Christmas In the Heart

     If over 20" of snow doesn't help put Christmas in your heart, well....then....I don't know what will!
It was forecast by the weather men, it was prayed for by the kids (and the shovel sellers!) but who knew we could still get this old-fashioned kind of snow?!
     It is absolutely beautiful, it is overwhelming, and it's a shame to have come 6 days before Christmas because around here it probably means we have a "grey Christmas" but still.
     Are my old bones looking forward to getting out there with a shovel?  No.  For several reasons.  I love being snowed in!  I love the quiet that snow brings with it.  I love the sense of just the two of us being holed up, warm and safe - no place to rush to - no outside obligations.  It's a hold-over I am sure to the snow days of my childhood.  A sense of God actually being in on me getting away with something!  But it still holds delight for me.  Shoveling is a sign that the world is still out there.  That there are still places sitting out there to which we must, eventually rush to.  Where duty calls.  Cracking open the shell of peace, quiet and safety.
     Anyway, I've got a couple of pictures from last night, will have a few more from today's adventures, and I am thankful for the beauty I am viewing outside the office window.  Please, let the WHITE last until Christmas!

California - Napa - 2009 Part III

     The ferry ride was relaxing up on deck in the warm sun. I am beginning to appreciate that there are folks who actually know what it is like to have sun in winter! Landing on the island was quite a thrill. I had forgotten about the Indian occupation during the 60’s but as soon as I saw the building with “This is Indian Land” graffitied on it, it all came back. We listened to a welcome talk by a Ranger and then proceeded inside where we watched a really good movie on the history of the island. I learned a lot I’d never known and it was also nice to just sit in the cool, cave-like room and listen. An old physical ailment had flared up, and I was most comfortable just sitting for a bit. I walked a bit, but Lar continued on up to the cells, while I sat down the hill on a bench and stared both out to the water and in to the remnants of an old building that had served as an officers’ social club and had had other purposes as well. I could hear the music of the day, hear the rustling of the dresses, hear the tinkling of ice in glasses. Alcatraz is an island with a lot of ghosts, and you feel them at every turn.
     When Larry had rejoined me, we took a few more pictures and got in line for the return ferry. This time we sat below deck and people watched. Back at the Wharf we had an hour and one half to kill until we would be picked up and taken back to the hotel. It wasn’t far, but I was still not up to walking. We noticed Houston’s across the street and crossed the busy street to see if we could get a drink and a snack while we waited. As we were not having dinner, we were quickly whisked away from their front patio dining area and invited to sit out back. I liked it ever so much better back there! It was like a little grotto in the city, peaceful. We got special attention from the manager/bar tender and enjoyed some local beer – Anchor Steam – and an appetizer of spinach and avocado dip, chips, salsa and sour cream. The dip was piping hot and we couldn’t have enjoyed our wait any better.
     It was about time for our bus, so we ambled back and sat to wait. A teenaged girl in her work uniform approached and asked if she could borrow one of our phones to make a call home for a ride. Isn’t it a shame to know that we were immediately on guard and suspicious? There was a time when that wouldn’t have happened. Anyway, I dialed her grandmother’s number for her and she did, indeed need a ride and that was that. Just a reminder of where we are going, and how much I’d like to take a ride back in time to a less suspicious, more trusting era.
     Our bus finally arrived and we were back at our hotel, taking a rest in the air conditioning before venturing out for dinner. I fell asleep and could not be revived, so Larry went out and bought salads and a sandwich from Boudins, came back and was able to see the Phillies win this particular World Series game. He called home to tell our daughter in law Colleen to tone down her celebrating as we could hear her from California! We discovered Julia (7 year old) was suffering from the swine flu. It didn’t sound as if she had it too bad, but it did make us worry.
     Tuesday 3 November

     Since I'd had a bout of physical discomfort yesterday, we decided to forgo the sunrise on the Wharf plan, and instead, slept in until folks at home were slaving away! Great comfort, that feeling! We wasted away, reading, drinking really nasty in-room coffee, and I ironed some of our "rolled so they wouldn't wrinkle" clothing. Beautiful warm sun was streaming into our room as we dressed and then repacked for our road trip to Napa.
     Today we went next door to I Hop for breakfast. We were served by a gentleman from the Philippines named Bill. We chatted at length with him and one thing he said stuck with us. "The most valuable thing the Americans have given us is the idea of education." As we spoke with him, it made us think of our young friend Mike who has just moved to the area, and the fact that we hadn't discovered how to reach him. We would have liked to have at least said hello. Maybe next time. Walking back to the hotel we turned our faces to the warmth of the sun. We are looking forward to more of that!
     The drive was made easy thanks to "Pete" and we soon found ourselves in Napa. As we were right in front, we decided to make an early stop at our B&B the Hennissey House and check on our reservations. We received such a warm welcome from "Jenny" who guided me to the nearest "facilities" and then proceeded to offer advice, maps, and all sorts of information. And then she said she could make our room available immediately which was a very welcome surprise. We moved in a few things and at Jenny's suggestion, made our dinner reservations at one of the nearly dozen recommended restaurants. We had chosen Pearl. Then we left for the Oxbow Open Market to have lunch. We ate at Taylor's. They feature all natural, "humanely grown" meats and other food items. Lar reported his burger to be "the best ever" and my awesome veggie burger on whole grain bun was delicious. Then we strolled through the market and I was desperately wishing I could actually shop! Stalls of wondrous olive oils and presses, tasting of the oils, antiques, meats, organic produce, organic ice cream......Wait!....ice cream? Of course we can't pass that particular stall. Lar had to try some. He chose a small, delicious, rich pumpkin flavor. It was truly yummy, but it took a long time to digest and he still tasted it hours later.
     Although we were having an official tour tomorrow, we took a leisurely drive through the vineyards on our own and really relaxed. Gorgeous vines, some with leaves of deep burgundies and cherry reds, and vineyard names some of which we knew. It was so reminiscent of the movie Sideways - we've watched it numerous times.
     Our drive back to the B&B was hysterical! "Pete" somehow decided he should take us into an apartment complex and then refused to give us directions out! Kept saying, "turn right into ..... apartment complex." We did it once, but he kept saying "turn right" "turn right" "turn right" and after we'd driven in a complete circle within their parking area, we decided we just might be on our own! “Recalculating.”
     Our room was so comfortable, featuring a working fireplace, canopied bed, small sitting area with comfy chairs; we had no urgency to leave. We each took a chair, read and chatted until I was drowsy. I lay down for about 10 minutes, while Lar continued to read. In a little while we got ready and went down stairs to wine and cheese. We enjoyed the red (forgot to write it down) and nice cheeses, grapes and crackers. Our hostess insisted we also try a white which was, to us, very unforgettable. In fact, neither of us drank more than a sip.
     Fellow travelers were two young couples, one an intern and his wife from Manhattan (originally from CA) and the other an EMT, formerly a police officer and his wife now living in Iowa, where they had relocated for the wife’s job. They were bright, positive professionals and the conversation was lively. Medicine, crime, education - all that and more was covered. They talked about their travel abroad and about the fact that they firmly believe that medicine in the U. S. is the best, overall, in the world. We truly enjoyed their company and the manner in which they all four were starting life (so young!) in such a positive manner. When it was time to leave for our dinner reservations, we said an almost reluctant goodbye.
     Pearl! What a taste sensation awaited us. As we entered the tiny restaurant we were welcomed by an anteroom full of tables dedicated to Day of the Dead. We could tell immediately that this would be a family-full, intimate experience. My dinner consisted of Thai chicken soup with curry and cream....omg! It was so good. Then soft polenta, roasted tomatoes and glazed vegetables. I have no words for the perfection of this meal. Lar enjoyed halibut on a bed of chard and black beans. Wonderful! Our delightfully sweet server hugged me as we departed, and when I said "muchas gracious" I could not have meant it more.
     We pulled out things we would need from the trunk of the car and went in to our room where port and chocolates were awaiting us, and quiet music filled the corners and slowly filtered down upon us.  No TV might sound a bit frightening, but it can be so good for the soul.

An Irish Christmas Gift

I thought and thought about what I might get for my friends.  Please click below and enjoy.  You'll want to stop my regular page music to enjoy that of the Irish blessing.

http://www.e-water.net/viewflash.php?flash=irishblessing_en

California Trip Part Two

   By now, my throat is so sore I can barely speak (can you imagine!?) and we were both dragging.
   We got to our room at the Airport Hyatt where I read and slept, ate some Cracker Jacks and drank some wine and was done for the night. (Health nut! fiber and antioxidants)
   Lar watched some of the World Series, spoke with son and grandson Larry and then went down to the sports bar in the hotel for dinner – wearing his Phillies hat. He watched the rest of the game there, but I was asleep and unreachable by phone, by chat or in any other way!
Sunday 1 November 2009
   What a beautiful day! We had coffee in bed; we both read some and then headed down for breakfast. The hotel has a gorgeous atrium, live jazz playing softly in the background and a terrific buffet. Seattle’s Best Coffee – it really is the best!
   We departed from the hotel and drove with perfect instructions from “Pete” the GPS to The Wharf. I snapped some pictures entering the city – the old Stadium and the new AT and T. We got registered and moved into our terrific room at the Radisson. Lar unpacked some of his things, but I am a bit terrified to even open my suitcase. Get it opened it might explode. Take anything out and we might not get it back. We have misplaced the confirmation for our tour tomorrow, so Lar called and discovered we will need to have a 0630 wake up call. Since that will actually feel like something nearer to 9 or 9:30 am it might not be bad.
   We checked with the concierge on directions for the Wharf, but as I was making sure of what I’d learned on line, he laughed and said, “you really know it all!” so I guess the internet did have me prepared.
   Went to Boudins for lunch – Lar had clam chowder and I organic tomato soup both in sour dough bowls. They deserve their reputation – really good food. We both had a Red Tail beer – recommended by our cashier…a young girl who says if we liked that we should try Hawk’s Eye (I think)….we did like the Red Tail, but never did get to try the other.
   We walked along enjoying the sun, the shops, and the atmosphere. The Wharf gets some bad press, people saying it is too touristy, etc., but we really enjoyed it… - but then….we were tourists! We took pictures of each other at the Fishermans Wharf sign which I believe might be a requirement to prove you are a dorky tourist.
   Finally found the cable car station, after walking quite a way the wrong way, and got aboard. For the ride up, we were seated inside, it was difficult to see and almost impossible to take any pictures. Coming down, Lar held us back so we were first in line for the next car and we got to sit in front…..wow! What a crazy city…..you can’t even comprehend those hills, those streets, those buildings on such a slant! What fun! Sometimes I got distracted thinking about how one would go about building the jam-packed buildings that appear to be holding on with their finger nails. Amazing.
   Walking back to the Wharf, we stopped for post cards and I was able to find a snow globe for oldest granddaughter. We stopped back at Boudins for a sourdough baguette, a chunk of Organic Spring Hill Jersey Jack Cheese (fabulous!) and a Pinot Noir by Buena Vista Carneros – very robust! As we were taking it back to our room to enjoy with the baseball game we met an Irish couple from Cork. Had a lovely chat with them and then up to our simple meal as we watched the game. I took a picture of Lar with the food and wine to send to Richard and Jois – reminded us of our similar meal with them in our room in New England.
  I finished reading “Killed by Clutter” Leslie Caine.
Monday 2 November 2009
   Slept in 20 minute increments, up at 5:30 AM. Begin to read “Critical” by Robin Cook. Wrote a few postcards.
   Down to the lobby to print confirmation for our tour. We took our breakfast from a little food cart – coffee, muffin, banana, and an apple for later. We sat outside around a fire pit, cozy and the fire was needed to take the chill off. There was a couple taking pictures of each other, I offered to take some of them both. We got to talking and discovered they are from Bucks County PA, near the Buck Hotel and he was originally from Mayfair. Talked quite some time. He told us his parents have been on over 70 (!) cruises. Maybe one day we’ll make that a goal!
   Then another couple sat with us a while – from Wisconsin. We chatted until time for our bus.
   Our tour guide was Troy…and he was a terrific guide. We were off for Muir Woods. Troy had great patter, kept us entertained and informed. After seeing various city sites as well as the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate (painted a garish orange/red?) , we climbed the steep and winding road to Muir Woods. I would not want to drive a car up that road, let alone the small bus! Muir is an amazing place. As I understand it, the local Indian population believed it to be the home of evil spirits. It certainly does have an “other-worldly” feel, and it does seem very spiritual, but I never felt any evil or even slightly naughty-ness….just this truly holy aura, a feeling that makes everyone there whisper….you travel the walkway in awe, looking ever upward to see if these red wood giants ever do stop. They stand in all their glory, in a kind of strength that makes you feel nothing could ever happen to this planet with them holding on. And the air! Sweet and almost spicy scented…as Troy warned us, “you may smell an oddly different smell but do not be frightened. It is what is called ‘fresh air’ and will not harm you!” I kept taking deep, appreciating breaths and wishing I could film it, bottle it, somehow to share it at home. I am sure that many of the pictures I did take on our two mile walk will be keepers….
   After leaving the Woods, we proceeded to Sausalito for lunch. We didn’t have the time to really see that town. By the time we had got our food, I had a hot dog with everything and water, Lar had fish and chips it was nearly time to get back to the bus. We did take the time to have a cone each, I had organic blueberry ice yogurt (live culture) and Lar had caramel macadamia nut ice cream.
   Troy took us on a side trip for a photo op with the Golden Gate as a backdrop. He was kind enough to take our picture there. And then on to the Alcatraz tour.

Borrowing (with credit given) WHAT DO TEACHERS MAKE

Glancing through some blogs this morning, I came across one that started with one post that meant a lot to me....having come from a line of teachers, and knowing what teaching meant to them, especially Aunt Mar and Aunt Edna....I have borrowed in order to share.....
the original blog address is as follows:   http://princesspearlz.blogspot.com/
    This morning I am toasting (with my coffee) all the teachers and others who really make a difference.

What Teachers Make (my Singapore Version)
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. " To stress his point he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty & frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"

She paused for a second, then began...

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the A+. I make kids sit through 30 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental... You want to know what I make?"

She paused again & looked at each and every person at the table.

"I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize & mean it. I make them have respect & take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write & then I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. I make my students learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand to sing and say the Singapore National Anthem and Pledge to the Flag, because we live in Singapore. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, & follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."

Bonnie paused one last time & then continued.

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high & pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?"

"I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?" "

Patrick's Birthday

Our "baby" is 33 tomorrow! Here is a small glimpse into our life with him so far. Every day has been a blessing.....Happy Birthday, Pat!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Vacation

"We need to travel. If we don't offer ourselves to the unknown, our senses dull. Our world becomes small and we lose our sense of wonder. Our eyes don't lift to the horizon; our ears don't hear the sounds around us. The edge is off our experience, and we pass our days in a routine that is both comfortable and limiting. We wake up one day and find we have lost our dreams in order to protect our days. Don't let yourself become one of these people. The fear of the unknown and the lure of the comfortable will conspire to keep you from taking the chances the traveler has to take. But if you take them, you will never regret your choice. To be sure, there will be moments of doubt when you stand alone on an empty road in an icy rain, or when you are ill with fever in a rented bed. But as the pains of the moment will come, so too will they fall away. In the end, you will be so much richer, so much stronger, so much clearer, so much happier, and so much better a person that all the risk and hardship will seem like nothing compared to the knowledge you have gained."

~Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Women, Life and Love

     We have had our "dream vacation" and it was all it could have been, and more!
The first week was something Larry has been wanting to do for many years - share some of California with me....his having been and loving it.  The second week was something we have both wanted to do, dreamed of doing since even before meeting each other.  Hawaii.
  We had a 4AM pick up time (ugh!) and we just gave ourselves up to the flow....after all, you can't fight it once you've committed, and we were both exhausted from work and ready for the left-side life style!
   We flew United and were very happy with it over all.
    The Ford Fusion was rented, we also added on a GPS - our first encounter, and will be going out to buy one this week!  What a super invention.
    From San Francisco Airport, we drove to Half Moon Bay, hoping to find some quaint little coastal/bay side pub or cafe in which to eat lunch and watch the water. 
    We ended up at the Green Leaf Market - a whole foods type of store, sitting outside on the sidewalk, watching the parking lot iin the amazing sun.  I had the best turkey chili - very spicy - with two little French rolls, Lary had a hot homemade turkey meatloaf sandwich on a wheat bun.  And then we set off for a coastal drive.
    All along the way there are State (or Federal?) Park beaches, and for one fee you have access to all of them along the way.  As it was very misty/foggy it was so reminiscent of Scotland, but by 3 the mist had burned off and the views were spectacular.
    Planning at home we'd hoped to make it to Big Sur, but Lar was tiring after the flight and we made it only as far as Pescadero.  We picked up some things like bottled water and snacks in a little general store there and headed back to check in to our hotel.