I'm writing this the night before Thanksgiving, the unofficial start of the holiday season that will last through the new year. I think a lot about what I am thankful for, and what holidays are all about. First, we will not celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow. Instead, we will all be together on Friday at my house. My mom, David and family, and Brian and his family will drive from LA to San Diego to be with us. Phil is in Colorado and we will miss he and his family. We celebrate on Friday so that our kids can celebrate with both sides of the family. Thursday they will be with one group of relatives, and Friday they'll all come here. We started doing this a number of years ago, and it has worked out well. Those that have to drive save a lot of time and energy trying to get to Thanksgiving in holiday traffic.
I have so much to be thankful for. Good health, a wonderful, loving and supportive family, a new grandson, a new house, and wonderful friends. I think about this as we over indulge at the dinner table for the next six weeks, and over spend at the department stores during this time too. For me, the holidays are a time to reflect, and a time to show appreciation to those I love. This appreciation does not have to be shown in the form of expensive gifts, but it seems that more and more, that is how we show our love and appreciation. I try hard not to get caught in the spending frenzy that affects so many. I have just about completed my holiday shopping, and almost every gift is small but thoughtful, a token you might say. More important (I hope to the recipient) is the heartfelt card I will write to accompany each gift. After all, who among us really "need" more? Kids of course always want a new toy, and to me, kids are what the holidays are all about.
I had been trying to get to Costco for the past few days to pick up a prescription, but could never get into the parking lot. Today I went when they opened. It was still mobbed, but I did get a parking space. I could not believe the volume of toys and food that people were buying. I've never seen anything like it. If this a preview of what's to come, the retailers are going to have a very merry Christmas this year. But, they'll have it without me. I've already done my shopping, and they won't get rich off what I spent on gifts this year. While everyone is out racking up debt on Black Friday and beyond, I'll be sitting at Starbucks reading a book, or taking a walk on the beach. To me, holidays are about spending time with those you love, telling them how you feel about them, and showing them with a small, thoughtful gift. Your children's love for you is not based on how much you buy for them. Children from very poor countries love their parents deeply, gifts or no gifts. Americans have a need to keep up with their neighbors and don't want their kids to feel they have less than the boy next door. So parents rack up debt to make sure their kids don't feel left out. Is this what the holidays are all about? Not for me!
Friday, November 28, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
New Eating Habits
I'm afraid to speak to soon as I've been down this road before, but I think, after almost 70 years on this planet, I've figured out the key to weight control, for me anyway. Several months before my surgery I joined Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time. Their new program offers an updated points program, plus another program called Simply Filling. In the Simply Filling program you just eat the foods from a list of approved foods, plus you have 7 points a day to play with. The list of foods contains many things I like, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, and popcorn. You just eat until you are full. My goal was to lose 15 pounds before my knee surgery, which I didn't quite make. I lost 12 pounds prior to surgery and continued losing every week after surgery. I am now about 8 pounds from my goal. I've never been this close.
Native Foods, a vegan restaurant in Encinitas, had a cooking demo and taste testing event in September that I thought would be perfect to help me continue my new eating habits. Charlene and Audrey, two health conscious friends, accompanied me. We were not disappointed, in fact, the event exceeded my expectations. Susan, one of the company's executive chefs, cooked several dishes for us, ones that could easily be done at home. My favorite recipe, and the simplest, is listed below. It's a arugula-cashew crudité, that you could take to any buffet and be proud of. It was simply delicious. Here it is. Hey, even if you're not a vegan, it's nice to eat an animal free dish once in a while.
Arugula-Cashew Crudite
3 cups raw cashews
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
2cloves garlic
6 cups arugula or baby spinach blend
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 T. lemon juice
pinch of salt
dash of pepper
crushed red chili pepper (optional) to taste
In a food processor, pulse the cashews, nutritional yeast and garlic gently , so that the ingredients are mixed but the cashews are still chunky. Empty into medium bowl and set aside. In the food processor, add the olive oil and lemon juice first, then the greens. Pulse to blend well. Mix two together and season with salt and pepper and crushed red chili pepper, if desired. Serve with thick crostini-type crackers and veggie sticks.
This dish can also be used as a sandwich spread and made creamier, like hummus, if you like. It can also be turned into a salad dressing, by adding vinegar and more oil. Be creative and enjoy.
By the way, 1.5 T of nutritional yeast gives you 130% of the RDA for Vitamin B12.
Native Foods, a vegan restaurant in Encinitas, had a cooking demo and taste testing event in September that I thought would be perfect to help me continue my new eating habits. Charlene and Audrey, two health conscious friends, accompanied me. We were not disappointed, in fact, the event exceeded my expectations. Susan, one of the company's executive chefs, cooked several dishes for us, ones that could easily be done at home. My favorite recipe, and the simplest, is listed below. It's a arugula-cashew crudité, that you could take to any buffet and be proud of. It was simply delicious. Here it is. Hey, even if you're not a vegan, it's nice to eat an animal free dish once in a while.
Arugula-Cashew Crudite
3 cups raw cashews
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
2cloves garlic
6 cups arugula or baby spinach blend
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 T. lemon juice
pinch of salt
dash of pepper
crushed red chili pepper (optional) to taste
In a food processor, pulse the cashews, nutritional yeast and garlic gently , so that the ingredients are mixed but the cashews are still chunky. Empty into medium bowl and set aside. In the food processor, add the olive oil and lemon juice first, then the greens. Pulse to blend well. Mix two together and season with salt and pepper and crushed red chili pepper, if desired. Serve with thick crostini-type crackers and veggie sticks.
This dish can also be used as a sandwich spread and made creamier, like hummus, if you like. It can also be turned into a salad dressing, by adding vinegar and more oil. Be creative and enjoy.
By the way, 1.5 T of nutritional yeast gives you 130% of the RDA for Vitamin B12.
Monday, November 24, 2014
What Starbucks Isn't Telling You
There's a blog I just discovered called www.foodbabe.com. It's very informative. It will tell you more information than you care to know about your favorite foods, and make you think twice about eating them. I recently learned some information about Starbuck's, some of which I already knew, some of which was new to me.
Many people do not like the strong, sometimes bitter taste of Starbucks coffee. To many the beans seem burned, which creates a strong, bitter taste. In response to this Starbucks has created coffee in several different strengths, including blonde, their weakest coffee. In a taste test with six other coffees (I don't know what brand all six were), Starbucks came in last. Folger's beat them!
Their lattes and macciatos are extremely popular, but do you know what is actually in them? The pumpkin latte, a fall favorite, has no real pumpkin, carmel color, and several chemicals. You probably weren't expecting that. Starbucks has many fancy drinks listed on their menu, but you can "create your own." There are many combo drinks that customers have created, one of them being the fruity pebbles Frappuccino. It's a mixture of several different flavors. At my local Starbucks they have a creation "for dogs only," which I have seen, but Pepper has not tried it yet.
Finally, the calories. No one likes to think about them, but the average fancy frappuccio drink has 400-500 calories. That's quite a lot for a snack. Add a muffin or scone for 350-400, and you have an almost 1,000 calorie snack (or meal). That's way more than anyone should be having.
If you love your Starbucks like I do, there are several ways to keep the calories down. I generally get plain black coffee, but if you don't like that, the lattes are delicious, and you can order them with non fat milk. If you must get a frappuccio, get the one with skim milk, and no sugar. (they use an artificial sweetener, but there's only so much you can do), and it cuts the calories in half. Finally, I never buy any of their baked goods. First, most of them are no good, and second, they're no good for you. So keep your morning ritual of a visit to Starbucks, but mind what you order. If you want, ask to look at the nutritional book which lists calories and ingredients for all products. It's a real eye opener.
Many people do not like the strong, sometimes bitter taste of Starbucks coffee. To many the beans seem burned, which creates a strong, bitter taste. In response to this Starbucks has created coffee in several different strengths, including blonde, their weakest coffee. In a taste test with six other coffees (I don't know what brand all six were), Starbucks came in last. Folger's beat them!
Their lattes and macciatos are extremely popular, but do you know what is actually in them? The pumpkin latte, a fall favorite, has no real pumpkin, carmel color, and several chemicals. You probably weren't expecting that. Starbucks has many fancy drinks listed on their menu, but you can "create your own." There are many combo drinks that customers have created, one of them being the fruity pebbles Frappuccino. It's a mixture of several different flavors. At my local Starbucks they have a creation "for dogs only," which I have seen, but Pepper has not tried it yet.
Finally, the calories. No one likes to think about them, but the average fancy frappuccio drink has 400-500 calories. That's quite a lot for a snack. Add a muffin or scone for 350-400, and you have an almost 1,000 calorie snack (or meal). That's way more than anyone should be having.
If you love your Starbucks like I do, there are several ways to keep the calories down. I generally get plain black coffee, but if you don't like that, the lattes are delicious, and you can order them with non fat milk. If you must get a frappuccio, get the one with skim milk, and no sugar. (they use an artificial sweetener, but there's only so much you can do), and it cuts the calories in half. Finally, I never buy any of their baked goods. First, most of them are no good, and second, they're no good for you. So keep your morning ritual of a visit to Starbucks, but mind what you order. If you want, ask to look at the nutritional book which lists calories and ingredients for all products. It's a real eye opener.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Executive Action On Immigration
I usually steer clear of political discussion in this blog (I'll leave that to someone else), but I feel I must speak. Executive action or executive order (there is a slight distinction) has been around since the birth of our country. Early presidents used this sparingly. You could count on one hand the number of times most presidents used executive action in the first 150 years of our county. But in the past 75 years, presidents in both parties have used it a lot.
President Obama has used executive action 193 times during his presidency. By comparison, here is a list of other 20th and 21st century presidents and their use of executive action. Franklin Roosevelt 3,522 times, Truman 907 times, Eisenhower 484 times, Reagan 381 times, George H.W. Bush 166 times, Clinton 364 times, and George W. Bush 291. So what's all the fuss about Obama using executive action so much and acting like a dictator? I don't get it.
Some of the most powerful and courageous actions by presidents have been taken in this way. Are you aware of the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln was an executive action? Also, Truman made a bold and courageous action by ordering the armed services to integrate. Had he not taken this action, we might still be debating the subject. Other important executive actions by recent presidents include the following: Gerald Ford took executive action to abandon the use of certain chemical herbicides in war, Carter froze Iranian assets in the U.S. during the hostage crisis, both Regan and GHW Bush took action to defer the removal of certain immigrants, JFK established the Peace Corps. He also recognized the right of federal workers to bargain collectively. LBJ prohibited discrimination in employment decisions based on race, religion, sex or nation origin, and Nixon prohibited discrimination in competitive federal jobs.
Some pretty important decisions have been made through executive action. Obama's action on immigration is just another important action taken by a president who has tried to make immigration part of the conversation, but Congress has failed to even discuss. Is it legal? That's for the constitutional lawyers to decide, but based on precedent, you'd have to think it was. We have elected this president to lead our country, and he has certain powers that he does not need our approval to implement. If people aren't happy with who is president or who is representing them in congress, they have a right to do something about it in the next election. We just had an election where people showed how unhappy they were with congress, and threw out many long time members. Let's hope that the people they replaced will legislate, which is what they were elected to do. So far, I don't see that happening. It's just new faces in congress doing the same old thing, NOTHING. Pardon me if I'm skeptical.
President Obama has used executive action 193 times during his presidency. By comparison, here is a list of other 20th and 21st century presidents and their use of executive action. Franklin Roosevelt 3,522 times, Truman 907 times, Eisenhower 484 times, Reagan 381 times, George H.W. Bush 166 times, Clinton 364 times, and George W. Bush 291. So what's all the fuss about Obama using executive action so much and acting like a dictator? I don't get it.
Some of the most powerful and courageous actions by presidents have been taken in this way. Are you aware of the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln was an executive action? Also, Truman made a bold and courageous action by ordering the armed services to integrate. Had he not taken this action, we might still be debating the subject. Other important executive actions by recent presidents include the following: Gerald Ford took executive action to abandon the use of certain chemical herbicides in war, Carter froze Iranian assets in the U.S. during the hostage crisis, both Regan and GHW Bush took action to defer the removal of certain immigrants, JFK established the Peace Corps. He also recognized the right of federal workers to bargain collectively. LBJ prohibited discrimination in employment decisions based on race, religion, sex or nation origin, and Nixon prohibited discrimination in competitive federal jobs.
Some pretty important decisions have been made through executive action. Obama's action on immigration is just another important action taken by a president who has tried to make immigration part of the conversation, but Congress has failed to even discuss. Is it legal? That's for the constitutional lawyers to decide, but based on precedent, you'd have to think it was. We have elected this president to lead our country, and he has certain powers that he does not need our approval to implement. If people aren't happy with who is president or who is representing them in congress, they have a right to do something about it in the next election. We just had an election where people showed how unhappy they were with congress, and threw out many long time members. Let's hope that the people they replaced will legislate, which is what they were elected to do. So far, I don't see that happening. It's just new faces in congress doing the same old thing, NOTHING. Pardon me if I'm skeptical.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Nozomi: My New Favorite Sushi Restaurant
Thanks to Jean, five of us had a fabulous lunch and afternoon in La Jolla recently. Jean had been promising me for months to find a good Korean restaurant for us to try. She has some Korean friends through her church that were going to tell her the best Koreans eateries in town. Unfortunately her friends are not crazy about any of the Korean restaurants, but they did turn her on to a Japanese restaurant that I loved. It's called Nozomi, it's on Regents Park Row in La Jolla, and it is fantastic.
Actually, Nozomi is owned by a Korean entrepreneur, Duk Moo Han. Duk began his career selling Korean food out of a push cart, but through years of hard work was able to open a restaurant. He now has two branches of Nozomi, and life is good for this man. That's because his restaurants are so good. We went for lunch on a Wednesday at noon, and the place was packed. Lots of businessmen and women, shoppers, and lots of Asians. That's always a good sign. The menu is too extensive to tell you everything they have, but here are some of the highlights. My favorite dish was Nozomi's famous Chirashi Salad. It's got greens, then is topped with several different types of raw fish, like salmon, tuna and octopus and orange roe eggs. Mix it all together, add the chirachi sauce (or a ginger dressing if you don't like spicy) and you've got yourself a feast. We ordered the original size, and five of us shared it. We ordered several rolls, like caterpillar roll, soft shell crab roll, and California roll with salmon and tuna on top. The rolls were good and fresh. Nozomi is also known for a green noodle soup which Jean said was just ok, so we decided not to order it. Also on their menu are sushi boats (so much fun to eat), sashimi combos, curry dishes, tempura, teriyaki bowls, and several rice bowls and even a few Korean dishes. Please try this restaurant for lunch one day while shopping at Westfield Plaza in UTC.
Lunch was not the end of this fun filled day. Carole and Jean suggested that we go over to the UTC shopping center and visit the store Pirch. This was a first for me. I had never heard of it before, but this first visit will not be my last. It's a kitchen appliance and design store, a bath design and appliance store, and much more. When you walk in, you see a big bar with a huge espresso machine. Walk up and order any of a dozen different coffee, tea and flavored water drinks free, to enjoy while you shop. I had the best cup of coffee I've ever had. Then, browse. We looked at kitchens, ovens, smokers, pizza ovens and super expensive ranges. Pirch also has cooking demos daily, some requiring reservations, others are on a drop in basis. One of the chefs was getting ready to do a smoked turkey, in a beautiful outdoor smoker/barbeque. I didn't ask the price of anything. I didn't want to be depressed by the fact that most of the things in this store are for the very rich. However, don't let that deter you. They treat everyone like a king or queen, and you'll feel great just browsing there.
Thanks, Jean, for planning such a fabulous day. Thanks to Stephanie, Debbie and Carole for joining us and reminding me of how many great friends I have made since moving here.
Actually, Nozomi is owned by a Korean entrepreneur, Duk Moo Han. Duk began his career selling Korean food out of a push cart, but through years of hard work was able to open a restaurant. He now has two branches of Nozomi, and life is good for this man. That's because his restaurants are so good. We went for lunch on a Wednesday at noon, and the place was packed. Lots of businessmen and women, shoppers, and lots of Asians. That's always a good sign. The menu is too extensive to tell you everything they have, but here are some of the highlights. My favorite dish was Nozomi's famous Chirashi Salad. It's got greens, then is topped with several different types of raw fish, like salmon, tuna and octopus and orange roe eggs. Mix it all together, add the chirachi sauce (or a ginger dressing if you don't like spicy) and you've got yourself a feast. We ordered the original size, and five of us shared it. We ordered several rolls, like caterpillar roll, soft shell crab roll, and California roll with salmon and tuna on top. The rolls were good and fresh. Nozomi is also known for a green noodle soup which Jean said was just ok, so we decided not to order it. Also on their menu are sushi boats (so much fun to eat), sashimi combos, curry dishes, tempura, teriyaki bowls, and several rice bowls and even a few Korean dishes. Please try this restaurant for lunch one day while shopping at Westfield Plaza in UTC.
Lunch was not the end of this fun filled day. Carole and Jean suggested that we go over to the UTC shopping center and visit the store Pirch. This was a first for me. I had never heard of it before, but this first visit will not be my last. It's a kitchen appliance and design store, a bath design and appliance store, and much more. When you walk in, you see a big bar with a huge espresso machine. Walk up and order any of a dozen different coffee, tea and flavored water drinks free, to enjoy while you shop. I had the best cup of coffee I've ever had. Then, browse. We looked at kitchens, ovens, smokers, pizza ovens and super expensive ranges. Pirch also has cooking demos daily, some requiring reservations, others are on a drop in basis. One of the chefs was getting ready to do a smoked turkey, in a beautiful outdoor smoker/barbeque. I didn't ask the price of anything. I didn't want to be depressed by the fact that most of the things in this store are for the very rich. However, don't let that deter you. They treat everyone like a king or queen, and you'll feel great just browsing there.
Thanks, Jean, for planning such a fabulous day. Thanks to Stephanie, Debbie and Carole for joining us and reminding me of how many great friends I have made since moving here.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Today Is Ron's Birthday
Today is Ron's 72nd birthday. I have been with him for more than 45 years, so I probably know him better than almost anyone else around. His childhood friends Phil, Ellen and Howie have known him for 60 years, but they haven't lived with him! What is it that's made him so endearing to me for all these years? The reasons are many, and if you know him at all you may understand the attraction, but if you don't, here are some reasons why, after 45 years I'm still here.
Ron is one of the smartest men I've ever known, which was one of my first attractions to him. Tell him something once and he'll remember it forever. Does he have a photographic memory? Some have said yes, but he says no. He has a memory for facts and figures like no one I've ever known, especially when it comes to sports. Don't try to argue with him about who was on the 1968 Cubs team, or what college a particular football player attended. You will lose. When he was in business in Los Angeles, before the days of speed dial, he had his entire phone book in his head, over 200 numbers. He's also smart enough to know what he doesn't know, and over the years he has evolved into a man who knows something about everything: art, history, politics, people. We have had interesting conversations over the years on topics ranging from child rearing to government to the NFL policy of it's "bad boy" players. You'd think after 45 years you'd run out of things to talk about, but we don't. Did you ever go to a restaurant and see an elderly couple sitting across from each other, eating their meal, and not speaking a word? I don't ever want that to be us!
Ron also has one of the best senses of humor of anyone I know. He has kept a smile on my face for 45 years, even through some very hard times. He's got an encyclopedia of jokes in his head that he can recall at any moment. If he's with a doctor, he's got doctor jokes, if he's with a golfer he's got golf jokes, and so on. In the early 1980's we went on a driving trip through France with friends Jerry and Joanie. Ron drove, and Jerry and Joanie sat in the back seat on this journey, and we listened to hours of jokes and stories from Ron. We were definitely entertained, which was great, since the radio didn't work. Even in our most difficult years Ron would stay positive and look to the future, which leads me to another reason I love him so.
Ron is the ultimate planner. As an accountant that's part of the job description, but it doesn't always carry over into one's personal life. We never bought anything we couldn't afford, we always had a plan for the future, so when our problems began, which were out of our control, Ron was thrown for a loop. All we had worked for was taken away, and we had to start over, but I can hardly remember a time when this got Ron down. He made a plan, and we have followed it and are feeling pretty good about how far we've come. Yes, family and friends have been supportive and helpful, which has made our life as it is today, possible.
Ron is also one of the most caring, empathetic people you could meet. Often that's covered up by an exterior that makes that seem not so. One quick story tells it all. When I was teaching school, and we were in our early 30's with three children, I came home one day and told Ron about a partially deaf student I had named Jesus. His family did not have enough money to purchase expensive hearing aids that would help him. It was about $800 for the hearing aids, and the next day, unbeknownst to me, Ron took a check to my principal to pay for Jesus' hearing aids. That was a lot of money to us at the time which we could not really afford, but if was just the first of many times he has helped those in need, at his own sacrifice. I love that.
Finally, Ron is a true and loyal friend and husband. If you are his friend, there is nothing he won't do for you. His friend David was sick and in the hospital for 186 days. Ron visited him 184 of those days. Who does that? When I had my knee surgery he surprised me. He was there for me every step of the way!
I haven't mentioned his talents, like being a great bridge and poker player, great accountant and financial planner, loving father of three wonderful sons, and especially great husband. Hardly a day goes by that he doesn't make me feel special in some way. A text that says "I love you," flowers on occasion, or just a look that says I love and appreciate you. I really thought that love and respect might wane after 45 years, but it's alive and well and better than ever. These 45 years have had their ups and downs, but the positive attitude of Ron, his undying love for his family, and his clever mind that has allowed us to come back from nothing, have kept us going. He is a winner and I'll keep him. Happy Birthday, Honey.
Ron is one of the smartest men I've ever known, which was one of my first attractions to him. Tell him something once and he'll remember it forever. Does he have a photographic memory? Some have said yes, but he says no. He has a memory for facts and figures like no one I've ever known, especially when it comes to sports. Don't try to argue with him about who was on the 1968 Cubs team, or what college a particular football player attended. You will lose. When he was in business in Los Angeles, before the days of speed dial, he had his entire phone book in his head, over 200 numbers. He's also smart enough to know what he doesn't know, and over the years he has evolved into a man who knows something about everything: art, history, politics, people. We have had interesting conversations over the years on topics ranging from child rearing to government to the NFL policy of it's "bad boy" players. You'd think after 45 years you'd run out of things to talk about, but we don't. Did you ever go to a restaurant and see an elderly couple sitting across from each other, eating their meal, and not speaking a word? I don't ever want that to be us!
Ron also has one of the best senses of humor of anyone I know. He has kept a smile on my face for 45 years, even through some very hard times. He's got an encyclopedia of jokes in his head that he can recall at any moment. If he's with a doctor, he's got doctor jokes, if he's with a golfer he's got golf jokes, and so on. In the early 1980's we went on a driving trip through France with friends Jerry and Joanie. Ron drove, and Jerry and Joanie sat in the back seat on this journey, and we listened to hours of jokes and stories from Ron. We were definitely entertained, which was great, since the radio didn't work. Even in our most difficult years Ron would stay positive and look to the future, which leads me to another reason I love him so.
Ron is the ultimate planner. As an accountant that's part of the job description, but it doesn't always carry over into one's personal life. We never bought anything we couldn't afford, we always had a plan for the future, so when our problems began, which were out of our control, Ron was thrown for a loop. All we had worked for was taken away, and we had to start over, but I can hardly remember a time when this got Ron down. He made a plan, and we have followed it and are feeling pretty good about how far we've come. Yes, family and friends have been supportive and helpful, which has made our life as it is today, possible.
Ron is also one of the most caring, empathetic people you could meet. Often that's covered up by an exterior that makes that seem not so. One quick story tells it all. When I was teaching school, and we were in our early 30's with three children, I came home one day and told Ron about a partially deaf student I had named Jesus. His family did not have enough money to purchase expensive hearing aids that would help him. It was about $800 for the hearing aids, and the next day, unbeknownst to me, Ron took a check to my principal to pay for Jesus' hearing aids. That was a lot of money to us at the time which we could not really afford, but if was just the first of many times he has helped those in need, at his own sacrifice. I love that.
Finally, Ron is a true and loyal friend and husband. If you are his friend, there is nothing he won't do for you. His friend David was sick and in the hospital for 186 days. Ron visited him 184 of those days. Who does that? When I had my knee surgery he surprised me. He was there for me every step of the way!
I haven't mentioned his talents, like being a great bridge and poker player, great accountant and financial planner, loving father of three wonderful sons, and especially great husband. Hardly a day goes by that he doesn't make me feel special in some way. A text that says "I love you," flowers on occasion, or just a look that says I love and appreciate you. I really thought that love and respect might wane after 45 years, but it's alive and well and better than ever. These 45 years have had their ups and downs, but the positive attitude of Ron, his undying love for his family, and his clever mind that has allowed us to come back from nothing, have kept us going. He is a winner and I'll keep him. Happy Birthday, Honey.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Bike Share Program A Big Success
In 2007, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the first bike share program began. There are now programs in 36 cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco and New York City. When the program began there was great concern over helmetless riders might be in jeopardy. The statistics are in, and after 23 million rides, there have been no deaths in the U.S. bike share program. That's pretty amazing!
When New York's program, sponsored by Citibank, was launched in May 2013, critics and late-night television hosts shared dire predictions for riders, some of who were only then learning to ride. New York tried to impose mandatory helmet laws, but failed. In the New York program, only 40 people have been hurt in 10.3 million rides. Part of good safety record for the bike share program has to do with the bikes in use. The bike has a very low center of gravity, wide tires and drum brakes that stay dry even in wet weather.
Although most cities do not require the use of helmets, some cities, like Boston, have helmet vending machines. All in all, the bike share program has been a big success. It does several very positive things to downtown traffic. Bike users get some exercise, less cars are on the road, and it is helping the environment with less gas being used and less pollution getting into our air.
I did not know that this program existed until recently, but it certainly seems to be a program with a bright future. I'm hoping we San Diego adopts this program sometime soon.
When New York's program, sponsored by Citibank, was launched in May 2013, critics and late-night television hosts shared dire predictions for riders, some of who were only then learning to ride. New York tried to impose mandatory helmet laws, but failed. In the New York program, only 40 people have been hurt in 10.3 million rides. Part of good safety record for the bike share program has to do with the bikes in use. The bike has a very low center of gravity, wide tires and drum brakes that stay dry even in wet weather.
Although most cities do not require the use of helmets, some cities, like Boston, have helmet vending machines. All in all, the bike share program has been a big success. It does several very positive things to downtown traffic. Bike users get some exercise, less cars are on the road, and it is helping the environment with less gas being used and less pollution getting into our air.
I did not know that this program existed until recently, but it certainly seems to be a program with a bright future. I'm hoping we San Diego adopts this program sometime soon.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Great White Shark Population Is Healthy and Growing
A study by a 10-member team led by George H. Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, bolsters a recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determination that the eastern Pacific Ocean population of great white sharks does not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act. The great white shark population is healthy and growing, a new census shows.
NOAA(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) began researching the status of the great white shark population in 2013, after the environmental groups Oceana, Shark Stewards and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition calling for endangered species protection.
A 2011 census by UC Davis and Stanford University estimated that only 219 adult and sub-adult great whites lived off the Central California coast, and perhaps double that many were in the entire northeastern Pacific Ocean. The surprisingly low estimate prompted environmentalists to launch fundraising campaigns to "save the great white shark from extinction," and file the petitions that made the great white the first candidate for listing as an endangered species in California ocean waters.
It appears to have been an overreaction by some environmentalists, as up to 10 times as many sharks may actually exist. The listing as endangered status for the great white was not warranted. The environmental groups were too quick on the draw. Their hearts were in the right place, but their petitions cost taxpayers a lot of money and diverted resources away from species genuinely at risk.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Ghosts of the Cities: Coyotes
Coyotes were originally known as ghosts of the plains, but more recently they are ghosts of the cities, because they are heard but not seen. Although a relatively recent phenomenon, coyotes have become the top carnivores in an increasing number of metropolitan areas across our country, including Chicago. However, we know very little about how coyotes have become successful in landscapes dominated by people.
The Urban Coyote Ecology and Management study is working to answer questions such as how coyotes have adapted to urban life and how man and coyote can co-exist. The study traps adult coyotes and marks pups from natal dens during spring. They are micro chipped, weighed and measured before being released back in the area from which they came.
Coyotes play an important role in the eco system. They eat small rodents and other animals that might otherwise become out of control. We need to learn to be able to identify coyotes, and keep our small children and small pets away from them. They are useful in maintaining the balance of nature, but we must remember that they are wild animals and should not be touched or captured.
Many urban areas control the coyote population by simply clearing out ravines and canyons where they might live, and killing coyotes and everything else that lives there. Hopefully there is a better way. The Urban Coyote Ecology and Management study address several important questions that may help man and coyote co exist. What are the full ramifications for people, pets and other wildlife when the coyote suddenly becomes a neighbor? Do coyotes reside in urban areas because of an attraction to and benefit from human activities in urban areas? These and many other questions will be answered as man studies the urban coyote and will hopefully find ways to control the population with decimating it.
The Urban Coyote Ecology and Management study is working to answer questions such as how coyotes have adapted to urban life and how man and coyote can co-exist. The study traps adult coyotes and marks pups from natal dens during spring. They are micro chipped, weighed and measured before being released back in the area from which they came.
Coyotes play an important role in the eco system. They eat small rodents and other animals that might otherwise become out of control. We need to learn to be able to identify coyotes, and keep our small children and small pets away from them. They are useful in maintaining the balance of nature, but we must remember that they are wild animals and should not be touched or captured.
Many urban areas control the coyote population by simply clearing out ravines and canyons where they might live, and killing coyotes and everything else that lives there. Hopefully there is a better way. The Urban Coyote Ecology and Management study address several important questions that may help man and coyote co exist. What are the full ramifications for people, pets and other wildlife when the coyote suddenly becomes a neighbor? Do coyotes reside in urban areas because of an attraction to and benefit from human activities in urban areas? These and many other questions will be answered as man studies the urban coyote and will hopefully find ways to control the population with decimating it.
Friday, November 7, 2014
A Date With My Honey
After almost 45 years of marriage, we still plan a date. We like to set aside one day a month for US. We've been doing that for a while, and our last date, on October 31, was so much fun. I'm already looking forward to our next date. The reason we enjoy these days together is that normally, we are not together (during the day) for much of the week. Ron has his friends and activities, and I have mine. Most evenings are spent together, except for my occasional poker game and his occasional poker game, or possibly, a bridge game. So a day together is special. Here's how we spent Halloween, 2014.
We left the house around 9:00am and headed for our favorite breakfast spot, 101 Café in Encinitas. Ron was yearning for an apple pancake, so we split one! Just enough to keep us going for the morning. Then we headed to Balboa Park. We were going to the Museum of Art, to view their current exhibit, Gaugin to Warhol. There was an 11am docent tour which we attended, and got some interesting background on the artists represented in the exhibit, and the Allbright Knox Museum, from which all the works come. Picasso, Pissarro, Matisse, Gaugin Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Pollack, Warhol and many, many more artists were represented in this fine exhibit. After a quick visit to the museum shop (I couldn't resist buying something), we were off to lunch.
Our original plan was to go to HashHouse A GoGo, but due to terrible construction on that street, we decided to go to Mission Hills, to the new hotspot, The Patio on Goldfinch. What a good decision that was. First, almost everyone in the restaurant was dressed in costume or looked pretty exotic out of costume. We sat on the front patio, a very animal friendly place to be. There was a large dog with a water bowl supplied by the restaurant sitting on the floor, a small dog sitting on a chair, and a miniature potbellied pig sitting on the floor with his owner and friends, all in costume. The pig was not in costume but did have her nails painted blue. The restaurant supplies home made cookies for the dogs too, so if you plan to go there with your pet, call ahead to make sure they can accommodate you. We had a fabulous lunch, which I will blog about later, and got home around 2pm. Right now we're home, waiting for trick or treaters. We love seeing the little kids, so excited and all dressed up. The perfect ending to a perfect date with my honey. Next month, we plan to go to the Museum of Torture (Ron's choice). That ought to be uplifting!
We left the house around 9:00am and headed for our favorite breakfast spot, 101 Café in Encinitas. Ron was yearning for an apple pancake, so we split one! Just enough to keep us going for the morning. Then we headed to Balboa Park. We were going to the Museum of Art, to view their current exhibit, Gaugin to Warhol. There was an 11am docent tour which we attended, and got some interesting background on the artists represented in the exhibit, and the Allbright Knox Museum, from which all the works come. Picasso, Pissarro, Matisse, Gaugin Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Pollack, Warhol and many, many more artists were represented in this fine exhibit. After a quick visit to the museum shop (I couldn't resist buying something), we were off to lunch.
Our original plan was to go to HashHouse A GoGo, but due to terrible construction on that street, we decided to go to Mission Hills, to the new hotspot, The Patio on Goldfinch. What a good decision that was. First, almost everyone in the restaurant was dressed in costume or looked pretty exotic out of costume. We sat on the front patio, a very animal friendly place to be. There was a large dog with a water bowl supplied by the restaurant sitting on the floor, a small dog sitting on a chair, and a miniature potbellied pig sitting on the floor with his owner and friends, all in costume. The pig was not in costume but did have her nails painted blue. The restaurant supplies home made cookies for the dogs too, so if you plan to go there with your pet, call ahead to make sure they can accommodate you. We had a fabulous lunch, which I will blog about later, and got home around 2pm. Right now we're home, waiting for trick or treaters. We love seeing the little kids, so excited and all dressed up. The perfect ending to a perfect date with my honey. Next month, we plan to go to the Museum of Torture (Ron's choice). That ought to be uplifting!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Life In Balance
I've told you many times about my favorite resort for rest and relaxation, Miraval. I follow them on Facebook, and find many delicious recipes, plus tips for living a healthy, stress free life. I found this list of 10 do's and don'ts, to keep you balanced and stress free. Here it is.
All of these will lead you on the right path, but I especially like #1,2, and 3. Let go of comparing, competing and making judgments. Hard to do, but comparing yourself to others, or competing with others will just lead to stress. As for making judgments, well, I try not to. Most decisions in life are not black or white, right or wrong. There are many ways to do most things, so why judge someone for the way they are doing it? Who says that your way is right anyway?
How do you potty train a child, and at what age do you do that? There's no right or wrong answer. There are many approaches, and the timing is different for every child. How to boil an egg? There are even several ways to do this, and neither is more correct than the other. I try to follow these 10 guidelines to Zen in the hope of maintaining balance in life. The one I need to work on? Number 10. Although I find myself chuckling many times during the day, big belly laughs are rare. I guess I need to find funnier friends!
All of these will lead you on the right path, but I especially like #1,2, and 3. Let go of comparing, competing and making judgments. Hard to do, but comparing yourself to others, or competing with others will just lead to stress. As for making judgments, well, I try not to. Most decisions in life are not black or white, right or wrong. There are many ways to do most things, so why judge someone for the way they are doing it? Who says that your way is right anyway?
How do you potty train a child, and at what age do you do that? There's no right or wrong answer. There are many approaches, and the timing is different for every child. How to boil an egg? There are even several ways to do this, and neither is more correct than the other. I try to follow these 10 guidelines to Zen in the hope of maintaining balance in life. The one I need to work on? Number 10. Although I find myself chuckling many times during the day, big belly laughs are rare. I guess I need to find funnier friends!
Monday, November 3, 2014
Carnitas Snack Shack Comes To Del Mar
After a lively discussion at book club in September, several of us met for lunch at the newly opened Carnitas Snack Shack in Del Mar. It's in the space formerly occupied by The Counter, in the Del Mar Highlands. The space has been remodeled, and has a lively, full of energy feel to it. Around the outside of the space are booths are two or four, and in the center are high top tables for four, all put together in a long, family style arrangement. That way you can come in solo and sit at the family style table, or sit as a group of five, as we did, and feel equally comfortable.
The inspiration for the restaurant was Carnitas Speck, owner Hanis and Sara's mini pig. One wall in the Del Mar restaurant has a huge pig sculpted from wood adorning it. The restaurant opened in 2011, North Park being their first location. It was an instant success, serving slow food-inspired, pork-centric American cuisine, snacks, and locally crafted beers.
Chef Hanis Garvin was born and raised in San Diego, but his love of cooking took him East to culinary school. Finally, he returned to his roots in San Diego, and has been a fixture at fine restaurants in the area for many years. He has cooked at Kensington Grill, Pacific Del Mar, Pacific Coast Grill and Chive over the past 15 years. He and his partner Sara Stroud, have helped Carnitas Snack Shack earn high marks for creativity and excellence.
The inspiration for the restaurant was Carnitas Speck, owner Hanis and Sara's mini pig. One wall in the Del Mar restaurant has a huge pig sculpted from wood adorning it. The restaurant opened in 2011, North Park being their first location. It was an instant success, serving slow food-inspired, pork-centric American cuisine, snacks, and locally crafted beers.
Chef Hanis Garvin was born and raised in San Diego, but his love of cooking took him East to culinary school. Finally, he returned to his roots in San Diego, and has been a fixture at fine restaurants in the area for many years. He has cooked at Kensington Grill, Pacific Del Mar, Pacific Coast Grill and Chive over the past 15 years. He and his partner Sara Stroud, have helped Carnitas Snack Shack earn high marks for creativity and excellence.
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