The Butterfly Ballet

"Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine."

-Jefferey Glassberg

Yesterday, Alan and I went to San Francisco, to the Conservatory of Flowers, to visit the newest exhibit, The Butterfly Zone. It was nothing short of enchanting. Imagine if you will, different varieties of beautiful, delicate, graceful little butterflies, happily fluttering about, from flower to flower, and perhaps maybe even landing on your shoulder, just to make you smile. That is exactly what it was like. I have been waiting for this exhibit to make it's way back to the conservatory, since 2006. It has been a long wait, but it was very much worth it, because if possible, this year's exhibit is even more lovely then the one in 2006!

The conservatory has made a few changes for the butterflies, which I think are perfect and delightful. First of all, I noticed a much bigger variety of flowers for them to enjoy, and which also delighted this girl, because when I photograph them, I am sometimes just as fascinated by the flower the butterfly is enjoying, as I am in the details of the butterfly itself. If possible, I like to show the entire flower, as well as the butterfly. Sometimes, it is more interesting to show just the tops of the flowers, especially if the butterflies are large enough to cover the top of the blossom. When you can get both, it's twice as nice. :)

It was an amazingly beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Alan knew how much I had been looking forward to our visit there, and surprised me with the purchase of a Safari Pass. Now all our future visits are already paid for, which is nice, because I am planning on visiting as much as possible this year.

Gas prices have gotten so out of hand, that I, like most folks, have had to give up a lot of my recreation. I do what I have to do, but I can't give this up. Nope. Won't do it. If I have to do without something else in life, so be it, it's worth it to be able to see this beauty every couple weeks or so. Besides, one of the new features of the exhibit is a new nighttime safari, to see the Luna Moths after dark. I am really looking forward to that. I got my flashlight all ready, now I just need to practice up on some night photography! I want to be ready to capture their soft green glow. I am so excited about stepping up to this new challenge. Wish me luck.

Butterfly Ballet...

Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) My favorite butterfly to photograph!

Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charitonius)

Luna Moth (Actias luna)

One sad moment. I found this little moth, deceased, and missing the bottom section of it's wings. :( Made me want to cry. I noticed a lot of folks yesterday trying to capture butterflies out of the air. Touching them is strongly frowned upon. I wish visitors would try to understand that not only is it against the rules, but it is such a shame to see someone assaulting these lovely, delicate creatures. It is one thing if they land on your person, and escort you around, but touching them on purpose just isn't a good idea. By the way, that gorgeous orange butterfly you see at the top of the entry is a Julia (Drayas julia) isn't she gorgeous?! :)

Conservatory Of Flowers

-OndineMonet
Julia Dryas julia
Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
March 26, 2008
Afternoon

Once You Go Flat You Never Go Back

"Computers must be male. As soon as you commit to one you realize that if you had waited a little while longer, you could have obtained a better model. In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on, and big power surges knock them out for the rest of the day."

-Unknown

If you have been wondering what my new desk-ride looks like, here it is. Meet my brand new H.P. computer, and 19 inch flat panel LCD monitor. :) The computer and I are still getting to know one another, but because we are monogamous, we aren't rushing things. We have all the time in the world to experience all those wonderful relationship firsts. You know the ones. ;) I haven't found a name for it yet, right now I simply embrace tenderly and call it "Darling" when I turn it on. I hope our relationship will be one of mutual respect, and adventure. A girl likes a little adventure after all, at least this girl does. WINK. I have admit, as wonderful as our new relationship is, I am still seeing my old computer once in a while, we are still friends, and there are all those lingering memories on it's hard drive. And I mean really, once I fall in love, it's forever. WINK.

-OndineMonet
My New Desk Ride
Mr. Hard Drive
Berkeley, California
March 25th 2008
Morning

True Colors

"The greatest way to live with honor in the world, is to be what we pretend to be."

-Socrates

"What is uttered from the heart alone, will win the hearts of others to your own."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I like this man. Since last week, when he assumed the office of the governor of New York, a lot of personal information has come to light regarding his behavior both while in office and prior. Among the revelations are admissions of extra marital affairs by both he and his wife, and the use of illegal drugs some 25 years ago or so. Isn't it refreshing to have that kind of "bite me" honesty? I don't know if he has any plans to run for president in the future, but based on what I have seen so far, I would definitely like to see more from him.

I was going to write a blip last week, about what I felt was a careless remark made my Barack Obama. It was disappointing to hear him give such a passionate speech about racism in America, which really did seem as if it came from the heart, only to turn around and lump "most white folks" into a rather disparaging category. Yes, I was offended. I understand what he is saying about African Americans of a certain age, not being able to let go of the hurt and the pain they have had to endure, but I also look at the wisdom of one of my favorite poets, Dr. Maya Angelou, who channeled most of her pain, both personal and social, into creativity, rather then bitterness.

If you have been reading me for any length of time, you know I am not a racist. You know how I believe that anytime, we in America, waste a chance to experience talent, I consider it a tragic loss. So, hear the assumption in Obama's statement that "most white folk" have a particular racist attitude was disheartening. Now on reflection, I know what he is referring to, but I don't think it was well said. Sigh. To be honest, I am also a little disheartened that we are still having this conversation in this country. You would have thought by now, we would have moved a little further with things. That the color of one's skin wouldn't even be a consideration. But no. I suppose that is still back in that idyllic world I keep hoping I will wake up to find.

Of course in that world, Jeb Bartlett is president. LOL. I still miss the NBC show, West Wing. I loved that show, because it gave me hope. I always hoped Bush would maybe be sitting, with a bowl of killer pretzels, flipping channels as most me do, when all of a sudden he would come across that great show, and maybe, I don't know, get a clue! LOL.Unfortunately, George Bush goes to bed at 9:00 PM and it aired at 10:00 PM. It was a little bit passed his bedtime. LOL. Speaking of Bush, wouldn't it have been nice if he had admitted his alcohol use a little sooner then he did?I think I could have respected that in him. I could have respected him for admitting any one of the colossal mistakes he has made. Why is it such a terrible thing to admit one's mistakes? It makes us refreshingly human. Doesn't it?

Hillary Clinton has apparently stuck her foot in it. Yes, I can even call it straight, when the candidate I support missteps. It appears she may have exaggerated details about her trip to Bosnia in 1996. The point that she made the trip at all seems to be somewhat lost in the details. Did she do good on that trip? Did she misrepresent America? Does it matter? The focus is now on her arrival, not so much on what she might have accomplished. I am sure Barack Obama knows what that feels like. Folks focusing on your misspoken words as opposed to what you may or may not have accomplished. I can respect that she is now admitting that she misspoke. She is admitting that her account was less then accurate. Again, what's not to respect about that?

Politics is such a dirty business, but so is honesty and so is lying. That doesn't really leave much else... does it? Overall, I think I might like to have that honesty thing I keep hearing about. At least with that, you pretty much know where you stand. The only problem, however, is having the courage to ask the question you don't necessarily want to ask, and then the backbone to be able to accept the answer you might have wished you never heard.

"If you truly want honesty, don't ask questions you don't really want the answer to."

-Proverb

Clinton Red-Faced Over Bosnia Trip

Barack Obama Tries To Explain That 'Good People' Still Hold Racial Stereotypes

-OndineMonet

Karen's Monday Photo Shoot: Non-Relatives

"Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending."

-Unknown

New Monday Photo Shoot #13: Photograph someone you're not related to, who nevertheless matters to you.

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

I am still in the process of transferring my files from one computer to another, and I am a bit pressed for just the right photos for most of my entries these days, but when I thought about it, you don't have to have known someone long, or even really know them at all, to have them matter to you.

Alan and I met Joe Montana on our honeymoon. He and his family just happened to be visiting the same pumpkin patch on the same day we did. That encounter, however brief it was, started a tradition for us. Almost 18 years later, Alan and I have managed to meet a celebrity, of some sort, every year we have been married. Among them, Howard Stern, Regis Philbin, Mark Parent, Elvira, Helen Hunt, Barry Bonds, Dolly Parton, and an assortment of others. And it's always just fun. They matter to me, because it has always been a real stress buster, and I have to admit, it has made me a little less timid with the camera. Sometimes the encounters have been so brief that I have had to really think on my feet, in order to get the perfect shot. You may have seen this photo of Paula Poundstone on my blog before. It was taken at the Alameda County fair in June of 2000. She made me laugh out loud that day. I really needed that. She will always mean a lot to me for that alone. Thanks again Paula. :)

-OndineMonet
Paula Poundstone
Alameda County Fair
Pleasanton, California
June, 2000
Early Evening

Happy Easter

And spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
Rose from the dreams of it's wintry rest.

-Percy Bysshe Shelley

It's a quiet day today in our house. Alan has to work two shifts at work, so it is just me and Elvis. Alan will be home from work in an hour or so, and we will have a couple hours together before he goes to sleep for the night shift. I made him an Easter Basket, which isn't an easy feat considering he considers "Peeps" instruments of the devil. LOL. What's a girl to do? She comes up with a "Man Friendly" Easter basket. LOL. I will post more on that next week, so stay tuned.

HAPPY EASTER :)

-Carly

Round Robin Challenge: Signs Of Spring

"Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn."

- Quoted by Lewis Grizzard in "Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You."

Signs of Spring. They are everywhere. From stuffed bunnies and colored eggs waiting to be added to easter baskets, to the beautiful wildflowers you can see blooming on the side of a country road. Signs of Spring might also me heard in the peeps of the tiny birds in the nest, and the flutter of a group of butterflies all flapping their wings at once. I appreciate the season of spring more now then I once did. I love the colors, and the sounds. I love that there is still just enough of a chill in the air, that I am able to still wear my favorite sweaters that I miss so much in the summertime. I love long naps on a spring afternoon, with Elvis curled up next to me. I love that he walks in my garden, to make sure all the flowers are in place. He loves roses, and he stops and sniffs each one, staying at the spiciest ones the longest. He loves the stock almost as much!

I have moved all my flowers up next to the storage room on the side of the yard, because we are planning to put in some dwarf fruit trees in the spot where last year's flower bed was. We picked out a couple dwarf fruit trees to plant for my landlord, and for Darryl. The trees will make the yard all the more special. We will keep them in the containers for at least a year, so I might plant a few sunflowers in that space so that we will have some color there for autumn. I will share more about that later, but for now the focus is spring. The following are some photos from last spring, and the plants I am working on for this year.

Quince Blossom

Peach Blossom

My favorite planting dirt... worm free. :)

Mini Roses

Can you believe the purple stock from last year is still blooming?

Nemesia

This challenge was suggested by Nan, author of the blog, Life Is Like A Lunchbox. Be sure to drop by her place and have a look at her entry. Afterwards, drop by the other participating Robins and see their creativity as well. We are blessed with some awesome photographers, and I look forward to these challenges each time with great anticipation. All our Robins are amazing artists. If you enjoy beauty, just follow the links below. Better yet, if you want to join in, you are more then welcome. The challenges are open to everyone on the Internet with a place to post their entries. If you haven't played with us before, just pay a visit to the Round Robin Challenges blog, and read the details. Come on, you know you want to!

Linking List :)

Nan... Life is Like A Lunchbox
POSTED!

Steven... (sometimes photoblog)
POSTED!

Carly... Ellipsis
POSTED!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

Lisa... Lisa's Chaos
POSTED!

**Gattina... (See RR Sidebar for the Link)


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

Janet... Fond of Photography
POSTED!

Kiva... Eclectic Granny

POSTED!
Sandra... Strong Chemistry


Martha... Perception
POSTED!

Jan... The Prytz Family
POSTED!

Monica... Family Affair Photography ** Welcome Back**
POSTED!

Momma... Sandcastle Momma

POSTED!
Kim... Nekked Lizards

POSTED!

Jill... Letting Crazy Take A Spin

POSTED!

Chrissie... Chriseas Corner

POSTED!

Celeste... Ragracers

POSTED!

Vicki... Maracas

POSTED!

Whammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati
POSTED!

Jennifer Robin... Robins Woods
POSTED!

-OndineMonet

New Monday Photo Shoot: Being Green

"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

New Monday Photo Shoot #12: In honor of St. Patrick's Day, and in anticipation of spring, show us something green. If you want to photograph something that really is green, fine. If you want to photograph something that's definitely not green, and then edit it to look green, that's even better!

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

I thought this picture might fit the the theme of things nicely. This is a Green Ice rose, and it is one of my very favorite roses to grow. Some have a deeper green outer petal all around, and a softer pink inside. Some are double blossoms, so it has a real porcelain appearance, but don't let it's delicate appearance fool you, it is a very hearty rose, with a soft rose scent that is amazingly easy to grow. I love putting these roses on the table as a decoration for St. Patrick's Day, but doesn't it just say, "Welcome to Spring" as well? :)

-OndineMonet
"Green Ice Rose"
Berkeley, California
March 19th, 2008
Afternoon

No News Is...

"It is not necessary to change, survival is not mandatory."

-W. Edwards Dening

Well, I bet you thought I dropped off the planet. Well no, not quite, but I think I came close a couple times. LOL. They say things come in threes, and you know what? I think it might be true! Last week, my lovely EMachine computer died a slow, horrible, painful death. Sigh. It was probably about time, it was over 3 years old, and I had really put it through it's paces. We had all too many programs installed, including games and all their expansion packs, and I left it on almost constantly, because waiting for it to power up in the morning took a long time, and for some reason, since I jumped onto the Internet in 2002, my tolerance for waiting is almost non-existent. LOL. Have you noticed a change in your patience since you jumped on the net, or is it just me?

Anyway, I was all set to resume regular posting here at Ellipsis, when my computer, Megan, sighed her last sigh. It was sad, but reluctantly I, I mean we, moved on. We shopped around all last weekend, and finally found our new computer friend at Best Buy in Dublin, California. It is a H.P. Desktop, and it comes loaded with lots of nifty features that appeal to the gamer in Alan, and the photo nut in me. It has a lovely 19-in Flat screen LCD Monitor, which I am completely in love with, and it has the cool nifty tool of Light Scribe, for making wonderfully full color Cd's. I love making mixed Cd's for listening to in the car, and with this tool I can now make them look good as well. Fun, fun, fun. The computer also comes with Windows Vista program, which is of course, nothing like XP.

It is taking me a long time to get used to it, but I am enjoying having something new to challenge me. :) I am thinking about buying, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Windows Vista," because I love the Idiot's Guides series of books. Every time I have felt completely lost over something, those guides have been there to show me the way. Nice, plain, easy to read instructions on everything from YOGA, to chewing gum while walking. LOL. Well, actually, I don't really know if they offer that last one, but wouldn't that be a great idea for a new Idiot's Guide? LOL. Maybe I should write that one. Hmmmm...

Anyway. It has been a rough couple months, and my diabetic numbers have been reflecting that. One day last week, my after lunch reading was well over 250. That is an extreme rarity for me, and the weird part was that I hadn't had anything extraordinary for lunch. I had Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Meatloaf meal. My usual reading after eating that has been 122. So, to see my glucose reading be over 250, signaled to me that all the stress has been getting to me... big time. I have all the tools I need to make the adjustments, I just have to be more diligent about things, such as getting the right kind of rest, and not paying too much attention to the evening news, and you know who! LOL.

Ok, so, that's where I have been the last week or so. I am definitely back to my normal schedule now. I hope you are all still with me, but if you aren't that's ok too, someone new will come along, and I will still be right over here running my big FemiNazi, liberal, girly-girl mouth, and spouting my opinion whether it is asked for or not. Lord, am I charming or what? LOL.

-OndineMonet
"No News"
Berkeley, California
March 19th, 2008
Afternoon

The Sad Case Of Gov. Eliot Spitzer

"Women need a reason to have sex, men just need a place."

-Billy Crystal

Here we go again... another politician has been caught with his pants down. For the most part, when these stories make the news, I tend to giggle a bit and then invest no more time in it. I don't happen to think it's any of my business, because overall it doesn't really affect me. It doesn't raise gas prices, it doesn't make us more vulnerable to terrorism, it doesn't screw with the economy, pardon the pun, and it doesn't cause the death of innocent people. Some would call a politician visiting a prostitute a victimless crime. I am not sure I would go that far. There are some definite victims in this situation. I am sure if you ask the wife and children of, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, how they are feeling today, you would probably get some very well spoken, and politically careful responses about the pain they are feeling, but lets face it, betrayal is going to hurt... deep.

Maybe one of the reasons I tend to take a, "who cares?" attitude is because when I vote for a politician, I don't vote for a moral leader. My father taught us, at a young age, to vote for the the politician who came closest to they direction I felt things should be taken for social and economic reasons. Of course how the man, or woman conducts themselves in public was up for consideration, but their record in their careers mattered more, because that is what directly affected the present and the future.

It never made sense to me that so much was spent on the situation with Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. So much time, money, and emotional investment, for what amounted to an affair. She wasn't a prostitute, she was a consenting adult, and so was he. In my opinion he didn't betray me, he didn't betray the office of the presidency, he betrayed those who had an emotional investment in his personal behavior. I am so sick of seeing good politicians ruined over societies views of what is sexually acceptable. On the other hand, I have to wonder sometimes if these individuals actually want to be caught in the act.

I find it striking that Gov. Spitzer worked so diligently on rounding up prostitution rings. He was tough on crime, and well respected for his efforts. He had the nickname "Eliot Ness," because he was so tough. So, why in the world did he think he could engage in this behavior and not get caught? Did he believe he was above the law, like so many politicians do? Did he have a momentary laps of judgement? Was he lonely? Does it matter what his reasoning was? There can be a million reasons why any of us do anything we do... good or bad. I don't know that we always do the right thing when we throw people away because of situations like this one, but for some reason, this case bothers me more then others have.

It seems to me that the obvious is all too true here. He should have known better. He of all people should have known that in this day and age, the chances of being caught were off the charts, and yet he still chose to put in his order for a call girl, travel from New York to Washington, booked a room in the Mayflower Hotel, which I find amusingly ironic, and then continue on with the deed. It's so sad to see what was, by all accounts a brilliant career, wasted in the blink of an eye. This is one of the few times where I find myself agreeing with those who say that he should step down.

His focus as a politician is shot. The confidence that the people of New York have put in him has been betrayed, and to recover from that will be too difficult, and it would be another unnecessary distraction from the things we should be caring about. If he does step down, it might very well mean Hillary Clinton would be losing the Super Delegate vote that Spitzer would have cast. He had given her his endorsement, and that makes me feel sad for her as well. It would mean she was hurt once again by a man's betrayal. It's a shame that if he steps down he loses the right to cast that vote, but that's the penalty for allowing your own selfishness to rule you... even for one afternoon. So sad.

-OndineMonet

Karen's Monday Photo Shoot: Far and Near

"I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may - light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful."

-John Constable

New Monday Photo Shoot #11: Take a picture of something far away - but include something much closer in the same shot.

-Karen Funk Blocker, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

Again I find myself visiting my archives to find a photo to suit an entry, but I really think I found just the right one to fit the topic! I took this photo March 7th, 2007, on an absolutely beautiful, clear bright day here in the Bay Area. In this picture you see some beautiful seagulls up close, and the Berkeley Pier in background. And further beyond that you see the hills in Marin County. :) I wish every day was this clear and calm. It was the perfect day to have my camera in my hand. :) It makes me smile just thinking about it.

Here are a few other photos I came across that fit the topic "Far and Near."

Here you see snow up close, and the lovely, green Santa Cruz Mountains in the background. :)

This is not just any sunset in my my rear view mirror, that is the last sunset of 2007! It was simply gorgeous that night, this photo doesn't come close to doing it justice. :)

"Reality is a question of perspective; the further you get from the past, the more concrete and plausible it seems - but as you approach the present, it inevitably seems incredible."

-Salman Rushdie

-OndineMonet
"Far and Near"
Berkeley Pier
Berkeley, California
March 7th, 2007
Early Afternoon

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