How Do You Solve A Problem Like Sarah?

"Politics is the art of postponing a decisions until they are no longer relevant."

-Henri Queuille

The election is over, but Sarah Palin isn't going away. I am betting that we will be hearing more and more from her as the next four years progresses. I don't know that it would be a bad thing, especially if what we see is the real SarahPalin . See, I don't think we ever really got to know the real Sarah. How could we have, when all we saw was the odd... and I mean... odd... interview? From the very beginning of her introduction to national politics, she has been, if not the butt of the joke, the secret. As long as I live, I will wonder, what was John McCain thinking? It has been well substantiated that he meet with her only once or twice, before choosing her as his running mate, and then rarely spoke with her as the campaign progressed. And now, I can't help but wonder about the bitterness from within the McCain/Palin camps.

For a long time I have held the theory that Republicans eat their own, but now with all the mudslinging back and forth, it appears I have been right. That doesn't necessarily bring me any happiness, after all, while the Republicans implode, their constituents sit back and wonder which side to believe in. Or even whether or not to take sides. I think it would be difficult to be an average American Republican right now. With the election having just gone to Democrats by a landslide, and the Republican party in tatters, who do you look to as the clear leader of the party that represents your ideals? I really want to step into the shoes of the Republicans for a moment. If I were a Republican, would I be sitting back right now, wondering what just happened?

It's clear that in the beginning of the campaign, Sarah Palin excited things. Conservative women probably felt like for the first time they had a voice for them. And what a voice she was, when she was allowed to talk. I don't think the republican party did her any favors by keeping her hidden most of the time. As for the media, well, they simply did their job. Charles Gibson, Katie Couric , even Fox News! Honestly, you can't really blame the media in this case, they asked the questions they would have no matter who had been chosen, although it McCain had chosen someone with more foreign policy experience, some of the nonsense could have been avoided. So, if the picture seemed less then perfect, well, it's because it was. But how many of their own problems did the Republicans bring on themselves?

"Joe The Plumber" might have been one of the biggest mistakes of all time! I still don't understand that one. The only thing that keeps me from thinking that he was some kind of plant by John McCain to give him something to talk about, is the fact that he won't go away! Weird. Very Weird. Another seemingly large misstep was John McCain running back to Washington to work on the bailout... I mean rescue... I mean bailout of the American financial system. The Republicans clearly didn't want him there, and had no problem telling the media that. Weird. Very weird. And then there is the little problem with the "coast to coast looting of Neiman Marcus." You know, the spending spree that apparently took place on behalf of Sarah Palin. Wow... what a mess!

You know, I kind of felt sorry for the governor the last night. Yesterday, as she returned to her day job as the governor of Alaska, the press were asking the questions they should have been asking, and she seemed a little sad as she answered them. It has to have been hurtful. Fractions of her own party have thrown her under the bus. But yesterday, she seemed a little more believable as she tried to find the right words, or the correct words, or whatever words it took to make it all stop. Sigh. I felt sorry for her. It made me want to sit down with her, one on one, with a hot cup of Green Tea and some fat-free cookies, and talk to her woman to woman, about boys, hair and make-up. You would be surprised how many problems I have solved while discussing those three subjects. Call me a bad Democrat, but I can't kick someone when they are down. You know?

So tell me, if you could sit down with Sarah Palin, one on one, what would you ask her? Would you discuss politics, or do you have something else you would like to know about? Do you think she will make another run for the White House in four years? Do you think she will succeed Sen. Ted Stevens, if his felony convictions stand? Sing out. Tell me what you think. You know you want to!

-Carly

Steven's Feline Friday... Oops We Did It Again!

"There is one order of beauty which seems made to turn heads. It is a beauty like that of kittens or very small downy ducks making gentle rippling noises with their soft bills, or babies just beginning to toddle."

-T.S. Eliot


Introducing Dylan, as himself! LOL. Yes, it's true, Alan and I made the wacky decision to adopt a second kitten. Why you ask? Well, see, Hendrix was lonely for feline company. Mommy's legs made great scratching posts, but her tights weren't much fun to climb! Especially when she squealed! LOL. Just joking there, actually we had planned to adopt two kittens all along, but after a really bad experience at a local shelter, one I will never forget or forgive, we changed our minds and settled in with our new baby Hendrix. But in this ever changing world we live in, fate decided to step in an unite us we our new orange baby Dylan. :)

How did we find Dylan? Well, the phone rang early last Wednesday morning, it was Donna, from Dr. B's office, and she said there was a little orange kitty who had been through a traumatic experience, and he was all alone in the world. LOL. Well, I am paraphrasing, but basically Ms. D, who had helped Hendrix find us, had an orange kitten for us, if we were interested. Hmmmm... was I interested? You bet! It was a sunny day, the election was a landslide for Obama, democrats were very close to taking a 2/3 majority in the senate, and I slept better the night before then I had since the Clinton years! LOL. Holy cow... the planets have aligned! Yes, give me that cat! Tee Hee.

Dylan has a story, and I will tell it next week. I have been so cat heavy lately on Ellipsis that I bet you think I have gone all things cats, so don't worry I am not going to only speak about felines, I have plenty to say about politics, and humor, and cooking, and holiday madness, and general madness, and photography, so please don't go running from my blog in a fit of cat allergies, there's more to come I promise!

Now, this is an entry for Steven's Feline and Furball Friday, because Friday is the day for pets! Go post your own pet photo and play along. It's fun!

;)

-Carly
"Introducing Dylan As Himself"
Berkeley, California
November 6th, 2008
Afternoon

Hendrix's Story

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

-Leonardo da Vinci

The vacation is over. The election is THANKFULLY over. As of today, I am settling back into a normal routine. LOL. I laugh because I just used the words "normal routine." Why you ask? Well, see, there is an unstoppable energy in our house. It's name is Hendrix! Hendrix came to live with us just last week, so you might think we haven't much time to get to know one another, but to the contrary, he has planted himself firmly and completely in my heart, in fact, I am a goner! I have already told you that he is quick, and bright, and full of fun, but he is also cuddly and very, very kissable. He insists on it! LOL. Yes, I am in love. But you know all this, now let me tell you about what his life was like before he came to live with us. He has quite a story.

First, I have to go back a little ways. Back to the day my Elvis passed away. I was in shreds that day. I had such mixed feelings going on. On the one hand I knew Elvis was dying, and his little body had put up a good fight, but it was apparent that all the joy was draining out of his life. He didn't want to play with his toys, and food was refused, unless it was Oscar Meyer Turkey lunch meat, and the worst part of all, he was beginning to feel pain. I made a deal with my boy a long time ago, he would have a happy life, but if the worst should happen, and it did, I would say goodbye while he had some dignity left. He was my child, how could I not promise him that. So, I said goodbye.

Dr. B., who clearly felt as sad as we did that day, helped us let go of Elvis, and then reminded us that one day, when we were ready, there are tons of cats who will be looking for someone to love them, and who they could love. "Especially the black cats," he said. It seems most folks don't think of them as special enough. Weird. A good cat is a good cat. Don't get me wrong, my heart belongs to the Tuxedo cats, I have owned two in my life, and both of them were dreamboats, but I know the joy that cats bring us and it is available in all cats, regardless of the packaging. If you own a kitty, then you already know all the attributes that escape people who swear that dog's are man's or woman's best friend.

Cats can be fiercely loyal. They aren't as aloof as people seem to believe. They will chase your feet by day, and keep them toasty warm by night. They are gentle. They are kind. They have their likes and dislikes as all God's creatures do, but if you love them, you will always be a hero in their eyes. Stubbornness is a virtue, it can be depended on. Each cat is born with a quirk. Something special in their personality that is uniquely theirs. With Elvis, it was his ability to love first. Animals, people, rabbits, birds, squirrels, opossums, and even dogs in his last few months of life. After having lived with a cat like Elvis, who could I possible love again?

The answer is Hendrix. (Insert smile here). A couple weeks after Elvis passed away, Alan and I noticed how quiet the house was. No putty pads running across the floor, no sound of bells, no funny little conversational mews. We had already decided that one day, perhaps after the holidays, we would look for the next great cat, but we were both now in tears. Tears of great sorrow, and longing. It was clear, we needed that energy back in our little house. After all, a cat makes a home... right?

So, we made the call to Dr. B, and asked that a meeting be set up with the nice lady who fosters the cats. Ms. D., and later that day, we met her, and Hendrix at Dr. B's. At the time we adopted him, his foster name was "Moose." It suited him perfectly. We liked the name Hendrix for him better, but his official nickname will always be Moose. LOL. He had a rough start to life. He was left in a box, all alone, in front of a different veterinarian's office, late on a Saturday night. The doctor came in the next day, and saw that tiny, wee abandoned baby and asked Ms. D. to take him in for foster care. She said yes, but she keeps the legal limit of kitties at all times. Her love for cats is endless, she is an angel on earth who tries her best to unite lonely humans, with wayward kitties. She will always be our angel, for bringing us together with Hendrix. It's a perfect fit.

There is happiness in our house again. Happiness runs, and eats like a moose, plays with my feet, and picks at my tights, and sometimes turns his bed over, and falls asleep in my arms. Happiness has a name, it's Hendrix. Elvis is in my heart, and I still wish I could hold him once more, or feel his paws on my face when I wake up in the morning, but somehow I just know that Elvis would approve of Hendrix. Elvis hated it when I cried, he would pat my tears away, and sit by my side until I stopped crying. Hendrix has made me laugh for a solid week, and somehow I can almost hear Elvis laughing too, all the way from Heaven. :)

There is some additional news to share. BIG, BIG, BIG news. Tune in tomorrow for my entry for Steven's Feline And Furball Friday. The fun just keeps coming!!!

:)

-Carly
"Hendrix In Autumn"
Berkeley, California
November 3rd 2008
Afternoon

Yes We Can... And Yes We Did!

"If you are walking down the right path, and you are willing to keep walking, eventually you will make progress."

-Barack Obama

Say hello to the future, and what a bright one it has the potential to be! Now it's time to roll up our sleeves, and get to work! Hopefully, we will remember to be patient. We didn't get into this mess overnight, and we won't emerge from it overnight either, but we will emerge. And we will be great again! Doesn't it feel amazing to have HOPE back once again?

-Carly

Vote Baby Vote

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

-John Quincy Adams

Let's have a little fun... shall we? If you voted today, leave me a comment that says "I Voted!" You don't have to say anything else, just "I Voted!" Of course, if you want to say more you are welcome to, but for one day I thought it might be nice to simply share something all American's have in common. THE RIGHT TO VOTE! Is there a better way to spend the first Tuesday in November?

:)

-Carly
Note: Laura has written a very touching entry about accompanying her daughter to the polls, as she voted for the first time! Go read her entry. :) You'll smile!

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot # 10: Feet

"In life, as in dance: Grace glides on blistered feet."

-Alice Abrams

NOW CLOSED!

EMPS #10: Feet.
Feet. They take us here and there, and to and fro. Let's share our hardworking feet this week. If you are a ballerina, you dance on the tippy-toes of your feet. If you are scared, you might say, "feet don't fail me now!" If you are running away from a big bully, it is your feet that will whisk you to safety. You use your feet for pedaling your bike, and for driving your car. If your toes are webbed, you are probably a decent swimmer, or a duck, which means you are still probably a decent swimmer. It is your feet that encourages you to purchase high fashion shoes, and fuzzy wuzzy slippers. You can photograph your own feet or someone else's feet, just be sure to get permission first! Just show me feet with shoes or without!

Extra Credit: Show me your favorite shoes, sitting next to your favorite FEET!

Ok folks, as always, you have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM Eastern time to participate in the EMPS. All you have to do is take your photo, post it to your blog or website, and comeback here with the direct link to your EMPS entry. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE A GENERAL LINK TO YOUR BLOG OR WEBSITE, IT MUST BE A LINK SPECIFIC TO THE EMPS!

Linking List for EMPS #9: Happy Halloween 10/27/08

NOW CLOSED!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin

Vicki... Maraca

Judi... Talking To Myself

Laura... Adventures In Juggling

Tammy... The Daily Warrior

Martha... Menagerie

Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos

Me... Ellipsis (I played along this week too!)

Go Get The Photo... Go Be Photographers! See you in one week, with an all new Monday Photo Shoot assignment!

-Carly

Wink Baby Wink

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

-Plato

On Halloween night, at Starbuck's, I saw witches, and a lot of little cowboys, and Snow Whites, but by far my favorite Halloween costume had to be the lady dressed as vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin. She had the character down pat. She had a sash that said "Caribou Barbie" and various political buttons that pretty much explained it all. My personal favorite was the one that said, "Ask Me What The Bush Doctrine Is." Need I say more? Well, probably not, but I will anyway. See, here's the thing. The Halloween costume this lady wore was scarier then any ghoulish, bloody, Frankenstein-ish getup anyone could possibly come up with, because it was a pretty accurate depiction of someone who could very well be the next V.P. of the United States. Sigh. And that is the scariest thought of all.

It shocks me that there is still a percentage of folks who haven't made up their minds about who to vote for, even as we are just two days away from voting. It also shocks me that John McCain can run a campaign that basically played out as an object lesson in how not to run a campaign, and still be doing as well as he is in the polls. Choosing Sarah Palin was probably the worst choice he could have made. It has been LOL funny at times, watching her try to be vice presidential material. It has been amusing to watch the campaign implode from within, and I ask you, if you never hear from "Joe The Plumber" ever again, will you be disappointed? Good Lord, if it weren't all so absurd... it would be, well, scary. Wink Wink.

Opinions, Opinions...

You all know how I feel at this point, but truly, I want to know how you feel before we go to the polls. If you think I am dead wrong... tell me. If you think I am absolutely right... tell me that. If you are still unsure who to vote for, tell me why you still can't decide. What is your number one concern, whether or not you have already made your mind up. Speak up. Tell me what's on your mind!

-Carly
"Wink Baby Wink"
Starbuck's
Castro Valley, California
October 31, 2008
Late Afternoon

Round Robin Challenge: Food Glorious Food!

"Welcome to the Church of the Holy Cabbage. Lettuce pray."

-Unknown

Welcome to our Round Robin Challenge this time around, it was suggested by me, and it is titled... "Food Glorious Food! I thought it would be fun to show each other what kind of food we each enjoy the most. After all, food should be enjoyed thoroughly, and completely. I know I do. Especially my fruits and veggies! Oh don't get me wrong, I enjoy the occasional burger, and pot roast, but I love my fruits and veggies most of all. YUM. Sometimes, especially this time of year, I will make a sweet potato for dessert, rather then cake or pie or something else you might traditionally see as dessert fair. I'm weird that way. :)

Another thing you can find me doing this time of year, is visiting all the lovely organic fruit and veggie stands across the bay. Half Moon Bay has some really good stands, unfortunately many of them finish their seasons as of today. :( Roadside farms are just the best! I love picking out some lovely organic Brussels Sprouts and Heirloom tomatoes for a nice Vegetarian meal, and I miss the small stands when they are closed. Fresh ingredients. YUM. There is nothing like it.

Here... take a look at some of my other favorite foods...

Yum... A Mini Eclare.

A Field of Brussels Sprouts.

Yellow Onions.
Delicious Heirloom Tomatoes

Fresh Crisp Apples Ready To Become Candied Apples.

Leftover homemade Meatloaf made in Puff Pastry.LOL. Alan says that my leftovers are sometimes better then my original meals!

Be sure to visit all the participating Robins. Just follow the links below. :) And if you want to play along, there is still time. Visit the official Round Robin blog for all the details, or feel free to send me an email.

Linking List

Valerie... Soulfully Blond


Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

Jama Hameed... Sweet Memories
Posted!

Martha... Menagerie
Posted!

Jill... South Bay Soliloquy


Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
Posted!

Sandra... Strong Chemistry
Posted!

Chrissie... Chrissea's Corner


Janet... Fond Of Snape
Posted!

Maryt/theteach... Work of the Poet
Posted!

Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

Em Dy... Captured Beat
Posted!

Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati
Posted!

Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

Ourhomeschool... Through The Eye Of My Camera
Posted!

Ellen B... Happy Wonderer
Posted!

Teena... It's all about Me!
Posted!

-Carly
"Strawberries"
Half Moon Bay, California
October 30th, 2008
Early Evening

EMPS: Happy Halloween :)

"From Ghoulies and Ghosties and long-leggity beasties, and things that go bump in the night... Good Lord deliver us!"

Scottish Saying

I thought it would be fun to play along with my own meme this week, so, this is my entry for this week's EMPS: Happy Halloween! I hope you played along too. I always look forward to your photographs. If you haven't played along before, just pay a visit to this week's entry, which you can find here to learn all the details. I decided to do the Extra Credit option, which was to make a Halloween greeting, using one of my original photographs, but if you want to simply post a Halloween themed photo, that will do nice also. :) On Halloween... it's all good! :)

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

EMPS: Happy Halloween!

-Carly
"Happy Halloween"
Half Moon Bay, California
October 24th, 2008
Afternoon

Steven's Feline Friday: Happy Halloween!

"Nothing on Earth is so beautiful as the last haul on Halloween night."

-Steve Almond


I bet you just knew I was going to dress my new little man in a costume for Halloween! It was his idea... really! My new little guy, Hendrix, is a goofy little guy, and seems to enjoy indulging me, especially in dressing him! It's fun to wake up to kisses and paw pads again. I still miss Elvis... I have a good cry at least once a day... and I felt a bit guilty at first for falling so completely in love with Hendrix, but he seems to need me, and he loves me. So, whats a girl to do? Well, she never forgets her love for Elvis, as she loves her new little one with all the love she has inside her! Hendrix is a great cat! It feels good to play along with Feline & Furball Friday once again. Today is the day for pets!





If you would like to play along, Steven would be thrilled to have you join in the fun! Just drop by his blog for all the details.

Feline & Furball Friday

-Carly
"Happy Hendrix Halloween"
Berkeley, California
October 30th 2008
Afternoon

It's A Boy!

"It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens."

-Cynthia E. Varnado

Meet Hendrix! :)

It's a boy! Yesterday, Alan and I adopted a new baby. His name is Hendrix. Yes, just like Jimi Hendrix! He is a ball of fluff and kisses. He is smart, and quick, and he is an absolute joy! One minute he can be playing and jumping with his catnip toys and the next minute he can be found purring softly in our arms. He sat for 2 hours this morning, in Alan's arms, as he worked on the Internet, and when he heard my voice he came bouncing into the bedroom, and up on the bed to greet me with paws and kisses. Hendrix is a wonderful kitten, and I am looking forward to a lifetime with him!

There will be many, many stories to share as we learn all about each other. He already has an amazing story to tell, about what his life was like before we found each other. I will share more about that in another entry. For now I just wanted to introduce my new baby to all of you. My baby Hendrix! There is a lot of happiness in our house once again! Stay tuned... there's more to come...

-Carly

With One Week To Go; I Can Haz Vote!

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote."

-William E. Simon

I Can Has Vote!

Can you believe there is only one more week to go until we choose a new president? It has seemed like it has taken forever to get to this point, and who would have figured we would end up with the exact choices we have? I have already cast my vote, I almost always vote by absentee ballot. It's just nice to be able to sit in my own home, relax, and maybe do a little praying as I mark my choices. It is a comfortable way to vote, but it isn't as exciting as going to the polls early in the morning on voting day. Alan, on the other hand, prefers to vote in person on Election Day. To each his own I suppose. I guess it really doesn't matter how you vote, as long as you vote! Right?

So tell me, will you be voting this year? If so, will you vote in person or by absentee ballot? Do you live in a state that votes early? If so, have you already voted?

-Carly
"I Can Haz Vote"
Berkeley, California
October 28th 2008
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #9: Happy Halloween

"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween."

-Unknown NOW CLOSED!

Halloween is only a mere 4 days away! Are you as excited as I am? Lets see...

EMPS #9: Happy Halloween!
Halloween is my favorite holiday, I think it is the best holiday of the year! I like the decorations in particular. This Halloween, however, I haven't seen nearly as many Halloween related decorations as in previous years. Let's fix that. Show me all things Halloween! Costumes. Decorations. A photograph of spooky movie posters hanging on a wall. Bowls of candy. Pumpkins. Foggy deserted roads. Plastic spiders. A bubbling cauldron. October 31st circled on a calendar. A fake ghost. A REAL GHOST! A witch and her broomstick. A black cat crossing your path. Anything that says Halloween to you!

Extra Credit: Show us a picture of yourself in a Halloween costume!

Extra Extra Credit: Make A Halloween Greeting From One Of Your Original Photos!

You have until next Sunday evening, November 2nd, to do your EMPS entry and comeback here with the direct link back to it. Please folks, do not leave a general link to your blog, I need the direct link to the entry specific to the Monday Photo Shoot! And don't forget to link back here, so others can play along as well!

Linking List for EMPS #8: Reflections. 10/20/08

NOW CLOSED!

1. Julia - My Photo Journey

2. Jama - Sweet Memories

3. Lisa - Life On A Bison Farm

4. Nancy - Nancy Luvs Pix

5. Judi - Talking To Myself

6. Mr. Brainwhispers - A Brain That Whispers

7. Skip & Vicki - Cluckin A Critter Farm

8. Gina - Gina's Space

9. Vicki - Maraca

10. Bea - A New Bridge

11. Cassie - Spring Meadows

12. Tammy - The Daily Warrior

13. Martha - Menagerie

14. Wammy - The Ellis Family Cincinnati

15. Karen - Outpost Mavarin

16. Connie - Far Side Of Fifty Photos

Good job everyone! I really enjoyed what you came up with for last week's photo assignment. Now, be sure to visit everyone on the Linking List and show your support. We have a number of new photographers this week, so let's make each other feel welcome! There are some really excellent photographs to be seen. You are an impressive group of photographers!

Ok, that's it for this week. So, GO BE PHOTOGRAPHERS! GO GET THE PHOTO! Have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I can't wait to see what you come up with for this week's assignment! By the way, I am playing along with the assignment this week, so look for my entry next Friday!

-Carly

California Is Puttin On A Show...

"In autumn you take one maple lead and see almost all the colors of the rainbow in it - although you would need your imagination to see blue."

-Dorothe Eisenhardt

I took this photo last Tuesday, along HWY 50, just a few miles south of South Lake Tahoe. The hillside was just glowing with every imaginable color of autumn! It was stunning to be sure. I didn't take as many photos that day as I would have liked to, because we were on our way to Reno, but tomorrow (Monday) I am going on a day trip to Plumas County, to see the gorgeous autumn trees there, and I am really looking forward to that! It will be good to be able to take my time, and put my camera through a hefty workout. According to the Plumas County website, this weekend is the height of the color in the area, and that confirms what I have been reading in the Farmer's Almanac. California is putting on quite a show, I can't wait to see it for myself! Wish me luck!

-Carly

Click Here To See What Plumas County Looks Like This Weekend!

Scenes From Family Day

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion."

-Henry David Thoreau

We had a super time yesterday! The weather along the coast was just magnificent. A cool ocean breeze and, of course, a warm autumn sun, made for a day of perfection! Ordinarily we celebrate Family Day on October 23rd, but in recent years, because of scheduling conflicts, we have been celebrating on the first available day after the 23rd. Hopefully next year we will be able to celebrate it on the actual day. Anyway, the day of the week doesn't matter as much as the day itself. Days on a calendar are just that... days on a calendar. :) We are taking this weekend off from gallivanting about the countryside, to stay at home and get things ready for the adoption of a new family member! We haven't got all the details worked out, but hopefully soon, there will be the pitter-patter of little cat paws on the linoleum again soon! I'll keep you posted!

Here are some sights from Family Day 2008! Enjoy!



-Carly

I'm Back... Kinda

"Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter."

-Carol Bishop Hipps

I am back from Nevada. It was a wonderful getaway for Alan and I. We took pictures, and played a bit in the casino, and just enjoyed each other's company. Two days is about the right sized trip for us I think. I was ready to get back to my own little world when it was time to leave, sleeping in my own bed last night was wonderful too. Ok, so the big getaway is over, but Alan is still on vacation for another 2 weeks, so I will be in and out of town. I will keep you posted.

Today we are off to Half Moon Bay, to enjoy our Family Day, which is our very own made up holiday, then we are going down HWY1 south toward Santa Cruz. Could some roller coasters be in my future? You bet! I loves me a good roller coaster! You just never know with me... do you? Stay tuned to watch the adventure of, Carly and Alan's Vacation 2008, unfold!

-Carly
"Autumn Sky"
Reno, Nevada
October 22, 2008
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #8: Reflections

"There are always flowers for those want to see them"

-Henri Matisse

THIS PHOTO SHOOT IS NOW CLOSED!

EMPS #8: Reflections.
We have a simple subject this week folks... Reflections. Grab your cameras, and show me a reflection of some sort. It could be in water, or in glass, or in any reflective surface. You might come up with something spooky, or something beautiful, even or someone deep in thought! Get it? Think about it! Be creative. Be daring. Be Reflective!

Extra Credit: Show me a REFLECTION of, well, you! :)

** You have until next Sunday, at 9:00 PM to post your entry to your blog or journal, and then come back here with the direct link to the entry specific to your EMPS entry. DO NOT LEAVE A GENERAL LINK TO YOUR BLOG OR JOURNAL.

Linking List for EMPS #7: Furniture. 10/13/08

Now Closed!

Jama shows us a gorgeous dining set. :) Very, very nice indeed!

Judi's favorite piece of comfy furniture is a honey pine 4 - poster bed.

Laura allowed my favorite Internet sensation, the Watchful Scuba Duck, to relax in her favorite comfy, cozy chair. I am loving that duck! GO SCUBA DUCK!

Martha has a gorgeous, comfy dining room all set all ready for dinner guests! I'll be right there Martha!

Karen, and her hubby, have two favorite places to sit. A "chartreuse whatchamacallit", and a "pink chair like thing." Both look like good places to catch a quick nap! :)

Julia has a lovely antique rocker, with a pretty tapestry covered seat. Aren't family heirlooms just the best!

Steven has a really nifty entertainment center, which pretty much takes up an entire wall!

Wammy photographed some outdoor furniture, including some that she bought at a sale. An excellent bargain to be sure!

Tammy's favorite place to cuddle with her kitty and dog, is a on a recliner in her living room. Everyone looks mighty comfy in her photo, and now I need a nap! LOL. Yawn. :)

Connie shows us an outdoor swing, with an attached awning, in a blue and white stripped pattern. Outdoor swings

Wonderful photos as always everyone! See you in one week with the Linking List for this week's challenge, and an all new photography assignment!

-Carly

Carly's Vacation Schedule

"Those who say you can't take it with you, never saw a car packed for a vacation trip."

-Unknown

Vacation Picture #1 "Sunset Over The Marin Headlands"

Just a little reminder for everyone, Alan and I are on vacation until November 5th, so, I will be a bit sporadic in my posting. The Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot will post on schedule tomorrow, with a new topic and the complete Linking List, but it will be later in the week before I will be able to get around to all your entries. The Round Robin Photo Challenges, will be played as scheduled, but as for my regular posting on Ellipsis, well, I will be taking some time off here and there, but when I get back you will be treated to some all new photos. I am starting you off with the one you see above!

This week, I will be gone from Tuesday until Friday. It is our annual trip up north to see the autumn colors, with a stop over in Reno for some fun! Wish us luck! When we get back, there will be several more day trips, which will probably require a little time off. The long car rides really play havoc with my Fibromyalgia, and the arthritis in my knee. On the other hand, the photography and the sights and sounds makes my creative side very happy. Life is all about finding the balance. Alan and I are a good team, we do well for each other. That automatically makes life just about perfect. With or without silly little things like chronic pain!

:)

-Carly
"Sunset Over The Marin Headlands"
Berkeley, California
October 16th, 2008
Twilight

Round Robin Challenge: Your Home Town

"Your hometown is where they can't figure out how you did as well as you did."

-Unknown

Welcome to our latest Round Robin Challenge: Your Hometown. Marie, who authors the blog, Photographs and Memories, and hosts the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge, submitted this idea for consideration when we did a roundup of new ideas a while back. What a great idea, Marie! I love showing off where I live, the only problem is, I have probably shown just about everything there is to see. What to do, what to do?

Ok folks, here are some photos old and new. The East Bay hills is a gorgeous place to live, I don't see myself living anywhere else for the rest of my life, although I do daydream of retiring with Alan to the East coast sometimes. Someplace where I can get snowed in with a bunch of cats for months at a time. Someplace where the leaves really put on a show in autumn, and everybody has a fireplace. Don't you just love the smell outside, when everyone has their fireplaces going?

And yet, I am completely convinced I live in the most beautiful place in the world. If I had to choose, I would visit all those places I just mentioned, but I would always comeback here in my heart. I have fallen hopelessly in love with the view from Grizzly Peak Boulevard, and the Berkeley Marina, with it's view of San Francisco, and of course, you know how much I enjoy Tilden Park, especially in autumn. Yep... I am a true California Girl.

Here, have a look and see for yourself... Sather Tower

Protesting On The Berkeley Campus

Hwy 13 Going South

Berkeley Marina

Tie Dye

Biking is the Preferred Mode of Transportation

Autumn In Tilden
Isn't it beautiful here?

Now that you have seen my hometown, go have a look at where the other participating Robins live! Or better yet, post your own hometown entry. There is still time, just pay a quick visit to the official Round Robin blog to learn all the details!

Linking List

Marie... Photographs And Memories
Posted!

Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

Monica... Family Affair Photography


Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

Wammy... The Ellis Family
Posted!

Martha... Menagerie
Posted!

Jill... South Bay Soliloquy
Posted!

Cheryl... Life Through My Lens


Erin... Life Of A College Student


Jama Hameed... Sweet Memories
Posted!

Connie... Far Side of Fifty
Posted!

Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

Kat... In My Dreams I Can Fly


Teena... It's All About Me!
Posted!

Ellen B... The Happy Wonderer
Posted!

Mary... Hippie Gypsy
Posted!

Weekend Assignment #237: Spending Spree

"Inflation hasn't ruined everything. A dime can still be used as a screwdriver.

-Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by J. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Weekend Assignment #237: A long-lost relative dies and leaves you $10,000. But there's a catch: the will states that it cannot be saved, invested, given to charity or used to pay bills. You've got a week (sorry, lets make it two weeks) to spend it all. (Anything left over will be used to buy tiny wheelchairs for injured pigeons.) What will you do with the dough?

Extra Credit: Excluding food and necessities, what is the most recent thing you've bought for yourself?

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin


Extra Money? What's that?! Tee Hee. This has been a difficult year for us, financially speaking, but we are slowly making our way back to having a little saved. We are not complaining mind you, we spent it wisely taking care of Mr. Elvis, but there hasn't been much room for extras, thanks not as much to his medical bills, as to the sagging economy and gas prices! Still, as difficult as it has been, I know as sure as I am sitting here, we haven't had it as difficult as those folks trying to raise a family. Over all, I am ok with how we spent our money this year, Alan and I have made some smart choices, such as not eating out all the time. That is probably the number one drain on bank accounts, and the easiest expense to eliminate.

But the point here is to blow the pennies from heaven, so, lets do a little daydreaming, shall we? I can't do much about changing my priorities at this point, so I think I will find some things that will aid me in my life. Not necessities, but practical all the same. For example; I love to cook, so I would love to purchase a new set of cookware, and some new food processors. Also, I have never owned a really nice set of China, so I would buy me some dishes and flatware in a pretty pattern for all those gourmet meals I like to make! With what's left over, I will pick up some new clothes, like the ones I found this past week at my favorite store, Old Navy. I got two new outfits for under $15.00! Can you believe it? Two skirts and two tops, both interchangeable. Excellent! And of course, I would love to get down to Southern California to do some photography there!

That's it. That's what I would do. :) I would just like to spend it wisely, and be able to stretch it as far as possible. Luxury and Necessity can live together if planned for properly. :) Although spending the money just on myself wouldn't be very satisfying, so, I would purchase a few catnip mousies for any new friend I might have at the time. :) And Alan could use some new things too.

Extra Credit: The most recent thing I bought was my $6 outfits from Old Navy. I could have gotten by without them, but it was nice to have them all the same.

-Carly
"Old Navy Mini Skirt and Top"
Berkeley, California
October 16th, 2008
Afternoon