A Kinder World

Another month

2012-02-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

After almost a month to the day, Marvin has been released from the Kaiser Hospital in Downey, to a rehab facility in Long Beach. He will have physical therapy so he can hopefully recover his strength. A month laying down in bed leaves you pretty weak, he really did go through a lot.
The doctors have said he's done very well. I am sure having both Sandy and Lizzie visiting and spending time with him, really cheered him and motivated him to get better. Thank you girls :)

On other news, I substituted teaching in Kindergarten for my friend Norma. It was an easy day because in the morning there was a K grade level meeting and all I did was eat (teachers take turns bringing breakfast, and I was lucky that day we had Porto's) and chat with other teachers and visit with my ex kinder kids. It was fun! In the afternoon we did Math and Journal writing, but 28 kids are way too many kids, and believe me, by the end of the day I was tired!!!

I just read Sandy's blog about movies and the Olympics, and I have to say I watched "The Artist" and I enjoyed it very much. What a fun movie. silent and black and white :)
About the Olympic torch, I saw it in Long Beach for the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. But I also remember seeing the torch when it went through Burley, Idaho...or maybe I'm dreaming?

My puppy Lulu is good company and fun to be with, especially when she keeps her mouth shut, her teeth are sharp and when she shows her teeth and growls she resembles a tiny werewolf!!! She loves playing outside and running and eating geraniums, but I don't think she realizes that she should do her "business" outside, after spending a long time playing and chasing and running around, she pees the minute she comes in the house! Sometimes she does her business outside and then I give her a treat and praise her lavishly but she still is not connecting the dots.

Today I got a surprise in the mail!! Mia sent me a wonderful picture album of her last stay in La Mirada. It's so beautiful and really well made, I have enjoyed it a lot. I will take it to the rehab place tomorrow to show Marvin. Thank you Mia, it's lovely!

Oscar movies

2012-01-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

This year I have seen a couple of Oscar nominated movies. "Midnight in Paris" by Woody Allen, was quirky and entertaining. I like most of his movies with a few exceptions.

And I just finished watching "The Descendants". It was a good movie, although quite dramatic. George Clooney is well deserving of a nomination as best actor. I enjoyed the movie although usually I don't like dramas.

I will see "The Help" maybe tomorrow, and although I am not crazy about baseball I may watch "Moneyball", Brad Pitt is also nominated for best actor and I like him.

I don't think I'll watch "War Horse" or "Hugo" but I would like to see "The Artist" and maybe "The Tree of Life". The last nomination is "Extremely loud and incredibly close" and I am not sure about this one either.

May the best movie win.

A day in January

2012-01-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Woke up at 6:30 AM, went to check on Lulu, she was awake and happy to see me. I fed her and play with her a little.

Had breakfast, clean the kitchen, wash clothes.

Got ready to go visit Marvin at the hospital. Yes, again another abscess :(

Stopped by Target to look for a kennel for Lulu. Realized I forgot my wallet in another purse.

Went to ICU room 2328, Marvin was doing well, feeling pretty good now that the abscess had been drained. We matched "The Price is Right" and talked some. He is going to be transferred to the 6th floor room 6107, later today.

Went back home. Let Lulu out and she was again very excited to see me. Luz, my next door neighbor, brought me a container of chicken soup she had just made, so nice of her.

Outside with Lulu, turned the water on in the front yard. Lulu was curious about it, kept getting closer to the sprinklers, ran back to me yelping when she got a little wet.

To the Pet shop to get a brush for Lulu, some treats, and a chewy bone. She LOVES it!

Marvin called to say he was in his new room. Lizzie called to see what was going on.

Norbert came over to take the Christmas lights down. He also put the registration sticker on the SSR. He played with Lulu, she was a little wary at first but finally warmed up to him a little. She kept running back to me. He said she was a cutie and exactly the kind of dog he thought I should have got.

Went to El Torito. Had Don Pepe fajitas and a Cadillac Margarita. YUM.

Back home. Called Marvin and wished him a good night.Played with Lulu, she's tired and fell sleep on my lap while I was reading "Sleepless Nights" by Sarah Bilston.

Played Words with Friends in the computer, checked Facebook, read the friends and family blogs. And now I am writing this.Watching The People's Choice Awards.

And then, bedtime. I am tired :) Good Night

Lulu

2012-01-08T22:35:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting a dog for a while, I talked to Marvin about it and he seemed to agree and left it up to me on breed, color, etc.

I wanted a smaller, mellow dog and I read that maltipoos do well with older people and they are very smart and, well, they are cute! :)

I looked all over the internet, Pennysaver, local etc. (I had an interesting email exchange with a seller from Texas lol, but that's another story). Then I went to a local pet shop here in La Mirada and they had 2 maltipoos , a boy and a girl, a black one and a white one. They were sweet.

This weekend, Lizzie was here, and we went to see the puppies at the pet shop, I was undecided. Later on, we went to put gas in the car at Sam's and drove by again, and checked them. I liked the black one but I thought it was a boy, when the manager said it was a female, I more or less decided to get her. Indecision is my middle name!

We brought her home Saturday evening, and surprised Marvin! She was very quiet and shy, and just layed next to Lizzie and slept. She drank water and pee a few times and Lizzie picked her up and put her in her wee wee pad. Then we tried to think of a name, Lizzie liked JoJo but I can't pronounced it well lol, finally we settled with Lulu, it suits her.

At night, I put her in a basket in the living room, and she started trying to climb up, then she whined and howled (sounded like a bird), after a while she was out of the basket! So we put her in the small bathroom with a couple towels, her basket sideways and the wee wee pad. She was happy.

This morning I got her around 8AM, and she had pee and poop in her mat, like a good girl, and went I took her in the living room she acted like a puppy, running around and playing. Lizzie bought her a food and water bowl and a little toy. She loves it. She and Lizzie bonded pretty quickly.

After Lizzie went back to San Diego, she's been following me around all over the place. She layed down with Marvin on his chair for a while. But then she went into playing mode, running like a little banshee and growling and even barked once! It was funny :)

So here we are with a puppy in the house. Welcome home Lulu! :)

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T23:48:00.001-08:00

Just a short post to welcome the new year.

I cooked a nice omelette for breakfast with peppers, onion, bacon and potatoes, was very good.Around noon, it was such a lovely sunny day, that Marvin and I went outside to look at the birds and the flowers. I cut some beautiful yellow roses for my room, and took a picture of a hummingbird on flight. After that, Marvin watched many football games and I cleaned my room.

For dinner we had filet of beef with roasted potatoes, and did I mention I drank a whole bottle of Freixenet throughout the day? :)

Bye Bye 2011 - Hello 2012!

2011-12-31T23:30:00.000-08:00

I read all the year reviews of Lizzie, Sandy and Mia. So here's mine:

January: was an OK month. Working at Jersey. Just taking it easy. Went to Kaiser to learn about PD.

February: It didn't start well,on February 4th I had to call 911 because Marvin had really low sugar (hypoglicemia) and passed out. Had to take him to ER. Feb 18 Sandy and Tristan came down for our Anniversary (46 years). The next day Lizzie came too. We all went to Cha Cha's. I got an iPad. It was great to be all together.

March: Nothing much going on. My last Kindergarten class was something else. I will not forget my last field trip with them to the farm!

April: April 4th, Marvin had his catheter inserted for PD. April 13 was Open House, also was the day Mia came to visit. Norbert picked her up.April 15, Mia and I went to school to do the Easter egg hunt. I got called from the office Marvin was in pain and we had to hurry home and I took him to ER. A few days later Norbert took Mia to a beach tour. April 21, Happy 71st Birthday Marvin! Sandy and Tristan are here, they went whale watching with Mia. Mia also cooked Swedish meatballs, Lizzie came the next day. Mia left the 29th. I wish things had been better during her stay.

May: Celebrated Mother's Day and Day of the Teacher. Thanks for the presents and the love :) A highlight, Barcelona FC won the European championship! I watched the game, soo great! Ended the month with a limo ride with the K kids to Huntington Beach :)Marvin started the cycler.

June: Retirement Tea for Little Lake. Marvin came and so did my friends from Jersey. Lizzie came over for Father's Day. Last day of school and end of year lunch. I was given presents and books. We had my retirement part at El Cholo. It's hard to retire after so many years, especially because I loved my job and my kids.

July: It was a good month. Marvin and I went to eat out many times. I had root canal! Tristan came over at the end of the month.

August: Sandy and Tristan to Disneyland. Marvin to ER August 27th. Peritonitis. He will now be on hemodialysis.

September: Marvin at the hospital for 2 weeks. After being released, had to rush him to ER the next day. Another week at Kaiser. on the 20th, a visit to his doctor sent him back to ER for his heart. Last week of September was totally emotional.

October: Another terrible month. October 6, on a visit to urgent care, Marvin fell off his walker while I was pushing it and I was pinned underneath. Back to ER but released after check up. Next week he was feeling pretty bad and on the 13th the ambulance had to come to take him to the hospital. Was diagnosed with an abdominal abscess. He was released Oct. 27th. On the good side, Sandy, Tristan and Marty came down and built a ramp for Marvin in the backyard. Looks good.

November: Marvin has been doing pretty well, we had Thanksgiving dinner at home with Lizzie and Norbert. From the Claim Jumper.

December: Marvin has his good and bad days...he's pretty weak after dialysis most of the time. He had a procedure at Kaiser to have a fistula on the 30th. Lizzie came over Christmas Eve, and also Dewey, Mary, Bettie (Lee was sick), Christina and Rick.It was very nice. Today, the last day of 2011, took Marvin to dialysis, cooked salmon for dinner, and then Marvin went to bed. It's almost midnight and here I am writing :)

This year I have read 90 books.

Here's hoping for a healthy and happier 2012. Love and thanks to Sandy and Marty for all the help this year, to Lizzie for coming often to visit and helping out, .it's been very appreciated. A special thanks to Norbert, he's been a great help.And Marvin...hang on..things will get better :)

Christmas Eve and day

2011-12-27T21:20:00.001-08:00

Nostalgia

2011-12-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

When I wrote the blog on my birthday, I wrote about the house where I was born, and on a whim, decided to check Google Earth and check the address. It was bittersweet to see the neighborhood, the houses, the church where I was baptised and had my First Communion... After a while, I decided to check on houses for sale at that neighborhood. Imagine my surprise when I saw that "my" house was for sale! it had some prictures and I have posted one above. It looks different because it's been painted and spruced up, and the ivy and some of the greenery is all gone.It is for sale for 2 million euros!!!! I wish my parents had kept it! lolHere's some black and white pictures of how it looked when I lived there. Even then, it was in a prime neighborhood and it was a really nice house. In one picture Nuri and I are holding our palms on Easter day, in the other one, we are with yaya, my father's mother :)

It's my birthday!

2011-12-17T00:59:00.000-08:00

I was born a few minutes after midnight on December 17, 1943. I am now 68 years old.
Here's the earliest picture I can find of myself. It was during my baptism at the Bonanova church. My godparents were my father's brother, Juan (who's holding me in the picture), and my godmother was my mother's sister Carmeta.
My full name is Maria (maternal grandmother) Josefa (my mother) Carmen (my godmother) Leonor (my maternal godmother)
I was born at home, Passeig Guell 14, in Barcelona. It was a very nice house in a very nice neighborhood. In the house lived my mother and father and my maternal grandmother (yaya), and my sister Nuria.
Because we were very well off at that time, we also had a live in maid and a nanny. We had a car and a chauffeur. My father worked in textiles, I am not sure what his position was exactly.
We lived there until I was 5 years old. I still remember living there. The reason we moved was because my father decided to partner with a friend and sell Spanish wines to South America (that was shortly after WWII). It was supposed to make him and his partner very rich. It didn't work as they had planned, and he lost a lot of money. With no money coming they were not able to keep the help, or the house , which was rented out.
We moved with an aunt of my grandmother, she was a widow with a son Joaquin. They lived in a small house in the country in what is now a hip place called Taxonera. It was a BIG change especially for my mother.
I remember living there and having fun with Nuri and Joaquin, running around the fields and climbing trees. We only stayed there less than a year.
My parents rented an apartment in the area of Putxet. Roca y Batlle B. I lived there until I got married.
And here's my earliest picture, I was a few days old.

What's going on with my blog????

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what's happening with my computer, or with this blog, or with Google.... But here I am again with the original A Kinder World.I will try again tomorrow and see how it goes :)

November 30 -End of the month

2011-12-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

It has been fun writing every day. Good job with it too Sandy!!! And Lizzie, even though you didn't write every day, the posts you wrote were interesting and informative. I also enjoyed your posts Mia.
It is hard to write every day, one runs out of things to say, but it's a good way to keep in touch. I love reading all your blogs. I don't comment on all posts, but read and enjoy each and every one.
So I will make a point to write at least weekly, or whenever I have something to say.
And I will be looking forward to your posts as well :)
Love you all.

November 29 - 1955-56

2011-11-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Tristan today, we talked about school, friends, sports, etc. I got to thinking about when I was his age, how teenagers have changed since then. We didn't have computers or cell phones or electronic games, but still we had the same growing pains. It's hard to be a teenager no matter when.
When I was 13, I was going to a private school a couple of blocks from home. It was called Centro de Enseñanza ALBA. There were girls and boys mixed, from 1st grade to
8th grade (well the Spanish equivalent).
I liked a boy named Paco who lived a few houses down from me and attended the same school and the same grade as I. He hated me!!! he threw little rocks at me on the way to school, he would push me and call me names. Everybody said that's because he liked me!
We had a Math teacher who was very young and good looking. All the girls were in love with him. I was his pet student because I was good at Math.
One day, and I don't exactly remember why, Paco got together with my sister Nuri, a friend of hers Montserrat, and a couple of the older boys, among them Luis, Paco's brother. They picked up some dog poop and put it in a box and wrapped it like a present, put a bow on it, and had Paco deliver it to the Math teacher, telling him it was a gift from me, because he was such a good teacher.
Well, let's just say he was not amused. I was called to the Principal's office, and there they were, the principal, the Math teacher, and Paco. I was totally clueless and had no idea why I was called.
When they told me what had happened, I guess they looked at my horrified face and decided I had nothing to do with it. They turned to Paco and grilled him and he cried like a wimp and told them what had happened.
After that, I just couldn't stand Paco anymore, I was the one throwing rocks at him, and he even came to me to apologize, but it didn't help. I was done with him.
I think he was my first puppy love, very one sided and short lived. But I still remember him, he was so good looking!
Paco Marco...are you in Facebook?? :)

November 29 - young teens

2011-11-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Tristan today, about school, friends, sports, etc. I

November 28 - Old movies

2011-11-28T22:18:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been watching some old movies. I am enjoying them a lot. Some of them I saw in Spain when I was growing up and is fun to see them in the original language English.
In Spain they dubbed foreign movies, I don't know if they still do. The funny thing is the same person would dub several American actors/actresses, and therefore they all had the same voice. It was quite a discovery when I came to the States and heard the different voices of the different actors lol.
Yesterday I saw the 1958 movie "Houseboat" with Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. When the movie was filmed, she was 24 and Cary was 54.
Another movie I watched was "7 Brides for 7 Brothers". One of the stars was Russ Tamblyn, I met him in Barcelona after the premiere of West Side Story. A couple of years ago I went with Lizzie to Long Beach to a poetry reading, and his daughter Amber Tamblyn was there too. I introduced myself to her and told her I had met her father years ago, she was mildly uninterested but in a nice way:)
I am fixin to watch a movie tonight, maybe a Esther Williams no, the queen of the bathing suits. Or perhaps a Doris Day one.I enjoyed their movies as a teenager.
I am pretty sure all that read this post are too young to remember any of these movies, but they were fun and innocent :)
This post makes me feel old lol

November 27 - Summer day

2011-11-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

Today's temperature was 88 degrees at midday. What a beautiful November day! I wore shorts and a Tshirt all day. I went to the garden and watered my plants, the roses are blooming and the hummingbirds were buzzing around (unfortunately so were the wasps)!
Lizzie went back to San Diego today, it was so nice to have her here for a few days!

Only 34 days until 2012!!!!

November 26 - Books are good

2011-11-26T23:18:00.000-08:00

I went to the Library today. This month I have read 9 books so far, and the good thing is, I really enjoyed all of them.
There are certain authors I enjoy and some of them are fairly prolific and have written more than 1 book. If my Library doesn't have the books I want, I go online and check them out from the greater Los Angeles line of libraries, and it only takes a couple of days before I get them.
Today I got 4 books, and I think I will enjoy them all as well.
I love reading! I love books! I am the only hold out in the family with no reader although I could get them in my iPad if I was so inclined, but I like to hold a book in my hands when I'm reading at home. I think I might like to read with my iPad if I was traveling, it would be a lot easier than to carry books around.
I am happy we are a family of readers!
I finished reading the book in the picture and Lizzie borrowed it and read it while she was staying here, she just finished it. We both enjoyed it :)

November 25 - The day after

2011-11-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

It was a nice day, sunny and mild. Marv and Lizzie went out to do some errands and came home with puffy tacos for lunch.
The afternoon was mellow, watching TV, reading, a little gardening...
Lizzie and I went out to dinner to Carino's, we had a good dinner.
It was a nice day.

November 24 - Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T22:25:00.000-08:00

We had a nice Thanksgiving day at home.
Lizzie and I prepared some appetizers while Marvin watched football and rested. I made spinach dip, Lizzie made deviled eggs, and we also had some jamon, chorizo and salchichon, and Brie with crackers.
Lizzie organized how to heat everything so it was all ready when we sat down to dinner.
Norbert got here by 4PM, and had some of the appetizers and watched football with Marv. Then we sat down to eat. We had roasted breast of turkey, mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, dressing, cranberry orange sauce, gravy, and a big Cesar salad. We drank Cava, and had pumpkin pie and ice cream for dessert.
It was very good and we all felt really full by the time we left the table.
It was a time to say thanks for Marvin's recovery, for our daughters and their partners, our grandson, our family in California, Utah, Spain and Sweden, and our good friends.
Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23 - Wednesday

2011-11-23T23:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, time to give thanks for our many blessings.
Thanksgiving is a very American holiday. For some reason this year I felt like having a typical Thanksgiving meal, and that's what we are having. Since my turkey and dressing culinary skills are somewhat lacking, I ordered a dinner for 4-6 from a nice restaurant(as I already told you in a previous post)
I went to Claim Jumper to get the dinner for tomorrow, with instructions on how to cook/warm/fix the meal. It will be interesting, I am sure everything will taste super good :)
Lizzie will be coming over, she will stay until Sunday. It will be very nice to have her here. Jeff sent a nice note saying he wouldn't be coming but is looking forward to being here for Christmas :) Norbert will be our other guest. He's kind of goofy but a good friend, he keeps on insisting he will put the Christmas lights too, we'll see.
We will be missing Sandy and Tristan and Marty but they are spending Thanksgiving with his family in Pocatello. We were happy to have them here a few weeks ago when they built the awesome ramp.
Whether you celebrate or not, I hope all of my readers have a wonderful Thursday!!!

November 22 - TV shows

2011-11-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

I think I like American Idol better than the X Factor. I haven't been watching a lot of it but was watching today, and I didn't care much for it. I also was watching some of Dancing with the Stars, it was the final show. I know Mia likes it so I won't say who won. I haven't been watching The Sing Off at all.
I think I am mostly bored by a lot of shows.
These are the shows I currently watch and enjoy:

The Big Bang Theory
Two and a half men
New Girl
Raising hope
Glee
Saturday Night Live (I've been watching it for 33 years)
The Amazing Race
America's Top Model
Project Runway
and lots of shows from HGTV and The Food Network :)

I may have missed one or two...

November 21 - Monday

2011-11-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

Just went grocery shopping. Marvin and I worked in the garage for a little bit..that's about all :)
I wanted to check the Swedish show Mia wrote about, and that's what I got! oh well :)
Let's see, maybe I should write an Haiku or something to make this post a little more hmm literary? OK I will!

Autumn is here
colorufl leaves fall
makes me happy

November 20 -Autumn rain

2011-11-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

It has been raining all day, just soft gentle rain, at times it rained quite heavily. It really looked like a Autumn day, I went to drop some books at the library and saw those pretty trees and had to take a picture.
It's been a nice quiet day. At night I felt like cooking and made arroz con pollo, I thought it tasted very good and it looked good too.
I hope your Sunday has been super nice too!

November 20 - Gentle Fall rain

2011-11-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

November 19 - Lizzie is 40!!!

2011-11-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday, I hope all your birthdays are wonderful!
I read Lizzie's and Sandy's blogs, and I enjoyed reading them. What a nice way to remember your accomplishments and important events in your life, I am sure the next 40 years will be as blessed and full of wonderful things.
Because almost everything has been said, I decided to make a pictorial of Lizzie at 10, 20, 30 and 40. You are getting better all the time :)
Feliz cumpleanos Elisabeth Nuria Wann Perello!!!

November 18 - just another day

2011-11-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

Nothing much has happened today. The plumber came later than they said he would so any things I had planned to do (grocery shopping and library) got put on hold.
Marvin has been walking around pretty well with just the cane, I am so glad he's feeling better :)
Both girls called tonight, Lizzie to say thanks for the Bday card, and Sandy to say she got home all right :)
I am about to order Thanksgiving dinner. I decided I didn't feel like cooking, but for some reason I was craving a traditional Thanksgiving meal, so I will order from The Claim Jumper http://www.claimjumper.com/include/files/HolidayPlatter.pdf
Lizzie will come over and maybe Jeff too, and I invited Norbert since he's not going to Las Vegas this year.

I reread what I wrote yesterday and was surprised at how many typos I made, oh well!

November 17 - Roto Rooter

2011-11-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Our kitchen sink has a tendency to back up, it's been like this for quite a while. If I was dishes, when I finish and drain the sink, it backs up in the other side of the sink a little bit. Well it has been getting progressively worse. I put some Drano in one side and it helped. Then a cpuple of days ago, Marvin put Drano on both sides of the sink, I didn't know about it. So when I ran some water, the whole thing backfired! I was also using the dishwasher at the time. In a matter of minutes there was water all over the kitchen floor. A mess. I didn't know how to turn off or close the pipe, Marvin tried to tell me but then the pipe that connects to the garbage disposal, came out and more water started spilling. I finally got the floor dry and put a big plastic container under the sink to catch any water. I, miracously, finally was able to put the pipe back where it was supposed to go and I was happy I was so clever. It took me a long time, believe me!
So tonight I decided to was a few dishes by hand, and started rinsing them in the sink, and the water was NOT going down, in fact I backed up in the other side and it was nasty!.
So tomorrow we have the roto rooter man coming! I'll be glad to see him!

November 16 - K-Team

2011-11-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Today I went to lunch with my kindergarten teacher friends. It was very nice seeing a lot of the children, they came and hug me (some teachers kept saying, just wave to Mrs. Wann) but noooo, they broke files and run to me..hee hee. I remember when I walked my kids to the cafeteria or something, sometimes we would see a parent or aide, and I would tell them, don't yell or run to them, just wave ;)
Anyway we went to our usual lunch place, Veracruz. It was nice to order a Margarita with my lunch! of course I passed it around and they all took healthy sips from it.
I had 2 tacos de pollo with rice and beans, was good but it really filled me up!
Afterwards I hung around a little and talk to some of my teacher friends, then went home and took a nap.

November 15 - 31-35 years ago

2011-11-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning some drawers and found old diaries (I used to keep a daily diary for many years). Since I can't think of anything to write about today, I will succintly write on happenings on November 15, years ago.

Nov. 15, 1976 - Raining, made pea soup. Crocheted Barbie clothes.
Nov. 15, 1977 -Join TOPS (weight loss program). Weigh 178 lbs.
Nov. 15, 1978 -Had my hair cut, $5.50 plus tip.
Nov. 15, 1979 - Buy gifts for Lizzie's birthday:Ken, Barbie furniture, photo album, paint by number kit. She was turning 8 yrs old.
Nov. 15 -1980 - Go to see Sandy's basketball game at West Minico, won 21-20. Marvin sold floater for $2600

We were living in Burley ID during those years. It was cold!

November 14 - Musings about the wedding

2011-11-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have spent a fairly long amount of time looking at all the pictures of Monica and Xavi's wedding. Some from Aida, some from friends, some from Elvira, and some from Sonia. I think Sonia's pictures were the best ones.
I liked the picture of Nuri and her daughters,and I laughed at the ones of Nuri dancing with Sonia and with some young man, she always likes to dance and have fun lol. I thought Monica looked very happy, I liked her dress especially when she had the shawl over it. Sonia looked very pretty in her outfit with her hat, and Aida looked just like herself, is what I'd expect her to wear, with a matching Nacho. I liked the color of Nuri's outfit but didn't care much for how it was made, I don't think it flattered her, and I am not sure about the shawl, but the main thing is she looked well and happy. Better than I have seen her lately, I think the move is agreeing with her.
I really liked the place where they had the reception, as I said yesterday, I am going to post a photo of it. It's an old Catalan farmhouse, remodeled and made into a restaurant. So pretty :)

November 13 - Nice day

2011-11-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

Lizzie and Marvin went out today, to the bank, the Post Office and Stater Brothers. I think is the first time in a long while that Marvin went out to the store, he's doing so much better :) He and Lizziw fixed breakfast, chocolate chip waffles with bacon, nice!
For lunch, Lizzie asked for breaded pork, so I cooked that with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. Here's a picture of Marv and Lizzie.
I checked some of the pictures Aida put on Facebook of her mother's wedding, they all look well and happy, I had to laugh at Nuri's dancing and talking up a storm, she has not changed much! I love the place where they had the reception, I will send a picture of it tomorrow.
Thanks Lizzie for a nice visit, and Sandy, enjoy your trip to California :) Love you all.

November 12 -Haircut, Lizzie and Cha Cha

2011-11-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

It's time to get a haircut! I had an appointment for 2:30PM
I have been going to the same salon for a couple of years now, my stylist, Lauren, is very good, she's also very nice. Today I got a head and neck massage, aroma therapy and hair therapy, very relaxing, and a hand massage. Lastly I got a haircut. It's very cute I think, not too different from my last one, but my hair feels silky and shiny and smells wonderful :)
After I got home, Lizzie and I went to ChaCha's (her choice) as a pre birthday dinner. We both stuffed ourselves, but it was very good.
It was a nice relaxing rainy day :)

11-11-11 at 11:11PM

2011-11-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

I like this date, nothing mcuh happened but it's a cool date.
Went to the doctor again today to talk about setting up surgery for Marvin (fistula)
In other news, the pick line came out today, yay! He also got his last dose of IV antibiotics.
I am feeling a little better but still not 100%.
Really nothing much to talk about :)

November 10 - Good and Bad

2011-11-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

The good things: We went to Dr. Crabtree and he removed the drain. Is very good not to have it hanging all the time and draining it daily. Tomorrow should be the last day for the antibiotics IV, but Dr Chiang will call and let us know for sure.

Another good thing, my niece Monica called me, she wanted to personally tell me about her wedding, she sounded happy and nervous. I also talked to her fiance Xavi 9 in catalan no less). He seems like a nice guy and I'm happy for her. She said thank you to the 3 of you that wrote in FB sending good wishes :)

Now for the bad. For the past couple days I've been having a pain in my left side, lower abdomen. I had something like this before and the doctor said it was gas. So I don't know it that's what it is, but it's pretty painful. Yesterday I moved some boxes in the garage and Marvin thinks maybe I pulled a muscle. The other bad thing, is I feel cold and chilly, I turned the temperature up and sleep for an hour after I took Marvin to hemo, and just now I woke up from another hour nap. Probably a cold.

Have a good Veteran's Day. I'm sure you will enjoy the day off!

November 9 - Smoke alarms

2011-11-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

We are now the proud owners of 4 smoke alarms, plus 1 gas/monoxide alarm. Not being able to smell much I think it's a good idea.
Today was another beautiful Fall day, sunny and blue skies, with just a hint of coolness in the air.
Norbert, Marvin and I did some work in the garage, every day the pile gets a little higher but I have been throwing away a lot of stuff too. We also filled the birds feeders and in the morning while I was in the Jacuzzi I saw several hummingbirds happily drinking.
Norbert and I went for an early dinner to El Torito, I of course had a Cadillac Margarita, yum!
Tomorrow is back to the doctor, the same one that did the PD surgery, let's hear what he has to say. then Friday we'll go to a different surgeon to see if the pick line is ready to be removed.
In other news, I got an email from Sonia and she confirmed that Nuri sold her apartment in Platja (peluqueria) and got enough to buy a 1 bedroom apartment in La Bisbal. I hope she's happy there :)

November 8 - Spanish family

2011-11-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

My cousin Fernando and I email each other a couple of times a year, the other day he sent me a link of Barcelona which I posted in Facebook. It's a beautiful link, check it out :)

http://especiales.lainformacion.com/panoramicas/barcelona/

I wrote him back to thank him and he responded, telling me he had gone to Sonia's Mexican restaurant in San Feliu, and enjoyed it very much. He also wrote he was planning on visiting my mother in La Bisbal, he said she'd be surprised. Well, so was I!

I am assuming he meant Sonia's mother, i.e. Nuri, and if so I wonder if she sold her apartment in Platja and moved to La Bisbal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bisbal_d%27Empord%C3%A0

Nuri and I keep in touch sporadically, I think I haven't heard from her or she from me since last Christmas or so, but Sonia writes me once in a while and she hasn't mentioned anything about it, so I am just wondering.

In other news, Monica is getting married on Saturday to her long time boyfriend Xavi. I wish them all the best, he seems like a nice man, he and his brother own a popular pizza place in Girona, and they seem to get along well. I am glad she has found a good man :)

November 7 - chocolate pudding

2011-11-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

First things first. We went to see the doctor today, she seemed pleased with the progress. We have to go to the surgeon on Thursday and see what he has to say. If all is well, they will take his pick line on Friday, no more home nurses coming every day. They all have been very nice, at the beginning they tried to teach us how to do it ourselves, after a couple of days, they gave up and just kept coming daily.

The days are getting cooler, it's starting to feel like Fall although it will probably get warmer again! at least no snow :)

When we got home , I had a craving for chocolate, I looked in the pantry and found a box of fudge chocolate pudding. It called for 3 cups of milk and I only had 2 cups, so I added 1 cup of half and half (richer and yummier) I also added some semi sweet chocolate pieces for that extra taste. It was YUMMY!!!! I don't want to know how many calories or sugar it had, it just tasted soo good, just what I was craving! It's OK to indulge sometimes :)

November 6 - An update

2011-11-06T22:32:00.000-08:00

It's hard to think of stuff to write every day, especially when nothing much is happening (as opposite of too many things going the last few weeks). I am not complaining.
Tomorrow we are going to the doctor to see what she has to say about the abdominal abscess and about continuing the antibiotic treatment. So far we have had a home nurse come daily to give the treatment and it has worked fine.
Marvin is feeling a lot better although he's still feeling weak. He's eating well and walking around with help from the walker. He even stands on his own for a while (he cooked breakfast today).
Norbert will be coming one day this week to installed a couple of smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm, which is required by California law.
Have a good week everybody!

November 6 -

2011-11-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

It's hard to write every day. There is not much going on, which is a good thing after too much going on the past few weeks!

Norbert was going to come by and put a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarms as to install them.required by California law. Since my sense of smell is pretty bad, it's a good idea to have smoke alarms -we installed one a long time ago but it never worked). We decided to wait till Wednesday.

Tomorrow we are going to the doctor and see what she has to say about the abdominal abcess

November 5, Attention Deficit Disorder

2011-11-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Sandy's blog, and I reached an obvious conclusion: My husband and daughters are planners and organizers. I am not.
I make lists, and promptly lose them, or misplace them (I find my grocery list as soon as I get back from the store). I spend countless hours looking for things. I try to organize pictures, papers, documents etc. and although I really try, it just doesn't last.
When I worked at Jersey, I organized teaching units by the month, I always started the year knowing where everything was, but after a week or two, everything was upside down, because I never filed papers in the corresponding box and let things accumulate. For instance, If I looked for a Thanksgiving unit, I would find it in January. I of course would then have to create new units, which was good because I didn't like to do the same thing year after year, so maybe...

Because of Marvin being sick, it would be convenient for me to plan and organize. Lizzie told me to get a journal and write basically everything related to his care.
I got a journal, and wrote a few things, and told myself I needed to keep it up.
And I tried.
But I cannot find it.
(Not to worry, I have kept track of the important stuff, like appointments and medication)

I have been told I may have some ADD. Reading this site http://www.livingwithadd.com/ I find that both positive and negative signs describe me pretty well. Especially the completing tasks, organizing and focusing. I also agree with the positive traits.

So that explains it! :)

November 4 - Rain

2011-11-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Rain on the green grass,

Rain on the tree,

Rain on the housetop,

But not on me!

November 3- The Hawk

2011-11-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

I was looking out at the backyard this afternoon and saw a bunch of birds flying into the orange tree, it looked like they wanted to hide. Then I went to the kitchen.

Marvin called me to come back and look outside, there was a hawk sitting by the handrail and he had just caught a bird and had him between his claws!

I hurried to take my camera and took a picture from the inside so it's not too clear, but if you click on it and make it bigger you can see the poor little bird :(

The hawk looked at me directly like daring me to do something, when I opened the door, he flew away still clutching the bird.

I have at times seen feathers on the grass and now I know why!

November 2

2011-11-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful November day.
Woke up pretty early and was busy all day, but thinking back, I really didn't do much.
I wanted to go in the Jacuzzi but I got sidetracked and forgot all about it.
Where did the day go?
And now, I was ready to scan some pictures, and my scanner decided it doesn't want to work anymore. What to do? Buy a new one or take one of Marvin's? (he has 2).
And that's about it for today.

November 1

2011-11-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

So October was not so great either, but I have high hopes for November. Marvin has been feeling pretty good since he came home from the hospital, plus we are having a nurse coming daily to give him antibiotics with an IV, plus a therapist also came by to give him pointers on doing some exercises to strenghten his legs and arms etc. He's been eating better and is enjoying going outside on the new ramp and breathe in the fresh air :)

Today was a pretty good day, the beautiful weather always makes me happy. I took Marv to dialysis, and after that I went to visit my friends at Jersey. I didn't stay too long but it was nice to see everybody and especially having so many of the kids that had me as a teacher come and hug me and tell me they miss me and wish they were back in kinder :D

I have also kept in touch with many of my exkinderkids in Facebook. I posted some Halloween pictures and they loved them, now I found more and more kids (well they are adults now) wanting to be friends and wanting pictures of them in kinder too.

In the evening I went to the Library, and it was one of those rare days when I found several books I wanted to read, now have to decide which one will be first, they all appeal me a lot!

November 1 is All Saints Day. In Spain they celebrate by going to the cemetery and visiting your dear departed, but is also a day where you eat yummy panellets, and roast chestnuts and just eat a lot of goodies. Here Mexicans also celebrate the day but in a different way, they make "Pan de muertos" which is like a sweet bread. I bought one and I am about to eat some with hot chocolate. Nice way to end the day (although probably the chocolate will keep me up all night) .

October 1

2011-10-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sooo glad September is over and done with!!!!
Here's to a better October :)

Enjoying Tristan :)

2011-08-09T00:45:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying our time with Tristan . He and I have developed a sort of schedule, shower every other day (and yes, the outdoor hosing takes the place of a shower, also the jacuzzi but then he has to wash his hair). Every morning after he wakes up (late) Marvin fixes him breakfast, then is computer/smart phone time. Later he goes outside and waters all the plants, including the tomatoes, and fills the fountains, and even picks some weeds. After that it'll be lunch time, sometimes at home, sometimes out.
In the evening we go outside and he plays basketball, today we shoot balls together, I won 1, he won 1 and we tied the 3rd time :) At night, is back to computer/smart phone/TV, with breaks.
Every so often I call break time and he has to do something like jumping jacks, or wash his face and brush his teeth, or fold clothes or empty the dishwasher etc.

He basically doesn't want to go out much, but he goes with Marvin to the store or to the game place. And of course, we went on Saturday to Huntington Beach. That was a "fun" day. Sooo many people (500.000 were expected) so needless to say we never got very close to the beach or the pier. The plan was to have Norbert drive us in my car to the pier, and then we would call him to pick us up in a couple of hours because parking was all but impossible. In reality, PCH was virtually stopped -bumper to bumper- so we took side streets and everybody else had the same idea. Tristan enjoyed Norbert's driving but I was not as excited!!! They also had fun checking the girls, they both acted like teenagers.
After a long time we turned around and went back to his home and from there to Acapulco to dinner.

We were thinking of going to San Diego on Sunday, but Marvin was feeling pretty weak so we decided he wasn't quite ready for a long drive. But all in all he seems to be doing better

Tomorrow we are having the cement guy coming to lay the foundation for the shed, I also want to go buy some flowers. And then on Wednesday Sandy gets here! :)

My doctor visit

2011-08-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the dentist again to get my crown, and also got another one. sigh. Then today I went to my regular doctor for a physical, i had not had one for a while.

He reviewed my diabetes lab tests and everything seems to be OK, my triglycerides are a little high, but the rest is good, including cholesterol. I have also lost some weight so he was happy about it. I also had a tetanus/whooping cough shot. My arm is very sore!

He also froze a couple of things on my face, nothing major just I thought it was ugly. :)

I also drove around Huntington Beach because they are having the US Open of surfing (I asked Tristan if he wanted to go and he said maybe but not today). It was FULL of people, no place to park, they are also having Xgames, so it was very busy.

At home in the afternoon, Tristan helped me water the tomatoes and the plants, then we got silly with the hose and because it was hot and today was shower day, I told him it could take the place of a shower lol. He got very soaked, it was fun!!!

Went shopping today

2011-08-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Early this morning the cycler started to beep, we had another outage! So Marvin had to wait untiul the electricity came back, about an hour later. It ouf course woke us up, it was about 5AM, I didn't go back to sleep because I had a dentist appointment at 9.
At 8:45 I took my Xanax and Marvin took me to the dentist and left me there. So this month dentist =1 root canal and 2 crowns. Fun not.
When I came home, Tristan has just got up. We had lunch and I went to lay down, I was tired!
Later, Marvin and I went to Home Depot and we will have a representative come to advise us on what kind of generator to buy. We really need one because is not fun to be hooked to the cycler and not be able to do anything but wait.
We also bought a tuff shed. It's 6x12. As soon as we get the ground leveled, they will come and install it. We will get a heater a/c combination to keep it at the right temperature because that's where we will keep the dialysis supplies, and other stuff that we need to keep in a closed safe space.
Tomorrow I have an appointment with myt regular doctor, for another round of fun stuff...pap test, mammogram, diabetes updates, blah blah.
And so it goes.

August 1

2011-08-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't been writing much since I posted all my retirement stuff. I have no idea if anybody reads them other than Mia, but at least it helps me keep track of the going ons in my life.

Tristan is visiting us for a couple of weeks and that is always fun for us :) He went shopping with Marvin today, besides a game and some kind of thingie to play the game in the computer, they also got a basketball and a net. Problem is, they don't know how the net goes, so it is only less than half done.

Today we had an electric outage for about 4 hours. I'm glad it was during daytime and not at night when Marvin is in the cycler! We are now thinking of maybe getting a generator...

Tomorrow I go back to the dentist to get my"real crown"and maybe get another one. My teeth are horrible!

And now..here's my book list for July:

Mary Kay Andrews – Summer Rental
Sue Ann Jaffarian – Double dead
Katie Fforde – Restoring Grace
Claire Cook – Best Staged Plans
Zoey Dean – How to teach filthy rich girls
Jonathan Kellerman – Mystery
Jeanne Ray – Eat Cake
Katie Fforde – Practically Perfect

I had never read Katie Ffordfe, typical chick lit but entertaining, she's very English, I enjoy trying to guess what some of the stuff she writes about is...marmite? :)

End of Year lunch - June 16

2011-07-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Every year, on the last day of school, teachers and staff at Jersey go out to lunch. For the past 3 years we have gone to BJ's in Downey, we get a buffet just for us, with all the pizzas we can eat, plus salads, fettuccine Alfredo and dessert. We had like 8 different kinds of pizza, and they kept coming! The drinks are also very good.
This year, because of my retirement, the lunch was mostly about me, again :) I got free drinks too which is always nice.

To begin with, our principal read a book about starting a new path...It's a children's book but it really applied to me and my retirement. I really couldn't hear too well but I know she was pretty emotional about it, wiping away tears as she was reading. She gave me the book at the end and a big hug.
The pizzas started coming, and as the guest of honor, I started the line. The food was very good and there were tons of it, I didn't care much for the fettuccine, but the salad and pizza was very good. We had a very good time.
I was given a scrapbook, and a yearbook. I passed it around so everybody could sign it. The scrapbook is really super nice with lots of pictures and a letter or a note from each teacher.

Janice put the scrapbook together and she gave a speech with memories and anecdotes about when she first met me (her oldest boy started Kindergarten on my first year at Jersey, but he was not in my classroom). She got emotional too, and since I couldn't really hear what she was saying and I was drinking my mojito, I remained dry eyed :). In the picture, Monica is showing the scrapbook to Sonia, the secretary.

The classified staff (cooks, supervisors, etc) got together and made me a cool apron, hand painted by one of the supervisors. It said "Wann in a Million" and had one kid pulling my shirt, and cartoonish drawings of all the staff, and they all signed their names. It was really nice!!!!

And here is my mojito and a slice of pizza.

When we all had finished eating and drinking, and before we left. I was presented with a card and a $100.00 bill, earlier on I also got a Nikon digital camera. I thanked everybody and just had time to take one last picture with my Kindergarten team :)

Norma, me, Jessica and Gloria

...And that's it for my retirement festivities....I also got a card from Mary and Dewey, and a couple of cards from some District friends.

It's been a great 26 years. I never thought of it as work, I didn't care much for all the meetings sand rules and regulations, but I enjoyed all my classes, and all the kids I have taught through the years. . I will miss the kids, the hugs from the kids, the teachers, the parents, the gifts, and the school....and, darn it! I finally got emotional writing this.................

Last day of school - June 15

2011-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

gifts and cards from my students

#1 retiree

Last picture of my last class

Jennifer and Jessica cried all through the presentation

Miranda presented me with a beautiful bouquet of roses

At Jersey School, the school day begins with all the classes gathered outside and doing The Pledge of Allegiance together. This is also the time for some announcements from the Principal, etc. Usually the Kindergarten classes are not present, because we do the Pledge in our own classrooms.

Since I am not crazy about surprises, I had tricked my friend Jessica into telling me that they were planning on doing something with the whole school on my last day.

So, on the last day we got an announcement thru the intercom, saying that ALL classes should gather outside, including Kindergarten. Aha! no surprises for me!

After the Pledge of Allegiance, the principal gave a speech about what a special day it was, because Mrs. Wann was retiring after 26 years teaching Kindergarten and Jersey School wouldn't be the same without me etc. Shje presented me with a rosette that said #1 retiree, and with a facsimile of a plaque that will be placed above the kindergarten playground water fountain, celebrating my 26 years as a Kindergarten teacher. Then all the Kindergarten children started singing a song (which I learned in Idaho) called Skidamarink , some of the kids in other grades knew the song too and sang along, also some of the teachers...the song ended with all the kids pointing at me and saying I love you.

When we went back to our classrooms, my room mother had set up a display of presents the kids had given me, and I got a little emotional reading all the cards I got. When it was time to go home, I gave the children their Kindergarten diplomas and hugged every kid of my very last Kindergarten class. ............Adios!

My Retirement Dinner

2011-07-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

Pineapple coconut Margarita

My long time aide and some teachers. Jessica and I have worked together for 25 years!

Giving some kind of speech lol

Monday, June 6, at El Cholo.

We had decided it would be only for Jersey School, even though some of my old principals, and other teachers friends had asked about having a dinner for me, I preferred just to be with the Jersey bunch.

Marvin and I got at the restaurant and most everybody was already there. My friend Jennifer couldn't make it because she was out of State, in Washington, but most of the teachers and other staff were there.

I have to say I had pretty much fun. As a surprise, they invited my aide Martha Flores. She had worked with me in kinder for about 12 years, she had retired 11 years ago, so it had been a long time since we had seen each other, she looked exactly the same! :)

We took a lot of pictures and there was a lot of drinking and much laughter (many people told me they had not laugh as much for a long time). I didn't get any gifts because they were not ready lol, but they bought me several drinks,of course Margaritas, and pina coladas.

We all had dinner there, a taco and salad buffet, and of course another big cake from Porto's!

I was glad that Marvin could make it, I think he had a good time too :)

End of school year picnic, Friday June 10

2011-07-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

After the retirement Tea, and the dinner at El Cholo, the next thing was the Kindergarten picnic. The 5 kindergarten classes invited all parents to the picnic, we the teachers got pizza, chips and drinks for the kids, the parents each brought potluck to share.

We had of course lots of parents, and all the kids, the swimming pool was open and all children that brought swimwear got into the (kids) pool. It was a typical June day, so it was rather cool in the morning and overcast, but by the time they got into the pool the sun was shining.

After the pool, it was lunch time and we all had plenty to eat. Many different kinds of salad, green, macaroni, crab, potato, pasta etc. Also fried chicken, tamales, all kinds of chips and side dishes too. And of course, desserts: fruit, cheesecake, cupcakes etc.

Our principal and her husband were there too, as parents of a kindergarten kid.

Towards the end, the brother of one of the kids came out to perform some magic tricks. All the kids sat down and were amazed by the (very simple) tricks.

Afterwards, the principal asked all the parents to come around and told them about my retirement. Most everybody knew already, but it still got applause. Then my room mother came to me and gave me a hug and made a little speech about how glad they were that I was their children's teacher on my last year, she then gave me a huge framed picture of me and my class, and all the children had signed their names. I was also given a beautiful cake.

I said thank you and that's about it, Monica and my co teachers were laughing because they knew I don't like to make speeches at those times. But all in all, it was very nice :)

Fireworks and My June Book List :)

2011-07-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

My school district is trying to raise funds by selling fireworks, they did it last year and it went very well. Schools take turns having people come to sell the fireworks. Today was Jersey and Cresson's turn. I didn't go last year but I volunteered this year, from 1PM to 4PM. The fireworks stand (a big one) was right in front of the school district office.
When i got there, the teachers working the 11-1 shift were getting ready to leave. I worked with Becky, Jessica and Carmen. The principal of Cresson was there too (I had her son in my Kinder a while back and she's a good friend). There are two big mulberry trees in front of the office, so we had chairs and sat in the shade, when we saw people coming we would get up and sell fireworks. It was pretty fun, even one of my kinder kids came with his family (Julio!) I sold about $300 worth, there was not a lot of people coming, the next 2 days will be a lot more. But still we made quite a bit of money, rather the District did!
Our principal Monica came too and she brought us lunch (chicken tacos), then later we were going to play Scrabble, but I left at 4:30.
All in all it was pretty fun!!!

JUNE

Elizabeth Adler – It All began in Monte Carlo
James Patterson – Cross Fire
Kim Gruenenfelder - There's Cake in My Future
J. Kaufman K. Mack – Literacy and Longing in L.A.
Liza Palmer – Conversations with the fat girl
Sarah-Kate Linch – Dolci di love
Jane Green – Promises to keep

On vacation time

2011-06-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

Marvin with Lizzie's new car on Father's Day

I haven't written lately because I am on vacation. I guess it will be a looong vacation since that's what retirement is, according to what I am told.

I think I'm finally OK with it, it's rather freeing to know I won't have to worry about getting ready for 30 children, doing mountains of paperwork, testing etc. But I am sure I will miss lots of things too.

As I said before, I am happy my friend Jennifer is going to be in room 202. I spent many days cleaning and organizing, throwing tons of stuff away, and still the classroom is full! Lizzie was a big help, she got a ton of stuff done, thanks!

I am also going to sign up to be a substitute teacher, but just for Kinder and 1st grade, and just at Jersey School. I am also planning on volunteering some days when I feel like doing something other than lay around and sit in the Jacuzzi with a drink.

Marvin and I went to train for the cycler last Friday, and he's been doing it every night since. It is working OK, it takes a while to get used to it, but when he gets up in the morning, he's good to go for the rest of the day :)

I haven't done much since school ended. We've gone out to eat a couple of times, we have been working in the garden, gone to the store, etc. Basically being lazy.

I want to write about all my retirement "parties", not only to entertain you ;) but to keep a record of it. I already wrote about the retirement Tea given by the District. I will write about the dinner at El Cholo, the picnic at the park, then the last days of school, and finally the end of the year lunch. Many of the pictures I have already posted in Facebook.

You all take care! Love you.

Retirement Tea

2011-06-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today at 3:15 PM, my school district had a Retirement Tea for the 12 retiring teachers, including me. The event was held at the Clarke Estate. They had finger sandwiches, chicken salad, fruit salad, cookies, and of course, tea.

They introduced all the retirees and we in turn introduced the people that came with us. I introduced Marvin, and friends from school, including the principal, Monica, and Jennifer, Jessica, Gloria, Carmen, Becky, Veronica, Albert and Dennis.

They gave us a gift bag with a nice personalized clock engraved with our name and years of service, and a box of See's chocolate truffles. We also got a certificate (more pictures in Facebook).

It was a nice event, even though I usually don't enjoy this type of things, especially when I am one of the honorees lol. The superintendent introduced me as the original Jersey Girl. Now they are calling me Snookie Wann lol.

In the evening, Marvin and I went to Islands for dinner :)

On Monday night the school is having a "retirement"dinner for me at El Cholo. Will let you know how that goes :)

Books I read in May :)

2011-06-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Forgot to post it yesterday :)

Susan Elizabeth Phillips – Call me irresistible
Joseph Wambough – Hollywood Hills
Jen Lancaster – If You Were Here
Darien Gee – Friendship Bread
Patrick Somerville – The Cradle
Mark Childress – Georgia Bottoms
Liza Palmer – Seeing me naked

I liked The Cradle and Seeing me naked best, but I enjoyed them all. Not too crazy about If You Were Here. :)

Lunch at the beach :)

2011-05-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

I went on a limo ride with 9 kids and the school secretary, to Ruby's in Huntington Beach. It was a quick trip, so quick in fact that we had to eat the lunch in the limo going back to school.

The kids enjoyed watching the huge waves and the flock of pelicans flying overhead. It was a beautiful day, a little windy, but we all enjoyed it a lot.

That's the way to have lunch while "working: :)

Barça!!!!!!!

2011-05-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

The highlight of the day for me, was to watch the game Barcelona vs Manchester U, for the European championship. It was a great game and it showed beyond any doubts, that Barcelona is the world's best team!!! We won 3-1. I saw in FB that Sandy and Mia also enjoyed the results :) I was soo excited. Marvin didn't watch it, he decided to nap instead.

After the game, Norbert came over with sausages. So I cooked the sausages for a late lunch early dinner, along with asparagus, carne asada, salsa fresca I made etc. It was a hodge podge meal but we all enjoyed it.

It was a really nice day so we sat outside and talked and look at the birds. He also helped do a couple of things in the garage. Marvin was feeling pretty well so we all enjoyed the day.

Yesterday we went to get my Social Security/Medicare started. I should have done it a couple of years ago, oh well. Then we went to El Cholo to have a Margarita for me and an ice tea for Marvin. We also had chips and salsa, guacamole and mini tacos. It's great that he feels well enough to go out to eat. I missed that :)

Because of Memorial day and furlough, we are having a 4 day weekend, sweet! On Tuesday I am taking 9 Jersey students (4 from my class) to Ruby's at Huntington Beach pier for lunch. It's a reward for having sold the most items in a school fund raiser. We'll go with a limousine :)

Retirement!

2011-05-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe there's only 16 more working days before school (and my teaching days) are over. June 15 is the last day of school .
You all know I have mixed feelings about retirement. For over a quarter of my life I have been defined as being a teacher, and I have enjoyed it 99% of the times. I am sure I will be missing it a lot, especially the children (not many of this year's class lol).
But now, comes the matter of retirement parties etc. It is well known by everybody, family and friends, that I do not like retirement parties and stuff. For one, I get too emotional and I am sure I wouldn't have too much fun unless I do some heavy drinking before that lol. The school district is having a "Retirement Tea" on June 1, there's 12 teachers retiring. They asked me how many invitations I need, well Marvin will go if he feels well enough, and many of the teacher's at Jersey will go too. Then my school wants to give me a retirement party too, I said maybe just dinner and drinks, probably at El Cholo. I don't want a whole school send off, complete with planting a rose bush and songs by the children and stuff (just the thought of it makes my skin crawl). My principal knows they better not give me a surprise party, so she wanted to know what day was good for my family to come, again I said Marvin would go if he feels well, and Sandy is going on vacation at that time, and Lizzie might be in San Francisco around that time too, and Mia is in Sweden :P)
And then, my room mother seems to be having some kind of a plan going too. Aaaargghhh!
All in all I am getting a little stressed out!!!!
Will let you know how things are going! :)

Friday the 13th

2011-05-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today we had a meeting with Team Marvin at the Kaiser PD. I took off work and we went there. I am very happy to say that everything seems to be going OK, his test results are so much better than the ones before. He's still low in protein and iron, so we were advised on what to do to bring them up. His BP is low but stable. All in all they were all smiling , but the best thing is that he is feeling better! :) He's really doing a super job with his exchanges!

In the evening, we went to Maggie's and had clam chowder and fish and chips, very good. It was the first time in a while that he felt well enough to go out and eat.

Other happenings...the Jacuzzi man came to fix it. He replaced the motor and is now more quiet and the best thing is we were still under warranty. I felt bad when Mia was here we only used it once, and then it broke down. Poor Mia, first the TV, then the Jacuzzi!!!

I also want to say a few things about Mother's Day. Lizzie came over on Sunday and brought croissants and beautiful hyacinths. We had a nice meal of bbq steak and asparagus. Sandy called me and a day later I got a box of one of my favorite pastries Kouing Aman from Les Madeleines in SLC. Yum! I love my daughters.

Last week we also celebrated Day of the Teacher, I got some nice things from my kinder kids, and after school, the District had a Teacher's Day celebration with a sundae bar, and prices awarded. I won a $20.00 bill, I also got my 25 years pin!

I also got great news! After I retire, my place in kindergarten and my room 202 is going to be taken over by.......Jennifer!!!!! YAY. It'll be great because if I ever feel missing my kinder days, I can go and help or just go and visit. I will also sign for subbing just at Jersey and just in kindergarten.

It's been a good week :)

on to May :)

2011-04-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Mia left yesterday, she's already in Sweden. It was so nice having her around, she is a good helper and listener. On Thursday we went to Huntington Beach and had a very lovely time at Ruby's and walking around and "playing" in the ocean.

Today was pretty quiet. Marvin and I sat outside talking and looking at the birds, I found my binoculars and tried to guess who was a finch or a chickadee lol. I made tuna empanadas for dinner, and also pasta primavera for Marvin.

Here's my list of the books I read in April:

Sarah Strohmeyer – The secret lives of fortunate wives
Sarah Addison Allen – The peach keeper

Sarah Strohmeyer – The Cinderella pact
Nora Ephron – I remember nothing
Sarah Strohmeyer – Sweet love
Nancy Thayer – The Hot Flash Club strikes again

Wow lots of Sarah's in my list :)

I hope the month of May is a great one for everybody! Enjoy :)

Happy Birthday Marvin!!!

2011-04-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

I wanted to write every day this month to keep up with all the happenings, but with going to the hospital and doing PD for about 7 hours everyday, by the time I get home I am so tired I feel like doing nothing.
Sandy and Tristan are here, and Mia too. They went to the Long Beach Aquarium and to see the whales at sea.
Today is Marvin's birthday and Mia cooked a delicious all Swedish meal, and she and Sandy also made a yummy strawberry pie for dessert. I was very hungry, hospital food is not that great ;)
The nurses that are taking care of Marvin and training us are very nice and helpful. Mazy and Ruth. They really go above their duty sometimes, and is very appreciated.
Tomorrow is Good Friday, Lizzie will be coming after work, and is also graduation day for Marvin and I!!!! We will do an exchange at the hospital and then 3 more at home.
Happy Birthday Marvin, and many more :)
Love you.

Sunday Barbeque

2011-04-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Another nice day weather wise. I didn't get much sleep last night so I felt kind of tired all day. I will be happy when M starts dialysis and hopefully gets to feeling better. Norbert came around 2PM and we all sat outside talking and looking at the birds :) He also planted some plants etc. I cooked asparagus for dinner, and we grilled some thick, juicy steaks. We also had a salad, and ice cream with strawberries for dessert. It was very enjoyable. Tomorrow Norbert and Mia will go do a scenic drive down to Newport, Laguna and Dana Point. I hope they have fun. Marvin and I will go to Kaiser, and I hope they get the dialysis started, then he has an appointment with the urologist. Sandy and Tristan are coming on Tuesday. Norbert and Mia will go pick them up at the Long Beach Airport :)

Hot day

2011-04-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Today was about 85 degrees, it was hot! Mia and I went to SFS to get a new cable box for the TV, happily it works OK now. Marvin is feeling a little better I am happy to report :) Mia and I went to Rite Aide and Marshalls and Taco Bell, later on we went to Costco. As you all know I am not a big shopper and I couldn't find things, Mia found where the stuff was and I followed her :) At night, with a gorgeous full moon, Mia and I had a nice relaxing time in the Jacuzzi. Tomorrow we will have barbecue steak, and have invited Norbert over. And this was the first day of my Spring Break :)

An ER run

2011-04-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Mia came to work with me today (Friday), she now understands what I meant by my having a "busy" class. Julio took a liking to her and kept coming back to her for help lol. We went to Jack in the Box for lunch. In the afternoon after library, we were getting prepared for the Easter egg hunt (we had tons of eggs), when Marvin called asking me to go home to take him to the hospital, which I did. When i got home, we rushed to ER because he had not been feeling well at all. We got there by 2:30 and got home by 9, long stay. He had a bladder infection which was hurting him and he was giving antibiotics and hopefully he will feel better. The doctor also told him he will need to start dialysis this Monday. thanks Nurse Ruth for your help.

Hello again

2011-04-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

School was OK, we went on a walk about, from classroom to classroom, so every student K thru 5th can see how each class is doing. It's kind of fun. Today we basically did nothing much, it was an easy day. When I got home I found the TV not working. Mia said Marvin turned it on and only a channel was working, he tried to fix it but had to go to his doctors appointments. I try to fix it but nothing doing! Mia and I got to talking and around 5PM I wondered where Marvin was. His last appointment was at 1:30. I waited longer and was starting to get worried, then Lizzie called and I talked to her, after that I called the PD and asked if he had been there, the nurse said he was late getting there and had left not long ago. I was very relieved. When he got home he was totally tired, with reason, a long day and he is still very sore and in pain. Mia and I went to Stater Bros to get a few groceries, and then to Agrusa's for some italian dinner. Tomorrow Mia is coming to school with me, we are having an Egg Hunt. Marvin needs to get a couple of prescriptions, and then he will be home resting. I will stop by Verizon to get a new box, and see if we can get the TV going :)

Mia & Open House

2011-04-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today was another busy day. Finished setting up the classroom. Norbert went to LAX to fetch Mia, she was supposed to arrive at 3:05 but there was a little delay, they got home to La Mirada by 5.

I was in school for Open House. It went well, had almost a full house, even a few surprises (ex kindergartners came to visit). Was home by 8.

Mia and I got a little bonding going and then we settle to watch American Idol. She went to bed afterwards as she was tired from the trip and the change of hours. It was very nice to see her again :)

Marvin is feeling pretty tired, he has another iron infusion tomorrow and a visit to his PD doctor, and a flush of his PD catheter, full day for him.

hello

2011-04-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

A short note today...work work work...waiting for my sister to get here tomorrow....finished cleaning house and hanging the drapes ...M feeling a little bit better... still way behind at school getting things ready for Open House...I need help lol

Uber tired

2011-04-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Marvin didn't sleep much last night and consequently I didn't sleep that well either. When I went to work we decided he would call the urologist. At work, with Open House looming ahead on Wednesday, I wanted to clean and get things done, but it's almost an impossibility with my class :( I did what I could bit still looks a long way from being ready. I also left at 2:00 because the social worker was coming to inspect the house. When i got home, Marvin told me the urologist said the pain etc were to be expected , hmmmm. We talked about maybe going to ER or Urgent Care after the social worker left. The lady came and she was nice and looked around and asked a lot of questions, she seemed to like the house :) After she left, Marvin and I talked it over again, and decided since the most pressing issue was pain, maybe he should take one of the pain pills the doctor prescribed after surgery (which he didn't need). So he took one and lay down, and I went to the dry cleaners to get the drapes for his room. I haven't hung them yet because it's hard to do by myself. Maybe tomorrow I'll have more energy. Then I went to the store to get a couple of items and then came home to cook dinner, chicken and mashed potatoes for Marvin and empanadas for me (I used the dough that's supposed to bake rather than fry, but I didn't realize it until I had done them all. They were a little different, not that great. I then put the dishes in the dishwasher, took the trash out, and cleaned the kitchen. Now I think I will be in the computer for a while watching DWTS. Marv is feeling better from the pain, but still a bit out of it. I hope tomorrow will be better.

Sunday, Sunday

2011-04-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a lovely day, weather wise. I made pancakes and bacon for breakfast, and then just kept on straightening things around. In the afternoon Norbert came over to help organize the garage so we could put the SSR inside. Marvin and I were outside helping as we could. We also cleaned the Jacuzzi and the fountain and filled them up. It was a good day's work. After that, Norbert and I went to put gas in the car and also stopped by Loews's and bought some flowers to plant. Back home, I got dinner ready...carbonades flamande over noodles, roasted vegetables, fresh French bread, and apple strudel. It was good, but I think he liked Marvin's meals better lol, but he ate quite a bit, as usual. Marvin was feeling weak but fine in the daytime, but as night time came, he was getting cold and was hurting. He's going to try to go to the doctor to have his catheter removed (not the PD one). And tomorrow, the social worker is coming over to check the premises, I hope she finds everything OK.

Merry cleaning

2011-04-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Merry maids were supposed to come from 10-12, but at 7AM the phone woke me up and they said they would be there in half an hour! I was still half sleep so i said OK. I went to wake up Marvin and he was not too happy about it and later said it screwed up his whole day schedule. I got the little ladder and we took the drapes from his room down, just as I finished, here comes the 2 merry maids who were anything but merry. I told them exactly what to do and they kept asking, is that all? They started with the bigger bathroom, then they went to Marvin's room, then they went out the backdoor wtf? they said they didn't know where the other bathroom was although I had shown it to them when they first came in. OK so they did the little bathroom. In the meantime, I went to check the rooms they did and I was not too pleased, they didn't clean the windowsills, they didn't move things off the wall and I told them to please vacuum and clean again those spots. And so on. They finally left and we decided next time we'd use a different service. I went to take the drapes to the dry cleaners, they said they'd be done Tuesday. Went back home and did some washing etc and left for my hair appointment. I like my hair color, is warm chocolate with lighter highlights. It's cut in a bob style, I think it looks cute, at least today it does! Marvin is still feeling pretty tired and had a nap or two. We both had a light lunch and for dinner we had...McDonalds! Did I mention I have had mcnuggets cravings for the past couple of weeks??? Tomorrow Norbert is coming to help stack boxes in the garage, and to drain the Jacuzzi and fill it up etc. In exchange, I am cooking late lunch. Because it has been pretty chilly, I am making Carbonades Flamande. We'll see how it turns out :)

It's cold! brrrrrr

2011-04-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

We are really having weird weather. Not as bad as snow in April like Tristan said, but quite chilly at this time of the year in SoCal. So far we've had record heat, record cold and record rain, and record winds. My kids come to school with tank tops and shorts one day, and with snow coats and hats the next. There is now snow in the mountains again and the air is chilly. Luckily by next week they are predicting nice weather :) Today has been a rather uneventful day, went to work and the kids were halfway OK, then I tried to organize my class for next week's Open House, but I always get sidetracked and end up with more of a mess than when I start. Then I got home and did more organizing, especially Marvin's room and the 2 bathrooms, so when the Merry Maids come they can get right at work. Marvin was not feeling too well. I think he's feeling the surgery more now that the area is getting more tender. It's uncomfortable to sleep at night, plus of course being severely anemic he gets very tired. Hopefully he'll be feeling better tomorrow. By the way, I looked in the computer for remedies for leg cramps at night, and one of the things I thought was easy to do, was to put a bar of soap under the bottom sheet. Strangely enough it seems to have helped a little because he said last night he didn't have any severe cramps. Or maybe is just a coincidence, but I hope it helps. Try it Mia, see what it does for you. Tomorrow afternoon I am going to have my hair colored and cut. I hope it comes out OK :) Have a nice weekend everybody.

American Idol and other reality shows

2011-04-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed yesterday's Rock'n'Roll show, I think they all did well. Generally speaking, my top 3 would be James, Scotty, and Casey. My 3 low choices are Jacob, Stephano and Pia. Pia and Jacob are good singers but I don't care so much for their style. So today they had the results, I am not going to say who got the boot because Mia reads my blog and she doesn't want to know, but I was surprised. Another show I enjoy is America's Top Model, those girls are bitchy! Other reality shows I currently like are: All the cooking shows like Top Chef, Sharks, The Amazing Race, The Celebrity Apprentice (the current one is funny!), Undercover Boss and Secret Millionaire, Dancing with the Stars (sometimes). Oh I like Hoarders too lol. So yes, I like reality type shows better than regular shows. But I like Glee and Raising Hope and The Big Bang Theory too. I guess I am not crazy about dramas. In the home front, M went to have his iron infusion and he is doing well, unfortunately at night sometimes he gets leg cramps that are pretty painful. And I went back to school to find a note my sub left me, saying my kids hyper, disrespectful, didn't listen etc etc. No surprise here! He had written the names of the "worse kids" on the board. It was full with about 11 names out of 24 with comments like: he ran away, he lied, he pushed a girl, he kissed a girl, she wouldn't stop talking, they didn't listen to me.......grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Mini meltdown

2011-04-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official: I am a wimp! Today we went back to Kaiser to get M's catheter flushed, and when it came time to put on a mask, I couldn't get it right and when I finally had it right I started to hyperventilate and felt like I was going to pass out. They sent me out of the room and I cried. It may have been stress, or maybe I was thinking about my phobia of masks (Tia Socorro). We went later to have another catheter placed for a different purpose. I have to say M is doing super well, he's sore and tired, but doesn't complain and everything is going well,. After all he's been through I am proud of the way he's taking it in stride :) And here's another anecdote about my being stressed (or being a dummy) lol. I went to the store to get some groceries after we came home from the hospital. I was driving the pick up and I have some trouble opening and closing the door with the automatic opener. So when I got to the store, I locked the door manually. When I came back with the groceries, I clicked the opener and it wouldn't work, I clicked and clicked and clicked some more and was getting upset. A nice man drove by and stopped and asked me if I had locked my keys inside, I said no, I had the keys but maybe the battery was low. It never occurred to me to put the key in the lock and try to open it that way. I kept clicking and was totally aggravated when I noticed....I was using my Mustang keys instead!!!!!!!

The longest day

2011-04-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

We left home at 6:30AM on our way to Kaiser Hospital for Marvin's OP catheter laparascopic surgery, we had to be there by 7:3o for pre op. They said it would take about 2 hours, and they would call me when he was ready. I went downstairs to the cafeteria, and had a Pepsi and played with the iPad for a while. Went back upstairs and he was all ready in his cubicle waiting for surgery (scheduled at 10:30). Well the time came and went and still no surgery...I went to ask what was the hang up and was told the doctor was doing another surgery that was taking longer than expected. Marvin was having bad legs cramps and I was taught to grab his toes and push to relieve the pain. Around 12, they came to take him to surgery. They said it would be a couple hours and then the doctor would come and talk to me, then there was 2 more hours mandatory post op, and after that maybe an hour more to make sure everything was OK. At that time, rather than wait around the cafeteria, I decided to walk to Jack in the Box for lunch. It was quite a walk, for me, but it was good to be outside, it was a warm breezy day so it was nice. I had a spicy chicken sandwich and the 2 tacos for .99 cents. It had been a while since I had them and I enjoyed them :) I went back to the waiting room and they said he was still in surgery, the waiting room was quite crowded, so I went to the "Meditation Room" which was empty, and read my book (The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen). Later on I went back to the waiting room and they called my name and Dr Crabtree came to talk to me, he was very nice, holding my hand, taking a cursory look at what I was doing (playing "Angry Birds" in the iPad) that made him chuckle a little. He explained everything went well and he was doing fine. I like him, he's very nice and comforting. So he said he was in post op and I could see him after 2 hours. So I went back to the cafeteria because they have a nice outside area with tables and umbrellas, and had a chocolate milk and assorted nuts, and read some more. Finally I went up again and they let me in, and they said he was ready to go. He was still a bit drowsy and tired looking, so I went downstairs to the Pharmacy to get some pain meds and by the time I got back, he was all dressed and ready to go :) And now, back at home, after a delicious dinner of chicken broth and Jell-o, we are both ready for bed. It's been a long day!

Another day

2011-04-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

Back to work today, I wanted to get a few things done since I am taking off Tuesday and Wednesday, and next week is Open House and Mia is coming and I don't have much time to prepare. However I got almost nothing accomplished. It's hard to try to clean and put things away with all the lil monsters acting up lol. I did write my lesson plans for my sub (good luck to him!)

I was tired when I got home so I had a nap.

Marvin and I talked after dinner (KFC) about tomorrow and what to expect etc. There'll be quite a bit of waiting around for me, so I am taking my iPad, I just learned they have wifi but I also have an Internet connection, I will also take a couple of books.

Marv is feeling a bit apprehensive -he's never had surgery before-. I think women are more used to it because of childbirth etc. I had thyroid surgery in Twin Falls, ID when Sandy was about 2 years old. I had a lump in my neck which I felt one night while I was reading in bed. We went to the doctor and he told Marvin that if I was his wife he would take me to the hospital right away, which we did the next day. Luckily the lump was benign, but I still have a scar around my neck. Of course I also was in the hospital when I had my two daughters. And then the last time was when I had a car accident, when the car turned over in black ice. I broke my left ankle and shattered the bones, I was hospitalized for a few days. I am posting a picture of me sitting at home with my leg in a cast :) That was about 30+ years ago.

I will let you know tomorrow how everything went with Marvin's surgery.

Sunday

2011-04-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

We slept late today, then I made breakfast : waffles and bacon. It was good. After that I went back to my cleaning, this time I emptied some of the drawers and straightened up others. Later on I went to the Jacuzzi. I had filled the hummingbird feeders and was hoping I would see some feeding. Sure enough, I had been soaking for a few minutes when here comes a tiny hummingbird. After drinking for a while, it went to the fountain and had a little bath, I wish I had my camera because it was really cute. Other birds were feeding from the regular bird feeders, they are small pretty songbirds, some with red chests and yellow collars. I don't know what they are called :) We went for an early dinner to the Panda Inn. We had moo shoo pork and crispy fish with green beans in a spicy sauce. Very good. It was a nice day.

Spring cleaning

2011-04-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

I got a new computer monitor, it's cool!

Today I decided I needed to make some room in the guest room closet, so when Mia comes to visit she has some place to put her clothes. That closet is the largest one in the house, and most of my clothes and shoes are there. The closet in my room is not very big, in it I keep my everyday school clothes etc.

Well I guess I am a little "hoarder". Marvin said that even though I say I don't like to go shopping, I have accumulated quite a closetful of clothes. My problem is I have trouble discarding stuff, Sandy and Lizzie are good at it, but I seem to keep things for a long time, to the point that I am surprised to find some stuff I even forgot I had.

One thing I know I buy a lot is shoes. Since the time I broke my foot in a car accident in Twin Falls, I have trouble finding shoes that are comfortable. I cannot wear heels, so all I have are flats. When I find a pair that fits right, I buy them. But then i keep on wearing the same comfortable pair until it falls apart.

Tomorrow I will tackle the chest of drawers drawers :)

April

2011-04-01T20:17:00.001-07:00

Another of my beautiful roses

I noticed I had not written much in March, so I will try to post more often in April. Blogging is a very good way to keep in touch with family but also is a good way to keep track of events in one's life.

I am looking forward to meeting Mia, and then having Sandy and Tristan and Lizzie visit over Spring Break. Also I think Marvin's family will come over one day when everybody's here. On Tuesday, Marvin and I will go to Kaiser to get the peritoneal catheter surgery. After that we'll probably have some training and start the dialysis. The surgeon is very personable and explained everything really well. Another thing happening this month, is our school Open House, my last one. Sort of bittersweet, I have come to terms with retiring especially with the class I have this year, and with all the education budget problems (less pay, bigger classes etc.), plus the home situation and my age, it is the right time to retire.

And now, a list of the books I read in March :)

Jen Lancaster - My Fair Lazy

Jennifer Ross - The Icing on the Cupcake

Sarah Strohmeyer - The Sleeping Beauty Proposal

Caren Lissner & others - Scenes from a holiday

Steve Martin – An Object of Beauty (half)

Nancy Thayer – Everlasting

Judith Rossner – Olivia

A trip to the farm

2011-03-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

I think this might well be my last Kindergarten field trip, and it was not one I will remember too fondly. The farm is in Ontario and it was a pretty long drive from the school. First as usual some of my kids acted up (surprise!), then we had to wait a long time for the tour and all the kids could say was, I'm hungry, I want to eat..blah blah. There were not too many animals, an old cow, a few goats and sheep, a sad looking pig, some rabbits and chicks, and a couple of horses. We also visited the vegetable garden, somewhat overrun with weeds. And of course, the terrible porta pottys lol. And yet the kids had fun and that was the main purpose of the trip :)

The weather was nice, and it's obvious Spring is here. It seems in a matter of days everything has started blooming and budding out. Marvin planted the upside down tomatoes, and we bought a couple more bird feeders.

Now they are forecasting rain for the weekend, oh well I guess the flowers need some water!

And now I'm going to bed...good night!

DST Tomorrow (US)

2011-03-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

I know you all have heard so much about the earthquake and tsunami, but it is so awful and sad, it bears repeating. And it came on the heels of the earthquake in New Zealand. It makes you aware to be prepared for emergencies, since we live in earthquake country as well.
Saturday we went with Norbert to El Torito, he's leaving to Las Vegas next week to see his sister and to play with his toys :)
Today I went to a baby shower for my neighbors Amy and Jose, is their first baby. Amy has a sister in VA, and is not close to her parents, so it was mainly his family. They are the nicest couple, their baby is expected early may, they already named him Matthew. Jose's family is Mexican, and I had fun talking to all of them (Amy doesn't speak Spanish).
Marvin was not feeling very well today, his blood sugar was low and even though he ate it wouldn't go up, so he was feeling pretty tired most of the day. After dinner it went up so we are happy about it. I made churros tonight , from scratch, and they were good with hot chocolate.
Next week is report cards, lots of work lol. Monday we have a walking trip to the SFS library, then Monday I take off work and we'll go see the PD doctor, then on Friday is a field trip to the farm with the kindergarten classes. Fun!
And then on Saturday, my grandson officially becomes a teenager!!!!
Don't forget to spring forward, I think Sandy already did. I think in Europe it starts one week later.
Love you all.

March

2011-03-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

February was a short month but a lot happened, the good things...our Anniversary, with the girls and Tristan over and having dinner all together...in the bad side, a big scare with Marvin's low sugar episode (as I previously posted), and later having a blood infusion.

And other bad thing: My class from hell! I know I am always bitching about it, but I have 8 children, all boys, that give me trouble almost daily. Today, for the 1st time in 25 years, I took 3 of them to the office to talk to the principal. Unfortunately she was not around.
They are so disrespectful is not even funny, they talk back, they smirk when I talk to them, they stick out their tongue, they push, they break crayons, they are bratty and obnoxious! And they are only 5!!!!!! Next week I am having conferences with their parents, that will be fun.

I just finished watching a movie, I am sure Sandy has seen it because she loooves Ashton Kutchner! it's called "No Strings Attached", it was cute but not great, but it shows his rear end very nicely!!!

I have no special plans for the weekend, may go out to lunch with Norbert. But the main thing I want to do is straighten up my room. I don't want to become a mini hoarder lol.

Here's a list of the books I read in February, I didn't read too much because there was so much going on:
Sarah Addison Allen – The girl who chased the moon
Haywood Smith – Waking up in Dixie
Nancy Thayer – Belonging
Joanna Trollope – Second Honeymoon

Have a fun Carnival time!!!! :)

46th Anniversary

2011-02-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today Marvin and I celebrated our 46th anniversary. It was a very nice day because we were surrounded by our 2 daughters and grandson. We sure enjoyed their company and are so happy we got to spend the day together.
It was a rainy, chilly, windy day. We had breakfast and lay around talking and enjoying each other, then we all went out to eat at Cha Cha's. It was fun. The girls took care of the bill, that was very nice and also gave us a grill pan that Marvin has been wanting and will really be a nice addition to our kitchen :)
At night the girls and I played Scrabble, and I made a pound cake, we also watched the All Star Basketball Saturday, we like the slam dunk portion of it.

In other news, I bought myself an iPad. So far Tristan, Sandy and Lizzie have played with it more than I have and I am sure they know a lot more than I do on how to run it, but I will learn and it's fun!

Marvin was feeling pretty good today and extra happy to be with the family!
Thank you all for making our Anniversary very special.

And happy birthday to Norbert on his 55th birthday too.

A long weekend

2011-02-14T23:45:00.000-08:00

Teachers love February, not only is the shortest month of the year, but we have 2 4-day weeks.

This year our Monday off was on Valentine's Day, so we had to celebrate it at school on Friday.

We had a card exchange and also a Dance-A-Thon to raise money for our field trip. It was a busy busy day. I also got a few chocolate hearts from the kiddies, I kept a few and gave the others away.

Marvin had caught a cold and was not feeling great, but on Saturday we asked Norbert to come and help us with a few things, and we also asked him to stay for dinner. It was a great day, weather wise and food wise. We had steak, asparagus, baked potatoes, grilled carrots, salad and apple pie with ice cream. And beer.

Marv and Norbert took all the gutters off, also took down the Xmas lights in the backyard, so that's done :)

Sunday and Monday were pretty quiet, I went to the Jacuzzi a couple of times, also cooked a little bit and went to the grocery store, cleaned/organized a little and of course, played in the computer.

Now back to work tomorrow. I will take Friday off to go to the airport to pick up Sandy and Tristan, and then on Saturday -our Anniversary- Lizzie will come over too :)

Unfortunately the forecast is for rainy weather...but I am sure we will enjoy being together rain or shine :)

Health scare

2011-02-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

When I got home from work on Thursday, Marvin seemed a little tired, he took a nap and woke up disoriented and not being able to work, his blood sugar was low, so we ate some dinner (won ton soup) and he felt better but still shaky. I decided to call the school and take Friday off.
Friday morning I checked on him but he was sleeping so I let him sleep, at 10:30 he still was not up so I went to wake him up but I couldn't, he wouldn't respond, he couldn't talk or sit up or know where he was. I called 911 and in 10 minutes the firemen, medics and ambulance came. There were about 8 of them. They asked questions and went to check on him, and said he had a insulin shock caused by low blood sugar -hypoglycemia-. They gave him a shot and in a few minutes he sat up and was able to answer questions. They asked if he wanted to go to the hospital and he said no. But after they left, I decided to take him to ER because he was still shaky.
We waited like 3 hours in the waiting room, he was called a couple of times to check his vitals and also to give some blood. Later on he was checked into a room where we stay for about 5 more hours. They checked him pretty thoroughly and he was discharged to go home by 9:30PM. The doctor told us to check his blood sugar every 4 hours.
When we got home, Lizzie had called saying she would come over, she was on her way. He was feeling better by then. Today Saturday, his blood sugar was OK, I made breakfast and he has a sandwich for lunch and then the 3 of us went to ChaCha's for a (yummy) early dinner.
Mia, that was the reason I wrote in Facebook it had not been a good Friday.
Have a good Superbowl Sunday everybody!

On to February!

2011-01-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

Yes I agree with Mia, January just flew by, and here's the last day of the month already!

This month Marvin and I have been working changing his room around a little, I should say..he's been working. He's also been doing a little shopping for a new computer and printer and desk. He seems happy with the purchases, they're awesome :)

School is fine, the children seem to finally start settling down. They are really testing my patience this school year!!!

I have been reading a lot this month, some books I have really enjoyed and some were a disappointment. I will post the list here.

Sandy wrote and said she and Tristan will be coming in April for a few days, I think it'll be nice they are here when Mia is here and I know Lizzie will come up, or we'll go to San Diego during this time. We'll see how everything goes :)

I am posting a picture of me in one of my favorite restaurants in Long Beach, it's so nice to eat overlooking the bay and watching the boats go by. And of course, sipping Margaritas.

Here's my book list:

JANUARY 2011
Nancy Thayer – Moon Shell Beach I liked

Alissa Valdes-Rodriguez – The husband habit Not liked
Sophie Kinsella – Mini Shopaholic Was OK
Jennifer Crusie – Maybe this time Was OK
Sarah Addison Allen – Garden Spells Loved it
Karen Quinn – The Ivy Chronicles I liked
Terry McMillan – Getting to Happy Was OK
Ann Mah – kitchen Chinese Loved it

Long weekend

2011-01-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was MLK's holiday, which gave us a much needed long weekend. The weather has been beautiful lately, very balmy and sunny. I went shopping on Saturday and bought another hummingbird feeder, a little porcelain frog that will measure rainfall, and a pretty glasss sun catcher/wind chime. Marvin and I sat outside and watched the hummingbirds drinking and the birds taking baths in the water fountain, it was nice and peaceful. I also decided to get in the Jacuzzi for a while. Later that day we went out to dinner to a new place for us, called Cha Cha in Brea http://www.chachasbrea.com/. We mainly had tapas/appetizers, fries with allioli, flautas, tortilla soup, and calamari. And of course a great Margarita!
On Sunday we just stayed around the house until Lizzie came over in the evening. I made croquetas and macaroni and cheese and we all watched The Golden Globes.
Monday we had a light lunch of tuna empanadas, and later the 3 of us went to Kaiser Hospital. Marvin had an appointment to learn about PD or peritoneal dialysis. The nurse explained everything very thoroughly and answered all the questions we had. We were glad that Lizzie was able to come to the meeting. I think this is the way we will choose, because most everything can be done at home. It will signify some changes in the house and in our life style, but all in all I am sure it will be manageable, Marvin is very good at following procedures.
After leaving the hospital, we decided to go eat to Acapulco, and surprise! Acapulco is no more, the place we used to go is closed. So we went to El Cholo. Lizzie had the Burrito Dorado, and said she won't have it anymore lol, my flautas were OK but not great, I like the tortilla soup and Marvin had it. Next time I will stick to tortilla soup and Margarita combo.
When we got back home, Lizzie drove back to San Diego . All in all it was a productive weekend.

And so it goes...

2011-01-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

I started back to work on the 4th. It sure was hard to wake up at 6:30 again, I got spoiled sleeping late during my vacation :)
On the 5th, we got the tests results for Marvin, it showed his kidney function had dropped from 23% to 14%, not good news. In the plus side, he's feeling well. We went to the doctor on Monday (I took off work) and the consensus is he will start dialysis eventually, but he wants to have another test in about 6 weeks to see how the kidney is doing, hopefully it will stay steady :)
The 6th was the day of the 3 Wise Men. I felt like getting something, Marvin and I went to El Cholo, and then to Best Buy where I bought myself a wireless illuminated keyboard. It's really cool.
On Saturday, Norbert came over to help us take off the lights around the front of the house. We decided to leave the backyard lights on, I enjoy being in the Jacuzzi with the lights blinking, very festive. I know Mia will like them too. Afterwards the three of us went to El Torito for an early dinner. For some reason, Norbert brought us a bunch of green beans, potatoes, garlic and onions, so we invited him over for dinner the next day.
Sunday, Marvin cooked a roast and added all the vegetables, and also made a pineapple upside down cake. Norbert ate and ate making little noises of approval as he ate lol. The man enjoys a home cooked meal!
And so it goes...

2011

2011-01-03T00:56:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to post a picture of me and my daughters, and one of Nuri and her daughters, I couldn't find one of Mia and her 3 sons, so here's one of Mia and two of her sons.

I just changed my blog's look, not sure if I like it yet, we'll see.

Yesterday, the first day of 2011, was a very lazy day. We just rested. I went to the store and got a few things for dinner, I made breaded pork and mashed potatoes, also got some peach nectar and drank a few Bellinis, very good!

Today it has been raining most of the evening, at times quite heavily. Marvin went to get breakfast, Denver omelet, bacon, biscuits and gravy. In the afternoon, I put away the Christmas decorations, but I am leaving my pretty tree up until January 6th.

We went out to dinner to Johnny Rebs, I had a super yummy Cajun sausage with peppers and onions, and Brunswick stew. Marvin had some pulled pork with collard greens. When we went out it has really raining hard, we got pretty soaked! When I got home I had some hot chocolate to warm up .

I have enjoyed reading all the blogs, good job with them!

And here's the list of the books I read in December.

That makes a big total of 86 books that I read in 2010 :)

McLaughlin & Kraus – Nanny Returns
*Faye Kellerman – The Garden of Eden
Jennifer Weiner – Fly Away Home
Lauren Weisberger – Last night at Chateau Marmont
Nancy Thayer – Beachcombers
Nancy Thayer - Hot Flash Holidays

Last blog of 2010

2010-12-31T00:18:00.000-08:00

A holiday recap:

On Christmas Eve, Sandy, Marty and Tristan flew down from Salt Lake to spend Christmas here. I didn't go to pick them up at the airport because I was busy cooking. I made the typical Christmas Eve soup, it has chicken, beef, "pilota" and vegetables. And of course the "galets" or shells. It's served as 2 different courses, first the soup with the shells, and then the platter of vegetables and meats.
Tristan has grown a lot since the last time I saw him, Sandy had a cute new haircut, they all looked well :)

The next day, Christmas, we got up around 8:30, Lizzie and Jeff came by 9:)) and we sat around and opened presents. I think everybody was happy with their gifts. It's hard to remember everything! I put pictures in Facebook, I'm sure everybody that reads this blog has seen them already.

After that, Marvin cooked breakfast and then we all talked and just got together. I started cooking, and they decided to go to the movies, to get out of my way ;) Everybody but Tristan and me, went to see "True Grit". I stayed and cooked canalones, they are good but it takes forever to make them, mincing chicken, rolling them, and making the bechamel, then I also made a roasted chicken with a stuffing my mom used to make with pork, prunes and pine nuts. When they came back from the movies I had fixed a tray of assorted meats and cheeses for starters. For dessert we had a variety of turron, and of course Spanish Cava to drink.
At night, Lizzie and Jeff went back to their hotel, and we all went to bed as well.

The next day, Sunday, Marvin's brother and sisters came over, also Bettie's newly married son Rick and his wife Christina. Now it was Marvin's turn to cook. He made chili, and it was very well received. We had the chili with little dishes of grated cheese, sour cream, etc, with hot rolls, and for dessert, he made pecan pies. We also had chips and dips.

There was an exchange of gifts, and some of us exchanged "white elephant gifts" as well. It was fun. Around 6, they started leaving, back to Burbank, to San Diego, and to the airport where Marty was flying back to Utah.

It was really a very nice Christmas with our daughters and their partners, Tristan, and Marvin's family as well. We are blessed.

On Monday we went to Huntington Beach, it was pretty chilly but nice and sunshiny. We stopped at Paul's diner for dinner. On Tuesday, Sandy and I went to El Torito Grill for lunch, it was Sandy's treat, I had fajitas and a Margarita, of course, and guacamole made table side. Sandy and Tristan were going to go to Disneyland , but they decided because of the holidays, it would be too full, and sure enough, we saw the news and they were saying Disneyland was totally sold out by 10 in the morning and they had to close the gates. I bet a lot of people were disappointed. Wednesday Sandy and I did a little shopping, it was raining most of the day, we had leftovers for lunch and In'n'Out for dinner
And this brings us to Thursday. Marvin and I took Sandy and Tristan to the airport, they left at 2:30. We went back home and it felt so quiet!

Tomorrow we will go out for an early dinner, don't know where yet, I invited Norbert over, but he just got back from Las Vegas and was planning to stay home and go to church. Weather permitting, I will probably welcome the New Year in the Jacuzzi.

Happy New Year to all, and let's make 2011 the best year ever!!!!

A year older, a year wiser

2010-12-18T23:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my 67th birthday, and also my last day of school before vacation break. In the morning , the Kindergarten team got together, along with the principal to discuss our student's progress, we do that every two weeks. We take turns bringing breakfast for the team. This time it was Gloria's turn, she's from Cuba but came to the US when she was pretty young. She brought Cuban food, from a famous Cuban bakery called Portos Welcome to Porto's Bakery & Cafe Porto's Bakery. Their food is pretty similar to some Spanish foods, so I really enjoyed it.

The day before, to celebrate my birthday, we went out to lunch to Veracruz, our local Mexican place, they paid for my lunch (chile relleno and chicken taco with rice and beans, and..a Margarita) they also brought me a flan and sang Happy Birthday.

In the afternoon we had a Christmas party in my room, parents were invited too, we decorated Christmas cookies, in the shape of a Christmas tree, they spread frosting on them and added sprinkles, mini marshmallows, m&m's etc. They had fun doing it. After that we set up potato chips, Doritos, Tostitos, veggies, and different kinds of dips.

Just before leaving, they sang happy birthday to me, then we sang some Christmas Carols, and did a book exchange. I didn't have time to open all the presents they gave me, I have 22 students and I go 20 gifts...pretty good! :)

When I got home, Marvin told me my sister had called, since Mia had already called me earlier, I knew it was Nuri. I had also received a yummy box of Godiva chocolates from Sandy :) Nuri called back at 6, and we talked a long time, rather, she talked a long time lol. My friend Lolin also called, and of course I got the Sandy and Tristan and Lizzie's call singing Happy Birthday too. I missed the girls' call because Marvin and I went out to have dinner at El Cholo. They have the best tasting Margaritas. I had beef fajitas, and Marvin had chile colorado.

As we were about to leave, I turned around to get my coat on, and then I saw a jewelry box . It really surprised me because not long ago he had given me a beautiful diamond circle necklace in Big Bear, when we went there four our nephew's wedding, so I was not expecting more jewelry. It was a beautiful ring!!!!! I posted a picture of it in FB.

All in all I had a beautiful and rainy happy birth day :)

December days

2010-12-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

It's already December 11, is it just me or does it seem like December days are going by too fast?

One more week of school and then I have 2 1/2 weeks vacation, but it' s going to be a very busy week in Kinder :)

Today Norbert came over to help Marvin put on Xmas lights, they also put some on the patio and it looks very festive! It was a very nice sunny warm day. In the evening we went to Red Robin for dinner. Notice picture of patio Xmas lights complete with a hummingbird feeding :)

Tomorrow I guess I will go and try to overcome my aversion to shopping crowds and do some serious shopping of my own lol. On Wednesday I am going to have my hair colored and cut, another one of my little anxiety inducing endeavors, then next week: JURY DUTY, not fair grrrrr. But then later in the week we will have our girls, their partners and grandson for Christmas, can't get better than that :)

I hope December is full of wonderful things for all of you.

End of November

2010-11-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Well I did it, I wrote every day but the 2 days in San Diego. It's been challenging.

Here's the list of the books I read in November:

Dominick Dunne – Too Much Money
Laurie Frankel – The Atlas of Love
Cathy Holton – Revenge of the Kudzu Debutantes
Cathleen Schine – The 3 Weissmann’s of Westport
Cathy Holton – The Secret Lives of the Kudzu Debutantes
Sue Ann Jaffarian – Corpse on the Cob
Lori Lansens – The wife’s tale

Oh, and just in case you are interested...I got my license :)

Happy Day

2010-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday they had elections in Catalunya, CiU won! That's the one all my family voted for and the one I would have voted for had I been there. It killed the Socialist party that was in power.

So that was good news to me, and today there was "El Clasico" which was the game between Barcelona and Madrid, the great rivals. Madrid spend countless millions of euros getting all the big names for this year, Ronaldo, Kaka, etc...but Barcelona just trashed them 5-0 !!!!! I was in school checking the scores once in a while and when the game finished I applauded and went half bananas which of course made my class go bananas also, we had a good time! :)

Tomorrow I'm taking off to go get my driver's test. I have been doing DMV tests online, and I did pretty well. I just need to really read the questions cuz sometimes they are tricky. I am still worried about my vision test, but I hope it'll be OK.

Just finished watching the movie "Bride and Prejudice", I forgot I had already seen it, but it was fun watching it again, lots of music, Bollywood style and gorgeous costumes.

Windy day

2010-11-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

It was really windy today, it came from the north, so it was quite chilly too, but really nothing to complain about.
I finally made it to Trader Joe's, yay! I love that store, It was all set for Christmas and I got the Advent calenbdar for my kindergartners, I also got a Gingerbread Man cookie, it's already baked, about 15 inches tall, and it has everything you need to decorate it. We will do it next month in class when we read The Gingerbread Man book :)
Tonight we went out to eat at Carino's, I had chicken Marsala and it was good, but I think I like Sandy's better!
Random note..I am member of a Facebook group called Cuantos Perello en la red? one of the members, is Ramon Perello, he was born in the same town my paternal grandfather was born, I wrote to him saying maybe we are related.. well we have commented back and forth, he's very nice. We usually write in catalan, sometimes in Spanish, but today he wrote in my wall the following:

Handsome congratulations soon touches, i raise the flight to me. A hug from Catalunya

Your guess is as good as mine, lol.

Another quiet day

2010-11-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

Today Marvin went to WW, he lost 2 lbs. I didn't go out at all, a few days ago I went to Trader Joe's, I drove around the parking lot about 8 times, it was packed, with cars turning their blinking lights when they saw somebody on the way to their cars, it was madness. So I left. This is a bad week for shopping, I don't enjoy shopping anyway and with all the people even less. I did a little Amazon.com and it was all right.
We were going out to eat, but decided to leave it for tomorrow, so I worked on Report Cards, and used the Jacuzzi, and read. For dinner I made breakfast: hash browns, eggs and sausage.
I have an appointment for my driving test on Tuesday. I need to read the booklet a little more, but I did fairly well with the online tests.
And so it goes.

Musings

2010-11-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

I read Lizzie's blog where she writes that we have never been a "traditional Thanksgiving family". She has a point. It's not in my background, we didn't have Pilgrims and Indians, and I really don't need one day to give thanks for what I have, I thank God every day for all my blessings.
When I came to the States, we had Thanksgiving over at Marvin's parents house. It was not very different from Christmas, only we didn't exchange gifts at Thanksgiving. It usually was us, Mary, Dewey, Bettie, grandpa Moore and the boys, and later one Mart and Verna, Lee, and as the family grew, the grand kids. We had always turkey and dressing and gravy, yams, salad, and pies. Opal made the dressing Marvin likes which we haven't been able to duplicate, she also made great pies.
I remember one year we had Grandpa Moore and Opal and Marshall over for Thanksgiving, it was in Dixon in the apartment that had 2 floors. I remember the dress I wore, Sandy was about 3 years old. I think it went OK :)
When we moved to Idaho, it was just the four of us. We did have turkey and trimmings, and I remember going once to Ralph and Rowena's, and another year to Larry and Casey's. Then the girls grew up, we moved to California and Sandy went to college to Idaho State U. She came home for Christmas and a few times for Thanksgiving too...who can forget our Thanksgiving meal of Chinese food???? When Lizzie started college too she came home sometimes, sometimes she spent it with friends.
And now, they both have their own family, so for the last few years, it's been Marvin and I, and since neither one of us are crazy for turkey, we usually have whatever we like.
Sometimes I feel bad because it is a big American holiday after all, but since we sure are not surrounded by friends and family, it really makes not much sense to make a huge meal with lots of side dishes, pies etc. just for the two of us.
This year, we enjoyed the Jacuzzi, the grilled steaks , and each other :)

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

Another quiet Thanksgiving for Marvin and I. It was a nice sunny day, we went to the Jacuzzi in the morning and saw some hummingbirds feeding, love them!

We decided to have steak instead of the traditional turkey since neither of us are crazy about turkey, Marvin loves the dressing his mom made but we haven't been able to make something remotely like it, so steak it was! I grilled them, while Marvin made potatoes, green beans, rolls, and garlic mayo.

I watched two movies, one of my favorite holiday ones, "Love actually", and one I had never seen before "Elf". Marvin has watched some football but mainly he's been reading a western.

It's a day of giving thanks, we are thankful for our daughters and grandson, and for all our family and friends, and we are thankful for our health, and for having a nice house and a nice life.

Here's a picture of Marvin (with a moustache), me and the girls. Thanksgiving 1972.

I hope you all had a lovely day!

Another day

2010-11-24T22:07:00.000-08:00

Southern California people are weenies, they are complained about the cold weather, ha! they should be in Idaho, or Utah, or Sweden! But it is chilly for our area. At 10:00PM the outside temperature is 59 degrees brrrrrr lol
I called Bettie today to find out how her cataract surgery went, she said it went well and she's fine, we chatted for a while. I asked her what was she doing for Thanksgiving, she said they were having breakfast with Christina and Rick, and then she and Lee were going to David and Iris for dinner. She asked me what we were doing and I said Marvin and I were just staying home.
A while later, Iris called us to invite us to her house for Thanksgiving dinner. Very nice of her, but we declined. I still have a cold and neither one of us felt like driving to Burbank.
Tonight we went to El Cholo, we had tortilla soup, tacos and enchiladas, and of course, my Margarita.
Have a good night (or good day) everybody!

Stressed ?

2010-11-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Well yes, there are a few things looming in the horizon that sort of stresses me.
#1 - I have to renew my driver's license. And have an eye test, I worry I may not see it well enough because of my eye problems. I am studying for the written test.
#2 - I have to go on jury duty on December 20th.
#3 - It's getting closer to Christmas time, I have not done any shopping. You all know how I feel about shopping!!!!
#4 - My hair is getting thinner and flatter, yech.
#5 - Report cards!!!!
How's that for starters? And yes I know I like to whine about things that are not really that stressful, and at least I have all this week off to take it easy )