Liver + Onions +…

…green pepper + green beans + mushrooms + garlic + beef broth + corn starch + salt + rice + lettuce =

YUM-EEEE dinner!!!!!

Yep, that’s the scrumptious dinner I mentioned last week!!!  My taste buds were in over drive the whole week, anticipation building like a powder keg waiting to blow.

I ended up with 4 meals worth so 1 went into the fridge and 2 went into the freezer.  I had the refridgerated one for dinner tonight and I’ll enjoy the other two once a week for the next two weeks (don’t want to overdo the organ food consumption). 

Then…

I’ll get MORE liver at the food store and stir fry it up, but this time I’ll mix up the veggies a bit — maybe some corn, carrots, broccoli or peas?  We’ll have to see what the taste buds are craving when it comes time to cook liver again.

Anyone care to join me?  Any other liver lovers out there?

Southern California Fires

There are currently four fires raging out here in So. Cal.  Two near Los Angeles and two in the Inland Empire area, the latter much closer to me than the former, but still far far away in fire-speak.

The most devastating fire so far is the Station fire in La Canada Flintridge, north of L.A., which started last Wednesday.  As of this morning the fire has burned more than 85,000 acres, is 5% contained, has killed 2 firefighters and injured 5 civilians (2 seriously), has destroyed 30+ houses/cabins and is now moving north into the Acton area.  In total, more than 10,000 homes have been evacuated and that number is still rising.

The Morris fire in Asuza, northeast of L.A., started last Tuesday and is 95% contained.  A baby in comparison to the Station fire, this fire has scorched a mere 2200 acres of brush only – no buildings destroyed and no injuries.

Last week I could see some of the smoke from these fires as it was blown inland but that is not the case this morning.

Here in the Inland Empire, the Cottonwood fire in Hemet started last Thursday and is also small in size at just 2400 acres burned.  Though evacuations had been ordered, there was no structural damage or destruction, at least none that I’ve heard about, the same for injuries, and people have been allowed to return home.

This morning when I left for work this is the sight that greeted me when I pulled out of the neighborhood:

At a quick glance it might look like a lizard to you, but it’s not, it’s the smoke pouring out of the Yucaipa fire, a fire that started sometime yesterday.  So far only 900 acres have burned but the fire is 0% contained.  Though it appears that the fire is near the top of the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear, it is not.  The fire is further down the mountain but the light winds are pushing the smoke up and over the mountain.

The ONLY good thing about these fires is that there is no major wind.  We have been extremely hot and dry as I’m sure you’ve all heard about on the news.  If there were any strong winds, the acreage and damage that have occurred would be at the very least, double or triple what they are.

I am safe but keeping a watchful eye.  It is going to be an extremely long fire season….

Author’s update:  Here is a picture of the Station Fire smoke (smeared white area just above the trees) and the Cumulous cloud created from the heat of the fire/smoke clashing with the cool air aloft.   I viewed this from my office window at 2:16PM today.  The picture is deceiving because I cropped it – the fire is 30+ miles away….

Space Shuttle & Space Station Sightings

It’s that time again folks —  the Shuttle Discovery is up and scheduled to dock with the International Space Station tonight!

Sooo…no matter where you live on this earth, click this link in order to find out when you can see them fly over you!  You’ll find out what time, what elevation, which arrival and departure directions and how long they’ll be visible.  I’ve found it best to double check the times an hour or so before the scheduled time as the time does change by a minute or two.

http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/

What you’ll be looking for is a white light that is moving fairly quickly.  The white is from the sun bouncing off the ISS so it will be white the entire time it flies over, unlike planes where the lights disappear as they fly over.

When the Endeavor was up in July I saw the ISS fly overhead four times.  The last time I was able to see it I saw the light and followed it…then a second light appeared behind it.  I was confused, muttered something like “crap – which one is the ISS?” before remembering that the Shuttle and the ISS had undocked earlier in the day so I actually saw Endeavor in the lead and the ISS a few seconds behind!!! 

If that wasn’t awesome enough, two shooting stars flew across the western sky as the two man-made space vehicles were in the southern sky.  It was the first time I had ever seen shooting stars!  My Mom was fascinated by space travel and watched launches and landings whenever possible.  She also would look for the ISS when it was flying overhead.  She and one of her sisters passed away years ago so I am confident that those shooting stars were them saying “hi”. 

I was overcome with giggles, happiness, amazement and yes…teary eyes.

Mr. Kennedy – Edward Moore (Ted) Kennedy

When I was 5 months old, Mr. Kennedy was sworn into office for his first term as the Democratic U.S. Senator from Massachusetts.  Until his death this past week, I have never not known him to represent me, and though I moved to California 4 years ago, I have always thought of him as MY Senator.

So what are my first thoughts when I hear his name?  Champion for the common person, selfless, Camelot, survivor, JFK’s brother, John-John’s uncle, womanizer, Chappaquidick, father, husband, statesman, honest, humble, sailor and respected.  After watching, reading and listening to the events of the past several days, I have to add one more description — hero.

Many of the negatives that surround this man happened while I was too young to be aware, but their shadow was always present thanks to the memories of those who refused to forget.  As I became a voting adult, Mr. Kennedy became a larger presence on my radar, one who’s opinions, bills and stances I never questioned.  My support of him was unwavering, and I believe he alone was responsible for my Democratic party affiliation. 

I will admit that a part of the attraction was Camelot.  The Kennedy family truly has been America’s version of royalty, but it was so wrought with tragedy that I could not help but be sympathetic.  I am not that much older than Ted Jr, and I clearly remember his bone cancer and the loss of his leg.  If something so devastating could happen to a priveledged person of roughly my age, who’s to say that it could not happen to me?  I don’t remember the details but in my mind’s eye I have pictures of Ted Jr skiing with his prothesis….

For obvious reasons I have no recollection of JFK except what history has documented, the same for Robert.  However I do have actual memories of JFK’s son, the future of Camelot.  I absolutely remember the Saturday morning I was at work and my boss came out of his office to tell me that John-John’s plane was missing.  I thought it was an hour late as my boss had failed to tell me that it had been missing since the night before.  As utterly tragic as that event was, I know without a doubt that the images of Mr. Kennedy and the family spreading John-John’s ashes in the ocean was the very first time I understood that Mr. Kennedy was the Patriarch of the family, and that Camelot’s final chapter was coming.

Fast forward to last year and the news of Mr. Kennedy’s cancerous brain tumor.  I was saddened, but I refused to believe that this heralded his end, yet on some level I knew that the end was near.  I was in tears watching the Democratic National Convention…Camelot was alive and well, and energizing the Democrats so much so that Barack’s appearance was almost anti-climactic.  That night there were two things of which I was certain.  First, that Barack Obama would be our next President, and second, that Mr. Kennedy would be dressed in his warmest woolen coat to watch the inauguration in person.

I celebrated on both occassions.

In early August of this year when Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away and Mr. Kennedy was unable to attend the services I was heartbroken.  It wasn’t so much because of Eunice’s passing, though I have admired her Special Olympics quest beyond measure, but because I knew absolutely that the only way Mr. Kennedy would NOT attend the services was if his own journey to everlasting life was at hand.

Tuesday night, August 25th, I fell asleep while watching TV but woke at 10:40PM Pacific Time to the breaking news that Mr. Kennedy had passed away.  Though not unexpected, the reality left me stunned.

It is now Saturday night, August 29th.  I have seen coverage of his death, the journey from the Kennedy compound to the JFK Library/Museum, his repose at said Library/Museum, the private family service at the same locale, the funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Roxbury, MA (also called the Mission Church) and the graveside service at Arlington National Cemetary.

I am speechless.  I have learned so much about Mr. Kennedy that I am ashamed I did not know this prior to his passing.  At the same time, given the speeches from those who knew him best, I am a testament to Mr. Kennedy’s life’s work — to make right what is wrong and to champion the common person.  Not once in the extensive coverage that I watched and read did I hear that Mr. Kennedy wanted to be recognized for those efforts.  All he wanted was to know in his heart that he had done all he could to make life better, dreams possible and hope a reality for every American.

My mind is swirling with so many concerns and questions about who will lead Camelot, but in my heart I know that they are non-existent in the minds of those who knew Mr. Kennedy the best.  Foremost on their minds is health insurance for the masses and any other legislation that could make their existence tolerable. 

Mr. Kennedy, you have led by example, and though battles on the floor will encircle health care reform and other issues near and dear to you for years to come, your intent, your heart, your caring will be present in the hearts of all who cast a vote. 

Please rest in peace Mr. Kennedy.  Rejoice in the reunion with your parents, siblings and younger generations.  You have more than earned such a glorious celebration.  Take comfort in the knowledge that those you left behind are embraced in love and comfort by a nation thankful beyond words for all you have done and all you have set in motion.

I’m A Gemini…

…and apparantly so is my face!

Along with the nasty gash and the reddish bruising on the saddlebag above my left eyelid, I now have a nice reddish bruise streaking diagonally across my face and below my left eye.

If that’s not bad enough, this morning I woke up to discover that the right side of my face was jealous of all the attention given to the left side!!!  This may cause you to wonder how I know this.  Let me enlighten you….

When I looked in the mirror this morning I found 2 patches of red dry skin on the right side!!!!!  OY….so much for the astringent — I’m back to Oil of Olay!

After a quick trip to the food store Saturday morning, I think I’m going to hibernate in the house this weekend.  Not only are we going to be in the +/- 110 degree weather, but my facial issues are screaming out to me to wear a mask.  I had hoped to scoot out to Palm Springs to shop at The Alley, but that could create a teeny problem.  Picture me in handcuffs trying to explain to the coppers that I was NOT planning to rob the store, I was just trying to hide bruises and dry skin patches.

Bruises?  Are you….

NO, I am NOT a victim of abuse from anyone/any thing other than furniture and hormones!!!

Way too complicated….I’ll hang out at home instead.

Oh My GASH!

Here it is folks…the uncovered gash…

It doesn’t look like much here and it doesn’t look much worse in person, except that in person the cut is now a darker red since it’s formed a scab.  I took this picture first thing this morning after I removed the band-aids and gingerly wiped away dried blood and sticky neosporin remnants.

As you can see – no shiner and not much of a lump!!!  YIPEE!!!!  But, as the day has progressed today I am getting a bit of bruising underneath that saddle bag that is covering my eyelid.  Nothing major….

What I do have is pain.  It’s sporadic and not overwhelming until I make one of my usual facial expressions.  I didn’t realize how often I do things that make my forehead move around — until now!  What I really need is an injection of botox so that my forehead CAN’T move!

Most of my time today has been spent defending my kitties as everyone naturally thinks one of them had it out for me, most notably Scotch.  People think I am sporting a “see what happens when you try to give the kitty a pill?” injury.

Should I have gone to the ER?  Probably – if for no other reason than to have stitches put in so that I don’t end up with a scar.  But ya know, I REALLY don’t want to deal with the ER unless I have to.

Besides, scars add character, or at the very least, their arrival is a story worth repeating.

Let’s Stop At Two — PLEASE!!!!

You know the old saying, things happen in three’s, well I’m vehemently opposed to that, especially tonight!  Before I go into any detail I bet you already know that what’s been happening today hasn’t been positive.  If it had been I’d be asking to increase to fours or fives rather than decrease to two.

So, what’s been going on?

I took my kitty Scotch to the vet yesterday as she has been having, um…incontinent issues.  Blood/urine tests came back today and she has bacteria in her urine so a slight kidney and urinary tract infection diagnosis was made.  I picked up her antibiotics on the way home today — she gets 1/2 a pill a day for 14 days.  Even though I thought the plastic pill helper syringe thingy I got from the vet was cool, Scotch was not the least bit impressed, making it VERY clear when I gave her the first pill.  One down, 13 to go!

Scotch’s incontinence issue is leaving liquid presents in various locations, fortunately all have been in the vicinity of the litter box…so far.  And even better, I’ve been able to eradicate almost all of the smell thanks to Nature’s Miracle.  Tonight I decided that I would close the doors to the other 2 bedrooms just in case.

That’s when the second negative happened.

Relying on the light from the family room, in other words, no light in the hallway, I closed the first bedroom door then went to close the second one.  I needed to remove the door stop so that I could close the door, something very easily done in the first bedroom.  Unfortunately it was not so easily done in the second bedroom.

I bent over at full speed and swore loudly and colorfully when my forehead came in contact with the corner of the bureau, the piece of furniture that has been sitting where it is for, oh, SIX MONTHS!  I covered my forehead with my left hand then bolted to the bathroom to inspect the damage.  Ahhh…just what I needed, a 1-1/2″ bright red vertical line that started above my left eye then traveled down through the eyebrow and ended before the eyelid started.

And it was red because????  Yep, it was bleeding, but that was quickly stopped after a few minutes of pressure.  Unfortunately, the same canNOT be said for the lump that was rising and the pain that was throbbing!  Two advil, one ice pack and an hour later everything was under control, including the tears of frustration that had threatened to send a tsunami down my cheeks for the first 15 minutes.

I’m going to sleep in my recliner tonight to keep my head elevated.  I have the container of Advil on the end table along with a tall glass of water, just in case I wake up in pain.  And I did cover my wound with bandaids after smearing it with Neosporin.

You can see the lower end of the wound along the bottom edge of the bandaid and some of the neosporin overflow where the bandaids meet.

Here’s hoping that tomorrow morning I wake up and do not find a range of purples decorating my forehead, nose and eye; that the lump has gone down and that the bandaids don’t hurt too much when I yank them off.

*sigh*

Deli Pickles

If you love deli pickles like I do, I can HIGHLY recommend these gems…

Ooo la laahhh!  The pickle spears are crunchy & juicy and they send my tastebuds into the stratosphere of pickle pleasure!  They truly taste like the awesome pickles you get at a New York deli.

So where can you pick up these most awesome taste treats?  Costco!  And if you do, let me know if they do to your tastebuds what they do to mine!

It Never Rains In California……Or Does It?

A couple times I’ve mentioned how little rain we get here in my area of Southern California, not only here but also on Facebook, and I’ve gotten some very interesting comments.  Sooo…..I decided that anytime it rains I’ll let everyone know via this blog.

Now before you start thinking that my blog is going to get monotonous, know that the next such post is weeks, or months away.  This is the sky above me the majority of the time…..

There are times when clouds dot the skies, and fewer times when clouds rule the skies, but for the most part, this is what I see day in and day out…

Why?

I live east of Los Angeles and west of Palm Springs – basically in a valley half way between the two.  Between Los Angeles and me are the Santa Ana Mountains, and between Palm Springs and me are the San Jacinto Mountains.  So it doesn’t matter if the storms are going west to east or east to west, there are mountainous roadblocks in either direction.  I can see it raining in the mountains and I can wish for it all I want….I just usually get screwed out of it.  Here in the valley we’ve recorded a mere 3″-4″ since March of 2008!  Yes…2008!!!!

If you’re watching the news and they talk about or show footage of rain in Losa Angeles, it is NOT me!  Remember those Santa Ana Mountains.  And if the talk is all about monsoon rains invading California from the east, that’s not me either — those darn San Jacinto Mountains!

So join me on my rain quest and documentation, and think of me being jealous of you and your rainy days!  I so long for a day of raindrops pitter-pattering on my roof, water dribbling down my downspouts and puddles begging to be jumped in.

Too Much Sugar!

Did you read this article on MSNBC.com today?  Americans eat 22 teaspoons of sugar EACH DAY (natural sugars, like fruits, excluded)!!!

Yikes!  You’d think with all that sugar in their systems they’d be a little sweeter, their dispositions a bit sunnier!!!!

Well folks, I can be sour or cloudy if I want because I can assure you I ingest no where near 22 teaspoons of sugar a day!!!!  I know there are hidden sugars in what I eat, but there’s no way that the cloaked sugars in my daily food intake total 22 teaspoons….

Here’s what I had to eat today:

2 Banana Hot Dogs – 2 slices Sara Lee Dee-lightful wheat bread w/1-1/2T creamy peanut butter (total) and 1 banana

2 cups coffee with 1/2 and 1/2 – no sugar

1 Quaker Oats reduced fat s’more granola bar (sugar in that one for sure)

carrot sticks, celery sticks and 4 radishes

1 piece homemade lasagna (pasta, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mild italian sausage, cottage cheese, mozeralla  cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, basil, garlic, pepper)

6 oz. Lemon Yoplait Light yogurt (sugar in that one too)

Lots of water

Celeste supreme pizza for one

Okay folks, that’s it for today.  And the menu above is pretty typical of my daily intake.  Breakfast (banana hot dogs & coffee) never varies on work day; the main course in lunch (lasagna and veggie sticks) changes daily but is always something homemade and always contains veggie sticks (unless lunch is a salad); yogurt is always 1 snack and fruit or a granola bar is the other, and dinner?  Well that meal can change quite drastically depending on my mood, when I eat the meal and my energy level.  However it is rarely of the fast food or prepared boxed meal version – maybe once every couple weeks.

Am I a food angel?  Heck no…..  But I will proudly say that as far as 22 teaspoons of sugar per day goes, I’m happily NOT a member of that group!

I don’t have an exact sugar count, there were a few teaspoons for sure, but 22?  I honestly do not think so