My Take on things so far in the summer of 2011.

Well here we are half way thru July and it’s just now starting to feel like summer. The weather in sunny california is starting to heat up, well except for today when I had to use my windshield wipers coming home from breakfast. But going to the beach is starting to sound like a good idea. Heard the state beaches are charging $15 a day to park, sounds like a lot but to be able to park right up by the sand, the showers and the bathrooms is worth every penny, especially if you have kids.

What will the local news media talk about when Carmegeddon is over? For those of you not from Southern California and have no idea what this is, let me fill you in. The state is closing the 405 frwy which is one of the main arteries from the valley to LA and the airport for 58 hours. Totally shutting it down, both sides for almost 3 days. Now mind you those of us in Orange county wonder what all the hype is about because we can easily get to where we need to go in LA or the airport by using other routes. These people have gone nuts! There are T-shirts, good deals at hotels, helicopters available for large fee. Restaurants are either closing down for the week-end or putting their employees up in hotels so they can get to work. All the major news channels have huge count down clocks so you know the exact minute they will close the freeway, its crazy. They are advising people to just stay home this week-end or stay close, enjoy your local area so you don’t get caught in the gridlock. Like I said, what will they be talking about next week when it’s over?

On a good note, Thank heavens for USA, TNT and Lifetime networks and their crop of good summer shows. I am enjoying The Protector, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs, Necessary Roughness, Leverage and In Plain Sight even more than some of the regulars of the fall season. These are good dramas that are on early because they are on cable channels and they sure beat the reruns or reality shows of summer.

Lastly and this is my own personal opinion, a gal in Southern Calif. drugged her husband, tied him to the bed, cut off his penis and stuffed it down the garbage disposal then called 911. She was arrested and if convicted could spend the rest of her life in jail AND Casey Anthony is not guilty????? What is wrong with this picture?

Hope you all are having a wonderful summer and doing summer fun things. Wear sunscreen and always swim with a buddy. Until next time…………

B

The Old Spaghetti Factory – you let me down!

For most of my adult life, The OSF has been one of my favorite places to eat. I love their “Manager’s Special” where you pick two items to top your spaghetti and always have the same thing every time I go. It’s our “go to” place for a really good, affordable meal. They are family friendly and I have never been disappointed in all these years until today.

My mom and my kids took me there tonight for my birthday and it was not a fun experience. Ok the fact that my grandkids both had mini melt downs and the 5-year-old almost knocked the table over pushing on it, I can only partially blame on the restaurant. If our waitress had been attuned to the fact that there kids at the table AND if she had acknowledged us in a timely manner, or for that matter done anything in a timely manner we might not have had the melt downs to begin with. Now if you have gone to the OSF you know you get great hot crusty bread and most times it’s on your table before your drinks are. If this has had happened, two small hungry, cranky children would have been pleased as punch to munch on bread and the fact that the service was at a snail’s pace might have been over looked. But alas, our bread came to the table as we were finishing up our salads and only then when we inquired about it.

Our waitress didn’t appear to be in training and ironically her name was Becky. She was as slow as Molasses in the middle of January and she never once apologized for her lack of speed, inefficiency or ability to not take our orders and get the food on the table. She failed to bring ordered items and we had to ask for extra napkins which is a must with small children and usually something a good waitress/waiter provides up front. Now both my girls have worked in the food industry, so I know what a good server is and how they are supposed to act. You acknowledge the table within a minute of them being seated to at least introduce yourself. If you can’t take their order right then you explain you will return in just a few minutes. Drink orders are taken quickly to assure they have something on the table and at this place usually bread is brought to help ward off the hungries taking over.

More often than not, our entrees arrive at The OSF before we have even finished our salads. Today,there was a good 20 mins. between courses. Now I will admit they were very busy, but then most times you go there they usually are, so not sure why today they couldn’t get their “stuff” together. When our dinners finally arrived they were delivered by a gentleman in a tie. When I asked if he was the manager and he said yes, I told him that our waitress was awful. Before I could even describe her faults he abruptly said “I know I talked to her already.” Talked to her about what? This was the first we mentioned it. So had there been other complaints from guests? Had she told him we made a snide comment to her about our bread? So great, you talked to her, but still no apology from him for her behaviour, no offer to comp. part of the bill or give us a free special dessert since it was my birthday. No wonder she was rude, he was rude too!

It’s a good thing their food is soooooooooooooooooo good and reasonable or I would cross them off my list of favorite places. Like I said we have been going there for years, have visited many of their locations, always been pleased and never let down……..until today! Fullerton, Ca it will be a awhile before I come to visit your site again. Newport Beach is not that far, maybe that will become our new favorite location. In today’s bad economy with food places shutting their doors on daily basis it seems to me you would push good customer service more than ever, but I guess when you have a line out the door you feel you don’t need it. Too bad, your day might come sooner than you think.

Hope you had a nice day and some good customer service. And if you did, let me know where it was, my family would like to go there for the next birthday we celebrate.

B

Did you ever wonder?

Here are a few things that I have tossed around in my head and thought maybe you might have too. They are part of those things that make you go hmmmmmmmmm.

Can Woodchucks really chuck wood?

How could the peppers Peter Piper picked already be pickled?

When a porcupine shoots off his quills, do they grow back or is it a one shot deal?

What is a tuffet?

What is Curious George really so curious about?

Why would pigs want to fly or a cow jump over the moon?

Why do they call it “heart burn”, is your heart on fire?

Who decided the one with the most toys wins?

Why did they change “posting” a letter to “mailing”?

Is there a think tank somewhere that dreams up the names of cars and if so what dummy thought of gremlin?

Why didn’t Peter, Paul and Mary have a hammer?

Would a Rose by any other name smell as sweet?

Why does Susie sell sea shells by the seashore when anyone can pick them up for free?

Why was little Jack Horner a good boy for sticking his thumb in the pie?

And finally, What if the Hokie Pokie is what it’s all about?

Have a great week end, enjoy the summer days and keep thinking good things.
B

Trailer Park Trash or what is new in my neck of the woods.

Last week in preparation of Management’s yearly inspection we had our mobile home power washed. It looked great when he was done but for whatever reason the powers that be “dinged” us for paint. So in the next couple months, right in the middle of summer, we must have the house re=painted. God forbid they do inspections in the spring or better yet give us an extension to fall when it’s cooler. So I should not have been surprised when we got the notice on our door today stating they are closing the pool/spa area for 1 month starting July 5th. Really? What bean counter at management thought this was a good idea? Closing the pool of family park in the middle of summer, when the kids are home and it is used daily. Way to support your residents Star Management!

With the power washing came the up-rooting of an ant hill either under our house or in the close vicinity. Needless to say the ants are seeking revenge and have invaded my kitchen. I had been holding them at bay with my handy spray can but alas on Monday they almost did me in. Opened the dishwasher to empty clean dishes and found thousands of them living in the bottom. Yikes! Well I hope they got the message don’t mess with me as they were swirling in that hot tub and being flushed down the drain. Since then I have found two small outbreaks, but have made small work of them with a take no prisoners attack. I am happy to say that today (Wed.) we are ant free for the moment. If it gets much worse I might have to break down and call Orkin.

Now moving on to bigger critters. Our park has several resident bunnies, that roam the yards and eat whatever plants they can find. We are not allowed to feed them, catch them or harm them in any way, according to management. Not sure when bunnies became an endangered species but we all oblige. I don’t really have a problem with them, they are cute and do entertain the grandsons when they come over. But last week we pulled into our driveway only to find a squirrel sitting in the middle of it. Ok a squirrel? I live in Placentia, Ca. not in Washington State and no where even close to a wooded area or forest. This park is full of palm trees not pines so where the heck did a squirrel come from? Oh yes they are cute too but they carry disease and ticks and other nasty things that I would like to not have taking up residence next door to me.

Last night my daughter opened the sliding door to take out the trash and lo and behold right there on our steps was an opssum, again I am asking myself where in the world did this come from? Last year, due to the drought, we had a slight problem with coyote sightings. They claimed they had wandered up from flood channel looking for small cats/dogs since the lack of rain had diminished the food chain. Now I am not sure who figured this out, did the coyotes mention this as they were walking down the street? I personally never saw one but did hear running footsteps and squealing sounds in the middle of night on more than one occasion. But this year we had so much rain the food chain should be in over abundance. So can someone please tell me why critters are showing up outside my door?

I suppose some evening soon, we will go to the trash only to find a raccoon sitting there munching on someone’s left overs. When that happens, if I survive the heart attack, I may just go get a hunting license and a gun and take some target practice. Times are tough, can you cook raccoon?

Hope your day and home is critter free. Happy summer!
B

The Escape of Max the Runaway Toddler!

This week-end I had my grandsons over night and as always it was an adventure. For the most part they were pretty mellow the whole time but we did have one scary moment that I would like to share with you. In doing so, I realize I set myself up for a possible child neglect suit, but I will take my chances.

Our mobile home has a large sliding door off the dining room. That is the back entrance to the house, and of course the one we use the most as it is off the car port drive. There was no screen door when we moved in and at the time it didn’t seem important as it was winter. Summer came and we just opened the door as it provides a lovely cross breeze to the front door, which by the way has a screen on it. This never proved to be a problem, we have very little trouble with insects flying in, so for us it worked. Oh one day I did have a bird fly in the house, now that was a hoot, me running around trying to get it back thru the door and outside.

So it’s Sat. evening, we have had dinner and the boys are in their Pj’s. We are getting ready to settle in to watch a movie that Nana has rented and all is right with the world. Aunt Erin is reading a book to Lucas on the couch and Max is playing with some toys. I announce that I am going to go get on my PJ’s and will back in a few minutes to start the movie. I may have been down the hall a total of 5 mins by the time I changed, brushed my teeth etc. When I come out, Erin and Lucas are still sitting on the couch, but Max is no where to found. Now at this point I need to fill in some blanks: Max loves to go outside. Max has figured out how to unlock the slider and Mighty Max can push it open. So to prevent any mishaps we opened the door and placed a large wooden chair across the opening to block the doorway. (or so we thought) Apparently in my absence and without the other two hearing him, Max managed to get up over this chair, which is no small feat if you have seen Max, he is one solid little guy, we call him bruiser. Not only does he get over the chair, he climbs down the 3 steps and is standing at the curb when I finally realize he is missing. As I scream for him he gives me a smile and takes off running down the street just as fast as his pudgy little feet can carry him. Now mind you this child is 16 months old. Well Aunt Erin hurdles the chair, takes those 3 steps in one leap and is after him. But not before he is 4 houses down and up their drive way. But wait there is more, on our porch was a tied up grocery bag that had his poopy diaper in it. I had sat it outside for a trip to the trash after the movie. Max had picked up that bag, which is not surprising as he loves to carry bags and put stuff in them, and was toddling off on his adventure. By the time Auntie Erin caught up with him he was pretty darn pleased with himself for what he had pulled off. Thank god I spotted him when I did, who knows what might have happened next.

Now I don’t think he was really ever in any danger, we live in a mobile home park that is kid friendly and our street does not have much traffic. Plus his PJ’s were lime green with some animal on them so he could be well seen. LOL So other than take 5 years off Nana’s life and get a good scolding for Auntie Erin and Lucas it ended well.

But it put the fear of God in Nana and this week we will get some other kind of “barrier” for the sliding door. You know Lucas, his older brother was not much for going outside when he was that age. He never wanted to be too far from the adult, so he never even thought about taking an adventure on his own. He was curious and would stand at the door and watch the trash truck or gardeners but he never ventured out. Just goes to show how different these two brothers are. Max the fearless is a climber, explorer and does anything he knows he shouldn’t. Let this be a lesson to all, a 16 month old CAN in fact climb quietly over a chair.

Grandkids, don’t you just love them?
B

Now that’s what I am talking about.

Last night I attended the Baseball Banquet for the high school team where I used to work. The entire time I worked at the school I loved to watch these kids play. Not really sure why because I am not a baseball fan. Living in Southern Cal. I know you must find that strange since we are home to two top Major league teams. I have just never got on board with this sport until I started going to the high school games.

I think part of the reason I enjoy these kids so much is the coaching staff. They all have such a passion for the game and day in and day out pass that on to the young men under them. Coach Lap, as they loving call the head coach, doesn’t believe in giving individual awards, he feels baseball is the ultimate team sport so no one gets MVP, most improved etc. That is not to say he doesn’t acknowledge the boys for their accomplishments, he does, but in his end of the year stories you also hear some of their faults and areas they need to work on. And they are a TEAM, they cheer for each other and feel each other’s pain when the bats are not working for them or they drop a ball on a crucial play. You hear them from the dugout speaking in a language only ball players understand. Over each season I have seen them grow, mature, lose their tempers and get it all back together again. I have seen them benched for being late to a game and take it like a man, cheering on the team-mate who took their place. They step up when needed and if not they sit patiently and wait their turn.

You hear a lot today about the youth being spoiled, unappreciative and feeling they are owed. Some say they have no respect for their parents, teachers or adults in general. And I am sure in some places that is true. I saw myself in a lot of the students at the high school. But when you look at this group of young men, you see hope, promise and a sense that things will be ok when we turn this world over to them. The admiration they have for their coaches is reflected in their eyes as they accept their medals and letters at the banquet. Some become so overwhelmed they just have to hug the coach to show their appreciation. A few of these boys will go on to play ball for many years, this coach has boys on teams like Oakland and Minnesota playing right now. But most will just go on and have normal lives being helpful neighbors and great dads. And it’s because of the days they spent, raking the fields, running the bases, paying their dues and taking their turns. They will be better people because they had determination and coaches with passion and they all had the love of the game.

This was a young team this year and I will miss the ones moving on but looking forward to great things from the ones who remain.

Play Ball
B

Scrapbooking, not an easy thing to get back into.

Ever since I first decided to retire one of my goals to do was get back into Scrapbooking. I have done it for years and have lots of supplies, paper, stickers, special cutters etc. Even have this cool rolling case that holds a ton of stuff and you can easily take it with you wherever you go.

So it sounds like this should be a very easy task to accomplish……not true. For one thing, I have moved several times since I really did any serious scrapping so my stuff was spread all over the place, in my closet, the shed, the front closet and a corner of my room on the floor. Next, I didn’t have a place to do it other than the diningroom table. If you are a scrapper you know what a hassle it is to set up a project, get it going then have to put away to serve dinner. Awhile back, during my “hoarding intervention” (see past blog for this) I got a table to set up in the corner of my bedroom and we rounded up all my “stuff” and stacked it neatly on or under this table. Ok problem 1 and 2 solved, supplies together in same place and working area. (once I take the crates and boxes off the table)

When I retired one of the first things I did do was buy a new camera. Yes I reluctantly went from a “print” gal to the wonderful world of digital. Now at this point, I can’t say that I am extremely happy I made that jump. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a printer so still have to send my pics out to have developed, but I will admit it’s nice to be able to crop etc before you have them printed and the quality is much better. Ok back to scrapping.

I decided since it had been several years since I had done this I would start with “MY RETIREMENT” project and album. This way the stuff was still fresh in my mind and I thought that would help get the creative juices flowing again. So everything I did after I retired was caught on camera. From going to the County fair, Palm Springs for 3 days, to just breakfast or lunch with friends. And as any good scrapbooker would do I collected things along the way, souvenirs, menus, pamphlets etc. All the while thinking of things I could “add” to the page. I also started looking for appropriate stickers, paper etc that would fit the themes. And all these items are stacked perfectly on top of the boxes and crates full of other supplies waiting to be used.

Now at this point I feel I need to add another noteworthy comment, since it’s been a good 5 years at least since I have done any serious scrapping, my stuff is somewhat out of date. Like technology which updates almost weekly, scrapping methods and supplies change on a regular basis as well. New cutters, trimmers, more stylish add-ons have come into play and some of my things look really out-dated. So one of the first tasks will be to sort thru my things and throw out items that are not current. Then I need to spend a day with my cousin Debbie who is Mrs. Scrapper extraordinaire and see what tips she can give on items to purchase that ever scrapper must have. I wish you could see her place, she has a whole room that is just for scrapbooking and making cards. (something her daughter Kristi is a whizz at) It’s like she took the entire scrapbooking section at Michael’s and moved it into her upstairs bedroom. Everything is white and pretty and she has cubbies, and slots and little jars with buttons and bows. There are huge tables set up for work spaces and her whole closet is filled with paper and what she calls “starter” bags, where she puts the paper and matching accessories in a bag that you take and just arrange to your liking then add your pictures. I am not kidding it’s a scrapper’s heaven on earth.

The big problem here is that time is not on our side. I am retired, she works, plus she is dealing with some medical issues with elder family members. So until that time when we can meet and I can get updated, I will move to Plan B. (which is really plan A if you think about it.) and get my stuff sorted, organized and put away. I have some new containers that will help and once old ones are cleaned out they will work too.

So Today is the Day I am starting Plan A, Plan B, Plan AB or all of the above. I am digging in and starting to sort. My fear is that if I don’t start some projects soon, my feeble old brain will forget how to do it, I don’t think it’s like riding a bike where you never really forget???????But won’t know till I try.

To all you scrappers or card makers out there, Cheers, raise you glass to me as I head in! If I am not out by midnight, come get me. LOL I have either started a project and am so engrossed I lost track of time or I fell asleep on the stack of sock monkey papers.

Thank you Martha Stewart for making scrapping “A Good Thing”.

B

My thoughts on this monday.

Well again I have been lax about my blogging. Life just keeps happening and the days fly by. As I check my calendar, it looks as if things are going to start slowing down and we will fall into that lazy summer mode. Hopefully that will mean more time for blogging.

The next two months, we have Lucas graduation from Pre-K, a couple long week ends away, one to La Costa and one to San Diego for a family wedding. Also a dinner with several high school classmates to visit with one who is in town from NYC. i have an invitation to a high school baseball banquet and the boys over night. Erin’s last dance recital as a teacher is in July and oh yes, My Birthday is the end of this month.
Did I say we were going into the lazy days of summer???????

I just ran to Ralph’s market and discovered two interesting things there. The gas Station on the corner (located in pricey Yorba Linda) has finally gotten with the program and come down to $3.99 a gallon, lots of others are already at $3.89 or $3.87. Good for you, money hungry merchant man. Then I spotted a sign for the beauty place in the center offering gift cards for Dads and Grads. Yes nothing says Happy Graduation or Happy Father’s day like a good waxing.

While house sitting last week I pondered the fact of possibly becoming a recluse. You know if you think about it you can just about get anything delivered to your home that you can go out and buy, yes the shipping charges could kill you but hey I am just saying. With a cell phone or landline, computer and TV you can stay totally connected to the world. You can Skype if you need face to face contact, while ordering groceries, clothes, toys, books and anything else your little heart desires online. If you are lucky enough to have a mail slot in your house you wouldn’t even have to venture to the mail box.

Yes I think one day I could be happy living this way, but not right now. I would miss the hugs and kisses from the grandbabies and there is still some excitement left for me in strolling the aisles of Target or Wal-Mart or walking the mall that I would truly miss. So for now I will give up the idea of being a recluse, but not entirely, I think someday I will ready to just be LEFT ALONE!

So those are my thoughts for Monday, hope things in your life are good and everyone is easing into the summer slowdown. Grab your shovels and pails, it’s almost beach time……..

B

More on while I was gone!

On my first blog back from my “Hiatus” I talked about what had been going on in my life. Today I think I should hit upon some of the “highlights” that have hit the news while I was gone. Let’s see where do I begin?

The Royal Wedding was a real life fairy tale, Bin Laden was captured, killed and now lies at the bottom of the ocean, and several small communities along the Mississippi were purposely flooded to save New Orleans, talk about feeling insignificant. The space shuttle Endeavor took off on its last flight without a hitch and the good news is it will go on permanent display here in Southern Calif. Donald Trump announced then denounced his run for President and the lack-luster Lakers lost in the second round of play offs. Pakistan, who was our ally now hates us for killing one of the most wanted men in History without asking “pretty please” may we come into your country. The young paramedic beaten at Dodger Stadium is awake and improving but even with the reward up to $200,000 no one has come forward. (such a shame) Watermelons are exploding in China, a mother injected her 8-year-old daughter with Botox and Arnold and Maria split over his confession he had an affair with the house keeper and has a love child. (Seriously, have you seen this woman, what was the attraction, must have been the big boobs.)

I know there were many more news stories in that month or so I was on “hiatus” but these are ones that I would have chosen to write about. You have to admit they have some good fodder for ridicule or discussion. Oh Well that is water under the bridge and it’s now time to move on and find some other interesting topics to delight my readers.

The week-end is rapidly approaching, hope you all have great plans with your family and friends. I will be spending my Sat. morning at Lucas’ last T-ball game, (I swear his season was longer than the pros) then off to my house sitting gig for 5 days.

May you find happiness and love in all you do.
B

Becky’s Blog is Back!

Yes it’s been over a month since I did a blog and not sure what to blame it on. I think Life just got in the way, took over and my extra time went spiraling out the window. It seems there has been a lot of trauma, drama and just plain stuff going on. Here’s a sampling of what my life has been like this last month.

My oldest daughter had a heart procedure that failed, she was on complete bedrest for a week, now is on meds and waiting on a 2nd opinion. Had the grandsons 4 days/nights that week, with my mother/sister taking the other part of the week. My 89-year-old aunt who is the matriarch of my dad’s family and the only living member of that generation, fell and broke her hip. She had surgery and has since been moved to a rehab facility with the family rallying around and visiting regularly to keep her spirits up. My cousin had to have his appendix removed during the aunt’s hospital stay so my youngest and I moved our camping out at the hospital spot further down the 5 frwy to south county. My youngest had a location change in her job which caused a mini meltdown and 24 hour pity party at our house but has proved to be a good thing. I had 2 house sitting gigs during all this, one for 4 days and one for 12. We had a nice mother’s day at the house I was staying at so that was a good thing. Lucas had his spring musical, lost his first tooth and oh yes, Max got bit by my sister’s dog and has 5 stitches in his head. All which happened just as my daughter was leaving for a long week-end away for a friends 40th birthday and I had the boys 3 more nights.

At the end of each day I either didn’t have enough energy or brain matter left to sit down and write about anything. Things have finally calmed down for now and are slowly getting back to normal. I leave Sat. for another 5 day house sitting gig and hopefully this time I will actually be able to enjoy my time there. Looking forward to Memorial Day week-end in a couple of weeks, you know it is a race fans dream day.

I hope things in your life are good and you are getting in the mood for the upcoming summer months. It’s that time of year where grads, dads and brides take center stage. So congrats to all you grads, may you have a restful day to all you dads and Best wishes to all you Brides. (this is just case life spirals out of control again and I don’t blog for another month, lol)

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday.
B