Off For Some Theater And Cultural Expansion!

Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 by Paul

When I made our morning coffee, I was taken aback by the beauty of the day.  Even the birds were flying backwards to see where they had been.  The pool is about 85 degrees; two more degrees and it will get a visit from Mommy and Poppy late in the evening.

It was a beautiful morning.

As the coffee was finishing, I began to think (always a dangerous thing to do).

While in the office, downing our coffee (a necessary activity to get our hearts started), Dianne called and asked if we could have breakfast with her while her car was serviced.  Of course, we altered our plans and went to her right after the gym.

Speaking of the gym, we had a fantastic time this morning.  For some reason, I was out of control and began cracking jokes, leaving the entire gym in stitches.  The girls now call me Tonto, Mr. Gonzales, or just plain Bubba!  (If you know me, you know why!)

From the gym, we went VFR to the car shop where Dianne was having her car fixed.  It had a bug splat on the front windshield, and they were going to remove it surgically.

We drove to the Orange Circle and had breakfast at Snooze.  We enjoyed an excellent meal, with Dianne and I having their Jalapeno Omelet.  Mary, the spice wimp, opted for avocado toast.

Located in Old Towne, the Snooze Eatery team feels lucky to be your go-to breakfast in Orange, CA.  This beautiful historic neighborhood is home to antique shops, locally owned businesses, and a wealth of history.  Whether you’re an Orange local or visitor, we’re here to fill your plate with creative twists on pancakes, bacon, and eggs.  They feature creative breakfast and brunch dishes, and cool off with a Mimosa or breakfast cocktail.  The Pineapple Upside-Down Pancake, Benny Duo, and Snooze Breakfast Burrito are just a few of their favorites.  Our Orange restaurant is open seven days a week, with doors opening bright and early at 6:30 am.

We took Dianne back to the shop, and we headed home.

We had work ahead of us; we had to clean the house before the house cleaners came at 2:00 pm!

At 3:00 pm, Irene came by, followed by Robin at 4:30 pm, and Mary and them had a glass of champagne; I settled for lemonade.

We had a glass of champagne before heading to the theater.

We found six bottles of Wycliff champagne in the guest bedroom.  The box they were in was being used to elevate a Christmas tree.  We had forgotten the champagne was in the box!

It was great having Robin with us.

Now it’s off to “The Muck.”

Did you know?  Walter and Adella Muckenthaler built the 18-room mansion in 1925 atop this hill in Fullerton, and it served as both the center of their citrus and nut farming business and their family home for more than four decades.

In 1965, their son, Harold Muckenthaler, donated the mansion and the surrounding 8.5 acres to the city with the proviso that his childhood home be used to provide the public with experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination, while conserving the estate’s heritage and architecture.

And in 1999, the Muckenthaler Mansion received designation by the National Registry of Historic Places.

Today, although the City of Fullerton maintains ownership of the property, it is managed by The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation and its elected Board of Directors.  The City and the Muck enjoy a strong spirit of cooperation in the best interest of our mutual constituents.

The Muck produces close to 100 events annually.  These include concerts in our extraordinary outdoor amphitheater and our indoor cabaret space.  That includes our five free-to-the-community Cultural Festivals, our Art gallery exhibits, a lecture series, and occasional film events.

The Muck!

We were the first to arrive and sat in row three, center.  We had perfect seats, albeit a tad hard on our gluteus maximusess!   We’re happy we brought blankets to sit on!

The best thing about growing older is that it takes such a long time.

We were first there, in the center of the third row.  Row one was blocked off for the performers.

We brought our picnic on a small burro because of the weight.  Mary masterfully prepared turkey sandwiches, accompanied by grapes, cherries, wine, Diet Cokes, and water.  Irene brought dessert!  We had a feat fit for a king!

After dinner, I thought to myself, “The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends”.

Bring on the show!

Before the show started, we were entertained with twenty minutes of classical Spanish guitar to get us in the mood.

The set was a Puerto Rican enclave in New York in the 1950s.

The set was simple.

There were 38 in the cast, so we had people all over the place running through the audience; it was a festival of sights and sounds.

There were over 30 in the cast!

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood.  In this place, the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.

“In the Heights” is a vibrant musical set in Washington Heights, New York, centering on a close-knit community and their dreams and struggles.  The story follows Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic, and his interactions with other residents, such as Nina, who returns home after facing challenges at Stanford, and Benny, who works for Nina’s father.  The musical explores themes of family, community, heritage, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a changing neighborhood.

The story revolves around the lives of these characters as they navigate their personal aspirations and the challenges of their community.   Nina’s return sparks a series of events, including her parents’ struggles to support her education and her growing relationship with Benny.   Usnavi’s dreams of leaving Washington Heights are put to the test as he forms deeper connections with the people around him.  The musical also explores the themes of rising costs and changing dynamics within the neighborhood.

At half-time, the glutes got to Irene, so we departed to find her walker-chair, which had a padded bottom.  Mary found her two padded seats, which we added to the walker seat.  Now, Auntie Irene was happy, and so were we.

In fact, the play was better at the back as the music was not as loud.

After the break, we moved up.

We had two shows going on…The show and Irene clapping, waving, and whistling at the performance.  Irene brings joy to our lives.

Someone is having a wonderful time

After the play, we headed home, which was only an 18-minute drive.

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Between Gym Days!

Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 by Paul

At 6:00 am, we are awake and ready to go.  After a cup of coffee, we headed to the garden, where we harvested, set up additional rabbit barriers, and gathered the corn stalks that were harvested this year.

The rest of the morning we piddled in the back yard.  We had Tom Heaton over to do some things I am not allowed to do, such as using ladders.  He got rid of four bird nests, moved our gas cannisters to the car, and other handyman items.

We went outside to take a look at the house after Tom had departed, and we were surprised!!

Before it got hot, we went to the garden and planted additional zucchini.  Mary also planted a variety of herbs in the towers.

While outside, we went for the raw corn fresh off the stalk.  The healthiest way to eat corn is in its whole, unprocessed form, such as fresh or frozen, and cooked using methods that preserve nutrients, like steaming, grilling, or microwaving.  Boiling can leach out some nutrients, so it’s best to avoid it.  Toppings should be kept light, focusing on healthy options such as herbs, spices, or lime juice, rather than excessive butter or salt.

Chomp, Slurp, BURP!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing.  Mary went to the neighbor’s house (who happens to be in her painting class).  The neighbor threw an afternoon (1-3 pm) shindig.   I drove her because we were not too sure where she lived, and then found out it was eleven houses down the street.

Mary had a good time, but the house was not air-conditioned, and the outside temperature was in the high 80s.   When she called, I ran to the car and decided to go around the block to get the car cooled for her.  By the time I returned to our street, Mary was halfway home.

While the car was cool, we decided to go to the market and get some goodies, mainly milk!  As usual, we came out with a basket full of items.  Note to self: Avoid outdoor markets when the temperature is almost 90 degrees!

Hot hot hot!!

We had a very light dinner before visiting Jeff, our neighbor.  We brought him a scone, which happened to be very good.

Returning home, we decided to sit on the patio and watch TV.  We did until almost 9:30 pm, and finally, we moved.  Mary lay on the swing, and she needed a small blanket because when the Sun goes down, the temperature drops significantly.

I was fortunate to receive many Father’s Day cards, including one from Becky and Dan with a nice note, “Thanks for making Mom happy!”  That made my day!!

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We Are Off And Running!

Posted on Monday, June 16, 2025 by Paul

Monday means the gym.  Before we go, I need to weigh myself, and for that, I need Mary’s assistance.

The gym was pretty good today.  I only needed one crutch when I was leaving.   The old body held up pretty well under all the stress and strain.  I am back down under 200 pounds again!

I have decided my favorite machine in the gym is the water cooler.

After departing the gym, we went directly to the Orange Ranch Market, a unique and eclectic shopping destination.  We selected a variety of goodies to try, including some of the finest fruit we have ever seen.

Our main goal was to get Mary the T-Bone steak she has been wanting.  A T-bone steak is a cut of beef that includes both a strip steak (New York strip) and a tenderloin (filet mignon) on either side of a T-shaped bone.  It’s essentially two steaks in one, offering a diverse flavor and texture experience.  The T-bone is cut from the short loin of the cow, with the bone acting as a natural divider.  This cut is also known as a Porterhouse Steak.

OK, I went to the butcher and asked for two T-Bones.  He wrapped them up, and I saw the $161 price and nearly fainted.  Mary almost crashed the market basket into a display.  We looked at each other and asked, “What did we do?”

We called the police department and requested a patrol car to escort us home.

These puppies were two and a half pounds each!  Oh my!

I needed to run by the bank to help pay for these!

We know Charlie is after a truck, and we stopped to look at one on the way home.   We are not too sure he would appreciate it, but it would keep him out of the bars at night.

Charlie, it’s a good start!

We got home, and I got the wheelbarrow to bring the steaks inside.  We decided we would have one for brunch.  But how the devil do you cook something so big?  We almost had to roll out the BBQ.

2 1/2 pounds of delicious steak!

It was thick, so I had to pan-fry it on both sides to get a good crust.  Four minutes per side on high seemed to do the job.

We let it get to room temperature before applying the seasoning.

We used our new Hex-Clad pan, heating it to HIGH so the meat would sear quickly.

Did You Kow? Searing a steak involves rapidly heating its outer surface to a high temperature, creating a brown, crispy crust and enhancing flavor.  While it’s a common belief that searing “locks in juices,” culinary experts say it doesn’t prevent moisture from escaping.  Instead, searing primarily contributes to the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that caramelizes sugars and amino acids, resulting in a rich, savory flavor and a more appealing appearance.

Cloves of garlic are added to the pan.

After the first turnover, we added two tablespoons of butter and then basted the steak with it during the four-minute searing process.

The stove fan was on full blast to keep the fire alarms from going off!

Time to rest before being attacked by Mary!  The truth of the matter is we only could finish two-thirds of the steak so we put the remainder in the frig.

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Father’s Day 2025

Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2025 by Paul

Join us on the website for the full celebration!

I wish it were true, but alas, we are going to have brunch at the Elks and then see the Elvis Presley show.

The Elks Father’s Day Lunch not only features a great menu but also a spectacular show with a rockin’ tribute to the King, starring internationally acclaimed musician and actor Scot Bruce as Elvis.  Scot celebrates what made Elvis not only the King of Rock & Roll, but also the King of Cool!  See the magic that made a generation swoon in the 1950s and ’60s, before the white jumpsuit, sunglasses, and glitter of Vegas.  Along with his 4-piece band, Bruce meticulously and respectfully recreates the electrifying musical excitement of Elvis in his prime, right down to the vintage instruments, hip threads, and grease in his hair.  From Elvis’ humble beginnings at Sun Records to the Ed Sullivan Show (when America caught its first glimpse of him), through his Hollywood career, and to his black leather-clad 1968 comeback TV special.

I opened a box from Colleen and thought perhaps I should soak it in the bathtub first, but I took a chance.  Wow!  I hit the jackpot.  A Father’s Day card, a coffee mug, a candle, and a T-shirt!

I drink from it every day when I do the Daily Diary!

How true!

Thank you, Colleen and Mark, for my Father’s Day surprise.

Robin and Bob came by early, and we all drove together to the lodge.

The Apollo Man!

We had a table right on the dance floor up front!

Best seats in the house!

Stories were told and retold.  Brunch was terrific.  We had all the beef ribs we could eat, and they were excellent!

Our champion storyteller was holding court, keeping us in stitches the whole afternoon!

Stories are told.

Vicky and I gave a demonstration in swing dancing to all the shy people around us!

Vicky and Paul tear up the dance floor.

At intermission, we got a group picture.

Yeah Yeah, the gangs all here!

Elvis played “American Trilogy,” which caused tears throughout the lodge.

Elvis visited us.

I had a glass of liquid so I would have enough courage to get up and dance.  P.S., it didn’t take much!

The lemonade was outstanding

We moved across the flow like we were ice skating.

We danced several times to great 1950s music!

From the lodge, we stopped in at Axe’s Bar & Grille and had some jalapeno poppers and hot wings.

It was a wonderful day with family and friends.  We did miss Colleen, Joe, and Zack, but there is always next year!

Let me leave you with one thought (I’m such a boy!)

Posted in Dancing, Dining Out, Elks, Family, Friends, Holidays | Comments Off on Father’s Day 2025

We Give Busy A New Meaning!

Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2025 by Paul

We are expecting an 80-degree day, so we’d better get to tending the garden early before the heat hits.  Our peppers are still producing, even after we’ve given away thirty of them to friends.  The ones below are mild and excellent in salads.

Remember: Gardeners know all the dirt!!

Keep them coming, little plant!

Mary thought about doing some painting or other fun arts and crafts things, but after remembering what the closet looked like, she stayed with me all day! As Mary often says, “When in doubt, just add glitter!”

Oh my!

The cucumbers are so good that we decided to visit Trader Joe’s and purchase a special mix used for cucumber salads.  Mary makes a cucumber salad to die for.   One can eat a boatload of salad and not exceed 50 calories.  My kind of salad!

Cucumbers, often mistaken for vegetables, are actually fruits, specifically berries, and are remarkably high in water content, making them excellent for hydration

We had six of these guys hanging around.

The best way to garden is to put on a wide-brimmed straw hat and some old clothes.  And with a hoe in one hand and a cold drink in the other, tell somebody else where to dig.

While the veggies are doing well, the grape vineyard is doing magnificent.  We have been keeping a close eye on the grapes this year, trimming back the suckers and ensuring the inner part of the plant receives adequate sunlight.  The plants have responded well!

Remember:  Life is full of grape expectations.

We have two to three weeks of table grapes to devour in another month!

We were thinking more like this:

Table grapes will do in a pinch!

Mid-afternoon, we went out to do errands.  We visited Home Depot and purchased additional plants, as well as small trellises for the cucumbers and melons we have in pots.

Then we went to Trader Joe’s and came back with a basket full of goodies, we always do.  Finally, we stopped at Marie Callender’s and picked up a cherry pie for our neighbor, Jeff.

The people at Trader Joe’s are so friendly; it’s a pleasure to do business with them!

Upon arriving home, we began to unpack the car.  Mary went to the backyard to get the wheelbarrow when my phone buzzed, alerting me that the US Army Parade was beginning.   I turned on the kitchen TV and then headed outside, yelling for Mary; I did NOT tell her what it was about.

We watched the parade with both of us having a little tear in the corner of our eyes.  Mary enjoyed it as she was a Captain in the US Army and recognized many of the insignias.

When Mary was in the army, her soldiers would follow her anywhere, but only out of curiosity.  Her staff likened Mary to a small puppy – she runs around excitedly, leaving little messes for other people to clean up.  They also said, “This Officer should go far, and the sooner she starts, the better.”

We need a strong military and military leadership; thank you, President Trump!

The parade ended with the American flag flying proudly!

God Bless America

Oh, I didn’t mention that we got two filet mignons at Trader Joe’s.  The stakes are products of Argentia, and they were terrific.  You know, when the steaks gossip, they really know how to beef up a story.

This beef was so rich, it should come with a bank account.

Bringing them to room temperature is essential!

After being seasoned with salt and pepper, they receive a three-minute sear on both sides in a very hot pan.  The garlic cloves work well but tend to burn after a few minutes of cooking.

Sizzle sizzle little star!

Mary’s cucumber salad and freshly picked corn (picked while I was preparing the steaks) made for an effortless but fantastic dinner.

Life does not get better than this!

We sent over to Jeff’s, bringing him a half-cherry pie and some cucumber salad.  We visited with Jeff for a while and watch the morons in LA doing their street dance to protect criminals and waving the Mexican flag.

Returning home, we went into the swim spa.  Both heaters were on full blast, warming our robes while we sat in the hot water, cooking away!  My gardening suit got more wrinkled!

Scout was sound asleep, so we had suspicions that he had been up to no good!

Sometimes Scout can be rather sneaky!

After going inside and getting comfortable in the TV room, we fell soundly to sleep.  We lasted about five minutes watching TV.  Tomorrow is a busy day; it’s Father’s Day, and we are off to the Elks with family and friends.

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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!

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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!