Storm Watch 2010

Thunder, lightning, rain? Did I fall asleep and wake up in Oregon? It's such a novelty here that the TV guys rush out to the beach in rain gear to report on the big news. Stay tuned for Storm Watch 2010...or not. Tomorrow should be back to normal -70 and sunny.

Just Like Pretty Woman

I've lived by the San Diego Polo Club and the expansive polo fields for years. Usually the field is filled with hundreds of kids playing soccer and although one can see stables, I've never actually seen polo being played. Today, while looking a the club's Tiki Bar for a potential party, I got to see a bit of a game. 8 players on gorgeous horses, swinging mallets, thundering across acres of grass. It was quite a sight to see and hear. We have tickets to closing day on Sunday and I need a brown and white polka dot dress so I can understand the game.

Trapeze Time!

Circus school came to town and set up near our house. We had a trapeze school nearby at one time but by the time we had decided to actually try it - they had closed down. This is an entire school - silks, hoops, aerial flying, maybe even some clown tricks. I can't wait to try it out!

Bluebird on a Telegraph Line

Or crows on a power line - but it doesn't have the same ring. I hpe you're happy, now.

Goodbye

Linda's off to Ottawa to start her new life and we sent her off in style with lots of tasty desserts in a stunning home. Everyone is going to miss her so much, but now I have a friend in Ottawa to visit.

Happy Sukkot

A sukkah must have 3 walls and a roof from which the stars can be seen. It must be at least 27" by 27" and be temporary to remind us of the Israelites wandering in the desert after the exodus from Egypt. One can make a sukkah from scratch, or go to Sukkah Depot for a pre-fab version. (yes - Sukkah Depot!) Our Havurah hangs gourds and paper chains for decoration, we eat Jeanne's delicious challah, and make the same lame jokes year after year - the best one aimed at Chris. It's one of my favorite holidays.

Happy Hour with St. Francis

Actually, it was happy hour margaritas with Pat and Michelle. Not sure why, but Saint Francis stands guard at the door of Casa de Bandini. Isn't he the patron saint of animals? Why not Saint Urban of Lange - saint of the wine industry? or the Virgin of Guadalupe - patron saint of Mexico? Or Saint Bibiana? Patron saint of hangovers. Thanks, Wikipedia.

Darby

I just love this kitty cat...

Nice View

There's a funny little plot of land that faces west down by Swami's beach. The houses on the ridge see quite a view other than the ocean. In the summer - sunflowers, ranunculus and marigolds. In the fall, pumpkins and corn. This year brought a complete mish mash of vegetation - flowers up front, corn in the middle and pumpkins bringing up the rear.

Robin? Robin?

Deb and I know the best greeting cards are found at the car wash, so we buy them when we can and hide them away for later. This one was perfect for Robin on her birthday - picture of the day worthy. Too bad camera flashes trigger migraines with Robin and she can't be in the photo. What does she say? Screwitol!

More Kitty Help

Obviously I needed help with the sewing, so Darby offered his assistance right away. We can always count on kitty help.

Wall Street Kook

I think I could do a picture of the day just on the Kook. Today, he was quite dapper in his suit and tie, the Wall Street Journal close by. Sadly, I missed yesterday's Kook - a waitress with a tray full of beer bottles. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Wrong on Every Level

If you knew my brother in law, you would never expect him to have a "part" in his hand, much less use the "part" to fix anything. And yet, he's ready to "fix" the washing machine...with no shirt...on Yom Kippur...
So wrong.

Happy Hour at the Market

We weren't sure if the old guy who offered to take our picture could get the job done - he'd had about 4 martinis and was feeling little pain. My camera doesn't have a viewfinder, only a big screen, but that didn't stop him from holding the entire thing up to his eye and saying "I can't see a thing". Nonetheless, we got a decent picture out of him. Maybe 4 martinis are the key to good photography.

More Darby in a Box

Lee tossed the empty Pepsi box down on the floor and Darby instantly explored. Moments later, he popped out, I turned the box over and he has been there most of the night. This is a cat that LOVES a box!

Here's Looking at You

I found some more Hamsa (Hamsa's? Hamsot? Chamsa?) in Israel. After the painting frenzy, I hung them up on the beam between our living and dining room. Technically, the 4th from the right is a "Hand of Fatima" which I found while in Tunisia. Hamsa's ward off the evil eye and I'll take any help I can get.

Summer's Almost Over

Remote in hand, TV set to Sports Channel , cell phone easily within reach - Will's celebrating his last night at home in typical manner. It didn't last long - he did have to pack and make the rounds to say good bye.

We Do Have Our Fun

Whine and Wine, part 10? 15? Who cares? Thanks, ladies!

Eat Your Lima Beans

Nothing says fun like the "Lima Bean Faire". I'll check my calender, but I'm pretty sure we're busy.

San Diego Spinnaker

I don't know much about boats except that I love being on the water, especially with someone else at the helm. Fran, Chris, Lee and I floated all around the Harbor on Sunday and saw all kinds of vessels from kayaks to aircraft carriers, but nothing could really rival the spinnaker in it's full glory.

Am I Hallucinating?

Lingerie clad pillow fights, girl fight involving jello, pole dancing...isn't that what men think happens when the ladies get together? There IS a good story here, but what happens at Sima's stays at Sima's. Sorry.

Now you see it, now you don't

Vons update - there is no Vons. All that remains is a giant hole in the ground and some big piles of dirt. Bring on the heavy machines and get building!

Tikiah!

The mitzvah on Rosh Hashana is to HEAR the shofar being sounded. Unfortunately, no one seemed able to make much noise at at - Olivia being the only exception. Ironically, she was also the only one who wasn't Jewish. 80 year old Mickey gave the shofar a good try, though.

Another Missed Shot

Ziggy was under the influence of Will, aka "The Cat Whisperer". For the first time ever, Ziggy jumped up on the table and made himself quite at home. I jumped up to get the camera and missed the shot with Will...Lee is the substitute Whisperer.

Paint Makeover

Came home and decided to paint the living room. Just like that. Ipod was playing, furniture was moved, baseboards were taped, and 6 hours later, the room was transformed from boring beige to creamy caramel. Just like that.

Here Comes the Sun

Saw this outside a cafe in Encinitas and it gave me a great idea for my next mosaic project - either the counter over the much talked about new front loading washer and dryer OR outside our front door after the much talked about new landscaping. We do a lot of talking.

Zorro!

Cardiff Kook today...Zorro tomorrow. The kook has survived many costumes such as Lucho Libre, Karate guy, Ninja, Ballerina and suffered such indignities as a shell bra and hula skirt. Of course, the best prank of all was being eaten by the shark. He never stays dressed for long - Cardiff officials have little humor when it comes to their beloved Kook. From the moment the Kook was put up, he's been the butt of many pranks. The artist who made him got it all wrong. He didn't figure out the surfers in Cardiff are older and more experienced - this guy is a kid with terrible form and must be put in his place. Luckily, no Kook was harmed in the playing of any pranks. But it does get people down to Cardiff to look.

Mazel Tov Yarden

Yarden had his bar mitzvah in Israel, but Shani threw a party here to celebrate. Inbar, Diane, Shani, Nehataloma, Sheryl and I were taking a lovely photo when a head popped in at the last moment. "That Guy" strikes again! Go to www.collegehumor.com and find pictures of "that guy". Have you ever been that guy?

Just what we needed...

Quick happy hour after work - Jeanne style. Invite a few friends, add some yummy appetizers and a pitcher of margaritas and instant party! Perfect for the end of the second week of school.

Much Better, Thank you.

This morning was tough - Darby was lethargic, wouldn't eat, no meows or brat behavior. I left the house in tears thinking the worst. I even woke Will up at noon for a cat check. Tonight, he was back to his old kitty self...a little more subdued, but as demanding and vocal as ever. Stay tuned.

Dream Girl

This is me in my dreams (with dark curly hair, of course)...and I'm Vespa-ing through Paris for sure. Actually, it's a dish towel, but it reminds me of who I am on the inside.