You Heard Me!

As the New Year approaches, I'm fashioning the resolutions which are made by so many of us, with the best of intentions and the least amount of hope for completion. What lofty promises shall I attempt this year?   Hmmm ... perhaps I'll exercise more (that'll be easy, since I exercise zero at the present time) lose 20 pounds (need to get rid of my armour-plated bra and jewel-encrusted tiara), procure a fulfilling job ( no comment), be nicer, more patient and less crabby (oh, yeah!), save more money for retirement ( that would be another zero), see the dentist more often, follow through on projects....jeez, those all seem so very unglamorous and daunting!  How does one go about making reasonable promises to one's self?  It's so much easier to continue the routine o f sloth, drunkenness and gluttony. So, here's my 2008 No-Fail Resolution Plan:  What if I promise not to exert myself more than necessary (perspiring can be so, well, sweaty), spend money on trivia...

San Francisco, Macy's Department Store Santa Claus  The Night Before Christmas By Clement Clarke Moore 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and  eight tiny reindeer.                          ...

Bodega Bay, CA If you like to eat crab, there isn't a finer place to find fresh Dungeness Crab than Bodega Bay, CA.  North of San Fransisco, off of Highway 1, you follow the winding road to the town of Bodega and hang a left onto Eastshore which descends into the harbor area. Turn right when you reach t Bay Flat and continue around until you see the Spud Point Marina on your left on West Shore Rd .                                                                                           We parked in the farthest public parking area so we could walk along the marina, looking at all the different boats and enjoying the beautiful vista.  It was a wonderfully mild December day and we didn't even need a jacket.        ...

With so much cooking and baking, I nearly forgot to post!  I hope it was a lovely Thanksgiving feast for you all.  Autumn seems to be the nicest time of year for me.  The days grow shorter and the sun sinks beyond the hills surprisingly early as we move deeper into Fall.  Glorious leaves announce their last showing; turning vibrantly gold, purple and red, falling from trees and dancing onto the streets below, and as the last fruits and vegetables are harvested, the world seems more alive than at any other time of year.   Chilly evenings beckon us into the fragrant and warm kitchen for cozy evening suppers, and the first fire in the wood stove helps to ward off the cold.  The anticipation of 'get-togethers' with family and friends, and reminiscing of times past, are cherished now- more than ever.  I am blessed and thankful for it all.                             ...

image:Ray Villafane On this All Hallows Eve, I'm gearing up for a monster celebration with Screamin' Jay Hawkins!

   “The moon, like a flower In heaven's high bower, With silent delight Sits and smiles on the night.”  -William Blake

Sound of Silence," on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks....

Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel Sun in the sky, you know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel Its a new dawn, its a new day, its a new life for me Yeah, its a new dawn its a new day its a new life for me  And I'm feelin' good. Fish in the sea, you know how I feel River runnin' free, you know how I feel Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel Its a new dawn, its a new day, its a new life for me And I'm feelin good. Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what i mean, dont you know Butterflies all havin' fun, you know what I mean Sleepin' peace when day is done, that's what I mean And this old world, is a new world and a bold world for me. Stars when you shine, you know how I feel Scent of the crime, you know how I feel Your freedom is mine, and I know how I feel Its a new dawn, its a new day, its a new life for me. Oh, I'm feelin' good....  

 I want that jacket!  As my mother always said, "Dahlink!  Animal prints will  never go out of fashion!" If you think this rendition is hilarious, check out the original tune.  It'll knock your eyelashes off! Here it is:

A little East Bay Grease served up by Tower of Power! These talented boys are from my hometown area in what is known as the East Bay. The most original music with some unbeatable talent.

Don't talk to me, I don't believe a word Don't try to make me feel alright All the love in all the world Is not enough to save my soul tonight Don't be my friend I'm not a fool Don't talk of things that we cannot see When all the ones that sing the blues Sometimes I think of how it used to be I have seen the Devil laugh I have seen God turn his face away I have nothing left to lose I have nothing left to say I have seen the sky turn black I have seen the seas run dry I have nothing that is yours I have nothing now that is not mine Don't look at me your eyes are cold & hard Don't wonder that I turn to you All the grief in all the world Is not enough to make me comfort you Don't tell me lies, I'm not a dog, Don't talk of love it seems to me All the people that we rob Sometimes I think of how they used me I have seen the fires of Hell I have seen Angels with flaming swords I have nothing that is mine I have much...

The other day I placed an ad for FREE DIRT on Craigslist . Believe it or not, I received quite a few responses. Undoubtedly, the photo of the dirt helped validate the authenticity of my offer. Curious, I perused a few ads in the same category, and came upon this gem. If foul language offends you, please read no further. Click on image to enlarge.

The idea of food cooked with local and regional ingredients is starting to take hold here in California and across the United States. In Italy they've been dong it for centuries! Italian cuisine is usually fresh, local, not fussy and delicious! Fairview Gardens in Goleta, California present their delicious organic produce weekly at the local Farmer's Market in Santa Barbara on Saturday and in Santa Monica on Wednesdays. (photo- Dark Roasted Blend ) On the other hand...

Just cuz you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're NOT out to get you! The Kinks in concert, 1973

Ericka and Karin

Attorney Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) always managed to outsmart and outwit the "bad guys" in the popular television series, Perry Mason , which ran from 1957-1966 and produced 271 shows.  Paul Drake (William Hopper), his always hunky and  always cool private investigator, managed to dig up the most obscure information , along with, Della Street (Babara Hale), Perry Mason's dedicated and very hot secretary. Della Street often aided Perry in detecting various shades of lipstick and trendy fragrances, sometimes worn by the murderer. Filmed in black and white, the show had a certain noir feeling, although the sets appeared awkwardly staged at times. With his quintessential wry smile, Perry Mason's large eyes would fixate on the criminal and using his deft skills, he would often shake them into a blubbering confession. There was always a surprise revelation at the end of the hour and when justice was served and the murderer was trapped, we all felt good. His arch ...

WHAT A CROC! Diesel fuel in Sonoma County, CA hits $4.59 per gallon! Yes, I know! I should ride a bicycle (yeah, yeah, yeah), but it's not just my individual use that I'm thinking about-especially since I drive very little. Truckers use diesel fuel and guess how all of your food gets to your local grocery stores? Rising food prices, along with all of the other passed-on costs, will pinch the proverbial pocket now, more than ever. Oh, and by the way...how 'bout we drill in our own backyard for a change, rather than continuing to be hamstrung by the Middle East and North Africa?

BACK TO BLACK...

New Year's Eve-1962-63, San Francisco, CA (my mother, Helena, second from right). Time to find a hat and glamorous frock! I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year! May your troubles be small ones and your happiness' be many.