When the Segway PT was first introduced, many people thought it would be a hot commodity. That hasn't really happened. It is in limited use today in some theme parks, police forces, security guards, and tours.
Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It is produced by Segway, Inc. of New Hampshire. The name "Segway" is a homophone of "segue" while "PT" denotes personal transporter.
It takes minutes to learn to operate, and just a short while to really get the hang of it. The Segway PT is built to stay balanced in one place. Designed to mirror the process of human walking, if the rider standing on an initially balanced Segway leans forward, therefore upsetting the balnace, the PT moves forward to regain balance just as in walking a leg moves forward to retain balance.
A group of us took a Segway tour of San Diego not long ago, and to prove the point of how easy they are to operate and ride, 10 of us were riding with just a few minutes of instruction, and no one got hurt.
Too bad they never really took off. Actually, it would be difficult if not impossible to have a sidewalk filled with Segway riders. Disaster. A few years ago the Segway company was sold. The new owner, multi-millionaire, Jimi Heselden, was out on a Segway inspecting the grounds of his property in West Yorkshire, England. Police reported that he apparently went off a cliff and into a river below. He died from the mishap. Imagine that. Quite a tragic story. Heselden was a philantropic man, worth over 166 million GBP. He had donated over 23 million GBP to charitable causes over his lifetime. This is such an ironic story, I just had to share it. When our guide originally told us this story, I thought it might just be an urban legend, but unfortunately it is true. For the most part Segways are very safe and great fun.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Dandelion Greens For A Bit Of A Kick
There are so many vegetables that I've never tried, but thanks to my recent interest in discovering new foods, I have another new salad green to add to my repetoire. Dandelion greens are one of the most nutritious leafy vegetables you can buy. The greens have a slightly bitter taste. They are elegant in a salad, and can be used in stirfries and soup.
Dandelions support digestion, reduce swelling and inflammation and treat viruses, jaundice, edema and acne. This sunflower relative boasts potent medicinal properties with laxative and diuretic properties. The best leaves are early leaves, which are the most tender.
The flowers from the dandelion can be used to make wine or honey-preserved blossom spread. (don't harvest dandelion flowers from lawns that may have been chemically treated). It's amazing how resilient this "weed" is. No matter how many chemicals we spray on them, dandelions reign. They can't be killed.
The best part of using dandelion greens in salad or soups is the vitamins you're getting. 1 cup of dandelion greens has 54% of your daily requirement of Vitamin A, 188% of your Vitamin K requirement, and 10% of your calcium needs. Compare this with a cup of broccoli which has 12%, 11%, and 4% respectively.
Recently on my son Phil's blog, www.foodiephilosophy.com, Phil wrote about his winter garden and his successes and failures. He has produced some watercress, and had a very creative salad using watercress on his website. I think you could replace the watercress with dandelion greens and have an equally great salad. Here's what he did:
Phil's Watercress Salad (Replace watercress with Dandelion Greens)
2 cups dandelion greens, torn and placed on plate
1 watermelon raddish, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup marcona almonds
several slices of prociutto, torn in pieces
Drizzle salad with your favorite vinegrette and enjoy.
This is a peppery, slightly bitter salad, mixed with sweet and salty. A great winter salad.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Turkey Turnovers
How am I ever going to keep my weight off, or lose weight for that matter, with all the experimenting I'm doing? It's hard, but ideas keep popping into my head and I just have to try them. I was recently trying to figure out how to use up the rest of a Costco chicken I had bought. They're big, and when cooking for just one, there are lots of leftovers. Here's a recipe I made recently that I just loved. You can use turkey or chicken, and you can add or subtract many things from the filling to make it your own. Below is the basic recipe.
Turkey Turnovers
1 cup shredded or cubed cooked turkey or chicken
1/3 cup thinly sliced onions
2/3 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 cup flour
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
Make a roux, by melting the butter, adding the flour and cooking for 2 minutes, then slowly add the milk to make a thick sauce. Adjust milk as need to make a thick sauce. Set aside
In a saute pan, cook onions and celery until translucent, then add parsley and salt and pepper. Add cooked turkey and mix, then add the mixture to the cooled white sauce. You can add many other things if you like: peas, mushrooms, chili flakes for some spice, and shredded cheddar cheese come to mind.
Take prepared puff pastry squares (available frozen in most markets), and place a spoonful in the center. Take some eggwash and brush the edges, then fold the puff pastry into a triangle and seal. Brush the top of the turnover with eggwash. Place on cookie sheet, use a knife to make several slits in the top of the turnover for heat to escape. Cook at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
These turnovers make a great lunch with a green salad. Very gourmet, but really, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare the whole thing. I had some leftover cranberries which I ate with it. You could also thin out the cranberry sauce and serve it as a sauce over the turnover. Use your imagination. This will impress even a gourmet cook.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sixty Third Visit to Taft
As disappointing as last week's non visit was, that's how satisfying this week's visit was. This was the first Sunday I have ever visited. It was a completely different crowd. Over time you get to know the wives and girlfriends, mothers and fathers and friends of the inmates. This week I knew only one person in the room, and she had missed last week because of bad weather too. Sundays are 6 points, whereas Fridays, my regular visiting day, is only 4 points. So, if you want to visit every week as I do, Friday is your visiting day. Of course those that work or have children can't come on Friday, so today was filled with lots of families, and was filled to capacity. The last Sunday of the month, and everyone wants to use up their points, if they still have any left.
I hadn't seen Ron in about 10 days, but it seemed longer. Softball has started and he's been umpiring lots of games, so he had a nice tan on his face. He told me we would have to finish today before 2pm, when he was umpiring another game, so I gladly left around 1:15. Umpiring is one of the things he enjoys most, and I wouldn't want him to miss it. The men all love his enthusiastic, professional style. This is the highlight of his day during softball season. Luckily, softball will be played for most of his remaining time.
One thing I have noticed about Ron, and I assume is true of many of the other men who are like him (constantly thinking) is that he always has a new idea. It may be a simple way to save money or it might be related to a business he wants to start after release. It's always something. I'm happy he's thinking. Many of the men there spend much of their time working on appeals. This is not Ron's case, but several of his friends spend most of their leisure time thinking about their cases. Ron told me many men look forward each month to the day that the new cases are sent to Taft. Each month new cases that have been ruled on are sent to the law library at Taft (sort of a monthly update), for inmates to use when working on an appeal. Ron reads these cases as something to do, and knows the latest decisions on many, many topics.
Ron's got 4 more months to go, I've got 16 more trips to Taft, no more Sunday visits, I'm back to my regular day, Friday. It doesn't sound like much, but I know how the time drags for him. I tried to have him tell me about a typical day.
Up at 6pm, breakfast, then a one mile walk on the track with friends, one hour rest before work in the garden or home improvement class, depending on the day. (next week he's learning about garbage disposals). Then he may watch Vegas on TV, lunch, go to Torah reading (10 minutes), relax and wait until mail call. 3pm is mail call, and even if he doesn't get any cards or letters, he has a subscription to the WSJ and USA Today. The next 2 hours are spent reading, maybe talking to friends, or walking. Dinner is at 5pm, and then he watches a little TV, talks to friends a little and goes to bed early, sometimes as early as 8pm. It's a pretty boring routine, and that's why so many inmates sleep alot. It's not always depression, but often just the fact there's absolutely NOTHING to keep them busy. Unless you are an avid reader or an exercise fanatic, the time goes slowly. Fortunately for me I can keep myself busy, which I do.
We are excited about Ron's impending release. I spent some time telling Ron about all the new restaurants and stores that have opened since he's been gone. He is excited about the opening of 5 Guys, the burger restaurant opening in Encinitas soon. Burgers are his favorite, and he hasn't had one in 15 months, so that will be one of our first visits.
Last week was the first, and I hope only week I was not able to visit Ron because of weather. Spring is here, and it should be smooth sailing from now on. There's so much to look forward to.
I hadn't seen Ron in about 10 days, but it seemed longer. Softball has started and he's been umpiring lots of games, so he had a nice tan on his face. He told me we would have to finish today before 2pm, when he was umpiring another game, so I gladly left around 1:15. Umpiring is one of the things he enjoys most, and I wouldn't want him to miss it. The men all love his enthusiastic, professional style. This is the highlight of his day during softball season. Luckily, softball will be played for most of his remaining time.
One thing I have noticed about Ron, and I assume is true of many of the other men who are like him (constantly thinking) is that he always has a new idea. It may be a simple way to save money or it might be related to a business he wants to start after release. It's always something. I'm happy he's thinking. Many of the men there spend much of their time working on appeals. This is not Ron's case, but several of his friends spend most of their leisure time thinking about their cases. Ron told me many men look forward each month to the day that the new cases are sent to Taft. Each month new cases that have been ruled on are sent to the law library at Taft (sort of a monthly update), for inmates to use when working on an appeal. Ron reads these cases as something to do, and knows the latest decisions on many, many topics.
Ron's got 4 more months to go, I've got 16 more trips to Taft, no more Sunday visits, I'm back to my regular day, Friday. It doesn't sound like much, but I know how the time drags for him. I tried to have him tell me about a typical day.
Up at 6pm, breakfast, then a one mile walk on the track with friends, one hour rest before work in the garden or home improvement class, depending on the day. (next week he's learning about garbage disposals). Then he may watch Vegas on TV, lunch, go to Torah reading (10 minutes), relax and wait until mail call. 3pm is mail call, and even if he doesn't get any cards or letters, he has a subscription to the WSJ and USA Today. The next 2 hours are spent reading, maybe talking to friends, or walking. Dinner is at 5pm, and then he watches a little TV, talks to friends a little and goes to bed early, sometimes as early as 8pm. It's a pretty boring routine, and that's why so many inmates sleep alot. It's not always depression, but often just the fact there's absolutely NOTHING to keep them busy. Unless you are an avid reader or an exercise fanatic, the time goes slowly. Fortunately for me I can keep myself busy, which I do.
We are excited about Ron's impending release. I spent some time telling Ron about all the new restaurants and stores that have opened since he's been gone. He is excited about the opening of 5 Guys, the burger restaurant opening in Encinitas soon. Burgers are his favorite, and he hasn't had one in 15 months, so that will be one of our first visits.
Last week was the first, and I hope only week I was not able to visit Ron because of weather. Spring is here, and it should be smooth sailing from now on. There's so much to look forward to.
Friday, March 25, 2011
More Food News From Food Expo, 2011
Frozen and refrigerated products packed the food show. Ethnic food is everywhere. My very favorite was Tang's Natural. These products were part of the line of food from Bruce Cost. Who is Bruce Cost? He's a chef and restaurant owner, and has now turned his attention to the grocery and frozen food section. He is an expert in Asian food, and I sampled his chicken, pork, and edamame baos in a whole wheat bun and potstickers. These were restaurant quality. Tang's will also offer Asian sauces soon. Also in the line of Bruce Cost food is natural ginger ale. Fantastic.
Another excellent product in the frozen section is Alexi. They offer potatoes of every kind. Chili lime sweet potatoes, Caribbean jerk russets, parmesean lemon russets and sweet potato puffs. One was better than the next. I would buy these any day, and will at Whole Foods.
Saffron Road is another frozen product that is restaurant quality. They have a vast array of chicken and lamb main dishes, like Samb Saag, Lamb Vindaloo and Chicken Tikka Masala. Served over rice, it's a quick and easy meal. I loved these products.
Snap Dragon is another frozen food product that you will love. They must have dozens of different options, with names like Tokyo Teriyaki, Singapore Curry and Pad Thai ginger. Everything I tasted was excellent. They also make crackers. I highly recommend Snap Dragon.
Finally, Crave Pies were outstanding. This is another frozen product that you will definitely enjoy. They make a sweet potato pie and chicken mushroom pie. They also make several varieties of samosas: curry and beef steak, spinach and feta are just some of their offerings. Go to cravefoods.com for more information.
You may think from the blogs I've been writing about the food show that I loved everything. No. I am only writing about what I liked. There were thousands of products there and only a few that I really thought were special. All of these frozen products were fantastic.
I almost failed to mention Evol Foods. I sampled burritos and bowls. Potato and egg, chicken fajita, and pork carnitas burritos were delicious. Their new bowls are a complete meal, and I sampled the chicken enchillada and chicken teriyaki. Excellent. Their newest product that will be available in Whole Foods in a few weeks is flat bread. Samples were not available, but reliable sources have told me that this is their best product yet. The flatbread crust is made in Canada. It is thin, crispy, and topped with wonderful ingredients. Go to evolfoods.com for more information.
Next time I will tell you about more products from the show that I know you will love. Look for some of these in your local natural food stores. They're all delicious.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
New Eats And Shops In Encinitas
I drive by empty shopping centers,huge spaces where supermarkets or department stores have closed and wonder, "Will they ever rent this space in this economy?" The answer of course is Yes. Just like a house, if you have it on the market for the right price, given time, everything sells. Well, an old shopping center in Encinitas, where Alberson's used to be (on El Camino Real) is getting a new life.
Five Guys, the burger chain from the East Coast, is coming to Encinitas. Horray. It's a good burger, often compared to In and Out, but with fries and coke, it's more expensive. The burger is good, juicy, and has all the trimmings. I found the fries to be greasy, and way too many. However, my guess is they will do well in Encinitas, as we don't really have anything like them. One of the investors in Five Guys is Rancho Santa Fe resident Phil Mickelson. You may go for a burger and run into your favorite golfer!
I have also been told that Chick Fil A is also moving into this center. I'm not a fried chicken fan, but I'm sure many of you will be thrilled with this addition to our choice of restaurants.
Another new spot that recently opened is Off the Hook. It is similar to Pelly's in Carlsbad, except that it doesn't have a fish market. It is fresh grilled fish, either on a platter with rice, beans and salad, or in a bowl with veggies and rice, or as a sandwich. They also have fried fish, french or sweet potato fries, several wraps and fish tacos. Nice, new and it all looks very fresh. I can't wait to try it.I have also been told that Chick Fil A is also moving into this center. I'm not a fried chicken fan, but I'm sure many of you will be thrilled with this addition to our choice of restaurants.
Finally, Kohl's is coming to the same center, which I am definitely excited about. I have only shopped there in Denver, and find them to have great merchandise at good prices. Look out, Target.
Speaking of Target, the Encinitas location is getting a face lift and an upgrade. They are removing the garden center (It was no competition for Home Depot across the street), and upgrading their food service to include Starbucks and Pizza Hut. Is that an upgrade? I guess it is, even though Pizza Hut is not my personal choice for lunch.
Last but not least, we are patiently awaiting the opening of Whole Foods in the Lumberyard. It is scheduled for a June opening. I can't wait. The center also includes small businesses that are already opening. A high end women's clothing store (excellent) and a home accessory store, with crafts, paintings, painted furniture and jewelry by many local artists are already open for business. Stop in the center and see what's new. My guess is that by the time Whole Foods opens, the spaces will be rented and it will be a great place to shop.
If you have any news about new openings, please let me know so I can let the readers of this blog in on what's new. I always love to try new places, so I'm sure you'll see me at Five Guys. I love a good burger and I can do without the fries. Now when is Burger Lounge coming to North County?
Five Guys, the burger chain from the East Coast, is coming to Encinitas. Horray. It's a good burger, often compared to In and Out, but with fries and coke, it's more expensive. The burger is good, juicy, and has all the trimmings. I found the fries to be greasy, and way too many. However, my guess is they will do well in Encinitas, as we don't really have anything like them. One of the investors in Five Guys is Rancho Santa Fe resident Phil Mickelson. You may go for a burger and run into your favorite golfer!
I have also been told that Chick Fil A is also moving into this center. I'm not a fried chicken fan, but I'm sure many of you will be thrilled with this addition to our choice of restaurants.
Another new spot that recently opened is Off the Hook. It is similar to Pelly's in Carlsbad, except that it doesn't have a fish market. It is fresh grilled fish, either on a platter with rice, beans and salad, or in a bowl with veggies and rice, or as a sandwich. They also have fried fish, french or sweet potato fries, several wraps and fish tacos. Nice, new and it all looks very fresh. I can't wait to try it.I have also been told that Chick Fil A is also moving into this center. I'm not a fried chicken fan, but I'm sure many of you will be thrilled with this addition to our choice of restaurants.
Finally, Kohl's is coming to the same center, which I am definitely excited about. I have only shopped there in Denver, and find them to have great merchandise at good prices. Look out, Target.
Speaking of Target, the Encinitas location is getting a face lift and an upgrade. They are removing the garden center (It was no competition for Home Depot across the street), and upgrading their food service to include Starbucks and Pizza Hut. Is that an upgrade? I guess it is, even though Pizza Hut is not my personal choice for lunch.
Last but not least, we are patiently awaiting the opening of Whole Foods in the Lumberyard. It is scheduled for a June opening. I can't wait. The center also includes small businesses that are already opening. A high end women's clothing store (excellent) and a home accessory store, with crafts, paintings, painted furniture and jewelry by many local artists are already open for business. Stop in the center and see what's new. My guess is that by the time Whole Foods opens, the spaces will be rented and it will be a great place to shop.
If you have any news about new openings, please let me know so I can let the readers of this blog in on what's new. I always love to try new places, so I'm sure you'll see me at Five Guys. I love a good burger and I can do without the fries. Now when is Burger Lounge coming to North County?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Parenting Styles: One Size Does Not Fit All
Who hasn't heard of Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymof the Tiger Mom " by now? She's been on all the talk shows, depicting her Chinese-style extreme parenting (no TV, no play dates, no grades below an A), all in preparation for success in life, beginning with an Ivy League education. But does her style of parenting really give her children a better chance at success? I guess it first depends on what your definition of "success" is. Amy Chua was at a conference a few months ago where she met and talked to Harvard president Larry Summers. He pointed out to her that the two people who have had the most transformative impact on the world in the past 25 years, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, are both Harvard dropouts. If they had been brought up by Amy Chua, she would have been bitterly disappointed.
To be honest, Amy's parenting style is only slightly more extreme than what I observed when my own children were growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles. The ambitious, neurotic mothers and fathers orchestrated their child's every move. Where is the creativity in this type of structure?
I have always contended that the raw spirit of can do invention and inspiration will take people further than the ability to read a complex profit and loss statement. Just look at the list of Hollywood moguls who either never went to college or dropped out: David Geffen, Steve Jobs, Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, to name just a few. The intense desire to create something big, new and different is what made all these men successful. ( I just noticed they're all MEN). They didn't wait around for the instruction manual. That goes for Gates and Zuckerberg, too. I doubt if any of these men would have done what they have with Amy Chua as their mother.
I know this is the 21st century. There are many jobs out there that require a good college education and beyond. Obviously you can't be a lawyer or doctor or engineer without specific training. But those with creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit don't necessarily need Harvard or Yale. Nothing can replace on the job training. I remember when my son Phil started his business just after graduation from University of Denver, there was some talk about him getting an MBA. We felt at the time, and I still feel this way, that for what he was planning, on the job training would give him more than he'd ever get in a classroom. I think if you asked him today he would agree.
Parenting is a very indivual thing. There is no right or wrong. What parents are doing today will be passee in 10 years. We swing from strict to permissive and back again. I do know that all children do not fit a cookie cutter mold, and what works for one may be all wrong for another. Creativity and independent thinking, which I value highly, are stifled with too much structure. Bill Gates had parents who allowed him to think, experiment, and "play" with computers for hours on end. Would he have created Microsoft with different parents? We'll never know.
To be honest, Amy's parenting style is only slightly more extreme than what I observed when my own children were growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles. The ambitious, neurotic mothers and fathers orchestrated their child's every move. Where is the creativity in this type of structure?
I have always contended that the raw spirit of can do invention and inspiration will take people further than the ability to read a complex profit and loss statement. Just look at the list of Hollywood moguls who either never went to college or dropped out: David Geffen, Steve Jobs, Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, to name just a few. The intense desire to create something big, new and different is what made all these men successful. ( I just noticed they're all MEN). They didn't wait around for the instruction manual. That goes for Gates and Zuckerberg, too. I doubt if any of these men would have done what they have with Amy Chua as their mother.
I know this is the 21st century. There are many jobs out there that require a good college education and beyond. Obviously you can't be a lawyer or doctor or engineer without specific training. But those with creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit don't necessarily need Harvard or Yale. Nothing can replace on the job training. I remember when my son Phil started his business just after graduation from University of Denver, there was some talk about him getting an MBA. We felt at the time, and I still feel this way, that for what he was planning, on the job training would give him more than he'd ever get in a classroom. I think if you asked him today he would agree.
Parenting is a very indivual thing. There is no right or wrong. What parents are doing today will be passee in 10 years. We swing from strict to permissive and back again. I do know that all children do not fit a cookie cutter mold, and what works for one may be all wrong for another. Creativity and independent thinking, which I value highly, are stifled with too much structure. Bill Gates had parents who allowed him to think, experiment, and "play" with computers for hours on end. Would he have created Microsoft with different parents? We'll never know.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Great Sandwich For Very Few Calories
Subway has always been one of my favorite places to go for a delicious, low calorie sandwich. There are times when you're watching your weight that you've just got to have a sandwich. As good and healthy as Subway is, their lowest calorie sandwich is still almost 300 calories. With a little experimentation I have come up with a delicious sandwich for half the calories.
Buy Fill'Ems by Orowheat. They are sandwich rolls, but shaped more like a rectangle than a square piece of bread. Each roll is 100 calories. Here's what I do. I split the fill'ems and place three thin slices of turkey (about 40 calories). Next, I use a tofu cheddar cheese that melts and take 2 slices (40 calories) and put on top, place in the toaster oven to melt. When it's melted, I add sliced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, pepper rings and some good grainy mustard. Voila! You've got a Subway type sandwich for half the calories (I figure about 175). Granted, the bread isn't quite as good or as thick, but you get the full feeling of eating a big, hearty sandwich. Add a big piece of fruit and for 250 calories you have a declicious meal. Enjoy.
Buy Fill'Ems by Orowheat. They are sandwich rolls, but shaped more like a rectangle than a square piece of bread. Each roll is 100 calories. Here's what I do. I split the fill'ems and place three thin slices of turkey (about 40 calories). Next, I use a tofu cheddar cheese that melts and take 2 slices (40 calories) and put on top, place in the toaster oven to melt. When it's melted, I add sliced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, pepper rings and some good grainy mustard. Voila! You've got a Subway type sandwich for half the calories (I figure about 175). Granted, the bread isn't quite as good or as thick, but you get the full feeling of eating a big, hearty sandwich. Add a big piece of fruit and for 250 calories you have a declicious meal. Enjoy.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sixty Second Visit To Taft
Except for the week I went on vacation last year, last Friday was the only time I had not visited Ron at Taft in 62 weeks. It felt strange to be home Thursday night and even stranger to sleep until 7:30am on Friday morning. I'm usually at my Mom's house on Thursday afternoon. We have dinner together, or I go visit my children and grandchildren, then we watch Doc Martin on PBS together. I was so disappointed Thursday night to find out that Doc Martin is not on PBS in San Diego. Anyway, I go to bed early on Thursday, get up at 6am on Friday, and arrive at Taft around 8:15. This Friday, however, I slept in until 7:30, went to the gym, and had a free afternoon. I didn't know what to do with myself!!
I canceled my Friday visit because we had a Sunday evening visit planned. The Jewish community at Taft had arranged with the administration to have rabbis, inmates, family and friends arrive at Taft at 5pm, long after regular visiting hours were over, for a three hour social gathering. Everyone was so excited. I got up early Sunday morning, went to the Y for an early morning class, then headed for Los Angeles. I had heard the weather report and knew that rain was scheduled all day, but I left anyway. Always the optimist.
I arrived in LA at noon, and it was coming down in buckets. I called Cal Trans, the National Weather Service, and looked on line to see what conditions were like through the grapevine. I was so anxious to go. We had been waiting for this visit for a long time, and my mom, David and Brian were also planning to visit. Well, it was not to be.
On Sunday at noon I said to my mom, "Why hasn't Ron called me?" He usually calls everyday, and I wondered why he hadn't called when the weather was so bad and I was scheduled to come. The answer was clear. He didn't want to hear me say I wasn't coming. He took it well when he finally did call, told me the most important thing was for me to be safe, and that I would see him next week. In the end, the family visit was canceled, or so I thought. I assumed no one even tried to get there. It would have been very difficult. Even if we did get there we would have been stuck in Lebec, Gorman or Frazier Park overnight. I was so disappointed and I know Ron was too. Now I won't see him until next Sunday.
Anticipation of a visit always excites me. Hard to believe that after 62 weeks of making the 450 mile round trip drive, that I'm still looking forward to it. Well, maybe I'm not looking forward to the drive, but I am always so excited to see Ron. Who could have imagined that after 41 years I would still feel this way? I know Ron too, was looking forward to this day. Now he will have to make do with a 3 minute phone call and some college basketball on Sunday night.
Ron is in a funk right now, as apparently the rabbi was able to get to Taft, and the visit went on with whomever was brave enough to try to get there. Some people arrived early in the day, and stayed for the family visit. As Ron says, it's just another disappointment. I encouraged him to go in and join the group, but without his family there he didn't want to. As he says, it's just another example of how difficult everything is while you're in prison.
I do wish I could be there tonight, but jeopardizing my own safety doesn't seem smart. Ron will have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with his bunkie, watch a little basketball, and I will go out with my mom and David and have a little dinner. I hope that next week will be better.
I canceled my Friday visit because we had a Sunday evening visit planned. The Jewish community at Taft had arranged with the administration to have rabbis, inmates, family and friends arrive at Taft at 5pm, long after regular visiting hours were over, for a three hour social gathering. Everyone was so excited. I got up early Sunday morning, went to the Y for an early morning class, then headed for Los Angeles. I had heard the weather report and knew that rain was scheduled all day, but I left anyway. Always the optimist.
I arrived in LA at noon, and it was coming down in buckets. I called Cal Trans, the National Weather Service, and looked on line to see what conditions were like through the grapevine. I was so anxious to go. We had been waiting for this visit for a long time, and my mom, David and Brian were also planning to visit. Well, it was not to be.
On Sunday at noon I said to my mom, "Why hasn't Ron called me?" He usually calls everyday, and I wondered why he hadn't called when the weather was so bad and I was scheduled to come. The answer was clear. He didn't want to hear me say I wasn't coming. He took it well when he finally did call, told me the most important thing was for me to be safe, and that I would see him next week. In the end, the family visit was canceled, or so I thought. I assumed no one even tried to get there. It would have been very difficult. Even if we did get there we would have been stuck in Lebec, Gorman or Frazier Park overnight. I was so disappointed and I know Ron was too. Now I won't see him until next Sunday.
Anticipation of a visit always excites me. Hard to believe that after 62 weeks of making the 450 mile round trip drive, that I'm still looking forward to it. Well, maybe I'm not looking forward to the drive, but I am always so excited to see Ron. Who could have imagined that after 41 years I would still feel this way? I know Ron too, was looking forward to this day. Now he will have to make do with a 3 minute phone call and some college basketball on Sunday night.
Ron is in a funk right now, as apparently the rabbi was able to get to Taft, and the visit went on with whomever was brave enough to try to get there. Some people arrived early in the day, and stayed for the family visit. As Ron says, it's just another disappointment. I encouraged him to go in and join the group, but without his family there he didn't want to. As he says, it's just another example of how difficult everything is while you're in prison.
I do wish I could be there tonight, but jeopardizing my own safety doesn't seem smart. Ron will have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with his bunkie, watch a little basketball, and I will go out with my mom and David and have a little dinner. I hope that next week will be better.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Signs of Spring=Food Expo
Every year in early March, I look forward to the Natural Food Expo in Anaheim, California. I started attending this event annually when my son Phil's food company, Evol Foods,began attending trade shows, about 5 years ago. Not only does the food show give me a chance to see Phil, Deborah, and Lennon, but it gives me a chance to do one of my favorite things, talk about and eat food. The Anaheim Natural Food Expo is the largest in the country, with thousands of exhibitors, and I think I saw all of them this year. I walked the show for two days, accumulating samples and information on a enormous variety of products. Over the next few weeks I will blog about many of the products and give you an idea of food trends. Here goes.
Snack foods are bigger and more plentiful than ever. Crackers of every conceivable type were in attendance. Gluten free is still the "in" thing, and many cookies, crackers and breads were gluten free. I can still say I haven't tasted a gluten free cookie or bread that I would consider buying. In my opinion, they just don't taste very good. One product I liked very much was Maria and Ricardos. They make tortillas and wraps of various kinds. Gluten free and sprouted grain wraps were both good, but the whole wheat tortillas were especially delicious. They're available at Whole Foods. Another snack food item that I absolutely loved was Popcorn Indiana. Black and white, carmel,and cinnamon sugar popcorn flavors were all declicious. Their products (they also make several varieties of crackers) are available at Whole Foods, Costco, and Ralphs. They're worth checking out. An interesting cracker that I really liked was by CrsipRoot. The chips are made from cassava root. They're crispy like a potato chip and nice and salty. You can find they at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Jimbos. An interesting, but not so great tasting product was called Kims Magic Pop. It's a puffed disc, about the size of a CD, that they very dramatically demonstrate at the show. About every 10 seconds a machine emits a loud "pop", and out comes one of the discs. The taste is similar to rice cakes, but not as crunchy. They are sold in many natural food stores. There were so many crackers and chips I would not even begin to mention them. Suffice it to say, the new twist is using things like flax seed, beans and other unusual grains like kamut, in the crackers. One company I did like was Suzies. They use kamut, spelt and other whole grains to make puffed cakes, flat bread and crackers.
Another very popular snack food item is freeze dried and dried fruits and vegetables. We've hadd dried apples, pears, bananas and the like for a long time, but several companies have added a new twist. Danielle is a company that produces crispy fruit and vegetable chips. Flavors like pumpkin, banana, pineapple, carrot, okra and sweet potato are included in their line of products, in addition to the more typical apple, pear and mango. They're crispy and salty like chips. My favorite was sweet potato. Good but not great. Ecofruits makes freeze dried fruit, using fruits you don't normally associate with freeze dried products. Raspberries, grapes and blueberries were just some of the fruits they freeze dry and package. O'Jeju, a Korean manufacturer, makes dried mandarin oranges. They flavor them with either kim chee or chilis. Very spicy, and not so good.
These are just a few of the many snack foods that I sampled in Anaheim. Look for more blogs where I will talk about yogurt, seaweed, tea, hot and cold drinks, ethnic foods, and frozen prepared foods, a popourri of items that don't fit in any category. I went home on Saturday so full I couldn't think about food until the next day.
Snack foods are bigger and more plentiful than ever. Crackers of every conceivable type were in attendance. Gluten free is still the "in" thing, and many cookies, crackers and breads were gluten free. I can still say I haven't tasted a gluten free cookie or bread that I would consider buying. In my opinion, they just don't taste very good. One product I liked very much was Maria and Ricardos. They make tortillas and wraps of various kinds. Gluten free and sprouted grain wraps were both good, but the whole wheat tortillas were especially delicious. They're available at Whole Foods. Another snack food item that I absolutely loved was Popcorn Indiana. Black and white, carmel,and cinnamon sugar popcorn flavors were all declicious. Their products (they also make several varieties of crackers) are available at Whole Foods, Costco, and Ralphs. They're worth checking out. An interesting cracker that I really liked was by CrsipRoot. The chips are made from cassava root. They're crispy like a potato chip and nice and salty. You can find they at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Jimbos. An interesting, but not so great tasting product was called Kims Magic Pop. It's a puffed disc, about the size of a CD, that they very dramatically demonstrate at the show. About every 10 seconds a machine emits a loud "pop", and out comes one of the discs. The taste is similar to rice cakes, but not as crunchy. They are sold in many natural food stores. There were so many crackers and chips I would not even begin to mention them. Suffice it to say, the new twist is using things like flax seed, beans and other unusual grains like kamut, in the crackers. One company I did like was Suzies. They use kamut, spelt and other whole grains to make puffed cakes, flat bread and crackers.
Another very popular snack food item is freeze dried and dried fruits and vegetables. We've hadd dried apples, pears, bananas and the like for a long time, but several companies have added a new twist. Danielle is a company that produces crispy fruit and vegetable chips. Flavors like pumpkin, banana, pineapple, carrot, okra and sweet potato are included in their line of products, in addition to the more typical apple, pear and mango. They're crispy and salty like chips. My favorite was sweet potato. Good but not great. Ecofruits makes freeze dried fruit, using fruits you don't normally associate with freeze dried products. Raspberries, grapes and blueberries were just some of the fruits they freeze dry and package. O'Jeju, a Korean manufacturer, makes dried mandarin oranges. They flavor them with either kim chee or chilis. Very spicy, and not so good.
These are just a few of the many snack foods that I sampled in Anaheim. Look for more blogs where I will talk about yogurt, seaweed, tea, hot and cold drinks, ethnic foods, and frozen prepared foods, a popourri of items that don't fit in any category. I went home on Saturday so full I couldn't think about food until the next day.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
You're Never Too Old To Stop Learning
I usually go to LA on Thursday to see my mom, children and grandkids. This week I went on Wednesday, so I could join my mom's group, Gallery Hoppers, on a trip to Pepperdine to see an amazing exhibit of Roy Lichtenstein collages. Gallery Hoppers is a group of women from age 75-98. Most are ex-docents from the Hammer Museum at UCLA from many years ago, when my mom used to train docents and lead tours. Every month they plan a trip to an interesting exhibit. These women never want to stop learning.
The Frederick Weissman Foundation has an amazing number of Lichtensteins, as does the Lichtenstein Foundation. For this exhibit they gathered all collages, no oils or prints, from these two sources and from Eli Broad's personal collection. Our guide was the director of Pepperdine's museum, Michael Zakian, who should be a college professor. I learned more than you can imagine in his 50 minute tour. I learned about the process by which Lichtenstein got to collage, which was so fascinating. I found it interesting that the most intelligent questions came from the Gallery Hopper group. They are so bright, always learning, always reading and expanding their minds. On the way home we talked about the exhibit, but the women also talked about the play they were going to see over the weekend, a concert they had tickets to, or a book they were reading. One of the women did not stay for lunch. When I asked why, I was told she didn't like the lunches because she hated small talk. Was she talking about the same group? I was talking with one of the women as we walked to the car and she felt the key to staying young was getting out and doing something physical and mental everyday, even if it is sometimes an effort. I think that's very good advice.
If this interests you and you go to Malibu or LA, it will be open until April4. Lunch afterwards was at an excellent Greek restaurant called Taverna Tony. It's in the Crosscreek shopping center, about three minutes from Pepperdine. You just knew that food would somehow be involved, didn't you?
The Frederick Weissman Foundation has an amazing number of Lichtensteins, as does the Lichtenstein Foundation. For this exhibit they gathered all collages, no oils or prints, from these two sources and from Eli Broad's personal collection. Our guide was the director of Pepperdine's museum, Michael Zakian, who should be a college professor. I learned more than you can imagine in his 50 minute tour. I learned about the process by which Lichtenstein got to collage, which was so fascinating. I found it interesting that the most intelligent questions came from the Gallery Hopper group. They are so bright, always learning, always reading and expanding their minds. On the way home we talked about the exhibit, but the women also talked about the play they were going to see over the weekend, a concert they had tickets to, or a book they were reading. One of the women did not stay for lunch. When I asked why, I was told she didn't like the lunches because she hated small talk. Was she talking about the same group? I was talking with one of the women as we walked to the car and she felt the key to staying young was getting out and doing something physical and mental everyday, even if it is sometimes an effort. I think that's very good advice.
If this interests you and you go to Malibu or LA, it will be open until April4. Lunch afterwards was at an excellent Greek restaurant called Taverna Tony. It's in the Crosscreek shopping center, about three minutes from Pepperdine. You just knew that food would somehow be involved, didn't you?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Old Town San Diego: So Much To Do
A few weeks ago my friend Linda, who lives in Bakersfield, called to tell me she and her husband Rod would be in San Diego for a few days for a business meeting. Would I like to come to Old Town and spend a few hours with her, she asked? Of course I would. Most of the time I have spent with her has been at her beautiful home in Bakersfield or in the Taft visiting room. A chance to see her somewhere else would be great. Well, I drove to Old Town, found a free parking space on the street, and was set for a day of fun.
Linda was staying at the Best Western Hacienda, right in the heart of Old Town. If you have visitors who want to stay in that area, this is an excellent choice. It has a very Mexican feel, with tile roof, and Mexican decor. The beds were very comfortable, and the lobby has several computers for the use by guests.
We started at the Morman Museum. I didn't even know it existed, but it was a 45 minute guided tour through a museum to show what it was like for the Morman Batallion, a group of 500+ volunteer Mormans who travelled from Iowa to California during the Mexican American War. Some brought families with them, others sent for wives and children after they were settled. It was quite interesting and something I didn't know anything about.
The tour made us hungry, so we headed for Casa de Guadelajara, a well known Mexican restaurant in Old Town. We had a beautiful table on the patio, and with weather in the 60's, it could not have been more perfect. A basket of chips and a chile releno later, we finally left to do a little shopping.
Lots of cute stores have been added to the newly remodeled Plaza. I only bought one thing, a bottle of hazelnut agave (sugar subsitute). If you haven't tried agave, you should. Linda bought two little leather bracelets for her and her daughter-in-law. We also stopped in the Temecula Olive Oil store, which is always fun to browse. They have a new store in Solana Beach, but the Old Town store is much larger and has more merchandise.
Our last stop was the beautifully renovated Victorian homes. Old Town has a small street with 5-6 homes, some of which you can actually go inside. A beautiful coral tree shades the area, and with benches for relaxing, it's the perfect spot to leisurely enjoy. One final note, the oldest Jewish synagogue, Temple Beth Israel, built in 1889, stands among these elegant historic homes.
Linda and I had a great time. She's a very crafty lady and a great cook, and was kind enough to bring me a delicious Asian plum sauce, made by her, from plum trees in Bakersfield. I couldn't resist opening it right away and trying it. I had some left over stir fry veggies and chicken that was fantastic with the plum sauce. She had also made a plum-vanilla concentrate that when added to seltzer water makes a refreshing fruit drink. I can't wait to try it. Anyway, our day was so much fun and I saw lots of Old Town which I hadn't seen before. Thank you Linda, for showing me part of my city in a new way.
Linda was staying at the Best Western Hacienda, right in the heart of Old Town. If you have visitors who want to stay in that area, this is an excellent choice. It has a very Mexican feel, with tile roof, and Mexican decor. The beds were very comfortable, and the lobby has several computers for the use by guests.
We started at the Morman Museum. I didn't even know it existed, but it was a 45 minute guided tour through a museum to show what it was like for the Morman Batallion, a group of 500+ volunteer Mormans who travelled from Iowa to California during the Mexican American War. Some brought families with them, others sent for wives and children after they were settled. It was quite interesting and something I didn't know anything about.
The tour made us hungry, so we headed for Casa de Guadelajara, a well known Mexican restaurant in Old Town. We had a beautiful table on the patio, and with weather in the 60's, it could not have been more perfect. A basket of chips and a chile releno later, we finally left to do a little shopping.
Lots of cute stores have been added to the newly remodeled Plaza. I only bought one thing, a bottle of hazelnut agave (sugar subsitute). If you haven't tried agave, you should. Linda bought two little leather bracelets for her and her daughter-in-law. We also stopped in the Temecula Olive Oil store, which is always fun to browse. They have a new store in Solana Beach, but the Old Town store is much larger and has more merchandise.
Our last stop was the beautifully renovated Victorian homes. Old Town has a small street with 5-6 homes, some of which you can actually go inside. A beautiful coral tree shades the area, and with benches for relaxing, it's the perfect spot to leisurely enjoy. One final note, the oldest Jewish synagogue, Temple Beth Israel, built in 1889, stands among these elegant historic homes.
Linda and I had a great time. She's a very crafty lady and a great cook, and was kind enough to bring me a delicious Asian plum sauce, made by her, from plum trees in Bakersfield. I couldn't resist opening it right away and trying it. I had some left over stir fry veggies and chicken that was fantastic with the plum sauce. She had also made a plum-vanilla concentrate that when added to seltzer water makes a refreshing fruit drink. I can't wait to try it. Anyway, our day was so much fun and I saw lots of Old Town which I hadn't seen before. Thank you Linda, for showing me part of my city in a new way.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Cooking With Shirataki Noodles
Several years ago I discovered Shirataki noodles at Food Expo in Anaheim. They were almost too good to be true. Noodles with only 20 calories per serving. I thought that was not possible. But I went to Henry's (also available at Whole Foods and Jimbo's) and bought a package for about $1.95. This serves about 2, at 20 calories per serving. They are low in carbs and low in fat. They are made from tofu, but you'd never know it. The key to good results is to drain them and pat them dry, then microwave for 45 seconds, then pat dry again. Now you're ready to cook with them. They are a little chewy if you don't follow this process first. Below is a variation of the recipe on Hungry Girl (TV show) recently. I love Hungry Girl. She packs so much information into a 30 minute show you have to sit down with pen and paper and take notes.
Noodles With Veggies and Alfredo Sauce
1 package Shirataki noodle (cut them with a scissors, as they are very long)
broccoli and zucchini, cut and steamed
1T. sour cream (low fat)
1 wedge Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Steam veggies and set aside. I used broccoli and zucchini, but you can use any combination you like.
Prepare noodles by draining, patting dry and microwaving for about 45 seconds. Pat dry again and cut in pieces with shears.
Place noodles in a microwavable dish, add veggies, salt and pepper, then top with Laughing Cow wedge and 2 T. low fat sour cream. Microwave for 1 minute, until cheese is melted. Mix cheese into noodles, top with some parmesean cheese, and microwave for another minute. You won't believe the delicious, cheesy nutritious meal you have at only 150 calories. I hope you enjoy this dish.
Noodles With Veggies and Alfredo Sauce
1 package Shirataki noodle (cut them with a scissors, as they are very long)
broccoli and zucchini, cut and steamed
1T. sour cream (low fat)
1 wedge Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Steam veggies and set aside. I used broccoli and zucchini, but you can use any combination you like.
Prepare noodles by draining, patting dry and microwaving for about 45 seconds. Pat dry again and cut in pieces with shears.
Place noodles in a microwavable dish, add veggies, salt and pepper, then top with Laughing Cow wedge and 2 T. low fat sour cream. Microwave for 1 minute, until cheese is melted. Mix cheese into noodles, top with some parmesean cheese, and microwave for another minute. You won't believe the delicious, cheesy nutritious meal you have at only 150 calories. I hope you enjoy this dish.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sixtieth Visit To Taft
Wow. My sixtieth visit to Taft took place on Friday, and I probably have 18 more (or less) visits to go. We spent a long time talking about the future. Our talks always seem to come back to what our lives will be like when we're together again. Some men talk in prison about getting out and getting back to their old lives. Ron thinks, and I agree, that things will never be as there were. How can they? Men and women, after spending time behind bars, are changed. Things will surely be different, but we think they'll be better.
Ron often talks about how difficult everything is in prison. I'm going to try to relay a story he told me today that shows that very thing, and if I tell it well, you won't believe.
Every other month or so, Taft takes a group of men to the DMV. These are men that are soon to be released. They must get a driving report from the DMV to take with them to Halfway House, otherwise they cannot drive. Even though they've been incarcerated and haven't driven for a long time, they still need to get the driving record to show to the halfway house. Go figure. So last week one of Ron's friends, who is leaving next week, went with 5 others in a van to the DMV, about 12 miles away. Each man had to pay $5 for the driving report, plus $5.96 for gas. The money for the report was taken from each man's commissary account (the prison made out a check for each man for the DMV). The money for gas also came out of their account. So all the men gathered, ready to go to the DMV. First, a check for one of the men was missing. They had to call over to another building, have someone look for the check, and bring it to the area where the men and van were waiting. They all got in the van, and one of the supervisors asked the driver if he had the paperwork for the men. No, he didn't have it. The paperwork had been left back at another building, and again they waited while someone went to get the paperwork. Finally, hours after the trip had begun, they were off to the DMV, paperwork, checks and gas money in hand. Something that should have taken 2 hours took the better part of the day.
Paperwork. There's a lot of it at all prisons, and none of the employees like it. I don't blame them for not liking it, but because they don't like it, many things don't get done or are very slow to get done. When Ron's friend asked his supervisor several weeks ago if arrangements had been made for him to go to the DMV, the answer was, "I'm working on it."
We had a laugh today about all this. It's a perfect example of what we all say about bureaucracy, and how difficult they make even the smallest thing. Ron will be out soon (July 27 or sooner), and then he can start dealing with all the other bureaucracies he has missed in the past 18 months, like Blue Cross, Medicare, Visa, and insurance companies. You get the picture.
Ron often talks about how difficult everything is in prison. I'm going to try to relay a story he told me today that shows that very thing, and if I tell it well, you won't believe.
Every other month or so, Taft takes a group of men to the DMV. These are men that are soon to be released. They must get a driving report from the DMV to take with them to Halfway House, otherwise they cannot drive. Even though they've been incarcerated and haven't driven for a long time, they still need to get the driving record to show to the halfway house. Go figure. So last week one of Ron's friends, who is leaving next week, went with 5 others in a van to the DMV, about 12 miles away. Each man had to pay $5 for the driving report, plus $5.96 for gas. The money for the report was taken from each man's commissary account (the prison made out a check for each man for the DMV). The money for gas also came out of their account. So all the men gathered, ready to go to the DMV. First, a check for one of the men was missing. They had to call over to another building, have someone look for the check, and bring it to the area where the men and van were waiting. They all got in the van, and one of the supervisors asked the driver if he had the paperwork for the men. No, he didn't have it. The paperwork had been left back at another building, and again they waited while someone went to get the paperwork. Finally, hours after the trip had begun, they were off to the DMV, paperwork, checks and gas money in hand. Something that should have taken 2 hours took the better part of the day.
Paperwork. There's a lot of it at all prisons, and none of the employees like it. I don't blame them for not liking it, but because they don't like it, many things don't get done or are very slow to get done. When Ron's friend asked his supervisor several weeks ago if arrangements had been made for him to go to the DMV, the answer was, "I'm working on it."
We had a laugh today about all this. It's a perfect example of what we all say about bureaucracy, and how difficult they make even the smallest thing. Ron will be out soon (July 27 or sooner), and then he can start dealing with all the other bureaucracies he has missed in the past 18 months, like Blue Cross, Medicare, Visa, and insurance companies. You get the picture.
Friday, March 11, 2011
What Inspires You?
Every Saturday morning I take a yoga class at LuLuLemon. A new addition to the class is a seven year old girl. She has been coming with her mother for the past few weeks. Today, near the end of the class the instructor asked the child (in front of 40 adults, mind you), "What do you like about yoga?" She thought for a moment and then calmly said, "Yoga relaxes me." Such a simple answer, but as they say, "Out of the mouths of babes."
Relaxation is one of the benefits of yoga. There are so many. Katy, our instructor, talked today about inspiration, and asked us who or what inspired us, and what does inspiration mean? This was very meaningful to me, for I had the entire practice to focus on this question. Who inspires you and why and what inspires you?
Katy said something else that I connected with. She said to hang around people or things that inspire you. You will be energized just by being around others that you find inspirational. It's contagious. Your connection with these people or things will become part of you, just by being around them. If you are creative, hang around other creative souls. It will get your creative juices flowing. The ocean is one of the things that inspires me.
I will often sit at the beach and meditate. Just by being near the power, the beauty, the ebb and flow and the life that lives within the ocean gives be an inner strenth. I could do the same meditation in my home, but the results would not be the same. Stay near those that inspire you.
Inspiration comes to us each in a different way. Sometimes it's a parent, grandparent or teacher that inspires. Sometimes it is a "thing," like the ocean or the Grand Canyon or a beautiful work of art. Often the people we find inspirational are not famous. They're just ordinary people living ordinary lives.
So who inspires you? Think about it. Tell them they inspire you. It will change you both. Today at the end of class Katy told the little girl in front of everyone that she inspired her. I could see on the child's face what hearing that meant to her. She was beaming.
Relaxation is one of the benefits of yoga. There are so many. Katy, our instructor, talked today about inspiration, and asked us who or what inspired us, and what does inspiration mean? This was very meaningful to me, for I had the entire practice to focus on this question. Who inspires you and why and what inspires you?
Katy said something else that I connected with. She said to hang around people or things that inspire you. You will be energized just by being around others that you find inspirational. It's contagious. Your connection with these people or things will become part of you, just by being around them. If you are creative, hang around other creative souls. It will get your creative juices flowing. The ocean is one of the things that inspires me.
I will often sit at the beach and meditate. Just by being near the power, the beauty, the ebb and flow and the life that lives within the ocean gives be an inner strenth. I could do the same meditation in my home, but the results would not be the same. Stay near those that inspire you.
Inspiration comes to us each in a different way. Sometimes it's a parent, grandparent or teacher that inspires. Sometimes it is a "thing," like the ocean or the Grand Canyon or a beautiful work of art. Often the people we find inspirational are not famous. They're just ordinary people living ordinary lives.
So who inspires you? Think about it. Tell them they inspire you. It will change you both. Today at the end of class Katy told the little girl in front of everyone that she inspired her. I could see on the child's face what hearing that meant to her. She was beaming.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
All Politics Is Local
This is a phrase commonly used in politics today. It was coined by longtime Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil many years ago. I love it because it's so true, but I would take it a step further. All change is local.
A few weeks ago I had some friends over to watch a movie. Movies always lead to great discussions, and Jean and Regina were telling me about a local project they have become involved with through their church. It's a program helping recent Iraqi refugees to El Cajon, to help them get jobs, bridge the cultural gap, and create communication and friendship between people of different backgrounds. This is a perfect example of what I mean by "All change is local." We have to start making societal changes one community at a time. Many local changes start through church or synagogue. I remember many years ago when Los Angeles had thousands of Jewish-Russian refugees, the temples were all involved in programs to help them assimilate.
Regardless of what problem you think of, and there are many to think of, the solution can be found locally. Take school bullying, for example. We don't need edics from Washington or Sacramento telling school principals to take steps to stop bullying. Each community should be working on this issue independently, solving it in a local way, that works for them.
Another big issue for me today is the lunch program in most public schools. The government is trying to set new standards, but really we should be working on this at a local level. Every community has different needs. I'm happy to say that many local communities, Encinitas in particular, have made changes to their lunch program and are offering their children better options. My son Phil, sells his burritos to several school districts in Colorado, offering the children a healthy, organic meal. This may not work in West Virginia or Mississippi, so the change has to come locally.
Regina paraphrased Father Mike the other day, when she told me that if bad or evil come your way, it's up to you to turn it around and send it back out there in a positive way. I do believe this.
I have an acquaintance that I no longer go to dinner with because of the way he treated the waiters and waitresses. I guess it made him feel powerful to push them around and demean them. What I should have said to him was what my mother-in-law used to say to Ron. "Always be kind and polite to your waitress or waiter. You don't know if he/she has a sick child at home, is struggling to pay the rent, or what she/he is going through. Always treat them with respect." I should have said this to the guy I no longer go to dinner with, as an example of turning a bad thing into something good.
So remember, all change is local. Here in San Diego we are making a difference locally in so many ways, like The Boys and Girls Club, Community Resource Center, and CASA. We can all make a difference. Yes, we can.
A few weeks ago I had some friends over to watch a movie. Movies always lead to great discussions, and Jean and Regina were telling me about a local project they have become involved with through their church. It's a program helping recent Iraqi refugees to El Cajon, to help them get jobs, bridge the cultural gap, and create communication and friendship between people of different backgrounds. This is a perfect example of what I mean by "All change is local." We have to start making societal changes one community at a time. Many local changes start through church or synagogue. I remember many years ago when Los Angeles had thousands of Jewish-Russian refugees, the temples were all involved in programs to help them assimilate.
Regardless of what problem you think of, and there are many to think of, the solution can be found locally. Take school bullying, for example. We don't need edics from Washington or Sacramento telling school principals to take steps to stop bullying. Each community should be working on this issue independently, solving it in a local way, that works for them.
Another big issue for me today is the lunch program in most public schools. The government is trying to set new standards, but really we should be working on this at a local level. Every community has different needs. I'm happy to say that many local communities, Encinitas in particular, have made changes to their lunch program and are offering their children better options. My son Phil, sells his burritos to several school districts in Colorado, offering the children a healthy, organic meal. This may not work in West Virginia or Mississippi, so the change has to come locally.
Regina paraphrased Father Mike the other day, when she told me that if bad or evil come your way, it's up to you to turn it around and send it back out there in a positive way. I do believe this.
I have an acquaintance that I no longer go to dinner with because of the way he treated the waiters and waitresses. I guess it made him feel powerful to push them around and demean them. What I should have said to him was what my mother-in-law used to say to Ron. "Always be kind and polite to your waitress or waiter. You don't know if he/she has a sick child at home, is struggling to pay the rent, or what she/he is going through. Always treat them with respect." I should have said this to the guy I no longer go to dinner with, as an example of turning a bad thing into something good.
So remember, all change is local. Here in San Diego we are making a difference locally in so many ways, like The Boys and Girls Club, Community Resource Center, and CASA. We can all make a difference. Yes, we can.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Today's Hidden Slave Trade
This issue doesn't even fall "under the radar" anymore. It is so rampant in third world countries, yet not much is being done. It's a ring of women caught up in a prostitution and trafficking network that ruthlessly exploits women smuggled into the country, often illegally, from third world countries.
In prior eras, the slave trade was conducted openly, with ads prominently posted and the slaves paraded and inspected like animals, often at public auctions. Today's sex traffickers, the heirs to that tradition, try to keep their activities hidden, although the rest of the sex trade, the sale of women's services, is advertised on a scale that can only be characterized as colossal.
As a society, we're repelled by the slavery of old. But the wholesale transport of women and girls across international borders and around the US- to serve as prostitutes under conditions that in most cases are coercive at best-stirs very little outrage.
What's important to keep in mind is the great extent to which the sex trade involves real slavery (kidnapping and rape), widespread physical abuse, indentured servitude, exploitation of minors and many other forms of coercion. This modern-day variation on the ancient theme of bondage flourishes largely because of the indifference of the rest of us, and the misogyny that holds fast to the view of women-all women-as sexual commodities.
Of the thousands of foreign nationals that are believed to trafficked into the US each year, 80% are women and children, an overwhelming majority of whome are trafficked for sexual purposes.
Many of the children are actually sold by their families, others are kidnapped. Anyone who thinks that most of the women in prostitution want to be there are deluded. It's a violent, dangerous world, and those that didn't end up as hookers by force are usually there because they have no other option. There needs to be more serious consequences for human traffickers. This is an international problem that must be addressed. The movies you see on this topic are not fantasy. They are based on real life situations. The international community must take steps to end this barbaric practice. America has made a committment to try to eradicate human trafficking, by training law enforcement in foreign countries to spot such activities. It's a massive problem, and one that won't easily be eliminated. On a global level, how far have women really come?
In prior eras, the slave trade was conducted openly, with ads prominently posted and the slaves paraded and inspected like animals, often at public auctions. Today's sex traffickers, the heirs to that tradition, try to keep their activities hidden, although the rest of the sex trade, the sale of women's services, is advertised on a scale that can only be characterized as colossal.
As a society, we're repelled by the slavery of old. But the wholesale transport of women and girls across international borders and around the US- to serve as prostitutes under conditions that in most cases are coercive at best-stirs very little outrage.
What's important to keep in mind is the great extent to which the sex trade involves real slavery (kidnapping and rape), widespread physical abuse, indentured servitude, exploitation of minors and many other forms of coercion. This modern-day variation on the ancient theme of bondage flourishes largely because of the indifference of the rest of us, and the misogyny that holds fast to the view of women-all women-as sexual commodities.
Of the thousands of foreign nationals that are believed to trafficked into the US each year, 80% are women and children, an overwhelming majority of whome are trafficked for sexual purposes.
Many of the children are actually sold by their families, others are kidnapped. Anyone who thinks that most of the women in prostitution want to be there are deluded. It's a violent, dangerous world, and those that didn't end up as hookers by force are usually there because they have no other option. There needs to be more serious consequences for human traffickers. This is an international problem that must be addressed. The movies you see on this topic are not fantasy. They are based on real life situations. The international community must take steps to end this barbaric practice. America has made a committment to try to eradicate human trafficking, by training law enforcement in foreign countries to spot such activities. It's a massive problem, and one that won't easily be eliminated. On a global level, how far have women really come?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Birthday Dinner
I just celebrated my 66th birthday. I should say I'm still celebrating, as I've had no less than 3 dinners and a brunch for the ocassion. Most of the celebrations have been with friends, but one very special dinner included most of my immediate family.
I am alsway in LA on Friday, so my youngest son Phil, planned a quick business trip to Los Angeles to coincide with my time in LA and my birthday. Once I knew he was coming I planned a dinner which included Brian and Beth (oldest son and daughter-in-law), David, Phil, my mom and myself. We rarely get all three sons together, so I decided to make it an adult only evening. I think everyone had a great time. I know I did.
We went to Itzik Hagaddol, a well known Israeli restaurant in Encino. They have restaurants in Haifa and Tel Aviv as well. The evening began when the kids walked into the restaurant with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me. I wasn't expecting that. We all sat down, got comfortable, and got ready for an Israeli feast. The food was delicious. I walked out absolutely bursting at the seems. We began with 20 salads, yes, 20. Hummus, baba ganoush, cabbages salad, egg salad, pickled beet salad, tabouli, eggplant salad, carrot salad, falaffel and a wonderful puffy bread, like pita, but puffed up. This was not all the salads, but it's all I can recall right now, and we could have as many refills as we wanted. Next came the main course. I had a delicious chicken schnitzel, others had lamb kebobs, chicken kebobs, and grilled lamb/beef balls on a skewer. Each dish came with two sides, like rice, potatoes, Israeli salad, or cabbage. I took most of my meal home. I couldn't believe how the people in the restaurant packed away the food. I never saw people eat like this.
We had a great time just being together. I really appreciated an evening with all my children, but was sad that Ron was not with us. He too, was very melancholy that afternoon and evening, knowing that he was missing out on a family gathering.
Brian and Beth ordered a delicious birthday cake for me from Bea's a well known bakery in Encino. Yellow cake, rasperry filling and white frosting with roses. Just what I wanted. It was beautiful, and a sweet ending to a very sweet evening.
It's so important to keep family together, especially when some members are going through hard times. So often families are torn apart during a crisis, but I feel our family has survived our long ordeal and grown stronger in the process. I am grateful to have them all, and they are a constant source of support. Our next family gathering will be when Ron gets home, and as soon as I have a date, I will ask them all to come here for a visit, with the grand children. I can't wait for that. In the mean time, I have great memories of this birthday, with both friends and family. Except for Friday visits with Ron, dinners like my birthday dinner are the moments I cherish most.
I am alsway in LA on Friday, so my youngest son Phil, planned a quick business trip to Los Angeles to coincide with my time in LA and my birthday. Once I knew he was coming I planned a dinner which included Brian and Beth (oldest son and daughter-in-law), David, Phil, my mom and myself. We rarely get all three sons together, so I decided to make it an adult only evening. I think everyone had a great time. I know I did.
We went to Itzik Hagaddol, a well known Israeli restaurant in Encino. They have restaurants in Haifa and Tel Aviv as well. The evening began when the kids walked into the restaurant with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me. I wasn't expecting that. We all sat down, got comfortable, and got ready for an Israeli feast. The food was delicious. I walked out absolutely bursting at the seems. We began with 20 salads, yes, 20. Hummus, baba ganoush, cabbages salad, egg salad, pickled beet salad, tabouli, eggplant salad, carrot salad, falaffel and a wonderful puffy bread, like pita, but puffed up. This was not all the salads, but it's all I can recall right now, and we could have as many refills as we wanted. Next came the main course. I had a delicious chicken schnitzel, others had lamb kebobs, chicken kebobs, and grilled lamb/beef balls on a skewer. Each dish came with two sides, like rice, potatoes, Israeli salad, or cabbage. I took most of my meal home. I couldn't believe how the people in the restaurant packed away the food. I never saw people eat like this.
We had a great time just being together. I really appreciated an evening with all my children, but was sad that Ron was not with us. He too, was very melancholy that afternoon and evening, knowing that he was missing out on a family gathering.
Brian and Beth ordered a delicious birthday cake for me from Bea's a well known bakery in Encino. Yellow cake, rasperry filling and white frosting with roses. Just what I wanted. It was beautiful, and a sweet ending to a very sweet evening.
It's so important to keep family together, especially when some members are going through hard times. So often families are torn apart during a crisis, but I feel our family has survived our long ordeal and grown stronger in the process. I am grateful to have them all, and they are a constant source of support. Our next family gathering will be when Ron gets home, and as soon as I have a date, I will ask them all to come here for a visit, with the grand children. I can't wait for that. In the mean time, I have great memories of this birthday, with both friends and family. Except for Friday visits with Ron, dinners like my birthday dinner are the moments I cherish most.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Fifty Ninth Visit To Taft
Last week I got a call from a woman I met last year whose husband was facing a long prison sentence. She and her husband met with me several times in anticipation of their lengthy separation. I helped them understand what they would be facing both individually and as a couple. About two months before his sentencing I got a call from the wife saying that marshals had come to their door and taken him away. She didn't know where he was taken or why. Apparently they decided he was a flight risk (he'd been out on bail for over a year) and they took him to a small town in Minnesota. (that's where he was going to be sentenced). He was there for over 7 months, in a local jail cell, with nothing to do and no information about his future. He has since been sentenced to over 10 years in prison and has been transferred to Terminal Island. (he will arrive there by "diesel express", which I have written about before). In all that time his wife has not seen him, only talked to him on the phone. I can't imagine what the two of them went through these past months, and soon he will be less than an hour from her home.
We still have no word on Ron's official release date, and I think that is adding stress to both our lives. I know he has accepted the date they have given him, but is somehow hoping that his actual release will be sooner. We just have to wait patiently, which is hard sometimes.
I just got a call from Ron's friend Murray, that touched me deeply. He wanted my mailing address. Murray is sending us a gift certificate to Ruth's Chris, so that we can go out for a delicious and romantic dinner when Ron gets home. I was really moved, as was Ron, by such a meaningful gift. Thanks, Murray.
The weeks are going by, not flying by, but we're getting there. There's just not enough to do to keep a busy, curious mind occupied at Taft, but there is one bit of good news. A new inmate arrived last week, and he's a bridge player. Now they have 4, and plan to start playing everyday. It will definitely be something for Ron to look forward to. Now Ron is worried about the quality of the players. I told him he should be happy to have 4 bodies. At least spend a few hours playing bridge every week. At this point, who cares if they're good or not. I too plan to start playing a little more bridge, and hopefully that will make time pass more quickly for me too.
As the weeks go by Ron is opening up more about his feelings. He has put on a happy face for a long time, but recently he has gotten more real with me. He has many ups and downs now, waiting for final word on his release date. When he gets that I think he will settle in and live with it. Right now it's a roller coaster.
Thank goodness for great friends like Richard, David and Mark, who help keep Ron sane. I don't know how he'd get through this without them. Our visit Friday was very special, as it took place just before our 41st wedding anniversary (March 8). I couldn't be happier or prouder of the man I married. Friday one of Ron's close friends was visited by his wife, who informed him that she was divorcing him after 27 years of marriage. I know how sad he must be, what a difficult time this is for him, but I know he will emerge strong, with plenty of life left and time to find a deep, lasting relationship, like ours.
We still have no word on Ron's official release date, and I think that is adding stress to both our lives. I know he has accepted the date they have given him, but is somehow hoping that his actual release will be sooner. We just have to wait patiently, which is hard sometimes.
I just got a call from Ron's friend Murray, that touched me deeply. He wanted my mailing address. Murray is sending us a gift certificate to Ruth's Chris, so that we can go out for a delicious and romantic dinner when Ron gets home. I was really moved, as was Ron, by such a meaningful gift. Thanks, Murray.
The weeks are going by, not flying by, but we're getting there. There's just not enough to do to keep a busy, curious mind occupied at Taft, but there is one bit of good news. A new inmate arrived last week, and he's a bridge player. Now they have 4, and plan to start playing everyday. It will definitely be something for Ron to look forward to. Now Ron is worried about the quality of the players. I told him he should be happy to have 4 bodies. At least spend a few hours playing bridge every week. At this point, who cares if they're good or not. I too plan to start playing a little more bridge, and hopefully that will make time pass more quickly for me too.
As the weeks go by Ron is opening up more about his feelings. He has put on a happy face for a long time, but recently he has gotten more real with me. He has many ups and downs now, waiting for final word on his release date. When he gets that I think he will settle in and live with it. Right now it's a roller coaster.
Thank goodness for great friends like Richard, David and Mark, who help keep Ron sane. I don't know how he'd get through this without them. Our visit Friday was very special, as it took place just before our 41st wedding anniversary (March 8). I couldn't be happier or prouder of the man I married. Friday one of Ron's close friends was visited by his wife, who informed him that she was divorcing him after 27 years of marriage. I know how sad he must be, what a difficult time this is for him, but I know he will emerge strong, with plenty of life left and time to find a deep, lasting relationship, like ours.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Will Post Offices Become Obsolete?
A recent family dinner turned into a lively discussion on the future of the post office. The opinions were largely divided along generational lines. My mom, in her 80's had one opinion, my kids, in their 30's and 40's had an altogether different opinion. I was the middle man. I understood what my mom was saying, but sided with my kids about the realistic future of the post office.
The U.S. Postal Service recently reported that they would begin the process of closing 2,000 post offices next month. They are also reviewing 16,000 more for possible closure. All this is due to a record deficit of $8.5 billion. Lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would make it easier to shut down underperforming branches. In the age of digital communications, online bill paying and Federal Express and UPS are the physical post offices still relevant? True, many people still need the postal service and in rural areas people may rely on their services for purchasing household goods and clothing. But the postal service is a business, and everyone is looking at the bottom line. Closing post offices will hurt many people, but Congress is in a cost-cutting mood, and may mandate these closures for economic reasons.
Our discussion at dinner went something like this. My mom focused on the needs of older people and rural families, who rely heavily on the mail. They receive catalogs and purchase much of what they buy from these catalogs. Older people, who may not have internet access, rely on the postal service to pay and receive bills and maybe even us the mail to receive their medication. On the other side of the discussion were my three sons, who told grandma that this is the digital age, everyone is online, everyone pays their bills on line, the post office is a thing of the past. I see both sides of this. I feel that the post office will be around for a long time, but with a more limited presence. The time is coming when the only way to pay bills will be online, like it or not. As the older population, the ones that don't have internet access die, the post office will become less and less necessary. Rural populations will eventually all have internet access. My mom argues that advertisers use the postal service and they won't want to see it go. My response is that advertisers will find other ways to get their name in front of you. Advertising is always evolving.
So the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article, is yes and no. No, they probably won't become completely obsolete, but yes, their presence will be greatly reduced. Less post offices and less mail delivery. How many pieces of important mail do you actually get on a given day? I don't get much. Yes, I've got bills, but they're all online, as are bank statements, etc.
The unoffical creed of our founding fathers, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," may not be relevant in the digital age.
The U.S. Postal Service recently reported that they would begin the process of closing 2,000 post offices next month. They are also reviewing 16,000 more for possible closure. All this is due to a record deficit of $8.5 billion. Lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would make it easier to shut down underperforming branches. In the age of digital communications, online bill paying and Federal Express and UPS are the physical post offices still relevant? True, many people still need the postal service and in rural areas people may rely on their services for purchasing household goods and clothing. But the postal service is a business, and everyone is looking at the bottom line. Closing post offices will hurt many people, but Congress is in a cost-cutting mood, and may mandate these closures for economic reasons.
Our discussion at dinner went something like this. My mom focused on the needs of older people and rural families, who rely heavily on the mail. They receive catalogs and purchase much of what they buy from these catalogs. Older people, who may not have internet access, rely on the postal service to pay and receive bills and maybe even us the mail to receive their medication. On the other side of the discussion were my three sons, who told grandma that this is the digital age, everyone is online, everyone pays their bills on line, the post office is a thing of the past. I see both sides of this. I feel that the post office will be around for a long time, but with a more limited presence. The time is coming when the only way to pay bills will be online, like it or not. As the older population, the ones that don't have internet access die, the post office will become less and less necessary. Rural populations will eventually all have internet access. My mom argues that advertisers use the postal service and they won't want to see it go. My response is that advertisers will find other ways to get their name in front of you. Advertising is always evolving.
So the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article, is yes and no. No, they probably won't become completely obsolete, but yes, their presence will be greatly reduced. Less post offices and less mail delivery. How many pieces of important mail do you actually get on a given day? I don't get much. Yes, I've got bills, but they're all online, as are bank statements, etc.
The unoffical creed of our founding fathers, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," may not be relevant in the digital age.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
R and D Kitchen...Great American Food
One of my favorite chain restaurants has always been Houston's, a restaurant we went to often when we lived in LA. Unfortunately there is no Houston's in the San Diego area. I don't know why, but hopefully someday they'll be there. The restaurant group www.hillstone.com (of which Houston's and R and D are part of ) has many different concepts, their newest being R and D Kitchen. I just dined at the newest R and D, in Santa Monica.
It's on trendy Montana Ave and 13th street, in the space that used to house Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. The space has been completely redone. It is dark, with soft lighting over each booth. Yes, most of the restaurant is booths. It's sleek and contemporary, with a big bar, and lots of bar action. We ate early on a Friday night, and when we left around 7:15 the bar was hopping. No reservations, but the clientelle waiting didn't seem to have a problem hanging out and drinking while waiting for their table.
The only negative is the size of the menu. It's a small menu, but unless you eat there often, there is plenty to choose from. I had 1/2 Greek chicken with a lemon sauce, served with delicious, garlicky taboulli, tomatoes and olives. Really great, and it was just as good for lunch the next day. My mom had the seared tuna salad. Fantastic. Four large slices of seared ahi tuna on top of a wonderful salad that included fresh beets, potatoes, egg, olives, delicate lettuce leaves, in a lovely vinegrette. Other menu items included a great looking burger, a rubenesque sandwich, ahi burger, several types of fish specials that change daily, great fries served with dipping sauce, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even a steak. I can't wait to go back again and try something else. There were lots of appetizers, like hummus and fresh baked pita chips. The bar drinks are exceptional (so I was told) and they have a few desserts, including a fresh baked carrot cake.
This particular restaurant was busy when we arrived at 5:30 with young, old, singles, and families. It's a very upscale area, lots of trendy shops and restaurants on Montana Ave. The funniest thing to me was the family sitting across from me. Mother, father and two little girls around 4 and 5. I didn't notice them too much while they were eating, but I sure noticed them when they got up to leave. The dad went the the back of the restaurant and fetched two scooters for the girls. The girls got out of their seats, and were wearing pajamas! (Dr. Dentons). They got on their scooters, and scootered through the restaurant on their way out of the restaurant. Only in LA!!
If this sounds good to you, R and D also has a location in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, a little closer to home. Try it, I think you'll like it.
It's on trendy Montana Ave and 13th street, in the space that used to house Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. The space has been completely redone. It is dark, with soft lighting over each booth. Yes, most of the restaurant is booths. It's sleek and contemporary, with a big bar, and lots of bar action. We ate early on a Friday night, and when we left around 7:15 the bar was hopping. No reservations, but the clientelle waiting didn't seem to have a problem hanging out and drinking while waiting for their table.
The only negative is the size of the menu. It's a small menu, but unless you eat there often, there is plenty to choose from. I had 1/2 Greek chicken with a lemon sauce, served with delicious, garlicky taboulli, tomatoes and olives. Really great, and it was just as good for lunch the next day. My mom had the seared tuna salad. Fantastic. Four large slices of seared ahi tuna on top of a wonderful salad that included fresh beets, potatoes, egg, olives, delicate lettuce leaves, in a lovely vinegrette. Other menu items included a great looking burger, a rubenesque sandwich, ahi burger, several types of fish specials that change daily, great fries served with dipping sauce, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even a steak. I can't wait to go back again and try something else. There were lots of appetizers, like hummus and fresh baked pita chips. The bar drinks are exceptional (so I was told) and they have a few desserts, including a fresh baked carrot cake.
This particular restaurant was busy when we arrived at 5:30 with young, old, singles, and families. It's a very upscale area, lots of trendy shops and restaurants on Montana Ave. The funniest thing to me was the family sitting across from me. Mother, father and two little girls around 4 and 5. I didn't notice them too much while they were eating, but I sure noticed them when they got up to leave. The dad went the the back of the restaurant and fetched two scooters for the girls. The girls got out of their seats, and were wearing pajamas! (Dr. Dentons). They got on their scooters, and scootered through the restaurant on their way out of the restaurant. Only in LA!!
If this sounds good to you, R and D also has a location in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, a little closer to home. Try it, I think you'll like it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Oceanside Museum: A Hidden Treasure
One reason many people balk at the thought of a day at the museum is that museums are large and the exhibits are overwhelming. The Oceanside Museum is a small museum with an eclectic mix of exhibits, often as many as 4 exhibits showing simultaneously. The Quilt Exhibit, Beyond Boundaries, is showing through March 13, and I highly recommend it. This is the third exhibit of it's kind that I've seen in Oceanside over the past 6 years, and they just get better and better.
This exhibit can only be seen locally. It is judged by members of Quilt Visions, a quilting organization at Liberty Station. This year they chose 39 quilts from over 600 entries, from over 20 states and 6 foreign countries. One floral quilt really caught my eye. It was over 10 feet wide by 6 feet high. I can't imagine how many hours of work went into that quilt. Some were contemporary, others abstract. Many different types of fabrics were used, including felt, silk and even batting.
We were guided through the exhibit by our very knowledgable docent, Beverly. If you do go, try to arrange a docent tour. They will provide you with one for as few as 8 people if you call ahead. After the tour and the obligatory stop at their incredible gift shop, we were off to lunch at Longboarders. This is a breakfast and lunch cafe in Oceanside that had recently moved to new, better digs. It's on the corner of Mission and Tremont. The food was very good, served by friendly young waiters.
I hope you have a chance to see this amazing exhibit. If you don't, keep the Oceanside Museum in mind for future outings. They always seem to have something interesting.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Egg, Green Chile and Cheese Casserole
I love breakfast and brunch. Many of my favorite foods appear on breakfast and brunch menus. I love casseroles, from mac and cheese to the egg casserole I have for you today. A few months ago I attended a wonderful pot luck brunch and my favorite food at the brunch was Judy's egg, green chile and cheese casserole. I had totally forgotten about this wonderful dish. I used to make it for dinner with a green salad and tortillas, but it's great as a breakfast or brunch item too. Here is my version of the dish.
Eggs, Green Chiles and Cheese Casserole
1 dozen eggs
1 pint sour cream
4 ounce can chopped green chiles
1 large grated longhorn or cheddar cheese or combination of both
Beat egg, then mix in sour cream. Spray 9X13 inch pan with cooking spray. Put a layer of cheese on bottom, layer of green chiles, and pour eggs and sour cream mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until eggs are firm. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with salsa if desired.
Eggs, Green Chiles and Cheese Casserole
1 dozen eggs
1 pint sour cream
4 ounce can chopped green chiles
1 large grated longhorn or cheddar cheese or combination of both
Beat egg, then mix in sour cream. Spray 9X13 inch pan with cooking spray. Put a layer of cheese on bottom, layer of green chiles, and pour eggs and sour cream mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until eggs are firm. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with salsa if desired.
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