Holiday Remnants

Some vignettes from my last two weeks include-

Two recitals and a Winter Concert for the boys, including the oldest singing "The Christmas Song", Adam Sandler's "Hanukah Song", and the "Carol of The Bells". A highlight for our son in preparing for his winter concert, was when the Choir Director told the "Basses, hold onto your Dongs". I think the Show Choir guys have started a FB paged named that now.

I was out and about doing errands, and in a truck filled with boxes and presents, was a portly gentleman with a gray beard, trying to exit a parking lot onto the road, and of course, I had to let him in, because he Looked just like Santa Claus. And, Mrs.Claus was sitting right next to him!

I was feeling behind my Christmas preparations until I saw car yesterday at the grocery store that had a Christmas tree strapped to the top. We are doing just fine on our holiday preparations.

The holidays are different this year, we really scaled back the decorations because of the unrelenting rain in SoCal, we are visiting my parents this weekend instead of them coming here, and our youngest is going through puberty, and grappling with the St.Nick conspiracy after almost 13 years.

We tell him, if you don't believe, you don't recieve.

May your days be Merry and Bright, and thank you for the Gift of YOU!! Martha

Wordful Wednesdays - More Grumpy Old Ladies

I'm up to here --- with grumpy old ladies like the Devil with the Blue Hair who was taking up two seats at the crowded movie theater, and acted So PUT Out when I asked her very politely to please move her bags and detritus, so my husband and I could actually sit together.
Well, I wasn't quite so polite when I told her that if she didn't want to sit next to people, maybe she should have waited until the movie came out on DVD, and then she could watch it in the comfort of her home. All by herself.

Another grump was the Devil in the Red Sweater who was walking her dog on the soccer fields despite the many signs reading "No Pets Allowed". When I politely told her that dogs were not permitted, she told me that I didn't have permission to be there at my son's practice.

She started to tell me how nasty I was, (ah if she only knew), but she soon got a clue at how Jersey I could be, when I said to her, "It's all about you, isn't it? You don't care about the rules, the rules don't apply to you!" Her husband got her under control and led her off the field and tried to give me the "hand". Doesn't work, pal, you got the leash on the wrong bi+ch.

I am also up to here --- with grumpy patients who don't want to take responsibility or solve their problems. I can't care more about their problems than they do, that's for sure and a lesson I learn daily.


And how was your week?

Got Gratitude?

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., the former start of the holiday shopping season. (The holiday shopping season now starts back in September, when the back to school sales are over.)

So, in the spirit of Thankfullness, (Or is it Thankfulness? No, that's not right.), so in the spirit of Gratitude, (a much more manageable word if ever there was one), here's my list of the "good stuff".

I am thankful for -

My husband and sons who make me laugh.

My health and well being. Ex Deus Machina.

My parents and siblings who taught me self reliance and don't me drive me too crazy.

My teen and young adult nieces and nephews who actually listen and laugh at my jokes.

My friends, both near and far, virtual, and up close and personal. You are a gift.

My nursing career and the skills to help patients and families help themselves.

My pets who think I am the center of the Universe, well, because to them, I am.

To the Mayans or Aztecs or whoever invented Chocolate.

The roof over my head, the food in our pantry, and the extraordinary abundance of the everyday.

So to you and yours, Thank you today and everyday.

Humorless Old Ladies, Related and Not

I've had two recent encounters with humorless old ladies, one related, one not, that has left me determined to, never, ever, ever, lose my sense of fun, or ability to laugh, joke, or even break into a smile.

My first case in point, is an unknown elderly lady at the gym I recently joined. This lady appears very nice and cordial to all who cross her path, except for an apparent aversion to me. She assidously avoids eye contact with considerable and observable effort, and, on the rare occasions where our glances will unexpectedly meet, she SCOWLS at me. Yes, a Full frontal SCOWL, every single time. I thought, maybe I look like someone she knows and very obviously Dislikes. Intensely Dislikes.

My other experience was with my mom who can be a real PITA. When she came to visit us a few weeks ago, we were both in my car, ready to go shopping. Literally, just as I was ready to put the minivan in gear, my mother said, "Maybe we shouldn't go shopping."
I replied, "You've got to be kidding, we are already in the car on our way."
She said all Huffy like, "Don't talk to me like I'm one of your peers."
To which I told her, "We're leaving, and don't lose your sense of humor."
She pouted all the way to the Antiques Mall.

Next time, I'm parking the car and going back in the house, by myself.

Heart of the West Pow Wow for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Earlier this Fall I attended the Friends of Hart Park Annual Pow Wow, a celebration of Native American Culture with tribes from all over the Southwest and Plains states.


There was lots of dancing and drumming.

Lots of dancing and colorful traditional dress.



This pretty rainbow hued dress reminded me of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Coat.



Here is my personal favorite, a "jingle dress", made with rolled up pieces of metal, traditionally from tobacco tins.



I greatly enjoyed my first visit to the Hart Park Pow Wow and look forward to next year, especially the bead and crafts booths. (Yes, I bought some lovely turquoise, shell, silver, and coral beads. I am like Mrs.Spit in a good yarn store, hopeless and helpless when faced with the raw materials of my craft.)

What cool cultural goings-on are happening in your neck of the woods?
Thank you so much, and if you would like to see my Jewish Mother culture at work, please stop by The Motivation Station today for my homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe and more. Thank you again.

Almost Wordless Wednesday Halloween Post brought to you by Dipsy and a White Rapper

Beware!! Enter At Your Own Risk!

Don't say Goblin didn't warn you, it's Time for Teletubbies! Say hello to Dipsy-


And also to "White Rapper"-


No, these aren't Halloween masks, just me and my dear parents at my mom's birthday celebration.

Which we did very much - Enjoy .

Happy November to you and yours with <3.

Just Like Dickens Said

These last few weeks have been just like what Dickens said-

It was the best of times-

Seeing Van Morrison and his band perform at the Greek Theater, they are world class musicians who still have the heart of an Irish pub band.

Going to our oldest son's Fall Concert where he had multiple singing solos and performed in the Dance Ensemble.

Listening to our youngest son beamingly tell us that his Art teacher said he is "an A+ student".

It was the worst of times-

Having a patient attempt suicide and supporting her in picking up the pieces.

Learning of the suicide of a sibling of a dear friend from high school.

Going to the funeral for the Grandmother of our youngest son's best friend.



It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 - 1870)

Just Us Ghouls Hanging Out

The ghouls are tired of just hanging out, waiting for their big day of haunting.

It's hard work just laying around, and even with 250 stations, there's still nothing on.

Say "Cheese" everybody and please don't fight over the remote!

How are you doing getting ready for Halloween?

Thank you so much, and Thank you also for the wonderful Birthday Greetings! XX Martha

It Happens Once a Year for Almost Wordless Wednesday

It happens once a year, (no, not me logging onto Facebook, or dressing in something other than jeans, that's about twice a year ;o), this occasion was my birthday last week. This is what 49 years young looks like.
Thank you all so much and wishing you a joyful day and birthday too, whenever it is!

Dear Loser Letters - "I Can't Believe You Just Said (Did) That" Edition

Dear Close Friend,

Thank you so much to you and your family for gracing us with your presence at our humble abode for like the twentieth or something time as our guests.
It just warms the cockles of my heart when you tell me, that you and your hubby don't ever like to have people over, (don't I know it!!), and, that you prefer to sit in your backyard, just you two! That sounds like a great idea, as I'm sure you have a lovely backyard which I haven't seen in several years. Enjoy.

Signed,

I Finally Get It


Dear Friend and Neighbor,

I am so delighted to help you with your worthy charity and I enjoy spending time together. However, it does get quite tiresome, that whenever I make a comment about having to drive the boys to sports or school, or something else required of raising children, that you say, "I am so glad I don't have to bother with that". Every single time. I finally agreed with you, I am so glad that you don't have to bother with the culmination of my life long dream either. I hope you enjoy your sweet lemons, and no, my grapes are not sour, thank you very much.

Signed,

Never Ever Criticized the Childfree by Choice so WTF??


Dear Clothing Store Checkout Lady,

Thank you so much for processing my return without the holy grail of retail, the receipt. Thank you also for explaining I now have a "one mark against me in the computer" for returning something sans receipt. I also completely understand why you need to see my driver's license to complete the transaction. What I Do Not Understand is why you felt it necessary to use my driver's license to scratch the dry, flaky skin on your arm during this process. I gotta tell you, not too many things catch me off my guard where I don't say anything, but this one got me good. I am not a germaphobe, but I was seriously grossed out and stunned into silence. Well, at least until I got home and called the Manager about your ahem, "personal grooming habits".

Signed,

Sanitized my I.D. for My Protection and Sanity

Mediterranean Pot Luck

Here are some photos from the Mediterranean themed pot luck dinner we hosted over the Labor Day weekend. My husband put up these bright fabric banners with dowels to hang from our porch ceiling. They really lend a festive air as do the lights and lanterns.
As is our usual fashion, we had lots of food, great food- spanakopita, lasagna, Greek salad, home made pizza, roast peppers, lemon chicken, grilled duck breast with lavender sauce, lamb lollipops, bruschetta, among many other yummies.

I made a white nectarine tart with an easy recipe from Food and Wine Magazine. It turned out delish with the most basic and fresh ingredients. I also scored by finding this tart pan for a buck at our local thrift store.
Luckily, I've been burning off a few calories gardening, including lots of flowering plants in containers. (I feel a lot of responsibility when I garden in planters, like I am adopting a plant "pet" that is completely dependent on me for all its needs- soil, sun, water, pruning, feeding, drainage. It's different then when I transplant plants into the soil, it's like they are more independent.)

Thank you so much for your visit and please let me know what you've been up to, foodwise, gardenwise, or any wonderful (or not so wonderful) thing. (I am an equal opportunity blogger with broad shoulders and decent listening skills).

I also wanted to sincerely thank, acknowledge, and show abundant appreciation to my fellow teammates at The Motivation Station blog. They, along with all my other dear, dear bloggy friends, have been a major source of inspiration, perspiration, and Motivation this past year. Happy One Year Birthday, TMS!!! High 5 and a Booty bump!! Please stop by The Motivation Station and consider becoming a follower, we are trying to reach 100 followers. And we are thisclose to 100, so thank you!

Dirty Jobs' Guy Doubles as School Mascot for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Mike Rowe, the host of the TV shows, Dirty Jobs, and The Deadliest Catch, apparently also served as the model for our son's school mascot, The Miners. Way to Go, Mike! No wonder you are one of my favorite TV Hosts, Ever!!

Speaking of dirty jobs, including baking and gardening, please stop by my post today at The Motivation Station. Thank you so much!

Welcome to The Hotel Del Coronado- Such a Lovely Place

Finally, some photos from our stay at the Hotel del Coronado-


View from the second floor lobby.

Here's the courtyard of the Victorian building which is rumored to be haunted with a guest of 120 years ago, a Katie Morgan who died on the premises. Now according to our amateur ghost whisperers aka our boys, poor Katie Morgan wanders the halls, moaning, "Oh, why can't I check out? Oh why??"
View from our room, no, Life doesn't suck.

There was perfect surf for the boys' first surf lesson. Unfortunately, our youngest sons's lesson ended when he got stung by a stingray, Ouch!
Gratuituous cute picture of our dog, Charley who misses us so whenever we go away. He's a living teddy bear who looks like a little golden lamb in this photo.

Coffee Makes the World Go Around - Motivation Station Show and Tell

When I first became a nurse almost thirty years ago, I went to work in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit for surgical patients. A strong cup of coffee is as essential as scalpels, sutures, and bandages in the surgical theater and environs, and I soon became experienced at "making the coffee", and even improvising when we ran out of coffee filters, by using an always available present paper towel. An essential work skill btw.

Even though I now telecommute, I still relish a good cup of coffee first thing in the AM. The essential ingredients to brewing a good cup of coffee are high quality coffee, (Kona, Sumatra, and Jamaican Blue Mountain are some of my favorites), cold filtered water, a generous measuring spoon, and the Right Tools. In this case, a Krups electric kettle for boiling water, my insulated non breakable French Press (made for camping, yields 4 cups), and, for entertaining, the Mr.Coffee Thermal Carafe coffee maker for up to 8 cups.
Mr.Coffee makes a fine pot of coffee, but to get the best tasting coffee Ever, a French Press can't be beat!

What tools and tips do you have to brew your beverage of choice? Thank you so much, and for more fun and inspiration around the kitchen, please visit The Motivation Station Show and Tell.

Midweek Mashup Plus*

I am recovering from a "week off" from work that I spent with my extended family for my parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary. Trying to fit two years of relationships into 5 days with family can be a bit much. In addition to the anniversary party in San Diego, we went to the beach, hung out at the pool, and ate like Kings and Queens. Some of the meals I prepared included: Roast Pork Loin with whole cranberry/balsamic vinegar/rosemary glaze with roast potatoes and vegetables, Alaskan crab legs with fresh summer corn and drawn butter, Grilled steaks with asparagus at the pool for a neighborhood potluck, and, Carnitas, tortillas, spanish rice, and refried beans from our local Cocina. Still, it's great to be getting back to the normal routine of work, chores, and family.

Our parents' 60th Wedding Anniversary party was truly delightful and joyous. My dad played with his band and my brother, sons, nephew, mom, and sister also performed. I had a great time dancing.
This is a photo of one of the two bouquets my sister and I got our parents. There are six different types of flowers, one for each decade of marriage, including blue delphiniums to represent the March birthstone color of their late son, our brother, Jim.

We've done a lot of traveling this Spring and Summer with visits to Mammoth, Coronado, and San Diego. I've learned that as much as I dislike packing and preparing to go out of town, that I don't mind unpacking, which I do almost immediately upon our return.

I also learned something else from my travels, specifically from the breakfast buffet at the hotel where we stayed, that you can use a slice of bread to drain and absorb the oil from fried and fatty foods, like bacon and sausage. Very impressive.

This week the boys start school, 10th grade for our oldest, 7th grade and a new school, (Junior High School!!) for our youngest. I have been shopping the sales for both school supplies and clothes, and have saved an average of 40% overall. Using select coupons and buying the loss leaders of 1 cent pencils and notebooks really helps. I also told the boys that they would have to make these supplies last the year and no poaching from my supply stash!

Please, how about you? What is new with you? What have you learned about yourself or the world this week?

*Also posted over at The Motivation Station (except for the cool photo of the boys getting silly on the cannon).

The Midway Museum in San Diego

Last month, we visited the San Diego area and paid a visit to the Aircraft carrier museum, The Midway.

This carrier had a crew of approximately 4,500.




The control tower as seen from the flight deck/runway area.

The engine control room complete with mannequin sailors.

This plane is one of the "Shamrocks", part of the Fleet Replacement Squadron.

My visit left me awed and humbled, and appreciative of the sacrifices of those in uniform, both past and present.

Thank you for stopping by,
and to see what else I've been up to, please visit me at

What's Cooking for TMS Show and Tell

What's cooking with you and yours, both in the kitchen and out??

I've been doing my share of cooking and grilling this summer, including enjoying the bounty of our local California produce like this fresh asparagus. I marinated the cleaned stalks in Vidalia Onion salad dressing prior to grilling. The asparagus was the side dish to "smoked pork chops" grilled with chopped canned pineapple. Delish, fast, easy, and kid and pantry friendly.

I love the smell of fresh raspberries in the morning. ;o) Cherries too.

I made pan fried Baby Zucchini Blossoms stuffed with Morel mushrooms.
First, I reconstituted the dried morel mushrooms.
Then, I cleaned out the interior stamen from each blossom, and washed and dried them prior to putting in the fresh mozzarella, chopped morels, herb, and beaten egg filling.
The zucchini blossoms were dipped in a beaten egg, dredged in a flour, parmesan, dried herbs, and bread crumb mixture with salt and pepper.
Finally, the stuffed squash is pan fried in some vegetable oil until nicely golden and served immediately for a Molte Buono Appetito!

Thank you for visiting for The Motivation Station Show and Tell.

What bounty of the season have you been enjoying?

Crazy Lady on our Street

No matter where you live, there is always a "crazy lady" in the neighborhood, and we are no exception.

This elderly woman lives in a four bedroom house all by herself with no family or friends visiting, ever.

According to some long time residents, she was run out of her last neighborhood about a dozen years ago because of her busybodiness. (Or is that busybodyness???)

Crazy Lady recently counted the number of crepe myrtle trees in our housing tract, (95 if you care to know), and called the City to complain that only 4 out of the 95 were blooming. She has been blacklisted by the City staff and is No Longer Allowed to call them. Yes, Really. She must deal exclusively with our homeowners association about her "concerns".

Crazy Lady, instead of asking her next door neighbors to trim, and rake the leaves from their tree that fell into her yard, gathered all the leaves up, and dumped them over the fence into the next door neighbors' yard.

I saw Crazy Lady late the other evening, riding her bike with no light, on our dark street. I commented on this as I greeted her. She then proceeded to ask me some medical questions about an upcoming heart procedure she is going to have. I answered them as best as I could, and wished her well and "Good Night".

The next morning I was in my front garden doing some pruning before the heat of the day. She was across the street in her driveway with her bike when she yelled across to me from a distance of some 45 feet,- Did I think it was going to rain and should bikes be put away? I looked at the collection of dark clouds in the Southern sky and replied- "Yes, that's a good idea, I'm going to put my bike away, it might sprinkle". She then proceeded to scream at me, "I don't like the way you talk to me, you are very inappropriate and disrespectful. You talk to me like a child, first telling me not to ride my bike at night, and then telling me to put my bike away."

I have always been polite to Crazy Lady, and was one of the very last people on our block who hasn't "gotten into it" with her, so I was taken aback, and said, "What are you talking about? You asked me about the bikes. This is a misunderstanding..." I walked over to the sidewalk in front of her house, lowered my voice, and said, "I am not yelling at you, there is no need to scream at me". She then continued to rant and rave about how I disrespected her age, think I know it all because I am a RN, treat her like a child. I had had Enough. My New Jersey roots reared up, I ripped into her about how "Everyone thinks She is Nuts and Now I do Too!" She knows how to dish it out, but Not Take it, because she told me to "Shut Up". (Such a brillant comeback, Not!!) I told her that she could do Us All a Favor and ride her bike, at night, on the Interstate. Also, that her heart condition was Obviously interfering with the circulation to her brain. She was ill equipped to deal with my unique version of "an open can of whoop-a$$".

I now know why her last husband dropped dead on her several years ago, it was the only way he could make his escape. It will take restraint on my part, not to remind her of this fact, if she decides to try and cross blades with me ever again.

How are the crazies in your neck of the woods? Quiet these days? Or stirring the pot?

Cars from The Movies for Almost Wordless Wednesday

I love classic cars, (the side effect of having been raised by two older brothers), and I still have my collection of matchbox cars from 40 years ago. (They are a most prized possession as having been the toys that I shared with my late brother.) The Stingray Corvette was a much fought over favorite.

So, I was quite delighted to come across this Classic Car Show being held just a few blocks from my house. In addition to the sports cars and coupes, there was an impressive cast of Cars from the Movies including-



The Dukes of Hazzard Car, The General E. Lee, just for some Good Ol' Boys.

The Back to The Future Car, A DeLorean, made in Ireland. (The owner was surprised that I knew this fact. Well, like, ummm, doesn't everybody know That??)

A Pink Cadillac for the Pink Ladies of Grease.

The youngest cast member, Lightening McQueen from Pixar's Cars.

How about you? Seen any cool cars lately, either classic or new? We just saw a blue Bentley and black Ferrari in the last week while cruising in our uncool minivan.
Thank you so much.