Turkey's, We have Turkey's

Yes we do. 

Now if you live in the country or in a rural area that is a big "So What!" But I live in a city. We have something like 800,000 people. All right, so it's only 67,000 but still a lot of people. AND we are next to Sacramento which has well over 500,000 people, for real. We have industry and warehouses and and and industry. So it was a surprise when I looked out the window and I saw a turkey.

Yes. I saw this little guy. I actually have no idea if he is really a "he" or "she" but I am going to go with "he".  

Now, to be honest, we have turkeys at this time every year, but it's still a surprise when they decide to show up. They are wild here and sometimes we even have something like 20 of them running around. But this is the first one I have seen this year. 

I spied him (though our dirty windows) and I stalked him until I got a picture of him. Yes I did. He ran but he couldn't get away from me. Heh Heh. 

I zeroed in on him and took his picture before he even knew it.

Then he ran away.

Then End. Well, until next time, which will be probably tomorrow. I hope he decides to hang with his family or friends and they come too. They are fun to watch.

Ol' Doc Thompson

As I have said before - I am a city girl. But my family on both sides are what you would call country folk. OK so they aren't but their families are. My father's family is in Iowa. That really small town I have blogged about before called Oakland. (Yeah I know every state has their own Oakland.)

Farming is the main (only) business there. All other businesses support farming. My cousins have all farmed. That's what guys do there. Either they farm their own farms and/or hire out to other farms. Well my cousin Jim was no exception. One summer I went back to stay with my Aunt and Uncle and meet my cousin's new fiance. I was about 12 or 13 years old. I had such a great time. 

We were hanging out one day. My cousin Nettie and my soon to be cousin Joyce. We decided to go horseback riding as Joyce had 3 horses. But their was a problem. There was only 2 saddles. She asked me if I could ride a horse. So here I am trying to look like I know what I am doing but in actuality had absolutely no idea what so ever. I thought how hard can this be? I've see how many episodes of Bonanza and it looked easy. Heck I can do that. People have ridden horses for eons - I can do that. So I said Sure I can ride. Pffft. 

My cousin Nettie said she wanted a saddle for sure. Joyce wanted the saddle so I get the horse without the saddle. I am riding bareback now. Just getting on the horse without looking like a utter complete idiot was worth an Oscar in my book. But I did it - somehow. So off we rode for a while through some really dry grass and not hardly any trees. Bear in mind that it was about 104 degrees out. Ok it was 95 but it was HOT. So after about an hour or so we were really feeling it. 

We stopped to figure out what we were going to do next. We knew we were going to the demolition derby that evening but should be go back now or what. We were really excited about going to see the cars bang up against each other. It was the most excitement the town had seen since the 4th of July parade. 

Well as luck would have it there was a clump of trees not too far away. But being the know-nothing kids that we were, we were talking in the middle of field in the hot sun. Well my horse had had enough of this. He saw that shade and decided to make a line straight for that shade. Problem was he didn't bother to tell me about his plans. I was already leaning to one side talking with my cousin when off the horse went. Well, then off I went. 

I remember seeing the ground get bigger and bigger. Just like in the cartoons. I put my hand out to break my fall and didn't know any better to just bounce and roll with it, but instead tried to be strong and just land my feet. I ended up landing on my hand which then broke my arm and then my face met the ground with force. I ended up with a mouth full of dirt and a pretty good cut on my lip from my braces. Can we say ouch and not very lady like!

So I get myself up, embarrassed as all heck and realize my arm doesn't work. Joyce took me back to my Aunt's house where we figured it's time to see the doctor. But the regular doctor was out of town that weekend, of course, it's my luck.  Therefore, I had to go to the retired doctor instead. Ol' Doc Thompson. The same doctor that delivered my dad.

Bear in mind that I have heard story after story from my own father along with my uncle about Ol' Doc Thompson. How he used to scare all the kids with stories and threatening them with the skeleton in the closet if they didn't behave. 

So off we go to Doc Thompson's house. He is 84 years old at this point. As we went over to his house we were met by his wife with such a warm smile that I didn't even notice my arm. Then Doc Thompson came out and said "So this is Charcoal Eddie's daughter."  My dad's name is Charles Edward - you get the drift. He was always dirty as a kid.  

We are ushered into this office that I imagine saw many a patient (including my dad and all his friends at one time or another) and I sit there. He examines my arm, and does the all encompassing "Hmmmm" and "well, let's see what we have here" and more of the "hmmmmmm". He actually looked at me over his glasses. I felt like I was in an episode of Little House on the Prairie.

I don't have a broken arm but torn ligaments. It still needs a cast so he gets the plaster ready for the cast. But here's the deal. He is 84 years old. He moves like an 84 year old. One speed - SLOW. When I inquired how long this would take to get the cast he informed me that if I argued any more he would bring out his skeleton he had in the closet. My mouth was hanging open that he actually thought that would work. But evidently it did since I pretty much kept quiet from then on. I did chuckle to myself from time to time that he actually had a skeleton in the closet just like my dad said he did. Heh heh. 

Now it's all done and we are leaving. It was daylight when we walked in and it was evening when we walked out  - - - three hours later!  We missed the demolition derby too. I was so bummed about that. But hey I had a cast to show for it. 

Calling Mom and Dad was another story though. I let my Aunt do that one. That's what adults do. Right?! 

Breezeway Bar and Grill

What can I say about this? Well I was young and single. I was not in my right mind. That's my story and I think I will stick to it. 

I was living in a small apartment complex. Only 40 units total. It had 5 buildings with 8 apartments per each building. I was in an upstairs apartment (facing west YUK!!! Can we say HOT!!!!) There was a washer/dryer for each building located on the second floor. 

Under the Washer/Dryer room was a breezeway with stairs on either side. I think you can see where I am going here. The apartments were average size and the average configuration. Pretty boxy. 

I had a made friends with another wild and crazy and single woman living diagonally from me. My friend to this day Krista. We would do almost everything together. We would cook meals together, go out on the town together, watch movies (Toe Pick!!) together. We were just really good friends. 

Well it was basically the single building. All of us were single in that building. So we had eight apartments that really liked to party. So one neighbor would pick up a case of beer, another neighbor would cook the vegetable, I would bake the dessert, we would all pitch in for the meat portion and Krista would blend the drinks. Strawberry Daiquiris anyone? Margarita? What ever your pleasure.

Well we also had a dart board and we hung it outside in the breezeway. So we would gather in the breezeway, eat dinner, drink those marvelous drinks, and play darts and visit. 

I need to tell you that the summer evenings in Sacramento area are awesome. After a really hot day of anywhere from 95 to 105 degrees it will cool off to the mid 70's. Really nice delta breeze would come up from the San Francisco bay area as the sun sets. Really, really nice. Great for walks in the evenings. 

Well we would gather outside and enjoy each others' company. But on occasion it would get a bit out of hand. Thank goodness were all home and didn't drive. That probably added to the excess. 

One night we were have a few too many cocktails and it was getting a bit boisterous. I still to this day don't know how this happened but I had a headache and went upstairs to lay down for a nap. 

Lesson to be learned here is LOCK YOUR DOOR! 

I didn't. 

My so called friend, Krista came up to check on me. I was passed out on the sofa which was right by the front door. Krista, having taste tested many of her own concoctions, thought it would be funny to put a dab of shaving creme on my forehead. Well I didn't budge so she took a feather and tickled me until I woke up. And sure as, well you know what, I touched my forehead and thinking it was whipped creme tasted it. 

EWWWEEEE. It was peppermint shaving creme.

By this time ALL of my neighbors were watching and laughing their you know what's off. 

When I realized what was up I decided on retaliation. 

Let's just say that it looked like it had snowed when were done. There were empty cans of shaving creme everywhere and no one had anymore. It looked like something out of The Great Race with Tony Curtis and that famous pie fight they had in that movie. We were all covered in shaving creme and we were slipping and sliding everywhere. All the while laughing and behaving like . . . well like . . . like children. 

Lord it was fun!

Henceforth, from that night on it was called the Breezeway Bar and Grill.              

New Style

I am still searching for a nice style that suits my blog here. I thought this will be good for Spring and Summer. So let's go with this one for while.

Let me know how you feel about it. Do you like it? Not like it? Don't care either way? 

Have a great day!

What's with the buzzing?

It is a gorgeous night out the other night. I decided to take a walk. Actually I needed to get new light bulbs for my front porch. They have been out for over a week and I have been procrastinating in getting more. So I decided to walk to Lowe's since it's only a couple of blocks away. 

They were closed so I then decided to go for a long walk around the neighborhood. It was really nice. Lot so folks walking their dogs and basically doing he same thing as I was doing. Enjoying the night. 

But the entire time this bleeping helicopter was buzzing. Going around and around. Ok I know they are just doing their job. They are trying to assist officers on the ground in apprehending a criminal of some kind. Usually they have their light on and actively searching when engaged in this activity. But they did not have their light on and were doing really wide circles very low. Go figure. 20 minutes later they are still buzzing. 

Now I am starting to get a bit nervous. Should I go straight home and close the windows and hunker down? Should I throw caution to the wind and say up yours I am going to take a walk no matter what. Should I be looking in all the bushes and making sure no one is 
around that may look suspicious?  Well I decided to go with the "up yours" scenario. 

So here is what I was looking at when I decided this.                 

And this.

And this.

Not a car in sight. No one other than the couple I saw walking their dog. I still don't know what was up. But I kept walking and it felt great to get out and stretch my legs. 

Criminals beware I am walking.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!!!

It's a time for great weather (at least here anyway) which then makes for great easter egg hunts. When I was younger I was the master at finding the easter eggs. I loved to find all the eggs. It was my own inner detective working on coming out. I would look under the benches, in the plants, under and in the BBQ.  My Dad had to get creative in hiding them. Then came the day that I didn't find them all. He was really clever. He would have to even outsmart himself. Because that year in June we found the last easter egg. Yuk!!!

My mother loved easter because she got to make a huge batch of egg salad. She eats it like dip. In no time it's gone. Even to this day I make egg salad and I have to hide a portion so I have some for my sandwich.

Warning - - - bit serious. I am hesitant in sharing this area but since it's my What's Up this is what's up.

But then there is the reason for Easter. Since I live here in CA you can make a claim that we are not just christian here. There are sizable Jewish, Muslim, and other non-Christian communities here. But for my family we would go to the high holy days with Easter being one of them.

Now just for some background, I have been out of going to church for quite some time. We had a falling out, you could say. (Definitely a story for another time.) But I have been missing a family with which to worship corporately. That's a fancy way of saying I miss my church family.

I really didn't want to go back to my old church. After all you really can't go home again. It's NEVER the same. So I decided to go church shopping. I found a really big church not too far from where I live that is really out in the country. It is really a big, shiny, fancy, Non-Denominational church. I have always been in small neighborhood churches of about 100 or so and where members volunteer to bring some sort of goodie for social hour after the main service. So i thought what the heck, go for it.

This church was VERY different. But I wanted different. 

As I pulled up in front the police were directing traffic on the road. I thought it was because of Easter services were so big. I missed the first one and was attending the later one thinking it wouldn't be as full since it would be closer to meal time. I drove into the parking lot I basically went with the flow. I finally find a place to park and follow the crowd in. Up a lot of stairs as it's really hilly there. I love Easter because everyone dresses up. I love seeing little girls in dresses and Easter hats. Mom's all dressed in the best. Young men in button down shirts and slacks. Some even had a tie on. Whew. I loved it.

Then I get in and it was a bit overwhelming. I bit like a theater and they called it that as well. The worship area holds 1,423 people. I was shocked. But I wanted different and here I am. I forge ahead.

I find a place to sit. It's just like being in a theater. This is different but kind of cool. I see a stage with instruments and 2 screens in the air. I start having the feeling that I used to get at concerts. I am excited and starting to get pumped.

 
Then came the countdown to beginning. It starts with 5 minutes and you can feel the anticipation. This is going to be cool. The band starts playing the first of three songs. None of which I have heard before but those around me had an were singing along. The words were flashed on the screens. These were really nice songs that were catchy and praise worthy.  But what I was really struck by was the presentation. It was like going to a rock concert. I really am trying to keep an open mind but at this point was analyzing what is lacking that this type of stimulus is needed to present the Word. Then I found myself being sucked in. I really really like it. It was stimulating to the senses with the light show and band, upbeat words of welcome and then a very low-key communion and offertory.

Then came the sermon. The message. The most important part. What I was waiting for. What kind of message does this church provide?  I wanted to know. The Senior Pastor came out in jeans, sneakers, and something of what I would call an Aloha button down shirt. I get that he didn't want to be pretentious. I get that he wanted for everyone to feel comfortable and that it is our intentions that matter not the manner of dress. But I also believe that there is that one day you need to show your respect. Respect for yourself and others. I believe that this is that day.

But I also have to say that his message was clear and entertaining and current. He used real world examples that applied to his audience. I enjoyed his message.

I really had a good time.

The only thing I can say is that when the service was over most everyone left. There wasn't of a social stand around and talk part. But then they were there for the message. That is the only thing I see as lacking for me. I really need that social interaction. 

Since I am church shopping I will be checking out a Presbyterian church next week and we will see how that goes. Until then I bask in the glory of this message.

Thanks for being there all of you.

Happy Easter!!! 

Girl Talk - It's an addiction

I was talking to a friend last night. We were talking about vacations and where to go and where not to go and why. And as we are girls (I say that loosely since we are really adult women but still we feel we are girls) we had a really good talk for a long time. A really long time. One of those talks that take days! The kind that you interrupt each other to talk. And laugh. And talk some more. And laugh some more. 

This is my baby during that phone call. He is used to these phone calls. He knows that it doesn't matter how much he paws at me, or looks sad right at me that he will not get any attention other than the mildly distracted pet on the head. So he doesn't even bother anymore. He just naps until I am done. 

See?  This is his begging pose. Usually it works. Ha! Not this time buddy.

This is my friend, Krista. She and I will go long lengths of time before we speak to each other then when we do it's like we spoke just yesterday. I love those types of friendships. The kind that last. 

Anyway. We did our usual get caught up that goes something like this.

Me:  HI there.
K:   Hey. Answer this question.

Me: Okaaaaayyyyy.
K:  What does this mean?

Me:  Hunh?
K:  You know. When a guy says this (whatever that statement is.) What does that mean?

Me:  Well.  Let's see. Let me ask first - WHO is this person?
K:  Didn't I tell you?

Me:  Nooooooooooooo
K:  Oh yeah. I met him a while ago at this place I was at with my Mom.  (Then proceeds to relate the meeting and how cute and sexy he is. How they hit it off and how he is such a good kisser, etc. While I am so envious and wanting to have one of my own but still listen and stab pins into my K doll. But that's just me.)

Me:  Oh I see. Well ... um .... I would say .....
K: Really? Well I guess, but wait .....

And it goes on from there. Typical girl talk. I love girl talk!!!!

For all you men out there that is what we talk about. Don't you want in on that? What? No? Why? Fine.

Then there is a lull and one of us has to say it. 

It's like an addiction. 

We try so hard not to say it. 

We may go 15 whole minutes without saying it. But eventually it's just too much.

We need to say it. 

One of us just breaks down. 

TOOOE PIIICK!!!!!! (Said in a high sing-song falsetto.) 

Name that movie. Can't?  Hint - ice skating. Still don't have it?  Ok then. It is a line from "The Cutting Edge".

You see we were neighbors at one time. We used to go out and have a great time or stay in and have a great time at our own "Breezeway Bar and Grill" (another story for another time.) Well one day we watched this movie but in our own apartments and after the movie we went out and talk about this movie we were guiltily watching. Come to find out we were watching it at the same time. We both loved that line. 

So now - you guessed it - we say it to each other every time. Without fail, one of us has to say it.

Ahhhhhhh I feel better now. Don't you? I know she did too.

   

Go River Cats!

Last night was opening night for our local Triple A baseball team, Sacramento River Cats. 

 They are the farm team to the Oakland A's. (photo courtesy of River Cats facebook page)

The company I work for is lucky enough to have a Luxury Suite at Raley Field where the River Cats play. (again photo courtesy of River Cats facebook page - just trying to give the credit where due.)

I am even luckier to get tickets to go quite often.  So last night being opening night was really fun. 

I absolutely looooooovvvvvvvveeeeeee the mascot. Dinger. He is so good. He should win the Mascot Award (if there is such a thing and there should be if there isn't) each year. I love to watch him on top of the dugout dancing and he is so great with the kids. (I took this picture.)

Several of our my office coworkers were there as well as the big boss himself. I don't have a picture of him just yet to share. I should at least get permission first. (I took this picture too.)

Here is the view. What a view. (Yep this one too.)

The team as they are being announced. It was full last night but everyone and I mean everyone was getting something to eat or in the team store. It was packed. (And this one.)

I am obsessed with these panoramic views right now. I have discovered that feature on my phone and going to town on it. (Goes without saying I took this one.)

This is the stairway on the way down. I think it's cool. I love coming up these stairs and seeing all the jerseys of the major league players that have come through this farm club. Just too cool. 

Here is another shot of one of the walls. 

And then through the doors to the hallway that leads to the suite.

I am so lucky. All is good with the world right now.
 
 

Some ol' pictures I found laying around.

I was going through some old pictures I had on a portable hard drive that I just found. OK, I have been looking for this hard drive for a while - a long while. Well I just found it. It's been lost for years. I wanted to back up my current laptop. Now of course I need to go through and organize them all. A chore for another time definitely. 

So I was looking through it to see what was on it. I was actually looking for some specific pictures and I found them. But the others I was surprised to see again. I cried - sniff sniff blow.

This is my Dad when he graduated from San Luis Obispo Polytechnic. He was an Architectural Engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers for the next 30 years. 

This is what I have always called the Red Convention. What is it with all the red slacks? That is my mother on the right and me - also in red pants - next to her.

Poltergeist anyone? They're heeeeerrree!

My brother when he graduated boot camp as a Marine. He cut a fine looking soldier.

Typical Californians. We are sunbathing together - me and my Mom. Before we knew about skin cancer. Or cared. But to be honest I didn't last long. I got really bored. I never knew how my Mom did it. I was always up and out of there needing something other than baking my pitoonie.

I was even a Cowgirl at one time. Just can't get away from that RED.

Here I am lecturing my Grandpa on the evils of just sitting around and supervising. See how attentive he is for that split second.  Then it was time to turn me around, pat me on the rear and say get out of here. Not really but almost. He was just giving me confidence by pretending to listen to me. He had a lot of practice by then.

My High School Graduation with my Mom on the right and my good friend Nancy on the left.

My two 2nd cousins. They are now grown and have their own families. How did that happen?

Ahhhh. Family photos. This is why we take them. Embarrassing or not, makes sense or not, they are a time capsule unto themselves. Thank goodness.

I wanted this ...

I bought my first house (so far my only house) OK my townhome. NOT Condo. in 2007. Just before the crash.  Wasn't I lucky. Actually I was. 

I had dreams. So many dreams. During the buying process I would go through the model home and plan out what I would do when I moved into my own home.

This is the model home. It's lovely. It's orange but very well put together.

This is what I got. And this is better than it looks now.

I also wanted something like this.

But I got this. It supposed to be a work in progress.  Guess what it still is.

I am working towards this.

But for now I have this. I will just have to keep working at it. 

But what a view. I love this.