We Did Diddley Squat!

Posted on Friday, June 13, 2025 by Paul

We checked our calendar twice and sure enough, we had nothing planned.  This is the second time this week.  That means it is gardening time.

We took out showers, and it occurred to me that if you drop soap on the floor, is the floor clean, or is the soap dirty?  With my mind racing to the finish line, I wondered how a sponge holds water when it’s full of holes.

I get confused easily!

By 9:00 a.m., we were out in the garden, trimming, pulling weeds, deadheading flowers, planting, tying up, and yes, harvesting!   Carlos and his crew arrived around 11:00 a.m., and he took care of the lawns and trimmed several plants that we hadn’t had a chance to attend to yet.

The temperature was perfect, high 70s with a slight breeze.  As soon as Carlos was gone, I got into my gardening outfit, which I should have ironed since it was full of wrinkles.

On the bright side, I scare away the birds!

We did several chores, including:

  • Repairing the drip system in two locations
  • Pulling weeds behind Casa Valencia Vineyards
  • Straightening up the HeShed
  • Picked corn for brunch and dinner!
  • Put a high-intensity light on the banner in the front yard
  • Trimmed the white roses in the front yard

We trimmed the dead leaves from the Hydrangea that Becky sent her Mom last year.  It is doing well in the front yard.

The hydrangea is a common flower known for changing color based on the soil’s pH level and the availability of aluminum

The problem with growing corn is that it all comes at the same time, so Mary and I have been having corn at every meal.

When Mary made dinner, I found myself wondering again, this time it was why is bacon called bacon and cookies are called cookies, when you cook bacon and bake cookies?

We got the shuckin’ and butterin’ down to a science.

Detailed Steps:

1. Prepare the corn: If you’re using fresh corn, ensure it’s still in its husk. If you have shucked corn, wrap each cob in a wet paper towel.

2. Microwave: Place the corn in the microwave, either with the husk on or wrapped in a paper towel. Cook on high for 2-4 minutes, depending on your microwave and the number of cobs.

3. Adjust cooking time: If you’re cooking multiple cobs, increase the cooking time by about 2 minutes per additional cob.

4. Check for doneness: The kernels should be tender and a slightly deeper color. If the kernels are still too firm, microwave in 30-second increments until they are cooked to your liking.

5. Allow to cool: Remove the corn from the microwave using a towel or pot holder, as it will be hot. Let it cool slightly before handling.

6. Shuck and enjoy: If the corn is in the husk, you can shuck it and enjoy. If it was wrapped in a paper towel, remove the towel before shucking.

The corn was outstanding.

We had a nice dinner and settled in to watch some TV.  I remembered about my new lighting system for the front yard and decided to go outside with my trusty iPhone, from which I can control the light.  Since I was in my jammies, I had to run back inside when a car drove by.  I did not want to moon the neighbors.

The lighting was a tad too blue, so I made a split-second adjustment and ran inside.

The high intensity light worked but it also drew in some bugs!

Tomorrow I will experiment some more, but I think I will have to settle for white since the banner is blue.

The sign can now be seen from the street!

We continued watching TV until about 11:00 pm when we crashed.  When we crashed, my wonderer was working again, and I thought about,  if you’re invisible, and you close your eyes, can you see through your eyelids?

Life is too complex!

Posted in Just Us, Vegetable Garden, Working Around House | Leave a comment

It’s Downhill To The Weekend From Here!

Posted on Friday, June 13, 2025 by Paul

It’s Thursday, and that means we go to the Elks.  Mary and I discussed dancing, and she wants to take a dance class to refresh our skills, and I agree, until I found out what she had in mind!

Down, Girl, Down I Say!!!

Scout was running in circles because he had heard he was going to the beauty shop today, which meant he would be beautiful for a week!   We got ready to go, and I backed the van up to the curb, making it easier for his majesty to enter this chauffeured limo.  We talked to him about not getting his nails done with nail polish this time; that was a little “over the top”!

We brought fresh corn from our garden to the Elks, and Will misunderstood me when I said, “It’s in the bag.”    We all took a vote, and this is an improvement.

We all rushed to tie it around the neck, but then decided to forgo the opportunity!

Will and Iris took four ears of the magnificent corn, and reports came back later in the day that the corn was perfect!

Will is now back under control!

When we get bored, we play with our food just like little kids, but we are a lot more artistic.

Mary provided the nose!!

George and Bob listen to a great story from Will.

Bill Capps joined us, and a little later, Sandee joined us as well.

It was another fantastic lunchtime cavorting session with harpoons flying back and forth at an astounding rate!

Bill, George, Will, and Bob departed, and it was just Sandee and us.  Sandee finished her lunch, and we joined her and talked about the upcoming wedding on the 21st.   She was delightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with her.

After departing the Elks, we went to the hairdresser’s shop, called “The Clip Joint”,  to pick up Mr. America.  Upon seeing us, we went into the sashaying mode of wiggling his tail and throwing his head back and forth so we could see his mane.

We took the time to drop off some chili and carrot cake to Jeff; we’re attempting to fatten him up!

Of course, we had to walk back and forth several times, eliciting compliments and posing for photos.  We was singing to “West Side Story”.

He keeps remembering “West Side Story”

My digital camera almost ran out of film!!

He was worn out and finally lay down to sleep for the rest of the night.

I swear that between his hairdresser and Mary’s desire to take pole dancing lessons, they are driving me crazy (which, by the way, is a very short drive!).

We went into the TV room to finish off Mondo Cane and got into another action comedy from England called “Deep Cover”.  It was pretty funny.  Three improv actors are asked to infiltrate the London underworld by the police.

Mary fixed a gourmet dinner of crackers and spreadable cheese along with some beef jerky; it turned out to be a movie night.

At one of the self-generated intermissions, Mary came in with a gift-wrapped package.  I immediately thought it was her leather-lined dancing pole outfit.   Nope!  It was my Father’s Day present, and it was summer jammies!  Yes, Paul now had summer jammies to wear while watching TV.   They are shorts on the bottom and a loose-fitting soft top!   I immediately modeled them for her and was also feeling pretty, although I did NOT sing like Scout.

We hit the sack around 10:00 pm and went right to sleep.  I was still hearing Scout singing in my head.

We were both barely able to make it to bed!

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Hump Day Has Arrived And We Are Ready!!!

Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 by Paul

Morning has arrived with a vengeance, and I am ready to take on the challenge.  I decided to send Mary to the gym, and I would stay home.  When I explained my plan to Mary, she grabbed me by the ears and put me in the car, carefully tightening the seatbelt so I could not move.  We made it to the gym, and the beatings began.

On to the mat I went, and Nadia grabbed my legs and, with a quick twist, I was in a life-threatening situation.  I was face-to-face with the tips of my shoes!  While twisted up into what amounts to a pretzel, the gym participants (all of whom we know well) began telling jokes.  Oh my, it was difficult to laugh and cry simultaneously.

The gym’s pet cuckoo clock announced it was 10:00 am, and we were released to complete the day.  We held each other’s hands and consoled each other about the last hour of torture.

I’ll swear that the crazy bird was laughing at us leaving the gym in such pain!!

Then it was decision time!  What should we have for breakfast?  Since Dianne was recovering from COVID, we decided to go to Benji’s and have breakfast, and pick up something for Dianne and Jeff.

For Dianne, we selected Jewish Chicken Soup with Kreplach, a classic and comforting dish.  It typically features a flavorful chicken broth, often made from scratch using chicken pieces and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions.  The kreplach are small dumplings traditionally filled with meat (usually chicken or a mix of meats).

We brought her a quart of this delicious Jewish penicillin!

For Jeff, we got a patty melt.  The patty melt, a classic American diner sandwich, typically features a hamburger patty, melted Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions, all served on grilled rye bread.

While often credited to Tiny Naylor, the patty melt’s origins are somewhat debated, with some sources placing its creation in the 1930s and others in the 1940s.  It’s considered a variation of a cheeseburger, but unlike the standard hamburger, the patty melt is traditionally served on grilled bread and often includes caramelized onions.

While their food was getting readied, Mary and I shared a breakfast burrito.

I reminded her that I was nacho typical burrito lover!

She considers that half… I fooled her and divided it into thirds, one of which we took with us!

We dropped off the penicillin with Dianne, but kept our distance and did not go inside.

Arriving home, we, of course, visited the garden right after dropping the patty melt off with Jeff.

We are keeping an eye on the plum tree because when the plums begin to change color, the birds show a great deal of interest.  This year, I am going to take the initiative first!

While visiting Jeff, we noticed a lot of bird poopies in front of his door.  We looked up, and sure enough, a bird’s nest had formed in a hanging decoration above the door.

Watch out for what is falling from the ceiling!

Not wanting Jeff’s house to get messed up with fresh bird droppings, Mary and I went home (across the street) and retrieved a tall ladder, wire brush, 1/2″ steel wire mesh, shears, and some skinny wire.  We were on a mission.

In short order, the pesky birds were left homeless, and we high-pressure washed the patio area, removing the black-and-white little gifts from heaven.  The gifts now reside in the flower beds, where they belong.

Did You Know?  Bird poop appears black and white because it’s a combination of two waste products: fecal matter (the solid poop) and uric acid (the white, solid urine).  Birds, unlike mammals, excrete both urine and feces simultaneously through the same opening, called the cloaca.  The white portion is uric acid, a waste product that birds convert to conserve water.  The dark part is the actual fecal matter.

We were assisted by our neighbors, who also came with tools, and between the four of us, it was “Mission Complete!”

Back home, we visited our yard.  Everything was OK except the damned rabbits attacked our Japanese Yardlong Beans and ate the leaves.  It’s time to declare war on these little beasts!

The apples are looking wonderful!!

The Sungold tomatoes are beginning to ripen, and we will have them available for the next two months.  Sungold tomatoes, a popular variety of cherry tomatoes, are known for their sweet, golden-orange color and firm texture.  They are a hybrid developed in Japan and are widely grown and appreciated for their flavor.

The Sungold tomatoes are amazing!

National Corn on the Cob Day is observed annually on June 11th.  It’s a day to celebrate the quintessential summer side dish, enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings.  We picked two ears and Mary boiled them in a mixture of water, butter, and milk!  They were excellent.

We will be eating a lot of corn for the next week!

The corn is on the right side of the garden and is ready to be picked!

Oh my, corn FRESH from the garden tastes so good!

Today is National Corn On The Cob Day; we celebrated by picking our corn.

After dinner, we went to the TV room, shared some wine, and watched a movie.  It was a warm evening, so we ran the whole-house fan and left the front and back doors open.  We had quite a breeze.

By 10:00 pm, we were done and headed to bed!

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Another 80 Degree Day!

Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 by Paul

We were up at 6:00 am and headed to the office after getting our morning coffee.  The first part of the attack was battling blood pressure machines!  We have two BP machines now!  They hum and make terrible noises when they inflate their cuffs.  We have races to see who will be the first to report their blood pressure.

What Mary does not know is that I go to the garage and substitute low batteries in her machine with freshly charged ones in mine.

Today’s plan is easy!  A beard trimming at 10:45, Mary’s watercolor class at 1:00 pm, and then we are off to the theater to see “Life OF Pi”.

The beard trimming went well, and I had a female barber who did a great job!  We returned home and got Precious ready to go.  Yes, Precious gets to get out of the garage!

While Mary was painting, I straightened the workbench and hung up some clothes, then did a bit of housework, attending to odds and ends.

Mary drove herself, and when she returned, I was taking a nap (well deserved, I might add).  Her masterpiece was outstanding.  I named it “Blossoms In The Desert”.

We then got ready for the dinner at the Silver Trumpet and a play.

Dinner was, as expected, outstanding.   The management of The Silver Trumpet now recognizes us as frequent flyers, so they come over and visit, and we exchange giggles.  He did NOT giggle tonight; take a careful look at the pricing!

We will take six bottles of your finest!

Tonight, we went for a small meal, but couldn’t help ourselves.  We opted for the low-cal side of the menu, but it was still a generous portion.  The poached pear in a beet compote was outstanding.

Poached pears!

Since we weren’t in a hurry, the cheese board allowed us to pass the time.  Everything was perfect and we especially enjoyed the honeycomb on our toasted bread!

The cheese board was terrific; the grapes were perfect.

Mary went for arugula.  Even the pronunciation of arugula reminds me of eating a rug.

Arugula, also known as rocket (because it grows so fast), is a leafy green vegetable in the mustard family (Brassicaceae).  It’s native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for centuries.  Arugula is known for its peppery, nutty flavor and is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and folate.

Arugula is commonly used in salads, as a topping for pizza, and in pesto.  It is also used as a coating for slippery roads, as a bug spray, and as an insect repellent in elephant bedding.  It can also be used in soups and other dishes.

What is an arugula salad?

Ah, my favorite is the lamb lollipops! Lamb lollipops are a delicious and easy-to-cook dish made from individual lamb chops, typically from a rack of lamb, that have been “Frenched” to expose the rib bone. This preparation makes them resemble a lollipop, hence the name, and allows them to be easily eaten by holding the bone.

Mary warned me ahead of time not to yell, “I have a boner” when the lollipops are served.  I tried my best! I must have been successful, as my water glass was still full after the pops arrived.

Lamb lollipops!

After dinner, we walked to the theater and attempted to watch the play.  Well, at halftime, we exited our rather nice seats in row four and made a beeline for our car.   We are incredibly fortunate to have each other, and our tastes in everything are entirely in sync.

On the way to the car, I asked Mary what happened (as I was busy checking for light leaks on my eyelids) and she replied, “I have no idea!  Animals on lifeboats, tigers eating things, and….”  We both laughed and headed right for home!

According to the Internet, “Life of Pi” is a novel by Yann Martel that tells the story of a young Indian boy named Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.  The novel explores themes of faith, survival, and the power of storytelling, ultimately questioning the nature of truth and the role of imagination in human experience.

We did not even stop at Aces on the way home, we went right to bed and watched almost all of “Mondo Cane”, a recommendation by Bib Capps.

Oh my… Never watch this right before going to bed!

Mondo Cane (a somewhat coarse Italian expletive, literally ‘dog world’) is a 1962 Italian mondo documentary film directed by the trio of Gualtiero Jacopetti, Paolo Cavara, and Franco E. Prosperi, with narration by Stefano Sibaldi.  The film consists of a series of travelogue scenes that provide glimpses into cultural practices around the world, with the intention of shocking Western film audiences.  These scenes are presented with little continuity, as they are intended as a kaleidoscopic display of shocking content rather than presenting a structured argument.

As an example of what we watched (just a few of the scenes):

  • For foie gras, geese in Strasbourg are force-fed using funnels.
  • On a farm 200 miles from Tokyo, Wagyu cattle are treated with care, receiving massages and being fed beer, so that their meat can eventually be served at luxury restaurants in Tokyo and New York.
  • On the New Guinean island of Tabar, the most beautiful women are locked up in small wooden cages and fed tapioca until they reach 120 kilos (264 pounds) to be offered as wives to the village dictator.
  • In a Vic Tanny health club in Los Angeles, overweight women work on losing weight to recover from a previous marriage.
  • At a Hong Kong market, exotic animals are sold for food.
  • At the New York restaurant The Colony, exotic animals are served in cans to wealthy Americans.
  • At a Singapore snake store, a snake is chosen and butchered for consumption.

At 11:00 pm, I declared victory and reminded myself to call Bill Capps and check his sanity!

Posted in Art, Dining Out, Theater | Comments Off on Another 80 Degree Day!

The Week Begins!

Posted on Monday, June 9, 2025 by Paul

Happy may be an overstatement.  When Mary got up and headed to the office, I was doing battle with the passwords on my computer.  She saw a “Lilesfit” in its full display.

I have used the same password for my email since 2010, but this morning the computer gods decided to change it WITHOUT my notice.   I fussed and cussed and threw Indian ink into the sink, pretty much making a fool out of myself.

If that wasn’t enough, I couldn’t get into Qwest to obtain my latest bloodwork results.  They said I did NOT exist.  Here I am, sitting in my office chair, looking into the computer screen, and I AM EXISTING.  Finally, I had to log off myself (cancel my account) and then reidentify myself to get access to the QWest held information.

By this time, I was ready to pull the plug and go down with the bathwater!

How very true!!

It’s now 8:30 a.m., and we’re on our way to the gym; I’m still fuming!

After 43 minutes on the stationary bike, my temper tantrum had waned, and I was back to my lovable self.

After my early morning hissy fit and the gym, we went to CVS, and I offered to make breakfast for Dr. Mary, who had put up with my outburst.  So, off we went to The Original Pancake House for a delightful breakfast and several attempts at apologizing (I still hate computers).

One look into these eyes and the hissy fit went away!

After breakfast, Mary drove home, and I walked.  Finally, I returned home, and it was time to go to the doctor.  Mary went picking and had a great selection of fresh veggies to share with Dr. Tong.

Mary went picking before we visited the doctor.

The doctor’s office was decorated quite nicely with rocks, a fish tank, and other Oriental goodies.

I panicked the receptionist when I asked what flavor the candies were, and also mentioned they were as hard as a rock.  She looked over the counter and said, “Those are decorative river rocks!  Did you swallow one?  I’ll call 911!”  Then I heard her say to herself, “Now I remember him; he often comes with the nice lady!!”

Well, they looked good enough to eat!

Did You Know?   Geodes are rounded, often spherical or egg-shaped rocks that contain a hollow interior cavity.  This cavity is usually lined with crystals or other mineral matter.

Geodes are formed in various geological environments, including volcanic rocks where gas bubbles are trapped during the cooling process, or in sedimentary rocks where the dissolution of organic matter or other cavities creates hollow spaces.

Over time, mineral-rich water seeps into these hollow spaces, and as the water evaporates, the dissolved minerals are deposited and crystallize on the inside walls, forming the unique and often beautiful crystal formations found within a geode.

While geodes are commonly found with quartz or amethyst crystals, they can also contain other minerals, such as calcite, agate, or celestine.  The type of crystals and their colors depend on the minerals present in the water during formation and geological factors, such as temperature and pressure.

Her office is very peaceful.

Mary got even with the hissy fit!  She decided to get me into the doctor’s office and talk about my health issues.  The doctor asked me to disrobe (so did the receptionist), and she reached for a box of old rusty straight pins.  All of a sudden, while lying on the couch in a restful pose, she began sticking me with pins.  I looked like a porcupine.

I knew this was payback for this morning’s tantrum, so I grinned and lay there covered in pins, unable to move for fear one of the pins would fall out, bend, or go in deeper.  I lay here in pain for thirty minutes while Mary and the doctor went to the other room and had tea!

NO more tantrums, ever!

When we departed the doctor’s office, Mary had a grin from ear to ear and was whistling.  I recognized the tune from my youth.

“Needles and Pins” was a rock song credited to American writers Jack Nitzsche and Sonny Bono.  Jacki  DeShannon recorded it in 1963, and other versions followed.  The most successful versions were by the Searchers, whose version reached number one.

I had to amble to the car as the 456 bandages made walking difficult.  I left a path of bandages from her office to the car.

We made it home after stopping by Trader Joe’s.  I promised Mary a filet mignon dinner if she would remove the bandages carefully.

I was too sore to take many pictures, so below is the remains of the steak after I cooked it.  The pan contents become the “gravy” to our back over the steaks!

The best part gets put onto the steak.

Meanwhile, and still giggling, Mary prepared the potatoes and string beans while the steaks rested for ten minutes.

Mary fixes string beans and potatoes.

Dinner is ready, so I poured a glass of wine, lit the candles, and sat down gingerly on a pillow due to the needle-induced skin sensitivity.

Come and get it.

Oh my!  Despite my serious injuries, the steak came out perfectly.  Mary added fresh zucchini to the beans to make a delightful dinner.

As soon as we sat down, Scout came over.  I thought he wanted to keep me comfy due to my pain, but alas, his hyperactive nose caught a whiff of the steak.  He got three good bites, and then he had some steak!

Oh my, I have died and gone to heaven!

We wandered over to Jeff’s and visited for a while, and watched the LA/OC riots.

Returning home, we were exhausted, so we decided to watch TV in bed.  We both fell asleep and didn’t even remember what we tried to watch!  Ain’t old e great??

I knew Mary had forgiven me, as I didn’t have to sleep outside with Scout this evening.

Posted in Cooking, Doctor, Gym | Comments Off on The Week Begins!

Never On Sunday…. Well, Maybe!

Posted on Sunday, June 8, 2025 by Paul

Attention On deck; Attention On Deck; the captain is in charge!  Yes, Captain Mary (her actual rank) ordered me for a full inspection before I went to the garden for a day’s work.  I complied, and she was flabbergasted.  I was dressed in sunproof gear, wearing my safety belt, goggles, and cap; I was ready to go!

Then I heard her say, “OUT, Damned Spot”, the other Scout and and I ran for the back door, into the patio, and across the concrete to the safety of the garden.  We slid to a stop within inches of a concrete wall.

We planted the new Japanese Yard-Long Beans along with the cucumbers.

We finally have beans!

A quick inspection of the garlic revealed that they are ready for picking.  They will be on our dinner menu for the next few weeks.

I had no idea, but some people experience an intense fear or anxiety reaction to garlic, known as alliumphobia. 

We have our garlic.

We have great zucchini this year!

Zucchini for everyone!

Casa Valencia Vineyards is coming on strong!!  We will have gallons of table grapes in a few weeks.

We stomp the grapes in about three weeks.

The Bell Peppers are growing daily.   Another couple of weeks and they will be stuffed on the dinner table.

Bell pepper trivia includes the fact that they are botanically fruits, not vegetables, and the color of a bell pepper indicates its ripeness.  Red peppers are sweeter and have more vitamin C than green peppers; they are ripe green peppers.  Bell peppers originated in Central and South America and were introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

You are about to be stuffed.

We headed to Bill Capps’ home around 2:30 pm and2:30 had a pleasant visit with his kids and long-time friends.

Hop-A-Long Capps!

We managed to lower the liquid level of a bottle of Stoli while enjoying the afternoon.

They will be united on June 21st!

At 3:50 pm, we met up with Joe and his in-laws at Duke’s Place in Huntington Beach.  Duke’s Huntington Beach features a “Barefoot Bar” area, offering a more casual experience.  Reviews mention being able to order from the bar menu or the full menu in the bar section. 

The downstairs dining area at Duke’s Huntington Beach is called Sandy’s Beach Grill.

Joe and the boys celebrate Alex’s 16th birthday!

Amy was the adult supervisor for the afternoon; a job I would NOT want to wish on anyone!

Amy is taking it all in!

We headed home around 66:00 pm”The Beekeeper.”

The Beekeeper is a 2024 action thriller film produced and directed by David Ayer, with a screenplay written by Kurt Wimmer.  It stars Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Bobby Naderi, Minnie Driver, Phylicia Rashad, and Jeremy Irons.  The film follows a retired government assassin who sets out for revenge after his kind-hearted landlady falls victim to a phishing scam.

The Beekeeper was released in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios and in the United Kingdom by Sky Cinema on January 12th, 2024.  The film received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $162.6 million worldwide against a budget of $40 million.  A sequel is in development.

We were tired and I missed the last fifteen minutes of the movie!

Posted in Family, Food and Wine, Friends, Vegetable Garden | Comments Off on Never On Sunday…. Well, Maybe!

Saturday And We Are Again BUSY!!!

Posted on Saturday, June 7, 2025 by Paul

Today, we work and then play… sounds normal!  Well, when I was getting ready to go outside and tend to the garden, I was accosted by the Mrs. (I think it was her, as I couldn’t see through the clothes that were hanging up) about the toilet seat.  What have I done, a terrible sin I committed?

I goofed up again!

I quickly put down the seat and headed outside, deciding to brush my teeth later when she was not around.

We ate several of the artichokes, but this one escaped our dinner table and decided to bloom to avoid being boiled alive.

Did You Know?  Artichokes, native to the Mediterranean region, are actually immature flower buds, not vegetables, and are rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.  They’ve been cultivated since ancient times and are considered a delicacy in many cuisines.

They are believed to have aphrodisiac properties, which is why I give Mary two every day.  In the past, artichokes were thought to have aphrodisiac properties, and women were even forbidden from eating them in some cultures.

This is an artichoke in blossom.

We worked from 9:00 am until almost 2:00 pm.  I removed the last vestiges of the flowers in the vegetable garden, and Mary and I planted zucchini, Japanese Yard Long Beans, and several other veggies we got on Friday.

Below, Mary is washing down the concrete between the raised beds.  The runoff water goes directly into the grapes!

Mary tends the garden.

At 5:30 pm, we headed to the Elks to listen and dance to Jermone Dean, who plays and sings like the good old days.  There were few people there, but we had a great time dancing until late in the evening; I think it was 9:30 pm!

Being a real pest, I asked our waitress to ask for Mr. Capps’ ID when her ordered his vodka.  She did it, and Bill was so happy; he had not been carded in 65 years!  We made his day!!

Here comes the line dance!

During this evening’s conversation, the subject of craft homes came up.  My aunt and uncle had one of these two-bedroom models, and I recall helping them assemble it.

Did You Know?  Sears Modern Homes, also known as kit houses, were prefabricated homes sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co. mail-order catalogs between 1908 and 1942.  These homes, shipped in boxcars, contained all the materials needed for construction, including lumber, siding, hardware, and paint, but not cement, brick, or plaster.  Although Sears did not sell them for long, a substantial number of these houses were built and remain in existence today.

The original kit house!

We had a wonderful evening with Bill, Sandee, and Connie (her bridesmaid).  Mary asked me to dance with Connie, and we went out and cut a rug!!

We got home around 10:00 pm and hit the sack.  After a day in the yard, we were done!

Posted in Dancing, Dining Out, Elks, Friends, Vegetable Garden | Comments Off on Saturday And We Are Again BUSY!!!

Work Work Work

Posted on Friday, June 6, 2025 by Paul

We strolled the garden to see what would be in the next meal, and the cucumbers were coming on strong.  These guys begin to grow slowly, and then they take off like a shot.

The morning garden inspection reveals we’d better get busy picking!

Did You Know? Cucumbers, despite being commonly used as a vegetable, are botanically fruits. They are primarily composed of water, around 95%, and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Cultivation of cucumbers dates back over 3,000 years, with India being their origin.

The phrase “cool as a cucumber” is based on the observation that the inside of a cucumber can be 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding air.

Cucumbers were introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus

It’s time for the morning walk, which Robin, our physical trainer, has organized.   We headed down the street, only stopping a couple of times for my lower back.

We are off on our morning mile walk with Robin.

At the very end of Valencia, a lady was standing by the gate to her backyard, and she introduced herself.  She asked if we would like to see her garden.  “Garden,” she said, we said yes!  Well, we walked in and were immediately transported to Hawaii!  Her children used to live next door, and when they were there, the fence was removed and the two backyards combined into a paradise!  (We did not take a picture from the ground, but here is a Google Earth image.)

All three of us were flabbergasted!  Who needs to travel?  Just walk outside!

There were two pools, several waterfalls, Hawaiian-style palm buildings, tiki bards, and gardens all around, featuring beautiful flowers.

We continued our walk and passed by the veterans’ home.

We like this house!

We found flowers along our way; Mother Nature is truly creative.

The flowers were pretty.

One of the houses was a tad in disrepair, but they had a good idea by placing conversation pieces in the pathway next to the curb.  The house was cute, but for want of some paint and minor repairs, it would be very nice.  To each is their own?

It’s a nice idea gone wrong.

Inspiring & Philosophical About Walking:
A walk in nature walks the soul back home.
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.
Walking is man’s best medicine.
The beauty is in the walking, destinations betray us.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.

 

The girls made it home before me, and Mary got out the trike.  She came back to get me, but we couldn’t figure out how to get my big butt into the small basket!

Look out, crazy driver.

Today’s walk took us 1.1 miles.  The small spot on the map, located in the lower left-hand corner, is where we wandered around the Hawaiian village and visited the owner.  By the way, she knows us by the colorful lighting on the house and the holiday banners and flags we always have posted.  We invited her to see our garden, so the next time we see her, she can be amazed at the veggies!

We overachieved.

We then worked in the garden for several hours after Robin departed.  The sweet peas were removed as they had run out their blooming season and were beginning to turn brown.  Now, Mary cannot wear her gardening costume as there is no place to hide.

Well???  Are you coming out?

By 6:00 pm we were pooped out so it was time for dinner.  We both showered and got on our jammies before cooking dinner.  Mary fixed fresh green beans from the garden and made a terrific salad also from the garden.

The master chef pulled out the filet mignons and let them sit, bringing them up to room temperature.    After reaching room temperature, I rub in salt and pepper.  Then comes the magic.  I set the oven to 450 degrees.  But before they go into the oven, I add olive oil and several pieces of garlic to a very hot frying pan; we used HexClad pans.

The steaks are placed on a hot pan and left to sit on one side for three minutes.  Searing is essential for a good steak.  After three minutes, I turn them over and add two tablespoons of Irish butter (do not add butter early, as it will burn).

We are having dinner tonight.

During the last three-minute searing activity, I ladled the butter and garlic onto the steaks.  When the timer goes off, I move the steaks from the pan to the oven (next time I will remember to use hot pads).  The steaks cook for another 4-6 minutes, and I check them to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 130 degrees, which is medium-rare.

At 130 degrees, the steaks are removed and placed on a plate to rest for ten minutes, allowing the juices to reabsorb into the meat.  Then I cut the meat into bite-sized slices and added them to the plate that Mary had prepared, which contained the green beans and baked potatoes.

Everything turned out perfect.

We had a $22.00 steak that would cost us $100 easily if we were going out.  We turned on soft background music and enjoyed ourselves with a glass (or two) of Two-Buck Chuck.   Each of our meals probably costs around $13.00, plus an additional dollar for the wine.   Taking my bride out for a $28 dinner was amazing (and romantic)

I love to work in the kitchen with Miss Mary.

May did apologize.

Indeed!

After working all day, we were pooped out and hit the sack at 9:00 pm.  I woke up to take Scout out at midnight, and the TV was on, Mary was out cold, and the dog was on a mission!  We had a wonderful day.

I thank the Good Lord every day for giving me such a wonderful life!

Posted in Cooking, Family, Vegetable Garden, Working Around House | Comments Off on Work Work Work

All We Did Was Eat!

Posted on Thursday, June 5, 2025 by Paul

OK.  It is 5:00 a.m., and we are preparing for the CT Scan of the carotid artery.  The carotid arteries are major blood vessels that supply the head and neck with oxygenated blood.  They are crucial for brain function and health.  There are two main types: the internal carotid artery, which primarily supplies the brain, and the external carotid artery, which supplies the face, neck, and other external structures.  Carotid artery disease, such as atherosclerosis, can lead to stroke, and treatment options like carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty can reduce the risk.

We are far too complicated!

St. Joseph’s, here we come!  We arrived 30 minutes early, and I went through the check-in procedure.  We were called right on time.  They escorted us to the waiting area, and I was taken inside immediately (I was the first patient of the day!).

I was in and out in ten minutes, as I knew the procedure well and did not move a single muscle; they got the picture on the first take!

The blue arrows show blockages in the arteries.  I will get my report tomorrow via the online portal.

Aah, I popped out, and there was no Mary in the waiting room!!  I tried the ladies’ room, but it was locked; ah ha, I thought to myself.   I waited and waited, thinking maybe she fell in, and then, from the other direction, came Mary carrying a Starbucks coffee.  She left me for Starbucks!

We laughed and headed to the parking lot.

Mary and my brains are ALWAYS in sync, and we looked at each other and said, “Benji’s?”  We are off for breakfast before the next medical session!  We shared a huge veggie omelette and had coffee.  (Meal #1)

After breakfast, we drove across the street to the Laguna Hills Nursery, where we picked up some zucchini and several other plants.

Always a great selection and knowledgeable staff.

We had some time, so we decided to drive home and put the plants in the garden before our next two stops.

We turned around and headed back to Laguna Hills Nursery, then went four blocks south and got a blood test at the 801 building in Tustin.  We had an appointment at Quest, and again, we were in and out in minutes!

Now for some serious work; we headed to the Elks Lodge for Girl’s Night Out.  We had Will, Heorge, Bob Z, and Bill C there today, so that you can imagine the interchange.  The arrows were flying.  Mary and I both had the Yankee Pot Roast special.  (This was meal #2)

Back home, we spent a couple of hours working in the garden, preparing it for the planting of the new plants tomorrow.  Mary had her little cart filled with trimmings while I dug out two carrot beds and freshened up the dirt with the latest compost.

Mary (on the left) sits and attempts to untangle the carrots that were pulled.

We stopped for a drink of wine and awaited the arrival of our girl.  Robin is staying with us tonight.

We decided to take Robin’s recommendation and went back to Benji’s for dinner.  This was meal #3.

Robin spotted pickled tomatoes and wondered what they were, so I ordered some.  They were delicious!

If you’re interested in the world of pickled tomatoes and some fun facts related to them, here’s some trivia you might enjoy:

Yes, pickled tomatoes are indeed a type of pickle.  The term “pickle” refers to a food that has been preserved in brine or vinegar, not just cucumbers.  Many other vegetables, as well as hard-boiled eggs or meat, can be pickled.

Pickled tomatoes can be made using various types, including green or red tomatoes.  For instance, one method involves blanching firm, red tomatoes and then pickling them in a slightly sweet brine with ginger and pickling spice.

When pickled, they offer a blend of fresh and acidic tomato flavors with a sour, crunchy, and hearty texture.

While recipes and suggested wait times for pickling can vary, some sources recommend letting them sit in the refrigerator for at least a week to allow the flavors to develop fully.  However, some people may find it hard to resist trying them sooner.

Yes, they are pickled tomatoes!

We now await the feast to arrive.

We went to Benji’s for dinner.

But before that, we had to have buffalo wings, and these little guys were plump and perfectly fried!

Buffalo wings!

After stuffing our faces for the third time, we headed home, where Mary gave Robin (and her family) her rendition of Binx.  We also gave the family a plaque for inside or the garden commemorating Binx.

Robin got Bins’s picture.

The three of us were tired.  Mary and I’s jaws were hurting after chewing so much today, so we crashed around 9:30 pm.

I am fortunate to have Mary as my partner in life, as she looks out for me and ensures I maintain a balanced diet.

Scout and I wandered in the back yard to make sure no elephants were hiding in the underbrush!  It was a warm evening with the temperature staying around 68-70 degrees.

Backyard at night!

We fell into bed asleep; Mary hadn’t even brought her book with her.

Posted in Doctor, Family, Food and Wine, Vegetable Garden | Comments Off on All We Did Was Eat!

Wedensday Has arrived And We Are Ready!

Posted on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 by Paul

We entered the gym carefully, hoping not to be seen by the staff, but alas, we were spotted and immediately thrust into an hour of sheer agony!  By 10:00 am, my hurt hurt!  When 10:00 am rolled around, we darted out of the gym faster than the Flash could go!

We ducked into the post office and mailed our estimated taxes to the two tax authorities, California and the Federal Government.   When the stamp went on, I cried, saying goodbye to the hard-earned money, knowing full well that 30% of it would be wasted by the politicians lining their pockets.

We then went to CVS; we needed more medications.  If there were an award for the number of pills taken per day, I would win!

Finally, we got home and began straightening the house before the house cleaners arrived.   I leveled the pictures on the family room wall and put up four of Mary’s watercolor paintings.

I placed Mary’s works of art on the Family Room wall!  The Dragon Flies made the cut.

Second Place, not too bad for a beginner!

This is the picture Jonathan wanted from our last cruise together, so Mary painted it for Jon!

The flag is Jonathan’s picture; we will deliver it in September.  The flamingos were the challenge given to Mary by her instructor.

Our Family Room wall is quite large, and we have room at the top remaining.

We have more room if need be!

We have finalized the arrangements for Father’s Day at the Elks for this year.

We had friends over this evening because the Starlighter’s Board Meeting was cancelled, and we had already procured the snacks!  Bill Capps, Sandy, Dianne, Bob Z, Vicky, and Jim joined us for a couple of hours of snacking and sharing stories.

To add a touch of color, Mary created some edible flowers using her new pastry pouch, which allowed her to control the piping of the cheese contents.

Keeping busy and being creative!

The flowers came from several plants around the front yard.

The colors were quite striking when put together.

All of us, when “shopping” in the Casa Valencia Gardens, filled two Ralphs bags to the top with FRESH veggies.  They picked onions, tomatoes, squash, string beans, kale, and Swiss chard.

Mid-evening, we received a text from Hannah, my niece, who had just put together a swing that Mary and I had sent when Owen was born.  They put it together in the garage, and apparently, Owen is enjoying himself.   It’s great fun to see our grandnephews grow up!

We were tired as everyone departed, and we had to be up at 5:00 am to get ready for my CT scan of the carotid arteries at St Joseph’s, being early at 8:00 am.

Posted in Friends, Gym, Vegetable Garden | Comments Off on Wedensday Has arrived And We Are Ready!