Leap Day

Great Day.  Dad went to exercise and last Wednesday of the month Exercise Lunch at Sizzlers.  Free Day for Me!  Went to Walmart and bought a box to return QVC candle.  I experimented last night.  My real candle is very calm and serene.  This candle with the battery has a flicker that just plain flickers way too much and I do not feel calm.  This morning, I returned the two grinders.  Too big, and not all that special of grinding.  Went to Claudia's Skin Care and had my one stubborn black, bristly hair on my top lip removed again.  I'm sure that it will surrender eventually.  Went to Sweet Something and picked up the caramel apple that I ordered online last night.  Then went to the movies and saw the animated, "Secret World of Arietty".  Finished my library rented audiobook by Diane Keaton, "Then Again".  Pretty tough.  Several discs about first her dad dying, then her mom dying.  Oh, and Davy Jones, of the Monkees died today.  Age 66.  Vegetarian, not an ounce of fat on him, runner.  Dropped dead of a heart attack.  I need to read Dr. John McDougall again and see what is causing these heart attacks is "supposedly" healthy people.  I am a BIG Monkees fan.  They are the first group that I ever went to see Live In Concert.  It was at the San Franciso Cow Palace.  Huge.  Had those cold, hard, folding chairs.  I jumped up and down with so much excitement on that chair - I Broke My Chair!  I had the Best Time Ever!  I named my first car Samuel Griselda - after the Monkees song Auntie Griselda.  I love you Davy.  You bring me so much happiness.  Rest in Peace.

I am reading one of my favorite blogs, Tioga George.  He mentions how he is
 "s o o o  spoiled".  I totally relate to that.  I really, really, really love being spoiled.  And I really do appreciate being spoiled.  I guess it's so obvious that I don't have to mention it all of the time.  But, honestly, I am so spoiled - and I positively Love It!

Tonight the Disney Channel had on "101 Dalmations" with Glenn Close.  Luigi watched the entire movie.  He LOVED IT! 

You are someone's inspiration.

Auntie Isabel is getting her hair done by Yumi in Hayward this morning and Uncle Joe has a doctor's appointment at 3:30pm.  So, dad and I are meeting them for breakfast at CoCo's Restaurant on Hesperian.

Had a great time at breakfast this morning.  Auntie Isabel called tonight.  All is good with Uncle Joe.  Doctor gave him a B12 shot, told him to drink ensure and he has gained two pounds - which is great.  We returned the clothes rod to HSN.  Not quite what dad is looking for.  Just enjoying and appreciating today.  Unfortunately, my stupid right ear piercing is getting infect AGAIN!  I have fought this ear piercing for 40 years.   I really just want it to be happy.  This is so crazy.  So, right now, I am back to soaking the ear lobe in warm sea salt water and then applying Neosporin antibiotic ointment.  Please be happy ear and let me wear earrings again.

QVC ergoSEET PORTABLE THERAPEUTIC SEAT CUSHION

Just wanted to make sure I could find the name of this seat cushion if I ever need to order another one again.  Looks like it's going to be a quiet day today.

Turned out to be a good day.  Bill called and he and dad went out for lunch and a quick drive.  I hopped in my car and drove over the Dumbarton bridge to Redwood City and saw Sunday's Oscar Winning Movie, "The Artist".  It's a silent movie.  Went to the post office and the library.  Tonight, I put together the clothes extender that we will try for dad.  He has been saying that between shrinking - down from 5' 11" to currently 5' 3" - and also with his bad shoulder, he just can't raise his arm anymore - I'm hoping to help him hang his clothes with this.  We'll see.  Also, I am charging my new NoNo Hair Remover.  Hope this one works.  Also, put up my new shower head.  It has a filter to remove the chlorine.  Hoping it will be a great relief for my dry, sensitive skin.  :-)
I am feeling pretty productive. 

Take a deep breath and you'll be OK.   Remember, the first 100 years are the hardest.

This morning, dad and I are going to the movies and see, "Tyler Perry's Good Deeds".

Life brings us reasons too smile every day.

Brendon & Tacy

My adorable 24-year-old, great-nephew, Brendon McCoy married Tacy McPherson today in Lubbock, Texas.  Congratulations Brendon and Tacy!

This morning dad and I went to J.C. Penney's and bought him new bathroom rugs.  The old runs were starting to slip.  Too dangerous.  I gave him the new ErgoSeet that I bought from QVC to use in his car.  He seems pretty happy with it.  I think he is going to keep it. 

After I brought him back home and got the rugs down, I drove myself to See's Candy.  Bought some peanut brittle and nuts and chews.  Then back to Southland and bought myself new bathroom rugs from Sears.  Then over to the post office to pick my mail.  And finally to library to pick up books I had ordered.

Came home.  We watched several shows of Huell Howser and Judge Judy.  I went next door and looked at Bill and Carol's new furniture.  Then Bev Morgan and her dog cookie stopped by for a few minutes.  Kenny and Lisa called to say Hi!  Very fun!  Then we had cream of chicken soup for dinner.  Now I'll kick back and catch up on my computer blogs and mail and watch a little TV in my room and relax.  Beautiful day.

Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

Today is my nephew Tony Magorno's 40 Birthday!  Happy Birthday Tony!

Dad is driving himself to exercise again this morning.  Bill and Carol are waiting for the delivery guy for their new furniture.  I have been taking tons of L-lysine, and I think it is working.  I have been super stressed.  Finally, took some xanax last night to mellow back down.  This older (my age or a little younger)? guy asks me yesterday at the post office - "What is your Lucky Number"?  "Hmmm,"  I answer.  "I don't really know".  He replies, "8!  BECAUSE YOU ATE ALOT".  He was calling me Fat, right to my face.  I'd already had a really stressful day with dad yesterday, and then this guy brings honesty right to my face.  On the positive side, I'm hoping maybe his words hurt enough, I might take this weight thing seriously.  We'll see.  I'm so darn lazy, and I feel like I really don't have a life, bogged down here with dad, what's the point.  But, we'll see.  Feelings change.  Maybe I'll get motivated.  After all, I am dedicated to eating at least one apple a day for at least the next forty days.  I am now eating a lot of  raw potatoes and also  air-popped popcorn.  One day at a time.  Just glad I have today mostly to myself.

Can you believe this turned into a really good day.  I had been heading toward Fremont to go to my favorite KFC (which later today, I found out actually is no longer there).  I got sidetracked and went to Mission San Jose.  Can you believe that it has been a minimum of ten years or more that I have tried to get over there.  Either I don't have the time, the money ($3.00), or the weather is not warm enough for me.  (Wuss).  But, today was the perfect day.  I really enjoyed it.  There were two groups of students on tours with two different (VERY different) docents.  I listened a bit to each of the docents.  The kids are so distracted and disrepectful.  You would think the chaperones would insist on a little better behavior.  But, what do I know.  I don't spend much time around kids and am pretty spoiled that way.  I have been blessed to live in an all-adult park most of the last 34 years.  Then I ran some errands.  Finally, I ended up taken a barefoot walk around the Twin Bridges Park.  And when I got home, Bill and Carol had brought dad and I Straw Hat Pizza for dinner!  Perfect!

Who looks inside - awakens.

Uncle Joe has to pick up some papers from the doctors office and then go over to the Veterans and get some blood drawn this morning.  So, dad and I are driving to Pleasanton and we will meet them at Zorn's Restaurant for lunch.  Supposed to be really warm today.  Yea!

Good news.  March 1st, Uncle Joe is going to have the cataract removed from his right eye, and they are also going to take care of his astigmatism.  He may not have to wear glasses anymore!

I can feel that "tingly" sensation on my lip.  So I am plying myself with tons of
L-Lysine - hoping and praying - that I can curb this coldsore on the spot.  I think I have been eating too much acid, which I am allergic to.  Specifically, right now, too many dill pickles and pepperocini's.  My Favorites!  (Of course). 

All that we are arises with our thoughts.

Dad drove himself to exercise class this morning.  I had the whole day to myself.  Lots of sun.  Lots of fun.  Got lots done.  Thoroughly enjoyed today.  Today is Ash Wednesday.  I had a great idea.  Starting today, every day until Easter, forty days, I am going to eat at least one apple every single day.

With our thoughts, we make the world.



Tacy McPherson and Brendon McCoy

Brendon and Tacy are engaged to be married this Saturday in Lubbock, Texas at 1:00pm in a small ceremony.   They are both in the army are would like to start the paperwork and request that Tacy be transferred from Texas to Georgia to be with Brendon.

Yesterday, dad and I had lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Doug's Place in Castro Valley.  Also, got to talk with Brendon.  He is stationed in the army in Georgia.  He is flying back to Lubbock, TX Saturday and is having a small ceremony and is marrying his fiancee, Tacy McPherson.  She is also in the army and is still stationed in Texas.  They hope to file papers and request her to be transferred to Georgia also.  Last night, Kat called also.  We had such a nice chat.  She is doing well and sounds really happy.  Currently has a boyfriend and is hoping for an internship in Malibu this summer.  She is really excelling in her science classes, actually, all of her classes.  Dad really enjoyed it too.

Today, dad and I went and visited Rose Lopes.  She is looking very healthy.  Just her mobility sucks.  Then we went and finished having our taxes done.  Warm, beautiful day.

FRED FINCH ORPHANAGE

Just wanted to write down, Fred Finch Orphanage, Oakland, CA  as a reminder to remember where my mom and her brother, Howard Climie grew up.  Also, that their parents names are Loren Hughes and Mildred South and a family French name is Twidell - not certain about the spelling.  Uncle Howard was born Byron Hughes, and mom was born Shirley Marie Hughes and in their teens were adopted by her maternal (?) grandmother and given her name - Marie Climie and her grandmother's 4th (?) husband's name Howard Climie.   Mom married Jack Pennington.  They had two chidren, Marie Patricia Pennington, nicknamed Penny.   Penny grew up as Penny Bellshaw; married Troy Upshaw, became Penny Upshaw; married Bob Shaw, became Penny Shaw; married Vernon Meyer, became Penny Meyer - of course, legally Marie Patricia Meyer.  Their son, Gary Dale Pennington -  became adopted, (by Ray and Marie Runyan) (my parents are Ray and Marie Magorno), and became Gary Dale Runyan.  He has since become a monk in Montana, and around 2007 approximately, has legally changed his name to Michael S. O'Brien. 

Ferdinand Magurno
E. 27th Avenue
1910 Census 
Gambling
Married 1909
Buserwini - 1894 Born - Calabria, Italy
Province of Cosenza
Town - Moraira
Antonio Joseph Magorno - Born 1910
Dominic Magurno - Born Nov. 10, 1893 - Died September 10, 1987
Lizzie - Born September 14, 1894 - Married 1909
Tony - Born 9/26/1910  Died 10/22/1953
           Buried in Section U   Site 2466
           Golden Gate National Cemetary
           1300 Sneatch Lane
           San Bruno, CA  94066

Tony
Pete
Willie
Mike
Mary
Al
Joseph - October 6, 1922
Raymond - March 2, 1925
Dorothy - 1930
               

We are what we think.

Today, dad and I went to the movies and saw the comedy, "This Means War" with Reese Witherspoon.  Pretty good movie.  Then we went to Walmart.  I have been going to the jacuzzi a lot recently.  I Love It!

On Facebook, Brendon, his financee, Tacy and Kat have all been posting that Brendon is getting married in One Week!

You are amazing.

Dad went to the Disaster Meeting at the clubhouse with Henry this morning and they stayed at the dining table for two hours.  Watched Whitney Houston's funeral on CNN for hours.  Then we took Luigi and went to Fremont to find a new binder to wear for dad's hernia.  Since they didn't have anything better, we decided he should try "two" of his current binder for additional support.  Then we took Luigi to the dog park.  Beautiful day.

Live your dreams.

Dad goes to exercise today.  They buried Mike Lang's dad yesterday.  Carol's dad is in a rehab facility again.  Hopefully, they can save his foot.

Went to Lucca's and got a delicious salami and pepper jack cheese sandwich.  Found Frank's Hot Sauce at Lucky's to try on popcorn.  Went to Garin Park.  Beautiful sunny day.

If you're looking for greatness - look in the mirror!

Auntie Isabel is  getting her done in Hayward today.  Then dad and I are meeting her and Uncle Joe for lunch at Hometown Buffet at Southland.  The other Hometown Buffet in Union City on Decoto Road, where dad's exercise class has their last Wednesday of the month, Lunch - has completely closed.  They filed Chapter 11 and are now gone.  Also, the Taco Bell over there, Burned Down.   I really liked that Taco Bell.  Hope they rebuild it.

Looks like I'm on a buying jag.  Lots of little practical items.  An olive oil spray mister, which I might just use for hot sauce for popcorn and potatoes.  A superfast drying towel (hopefully for travel at some point).  Amazon Prime - for shipping, movies, books, etc.  More Avon Anew Stretch mark cream, hopefully to remove the scars from the moles I recently had removed.  Two power-toothbrush heads, extended, ultra-soft.  Avon body powder to keep extra in my room.  A new micro mouse to use with my laptop for Wild Devine.  A one-cup silicone measure, pour stir cup.  Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaning kit from QVC.  ergoSEET Portable Therapeutic Seat Cushion from QVC. 

Starbucks® Italian Roast Mug, 16 fl oz

Inspired by our French Roast coffee, this classic 16-fl oz mug with a slightly flared shape features a white motor scooter on a matte black background, accented with a green interior. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Has a picture of a moped.

THE TINIEST MANSION - HOW TO LIVE IN LUXURY IN AN RV BY TYNAN

Finished my ebook on my cell phone, "The Tiniest Mansion" by Tynan.  Want to keep this title available for future reference.

Going to experiment with hot sauce on raw potatoes and making potato chips in the microwave, and popcorn.  Dad is going back to exercise class today.

Every day you succeed.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This morning dad and I are going to get our taxes done in Castro Valley.  First, we'll spend an hour with Tony Jurado, and then with Brent Rudman. 

Things went well.  Then we went and tried the fish and chips restaurant on Foothill Blvd. in Hayward.  Very delicious.  I brought dad home and then I spent four hours running around getting some of my own things done.  Also, finished listening to Carrie Fisher's audiobook, "Shockaholic".  Came home and went to the jacuzzi.  Love it!  Then a load of laundry.  And dad and I finished an old movie with Tyrone Powers and Marlena Dietrich.  Really nice day.

Your list of good qualities keeps getting longer!

Went to the jacuzzi yesterday.  It felt so good!  It has started raining lightly.  Very nice.  This morning, Clark's pest control comes to both our house and Bill and Carol's.  Carol is sick.  Her 91 year old father, Jim, is very sick and in the hospital.   If they cannot stop his virus, he may lose his foot. I'm not positive.  I think he may have diabetes. 

Today we are having lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Denny's in Pleasanton.  They have been having a commercial for a 'sizzler' platter that looks really good.  Poor Auntie Isabel thought that it was a sizzling shrimp platter.  Pretty disappointed.  Think we'll find a shrimp place soon.  Sounds good!  I went to the jacuzzi.  Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Get inspiration from your own life!

Can you believe - no more football.  Football season is Really over.  I miss football.  This morning, dad and I are going to the movies and see Denzel Washington in "Safe House". 

Yesterday, Whitney Houston died.  Age 48.  My heart breaks for her and her family.  She had the voice of a generation.  I had so hoped that she could recover from drugs, but the grip was too tight.  She was beautiful.  She was talented.  She was beloved.  Rest peacefully Whitney.  We love and miss you.

Try something new today.

I took a Norco pill last night about 7:00pm.  Just something to try to calm down, even though it is actually a strong pain pill.  I am not good with pills.  These things kind of knock me for a loop.  Now, I'm kind of dizzy.  Foggy headed.  A little head achy.  A little nausea.  Bad idea.  Just wanted to try it.  Gotta lay back down.

Feeling better.  Tonight, dad and I are going to the clubhouse for Chinese New Year dinner and karaoke.  Poor dad almost couldn't make it back to the car.  He didn't want to take his cane in.  So, I finally had to get the cane to help him finish his walk back to the car.  It really scared him. 

The best things in life are still free.

Took a valium last night.  Slept so good for five whole hours.  Today, dad went for a ride with Bill and I had the whole day to run around and take care of things.  Sure enjoyed today.

LIFE NOMADIC by TYNAN

I have just finished reading, "Life Nomadic" by Tynan - on my Kindle, of course.  Want to keep this as a good reference.

This morning the cleaning ladies come.  Then dad and I are going to Uncle Joe's and we are all going to lunch at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Pleasanton. 

You make life good.

Today is Cinnamon's birthday.  She is 43 years old.  Dad and I went to Kono Grill on Mission Blvd. and then took Luigi to the dog park.  CLOSED!  Not sure why.  So, we took him to the park across the street.  Then we took Luigi to visit his cousin Cookie here in the park with Bev Morgan.  Busy day.  Lots of sunshine.

The power of imagination makes us infinite.

Nice day.  Some rain.  Got lots done.  Listening to Carrie Fisher's book, "Shockaholic" in the car.  Kinda a downer.  Basically, about get electric shocks.  1 cd disk down, 3 to go.  Went to the post office, library, Walmart, Trader Joe's, and the bank.  Bill took dad out for hot dogs for lunch and a ride.  Yea!  I washed my pillow today.   I made popcorn, microwave potato chips, and strawberry ice cream and froze it.  Bought spicy sushi and ate most of it.  I love it.  Also, got my QVC flameless  candle with Illuminara, Dream Candle with Realistic Flame Technology that they use in Disneyland.  It uses 2 "D" batteries and has a 5 hour on, 19 hour off timer.  I LOVE IT.  It is white with a vanilla scent.  It flickers like a real candle.  I have bought so many candles, and can never use them, because I always use my ceiling fan.  Now, my ceiling fan has started making a little clicking sound, and I have not been using it this winter.  Anyway, whatever happens, I love my candle! 

Today is February 7th, and it is LindaRae and Craig's 24th Wedding Anniversary.  They were married in 1987.

Received an email and a telephone message from HSN that there were so many NONOHair removal appliances ordered Sunday, that they ran out.  If they do not have them in by March 6th, they have to cancel my order.  Cross fingers they get them back in.

Beauty surrounds us and is within us.

Meeting Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Costco in Livermore this morning and having lunch with them at In~n~Out Hamburgers after shopping.  This may be our last visit.  They are talking about dropping their Costco membership in March. 

I have several books that I have been reading on my cell phone.  Now, I am going back and trying to finish several of them up.  This morning I finished, "Long, Long Honeymoon, Living in a Tin Can".

Big Miracle

At midnight, last night, I ran to the bank's ATM and deposited my check. Then came home and went online and ordered the NoNoHair from HSN. My first one broke. Still trying to permanently remove all my hair. It takes such a long time, but I am still hopeful it will do the job.
Today is Superbowl.  It does not start until 3:00pm.  It's between the New York Giants and the New England Patriot's.  Dad says that if Tom Brady, the quarterback wins, he will break Joe Montana's record.  So, this morning we are going to the movies and see, "Big Miracle" with Drew Barrymore.  It is a true story about whales that got stuck in Alaska, way back during the Reagan administration.  Bill came over last night.  They saw the movie yesterday.  He said that at one part during the movie, even all the men cried.  Bring lots of extra napkins.  Good movie.  We didn't cry.  Lots of kids there.  Lots of laughing.

Great game.  Giants 21  Patriots 17

We brought home Chinese food from Yummy's.  Carol brought us leftover Straw Hat pepperoni pizza.  Delicious!

10:30pm
Aahhh.... I finally finished reading the sequel, "The Barefoot Sisters, Walking Home" on my Virgin Mobile LG prepaid cell phone.  I LOVE reading on this cell phone.

I Like Positivity!

I woke up so happy and rested this morning.  Yesterday was so great.  Bill had dad out from 9:00 to 4:00pm.  I stayed home and organized and prepped a huge batch of homemade, healthy, fresh potato chips in the microwave with my large size silicone splash guard.  I relaxed and had such a great day.  Such a beautiful gift!

5:00pm
Dad and I took Luigi to the dog park.  Then we stopped on the way home and ate at Jack-in-the-Box.  It's February 4th, but it feels like a beautiful, hot, summer day.  Also, today is Tammie and Don's 23rd wedding anniversary.  I sent Tammie a musical email card and she called and talked with us.  We also got to talk with Caity.  Such a nice call.  Don is receiving a special commendation award from NASA, where he works.  Caity is a Junior in college to become a teacher.  Steve is in community college and will be going to college in North (?) Carolina to become a meteorologist.  Pretty cool!

7:00pm
Penny called tonight.  She gave me her new cell phone number.  She had pneumonia and now has COPD.  She is coughing, but she sounds good.  They are having a Superbowl party with the neighbors tomorrow.

Comcast has removed TruTV from our basic cable.  We are outraged!  Not sure, but will probably start making phone calls again, and checking on other services.  They stopped Uncle Joe's also.  Auntie Isabel said he almost went to emergency last night for his hernia.  Sounds like he is going through all the same problems that dad has had.  Although, Uncle Joe has two hernia's.  At their age, there is not too much they can do.  They just tell dad he has to live with it and to call if he is in severe pain.  It constantly gets larger and harder and he is miserable with it, but they cannot help him.  They say the surgery is too high-risk at his age.  He will be 87 in March.  Uncle Joe is 89.  Tommy rushed his friend, Laura to emergency and she will be there until Tuesday.  Not sure what is wrong.

Frank Mendes had a heart attack a few nights ago.  They put in a balloon and another stent.  Sounds like he has 8 stents in his heart.  But, they say he is doing well, and they will be coming to the Chinese New Year's dinner next Saturday night.  Modern medicine is Amazing!

Supercharge your happiness!

Last night I received my huge plastic storage set from QVC.  12 pieces, all with the same size matching lids.  They are clear see-through.  Freezer and microwave safe.  This morning the big box went out and I cleared the old plastics and now just have the two towers of matching storage.  This should really simplify reaching for storage and also dad won't have to ask, which lid do I use.  Simplicity.  I love it!

You can make anything happen!

Auntie Isabel gets her hair done today in Hayward.  Then she and Uncle Joe are meeting dad and I for lunch at Applebee's. 

I am constantly hungry.  I need to find out what actually satisfies my hunger and make a conscious mental note of it.  It seems that I never feel satisfied.  By becoming a more conscious eater, I can discover what it is I eat that does satisfy me.  I just looked up on the computer.  Satisfying foods include wholemeal bread, oranges, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, pasta, popcorn.

Positive thinking is the spark that makes dreams come true.

Today is dad's exercise class.  Sue, the exercise teacher, has cancelled the next three classes, which means less time for me.  But, we will keep busy and the time will go by quickly.  Today I will try and get a lot done and be productive.

The day was gray and misty.  Went out to run errands, but came right back home and took a nice, long, winters nap!  Perfect winter day.