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

The Politics Of Sustenance

"To say that obesity is caused by merely consuming too many calories is like saying that the only cause of the American Revolution was the Boston Tea Party."

-Adelle Davis

Watch out... another stupid republican is afoot... and he is trying to help us! I can't even believe it's true, but if Mississippi Rep. W.T. Mayhall, Jr. gets his way, a bill will be enacted in his state that will require restaurant patrons to be weighed before being allowed to order food at restaurants. According to Junkfood Science, "Mayhill authored the bill in all seriousness" but even he believes it won't pass. If it is passed, "the bill would require that people who are obese, as defined by the state, be banned from being served in restaurants." You can read the full text of the bill here.

I cannot understand why republican politicians continue to take the, most impractical, and irresponsible approaches to nearly every problem facing America today. There is an obesity epidemic in America, we have all known that for a long time, but real change comes when we raise awareness to such devastating afflictions, potentially caused by obesity, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Real change comes from practical, proactive approaches like working with a physician and a nutritionist, to find out what each individual's physical and nutritional needs are. Diets don't work, because they try to tell everyone the same information, the truth is, each individual has individual needs according to their blood chemistry and hereditary makeup.Diets don't work, but eating healthy does.

Diets don't work, because more often then not, they are the short cut to a better physical appearance, rather then a healthy lifestyle that will last forever. I have learned so much about nutrition since I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, and I haven't learned nearly enough, but what I do know is, in the case of Type 2 Diabetes, it doesn't just sit around waiting for an obese person to come along, it is a non-discriminate intruder. It's true, you are at a higher risk for diabetes is you are obese, but that isn't the only risk, there are other factors as well. That's why it's so important to try to lead a healthy lifestyle as early in life as possible.

I have been so impressed with my HMO and it's approach to wellness. I have Kaiser Permanente, and they have some very good resources available for not just taking care of the body but the mind as well. Natural approaches to pain management and real, easy to follow nutrition guides for healthy eating. They offer classes in nutrition, which are well run and sound in their advice. Coming up this spring, are a number of classes available in meditation and YOGA, because leading a healthy life isn't just about the outside, it's about being healthy on the inside too. I know of what I speak. I have completely changed my ideas about health and nutrition since I was diagnosed, and at my last visit, my doctor smiled, shook her head, and said, "Carly, your test results are terrific." And all it took was some dedication and effort on my part.

When Hillary Clinton tried to present a viable health plan to congress, back in the 1990's, Kaiser was one of the HMO's that she used, as an example of a well run system. It is my understanding that a lot of the principles in her health care initiative was based on Kaiser's system. Too bad it was shot down in the senate. Hopefully, if she is given the democratic nomination, we can finally see some real, practical changes in America. Healthy changes. I believe in her approach to bringing health care to all Americans. I believe she will encourage, not discourage. But even her help won't be enough, because the really hard work has to come from each of us, from within. Like with all other challenges, America's problem with obesity must be faced with truth, education, patience, and with a solid approach to a healthy lifestyle. Period. Humiliation simply doesn't have a place.

Read the entire Junkfood Science article here...

No Fat People Allowed: Only The Slim Will Be Allowed To Dine In Public!


NOTE: Earlier "Anonymous" left me the comment that Bill 282 was actually a bi-partisan bill, which is 100 percent correct. The three names on the bill include 2 republicans, W. T Mayhill, John Read, and democrat, Bobby Shows. So I suppose it is more accurate for me to say that "2 stupid republicans and one stupid democrat is afoot and they are trying to help us." Thank you Anonymous!

-OndineMonet
"Bread and Butter"
Santa Cruz, California
October 14th, 2005
Late Afternoon

National Wear Red Day

"Red is the ultimate cure for sadness."

-Bill Blass

Today is, National Wear Red Day, to bring awareness to the #1 cause of death among women, Heart Disease. I will be wearing red today, how about you? The entire month of February is about the heart, and how to live a healthy life. I celebrate every February by doing as many proactive things for my health as possible. I have already made appointments with my physician for my diabetes check, but also for my yearly mammogram. Alan is joining me in wearing red today, and for dinner tonight, he and I are having a yummy homemade Veggie Pizza, made with a Whole-Wheat Honey Crust. It feels good to take care of myself, and it feels really good when he and I take care of each other.

So tell me, have you been taking care of you lately? Do you need an appointment for your annual physical? Do you do any research into the health issues which most effect your gender and age group? Do you get regular exercise? Do you EAT YOUR VEGGIES? LOL. That last question applied to both this entry and our next Round Robin Challenge. If you would like to participate you are welcome to join in, and hey, look, it will not only be a fun way to share your photos, but it will also be a neat little way to show off how you are taking care of yourself!

Here is what I am wearing today...

Here is what I am having for lunch...

Will you consider joining me this month, in making February a more healthy month for us? Share with me a favorite website devoted to health matters, share a favorite healthy recipe or healthy eating tip. I am always looking for new great websites devoted to health matters. How about this... I am pledging to not eat out for the entire month of February, with the exception of the last day of the 25th, when I have a date with Alan. Will you join me in that pledge? Just see how much better you will feel, sleep, and function, after spending a whole month knowing exactly how many calories, sodium content and vitamins you are putting in your body. It's a little bit of work, but aren't you worth it?

Here are some websites to get you started...

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Mayo Clinic Online

Cooking Light

Hungry Girl

Go Red With Campbell's

Calorie King


If you aren't ready to jump in full steam ahead, then take little steps, but move yourself forward. So many different diseases can be stopped in their tracks, if we just make the effort and comittment to lead healthier lives. I am living proof of that. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and with a few simple changes, I kicked it's ass and today, my blood sugar is well under control. But I would rather not see you have to be faced with diabetes. Start today. Let's get healthy, and stay healthy together. I am right here, if anyone wants to join me. :) And if not... just know, I will just keep asking, because you mean a lot to me.


-OndineMonet
"National Heart Awareness Month"
Berkeley, California
February 1st, 2008
Afternoon

Get LOST With Me...

"How can you put on a meaningful drama, when every fifteen minutes, preceedings are interrupted by twelve dancing rabbits with toilet paper?"

-Rod Serling in Submitted For Your Approval, Public Broadcasting Stations, 1995

Tonight, the phone gets taken off the hook. Elvis gets feed and put to bed early, my cell phone is placed ever so gently under a stack of fluffy pillows, the computer is turned off, and everything else in our house goes as silent as we can get it, so that Alan and I can sit back and completely enjoy the season premier of the hit ABC drama, "LOST."

That's right, Carly does not live by politics alone! LOL. I do like a little pop culture thrown in for fun once in a while. While I wouldn't call myself a TV addict, there are a few TV shows I have found myself devoted to this year. I loved last season's FX original, The Riches, and I have been enjoying this season's Pushing Daisies, nothing much else has caught my eye. A favorite of mine for the last few seasons, Desperate Housewives, like most other network programs, has fallen to the on-going writer's strike, so there isn't much more to say unfortunately. For my humor and political fix, I have, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, to provide me with a little fun distraction 4 nights a week, and HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday's, but I have to say, I have missed the seeing new episodes of the network shows I had become fond of.

So, it will be nice to see LOST again, for however long it is around this time. I think I heard somewhere that only 8 episodes were taped before the beginning of the strike, so that might mean an even shorter season for the show. Sigh. But that's ok, it is always compelling, and always sexy and edgy, and doggonit... what the heck is the deal with that demon thingy anyway! LOL. Will Kate and Jack get together now that he has finally, FINALLY, admitted he is in love with her. And what about Sawyer? Damn... that man's got it going on! If I were Kate, who would I pick? Jack? Sawyer? Jack? Sawyer? Holy Toledo!! Can you imagine being stuck on a deserted island with those two? And that is only one of the storylines. LOL.There's also Hurley, and John, and, Ben and...

It drives me crazy, because it seems to ask more questions, then it answers. And because it is not on for a full season each year, I tend to get a little lost in the details, but every season premier night, like tonight, I pop the popcorn, grab the 4 chocolate dipped strawberries, and the diet soda, turn all the noise off, and let myself get lost right along with everyone else, because despite the irritations, and frustrations the show leaves me with, it is one of the best written shows to come along in a long, long time. When I watch shows like this one, and The Riches and Pushing Daisies, I just want to send out a big shout... "Come on people, pay the writers what they deserve, and get on with it!"

Hurley is my favorite character. He usually provides the comic relief, but his drama is fabulous as well!

Jack and Kate?

Or Sawyer and Kate?

"Libby" played by Cynthia Watros, was my favorite character from past seasons. I read over the summer that Watros will be reprising the role either later this season or early next. She is a great actress no matter what she is in. I have been watching her since her days as the wacky nutcase, Annie Dutton, on Guiding Light, back in the mid 90's.

Are you going to be watching LOST tonight along with me? :) Who is your favorite character? Which character would you like to see comeback? Jack and Kate or Sawyer and Kate? Which character do you find most compelling?

-OndineMonet
NOTE: Please forgive my spelling errors, my spell check seems to be on the fritz. Sheesh!

Goodbye John Edwards

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

-Plato

This saddens me. John Edwards, will make it official today, in New Orleans, that he is dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination. While I have to admit that in recent days he had lost me, I still believed in him. He is a good man, he would have been good for America. So why did I turn to another candidate in the last week? Well, thank you for asking.

It came down to hearing, and seeing, in another candidate the right answers to my questions. Not just the questions I write about here sometimes, but those quiet questions we all carry around. It's about all the work we are in for, when the new president takes office. It's about practicality verses high hopes, and ultimately, it's about experience. Hillary Clinton has been dealt more then one blow in her life, and not only did she survive, she prospered. In the public eye, she has been called everything in the book, and yet she moves on with humor and strength.

One of the things that initially excited me about John Edwards, was how he and his wife handled Elizabeth Edward's cancer. They had an up close and personal view of the strain of catastrophic illness. I believed that he had a real and strong desire to not just be president, but to NOT LET US DOWN. He spoke in practical terms. He spoke to the middle class. He spoke about a better life in America, not the dream of a better life. He made me feel like America could once again be that great country we all like to think it is, but in reality is far from it.

We don't lead the world in economics. We don't lead the world in education. We don't lead the world in democracy, as long as our own government is spying on us. We don't lead the world in health care. We don't lead the world in...

The list is a long one. We need someone who can help bring us back to what we once were. I think Edwards could have been that man, which is why he was on my sidebar for months. Then, one day, I began to hear more of the right answers coming from Hillary Clinton. I believe she is the right person for the White House. And in a perfect world, John Edwards would be her running mate. That would be a ticket I could believe in. Can you see it?



Goodbye John Edwards, for now. Hope to see you soon!

-OndineMonet

Hair... Like A Virgin... Combed For The Very First Time

"Long hair minimizes the need for barbers; socks can be done without; one leather jacket solves the coat problem for many years; suspenders are superfluous."

-Albert Einstein

Ok, what the heck is going on? For the last month or so, I have been seeing BIG 80's hair everywhere I have been. Not on everybody of course, but here and there for sure. Enough so I have noticed. It's so weird. It's like I died, and suddenly I am existing in an alternate New Wave higher, or maybe lower, existence. LOL. Or could it be... fret... that I am finally old enough, that the New Wave style has finally come back into vogue? In either case, this 40-something lady will have no part of it. Nope. I did the Madonna hair, the Stevie Nicks hair. In the 90's I had "The Rachel" look, but now, in 2008, I have "The Carly"... and it just feels nice to have my own style. :)

So tell me, what of this phenomenon? Have you been seeing big hair everywhere also? Is it coming back into style? Inquiring minds want to know!

-OndineMonet

And Now A Word From The Resident Of The United States

"This morning I was with the vice president. I was asking him what costume he was planning. And he said, 'I'm already wearing it.' The he mumbled something about 'the dark side of the force."

-George W. Bush, October 31st 2007

Tonight is President Bush's last State of the Union address. WOOHOO! I can't tell you how absolutely thrilled I am to have that little piece of knowledge. SIGH OF RELIEF. Honestly, aren't you just thrilled about the invention of the term limits? Well, on the other hand, maybe you believe George Bush is the best thing since term limits, and if so, ok. Personally, I don't understand your devotion, but I will agree it's your right to feel that way. But I have to ask... why? What do you feel his strongest points have been during his time in office, and what, if any were his weaknesses? I am not sure I will hear very many opinions in favor of Bush, not because there is no one out there who still believes in him, but rather because I don't think I have any conservative readers. It's ok, but if you feel like playing "Devil's Advocate" go for it!

I am looking into my hippie, gypsy crystal ball and what do I see. I see Dubya walking up to the microphone in the senate chamber and now he is speaking. (Hold on while I plug the earphones into the crystal ball). I hear him saying that the surge has worked in Iraq, that things are safer then ever. The Iraqi people are beginning to prosper, and things are going well. We can't leave however because it was just reported we lost 5 more American military lives to roadside bombings, so the winning surge must continue. I guess the mission still hasn't been accomplished.

Now he is asking that his education program, No Child Left Behind" be extended. I have to wonder where he gets the nerve on that one. It's a fact Bush himself has failed the program on funding. According to Wikipedia, "President Bush's 2008 budget allots $61 billion for the Education Department, cutting funding by $1.4 billion from last year. 44 of 50 states will receive a reduction in funding if the budget passes as is." The program has received widespread criticism from teachers, parents, and administrators regarding it's fairness in standardised testing. This program needs to be retired, it hasn't and isn't working. Can't we learn that lesson and move on to an education program that does?

I think I am going to turn away. I'm already sad. I thought his last, State of the Union, address would have made me more happy then this. Whoever our new president will be, one things for sure, they will certainly have their hands full. If a Democrat wins, we must be patient. Change will come, but it won't be overnight. Not at all. Especially if we don't unseat a few more republican senators next November. We will have to do our part. If a republican wins, well I don't believe much will change, it will be the same boat, with a different captain in appearance, but with the same narrow minded agenda. War is good, education and health care reform can wait, and who cares what the world thinks of us. Sigh.

And now a poem, comprised entirely of George Bush Quotes...



Make The Pie Higher
By George W. Bush

I think we all agree, the past is over.
This is a dangerous world.
It's a world of madmen
And Uncertainty
And potential mental losses.

Rarely is the question asked
Is our children learning?
Will the highways of the Internet
Become more few?
How many hands have I shaked?

They misunderestimated me.
I am a Pitbull on the pantleg of opportunity.
I know that the human being and the fish can coexist.

Families is where our nation finds hope.
Where our wings take dream.
Put food on your family!
Knock down the tollbooth!
Vulcanize society!
Make the pie higher!
Make the pie higher!

You can read an interesting article about this poem at Snopes.com.

NOTE: If you are a fan of Comedy Central's "Lil Bush" there is some good news! It will be returning with all new episodes, March 13th.


357 Days, 6 hours 16 minutes... and counting!

-OndineMonet

My New Pink Glow

"Just because you are not sick, doesn't mean you are healthy."

-Unknown

I am a member of the OneTouch Gold community, and recently I decided to see if I qualified for a free upgrade of my diabetes monitor. I do. The upgrade they are currently offering is the OneTouch UltraMini, which now comes in colors. So, I chose, Pink Glow, for my new meter. It's a pretty color, very pink, which will be nice for spring, and it is a lot smaller then the one in the photo above, the OneTouch Ultra 2. It will be less to carry around with me. I like that because I like to have my meter with me when I go out with the camera. Every once in a while we grab a bite out, and I try to be good about checking my blood reading before and after each meal.

I know this is going to sound silly, but it is a nice little lift to my spirits to have something a little more feminine to check my blood with. The OneTouch Ultra 2 meter is wonderful, I am so glad that is the one my HMO gave me, but this new one almost feels more like a fashion accessory, then a blood glucose meter. There are some pluses to the new meter, such as it's pretty color and it's slender design, but a definite minus is the fact that it only saves 50 results as opposed to the OneTouch Ultra 2 which holds 500. Still, if all goes well at my upcoming appointment, I will get the all clear for testing less often. That's the goal anyway.

My next A1C test is coming up in a month. A month from today to be exact. And I think everything has been going really well. I am sure my test result will reflect how serious I have taken things, but still there is that dread of the unknown, random thing that could muck it all up. LOL. Actually, except for the occasional weird moments when my blood starts to drop for some unknown reason, I have been recording fairly consistent numbers. Here are what my current readings are...

All Results Average: 119 mg/dl

Before Meal Average: 97 (for the last 7 days)

Last 14 Days: 102

Last 30 Days: 104

After Meal Average: 135 (for the last 7 days)

Last 14 Days: 134

Last 30 Days: 130

Not bad. I have managed to keep it within 5 points up or down, but I keep working toward the lowest possible reading. It's work, especially when I am less active in the wintertime. Sigh. I am keeping my weight within boundaries, and I am always experimenting with new recipes. Alan gave me a nifty new cookbook for Christmas, that I highly recommend to all diabetics, Better Homes and Gardens,Simple Everyday Diabetic Meals. The recipes are easy, and a lot of fun, not to forget delicious. Tonight, for example, I am making "Egg and Potato Casserole", for dinner, and "Maple-Nut Baked Apples" for dessert. Yum. And don't forget the Fat-Free whipped topping on top. :) Perfect for a cold winter night. It's little things, like a guilt-free dessert, that makes a diabetics day a happy one! Especially if you have a sweet tooth like I do.

I have to send a BIG raspberry sound out to Starbuck's this week, for discontinuing their Light Blended Cream Base. What were they thinking? I was just telling you a couple weeks ago, about how delicious the Starbuck's Green Tea Light Blended Frappuccino was, and within a week I found out I can't get it any longer in it's light form. BOOOO! HISSSSS. Hopefully they will bring it back by this summer. I can order the regular version, but it wouldn't be the healthiest of choices. Sigh. Man, I really loved that drink... a lot! I wrote the company an email, telling them of my dissatisfaction, I will keep you updated if they respond.

While Starbuck's might have let me down, my new favorite website, Hungry Girl, hasn't. I look forward to my daily newsletter email from there. This is a great website with tons of resources and product updates. I tried the recipe for Pumpkin Pie made with a lighter crust option, and it was FABULOUS!! You don't have to be a diabetic to get a lot from this website, even if you are just working toward managing your current weight, it is a terrific place to get current, relevant information. Be sure to check it out.

February 29th is when I see my physician, both for my 4-month diabetes check, and for my annual breast exam and mammogram. Yes, I will be having my date with Mr. Squishy that day as well. I sure wish they had a different way to check my girls for aliens. LOL. (Rolling my eyes). I am thinking about calling Dr. "E" a week or so before my appointment and requesting she order my A1C prior to my visit, so we can discuss the results during my visit with her. It's a fasting test, and I would rather have it early in the day, rather then waiting all day to eat. I don't know about you, but I get downright weird when I don't eat. Yes... LOL... weirder then usual! LOL.

So tell me, if you are living with diabetes, which meter do you use? Are you happy with it, and what do you feel are it's pluses and minuses?

-OndineMonet
"My OneTouch Ultra2 Kit"
Berkeley, California
January 27th, 2008
Evening

Round Robin Challenge: Landmarks

"The remarkable thing is that it is the crowded life that is the most easily remembered. A life full of turns, achievements, disappointments, surprises, and crisis is a life full of landmarks. The empty life has even it's few details blurred, and cannot be remembered with certainty."

-Eric Hoffer

My pal, and Round Robin teammate, Karen, author of the blog, Outpost Mavarin, chose one of my suggestions for the challenges to play this time around. Cool. Thank you for that Karen. Believe it or not, I had to think and rethink what I want to do for the challenge. I pondered doing some photos of some of the more well known landmarks here in the Bay Area such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower or even Sather Tower located here in Berkeley, on the Berkeley campus. But let's face it, I have photographed those places to death... don't you think? I love the bridge, and it is definitely one of my favorite subjects to photograph, but it has become a bit too comfortable. So, for this challenge I am not posting my usual Bay Area icons, instead I am going to show you a very special landmark, that is all tucked away in the mountains in the South Bay, Alice's Restaurant, located in Woodside, California.

Named after the song, Alice's Restaurant, made famous by Arlo Guthrie, this Alice's Restaurant is a true country diner gem. While it may not be the original restaurant the folk singer sang about, it has an unmistakable charm that has me looking forward to my next visit. As you know, I like taking long drives for special culinary treats, like the amazing apple juice that can only be found at the Apple Farm, in San Luis Obispo, well now that I have visited Alice's, and had their French Fries, I would most certainly take that drive again for their fries. Hot, crispy, and light on the oil. YUM. I don't usually eat fried foods anymore, but this was a neat little treat. It really hit the spot on that cold snowy day, last week.

The building the restaurant is in, was originally built in the early 1900's and served as a general store t0 support the logging industry in the area. What had been called "Four Corners" was then turned into a restaurant. The building was eventually purchased by Alice Taylor, who renamed the restaurant after herself, and the song. The restaurant was sold again in the 1970's and has been family owned ever since. On summer days you can see long lines of bikers, stopping by for one of the fabulous burgers on the menu. I am planning another trip to Woodside, sometime this summer, and you know I will take lots of pictures. :)

A Wooden Indian greets you at the door!

A comfortable homey atmosphere.

I loved the lighting through the lace curtains.

Alan and I split a large French Fries. YUM.

Alan had a second cup of coffee.

I had a little fun setting up a "Still Life." :)

You can get a look at the menu at Alice's Restaurant by clicking here. And if you find yourself in the mountains near Woodside, be sure to drop into the landmark restaurant for a yummy meal, and enjoy the great "Oldies" music they have on the radio. :)

Linking List *Welcome New Members!

Carly... Ellipsis
POSTED!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

Sandra... Strong Chemistry
POSTED!

Betty... Biker Betty


Jill... Letting Crazy Take A Spin
POSTED!

*Martha... Perception
POSTED!

Lisa... Lisa's Chaos
POSTED!

Sandy... Myanderings
POSTED!

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

Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
POSTED!

Nan... Life Is Like A Lunchbox
POSTED!

*Rachel... Rachel Schell, Spokane Photographer


Janet... Fond Of Snape
POSTED!

Vicki... Maraca


*Kim... Rainy Day Diamonds


Marie... Photographs And Memories Too
POSTED!

Chrissea... Chris-seas Corner


Teena... It's all about me!


*Robinella... Robin's Nest
POSTED!

*Janet... From The Planet Of Janet


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

Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pixs
POSTED!

*Pamela... The Dust Will Wait
POSTED!

Kim... Nekked Lizard Adventures
POSTED!

Duane... Life, The Universe And Everything
POSTED!

Gina... Gina's Space
POSTED!

*Momma... Sandcastle Momma
POSTED!

*Molly... Return of the White Robin
POSTED!

Sarah... Charish me
POSTED!


Be sure to drop by the official Round Robin blog later this weekend, to find out what our next challenge will be! :)

-OndineMonet
"Alice's Restaurant"
Woodside, California
January 22, 2008
Late Afternoon

My Snowy Stranger (Haiku)

"It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanities."

-Paul Strand

I had a good in the snow time earlier this week, especially with all the little happy touches I found here and there. Is there anything more happy, in the middle of a cold, cold winter, then the sight of a cheerful little snowman? This little guy wasn't very tall at all, but he had me smiling most of the day. It was an amazing feeling to feel snow between my fingers for the first time. It felt warmer then I thought it would, and now I know, I prefer it to rain. Yes, definitely. I did have a difficult time with the aches and pains that followed later in the day, but that is kind of a fact of life in winter. When the temperature drops, so does my toleration for pain. I am dealing with my Fibromyalgia the best I can, and I know trips like this are going to be a trade off. Sometimes that fact makes me sad. I will never accept that life has so many trade-offs to it.

I will probably be homebody the rest of the weekend, due to the large storm outside right now. High winds, talk of flooding in the Bay Area, and this is only day one of the 3 day storm. Yuck. Still, there is supposed to be a lovely, lively bit of lightning and thunder later today. I LOVE that. I sky making a big noise, and everything smells so good. :) I like to sit by the window and watch it rain, and maybe wish just a little that it would snow, and cover the whole world in those soft, mushy little individual flakes that make me happy. Like I said... everything is a trade-off.

My Snowy Stranger (Haiku)
By Carly Gordon

My Snowy Stranger
Made Of Soft Winter Moments
Waves Warmly Goodbye

-OndineMonet
"My Snowy Stranger"
Woodside, California
January 22, 2008
Afternoon

Cold Financial Roads

"If you lend someone $20.00, and you never see them again, it was probably worth it."

-Unknown

Well, congress and the White House, have reached an agreement regarding the proposed stimulus package. Will it help boost consumer confidence? Does it make you feel better about the future of the American economy? Will it help hold off a recession or is it too little too late? What about the world markets, will this attempt by the government bring about a long-range fix or a temporary stabilization which can't possibly be sustained? And while we are on the subject, just what exactly got us into this mess in the first place? Are we Americans dropping the ball and not doing our part?

I have been reading as much as I can since early January about the state of the economy. I want to understand what's going on, why are the mortgage companies dropping like flies? What part does the decline play in the overall economy? Well, if you read about the decline in the housing market, you will more then likely find yourself shaking your head in disbelief. You find housing loans being issued to folks who want nothing more then to provide for their families. Folks who want a roof over their heads, being taken in by the greed of the mortgage companies. But wait, didn't these people who purchased the loans know what they were doing? Didn't they know they would eventually have to face the pinch of the variable rate?

Of course they did. So why did they take the bait? There are a lot factors to be considered when seeking an answer to that question. I expect that there isn't a simple answer. For some it was the drive to take care of their families, while others took these loans as an investment in the short term. Either way, the bubble has burst, and the economy will be affected by it for years to come. So, what now? How do we turn things around? I personally don't think this rebate will even come close to fixing the problems, because we aren't addressing the other issues contributing to the overall economic downfall. Higher gas prices at the pump, drives the price up for everything. It is a simple fact. It's shocking to me that with America in as serious economic state as it finds itself in now, oil companies are still reporting record gains.

I don't think you can blame the housing market for the state of the economy, and yet when the fingers start pointing to the cause, this is the first thing you hear about. Yes, it is significant, but I don't think we can necessarily ignore the other things that contribute to why folks choose not to spend. Let's face it, other than making your mortgage payment, what do you put your money toward next? Getting to and from work. And to do that, we have to fill our tanks. After housing costs and the need for gas, what comes next? Well, we have to have some energy to keep us warm, then we need to put food on the table, next comes the clothes on our backs and then what comes next? Entertainment? Recreation?

I remember, back in the mid to late 80's there was a housing boom in the Bay Area. Housing costs and property taxes were high, in San Francisco, and in the closer urban areas, so developers started looking out toward western San Joaquin County. Suddenly there was housing popping up in small towns such as, Tracy, California, priced in the affordable low $100,00's, to the mid-$200.00's. Those houses were snatched up, and the great commute across the Altamont Pass began.

But there was also a stability in prices, and even with rumors of instability in growth and economics, a pattern of stability remained. Things seemed to be working and Bay Area economy maintained a level of stability. Folks were willing to pay the prices at the pump, to live in the newer communities where housing was affordable, and commute to the larger cities where the pay was greater. Trickle down economics didn't work, but what did work was the fact that America didn't just put a band-aid on it's problems and call it healed, no, we fixed the problems to the point that it sometimes hurt.

I fear that this stimulus package is simply putting a band-aide on the injured economy, rather then addressing the cancer plaguing it. The war is an economy issue, so is gas prices, which cause the inflation of everything we spend money on across the board. We should not be kindly asking that the price of gas and oil be lowered by the countries supplying it, we should be demanding it, and I am not sure why we aren't. We consumers have been very complacent about the price of things. Why is that? I am no economics wizard, but even I know to have growth you have to have more coming in then going out. Sigh. Ok, I admit it, having that little check coming from the government in a few months will be nice, but I don't have plans to take it back out and spend it in a shopping frenzy. Even folks like Alan and I, who have no children, or a mortgage to think about, have other financial concerns, like the future of our retirement, which is coming up in about 15 years.

The future will never be 100 percent certain, and as I grow older I do read more and more about the economy and what causes the occasional flux to occur. How about you? Have you found yourself reading about things more often lately? Do you believe this stimulus package will be the shot in the arm the economy needs to bounce back? Will you be spending the rebate or will you more then likely put it away for a rainy day? What is your overall opinion of the situation with the economy? Tell me what's on your mind. How would you pursue fixing the economy in the long run? Opinions, opinions.

"How Recessions Work" from the website, How Stuff Works.

-OndineMonet
"Cold Financial Roads"
Woodside, California
January 22, 2008
Afternoon

Powdered Sugar

"There is nothing more beautiful than the forest clothed to it's very hollow with fresh snow."

-William Sharp

You might have noticed that I didn't post an entry yesterday, did you miss me? LOL. Well, see, as much as I missed posting an entry yesterday, but it is a very good example of how things are for me, as I live with Fibromyalgia these days, especially in the winter. Sometimes I know I have a certain amount of energy to spare, and I have to make choices on how I want to use that energy. Alan and Elvis come first, then comes my photography, then comes blogging. I love blogging, and sharing my thoughts and photographs, but it is after all, at best, a hobby. So, when the news yesterday promised a nice a accumulation of snow at the summit, in the Santa Cruz mountains, Alan and I decided to make a day of it. Snow at that level is a rare occurrence in the Bay Area, although in recent years there has been a few more snow days then in previous years. :)

It was a very good day. Not only did I manage to get a nice number of winter photography done, but I also came up with something a little special for the upcoming Round Robin challenge, "Landmarks." It was a good day for my creativity, but with the cold came a lot of aches and pains, some swollen joints and my blood was a bit elevated after dinner. I am not sure what made it go up. It could have been the pain and tiredness caused by the Fibro, it could have been the talk Alan and I had on the way to the mountains, about the president's stimulus package, and how it just might be a case of "too little too late." Sigh. Of course it might also have been neither of those two things, but rather a just a fact of being a diabetic. Diabetes has a mind of it's own. You can do everything exactly right, and still have to face a rising A1c test result. All you can do is, do the best you can, and try to keep your stress level down.

I was happy playing in the snow yesterday, and I think my photos will reflect that. But today is going to be a lot less active. I have to consider both conditions I deal with, so, except for a trip downtown to the cheese shop, I am going to pretty much be a homebody today. And it's a good day for it! Did you know that today is National Pie day? Yep, it is. And I have big plans for a low maintenance afternoon. I am going to make either a Sugar-free Pumpkin Pie or maybe a Sugar-free Berry Pie. I have a recipe that I got from the Hungry Girl website for a wonderful Pumpkin pie that is only 133 calories per serving. :) I will let you know how it comes out. But for now, enjoy my winter photos, which is proof positive, that it not only rains in California, sometimes it snow also. :)

Enjoy...

People frolicking in the snow at the crossroads of HWY 35 and HWY 9

Alan, holding snow. "Don't you dare throw that at me, Alan!"

I got to hold some snow, briefly, then I threw it at Alan! Tee Hee.

Lovely snow covered hill. I love photographing fences. :)

Is there anything more lovely then flowers in the snow? Especially lavender flowers. :) Purple is one of the hot fashion colors for this spring. :)

Note: Please click on the large photo above. It is a shot of the snow, with the lower mountain range in the back, which eventually hits the beach. It looks a lot better in the larger version.

So tell me, will you make a pie, or at least have a piece of pie in honor of National Pie Day? If so, what kind? What is your favorite pie?

"January is here, with eyes that keenly glow. A frost-mailed warrior striding a shadowy steed of snow."

-Edgar Fawcett

-OndineMonet
"Snow Country"
Santa Cruz Mountains
Hwy 9 at Hwy 35
Woodside, California
January 22, 2008
Afternoon

Karen's New Monday Photo Shoot #4: Look! Up In The Sky!

"Everything is created from moment to moment, always new. Like fireworks, this universe is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the eternal Fourth of July of your absolute splendor."

-Francis Lucille

New Monday Photo Shoot #4: Show us something in the sky. It can be clouds or birds or planes or planets or flying pigs - anything at all, really, just as long as it's visually interesting.

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

The weatherman says it's going to snow tonight, possibly at the lower levels around the bay. I live in the East Bay hills, so if you can imagine, it's mighty cold right now. :) I am hoping to be able to maybe get a few photos of snow falling down, but if I do, it will be early tomorrow morning. We'll see. But for the time being, how about some photos to make you feel warm? How about a series of fireworks photos from last May?

Actually, the large photo was taken on Twin Peaks, in 2006, but all of the small photos are from last year's Kaboom concert. Oh my, it was a warm, no I take it back, it was a HOT night, and I was sitting at the first vista point, after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge waiting for the fireworks to begin. I can almost feel that sensual warm breeze as it moved across the bay, and gave me that little chill that made my skin feel oh so good! It's a wonder I got any photos done at all. Oh my...

The large photo has been posted on Ellipsis before, but all of the smaller ones are new edits. I passed them up the first time, funny how you can see something different in your photos once they have been archived. :) Be sure to check back with this entry later this week, I might have an update. Wish me snow luck! :)

-OndineMonet
"Kaboom"
2006, Twin Peaks, San Francisco, Ca
2007, Vista Point, GGB, Marin County, Ca
Evening