Victory Garden

Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private residences in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom during World War I and World War II to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort. In addition to indirectly aiding the war effort these gardens were also considered a civil "morale booster" — in that gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. Making victory gardens became a part of daily life on the home front

Who knew when we planted out little vegetable garden a couple weeks back that food prices were going to skyrocket and the price of gas wasn't even going to keep pace with the prices at the supermarket.

So, the Harrell's are proud to have a nice victory garden. I will feel especially "victorious" if a Democrat wins the White House next fall, otherwise I fear "Grampy McCain" and his 100 years in Iraq! We may need to raise our own cattle on the back hill . . . sheep for wool . . .more chickens . . . there are endless possibilities!

an update of sorts . . .

Remember the keys in the toilet story I told you earlier in the week?
Friday at work there was quite a broohaha about the toilet being clogged. Yes, it took several days, but then suddenly there was an "overflow". Needless to say, building maintenance was not happy, less so when they discovered what was probably causing the issue.
Nearly 8 hours later the same 2-3 guys are trying to unclog the toilet. It was bordering on ridiculous. Several staffers were speculated who put their keys into the toilet. . . .really? you think someone just "put" them there? It got so silly that I happily announced, my mistake, but a correction here- I didn't place them in the toilet, they fell into it as it was flushing.
It will be interesting to see what the status is on Monday when I return. Let's just say that in the future, I doubt maintenance will be running to my assistance when I put in a work order!

Year to date swim totals are: 122.02 miles. I am definitely on track for my 300, just a bit ahead actually. Surprising actually since I missed one solid week in April!

I'm off to plant some things in the garden, do laundry and then make souffle's for dinner.
Happy Sunday all!

Film racing

I was chatting with Ashley on the phone this morning and asked if they had heard anything yet on their standings in the 24 hours film race. She quickly went to the website and was delighted to find that they had landed in the top 15! Now, it's up to us to help

go to this link, http://www.filmracing.com/Films/competitions/nyc2008.htm and vote for

SURPRISE SYSTEMS.

Thanks! (vote on every computer in your house . . . thanks!)

As frustrating as this primary season has been, maybe this is somewhere our vote will make a big difference. FYI this will be a winner take all race, not apportioned like a Democratic primary.

Now, GO VOTE- tell your friends, enemies and anyone with a computer.

fitness lost . . .

Geez, you work so freakin hard to get into reasonable swim shape, you finally conquer the mighty flip turn, your 500 split is a bit more respectable and then- a week away from the pool and it's all gone to hell. I was feeling like a real swimmer, maybe not a Natalie Coughlin (duh), more like a retired Shirley Babashoff (have you seen her lately? yikkes) and then, just a week away from the pool and the last two excursions have been hideous.
Yesterday I felt like I was swimming in pudding! Today, though the swim was a bit better, and the splits a little less embarrassing, I kept getting toe cramps that finally sidelined me for the rest of the night. (no worries, I came home, poured a glass of wine and enjoyed Top Chef) Tomorrow I'll give it another go, and keep going back until I conquer this beast. Last night I asked Randy, "did I ever REALLY enjoy this?" I assured me I did, this was a temporary set back. wish me luck!

Don't work while tired . . .

Before you read this, you must go down a few posts to "pimping the knife parade" and watch that video, once you have you may rejoin us here.

Okay, Monday I came to work with just about 5 hours of sleep under my belt after a VERY LATE return home from New York. As part of my job I make TONS of phone call, mostly giving reassuring advice and sometimes booking appointments. Many times I ask the same questions, over and over, and then respond accordingly.

Monday, when on auto pilot, I was answering questions at the same time I was looking at YouTube to see how many "hits" the kids had on their most recent video. At about the same time one of the Mommy's responded to my question and this REALLY came out of my mouth, "wonderful, thats our most popular option" Thank goodness she was one of my ESL Moms and this wierd comment from me was more reassuring than alarming. Actually she was quite pleased with my very strange response.

I had to stiffle a loud laugh when I realized what I had said, NEVER work when sleepy and under the influence of "theknifeparade"

uh-oh . . .

I keep my work keys on a fairly large carabiner and attach that to my big canvas bag that I carry everywhere. Generally, once I arrive at work, I attach my car/post office box and house key to the same carabiner. Today, for some reason, I didn't attach those keys and now I say, "Thank Goodness"

During my Mommy group this morning I had to run and do a quick weight check appointment. Between this and then return to the group I made a quick run into the ladies room. As I bent to flush, my keys (on the carabiner) flopped into the toilet and then the mighty woosh took them down the drain. YIKKES! My supervisor , who retires next Friday, laughed as she admitted- she had never had such a thing happen!

Coincidentaly it's all over the news today that water rationing may begin as soon as May in some East Bay counties. As I remember back to the late 70's and early 80's when low flow flushing toilets were all the rage I could have easily grabbed those before they went down the drain and out to the bay- or realistically- they wouldn't have even made it down the drain.

ah, thank goodness they had copies of the important keys and this is just water under the bridge, (or down the tubes) . . .

Best tour guide EVER!

What is she doing? flagging down a subway car? Nope, Ashley had discovered some buried secret at one of the subway stations a while ago and was sharing it with us, and all the people on our platform, and adjacent platforms. Evidently there is some sort of music/whistle/bell thing. You reach up and it makes a noise. Her friend Rachel was fascinated having never known about the phenomenon, but also frustrated as she is vertically challenged and had a hard time sounding the bells. On other platforms people noticed the sounds, saw what Ashley was doing and found their very own chimes to play. It was amazing.


Ashley has assimilated into NYC like no other. I joked that she is ready to teach fourth grade in New York as she seems to know more about history than locals do. During our boat ride she pre-empted the actual guide with stories and then moments later his spiel would come out over the loudspeaker. The picture on the right is in front of the theatre where her improv group performs, and where she is a semi regular attendant to excellent improv shows including the weekly show put on by Amy Poehler and her group.

My thanks to having the best possible tour guide in all the boroughs!

A whirlwind tour of NYC

As I said to Ashley as we prepared to leave on Sunday, "you have to train in advance for this trip", and I really wasn't exaggerating. As the typical New Yorker we walked, walked and walked some more. We saw as much as possible in the days we were there and now can catch up on sleep and look back on a fabulous trip.

In a nutshell . . .

We arrived Wednesday afternoon following an uneventful trip. A cab to the apartment and a short visit with Ashley and then a slice of pizza and salad at a local cafe' before she departed for her improv class. While she was gone Randy took a short nap and we put our feet up then took the subway down to where Ashley and her friends go for drinks apres' class. We enjoyed a couple of drinks with the gang and then headed home to the apartment where we spent the first night.

Thursday was our first full day. We walked the upper part of the park, enjoyed the beautiful weather and early blossoms of spring. What a gorgeous time! Later that day we checked into our hotel, the only one near Ashley but only about 2 blocks away. We quickly cleaned up and got ready for our trip to the Bronx to see the Yankee's vs. Red Sox. As you may or may not know, we really like the Sox so rooting for the Yankee's was going to be hard. Our seats were in the bleachers and these are non-drinking seats. I didn't realize until after the game how important that is. This area is probably reserved for the most die hard working class fans of the Yankee's. My goodness these guys can chant, yell, boo, hiss and scream at Sox fans like no other. Any late arrivals were booed as they entered the bleachers, I had thought that Boston was the ultimate baseball destination- I now take that back.

Friday we took a round the island three hour boat tour. Definitely a must do for anyone visiting NYC. To be able to see Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, 20 bridges, the Statue of Liberty and many other sights from this perspective was wonderful. After the boat ride we wandered up to Times square and then found the Carnegie deli for one of their HUGE sandwiches. After lunch (actually more of a lunner, lunch/dinner) we headed home, exhausted! We decided that going out wasn't going to happen, TOO tired. Ashley had given me a creme brulee' set for an early Mother's day gift. As I made the brulee' and Ashley napped Randy went out to buy butane for the torch. He had one heck of a time finding the butane and afterward was delayed in his return to the apartment as he got stuck behind a street closure as the Pope was staying in the neighborhood- REALLY! So, Randy saw the Pope in his limo headed back to his digs for his NYC stay. pretty crazy!

Saturday we went over to Brooklyn for a walk through the botanical garden followed by a walk over the Brooklyn bridge back to the city. That night was had dinner out and then took in an improv show.

Sunday was come home day and because of the Pope we were delayed several hours.

It was an amazing trip! Can't wait to go again.
Note to self, bring pedometer next time so I can brag about how far we actually walk!

Pimping the knife parade, part deux

These clever folks wrote/filmed/edited this in 24 hours for a competition.
At 10:00 pm last Friday they were emailed the theme and "suprise element" The theme is birthday and the element was hanging a picture. Great work! Tell your friends.

Kyle and Linda go hunting . . .

two posts in one day- wow!

It all started when Bella came in with prey in her mouth. I didn't see it as I had just sat down to watch "Desperate Housewives" and enjoy a piece of Angel food cake and fresh strawberries. Imagine my dismay when Kyle exclaims "Mom, Bella brought in a mouse!" So, I put the plate aside, drag my bottom out of the big chair and go to see what the excitement was all about. First of all, not a mouse. Nope, this baby was a RAT! Let me insert an "ughhhhh" here. I hate rodents, they creep me out, they freak me out, I behave like a six year old girl when I see one. So, here was this rat, stunned a little and standing in the corner. QUICK, what do we do? Kyle grabbed a towel as we were planning to trap Mr. Rat and then set him free outside. Meanwhile- Bella, similarly freaked out, has gone back outside. I suggest we grab a broom too, in case we have to coerce him into the towel. Well in the meantime he takes off for the bathroom- that's okay, we have him cornered. He is a wiley dude though, and refuses to come out from behind the toilet. When he does, he makes a run for it and ends up in the den. There he goes into hiding first on my printer, and then up into my desk. Kyle is swearing at him this entire time and I'm pretty sure we've managed to waken Randy (although he never does come out to join the hunt). Kyle can't believe that this guy has "hops" as his vertical jump is rather impressive. After about five more minutes he goes to battle with us and wins the sprint and runs out of the den and toward my bedroom. Fortunately the door was closed so now we have him cornered, and in plain sight. Victory is near . . . but Mr. Rat has other plans and he runs past us, and leaps through the bannister and runs downstairs. "*()^&(_" shouts Kyle . . .we run down and now try to find where he went. About a minute passes before we notice him standing on the stairs watching us. I give Kyle the broom and tell him to go ahead and bat him, now we are going to have to kill him, he has left us no options. Kyle bats and stuns him but he runs into the bathroom. Now Kyle has a towel in both hands and is ready to cover him with one. But the tricky varmit outruns Kyle. As he trys to exit the bathroom I take the broom and bat him back in, hitting Kyle in the legs with the rat (double uckkkkkk). Kyle now is fit to be tied. He takes the broom, abadons all ideas of compassion and whacks him till he is dead. (insert another ughhhh). He is deposited outside without fan fare, all evidence of the raticide are cleaned up. As I'm cleaning the broom Kyle thanks me for wiping off the fingerprints.

The entire episode lasted almost 20 minutes- I officially LOST my appetite for the angel food cake and berries and I'll likely dream about vermin.

final . . . UGHHHHHHHHHH

sunday, already?

Happy Sunday afternoon and welcome to my update. I wonder if it warm where you are? It's summer weather here!

As always, the week ends and I'm not entirely sure where it evaporated to. We are in a whirl of activity lately with a mega garage sale yesterday, preparing for our NY trip this coming week, taxes taxes taxes and the nagging questions posed for the refinance.


We finally looked at rental properties this week . . .umm, ugh.

Some were okay, some were bad and some were really bad and weird. We have our eye on a little beauty in San Ramon, we'll see how it all pans out. The dream of buying in Hawaii is probably just that. With the recent airline problems I'm afraid the rental market may not be as stable as we would need. Better to buy here where we know the market is strong and appreciation over the long run should be decent. We can revisit the Hawaii thing much later.


Annual swim update: year to date, 110.57 miles. I've been doing quite well lately- my swim time is about the same, but the mileage is much higher. Being the queen of the flip turn is helpful to avoid lane sharing with less desirable partners. When I see one of those come, I just go into swim mode and don't stop until I'm pretty sure they have settled elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind sharing, but I'd rather share with someone who actually swims and doesn't hog the lane doing water exercise or kicking . . . slowly. The picture to the left is what the pool felt like today. Evidently Heather Farms was the ONLY pool in Contra Costa County open today . . . so everybody and their brother (and aunt and grandma) were there today. Even though the masses are not to mingle with the lap swimmers, they do. Halfway across the pool you may find a kid on a noodle battling his brother in the next lane. Fortunately the lifeguards intervened and I could smile pleasantly and keep swimming.

Enjoy your week- I know we will as we get ready to go see Ashley on Wednesday!

technology is amazing . . .

How in the world did we do things quickly in the past?

Two days ago, during my lunch break, I called Randy and we decided it would be best to investigate using air miles to go to Hawaii this fall to join some friends on their vacation.

Ta-da, in less than 10 minutes I had booked air for the two of us and spent only $10. I remember booking our honeymoon (via a travel agent) nearly 28 years ago. Wow, the time we spent doing that compared to what we can do on our own, via computer now is astounding.

Next job- rental car. Using Costco rates I was able to reserve a car with Avis this morning. Again, about 5 minutes spent! I had the choice of all the major rental agencies and could quickly scroll through all options to find the best rate. I hate to sound like a terribly naive person, but isn't this amazing?

Okay, book flight- check, reserve car- check, staying with friends-check
all that is left to is pack the sunscreen and pick up the rum once we arrive.

and the total is . . .

I don't have too much to talk about- but my annual swim total is now over 100 miles !! 100.77 to be precise. If I keep up this pace, or even if I slow down a bit, I'll be able to meet the 300 mile goal that Randy suggested with very little problem.

Today, I've been working on the garden and stewing about my bad haircut. Okay, the picture is totally for dramatic effect, my haircut isn't this bad . . . exactly. I had a cut done nearly 2 1/2 weeks ago. It didn't go as planned. I contacted the stylist who said she would fix it last weekend. Here is a surprise, she wasn't able to do that , but PROMISED she would fix it this weekend. Get ready for another big surprise . . . she hasn't responded to any of my messages. Meanwhile, back at real life, I'm stuck with a weird do. And so, here I sit, wondering what to do .. .

does anyone out there have a good hair person to recommend to me? PLEASE? I'm a bit frustrated, and want to look a bit presentable when I go to NY in just over a week! HELP

aging from another angle

Last night we were treated to a birthday dinner by two of our good friend, Charlie and Carolyn.

Being members of Diablo Country Club they invited us to join them for the Prime Rib event held there (aka meat night). The plan was to meet at 6:30 on the front steps to the club. Randy and I, typically a bit early, stood in front waiting and watching as the valet attendants took various vehicles off to park. We both noticed something at exactly the same time . . . and had to stifle a giggle . . . We were clearly, and by at least 20 or more years, the youngest people there!

Was this Charlies plan? make me feel better about my age by having us party with the older set?

I don't care what his motivation was, we had a great time. The evening began with wine tasting. We actually are acquainted with the winery owner and his wife, I enjoyed catching up with her and then decided she should probably pay attention to "paying" patrons and we would catch up another time. Eventually we found our way to the dining room, had a lovely "feast" and then watched the older set "get down with their bad selves" on the dance floor. Say what you will but it always seems to be couples from a generation before us that really know how to dance. It was actually inspiring and the four of us decided that it was time we took lessons so that as our hair turned blue we would look just as graceful out on the floor.

We finished the night up in the bar (water for me) . . . we actually closed down the place as the valet's closed shop and just parked our car right in front for us and brought us our keys.

A wonderful night, and a nice reminder that life continues after fifty (and sixty and seventy and eighty . . . .)

the elements of a great vacation . . .

where exactly does your mind go when you plan the "perfect" vacation?
white sands, beautiful sunsets, exotic drinks, sleeping in??

I just had a perfect getaway.
Las Vegas . . . .
and I don't gamble!

I was able to read, whenever I wanted! I completed TWO books and was 1/2 through another.
I was able to knit, and made few mistakes
I swam (though the pool was too warm for a proper workout)
I ate delicious food
I spent lots of time with my best friend.

PERFECT . . . i wish you the same for any future getaway . . . or stay at home.
enjoy the little moments, these are what your life is made of.