Be Sure Your.....

sins will find you out---or, mom is not all that clueless.

Teenagers, I think all of them, sincerely believe that mom and dad are inherently clueless, permanently equipped with blinders and mentally impaired by old age--regardless if those parents are 30 or 70. The corollary to this is that these teenagers, with the wisdom of their advanced years, believe they are smarter, more clever and totally immune from discovery. Have we not all been there?

The inescapable lesson is that ultimately all things come to light--later if not sooner. Sometimes the truth emerges long after the event has been relegated to forgotten status. When it does burst into the light, either the time of consequence has run its course or delayed justice will triumph. Oh, yes, teeners have so many lessons to learn before becoming the men and women they will grow into (oh yes sorry Winston...the men and women into which they will grow.)

Such a moment hit home the other night when, for some reason unknown, I needed my iPhone which should have been nested in its own little pocket in my purse. But...it wasn't there. Now if you have an iPhone or iPad, you know there is this handy convenience Apple has created called "Find my iPhone." By going to your account on the computer and running this program, the location of your phone or iPad shows right up on a map--where ever it is. I was concerned that I had left it at Sammy's Woodfire Pizzza where we had gone for dinner--pretending it was Italian fare.

However--a big however--the map showed that the phone was right at my very own address--somewhere. And, brilliantly, along with the locating feature of Find My iPhone, comes the convenience of allowing a push of a button to activate a two minute beep, giving time to locate the wandering device. Two minutes was really much longer than needed as it clearly was coming from child's bedroom.

Imagine his shock since it was now 11 o'clock and he was asleep (maybe) when suddenly loud beeps begin emanating from under his covers. This then continued the series of events that now has him on total restriction for the month of October, except for church activities---yeah, no halloween.

By now I am in his room as he dramatically wakes up, wonders what that noise is (it is quite different from a phone ring) and then wonders  how in the world the phone was in his room.

He just doesn't know where it is.

Oh, wait--maybe it is in his pant's pocket in his closet. Sure that must be it as he climbs out of bed, strangely holding the side of his pj's as he limps to the closet.

Now, as I am the proverbial "wasn't born yesterday mother," I figure his strangely placed hand and limp mean something but I was certainly not going to strip search a 13 year old... so called for Ken. Then--in a terrible stroke of bad luck, by the time Father got there, the phone slipped its way out of the pj's onto my feet. Oh my, oh my! Goose is totally cooked--as if it hadn't been from the beginning. Sometimes it is hard to keep that straight face and not begin the giggles.

As we have been having a series of  "you do not take the nintendo, the MP3 player, the DVD player, the computer and certainly not my iPad to bed with you discussions, this was the final moment and the boom needed to fall harder. So--for the month of October, no devices, games are off the computer (yes, I did that to his computer), no friends over and no yesses to evites define his life. He keeps his karate lessons, his Italian lessons, his serve the community day and his church activities (even the fun ones). Plus I have let him know that this is the month where he learns what "hit the books" really means.

With this great life learning moment, I am confident, with total certainty, that he will never see his parents as clueless again--at least whenever he knows that Apple has my back.

Al Jazeera--Is Clinton Right?

Well, to begin, the title of this made me laugh as I typed it. Clinton--Right? Never!

Anyway..several days ago, speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Clinton said something to the effect that Al Jazeera is gaining more prominence in the U.S. because it offers "real news" -- something she said American media were falling far short of doing.  Source  Of course, this predictably provided fodder for crazy man, proof of what she said, Glen Beck, who bizarrely seems to feel that what he presents is "real news".

Does Clinton have a point and is it legitimate? I think so per the following 3 points.

1. We were in Italy days after the horrific events of 9/11. We have never regretted being there during those days as we became aware of something most Americans never knew. The world was in mourning with us, the support was unprecedented, countries came together and united around the terror of the unbelievable in NYC. We know this because of the broadcasts that were streaming in from China, all of western Europe, Japan, the rest of Asia and old eastern block countries such as Romania and Hungary. There were midnight candle vigils in these countries; store windows were draped in red, white and blue; police stood at attention outside stations where there were podiums holding huge books on pedestals. People of many nationalities wrote their condolences in a variety of languages.  Everywhere we went, empathy and sympathy were shared. Of course there was also much coverage direct from the United States so we were able to see that too.

We were amazed when we returned home to discover that few people here had any idea of how the world stood with us. It was as if our country were isolated in its grief--not understanding that the world was grieving, too...that there was a shared understanding of a profound change that had taken place in world history and events. I understand the raging emotions and stunned paralysis that covered our land but the media should have been more honest and more inclusive. The nation needed this if for no other reason than it was so affirming and uplifting at a very dark time. It was also needed to underscore that we are a community of nations. The people of the United States were robbed of something important. The only source that could have provided this was the media.


2. An American friend of mine who lives in Italy said in a FB comment Al Jazeera is hands down the best news channel in the world, in my opinion....I am on vacation here in the US right now and appalled at what is called news "here." There we have access to British, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Arab, and American news. Here? Oh, don't get me started. What she says is true. When we are in Europe--frequently--we become much more aware of the world and what is happening in it. Often we are even more informed about what is happening in the United States as it is being reported as in-depth news not 3 minute blips between commercials and trivia about Charlie Sheen's goddesses, Sarah Palin's latest mouthing and American Idol.

3. I began watching Al Jehezzera on my iPad recently when I discovered that it provides fairly straight forward brief narrative reporting to introduce video of what is happening wherever. I do still primarily watch MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC but am becoming more disillusioned. So much of the airwaves are taken up with pundits sharing purported wisdom with each other, outrage at other on-air personalities, opinions replacing hard news, reporting on wayward celebrities, politicians and other high profile misfits and the occasional fluff piece and human interest story (I like the latter.) The loss is news about the world in general. We get stories about Berlusconi and his Ruby and other scintillating news but we get little hard news. Of course, major events such as current uprisings in the Middle East and Africa and the numbing earthquake in Japan are heavily covered with video and reporting, particularly at the beginning when there is the horror of the visual. But, comprehensive coverage of the world just doesn't happen. It used to be that CNN more-or-less served this purpose but no longer.

I encourage checking out the link to Al-Jazeera above to get a feel for what I am saying. Go through each of the continents and world areas in the menu bar to see what is there. Check the "watch live" option to see some of the coverage. It is different from ours.

Again for the record, I repeat that my major source is US media but sometimes I do check out the BBC, CNN International and Al-Jazeera along with other options to complete my understanding of what is happening. I find that I am more informed and cognizant of the world outside our borders.

To Break the Silence

OK--haven't posted for a while but do want to stay alive--for those of you who check in once in a while.  I am working on a post "to" Casey but that'll come sometime in the future--it's a rather difficult one. Hopefully, there will be a few between then and now.

Anyway--a friend posted this on FB today and I liked it--kind of fun. So, to break the silence...

Bet you watch it more than once--maybe.

Birthday Morning

Well, I became ?1 on Sunday--really quite a lot older than I thought--a shame, really.

The day started out with a birthday cake, of sorts, which I will share with you due to its uniqueness.  Can you figure it out? It was doubling as breakfast--I suppose.

 

Yep--frozen waffles, strawberry ones, alight with candles. Actually, these are the second batch of candles as it seems the first batch suffered the sad fate of melting into the hot waffles which then became quite waxy--as I've been told. Did I love this cake? You betcha (in the words of our newest Shakespearean pundit.) How much more fun is this than frosting with garish red and blue roses scattered about? A lot! Creative? Oh yes! From the mind of a 12 year old? Of course.

After this sumptuous feast (which I didn't eat), Ken and I dropped Casey off at church and went on our way to a lovely overnight at a wonderful spa/resort in the Temecula wine country. Of course, on the way, we stopped at a couple other wineries to sample their wares and enjoy the absolutely beautiful day God had given us.

 

Thornton Winery--Great Tapas and Wine 

One of the nice bonuses of lovely wineries are the shops where you find unusual gifts for hard-to-buy for friends--such as my Italian family. Now I can't wait until Christmas to find out if they like what we found. We do--in fact, we bought a couple things for ourselves, too (surprised?)

Eventually we wended our way to the South Coast Winery and Spa Resort. Son Jeff had given us a generous gift certificate for Christmas last year so we figured it was time to enjoy it. The property is very beautiful and the villas quite luxurious, with private patios, great beds, set among the vines. Nice! Of course, I needed to sample the spa by having a relaxing massage and then we rested until dinner--a hard day.

Before leaving the next morning, we had a tour of their winery which included a very nice wine tasting session, pairing 8 different wines with fruits and cheese. I had never understood how various wines do so well with blue cheese, pepper cheese, swiss, more, grapes and strawberries. This was a nice ending to a nice celebration. Then it was time for the leisurely drive back to San Diego--ready to hug our 12 year old and help with his homework. Life does goes on.

       

Thank you Jeff for the gift and the child-care. I love you!

An Interesting Question From a Friend

Not too long ago, I was in New York City enjoying time with friends--and it was a good time, indeed. Need more of these escapes--good for the soul.

Anyway, before I left home, I prayed that God would open up an opportunity for me to talk about my faith. Two important parts of me are that I am a "born again" Christian and a strong, opinionated democrat. For many people, that is a contradiction. This is really sad as I am not such an anomaly, there are many, many of us; however, the "liberal" element, which ironically I in many ways am a part of, has chosen to paint all evangelical Christians with the same broad brush. Additionally they narrowly define what a "born again" believer believes-abortion, gay rights, sanctity of marriage--as if there are not hundreds of other issues of importance and which create opinions and commitments and which differentiate people.

On the flip side of this is the Christian-right which believes, if not so stating at least by implication, that one can not be a true Christian and be a democrat. I can not count the number of times I have been with friends or in church groups where there have been negative references to Obama, Obamacare and other democratic foci in which I believe. Of course, this is not a new phenomenon, it has always been. These same people were anti-Clinton (before the scandal), anti-Carter, who has been the most outspoken evangelical ever in the White House, and all other non-right wing republicans. My usual MO is to remind people that there are some present who feel differently--partially to keep myself from getting angry and partially to cause people to reflect a little.

To be truly fair here, it is important to clarify that I have believing friends who fall in the same political spectrum as I and I have many friends who tolerate my wayward ways. We have other things to focus on and share--common beliefs in Jesus as the Messiah and biblical truths. And, then, there are some whom I just avoid--which is also true of some rabid democrats who pop up from time to time.

So back to the beginning, the last night in NYC my friend, who is Jewish, said to me: Jane, I have been wanting to ask this, I hope it's OK. (of course.) I know you are a born again Christian and I know that you are a strong democrat (or some such words) why are you so different from the right-wing Christians I know and work with?

This opened the door to explaining how and why I am, who I am, despite growing up in a very republican conservative home. I believe the words of Jesus and writers of the Old Testament, too, who command us to care for the needy, the poor, the children, the widows in our midst. I believed in the words of the Sunday School song I sang at 4 years of age Jesus loves the little children of the world--red and yellow, black and white--all are precious in his sight, which is why I was active in the civil rights movement of the 60's and 70's. I believe in the equality of all people which is why we adopted both white and black babies while living in radically conservative Orange County.

I am formed by these simple understandings which to me are the bedrock of the democratic goals and philosophies. I do not see this in the republican party which, to me, does not acknowledge the government's responsibility to address needs; while many of my Christian friends (not all) will most certainly strenuously disavow what I say, I don't see compassion, sense of Christ-like brotherhood and accountability. Yes, there are huge amounts of money given to missions and the poorer peoples of poor nations, there are meals and rides for members of a congregation, there are church efforts (limited by their nature) for local concerns but where is the large scale commitment or sense of responsibility to the people of our nation--the United States of America, those without adequate health care, the homeless of San Diego, the mentally ill of California? I see a party whose goal is to have lower taxes which by default means inadequate government services--not taking care of the needy, the widow, the children, the hungry, the ill, the poor--those that Jesus singled out and loved.

Beyond my experience, I look and cringe at the behaviors of some who profess Christian faith and who are most media prominent. The lack of civility in discourse, the "no" mentality rather than the "let's see what we can do" mentality. Gross name calling and insults for the sake of insults. The USA Today two weeks ago had an opinion article about this which expresses my feeble thoughts much more succinctly and coherently--In God Fearing USA, Where is the Decency?  This is what scares me about what is happening in our country.

It scares me that we have people in leadership roles stating that their focus for the next two years will be on destroying the presidency rather than working together to solve problems of great magnitude. It scares me that republicans want to dismantle the rather incomplete health plan that finally passed last spring. That the focus of those who are coming to Washington from the Republican party and its sidekick the Tea Party is to gut social security, medicare, the health plan, the efforts for economic recovery, educational goals, several foundational amendments is beyond scary. That many people idolize a woman who promotes hate and insurrection and yet wants to become the leader of the free world boggles my mind.

So I am a person who believes in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, who believes in heaven and hell, who believes that without accepting Christ there is no heaven, who believes that the Bible is the Holy Word of God Almighty from Genesis through Revelation. As I told my friend, I believe that our Jesus is her Messiah. I believe that there will be end times. I do not believe in hate, fear mongering, hierarchical sin.

I am also a person who believes that the democratic party, despite all its inefficiencies and deficiencies, its at times misdirected ways, and its human failures, most pursues the spirit and commands of Jesus. I do not believe that they do so out of the same spiritual beliefs and foundations or commitment to Jesus that drive me but I do believe that they want some of the same things. I do not see this in the republican party; I do see it in some of my republican friends.

So, my friend, this is how I can be and why I am both. I think that my party affiliated friends understand this better than many of my spiritually affiliated friends. This makes me sad.

Afterthought:
This is the link to a recent NPR program which I wish more people would hear. It speaks to the fallacy of our health care system and the wrongful fear so many people have regarding a national health care plan--Changing Health Care  The link to the audio is at the top of the article. This is long so you may want to start at minute 5. TR Reid, who has traveled the world investigating health care in the large democracies, shares his learnings. His most telling statement is that the other countries have health care for all citizens because they believe it is the moral thing to do. He says we are not to that place yet. Sadly, he seems to be correct.

The Healing of America by T. R. Reid

Nary a Prophtess in Sight

When you are my age--not quite ancient--you have had a variety of previous lives. Some quite forgettable, some equally memorable but most just the stuff of which our years are made. Somehow during that time we progress from infant, to child, to adolescent, to young adult, to mid-life and beyond.

In one of my lives I was an educator and, I like to think, a good one. I began in junior high school (this was before the transition to middle schools) where I taught English and for a brief period, social studies. Classes were strictly divided by ability--high, medium and low; although in an effort to fool the kids and parents, they were called x, y, z. Interestingly, these levels usually differed in color.

Classes ran about 40 or so; desks were in straight lines from front to back; the worse rule infraction was an occasional gum chewer; seldom was a student "sent" to the office; parents arrived in droves for open house and much learning was rote. Yes, this was a long, long time ago, for sure.

I arrived on the cusp of change and so soon my classes sat in semi-circles;  students were allowed to dialogue which introduced noise; rote, except for spelling, gave way to inquiry and debate; personal interpretation of what the author may have meant overshadowed multiple-choice. We began to teach our kids to think independently, creatively. They even were allowed to do the unthinkable--question the teacher.

One of the areas with which I met success was helping students learn how to write--well. This was before the days of "random" writing where kids learned to write in the absence of learning structure, sentence variation, grammar or anything else that might restrict creativity. In my mind, these were the lost years of instruction as witnessed today by the number of "grown-ups" who have difficulty creating the written word. Bizarrely, at this career point, I was an administrator and so was tasked with making certain that teachers taught this free-thought writing approach.

It is totally possible and a reasonable expectation that students write well structurally and still be creative and mesmerizing--a la the great writers. Fortunately, the pendulum has swung some and teachers now focus on creativity and style. Unfortunately, many of these teachers are a product of the "lost years" and so are having to do some catch up themselves. This is not a huge problem as all that I knew about writing and the teaching of writing I learned as I taught.

Anyway, all of the above is lead-in to my current failure.... Casey. He has  no interest in my stored wisdom as he writes for his English class. He clearly labors under the thought that I can't possibly understand what he and his teacher know. Having thrown at him the totally logical thought that we pay for his Italian and algebra tutors, but that he has a free English tutor, you would think he would be thankful. No! He turns his back.

In a way it is simpler; I can just turn him over to Mr. Silvestri and not worry --forget that my very insightful input might help his grade--no matter. Yes, life gets easier sometimes if you just let go.

It has been said: "I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his hometown."
Luke 24:4

The hometown is right here.

Don't You Just Love Spring?

I do!  And yet, this year we have only teasers. Here in always sunny San Diego, the sun plays a game of hide and seek. Just as I slide feet into sandals, the cold reappears and socks come out once more. Rain has become a thrice weekly uninvited guest.

But...when the sun does shine, how delightful it is. As in today! Sun shadows play in the yard, birds are everywhere, singing their songs, flowers sparkle and boast their colors. Scratch luxuriates in the warmth. Ken plants sunflowers. It is nice. And soon I will go walking.

Sun shadows play in the yard

Birds are everywhere

And here...

Scratch basks in the warmth.

 Flowers drink the sun

 And the water

And the charming humming bird flits from cup to cup

(My Italian friend Chiara, upon first seeing this delightful creature, mistook it for a big bug. They are not in Italy. I wonder if one can be found in Botticelli's Primavera?)

So today is a lovely gift from God and so too will be tomorrow's thunderstorms. 

A Taste of San Diego

Doesn't everyone want to taste of beautiful, sunny, magical San Diego? Last weekend 70 adventuresome people did just that. Coming from England, Italy, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and a bunch of the lower 48, we caroused, explored, ate, celebrated, laughed and even danced together. It was a spectacular weekend of friends uniting and reuniting.

Did I say Dancing?

And why did we all converge on San Diego? Well, because of a web site called Slow Travel and its companion site Slow Talk. These sister sites are two of the nets premier travel offerings where normal, everyday travelers help and aid each other in planning and dreaming. For close to 10 years now I have used this as my primary source in trip planning and in the process have made many good and fast friends.

During our year sojourn in Italy, many of our Slow Travel friends whom we only knew through cyberspace visited us--sort of like a stop on the pilgrims' way. We have also had these "get-togethers" in other parts of Europe and the United States. Without exception Slow Travel people prove to be good, fun, nice, delightful, special people. We come from all walks of life, religion, political persuasions and occupations, united by our love of travel and people--and food.

A year ago four of us started planning the second really big get-together--the first was two years ago in Savannah. Because of the magnitude of the event and the cost, we needed to have the venues identified and the general outline so that we could approximate the cost and announce it on the boards. People needed to plan early.

Meet the planning committee: Palma from Palm Desert, Shannon from Ocean Beach-San Diego, Marcia from South Pasadena and Me from San Diego

It was a fun year as the four of us (with our husbands who were the foot soldiers in this undertaking) met, sampled foods, checked venues, decided on wines and just got into it. To give credit, Shannon was the mastermind behind it all-a woman of vision and creative ideas.

The kick-off event was at our house Friday night. It was a wonderful evening, as people connected for the weekend. The weather cooperated and let us use our patio/pool area which was much nicer than only having the inside available. Palma, who is an accomplished party giver and chef, prepared the food which was not only delicious but visually stunning. How many have seen penguins made from cream cheese, olives and carrots for feet?

On the TV there was a continual slide show composed of pictures people had sent me of their travels. Throughout the evening there was a different combination of folks watching and pointing out friends who were not with us or their own special memories. It was fun.

Saturday night found us all at a real Mexican Fiesta with food by women who prepared foods native to their parts of Mexico. It was not the typical beans, rice and tacos that so often typifies Mexican food here in the US. We had a live band, two palm readers, a presentation of the Queen and her Court--Pauline the founder of Slow Travel and 4 of the original moderators in attendance. (Pauline has announced that she is now the Queen-Mum and the Queenship has passed to Kim.) Each of the court was presented with a lovely bouquet enclosing a bottle of  exquisite Sant' Antonio Olive Oil--donated by Nico who came from Italy for the weekend festivities.

The weekend was capped off with a delightful brunch at the Island Palms Resort in a room overlooking the marina with hundreds of sail boats, big and little. The sun glistened and all was picture perfect. The mimosa bar was a popular hangout, of course. People talked and talked and talked--leaving much of the food untouched. The weekend was about over and there was so much to say to new and old friends before everyone departed for far away places. There is talk of where the next one will be--maybe Boston or New Jersey or ???. Before leaving, there was one last irresistible shot of those who had ordered very special glasses from Mindy. Those of us who did not order, wished we had.

Aren't they Great? Nico is there in front.

During the day, there were no official planned activities but many unofficial. People visited two California missions, safaried at the Wild Animal Park, meandered in Balboa Park and into its wonderful museums,  kayaked in La Jolla, traveled to Niki de Saint Phalle Sculpture Gardens in Escondido and, most bizarrely, participated in Shannon's In-and-Out Burger and Wine Pairing event.

Ken and I spent our off event hours with Nico, showing him a little part of our world, including Casey's Little League game which to Nico was a baseball "match"--until someone set him straight. What fun to explain baseball to someone without a clue. But, he enjoyed it and went home with new learnings. Sunday he saw beautiful La Jolla even stopping for Italian gelato--US style. It was such a pleasure for us to have him here. His beautiful Sant' Antonio in Montepulciano is one of our most favorite places in this wide world.

So this is the weekend that was. It will be fondly recalled by all who attended and talked about as long as there is a Slow Travel. If you would like to see a photo shot of the entire weekend, this is a link to my Flickr pics.   Taste of San Diego in Pictures   (Be sure to click on slide show in the top right corner of the thumb nail page for each set.) Enjoy and join us at the next big GTG--wherever it is! I hope to see you there.

No Television

A few minutes ago I thought about how we should have played a game tonight--Uno, Scrabble, Boggle,  Mexican Train, something. Then I wondered why we have stopped playing as frequently as we have in the past--it seems as if something significant is missing in our family life.

I thought abut it for a while and realized that once again we are becoming captive to the insidious TV--that screen that caters to inclinations to vegetate and put brains on hold--as if thinking and doing demands too much from us. So we trade fun, family interaction, mental stimulation for mush.

The year we lived in Italy we played games most evenings along with family building and interaction. We thrived as a unit that year. One of the reasons, along with just the shared awe of being in a culture that was not ours, was that we didn't have television. Well, we did have it but most of it was in Italian which didn't work for us.

There was news from the United States but since it was Fox News it was so skewed that we gave up on it. After Casey went to bed we sometimes watched CNN and BBC but that was just for an hour or so. Now when we return each summer, we easily fall back into that routine. The TV goes days without being turned on.

So, why is it here that we watch it? Or at least have it on while we multi-task at solitary things--computers, reading, writing. It has been awhile since sitting at the table, laughing and having a good time. It's not that we don't do it anymore, just not enough.

I remind myself that we don't get days back so we must not squander those we have. Memories that will carry us through will come from times spent with those we love.

I Need a Vacation

I so want to be somewhere I am not. It's time to do something different, be someplace with new things to see and experience. The truth is that I am bored, restless and ready to move--too much time at home--the same old same old.

Last night I was looking at Puerto Rico, Mexico and Costa Rica. We've never been to Puerto Rico or Costa Rica and there are always new places to explore in Mexico. But...I was looking at Easter week and found that airline prices are sky high--if there were reasonable fares, they are long gone. This includes flyer miles. Cruising sounded good--all the fun without the work. But...friends reminded me that there would be shipfuls of teenagers that week--not relaxing.

So, now we have settled on Las Vegas for a few days. We can drive there--no planes. Southwest is probably reasonable but we would need to rent a vehicle so drive it will be.

Friends pretty well convinced me that Bellagio is the place to stay--after all where can one watch fountains dancing to the music of Andre Botticelli--oops, Bocelli? So I have spent today researching, looking for deals--everyone but me seems to be able to find these. It will be expensive as if one goes to Bellagio, one MUST have a room with a view of the fountains and since Casey will be with us ,we need a room big enough for us and him and still have a modicum of privacy.

A most friendly young woman at Bellagio, told me about a new (this month) all suite resort hotel connected physically and corporately to Bellagio--the Vdara. It is even possible to get suites with views of the performing fountains--of course, the view isn't quite as good as the place next door.

So my dilemma as I write is--Bellagio or Vdara? Vdara is a good practical choice given it has a complete kitchen--gourmet they say--and more space than a simple room. It is a smidge less expensive--well, maybe a couple hundred unless I get the "expensive with lots of room suite." We could have our breakfasts there and maybe lunch--save a few.

But, the rooms at Bellagio look really elegant and those fountains and Andre do sound good. I wonder if all the money I'm saving on no airfare can be applied to one of the large rooms? Think I'll make a decision by tomorrow or as we say in Italy--domani.

While there we'll take in a show or two--the ventriloquist at the Mirage is supposed to be totally amazing and so all three of us would enjoy that--Terry Fator. Do they let minors into the shows? Must find out about that.

Finding things to do should be easy. Maybe a helicopter to Grand Canyon or some such thing. Hoover Dam should interest an 11 year old, don't you think? And... I've been there and done that so I'll be pool side while Ken takes Casey. What a good thought!

So, now I can plan--March is a long ways away but at least it's on the horizon. And, Ken and I can take a quick trip to San Francisco for a dinner or two before then. Thank goodness for Uncle Jeff who loves Casey and will watch him.

Now, I would really prefer to be planning an Italy jaunt which is still on my mind as a solo act. We'll see.

I Am Queen

or so says grandson Casey who has dubbed me Queen of Klutz--of course, it is said with great affection and love--accompanied with laughter.

I must admit that he is on to something as I do have a proclivity for falling, stumbling, tripping and making a spectacle of myself. Some of us will do anything for our share of the limelight.

Ken says it's because I don't pick up my feet but only old people (older than I) shuffle when they walk. Besides...this tendency to not stay upright started years ago in the 6th grade when I fell in front of an oncoming car, scaring my mother horrendously.

• In Whistler, Canada I sprawled on the sidewalk--one cracked rib, one wasted Starbucks.
  
• Tripped on a cobblestone pothole in Montalcino Italy--fell flat on the downward incline--resulting in torn clothes and blood. This being market day, I had quite an audience.
  
• Fell up the stairs (landed flat across several steps) leading to St. Peter's in Rome--scared both son Jeff and the security guard who came running--probably afraid of a lawsuit--the Vatican has lots of money.
• Again fell flat on the sidewalk--this time in Paris on Rue de Rivoli. Ken just kept walking, oblivious to my plight. Casey and a very nice Parisian gentleman gently lifted me up, retrieved my purse and brushed me off. Ken never knew what happened.
  
• Tripped getting off the bus and up on the curb in Athens--one large, rather ugly, red swollen lump on my chin--very lucky not to have cracked my jaw.
• Gracefully tripped over a bench (looking the other direction) during lunch supervision at middle school--I was the vice-principal. Knocked myself out. When I came to I was again sprawled on the ground but this time with 500 very quiet kids surrouding me. A great cheer erupted when I stood up--kind of like being an injured football player on the field. Thirty some stitches through my eyebrow into the forehead--inside and outside. Ken took me out to dinner that night and decided I would need to heal before we went out again. He was sure that as people stared at me they were looking at him with great scepticism.
  
• Slid and bumped my way down a narrow circular staircase in our Italian apartment. Black and blue on all sides of the body, front and back. Sore and stiff for days.
• The staircase ride was so much fun, I did it again. This time spraining two fingers requiring taping them together with splints--making cooking difficult for a while.
  
• While sleeping, fell out of a very high bed onto a very hard tile floor, on the way down bounced my head on top of the marble nightstand. Did this twice a couple nights apart. Stayed awake checking for a concussion.
• Over the years I have perfected falling up stairs, doing so more times than I wish to innumerate here.
• Last week in the dark (and the impetus for this entry)--I walked into a door jamb that had not been there when I went to bed. Still have a painful knot on my eyebrow (not the same one mentioned above.) For awhile it was obvious and colorful. I am beginning to think I did something to the bone.

The amazing thing with all of this is never having been seriously hurt or impaired--no lasting penalties for clumsiness. The most painful being the cracked rib--that did hurt--a bit.

Today's Pet Peeves

Yes, I know, this is an unusual topic for me but there are a couple things I need to unload--things that tend to either drive me batty (an old-timers expression), set my teeth on edge or cause dread. You all can feel free to add your thoughts of a similar persuasion in the comments section.

Here goes:

1. Coffee pots that drip--in fact this is what set me off this morning. I have never had a coffee pot that justs pours coffee into the cup rather than including dribbles on the surface under the cup. I've tried holding the pot up high as my brother suggests, holding it close to the rim, holding the cup up to the pot, etc. Nothing works. Suggestions?
2. Camera lag time between shots. It seems the perfect photo op occurs before the darn camera is ready. I end up with closed eyes, grim lips, hands in the way or whatever is worthy of deleting. The "burst" technique just doesn't seem to do it right.
3. Phone calls before I want to wake up. So, now the phones are set not to ring before 6:30 on school days and 8:00 on weekends. Plus...the answer machine is turned off at night. If it's important, those who have it can use my cell phone numbers.
4. A child that is growing up too fast--¾" in the last 4 weeks.
5. Computers that freeze for no reason whatsoever. No matter how many times I punch ctrl/alt/del nothing happens. And..forget the esc key--useless.
6. Family members that can't or won't learn more than how to turn a computer on and open e-mail. No names--(t)he(y) shall remain anonymous.
   
7. Neatniks---drawers are meant to put things in--right?
8. Eleven year olds who know more than I do about simplifying expressions. Did I ever know how to do that? Oh..that's right--algebra. I liked geometry.
   
9. Recipes that leave out an ingredient. Although, sometimes it's just that I don't read well.
10. Friends who are gourmet cooks and can whip up wonderful food and stunning presentations at a moment's notice.
11. Doctors who make me wait.
12. Waiters that make me wait.
13. Oh well, any one who makes me wait.
14. People who don't wait for me.
15. Repair people who do not repair.
16. Clothes shopping for my new non-8 size.
17. Religious people who knock at my door. I have my own beliefs, thank you.
18. Websites with music that won't turn off.
    
19. Repeated requests from charities--I give what I want, when I want--why can't that be understood?
20. Robo Calls---I hate them, passionately no matter what they say.

Just had to get back to this list and add #21: Liz Cheney--the new female Limbaugh on the scene.
Ok--your turn now. Make my day a smiling one.

A Month Later

A month ago today, I was tired, cranky, dazed and horribly incoherent. Having survived the trip home from Italy, I wondered if I would see normalcy again in my lifetime. By day two I thought I was fine, but when the end of the week came and I was still dealing with a frustrating tiredness, it hit me that I am getting older and adjustment takes longer. I just hate these reminders. If I can maintain denial I'm happy.

So now a month has passed and I am in what passes for normalcy; although Casey would tell you I am weird--and that that is normal. He thrives on having a weird gramma.

A recent aha moment came when I realized that I am comfortable here in my country in spite of my total infatuation with Italy.

Always in the past when we returned, adjustment was difficult as I so missed Italy and all that it offers. Eventually this longing led to the adventure of living there for twelve wonderful months. Returning to the US at that time was painfully difficult and traumatic as chronicled in entries from July, August and September 2007.

We have now had two more lazy summers there. We love those times and feel that we have arrived “home” when the plane lands. But this year we found the leaving a little less painful. Thoughts of home beckoned us—even Casey.

We know that we are just a plane ride away and that we will be back again and again. The sense of loss is lessened. Life here is just easier in many ways and this year I finally realize that I like that.

The wonderful roadways and byways displaying the beautiful scenery and landscape of Tuscany refreshes the soul but the ease of roadways and getting from here to there in San Diego is refreshing in its own way.

I love the little stores and shops in Italy where shop keepers are warm, friendly and delightfully helpful and food is always fresh but, I must admit, the frequency of large, get-whatever-you-need-in-one-place supermarkets has advantages. Yes, Italy has these in some places but for most people getting to them requires a considerable expenditure of time with the frozen things unfrozen by the time they reach home.

And…I love Costco where I can get all sorts of things—good new Tuscan olive oil, wonderful parmigiano-reggiano cheese from Parma, bufala mozzarella from Southern Italy, balsamic vinegar from Modena, fresh Dungeness crab from San Francisco, huge Alaskan crab legs, red-ripe tomatoes from Mexico and so much more. The biggest problem with Costco, as anyone knows, is that the “so much more” usually results in a huge deficit at the check-out stand. It is the ultimate venue for impulse buying but, then, what a deal.

I like my home here, for while it is in the city, it doesn’t seem like it. We have, by California standards, a large lot with pool, citrus trees, fountains and a fenced off area for a motor home (if we had one) which now houses Casey’s fort and bunches of other stuff—all in the midst of Ken’s gardening accomplishments.

I like my house—it is large and roomy with lots of storage. There is a park across the street.

I like that I have a church to attend—in fact a multitude of choices. When we lived in Italy, we would have our own little service, well—actually a Sunday School for Casey—each week. We are not Catholic and other denominations are few and far between—there was nothing near us. We believe in weekly attendance and very much want Casey to be grounded spiritually. This is the major reason we wouldn’t consider returning to Italy for another extended period—that and, unlike Casey, Ken and I have not been successful in learning the language. Living in another country without being fluent in the language is quite different from visiting, even when the visits are several weeks long.

I like going clothes shopping and finding clothes that fit. I know—Italy is the land of fashion and it’s everyone’s dream to fill back-home closets with fashions from bella Italia. The truth is that I have had minimal success finding clothes that I like and that fit while there. The reason? I am not sure.

I like the dollar rather than the euro. Now—that’s a no brainer. Not only is our currency exceedingly weak and so when you look at a €15 price tag, it is really $22, things in Italy (well, Europe in general) cost more than they do here even before the terrible conversion factor. A pair of Nikes that you might pay $100 for in the United States will cost close to $200 there. The three of us dining at a simple enoteca or trattoria approaches or exceeds $100. You use your credit card and so temporarily ignore the cost—until the bill comes the next month.

So, yes, the $ is better unless your currency is euro and you come here. Now, that’s a deal. People fly to New York just to shop the sales.

I like the visual stimulation in Casey’s classrooms and the diversity of teaching methods. I like that teachers put a premium on creative thought and development of personal opinion and justification of same. Casey had a wonderful third grade year in Italy and learned much. He grew and developed under the guidance of his teachers there; however, middle and high school is much different. Learning is very classical and didactic which is not negative and my friends’ children are brilliantly educated but the absence of nurturing critical thought is a negative in my mind. With that said, we may send Casey there for a year in high school at some point. As he is fluent in Italian and already has friends there, it might work well.

I like the ocean, the vast variety of culinary options, the richness of California in terms of desert, mountains, farm lands, forests and lakes. I like that we have a young and vibrant president. I like that I have friends in many, many of our 50 states. There is much I like here.

I don’t like the bitterness of the far-right political crazies—the birthers, those who oppose providing health care to everyone, those who cry socialism at every instance as a means to stop progress, those who think it is OK to disrespect the President of their country, those who think ends can justify the means, those who find the shallowness of Palin to be attractive and beguiling, those who believe this country can run without taxes, those who do not want to fund schools, etc. I have little patience for these people but fear them. The hate that they spew can have only one conclusion if left unchecked and then the nation and we will suffer.

And...to complete on a positive note...I like the history I have with friends here. I have many friends in Italy but they are new and they are spread out. Here I have old--well, long time--people who know me well and I know them. We have shared families, joys and hurts over the years. They are comfort. I love (not said casually) my Italian friends and treasure them--there is no lack of caring among us. They have an understanding of me that my friends here do not have and I turn to them. But the history is not there.

With all this said, I still miss, love and will keep returning to Italy—a country and people that hold much of my heart. It is just that it isn’t so bad here, after all.

When the Pick Pocket Strikes

We travel--have done so for years--I would say we're pretty accomplished and sophisticated travelers--kind of know what we are doing--know the do's and don'ts and how to handle ourselves. Or at least that is how we view ourselves.

So, sometimes a little humility creeps in and is good for the soul. A pain? Yes! Frustrating? Totally! A memory not to be forgotten? Hopefully so that it is not repeated. One only need to be humbled once.

We arrived in Nice 19 hours after buckling ourselves into the first leg of our flight--San Diego to San Francisco. It was 2:15 pm. It was so good to see our friends waving and waiting for us as we schlepped through what passes for customs in Nice. We hugged and smiled and talked and were so happy to be together again.

They dropped us at our hotel along the promenade. We could shower, rest and relax for a few hours before dinner and conversation at their lovely, all white apartment with the stylish Italian kitchen we remembered from our last visit. We decided that rather than Ben--Casey calls him Uncle Benny-- picking us up with his car, it would be an adventure to ride the new tram.

At 5 pm Ben was back and we were ready to begin the evening. It was hot, humid, sticky and the ocean was beautiful with parasails coloring the skies.

The tram was crowded-well, packed with bodies pressed tightly into each other as more and more people clamored aboard, anxious to get home from the day's work. I held my purse tightly to my chest, not needing to use hands to hang on as there was no where to fall. Ken held tightly to Casey who was scared and overwhelmed. We knew that this hadn't been such a good idea after all.

Fortunately we only had 3 stops to go before we were able to fall out the tram door, gasping for breaths of fresh air. A shower would have been nice. Maybe even a change of clothes.

Then!--I hear "I think my wallet is gone." And, Ken was right. It had been secreted deep within a pocket which was on the side, a little bit above the knee and seemingly fastened securely with velcro. But, the wallet was no longer there. No matter how many times he patted, searched or looked, it was definitely gone.

So began the marathon of repairing the damage. He had lost 3 credit cards, 2 ATM cards, his driver license and other things such as insurance cards, etc. Fortunately, not his passport.

He and Ben went to the police and reported the theft in the off chance that the wallet was thrown away with just the money taken. Of course, that has not been the case but we did learn the real advantage of making the report. The police had a form which Ken completed indicating the theft of his license; thus, he can drive without fear while we have 7 weeks in Europe.

Being with friends, at their house was a godsend in dealing with everything. We were able to use their phone which has unlimited international calling. Plus, having SKYPE is truly an advantage when contacting the United States from here. Yesterday when we arrived in Arles, I had reason to use SKYPE to follow up on a couple concerns we have.

What we learned from this--besides the need for constant vigilance:

1. Know all your credit card numbers and where to call.
   
2. It is good to have credit cards with different numbers. With AmEx, my number was different so it was still usable. The other two cards we had used the same number, so my cards were unusable.
   
3. Without a valid credit card, you can not pick up your car rental. If I had not had AmEx, we would have had a major problem.
   
4. It is important to have individual ATM cards with unique numbers. That is what we have so only his cards were canceled. Big time problem if we had no ATM card.
   
5. Know that the card companies will overnight express new cards to you. The efficiency in this was quite remarkable. The new cards were waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel in Arles yesterday. As at home, you need to call to activate them. Having SKYPE installed and internet access makes this pretty painless and cheaply done.
   
6. Always take the time to get an International Driver Permit before leaving the US. It has your picture, your US license number, etc. In the event of losing your license, the IDP is priceless--that along with the affidavit from the police will take you through. We had no problem picking up our rental car with the IDP.
   
7. Having a computer with needed information available saved monumental amounts of frustration.
   
8. Having a SKYPE account which allows direct dial at virtually no cost and clear connections allowed us to overcome what would have been much greater hair-pulling. We have just about every concern and contingency covered now--due to internet access and the ability to talk with people--sometimes at length, other times on long holds.
   
9. Since an account can not be accessed once a card is reported stolen, it is important t0 know or have a record of recurring charges. Contacting those companies to provide new card numbers is important.
   
10. Take deep breathes and tell yourself that this is not as serious as it sounds. Things will get solved, the trip will continue and good memories will follow.

Additional thoughts:
Credit cards that cover your insurance, only do so if that card is used for all charges related to that rental. We had charged the rental to a visa card but needed to use the AmEx card as a deposit against damage. That would have been an horrendous problem if we were to be in an accident. As soon as we had our replacement VISA card, we went to the local car rental office and had the contract rewritten so that we are covered.

I hope this little primer will come in handy for someone else as trips are planned and the unexpected occurs. Of course all of these things are what you would need do at home; however, being far from home, things become exponentially more difficult. This happened Tuesday night. By Thursday night it was basically over and now we are good to go. So don't panic, just cope and all will be well.

One more thought: As you read, I hope that there were some AHA moments about new things to think about as you prepare your journeys.

And........next time--I promise--a little about Provence.

This is our hotel here in Arles--don't you love the look? The two tall windows are our room from which I am now writing.

No Monoply on Patriotism

More information on the Born Again American Organization

Life Threw a Curve

Fortunately not a serious one in terms of life upsets and problems--more of a frustrating annoyance one would say.

I think somewhere back in time I mentioned that we were going to Morocco for ten days before heading into Italy for several weeks--of course we end up there as Casey needs to see his friends and we need to, too.

The trip to Morocco has been planned for months and eagerly anticipated as friends of ours who live in Nice, the man is from Morocco, were going to show us the country through the eyes of a native. His family still lives there and we would have visited them in their homes. And...Casey eagerly told everyone that he was going to ride a camel and even practiced making camel noises.

So it was a great disappointment when two days ago we received an e-mail from our friends saying that circumstances made it necessary to change their plans. And, because they were going to make all the arrangements including visits with their family, we had not made any of our normal intensive preparations.

Now we needed to make plans in a hurry as we leave a month from yesterday. We have 11 days to play with before we are scheduled for our yearly visit to Sant Antonio in Montepulciano and then on to our "home away from home" in Greve in Chianti.

In a matter of hours we played around with several scenarios--ferrying to Corsica, flying to Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, Ireland and Provence. Fairly quickly we narrowed our options to Corsica and Provence. Both were intriguing and answered two of the quirks we were dealing with--too much luggage for small airlines and not wanting to spend a lot of time traveling.

After quick questions on the France forum of the Slow Travel website, several people shared good information on both Corsica and Provence. Eventually, within hours of coming to grips with this dilemma, we charted our course and began making plans for Provence. Locating desireable places to stay that are not already booked--not an easy challenge. Within a few hours, I had possibilities identified and began the e-mailing.

Now we have booked at a highly recommended B and B which miraculously had 3 nights available and it was in the room for three people Le Mas Perréal. I have known of this place for several years and always thought...Someday. I felt that I had hit the jackpot when Kevin, the owner, e-mailed me back right away with the good news. My Someday had unexpectedly arrived.

This morning I had more good news from La Bastide du Paradou in Moustiers. They had availability for the next three nights. From there we will head back to Nice and into Italy. La Bastide looks to be very lovely and has excellent reviews. Kevin and other friends say the village is charming and picturesque--just what I like.

There is still a little problem remaining--the two days between Nice and before Kevin's. I tried several places that were recommended but to no avail--all booked. So I'm trying for Le Calendal in Arles which seems a really good spot for us. Hopefully, by tomorrow they will say "oui" and we will be set.

Amazing that this has been able to be completed so quickly. I wonder if it is because tourism is down in this disastrous world economic climate. I am sure that is so.

The lesson learned is that plans change and rather than let panic set in--shake it off and move on. What a great way to approach much of life!

And then finally, we'll stop in Bologna for the night on the way to Tuscany and have a wonderfully fantastic meal in one of the world's culinary capitols. Yeah!

San Diego

San Diego calls itself "America's Finest City" which seems similar to a self-promoting social climber. If you say something enough times you will believe that it is believed. I have wondered if other cities snicker when they hear this and find a quality of hubris in the self-inflicted title.

But........if you were here today, you would find the moniker absolutely on-target. Other places called home pale in comparison. Today was incredibly beautiful--the reason a rather incompetent past mayor promoted the "finest city" concept. She is gone but we remain "fine."

For three days we have awaken with sun streaming through the windows, heat shimmers on the leaves and wisps of clouds threading the blue skies. It is days such as these that bring "paradise" to mind. Casey's first order of business after school has been jumping into the pool, enjoying the first dip of the year. Solar heat panels have created warm water--at least for a 10 year old.

But, San Diego is rather schizophrenic and manic. A week ago we were freezing. It was bitter cold--well, by Southern California standards. I had to wear two sweatshirts--one a hoodie--and cozy gloves at the Little League game. Today it was shorts, a thin cotton T-shirt and sandals.

Yesterday we bordered on 100º. And true to the city's illness, tomorrow is to be fog, low clouds and a significant drop in temperature--down to 72º.

These are the reasons people flock to us in the winter--snow birds they are called. Sunshine has an allure that is irresistible to frosted noses and red hands. Although our beaches aren't so usable in winter, they are beautiful and the sunsets awe us all. God's handiwork is displayed in its glory.

Such days as these lend credence to San Diego's claim to be "America's Finest City." But, there are measurements other than weather and, perhaps, competition is greater in areas of substance.

It is in the areas of intelligent planning, honest government and human institutions, impact and interactions that we may find ourselves less than the "finest."

Self analysis, which is hard for you and me, is even more difficult for San Diego as long as we hide behind the beauty which God has gifted this corner of the world.

At the risk of sounding disloyal to this town I've called home for 32 years, we still have some work to do in order to be "the very finest." But--we'll get there--I'm sure. Just, please, don't ask me to compare it with my second home--Greve in Chianti.

It'll Make Your Day

In the event you have missed this, here it is. I think you'll agree that it's well worth 6 minutes of your time.

You will smile, feel good and know that it's something special . Turn your volume up and Enjoy!

Susan Boyle of Scotland

I Am Tired of Know-It-All Pundits

There is a whole new category of people who thrive on each other and their own positions in the mix. Somehow this gaggle elevates itself to the role of our "most intelligent, perceptive, knowing, intuitive" brothers and sisters, metaphorically speaking, intent on impressing us and holding our thoughts captive to theirs.

It used to be that my dislike was reserved for Rush and Anne; however, it now seems to encompass them all--Wolf, Rachel, Campbell, Chris, etc., etc., etc.--not Keith as he is funny--and all those others who sit around tables, pontificating with righteous certainty of the correctness of their views on everything and anything political--including the appropriateness of Michelle Obama baring her arms.

We are in the midst of great crisis for our Nation. The magnitude and multitude of the problems facing those in Washington and around the country is nightmarish. The success and rightness of the decisions and steps being taken can not and will not be known for a long time. And yet, these pundits, who do not know the complexities and interrelationships of problems let alone the interconnectedness of potential solutions, feel called upon to issue judgments, discuss in detail pros and cons and even offer their own answers.

If someone from inside or outside of the party issues a statement or proclamation of probable failure of an Obama administration's direction or action or implies incompetency, our pundits give credence to such utterance by bringing the perpetrator on the show and elevating obstructionism to the level of viable reasoning. Nay saying is the fall back position for those who seek self vindication, sometimes orchestrating the failure of others rather than attempting reconciliation and partnerships. And our television brethren, believing in their own wisdom, interpret all of this for us.

The reason that all of this upsets me so much is that there has been no action yet taken that has had the time to be evaluated in terms of success or failure. Those in a position to enter homes and speak to the nation via the media should have the responsibility to caution against premature judgments rather than actively validating and encouraging such rushes.

These media people--from funnyman Rush and bizarre Anne to professorial Wolf and loudmouth Campbell--who crown themselves the fonts of wisdom, need to back off or do their jobs right. They are key players in creating distrust, confusion and unrest. Their true shallowness becomes very apparent when on a slow day (if there is such a thing), they resort to discussing the First Lady's appropriateness by how often she bares her triceps and biceps and what she wears to dig the White House garden.

Of course, I could quit watching these people but then it can be fun--not educational or informative but fun--as long as I shrug it all off and form my own opinions which, of course, are spot on!

My Boy and The Velveteen Rabbit

And when the Boy dropped off to sleep, the Rabbit would snuggle down close under his little warm chin and dream, with the Boy's hands clasped close round him all night long.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, written in 1922

I know this boy. He lives with me.
Does he live with you? Is your little boy a little girl?

If ever we doubt that the tenderness of children crosses time and boundaries, this child and this rabbit teach us otherwise. And the magic for us lies in the tenderness and purity of love which fill our hearts as we respond to innocence in our lives.

And once, when the Boy was called away suddenly to go to tea, the Rabbit was left out on the lawn until long after dusk, and Nana had to come and look for him with the candle because the Boy couldn't go to sleep unless he was there.

At 10, my Boy is still the Boy of the story. His Rabbit is a furless, treasured Dog. Sleep doesn't come if Nike is not snuggled under the chin as Boy holds Dog tight all night.

...he always made the Rabbit, a little nest somewhere among the bracken, where he would be quite cosy, for he was a kind-hearted little boy and he liked Bunny to be comfortable.

In the morning, my Boy puts Dog in his own little bed, in his own little house so he can rest during the day and be ready for the night.

He has given Dog a pillow to rest his head and his own velveteen companions. Dog has a place to dream until his Boy needs him again.

...the little Rabbit grew very old and shabby, but the boy loved him just as much. He loved him so hard that he loved all his whiskers off, and the pink lining to his ears turned grey, and the brown spots faded.....he scarcely looked like a rabbit anymore, except to the Boy. To him he was always beautiful, and that was all the Rabbit cared about. He didn't mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn't matter.

And that is what I hope I teach my Boy.