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