Even the smallest acts of kindness have the power to change lives.

Dad and I went to Castro Valley today and had lunch at El Rancho Restaurant.  Delicious.  Lots of fun.  Then I went and enjoyed the jacuzzi.  The sun came out.  Beautiful day.

Show the world what you can do. Live your dreams!

Kim and Lindaellen





Annie and Lindaellen

Annie took both of these pictures at the Family Lunch.  She is Amazing!

Today dad and I went to Uncle Joe's and Auntie Isabels.  Then we all had lunch in Pleasanton at Zorn's Restaurant.  Great Day!



No one is more lovable than you are.

This morning dad and I are going to the movies and seeing, "Red Tails" with Cuba Gooding, Jr.  Yesterday we took Luigi to the dog park for about two hours.  The kids kept throwing the ball and all the dogs would run with Luigi.  He had so much fun.  It actually wore him out a little.  Lots of fun.  Beautiful weather.  The last few days have been really enjoyable.  Just appreciating the simple life.  Used my new slicer.  Love it!  Ordered a large set of Lock and Lock storage containers.  Got my free birthday pretzel and free birthday Starbucks drink.  Signed up online with, Blend It and Mend It", an online community for my VitaMix.  Reading books on my cellphone.  Watching episodes of "The Big Bang".  Super busy with a lot of small simple things.

HOMEMADE AIR FRESHENERS!

Banish bathroom odors - spray the inside of the toilet paper tube with your favorite perfume before you put it on the holder - you'll get a burst of scent with each spin!

Invisible air freshener - place a few drops of your favorite essential oil on top of your light bulbs.  When the bulb heats up, the aroma will waft through your room.

Homemade air spray - combine 1/8 cup baking soda with 2 cups water in a spray bottle; add 10 drops of scented oil.  Shake up the mixture, and spritz into the air to absorb odors and add a fresh scent.

Vanilla-scented - use a nail to punch several holes in the lid of a glass jar, then drop in five cottonballs moistened with a few drops of vanilla extract.  Stash the closed jar in a small room or closet to naturally freshen the air.

Simmer away smells - fill a saucepan with water, then add cinnamon, cloves or even citrus peels.  Set on low heat and the delicious scent will spread around your home.  Just be sure to monitor the water level so it doesn't evaporate away.

Easy reed diffuser - in a glass jar, combine water with four drops of your favorite essential oil.  Put reeds (sold in crafts stores) into jar; the scent will diffuse into the air.

SCENTS YOUR WAY HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER

Enhance Your Memory with Rosemary.
Crush a sprig of Rosemary to release its oils and Inhale.

Boost brain function with Cinnamon.

Zap Pain with Peppermint.
Pop a peppermint candy and feel better fast!

Sleep Soundly with Sandalwood.
Find Sandalwood essential oil at health food stores and apply two drops to your wrist before bed.  It will be absorbed into your bloodstream and travel to your nervous system easing anxiety within minutes.

Boost Patience with Eucalyptus.
The same plant that helps treat a cold also has the amazing ability to help you feel more understanding and sympathetic!
Inhale the essential oil, availabe at health-food stores.

Create calm and happiness with Oranges.
Find orange essential oil in health-food stores or eat an orange to inhale its happy scent.

Cut Cravings with Vanilla.
Simply saturate a cottonball with vanilla extract and sniff whenever you get the urge for a fattening treat!

Calm with Sage.
Sage essence oil has been used as an effective relaxant and sedative.  Because the fragrance has uplifting qualities, it is often used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, tension and mental fatigue.

Hug someone today.

My Birthday Week continues today.  Dad and I are having lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at the Texas Road House.  I am having the delicious rib eye steak.  Birthday Week is lots of Fun!

Happy 60th Birthday Lindaellen!

Wow!  I can't believe that I am 60.  I feel 18.  Happy Birthday to me.  I am one lucky gal.  Today I am looking up all the Farmer's Markets and where to buy organic.  I made strawberry ice cream with the Vitamix last night - no flavor.  haha  So good news is, I am going to start finding healthier, more delicious food to start with.  Flavor in, Flavor out.  Yum!

Hmmmm...  I went to Trader Joe's today and bought regular and also organic frozen strawberries.  Both packages - no flavor.  I wonder if it's because it is January.  I'll keep exploring for flavorful fruits and vegetables.  Wish me Luck!

Dad went to exercise lunch and then Bill took him for a drive around Berkeley and were out until 3:00pm.  Yea for me.  A little break.  Tonight we ran across the street and brought home enchiladas for my birthday dinner.  Delicious!  Also, my new slicer arrived by UPS.  This was a really wonderful birthday.  Also, Facebook is so much fun.  Lots of birthday wishes.  Also, so far, I have received Happy Birthday songs by phone from Deaunn, LindaRae, and Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel.  So much Fun!

Promises. Possibilities. Potential.

This morning, dad and I are going to the Kokyo Sushi Buffet to celebrate my birthday.  We are going today, because tomorrow is the last Wednesday of the month and they have their exercise lunch.  We are going early, and hopefully, will get a window table.  Had a wonderful time at lunch.  The food was delicious and we had a lot of fun.

Also, Bill and Carol are going to the Indian Casinos and we get to take care of Sadie.  That is always lots of fun.

You know what you are? Amazing!

Uncle Joe's car is getting fixed.  Since it is a nice rainy, gray day, I decided we should stay snuggled in and not go out today.  So far, I love it.  We had delicious beans that Carol made.  Then I used my new QVC Silicone Splash Guard and made oil-free potato chips in the microwave.  Delicious!  And Healthy!

Tonight, I went online to Amazon.com and ordered a Swissmar Borner V Power Mandoline, V-7000.  It is a vegetable slicer.  This is my 60th birthday present to myself.  I also joined Amazon Prime tonight and should be receiving the slicer Wednesday, on my birthday.

You can do it. Really!

Dad and I went to the movies this morning and see the 2 1/2 hour, Steven Spielberg movie, "War Horse".   Good movie.   This afternoon,  we are watched the 49ers Playoff's for the Superbowl.  We lost.  We made spaghetti.  Some rain off and on.  Nice day.

Each day discover something new and wonderful about yourself.

Today was our cousins bi-monthly Family Lunch.  Lots of fun.  We all met at Harry's Hofbrau The Carvery in Livermore.  There was dad and I, Al and Lyn, Kenny and Lisa, Deaunn and Jean, and Kim and Annie.  Poor Debbie is sick with bronchitis, pneumonia and a double-ear infection.  Ouch!  The day flew by and we all had so much fun.  Also, my birthday is Wednesday.  Deaunn brought me a beautiful wind chime.  Kim and Annie brought me a  beautiful, pink, live potted tulip plant and a beautiful birthday card.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.  Hope this whole year continues to be as wonderful as today.

KEEP YOUR HANDS YOUTHFUL WITH OLIVE OIL!

Pour olive oil into a spray bottle and mist and massage in the oil at least twice a day.  It's inexpensive, but more effective than some really pricey hand creams.

Dad goes to exercise this morning.  I am going to see the movie, "Iron Lady" with Meryl Streep, about Margaret Thatcher.

Brighter Day


Yesterday I went to the movies and saw Steven Spielberg's, "The Adventures of Tin Tin" in 3D.  Pretty good movie.

Sledding Crow link

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/32422/sledding%20crow%20in%20russia%20soars%20to%20internet%20stardom/


Dad and I had lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at CoCo's Restaurant in Hayward.  Lots of fun.  Then we went shopping at Walmart.  Then is started to rain.  Yea!  First rain of the season!

Today, we are striking against censorship

Join the largest online protest in history: tell Congress to stop this bill now!

NameEmailAddressZipcode

Not In The US? Petition The State Department.

I am writing to you as a voter in your district. I urge you to vote "no" on cloture for S. 968, the PROTECT IP Act, on Jan. 24th. The PROTECT IP Act is dangerous, ineffective, and short-sighted. It does not deserve floor consideration. I urge my representative to vote "no" on SOPA, the corresponding House bill. Over coming days you'll be hearing from the many businesses, advocacy organizations, and ordinary Americans who oppose this legislation because of the myriad ways in which it will stifle free speech and innovation. We hope you'll take our concerns to heart and oppose this legislation by voting "no" on cloture.

Join The Strike! and add this to your site

Fight For The Future may contact you about future campaigns. We will never share your email with anyone. Privacy Policy

Learn More:

Watch the video · American Censorship page · View the Infographic
Read SOPA on OpenCongress · Read PIPA on OpenCongress

The three most definitive articles on SOPA and PIPA: Free Speech, Problems, Security

Fight for the Future is a non-profit organization fighting for people's freedoms in a new digital age.

Shining Sky

Went all over town looking for oil-free salad dressing - no luck.  Cold, cold morning.  Hit freezing last night.  Read some.  Watched TV with dad.  Had spaghetti.  Cuddled with Luigi.

Let's start vegan

Today I want to start vegan.  That documentary that I watched online this weekend is still haunting me.  I don't want to be a part of that kind of suffering ever again.  Also, I am just plain fat.  I want to cut out oils and things and drop this hideous weight.  I want to stop ignoring me and life and get back in the game. 

Today dad and I are having lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Subway in Castro Valley.  I will have the vegetarian with no oil, mayonnaise, or olives.

On Twitter today, Tynan has written a new book, "Living in an RV", which I just ordered on Kindle.  Also, Joshua Becker, just put out the challenge to read one book a week.  I am currently reading about 12 books at the same time - think I will focus and accept the challenge to "Complete" one book a week.  The feeling of completion satisfaction sounds good right now.  I'd like to find some RV camps nearby, and start getting away overnights and have more "Me" time. 

3:00pm  So far, so good.  Had a vegetarian subway sandwich.  Came home, had some baby carrots and sliced bread.  Starch, vegetables and fruit are good to eat on the McDougall diet.

Moving forward

Football all day.  New York Giants won, so they will be coming here to play the San Francisco 49ers next week. 

Silence is golden

Luigi went to the groomers today at PetSmart.  Ethan did a beautiful job.  Luigi looks adorable.  49ers Won!  They are in the Playoffs!  Another beautiful January day.  Sunshine!

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone

This morning, we are taking dad to Kaiser to the podiatrist and have his toenail removed.  Appears the nail has grown in all curved.  I looked on the computer, looks like it is going to be okay. 

11:00am  Podiatrist clipped the nail and said it actually looks pretty okay.  Told dad to soak foot in warm water for a couple of days.  If the nail becomes a problem again, come back in.  We were so HAPPY!

We came home and picked up Luigi.  Went for a drive past Auntie Dorothy's house - still no sale.  Then we took the back roads to Alameda and visited Nick Russo.  He was in bed and could not wake up.  We know that he is very bad.  Poor Louise.  So sad.

3:00pm  I went and had my hair colored and cut and also got a pedicure.  Brought Chinese food home for dinner.  Scheduled appointment for tomorrow for Luigi to get groomed by Ethan at PetSmart at Bayfair.

It's Perfectly Okay

Cleaning ladies came this morning, so we went to the clubhouse for an hour and had coffee and hot chocolate.  Then we met Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel for lunch at the Country Waffles in Dublin.  Lots of fun.

Change before you have to.

Dad went to exercise this morning.  I went to the post office and picked up, "The McDougall Program, 12 Days to Dynamic Health".  Came home and made a salad.  Took dad to Kaiser for his toe.  They scheduled an appointment with the podiatrist for Friday morning to have his nail removed.  It's curved in and ingrown.  She said it would not make him uncomfortable. 

Then we went for lunch at the little chinese restaurant on Industrial - $4.95 - all you can eat buffet.  Wow!  What a spread.  So much food.  All delicious.  The place got packed right after we sat down.  Perfect timing.  We really loved it.  Brought dad home. 

Went to Starbucks and picked up the Burt Bacharach CD with "Alfie" by Barbra Streisand.  They said they redid the same version.  I couldn't honestly tell the difference.  At some point, I'll have to get the original out and this one and compare them.

Went over to Twin Bridges and took a nice long barefoot walk.  Aaaahhhhh.  I do LOVE being barefoot.  Came back to the park.  Turned on the jacuzzi trying to get the jets to work. 

Finally, for the first time, I took the walk over on Industrial where they put in the new flood control.  Great walk.  Could even do it barefoot.  It's asphalt, so maybe not in the hot afternoon sun.  Luigi would really enjoy going with me.  Bill and Sadie were taking a walk there.  Bill said that Maxine fell and broke her hip this morning and the ambulance came and got her.

Tonight, we are going to Carmen Glocksen's memorial.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

Yesterday, Joan Roberts passed away.  She and her husband Tom Roberts did most of the real estate here in the park.  Guess it's up to Tom now.  Today, dad and I went and made a visit to Ginny and Dale Palmer.  We used to play bunko (dice) with them in the group.  Dale has been failing.  They have their beautiful Class A motorhome up for sale.  His mobility is worse.  Now, he is starting to ask Ginny who she is.  He is frail, but looks good.  Ginny is a strong woman, yet she is just holding on.  When she was raising four children, her husband dropped dead from heart failure while they were away on vacation.  Now, two of her children, died unexpectedly, also of heart failure.  Dale is about 15 years older, and now she is caring for him. 

Dad and I took Luigi to the dog park today.  He had so much fun.  At home, he is limping around from all those shots yesterday.  At the dog park, he had so much fun.  I bought some cuticle cream for a crazy hang nail.  We called Kaiser's Advice Nurse.  We'll take dad into Kaiser tomorrow.  One of his toes has been bugging him for about three months.  Might be a little ingrown nail.  We'll find out tomorrow.  Found out that Sizzler's restaurant has changed hands, but they are keeping the name. 

Deaunn emailed me that she is doing great on the McDougall diet and feeling really good.  I told dad that I was going to start it to.  Now, I just need to figure out what exactly it is that I am going to eat.  It will be a major change.  One day at a time.  Dad was very supportive.  That made me feel really good.

Love More

Luigi went to the veterinarian this morning for his annual check-up and shots.  He is such a good dog.  So patient.  Tonight, he is really feeling the effects.  Poor little guy threw up all over dad's chair.  Now, he is not happy to move, and is very, very still.  This usually lasts about two days for him. 

Dad and I met Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel for lunch in Castro Valley at Doug's restaurant.  Great food.  Great service.  Lots of fun.  Beautiful day.

Go, Go, Go

My beautiful cousin Deaunn said that she has already been on the vegan diet for seven days already, to ease the pain of her rheumatoid arthritis.  And I am still fussing and overeating and acting emotionally immature about this whole food eating process.  Which is so silly - because I LOVE potatoes, vegetables and fruits.  So, again, I set my course in the direction of health.  Go, Go, Go!

Even if you stumble, you're still moving forward.

Interesting day.  Sold all three of my Paleo books on Amazon last night.  Mailed them this morning.  Then had a delicious salami and pepper jack cheese sandwich at Lucca's in Castro Valley.  Brought home a stick of Italian dry salame.  Then dad, Luigi and I went to the dog park.  Perfect afternoon.  Yes, I am trying to read the John McDougall books about eating vegan.  Honestly, I get a tension headache just thinking about it.  Lots of emotions around food you know.  But, I continue.  Remember how great I use to feel when living in Colorado and was a vegetarian.  It's all good.  What's the hurry.  Right now, my life is just on hold anyway.  Even if I suddenly had all the energy back, I'm sort of on lock-down.  But, I still want to do it for my health.  So, baby steps.  One step in front of the next.  A project.  My project.  Yes, I feel better again.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Nice, busy morning.  Lots of decluttering.  Then ordered several of Dr. John McDougall's books.  Starting to read one of them.  Plan to start the vegan diet and get healthy and lose weight.  CoCo losing 40 pounds has been a good inspiration.  Deaunn is starting this diet to help relieve her rheumatoid arthritis.  2012 is our year of health!

Calm the Mind

Beautiful sunny day.  Had a Starbucks carmel frapaccino and went to Garin park.  Then off to run some errands and took a walk.  At noon, dad and I met Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Sizzler's for lunch.  Beautiful day.

So many New Year's resolutions come true. Yours can, too!

Fun Day!  CoCo came over and brought her little Malti-Poo, Shelby.  We spent the day in the littlel quaint town of Niles and visited the Thomas Kinkade Gallery.  Beautiful paintings!!!  Then going through the antique stores.  We bought a couple of small tacos from the taco truck - and THEN - Discovered  - Thyme for Tea Antique Store with an English Tea Room in the back.  So, of course, we went in and had Chocolate Orange Tea with Scones with puree and creme.  So much Fun!  Then, back to going through antique stores. Then 5:00pm. Stores closed.   Finally, we went to downtown Hayward to La Imperial Mexican Restaurant.  Yes, I'm miserably full - and had so much fun all day long.  The day flew by.  And I loved the whole day.

Dream your dreams and then live them!

Went to the movies today and saw, "My Week With Marilyn" about Marilyn Monroe.
Also bought a Thomas Kinkade 2012 calendar.  It felt so good to run around and just be myself today.  I was so happy and contented.

Our dear Carmen Glocksen passed away today.  She was Auntie Dorothy's very best friend, her "koh maudie".  Poor Carmen had a severe stroke and has been in bed for the last ten years.  She was the sweetest, most amazing woman.  There are no words to describe her inner beauty and loving ways.  She was 87.  Seems like we are losing so many people.  I know that they have had long, full lives.  But, we love and miss all of them.  So lucky, to have known and loved each of them. 

You are a gift.

Dad and I are meeting Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Costco on "A" Street in Hayward this morning.  We had such a fun day today.  Lots of laughs.  We also went to lunch at Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant in Castro Valley.  Perfect Day!

Happy New Year 2012!

A brand new year!  I love new beginnings.  Full of hope and joy.  Today we have football.  49ers won this morning and Raiders lost this afternoon.  I made bacon and eggs for breakfast.  Have a little party! 

Tough day.  Dad and I called Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel to wish them Happy New Year.  Uncle Joe was so certain it was Nick Russo.  We had a terrible time convincing him that it was us.  Uncle Joe keeps having more difficult "moments".

Bill Mack swept up our front yard this morning in about two seconds, and dad couldn't stop crying.  He feels so bad that he can't do the things he used to do.  He was cranky all day.  I am drained.  I need to get out of this house more.  It would be good for the both of us.