We Are Pleased To Inform You...

"Opportunities are often things you didn't notice the first time around."

-Catherine Deneuve

Slowly, but surely, I am getting my thought process and creativity back. Sigh. I am not sure why it is taking me so long, I don't know, maybe grieving gets more difficult as we get older. Anyway, don't think I am over here in a big ball of sadness, that's not the case at all, in fact, both Alan and I have found some light moments, or is it moments of light? LOL. It's just that it seems to me, like it is taking me longer this time.

It has been important to keep to a normal schedule whenever possible, but a good healthy diversion along the way helps too. Last week, Alan and I had made plans for a night out together. We still date. Can you believe it? Married 17 1/2 years, and he still asks me out on dates! LOL. He likes me a little I guess. Anyway, we had planned to go see a good friend of ours participate in a comedy competition. We love our pal, and we were really happy to support him, so we got the tickets and made the reservation, just a few days before Darryl passed away.

The day of the competition, I asked Alan if he still wanted to go, to which he replied a resounding, "YES." I was a little surprised, I wasn't in the mood to laugh, not one little bit. Nope. But there was Alan, holding me as I cried, and still looking forward to having our night out. "Carly, Darryl would be the first one to say "Go, have fun." I shook my head, and reluctantly agreed with him. "yeah, I know." So, off we went to the comedy club. Alan needed me to be there for him. He was needing this night out. It was all he was asking me to do, so how could I say "no."

We had a good time. Bad nachos, YUM, great comedy, and we got to feel good about being there for our friend. After we got home, Alan started looking up other Bay Area comedy clubs. Tommy T's, Rooster T Feathers, Muggs just to mention a few. All of them sound like fun, but the Taco Tuesday at Tommy T's sounded like the most fun, so that is our next adventure. For the price of admission, you get 3 taco's, a margarita, and lots of comedy. WooHoo!! I will probably substitute a diet Coke, I have to think of my Type 2 Diabetes after all. I am pretty sure we will be going there soon, humor heals like nothing else can. :) And there is nothing like a night out on the town with the guy you have been dating for the last 20 years! Tee Hee.

Alan has been really quiet about Darryl's death. He is dealing with his grief very slowly, which is good I think. We are both kind of moving in slow motion I guess. And the time change today, really didn't help matters. Why did Bush have to move the time change up. It did nothing in the way of energy conservation. It would be nice if the next president put it back. Please. LOL. See, even in my grief, I can still find something to complain about. LOL. And something to laugh at! ;)

Mr Squishy's Profile :)

Oh yeah, about the title of this entry. I completely forgot to do a follow up entry about my mammogram. I got a little card in the mail from Kaiser which reads as follows...

We are pleased to inform you that your mammogram showed no signs of cancer. Please remember to schedule your next mammogram according to your usual screening schedule.

I knew it was probably going to be fine, because I am diligent about these things. I do self exams, and I stay current with the latest information. I love owning a computer, because I can have any health care question answered almost immediately. I am taking care of myself, and Alan, and Elvis. That feels good, and it's so much easier to do so then ever before. :) So no excuses!

Yum... my favorite lunch... salad! :)

So tell me, do you have a favorite website you use as part of your wellness routine? I would love to know about your favorite websites for living a healthy lifestyle. How about for Diabetes or Fibromyalgia management? Do you have a fun website that makes you laugh? What about one where you play online games for relaxation? How about gardening or pet care? What is your favorite "health" food? Share it with me... I am always looking to expand my horizons!

-OndineMonet
"A Moment Of Zen"
Japanese Tea Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
March 3, 2008
Afternoon

Round Robin Challenge: A Nice Place To Sit

"Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom."

-Buddah

I have shared to place with you before, it is the Point Montara Lighthouse and Youth Hostel grounds. When I saw the topic for this challenge, I had to smile, because this is one of the most beautiful spots in the Bay Area, and it is never crowded when I go there, almost like it is one of the best kept secrets as well. :) I have visited this place often for it's quiet, calming, feeling.

When I am sad, it provides the right kind of solitude to let me just sit and think things through, when I am happy, it is fun to sit on one of the chairs that the Hostel provides, and just enjoy the sounds of the Pacific ocean, and the fun seabirds that fly past, on their way up the coast toward San Francisco. It's my favorite place to take a little time out of life, to just enjoy being away from things. I went their this past week, and did a little meditation, and when I was finished I felt so good, relaxed, but invigorated at the same time. Does that make sense? :) We should all look for places like that, it does a body good to take the pressure off once in a while.

I took this picture at a beach park along HWY1, just south of Hearst Castle, near Cambria, California

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_4

Some very comfortable looking pelicans, kicking back at their perfect place to sit, near Pismo Beach, California. October, 2006.

Tammie Jean, who authors the blog, Long Drives To Know Where, suggested this topic, a few months back, when we did a special challenge that called for new topics to be submitted as part of the challenge. We got a lot of good ideas that day, but we are always looking forward to more ideas being submitted. So put on your thinking caps, and send us those suggestions for future challenges. You can email Karen, Steven or myself, and we will add you idea to the challenge list pool. Who knows, you idea might be next! Now, go visit the Robins who participated for this challenge, all you have to do is follow the links below!

:)

Linking List

1.Tammie Jean... Long Drives To Nowhere


2. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

3. Carly... Ellipsis
POSTED!

4. Kiva... Eclectic Granny
POSTED!

5. Gattina (See RR Sidebar For Link)
POSTED!

6. Jill... Letting Crazy Take A Spin
POSTED!

7. Sandra... Strong Chemistry
POSTED!

8. Jan AKA Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnatti
POSTED!

9. Lisa Marie... Lisa's Chaos
POSTED!

10. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
POSTED!

11. Vicki... Maraca
POSTED!

12. Sarah... Charish-Me


13. Martha... Perception
POSTED!

14. Suzanne R... Living ... Suzanne R's Life
POSTED!

15. Sandy... Myanderings


16. Momma... (See RR Sidebar For Link)
POSTED!

17. Jan... The Prytz Family
POSTED!

18. Chrissea... Chrisseas-Corner
POSTED!

19. Old Dog... (See RR Sidebar For Link)
POSTED!

20. Teena... It's all about me!
POSTED!

21. Celeste... Ragracers
POSTED!

22. Becky... Where Life Takes You
POSTED!

23. Vicki... Visions By Vicki
POSTED!

24 Jama Hameed... Sweet Memories
POSTED!

-OndineMonet

Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow

"The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test and that teaches you a lesson."

-Tom Bodett

Hi everyone. :) Before I get too far into this entry, I want to thank everyone who sent me an email, or left me their condolences. It meant a lot to me. I have made some amazing friends here in the Blogsphere, and I am thankful for all of you. I have lost folks I cared about before, some here in the land, some in the entertainment industry, some family members, but Darryl's death hit me harder then any of the others. I still miss those I have lost, and now Darryl is on the list, and somehow it just still seems so surreal. I can feel the tears welling up, even as I write this. I still just don't really understand why and how he could possibly be gone.

I was planning to comeback to blogging late last week. Well, late last week came and went, and I still wasn't ready. Then I set a goal for Monday or Tuesday, and they both came and went, and I still couldn't put into words what I wanted to say. Sigh. I was thrilled that Hillary Clinton did so well in the last round of primaries, but I couldn't blog about it. However, I have a very good friend who kept me going in emails, by asking my opinions about the primary... thank you so much Duane... that correspondence was good for me.

H.P. also came by for our usual Text Message gab fest, which was also a big part of my being able to get back up again. Both of these good friends helped me to focus a bit on something else even for just a little while. Thank you so much. H.P. doesn't blog, or I would send you his way, because he is a great guy and you would love him. Duane does blog, and if you haven't read his writing, you must not miss it. He is one of my oldest friends from my AOL days. He is a smart man, and smart writer, and truly... you should go give him a read. He best writer who you might not have discovered yet. You can find him here. Go, see for yourself!

Yesterday morning I was sure I was ready to comeback, but when I got up, and began reading emails, I saw one from my pal Don, who told me that the man who owns the property I live on, passed away last weekend. His was not a sudden death, he had been very ill with cancer and heart problems for a long, long time. I was always so sad about that, because he was a really wonderful man. He had a great sense of humor, which he always put forth even when he was facing something difficult. I liked him from the first time I met him, and was so thankful for how good he treated Alan, Elvis and myself. I will miss him so much, and yeah, I have been doing a large amount of crying in the last 24 hours, but I think later this month, I am going to plant a tree in the yard for him. I wouldn't have this place, had it not been for him.

I find myself missing voices. I talked to Darryl last Thanksgiving, and I remember our conversation, and the smile in his voice. I am thinking about my landlord, and the last time we talked. He was concerned with how I was. Here he was facing so much serious illness, and he kept asking me about me, and how I was doing. How could he have died at 60. He was such a vibrant man. It's hard to know that I have to take both these men out of my phone, sometime in the next little while, and I think it will open up whatever healing I have gotten done. I don't know, maybe I should do it pretty soon so it doesn't prolong things. Maybe I will do that later this weekend, but...sigh... I just wish they were both still there.

There is a Round Robin challenge this weekend, which I really thank God for. I want to support the Robins, so missing it really wasn't an option. I have my entry all ready and I will upload it later today, so all I have to do is visit the Robins tomorrow and enjoy their beautiful creativity. It means a lot to me that we have such wonderful photographers willing to show off their talent. If you like taking photos, and haven't joined us for a challenge, please do sometime. You don't have to be perfect, you don't have to own an uber-camera, in fact, you can scan old photos and use them in your entry. We just want your company, and to see what you see with the camera. :) Our current challenge is "A Nice Place To Sit." If you can't join us this time, maybe you will be able to sometime in the future. I hope so.

Well, that's about it for now. I am taking life really slowly, and I will have more to share about what I have been doing to take care of myself, over the next couple weeks or so. I have found some really positive outlets for my grief, but as you know, grief cannot be rushed. It just flows at it's own pace. So, what's a girl to do? Well, she keeps her friends close, she cries when she feels like it, she eats her veggies, and she does her best to get up everyday, and move forward. Life does that, it moves you forward, but it's up to us to decided the quality of it.

-OndineMonet
"Spring Life"
Union City, California
March 1st, 2008
Afternoon

I Miss You Already Darryl

"I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather did...not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car."

-Wil Shriner

The stupidest things happen sometimes. Like when someone you love completely suddenly dies on you, and you are left asking all those stupid questions the inevitably come time to mind. Alan and I got a phone call this morning, and my heart immediately broke. My brother-in-law passed away yesterday... at the age of 50.

Darryl was my brother-in-law in reality, but in affection he was my brother. He was my pal, and someone I could always, always, count on for support and love when I needed it. He lived clear across the country from me, and we haven't been in the same room together in years, but we could pick up the phone and instantly be in each others hug. He made me laugh, and he taught me to make some kick ass salsa, and he was my friend.

What will I do without Darryl? What will we do without Darryl? Right now I can't stop sobbing. So, I am taking some time off from blogging until I can make sense out of what I am feeling inside. I need to take care of Alan, and help him through the loss of a brother he loved so much. I will take care of each other. I always thought that someday we would retire and move closer to Darryl and his wife. Now he is gone. So suddenly. What are we going to do without Darryl?

-OndineMonet
Mt. Hamilton,
San Jose, California
February, 2007
Morning

The Long Day In The Universe

"To wish to be well is a part of becoming well."

-Seneca

I am putting in my entry extra early today because it will be a very long, very busy day for us, all of us have appointments for our 10,000 mile check and recheck! Elvis starts off the day, with a visit to D."B" for his annual A1C test and all his usual shots and pokes. He has been doing really well, so I don't anticipate anything unusual happening with this test results, but I am a nervous mommy all the same.

Alan sees his people doctor at about 2:00 PM. He and I have the same doctor, which is nice because we both really like our personal care physician. She is super, and she makes Alan feel comfortable. The last doctor he had, had the bedside manner of a slug. That's never good.

My appointment comes at 3:30. As I said in a previous entry, I had already done my lab work, so I pretty much know what to expect. My results were good...

HGB A1C = 5.9

Glucose Fasting = 94

Creatinine = Normal

I am a little disappointed in my Glucose Fasting. I had a reading of 89 in November, so that means it is up a little, but at least my A1C is holding steady at a good number. :) Although I am already trying just a little harder to lower that number when I take my next test in four months. Crossing Fingers.

I will be done with the doctor by 4 PM, and then I have to zoom across town to my next appointment with Mr. Squishy! You know him, right? He introduces himself as "Mammography... Squishy Mammography." LOL. As busy as things sound, it will be a nice evening when all of it is done. Alan is taking me out to dinner after my Mammorgrahy. :) Sounds like a plan, and really the busy part isn't so bad. I actually look forward to taking care of myself. It makes me feel better about being on that side of 45.

Yeah, yeah... I know, I still have a few months before I turn 46, but I am not afraid of my age. I think I am smarter now, I feel comfortable in my own skin. I know I make better decisions then I did in my 20's and 30's. I have a lot self confidence, and besides, just look at all the beautiful women who are, or about, my age. Michelle Pfeiffer, Helen Hunt, Diane Lane, Demi Moore, and Courtney Cox. All of whom have amazing style. Especially Michelle Pfeiffer. She is gorgeous! Yeah, I am in some pretty good company. :)

Have you had your annual Mammography yet? How about an A1C test for Diabetes? If you are over 40 both of these should be checked yearly. There's no time like the present. :)

-OndineMonet
"The Pink Rose"
Berkeley, California
February, 2008
Late Afternoon

Raspberry Reaction

"An election is coming. Universal peace is declared and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry."

-T.S. Eliot

This is such a shame. I expected more from Barack Obama then to see him look us all, but most pointedly Ohio and Texas, in the eye and lie. And lie he did. Although you might see the word "misleading" most often as opposed to lie... as if that makes a real difference. Barack Obama is leading Hillary Clinton according to most polls, and if she doesn't take both Ohio and Texas in the upcoming primaries her bid will be effectively over, so why do you suppose Obama is resorting to not just kicking his opponent when she is down, but also resorting to "taking a page out of Karl Rove's play book?"

I don't like what I see in this man. I don't think personal charisma is enough of a reason to vote for him. I don't want fantasy, I want reality. I don't want promises, I want truth and a solid future. I have heard folks say they are voting for him because he has "charm," because he is a "brother," because he represents "change," although that one makes me laugh because he and Hillary basically stand for the same thing... so what's the difference? You tell me.

It's true that Hillary Clinton has sent out some mailers that were "questionable" as well. Let's face it... they all do... unfortunately that won't be changing anytime soon, but I think there was just something about seeing him rationalize his lies last night on TV that just turned my stomach. He reminds me of Bush Jr. more and more everyday. Sigh. I guess it's apparent that Republicans aren't the only ones who are willing to drink the Kool-Aid when it is served up on nice charming platter. "Change You Can Believe In?" Or is the just more of the same?

Obama Mailings 'False'? (FactCheck.org)

(If your interested in reading the truth about Hillary Clinton's Health Care Plan)

-OndineMonet

Round Robin Challenge: Shoes

LOL.
"What becomes of the broken hearted? They buy shoes."

-Mimi Pond

Shoes. GOD I love shoes. Most of the time when I meet someone I notice their eyes first, but next comes the shoes! I have to admit right here, at one time I owned 214 pairs of shoes. High heels, tennis shoes, ballet slippers, bunny slippers, boots, slides, loafers and even flip flops. Who hasn't owned a pair of flip-flops? I love shoes. Yes. Shoes. So, how could I not love this challenge? It was suggested by Vicki, author of the blog, "Maracas" and it puts a pep in our step, while challenging our creativity at the same time!

Alamo Square Park...

For this entry, I decided to pay a visit to one of my favorite parks in the Bay Area, Alamo Square Park, in San Francisco. You have probably seen it numerous times in movies and on TV. The Tanner family, from the old ABC series, Full House, lived just across the street, in one of the famous Six Sisters, which are a series of lovely Victorian houses just off the park, and in the movie, "So I Married An Axe Murderer," it was in the scene where Charlie breaks up with Harriet.Weep... such a sad moment. LOL. Alamo Square is one of the most beautiful places in the city, with a stunning view of the high rises, including City Hall downtown. And at the very top of the park, nestled between some amazingly beautiful trees, is the Shoe Garden. Yes, a Shoe Garden.

I have written about this place before, but I just had to share it again. The garden gains new shoes all the time, but if you look very closely, it isn't just shoes that are left as a memorial. There are light switches, sun glasses, bottle caps, small bird houses, it is just a neat, quirky little spot in the middle of a large, fun, quirky city, that I am hopelessly in love with. I love the sun. The people. The individuality. The friendliness. The surreal mixture of time and culture. And this park, and the Shoe Garden, holds all of those things in one tiny spot. You can probably find shoes here from all different eras, retired, and holding tiny plants. It's just fun. If you ever visit San Francisco, take my advice, grab a lunch to go, and eat it right here in Alamo Square Park. I can't imagine a more peaceful way to spend an afternoon!

Hey, did you ever hear that song, "Men Are Like Shoes" by Shania Twain?

Men Are Like Shoes
By Shania Twain

Ooh! Men! Have you ever tried to figure them out?
Huh, me too, but I ain't got no clue
How 'bout you?

Men are like shoes, made to confuse
Yeah, there's so many of 'em
I don't know which ones to choose
(yeah, yeah, yeah)
Ah, sing it with me, if you agree

There's the kind made for runnin'
The sneakers and low down heels
The kind that will keep you up on your toes
And every girl knows how that feels
(yeah, yeah, yeah)
Ouch, oh, sing it with me

You got your kickers and your ropers
Your everyday loafers, and some you can never find
You've got your slippers and your zippers
Your grabbers and your grippers
Man, don't you hate that kind?
Some you wear in and some you wear out
And some you want to leave behind
Sometimes you hate 'em and sometimes you love 'em
I guess it all depends on which way you rub e'm
But a girl can never have too many of 'em

It's amazing what a little polish will do!
Men are like shoes...

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_10

LOL. Ahem... Who wouldn't love a shoe garden? ;)

Be sure to visit Vicki, and all the other participating Robins. Just follow the links below! Thank you Vicki... this was soooo much fun! Just like buying shoes. :)

Linking List

*Welcome New Members

1.Vicki... Maracas
POSTED!

2. Carly... Ellipsis
POSTED!

3. Lisa... Lisa's Chaos
POSTED!

4. Jill (See Comments Section On The RR Blog)
POSTED!

5. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

6. Martha... Perception
POSTED!

7. Annie... Pictures Of Craziness


8. Momma... Sandcastle Momma
POSTED!

9. *Sahvvy... Instantaneous Existence Of Me
POSTED!

10. Sandra... Strong Chemistry
POSTED!

11. Janet... Fond Of Snape
POSTED!

12. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
POSTED!

13. Suzanne R... Living... Suzanne R's Life
POSTED!

14. Nan... Life is Like a Lunchbox
POSTED!

15. Robinella... Robin's Nest
POSTED!

15. TJ... T.J's Photo Expressions
POSTED!

16. Chrissea (See Comments Section On The RR Blog)


17. Jan... The Prytz Family
POSTED!

*18. Old Dog... Wise Old Dog
POSTED!

19. Kim... Nekked Lizard Adventures

POSTED!
*20. Celeste... Ragracers

POSTED!
21. Sarah... Charish

22. Teena... It's all about me!
POSTED!

23. Sandy (See Comments Section on The RR Blog)
POSTED

24. Shorty (See Comments Section on The RR Blog)
POSTED

25. Carlo (See Comments Section on The RR Blog)
POSTED

Jan AKA Whammy... The Ellis Family

POSTED!

Note: There is a forecast for a severe storm here in the Bay Area later today. If I can't get by your blog to leave a comment, I will be by on Sunday. :)

-OndineMonet
Shoe Garden
Alamo Square Park
San Francisco, California
February, 2008
Afternoon

The Rumors Of My Death...

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."

-Will Rogers

Yep, I am alive, however I am a little late. LOL. I was supposed to be back to my regular blogging schedule yesterday, but life had other plans for me. Hmmm... where to begin, where to begin...

The Hardness of Software...

I know... I will begin at the beginning. Last week I decided to take a week off from blogginess to do some much needed maintenance to me, my computer and my real life. I installed, uninstalled and reinstalled various forms of software on the computer, which included to two games, "Sims; Seasons," and, "Two Worlds," and a nifty new version of the Norton Anti-virus. Sounds easy... right? Yeah right. LOL. I don't know what it is, but with each new version of Norton, comes some small element that messes with my brain, and otherwise makes me crazy. I still haven't quite got the latest problem resolved, but things are working fine, and the minor annoyance with the program is just that, a minor annoyance.

Detoxing With Pie...

Over last weekend, I made a pie. I made a Sugar-free Strawberry/Peach Pie. It came out perfect. I will do an entry in a few days to share the recipe, try it. If you have diabetes, you might enjoy this pie a lot. If you don't have diabetes, you might enjoy doing something a little more healthy for yourself. It's good to detox once in a while, from the high fat, high calorie lifestyle. :)

Hold Still And Make Big Fist...

Monday, I called my doctor and asked if I could do my blood work a week before my appointment next Monday, so we could talk about my test results at my appointment, instead of an email. So, on Wednesday, I went out to the hospital to have my 4 month A1C, Glucose Fasting, and Creatinine check. See photo of the blood test above! LOL. I was a little nervous about the test the night before, and made the mistake of saying I was nervous to my pal H.P. LOL. At that point, he challenged me to take a photo of the test, and send it to him. Knowing I am never one to pass a photo challenge, I accepted, and there you see the result. A fuzzy picture, taken by a slightly nervous, slightly fuzzy girl, who was starving from the previous night's 12-hour fast. :)

It only hurt for a little second, then I was fine, and on my way home for a sandwich, a cup of Campbell's Tomato Soup, and a piece of Fat-Free Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake... homemade. :) God I love to cook! Everything was going fine, yummy lunch, but toward the afternoon I began to get really tired. So I took a nap, and when I woke up, my arm was stiff and sore. The lab tech had to move the needle in my arm a little bit to find the vein, and so a little bit of gentle twisting occurred, so I am wondering if, while searching for the vein, something got hit, like a nerve or something. Anyway, I was sore yesterday, and to be honest, I needed an extra day from the computer to just veg a little. I have my results back, but I am saving those for another day, and another entry. I want to talk to the doctor face to face before I share with you here. :)

Of Rain And Cats...

It has rained all week. Large thunder-boomers here and there. I have a depressed kitty on my hands. Elvis misses his big yard so much. He loves the creatures that come in an out of the yard. They are his friends. So, he and I have been doing a lot together, to keep each other's spirits up. I bought some kitty shampoo, and I gave him a wet bath the other day, and then followed it up with the dry shampoo later in the day. I put his new tie on, that he got this past Christmas, and his red tank top, and let me tell you... he is one fine looking little cat. :) Another entry, for another day. Elvis Will also be seeing his doctor next Monday. Sigh. As will Alan. Yep, he has an appointment also. Jeepers, I just wish we could all see the same one! Tee Hee.

So, stay tuned to find out about all the things I touched on today, and of course I have some opinions about the upcoming Texas and Ohio primaries and the current state of the budget in California... and... and... well, just stay tuned!

Okay, that pretty much winds things up. There are other assorted details to share, and I will in all good time. For now though, here is a reminder about the next Round Robin Challenge. The subject is "Shoes" and it will be played tomorrow, Saturday the 23rd. There is still time to sign-up. Hope to see you there!

-OndineMonet
"Ouch"
February, 2008
Union City, California

Happy Valentine's Day

"You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you are sure they won't laugh if you trip."

-Jonathan Carroll, "Outside The Dog Museum."

I am making a very special dinner tonight, well actually, Alan and I are going to make the dinner together. He enjoys cooking as much as I do, and we have a ton of fun trying new recipes. He is much better in math then I am, and often times I rely on him to help me with cutting down measurements and the preparation, especially if my hands have been giving me difficulties. Today, however, it will just be about the fun! Here is what we are making for dinner...

Appetizer: Chilled Pear Soup

Dinner: Chicken Cordon Bleu / Green Salad w/ Raspberry Vinegrette/ Baked Sweet Potatoes w/ Cinnamon Pecan sauce

Dessert: Chocolate/Strawberry Cupcakes :) Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Cake Mix

And it's all guilt free! :)

Note: Busy, Busy, Busy... I am taking a few days off, see ya one week from today! Thursday, February 21st. :)

-OndineMonet
"Happy Valentine's Day"
Thursday, February 13, 2008
Morning

Winter Blossoms And The Art Of Penjing

"The flowers of late winter and early spring, occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size."

-Gertrude S. Wister

Mmmmmm... flowers! Alan and I went to the Conservatory of Flowers yesterday, and visited the two new exhibits, "Lunar New Year Floral Display," which included lots and lots of citrus fruits and blossoms, and "The Art Of Penjing." Penjing, features miniature plant displays created in containers and on trays, which depict miniature villages and landscapes. I loved it! I admire art like this so much, the little villages created for the display had some really beautiful, intricate detailing. Lovely. The park itself was nothing short of beautiful yesterday, it was one of our first really warm days of this year, and because of the warm weather there were sunbathers and bikinis all about the park. Happiness.

We had a pretty good day, and as we were exiting, I asked about whether the butterfly display would comeback this year, and got resounding, "YES!" Tuesday, March 18th! I cannot wait. I had an amazing time in 2006, photographing the amazingly beautiful butterflies they had on display, and I know I learned a ton about photography that year. Different butterflies have different and distinct behaviors, and some are much more challenging then others to photograph. They are a beautiful challenge for this amateur shutterbug, and a perfect way to chase away stress and the blues, while getting a little exercise. :)

-OndineMonet
Daffodils In The Mist"
Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
February 12th, 2008
Afternoon

Karen's Monday Photo Shoot #7: Valentine Views

"Love... a wildly misunderstood, although highly desirable, malfunction of the brain, which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and lips to pucker."

-Author Unknown

New Monday Photo Shoot #7: Valentine's Day is nearly upon us. Show us something related to that day.

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

I decided to make a homemade valentine for Alan this year. :) I will share more about what I have planned for Valentine's Day on Wednesday, but for now, here is the whatnot about the photo. I used one of the photos I took in the Golden Gate Park Rose Garden last year. We had a good day together that day, so it should bring back some nice memories! ;)

-OndineMonet
"Happy Valentine's Day"
February 11th, 2008
Berkeley, California
Early Evening

The Year Of The Butterfly

"From small beginnings, come great things."

-Proverb

I can't believe how fast this year is moving, compared to a year ago, when I was sure I was going to be stuck in 2007 forever. It wasn't even the end of January, when I asked the question, "Cant' it just be New Year's Eve already?" LOL. It was a new beginning, like most new years represent, and yet all I could see was how much for it was representing a certain kind of end. It's now a year later, I am older, I am certainly wiser, and I feel pretty good inside. Peaceful. In some ways I have diabetes to thank for that. As much as my Fibromyalgia hurts, and believe me, it does, I know it won't kill me. That's the stupid part of it. It leaves me feeling old and worn out, and yet isn't life threatening. Diabetes on the other hand, could have some long range physical effects on my body. I couldn't have that, so I used a good part of my lingering sadness and anger to take care of myself.

I was looking at a Chinese New Year Calender the other day, when suddenly I began to think about what my own personal "Carly Lunar Calender" might look like. Would it be all animals? Would each year be represented by nature in general? Hmmm... what symbols best represent me and my journey on earth? Well, after I gave it some thought, I think the new year really began for me sometime late last July, after my diagnosis. This is my year of the Butterfly. How about you? If you could have your own calendar, what would you choose as your personal symbol for the year? Does your year begin on January 31st? Or do you have a defining moment, that felt like a new kind of beginning for you? If you feel like sharing, tell me your story, or write your own entry and comeback and leave me a link. I will post the link to your entry if you do.

"The distance is nothing, it is only the first step that is difficult."

-Meister Eckhart

-OndineMonet
"The Year Of The Butterfly"
Pacific Grove, California


-OndineMonet

Round Robin Challenge: Eat Your Vegetables!

"Sex is good, but not as good as fresh, sweet corn."

-Garrison Keillor

Mmmm... veggies. Pretty to look at, easy and fun to grow, delicious to eat, healthy for the body, oh so very photogenic! If you have known me long, you know how much I love my veggies. I like to cook, and I have come up with a number of recipes that even to most veggie avoiding person would enjoy. Tall tale you say? Well, how does Vegetable Lasagna sound? How about Rainbow Stuffed Peppers? Maybe you would like my Vegetable Pizza ALA Carly. That's what you are looking at above. Low-calorie, heart healthy, and really yummy! In our house, vegetables ROCK! Don't forget, February is Heart Health Awareness month! So, EAT YOUR VEGETABLES! :)

Our fellow Robin Jill, who authors the blog, Letting Crazy Take A Spin, suggested this challenge recently. We are always looking for cool new challenge ideas, so come on, what are you waiting for? Put on your thinking caps and send us your suggestions. If we chose your idea, you will get full credit, and a special link for that challenge.:) For now, show your support for your fellow Robins by paying them a visit and seeing their veggie themed entries. And don't forget that the next challenge will be announced tomorrow, so be sure to look for that new entry on the official Round Robin Blog.

How I Make My Veggie Pizza

Start With The Homemade Dough

Add the yummy toppings

Bake in the oven

More yummy toppings

A different yummy pizza

And still another yummy version

Veggies... They Do A Body Good! ;)

Linking List *Welcome New Members!

1. Jill... Letting Crazy Take A Spin
POSTED!

2. Carly... Ellipsis
POSTED!

3.*Carlo...Captured by Carlo
POSTED!

4. Sandy... Myanderings
POSTED!

5. Shorty... I Couldn't Help Myself
POSTED!

6. Momma... Sandcastle Momma
POSTED!

7. Martha... Perception
POSTED!

8. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

9.*Swampy...Anecdotes, Antidotes & Anodes
POSTED!

10. Lisa... Lisa's Chaos
POSTED!

11. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures


12.Sarah... Charish-Me
POSTED!

13.*Jan... The Prytz Family
POSTED!

14. Suzanne R... Living... Suzanne R's Life
POSTED!

15. Sandra... Strong Chemistry
POSTED!

16. Janet... Fond Of Snape
POSTED!

17. Annie... Pictures Of Craziness


18. Kim... Nekked Lizard Adventures
POSTED!

19. Vicki... Maraca
POSTED!

20. Marie... Photographs & Memories
POSTED!

21. Robinella... Robin's Nest
POSTED!

22. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
POSTED!

23. Kiva... Eclectic Granny
POSTED!


-OndineMonet
"YUM"
Berkeley, California
February 4th, 2008
Evening

The Little Penguin

"Our senses are indeed our doors and windows on this world. In a very real sense the key to the unlocking of meaning and the wellspring of creativity."

-Jean Houston

While I was driving around Berkeley the other day, I spotted this little stuffed penguin in a window. At first glance I thought he looked a little sad, but as I continued to eye him, I thought maybe he wasn't sad, but rather in deep thought as he looked upon the world. Or maybe he was lonely for the human friend he lives with, or maybe he was just curious about the weather. I have looked and looked but I can't decided what his story might be. If you care to leave your thoughts please do so. Can you tell what he might be thinking?

-OndineMonet
"The Little Penguin"
Berkeley, California
February 6th, 2008
Afternoon

I'll Follow The Sun

"Sunshine cannot bleach the snow, nor time unmake what the poet's know."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The sun is out today. There is a chill in the air, it is winter after all, but looking up, and seeing blue skies makes me so happy that I don't really notice the chill. I could become addicted to days like this. For the most part, I am a happy girl. I have some realities I wish I didn't, like the Type2 diabetes, but a little rain has to fall. It's just life. I wish I could help others... or rather I wish they would let me help them. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people all my life, both here on the Internet, and in my real life.

I have met some people who have meant a lot to me. I have a current friend who I think I could help feel better about themselves, by sharing some of the lessons I have learned, sometimes the hard way, but they glaze over when I try. It hurts. Not that they won't take my advice, but that they won't even try. I want to encourage my readers and my friends to strive to be the best they can be, but sometimes I feel like when I do some folks run as hard as they can in the opposite direction. I don't understand why they would do that.

I have had challenges to face like everyone else. I haven't been a happy lady every single moment of my life. Not at all. In fact I got so sad, I stopped living all together at one point. I eventually got back up, because the alternative would have been death. Maybe it was cowardice, but I couldn't face never seeing the sun again. Never hearing a new song on the radio, never tasting my beloved chocolate dipped strawberries, which are only 45 calories for two medium sized dipped berries! And never touching Alan, or petting Elvis.

I have seen friends run straight into heart disease, and diabetes by way of their eating habits. I lost one of those friends. One day, at 37 she had a heart attack and died. She was alive and fine at noon, and by three that afternoon she was dead. No second chance. No warning. Dead. My other friend got warning after warning. She went through life with the assumption that karma would take care of her. "I am a good person, bad things won't happen if I am a good person." One day she fainted at work, she then began peeing herself, which was a combination of urine and blood. Her kidney's began to shut down. Ignoring the doctor's warning 6 year's earlier that she was in prediabetes, she now had an average blood glucose level of well over 400.

We all watched as she ran headlong into the symptoms of severe diabetes. We all tried, and her eyes glazed over and she avoided us. She went to our mutual friend's funeral 10 year's earlier, and cried along with us, and I wanted to ask her, what she supposed our friend did to deserve dying at 37, hadn't she been a good person? Was this karma? Why didn't our friend deserve a second chance?

I suppose I was in the anger stage of grief. I just don't know. Sigh. Was there anything I could have said or done? Did I do all I could? After my friend was diagnosed with kidney failure, she began to change her lifestyle, but the word "Diabetes" was not to be mentioned. It was a rule. (Insert TEARS here). I have learned so much about diet and nutrition over the last 6 months. I know I can help my current friend... I know I can.

But he/she won't let me. Will I be going to another funeral in the near future? What good are we in life, if we can't, or won't share the lessons we have learned to help other's lead a longer, healthier life? My current friend shares that he/she isn't feeling well, and that he/she is in some pain. He/she describes eating mostly high calorie/high cholesterol foods for convenience reasons, and is a measure of overweight. I know they would like to look better, because that is what they mention most often, but they don't really share about the health concerns they may or may not have.

So tell me, when you see someone hurting themselves do you try to intervene? Do you try to help? Or do you just resign yourself to let people be who they are? Is it wrong to try to help someone, even if they don't ask for it? When do you intervene? Do you ever give up? Do you keep knocking?

If you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts please do so, or, feel free to send me your thoughts by email. But either way... just know... having me as a friend comes with my personal philosophy that everyone can be the best that they can be, if they make the effort to do so, and that I will care about you, and encourage you to be the best you can be, but don't look to me to enable your destructive behavior. Fair enough?

Remember, February is National Heart Health Awareness month! Use your blog for GOOD! Do your own entries about how you try to live a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your readers to educate themselves on living a healthy lifestyle. Share your own tips on staying active or eating properly. Come on. Encouraging others will make you feel good inside.

Now I am off to eat my Campbell's Tomato Soup, and Fresh Green Salad ala Carly! And later today I am going to take my camera, and follow the sun, for about 2 miles or so. LOL.

Mmm, Mmm Good! :)

-OndineMonet
"Happiness"
Conservatory of Flowers
San Francisco, California
January, 2008
Afternoon

Karen's Monday Photo Shoot #6: Looking At Glass

"You us a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see yourself."

-George Bernard Shaw

Monday Photo Shoot#6: Show us something made of glass.

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

I feel like I kind of took a liberty with this Monday Photo Shoot, but after all, most window panes are made of glass... right? I took this photo last February, at the Conservatory Of Flowers, in Golden Gate Park. The little face drawn in the dust, of the dirty glass window pane, made me smile. For that afternoon, the Aquatic Plants room had a special little spirit watching over it. :)

-OndineMonet
"Happy Spirit"
Conservatory Of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
February 14th, 2007
Afternoon

On An Average Tuesday

"I think it's about time we voted for senators with breasts. After all, we've been voting for boobs long enough!"

-Clarie Sargent

Today is the California Primary, as well as in 24 other states. I have already cast my ballot, but Alan will cast his vote a little later today. It promises to be a nail bitting day on the Democratic side of things, while Romney is the front runner here in California, for the Republicans.

I am hoping when all is said and done, Hillary Clinton will take California for the Democratic nomination. I believe in her, and what she's trying to accomplish. I watched her, Town Hall Meeting, last night on the Hallmark channel, and I continue to be impressed by not only the answers she gives to the questions facing our country, but also the viability of her solutions to our many difficulties. I hear the word "CHANGE" a lot, we all want CHANGE, so I have to ask, does CHANGE really get anymore profound then letting a woman lead the country for the first time?

There is just 349 Days to go, until the collective sigh of relief is heard round the world! NOW GO VOTE! :)

-OndineMonet
"Decision 2008"

Karen's Weekend Assignment #201: The Food Rut

"You better cut the pizza in four pieces, because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."

-Yogi Berra

Weekend Assignment #201: To promote a new cooking show, a TV station is going to pay you $500 to eat the same basic meal every day for a week, prepared with only minor variations by their on-screen host. What's on the menu?

Extra Credit: Do you tend to eat the same thing all the time anyway?

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, "Outpost Mavarin."

Pizza. I LOVE pizza but until recently, I had all but given up on it. I got a serious hunger pang for pizza a couple week's ago, and decided to check out my options as a diabetic. I have found some fantastic recipes on the Internet for some low-calorie, low-fat pizza crust. So, in my fantasy world, I would have that make believe cooking show host be demonstrating the wonders of the diabetic friendly pizza, and I would be more then happy to help them out. :) See, I still pay close attention to things like my blood glucose levels, even in my fantasies. LOL. I think that probably makes me just a tad boring. LOL. Oh well.

Extra Credit: Nah. I love a variety of good food. It is just Alan and myself, and I usually cook meals for two, or I make meals with leftovers that can be transformed into other dishes. As an example, Meatloaf becomes a Meatloaf Sandwich for lunch the next day, or maybe I will transform it into a pot of Meatloaf Vegetable Soup. But usually we have a different dish every night.

-OndineMonet
" Homemade Pizza Night"
February 1, 2008
Evening

1 Of 10,000

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

-Seneca

I Won! Won! I Won! Yes, I did! Are you anxious to know what I won? Are you on the edge of your seat? Are you biting your nails in anticipation? Are you thinking it might be the California Lottery? Maybe Powerball? Or it could be Carly has won the Democratic Nomination in blogging! ROFLMAO! Nah... it's nothing that amazing, really, but it was kind of fun, and it proves something, people have a certain kind of luck in their lives, good, bad, it's all in how you view things.

A few days ago, Alan came in from the mailbox, with a small square brown box, addressed to me. I hadn't ordered anything, so it was a bit of a mystery. What could possibly be in the little box? I looked it over for a return address, and there was one, but it was completely smudged, so I grabbed the scissors and cut the sides away, to find a nifty new OneTouch Ultra Mini glucose meter... in my favorite color... Pink Glow! Just like the one I got a couple week's ago as a free upgrade to my current OneTouch Ultra2 meter! LOL. It seems I had won the OneTouch Ultra 2 Colors contest, back in November, and I had NO idea. I never recieved a letter or email telling me I had won, but sometime around November I was 1 of 10,000 who did. Now I have two mini meters in Pink Glow, and one Ultra2 in the standard Navy Blue and Silver. :)

Alan and I laughed and laughed. It was only a couple week's earlier that I checked for the free upgrade, because I thought I hadn't won. It was still a fun little moment to realize I won, and it brought with it the distinct feeling of Deja vu. See, a similar thing happened back in the 90's. I was in great need of a bedside clock. I didn't want anything too fussy, but I also didn't want one that just BEEEEEEEPED either. I finally settled on a smart little woodgrain clock radio. It was small and sleek and worked really well. It was nice waking up to Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan. :) Music makes me smile.

I was happy with that little clock. About a week after I purchased it, I got a call from my bank, it seems I had won a little contest I had entered to "Choose The Bank's Team Softball Colors." I picked Dark Green/Light Green... you know... like money. :) Well, other's chose that combination also, so there were multiple winners. The grand prize winner was chosen by the time of day the entry was made. But anyway, can you guess what I won? Yep, that's right, I won a nifty new clock radio, the very same clock radio I had purchased just a week earlier! LOL. I loved that clock. Actually, I loved both those clocks. Both were stolen from me, when we stored our belongings temporarily. It made me a little sad, I know it was just a clock, but it was my clock, and it helped me be on time for some important things in my life. Silly, I know, but I come by my sentimentality honestly... I am a Cancer after all.

If you look in the above photo, you will see that I once got a fortune that said, "You will be lucky in autumn." LOL. I got that fortune in the spring of 2006, and I kind of assumed it meant the Autumn of that year, but hey, that was me making an assumption. LOL. It said, "the autumn," it didn't say which autumn. LOL. So now I have a glucose meter that I can carry in both of my purses, and one that will always sit on my desk. The OneTouch company is coming out with even more colors for the OneTouch Ultra Mini, and one of them is a gorgeous purple. I might just pick that one up, when it is made available. I am such a fashion puss, and besides, purple is the hot color for spring this year! :)

-OndineMonet
"You Will Have Luck In Autumn"
Berkeley, California
Spring, 2006
Afternoon