice Nurse.  He also was able to start squeezing his ball, and that also seemed to help.   Within twenty to thirty minutes, his arm felt better and he was able to start moving it again.  He says that he does not remember his tendenditis episode from a year ago October at all.  Anyway, I am so happy that he is feeling so much better.  Tonight he will take a sleeping pill and get a good nights rest. 

    Saturday, November 5, 2011

    Surround yourself with positivity!

    Thursday, I left my sunglasses in Uncle Joe's car.  So, today, dad and I are going over to their apartment and pick up the sunglasses.  Then, the four of us will all go out to lunch together.  Should be a fun day.

    Friday, November 4, 2011

    Light up someone's world. Smile!

    This morning I have an appointment with Dr. Chan to check my moles.  I think they are pretty much okay, but it's for peace of mind.  I would like a couple removed because they are a little itchy and I have started picking at them.  But, you know, they usually don't want to remove them.  It should be a pretty simple appointment.  Also, I think I'll ask him about a second colonoscopy.  It has been five years.  Since mom had colon cancer and an ileostomy for ten years, dad's dad died of colon cancer, and dad always has polyps removed when he is tested - I think it wouldn't hurt just to keep an eye on things.

    6:00pm  - Good doctors visit.  My doctor froze off three tags.  The "Roving Dermitologist" happened to be dad's dermitologist, Dr. Hardy!  Because of our unusual last name, he asked if I was dad's daughter.  I told him that dad has an appointment with him Monday.  He said that he is going to schedule a visit for me at the same time, and remove one mole!  This was such a great visit.

    Also, I went to the movies and saw, " A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas".  Although, I did not see it in 3D.  Nice, quick, cute movie.

    Thursday, November 3, 2011

    You're doing a great job!

    Tuesday night, Auntie Isabel had emergency eye surgery on her right side, blind eye.  She has been having so much pain in that eye and it really became acute pain.  She says the surgery helped, but she thinks there is still more.  So, she may have to have a second surgery.  So, this is a wait and see.  Yet, she still wants "Family Day" today.  She is a strong trooper!  Dad and I will go pick her and Uncle Joe up, and we are all going to Shari's Restaurant in Livermore.  Definitely, one of our favorite restaurants.  The weather is supposed to turn cold today, and possibly rain.  It will be fun, but I will miss our beautiful, "Indian Summer" weather.  I enjoyed every single day of it.

    Wednesday, November 2, 2011

    Your opinions and ideas need to be heard.

    Beautiful warm, pleasant day.  Dad went to exercise class.  Luigi and I did laundry and made nachos for breakfast.  Three batches!  hahaha  Sold one of my books on Amazon and ran to the post office and mailed it.  Took it nice and easy all day long.  Tonight, dad, Luigi and I went to the park and played fetch to wear Luigi out.  He has a Lot of Energy!  We finally experimented tonight.  We like the cheese sandwiches in the toaster oven with just one slice of cheese.  (Two slices of cheese stay cold -  brrrrrrr).  Is it wrong to be this relaxed?  I Love It!!

    Tuesday, November 1, 2011

    The past doesn't decide the future. You do.

    Another beautiful, sunny day.  Went to Best Buy this morning, to get help with my "not working" Sirius satellite radio.  It's been out for over a month.  Long story short - after over an hour on the telphone with Sirius - my radio appears to no longer be happy.  So I had to order another radio from Sirius for $141.00.  They tell me I can have three radio's to cover my "Lifetime" membership.  This radio only lasted for six years, as I bought it in 2005.  Doesn't six years seem like a very short time to you for a radio??  We have radio's that are over sixty years old.  After all was said and done, I had forgotten to tell Best Buy that also my regular radio is not working.  Not sure how that is all connected.  Maybe that might have made a difference.  Any way - the new radio is on it's way. 

    Ran around all day and got lots of errands done.  Also, went barefooting!  I do LOVE going barefoot.  Wish I could do it all the time.

    Dad and I went to Taco Bell tonight and got their latest Chalupa special.  Delicious!  Messy, but delicious.

    This nice, warm weather always makes me so happy.

    Tonight, I finally got brave and tried both - black strap molasses, and - balsamic vinegar.  I tasted about 1/2 teaspoon of the black strap molasses.  Not bad.  A little different.  An acquired taste.  But not too bad.  Then, later I used the balsamic vinegar on my green salad.  Pretty fun and tasty.  I also tried kale.  Wasn't too crazy about it.  I threw it all out.  I'll try it again sometime.  I don't need to enjoy everything the first time around.  I wanted to celebrate my successful braveness.  I'm such a finicky eater.  But, I really do want to eat healthier.  One step closer!  Smile!