Corn Beef, Cabbage and Blarney

Last night was the annual Corn Beef and Cabbage Dinner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church where I am currently president of the Men's Club who is sponsoring this event. I was very pleased at the turn out and participation of the members of not only the men's club, but women of the parish who came forward to assist in making this event a success. Most of the crowd was over 60, but more like "18" in vitality. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as many of the guests arrived on time to fellowship with their fellow parishoners. A beautiful rendition of "Danny Boy" was sung by Alice Costello, amazing stories and Jokes were told by Laverne and prizes were raffled off as the evening moved alone. Some terrific wine and cakes were won by a whole assortment of people who bought raffle tickets. The grand prize was an autographed picture of Joe Montana being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame which was donated by Joe Sr. Lenny and Sonia Murphy won that one, and Lenny informed us that he also has in his possession an autographed "baseball" of Joe Montana which in itself is quite a rarity. Millie Hunt was enjoying her dinner too, and happened to mention that her 93rd birthday would be celebrated on the following Saturday. The chefs and helpers should also be mentioned here... A Big Thank You goes out to Don Williams, Joe Birleffi, Ruben Garcia, Ron Mashburn, Marcia Stagnaro, Pat McBride, Patty and Bill McMahon, Kitty McGuire, Ray Davies, Rich Holston, Rosemary ( our favorite waitress ) and anyone else that made this a very happy event. One sad note though, at the end of the evening, Ricki, who had rode her bike to the event had taken a fall afterwards and ended up with some broken bones. A new parishoner by the name of Nicole, rode with her to the hospital to make sure she was cared for; This really was inspiring to have a newcomer take action like that, and we will keep them both in our best thoughts and prayers.

Thirty years ago...

I was detoxing in my own apartment on Sutter street in San Francisco. I had already gotten an AA sponsor and had worked the first three steps. I was ready to move on with my life. That same week I gave notice at work for a leave of absence. Two weeks after that I resigned. Unemployment afforded me plenty of time to go to meetings. My first sober job was getting people on tour buses in front of the Hilton Hotel in downtown San Francisco. After about six months on that job, I felt stifiled and began running the hills of San Francisco after work. I would make a meeting every day after my run. This was my time. Gratefully, I have not taken a drink or an unprescribed drug since that time. Much has happened between that time and now, and one thing is certain. I never want to go back to what it was like on my last day as a drunk.

I feel silly

Today there must be a full moon or something. I feel giddy and tickled that I was able to get all of the group photos that I took of the graduating students off of my Ipod and back onto my laptop.I had to download some software to do that though.This morning I had a nosebleed. I think this happens when I use too much Flonase. The stuff really works well on my allergies, so I have come to depend on it first thing in the morning, after I take my wellbutrin.I am usually upbeat, but today I got in a pissing match with one of my co-workers at the CIA. I was wrong and went off on her just because I decided I didn't like her and that she was being arrogant. I think that I am the one that is arrogant. Then a weird thing happened.An AA member walked in to use the bathroom.He told me that he has 15 days to get off of the property where he is presently living.I feel bad for the guy, but not enough to do anything for him. I didn't even let him use our phone ( or my cell phone ) when he mentioned that he noticed that we don't have any more pay phones at the CIA.It looked like he had been back on the sauce.he was a bit bloated and red in the face.I think that this was a sign from my higher power. I am going to try to help this guy out next time I see him.The image above has really nothing to do with this post other than the fact that I wanted to add an image. I know the chef on the left. He is a friend of mine.

My Love of Fat Tuesday

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Today is Tuesday and it is called "Fat Tuesday" because tomorrow is "Ash Wednesday" the first day of Lent. Everyone gets their Ya-ya's out on Fat Tuesday, because they are supposed to be abstinent during Lent. Lent is the forty days Christ spent in the desert beforing being crucified on Calvary.Most people will abstain from meat or caffiene during Lent. I have done this in the past and have been successful. Although I am not really excited about it, I intend to make this a successful season.I will have thirty years "Clean and Sober" come March 13th.Thankfully, THAT obsession was lifted, and I chose not to return to drinking or using drugs.It wasn't like I was "Giving something up for Lent" However., Today I remain grateful that I didn't die that way so I do things to stay on a spiritual path.It would be a long road back if I were to return to the old ways of thinking and acting. Tonight I am participating in the parish "Crab Feed" which will be a hoot. Most everyone is older than me and have come to enjoy this annual ritual of stuffing their faces with pasta and crab.My job as president of the Men's club will be to keep the whole thing somewhat organized.It should be fun and yes,a bit challenging to say the least. The little video on top is something I downloaded and modifed for your enjoyment.Kind of silly, huh?

Empire mine

This picture is a bit of an illusion.You are looking at a mine shaft that is actually on an angle looking straight down into the earth. It has been dug down over 5000 feet, and branches off into many other areas underground. it's 5:30 AM on Wednesday, and I am still reflecting on this latest adventure. On Monday, I drove my little scooter all the way to the Empire Gold mine in Grass Valley... a distance of 150 miles. It was a fairly easy ride and the traffic was not hard to navigate. The scooter ran great and I got good mileage all considering. I stopped at a few places like Noah's Bagels in Davis and In & Out burger near Sacramento, filling up with coffee, pizza bagels and double burgers on my way up. When I got there around three thirty, I had an hour and a half before they closed the gates, but was able to get a great personal tour of the grounds (after I introduced myself as an employee of Greystone). The ranger took me through the Bourn Cottage, the Social hall and the museum area. I was then free to explore the mine shaft myself. I took many pictures of the surroundings. Even the garden was a beautiful sight in the winter. There were Ponderosa Pines, Magnolias, Gladiolas,Chinese Wisteria and even Olive trees. Bourn must have been one charismatic guy to have his workers create such magnificent properties like Filoli, Greystone and this place. The drive back was a bit cold, but with my Itunes keeping me company, the trip went by fairly quickly ( I was home in three and a half hours). I should do things like this more often.

Eileenafizzle

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This is one of my favorite co-workers.She calls me "Christafizzle" and I call her "Eileenafizzle". Don't ask me how this started.She doesn't care much for having her picture taken, but when she put that fez on, I figured that qualifies her as a major party girl.Actually, she works hard to make sure that anyone who wants a party will get exactly what suits them.Her bubbling personality is contagious and she knows it. So if you are not in the mood for a splendid afternoon, be sure to avoid her.Tell them "Christafizzle" told you so.

Lens Flare

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I am really beginning to love having the ability to do short videos that I can upload within minutes and have anyone view them from anywhere in the world. This is what people have been calling "citizen journalism" and it rocks ! The other item worth mentioning is that this whole process does not cost a fortune and with a little training, anyone can be a part of the fun.

Here's looking at you!

Next Monday I will be starting a fast that will last 24 hours. I am having a colonostopy ( lovely ) at the Queen of the Valley Hospital. I have to drink about two quarts of Ginger Ale and take this stuff that is going to clean me out thoroughly. The only reason I am mentioning this is because I am now 56 and I need to have all my working parts checked, to prepare for my twilight years twenty years from now. Hey, you should always be prepared ! Today I am going on my scooter to the Coffee Roastery to have my cup of joe and to read the paper. Hopefully, I will meet up with a kindred soul who's ear I can bend for awhile. I may even bring my sketchbook to do a few drawings.

Meanderings

The first day back at work is always a little intimidating. All at once you feel like the new guy again... but that's good. Having what the Zen Buddhists call a "beginner's mind" is helpfull in overcoming any negative patterns you have established that block personal growth. It's like having an open mind with the added benefit of discernment. All in all, it was a pretty good day. The Healthy World's of Flavor Conference started today. It is by no means, anywhere near what the Grand event of the year is like in November but it could be in the future. The "World's of Flavor" takes the cake as the showcase event of the year.On another note, I am doing a lot of research on a history project I have taken on... Basically, I've come up with a lot of factual data about the Greystone campus. Brother Timothy's oral account of what took place on the property from an interview taken in 1975 reveals how the Christian Brothers succeeded as one of the top wineries in the Napa Valley during that era.

Reflective Thursday

Today I got up and went to work. I forgot that I had arranged to take the day off to go to a memorial service for Sister Clare Wagstaffe. She was the aunt of my co-worker, Eileen Wagstaffe, and if she was anything like Eileen, she was a beautiful soul.Once I got to work I realized where I should be and clocked out. From there I went to St. Mary's College in Moraga for the memorial mass.Sr. Clare was made an affiliated member of the Christian Brother's Teaching Order and will be buried at Mt. La Salle. Once I left the chapel after mass I met up with Eileen and walked with her for awhile, just to reflect on the beauty and strength this person had contributed to Eileen's life.I didn't want to go to the reception not for any other reason than I didn't think I wanted to chat with Brother Mel or some of the other brothers. I don't really no why... so I took off for Napa. On the way back,I listened to The Dr. Dean Edell show on KGO and he was talking about Prostate Cancer in men. I realized that I was now 56 and had never had an exam.This is something that concerns me because cancer has occurred more than twice in my family.So, I immediately made a left turn and drove to my physician's office to be checked out. Luckily, I was taken in a given a referral for an appointment on Monday.I will keep you posted.

My date with Kitty

Today is Tuesday, January 14th, and we are still in the middle of a cold snap.Yesterday, I had a nice run with Don,who suprised me with a silver bracelet that he made by hand. It is very cool looking and the agreed price of $70.00 was immediately paid.Money is tight, but I should be able to afford it after a I am paid this Friday.Then at 1:30pm I drove my car to the Century Theater in San Raphael to see the movie. "The Children of men" with Kitty. She and I were both limping as we greeted each other. She, because she needs to get a hip replacement, and me because I think that I have torn the miniscus in my other knee.Yipes. Anyway, the movie was pretty good.It was set in the future under the premise that the last child had already been born some years before and that no one was able to reproduce for whatever reason.There was much fighting, guns and violence in the movie, but it still had a pretty good story line which was like a modern day story of the Nativity of Christ.After the film we decided on having pizza across the street at this little pizzeria which had a delicious Pesto Pizza. During dinner, Kitty presented me with a cell phone that she was giving me as a gift because she needed a new (and better) one for her job. I was happy to recieve it, but will probably only use it for emergency calls.All in all, it was a very nice date.

It could happen to you !

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It has been so cold here I couldn't find my johnson to take a leak! ...and now I've got a man-vagina!... (well, you get my drift).This isn't like me.I was so inspired yesterday that I tried updating my blog here at the local Coffee shop.I went to hook up my camera, but only drew uncomfortable attention to myself.Now I question my own motives for having this video blog.If everyone had new IPhones we would all be taking a shitload more pictures and posting them wherever we wanted... just because we have the technology to now flaunt it ! I mean privacy concerns, copyrights and increased legislation are not making anyone's space anymore safe (either for the recorder or the one being recorded ).Yesterday at MacWorld, people were snapping pictures with thier fancy digital cameras everywhere I turned.If I was part of the witness protection program, I could have been tracked by the mob so easily by now.Think about it...only fifteen years ago Faith Popcorn (a marketing futurist ) predicted that we would all be "cocooning" ourselves with this false sense of security and all the products and services that go along with it. We have gated communities, alarm-devices, minature survellience cameras, tear-gas pens and stun guns .This is so lame.Does anyone feel any less terrorized or intruded upon? Does anyone really feel more safe ? People now have a hard time distinquishing between private and public space.Most will saunter around with their new kewl cell-phone and a snotty feeling of entitlement when they are nammering away to their friends who are two aisles down in the supermarket. Or better yet, at the checkout stand feeling totally "put-off" when the clerk interrupts your oh-so important call by asking you if you wanted paper or plastic! Privacy control and security are all part of this illusion. We might as well assume that we are all on the lamb, and this is just another symptom of our sick society.Perhaps one suggestion would be to walk around like the Blues Brothers with Fedoras and Ray-Bans on. An old hippie once told me..."Just because you are paranoid, does not mean they aren't out to get you!" No truer words were spoken. Now as new-media celebrity, and police victim Rodney King has implored us to do over a decade ago..."Can we all just get along?"

James Brown Popcorn

This was the hardest working man in show buisness. Without his moves and grooves, Michael Jackson or Prince wouldn't have a leg to stand on... This was one of his better performances.James Brown VIDEOS and MUSIC at : http://www.getpedia.com/1/jamesbrown.htm

Chris Rock - How NOT to Get Your Butt Kicked.

Very funny clip of Chris Rock. www.upyourvideo.net

The Winds of Change

The new year continues to unfold around here at the C.I.A. Meetings are going on which tell me that something BIG is brewing. I shouldn't let the resturant closure or the Campus Store Inventory deter my natural momentum for keeping the ball rolling around here. The weather today was a cross between sun, rain and wind. Whenever it gets windy, I suspect that changes abound.My employer wants me to compile a history of Greystone that can be viewd on a flat panel monitor for the Atrium (which will undergo a huge change).I have been the one who has cataloged a whole variety of pictures and documents relating to this place.I feel confident that I can produce a multimedia production which will really showcase the best of what we have here.I plan to begin this project with the legacy of William Borne and Everitt Wise.Then I will talk a little about winemaking before Prohibition and after the Phyloxera epidemic.Then I will speak briefly about the Bisceglia Brothers and finally mention how the Christian Brothers came to the Napa Valley.I am looking forward to this project.It will be especially gratifying to talk about the marriage of wine,food and art after the Paris tasting and before the C.I.A. opened it's doors here.

Happy 2007 !

Just like an old fuddy duddy, I went to bed early and woke up around midnight to the sound of my Mexican neighbors honking their car horns, blowing off fire-crackers and pumping up the mariachi music full blast. Needless to say, I got up and put on my earphones and sat at the computer. I figured out that i could call my sister in Australia and that it would only be around 8pm where she was. We eventually got hooked up on "Skype" and did our best to work out the audio/video bugs so that we could chat anytime we felt like it. I don't make any new year's resolutions because my will power has always translated into won't power, and that is too much of a perfectionist set up for me. The good news is that I haven't found it necessary to take any drink or mind altering substance for almost 30 years. Actually, my sobriety date is March 13th, 1977 so that is the date that I will thank my fellowship and higher power.This year should be a good one, God willing.

Merry Christmas

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Today started slow. I got out of bed, took a shower and made a milk shake.Then I sat down at the computer and called all the members of the OLPH men's club to remind them of the meeting taking place on Wednesday evening. Then I jumped in my little white potato of a car and drove down to Napa. There I went to my nephew Edward's house for a wonderful day of opening presents and eating Croation Cuisine.Ed and Ant's new baby Mila will be Christened on New Year's Eve so I hope that I can take next Sunday off. The picture you see here is of the little tyke in a good mood. She is five months old, and quite a talker. She likes to stick her tongue out and give everyone a raspberry.Then she cuts little farts and breaks up laughing.She had us entertained for hours.The time went by quickly and before you know it, it was dark outside and people were stuffed. We had already chatted and exchanged gifts. I recieved a nice shirt from Rita and Hamish and a Nike+Ipod Sports kit from Ed, but unfortunately I have the wrong kind of Ipod! Also,I don't have a new pair of Nikes to slip into...Which, by the way are necessary items to get going with this program.So,If I buy a Nano, it would be my fourth Ipod, and I am sorry, but that is ridiculous! The other present I got was a cool book about Motor Scooters from Mario( Antonella's brother )I really appreciate his thoughtfulness. All in all it was a great day and I hope we do it all again next year.

Festive Appearances

I enjoy my work but
I have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility that a lot of people read as control. Today, a group of thirty people did not show up for one of our cooking demonstrations at 10:30 AM. We called the group to remind them and only got voicemail. Patricia Landis is in Panama taking a vacation and she is the one who made the reservation. I let her know how I handled the situation.I am also training someone to work the concierge desk even though I haven't been called on to do so. She is a nice person who is my age. Her name is Marnie and she lives locally. She is the manager/owner of a workout gym in St. Helena. So far we have been enjoying working together. I hope it continues that way. She is the best friend of Mary Lee who is someone who has been on-call as a concierge ever since I have been here.This a picture of them and a friend at our Christmas party which took place on the sixth of this month.

What have I done?

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Another silly movie showing me fumble around trying to find the right settings, etc. Generally making an idiot out of myself.

The Return of...

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After my attempt at staying in shape, I went to ACE® to buy a shower curtain because I am having my bathroom painted in the morning. I spent most of the afternoon cleaning and scrubbing the floor, then the shower tiles , the toilet, the sink, etc. etc. I don't want these guys who are doing the painting to think that I live like a pig. My apartment needs a good dusting every week though.Where does all this grey dust comes from? During the summer months the spiders make good use of it, as it becomes the choice material for making thier webs. Where am I going with this...hmmm. Well as Banteron told you, This morning he went for a run/walk with his buddy, Don. They yabber on about their lives and what new projects they are working on just to stay busy. Then it's time for a cup of mud. Today Bant had his usual roasted brew only this time it included a big dallop of Espresso Ice Cream in the cup. Yummmm ! This weeks blog is announcing the return of "Banteron from Boca Raton". My alter-ego.

Sketching what I see...

I have been practising my drawing skills here at work now that it has been kind of slow.Yesterday, I drew this teapot to learn how to do reflective objects and chrome better. It is tricky and requires observation to get all the detail. I don't always draw things the way I SEE them. I rely a lot on my imagination, or rather what I THINK something looks like. I don't know if I could make a living doing this quite yet. I could be a lot more disciplined around this practise. I am building a portfolio and plan to have another show at some point. This time I will plan it a little better.

Showing off

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I have been playing around with this video blog thing for a little while now and I want to broaden my ability to create effective content. So,here i chose to show off some of my black and white art work... only it's blue ! Yep, I got Quicktime Pro to let me colorize the video. Now if I can only figure out what I am going to upload next.

iTALK

Spec commercial for a new cell phone from Apple by award winning filmmaker Christopher DeSantis with design by Gregory DeSantis.

The Men's Group

I have been in the men's group at our Catholic Church for some time now, and I have been president since July. I have just recently added a web site here in Google to support the members. I have invited around twenty-seven regular members who have e-mail, and so far only one has signed on. I plan to announce to the group on Wednesday that this web site has been created so that we all can stay in touch with the group and each other. It is my intention that this site builds community and good will among the members. These are a great bunch of guys who have lived in and around Calistoga for some time now.

Persnicketity Persmimmons

This blog has nothing to do with persimmons other than I posted this pretty picture which was taken last year about this time .Today my sister Ellen sent me an email which was one of her famous surveys. She does this from time to time. It consisted of 50 questions that are varied and diverse. They are fun to answer and to ponder about... " What was the last fuzzy thing you touched? " or" Who was the most famous person you have stood within three meters from?" These kind of questions make for a time of reflection in an otherwise boring fall day at work. Luckily, my manager and my supervisor were not in today, which was nice. I don't feel that I have to perform like a trained monkey so much. My scooter is running great. I tell everyone that it is like an "E-ticket" ride at Disneyland. I hope that I don't repeat myself too much. I do so much of that at work. It is really hard to say anything original because people are constantly coming up with the same stupid questions that I have to pretend they are asking me for the first time. Sheesh! My good buddy, Steve Ruggenberg has decided to move on from work as a demo chef at the De Baun Theater. I have an idea why he is moving on ... but it's all good.

Digestability

I haven't made the time to blog since the Worlds of Flavor Conference over two weeks ago. The reason being what I call "Digestability". This is where the information and conversations have been coming at you at such a rate that you have no time to reflect. Forming an opinion is sometimes like having a turd form. A collection of matter conjoins to form a mass which may be symbiotic or may not be. Bringing ideas together into a cohesive package is not always the easiest thing. Too many things get out there way before they have been cross-referenced for their viability, let alone proper grammar and spelling. An idea is only as good as it's support structure and digestability.

Back from the W.O.F. O6'

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It has been a long day... I have worked straight through without taking much of a lunch break yet i feel energized from the people I met today. It is nice being of service and feeling like I am doing the right thing with my life.

This video was originally shared on blip.tv by banteron with a Public Domain license.

Almost Halloween

It has been a busy week. The Robert Parker event took place on Thursday, and Friday was the B&P graduation. Tracey, Dawn and Andrea invited me to the ceremony and dinner which was fantastic. I don't think I have had a better week as far as food tasting goes. Yesterday was the Pelligrino "Almost Famous" chefs competition. The lunch that was prepared was mostly Northern Italian- which is my favorite cuisine. Parmigiano Reggiano crustinis, gnocci, pesto, ceasar salad, linguini and desserts that were scrumptuous.On another note, Yesterday I drove my scooter back from Vallejo and froze my tookus! The bike is now over 1000 miles and next paycheck I will bring it in for it's first servicing. I enjoy riding it but the cold weather is begininng to come around.This coming week is the "Worlds of Flavor" conference at the CIA, and Spain is the hosting country. The place will be packed for sure. I will bring my digital camera to document as much as I can. After this event we enter our "quiet" period until thing pick up again after February with the Mustard Festival.

Is anyone out there?

When I starting writing this blog, I thought that more people would read it (ego).Now I realize that I barely read it even after I have written it ! That be said, I might as well recount the past week since I have last posted. Friday the 13th came this week and it was a doozy. We had a truck take out a power line in St. Helena which caused a major traffic tie-up, up and down the Valley. The CIA was without power for around two hours. People were just starting to head home when the power came back up.I try to stay cool in those situations because it is usually a time when the managers go into overdrive. I simply called PG & E and asked for an update call as soon as they knew when we might expect to get our power back. I must say, that PG&E really has got it down now to a fine Science. After two hours, I got a call from a guy who said we would have power within 5 minutes and not to tell anyone else, lest it be a false alarm ( the guy even covered his own tracks ! ) Well, he was right. The power came back and everyone who was about to leave for home, grumbled and filed back into the building. We lost 56 lunch reservations and had to close our campus store... oh well !

Spending Spree

Yesterday I went to a Mac Expo at Santa Rosa Junior College. I attended two workshops.One was with Barbara Heimann who taught Photoshop at SRJC until her retirement. The other was with Burt Munroe. He is a real Photoshop expert. He demonsrated some of his techniques, but went so fast I could hardly digest the information. I know enough about Photoshop to get by, but I know there would be tons more to learn if I was interested. I also won a book and t-shirt on Digital Photography which will go in my colletion.I also ended up buying Jim Heid's book on ILife O6'. I got it for twenty bucks when I would otherwise spend forty five. I also purchased Micromat's Techtool Pro for my Minimac which has been giving me a little trouble lately. I have a feeling that it is memory issues. Lastly, I purchased a little kit to keep my ipod scratch free. All in all, I dropped around $150.00 after I paid Roy at Revolution Moto to attach the wire to my tail light.

October Blues

Today is Tuesday, my regular day off. I am feeling sad. I found out after reading the paper today that an old friend of the family has passed on.Frances McAteer was our neighborhood "mom" if you will. This wonderful woman would open her heart and home to almost any kid she knew. We loved her because she would make us laugh and was always interested in what we were doing. She would always have a smile to greet us, as well. Most of the neighborhood knew Mrs.McAteer, not just as a State Senator's wife, but as an encouraging and generous friend. Those days when it was unusually hot in San Francisco, she would let all the kids come and swim in her pool. We would dash out of our houses and run with our towels over there to be the first one off the diving board. I think that there must have been about twenty-five kids in her pool at one time.That was a treat not to be missed. I remember one time she took me along on a special trip to Alacatraz. This was long before it opened up to the public ( and even before the Indian "take-over" ) when there was a committee forming about what should be done with the property. She taught kids respect to be respectful of one another and to be polite towards adults. One time, Governor Edmund G. Brown was visiting her husband Gene at their home. I had the good fortune to meet him, because Mrs. McAteer invited me in and introduced me to him. I felt important because of her. I will never forget this kind gesture.

My New Scooter !

Okay, Revolution Moto has provided me with the most beautiful 250cc Aprilia Scarabeo Motorscooter around. In fact, it is the only one of it's kind in Northern California.
It is a deep indigo color ( almost eggplant, if you will ) and it is 100cc's faster than my old one.I really have to thank BMW of Santa Rosa for facilitating this process.They picked the bike up in their van when it broke down. The manager called me to tell me that they would get me a new scooter and Revolution Moto came through with a brand spanking new one in less than two weeks. I love riding it around now that the sunny season is still around. Pretty soon though, I will be driving the old white potato ( my Ford Aspire ) when the rain and cold weather sets in after Halloween.

Goodbye to my old scooter

Today I did some sleuthing to find out what the status of my motorscooter is, after my engine malfunction on the Silverado Trail. It looks like I will be getting a new scooter as soon as the othre scooter is paid off and the title is transferred. I am upgrading from a 150CC to a 250CC scooter which will have a lot more umph.Hopefully, I will be able to pick my scooter up on Saturday at Revolution Moto in Santa Rosa.So far, the people who work there and at BMW Santa Rosa couldn't be nicer. I have been treated with respect and dignity.I will sing thier praises as so as I am on the seat of my new scooter heading down the road.

The Potato Story

(You can view this image upside down,too!)

A girl Potato and a boy potato had eyes for each other, and finally they married and had a little sweet potato, which they called "Yam". Of course, They wanted the best for Yam, When it was time, they told her the facts of life.

They warned her about going out and getting half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally smashed, and get a bad name for herself, like "hot potato" and end up with a bunch of tater tots.

Yam saidi not to worry, no spud would get her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her. But on the other hand, she wouldn't stay home and become a couch potato either.

She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her shoestring cousins. When she went off to Europe. Mr. and Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland, and the greasy guys from France called French Fries.

Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn't associate with those high class Yukon Golds.

Mr. and Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (That's Potatao University ) So that when she graduated she'd really be in the chips, but in spite of all they did for her, one day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry a TV news anchorman.

Getting Married? Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset. They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry a TV news anchorman , because he would just a ... "Common Tater !"

Nice shot of Sedona

I wish I was there... it is a beautiful place. Last time was in 91' I think. My online buddy Steve took this shot during a recent trip. The place supposedly has many energy centers throughout the area. Many westerns were filmed there too. I know that there are some places where only the local Indian tribes can visit because they are sacred spots where initiation rites take place. The sky and scenery there is breathtaking. Thank you Steve for sharing your site with us ! If you would like to visit his website,click here

Blaaaaaa !

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I thought that I would have my eyes checked being that I am 55 and soon to be 56. I have been using the Dr. Dean Edell magnifiers for the past couple of years as my eyesight has gotten progressively worse. The doctor says that my eyes aren't any worse than any other person my age and that I shouldn't be concerned. Well, after my exam ( which my insurance paid for... ) I sat down to be fitted for my new glasses. I gulped when I learned the price but bit the bullet and ordered them anyway. Now I can SEE where my money has gone. Now if only i could correct my financial foresight.

Another Blip

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This is a short and stupid video, just to see how fast I could publish it. Hey, if it were not for experiments we would never have eaten jello. Today I download the new video version of Skype for Macs, and yesterday I downloaded the new ITunes 7.0 which has a lot of visually pleasing features. Let's face it... technology is great, especially when you understand how best to use it.

Just swell...

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Okay, so now it is 1:35 AM on Tuesday, September 12th, 2006. I am back here posting to my blog because I haven't done it in awhile. Yesterday I took a run with my friend, Don Freeland. We ran to Coyote Peak in Bothe State Park near where I live. It was difficult for me, but I was able to comlete the distance. Afterwards, I felt a little ill and Don took me to? Cal Mart to buy a Green Tea drink. This quenched my thirst but I still felt a little "woozy". He then dropped me off at my place and went home. I took a shower and a nap and felt much better after that. The reason I am writing about this is because today I am going back to see Dr. John to talk about my cholesterol findings. The blood panel results were showing elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol and high glucose. I am a bit nervous about this and guess that I went for a run to prove to myself that I am still in great shape. I sure hope that I am. I don't want to end up with diabetes like my other siblings.

Dr. John and the day tripper

On my day off I drove my scooter down to the city of Napa to visit Dr. Dermody about the pain and bruising under my rib cage. He said I probably go poked and didn't remember it ! ( now wait, I am here because of thinking I may have a heart problem and you are telling me I have alzheimers ? ) Actually, he thinks it was not anything to be concerned about and to just relax. He then suggested that I go have a blood panel done since it has been about two years since I have had that done. Although, I remember having a cup of coffee with cream that morning, he didn't think that would effect the test because it had been about three hours. Well today I got a call from his staff saying that my triglycerides were through the roof and that my good and bad cholesterol were both extraordinarily high. GREAT ! So today at lunch I ate only salads, tomatoes, carrots, beans, rice and anything that doesn't produce those bad things that only serve to block my areteries. I promise to be a good boy and start lowering it beginning today. Cheese, eggs , dairy, bread, yougurt, chips and some nuts... all out ! My life is beginning anew.

Pain under my rib

I have been a little concerned after waking up for the past week with what feels kind of like a bruised rib that isn't really healing. It may be a hiatel hernia (?) from some refluxive reaction, but I am not sure. I am probably going to have to get it ex-rayed and looked at by my physician. I hope it is nothing that requires surgery.When I got home last night I read my e-mail and I got one from my friend, Joe. He sent me this article about how dioxin can leach from plastic wrap placed over foods in the microwave. Another thing to add to my list of worries. But if the handwriting is on the wall, I am going to have this looked at for sure.

Another Long Week

Sunday is my Friday, and this week I have done a lot to keep the Concierge Desk at the CIA in good stead. We have new cooking demo schedules for September as we are adding another two demos on Tuesday and Thursday. That should be a challenge for our chef, Steve Ruggenberg. This Tuesday I will be attending the Parish Festival Meeting at O.L.P.H. ( Our Lady of Perpetual Help ) to formalize the plans and to find out how much Tri-tip and Chicken we will need to order. Wednesday night is the Men's meeting where I try to enroll volunteers for this effort. I want to expedite this correctly so that everything runs smoothly. Saturday night I have volunteered to help with the setup when I get off of work.

feofle

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This is my own version of the Barbara Striesand song " People" with a special little twist. Let's just say that it may someday be a big hit in Manila . Okay, perhaps not. But hey, I had some fun singing it and who knows maybe someday I will perform it before a live audience. Okay, perhaps not. But you never know, maybe I will be discovered. Yea, that's it ! I will be discovered by Letterman.Or maybe I will just be discovered by somebody walking by an abandoned car lot next to the Rug Mart on the way to their job at Popeye's chicken. Well, at least that's a start !

Delicious!

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Here I am again. Trying my hand at videoblogging. Let me know what you think, but be gentle with me. Today was fun. I got along with most everyone and I got my work done with time to spare. I especially like working with Keith who is the maintenence guy. He is just so pleasant and even tempered, I know he is a good role model for me. He just makes himself available at the drop of a hat. He even showed a few people around the building , much to their delight. Anyway, tonight I am going to my aa meeting and then for a run before I hit the sack. It is a beautiful time of the year here in the Napa Valley.

Master of Excel

Or should it be Excelling Master? I have been put in charge of tabulating the monthly attendance of the Cooking demonstration. I didn't know how to use the software before, but I am getting a good idea about how to use it now.All I have to do is go to Open Table and get a daily head count of the people attending the three cooking demonstrations.From there, I take those statistics and I enter that information into an Excel document where I can tabulate the total number of Guests each month. Simple eh? Not really. I am not the world's best typist and at times am given to error. Hopefully, I will keep good records, and have this project fair well on my annual review.

Won't you come home?

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Okay, this is the second attempt at uploading this silly little flick. I am just about to make my bed as it is already 8:00am on Monday, August 2nd, 2006. I just want to see if I can videoblog even before I head off to work. Hopefully, when I arrive at work I can boot up my computer and view this little document so as to keep an ongoing record of what my day was like BEFORE all the hoopla.

Taking it to the streets

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Well, this is a shot of my favorite coffee shop in St. Helena, CA. It is called the Roastery and they make the best coffee because they hand pick and hand roast the beans. The best part of this place is that you can just hang after you get your coffee and bring your laptop and hookup to their wifi connection.

Things went pretty well at the CIA today. I think that my position here is becoming more appreciated since I have been away. Perhaps the break just did ME a world of good. Maybe everyone was relieved to not see my charming face here for the past two weeks. I have been given the cookies these past couple of days and tonight I have two bags. I suspect that I am going to be pretty popular at the AA meeting tonight. The weekends here are generally a different scene entirely. Tommorow the Special Events team will be doing a wedding which usually means that the staff gets a little something to eat. Then again, there is the "Family Meal" that the restaurant prepares for the staff in the SIMI room after 4:30 PM My attitude has been improving, my computers are working fine and I should'nt be too strapped until the next payday.Life is good

Back in the Saddle

Today was my first day back after a nice lengthy vacation.I had no shame in explaining that I didn't really go anywhere... just on short trips. School is back in session here at the CIA an there is a whole new crop of Baking and Pastry students.It is pretty much business as usaual and hence, there is no need to get my ego in the way of progress here. The weather has been cooperating nicely, but it is still a little warm. Tonight I am attending the men's club meeting at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I am bringing fresh CIA cookies so it should be a nice dinner meeting. We will be discussing the upcoming Parish Festival.

Lesson One

Lesson One

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Okay, here I am acting like a pro and I just started doing this... Who the heck do I think I am? Well, if I can do this, so can you ! This is my first hot tip on videoblogging. Enjoy ! ( or not )

Banteron's Blip Blog Begins !

This is starting to be fun. Okay, so you may NOT think that I am not a very private person. The fact is that I like to put myself out there , but I do in fact cherish my privacy. I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country in a one bedroom apartment amidst Hispanic neighbors who have many kids who like to stay up to all hours playing a variety of games that involve yelling, screaming and crying. I live upstairs, plunking away at my puter. Today I discovered videoblogging at http://blip.tv It is just an experiment depending on how easy and interested YOU may be in tracking my day to day activites. If I can do this, Anyone can do this ! Have a simple ( perhaps boring at times) daily monologue that details your thoughts and observations.
Oh joy !

Lunchtime Poetry

Here it is, the second week of my vacation. Today, I did the food run from Napa to Calistoga with Jim and Leonardo. We got it all done before noon so the heat was not too much of a factor, although it should hit double digits this afternoon.Last Sunday, I was accused of being a pervert for taking an unauthorized picture of two pre-teen girls walking along the boardwalk at Johnson's Beach in Gurneville eating ice cream cones ((( What was I thinking !!))) . It was devastating to hear the accusation from the mother of one of these girls. "Who the hell do you think you are?" She bellowed. " What right have you to take a picture of my daughter without asking her permission ! " ( she was right, of course) I muttered apologies and regret and explained that I was only taking pictures of people in general, as part of a photo documentary piece. After submitting an ID, she finally let me go after thoroughly reeming me emotionally. I doubt that I will return to that beach any time soon. I hear on the news that Forest Fires have broken out in Middletown since last night. It was only 25% contained as I write this. I want to see " The way of the peaceful warrior " with Nick Nolte tonight at the Rialto. It is Tightwad Tuesday and the show begins at 7:10 pm. The price break is by two or three dollars on this day.I also will be purchasing some groceries at Trader Joes and the Grocery Outlet before I head back over the hill on my scooter. It is nice sitting here in my apartment listening to Robert Hass read his poetry via a podcast.

I'm still the same

Nothing has changed. On this day in History, on this very spot, Nothing Happened... and, That's Okay ! Hey, I have been told that when you are really bored you are getting real close to your Higher Power. Hmmmm... that sounds a little too Zen for me.
The one thing I do know, is that my laundry still needs to get done. I still need to feed myself and shower everyday. I still need to work to pay my bills to get and stay out of debt. I still need to communicate with my loved ones so that they don't think I have completely lost it. I still need to get plenty of rest so that I don't go around banging into walls. I never knew that this blog could be so funny. Tune in next week when I have been off for awhile to hear the saga of my summer vacation. Hell I had more excitement. adventure and fun in one day at 15 than I've had in the last 5 years of my fifties. This is like Zen and the art of Limbo...

How low can you go?

Is it Ground Hog Day ?

It sure feels like it. Somedays I come to work and I go down the same road, talk to the same people, do the same job. Blah, Blah and Blah. It is a good thing that I will be having a nice long vacation after the 10th of this month. I plan on taking a lot of short trips on my motor scooter, exercising by riding my bike or hiking, cooking my own meals, etc. I want to come back to the CIA refreshed and ready to face another year of fun, food and frolic ! When you are eating , sleeping and breathing CIA 40+ hours a week you can go a little crazy. Don' t get me wrong, though. Everyone needs a break. I plan to take a lot of pictures, go to San Francisco, Russian River, Shasta, Monterey, Mendocino and other "day trips". The thing is, I am on a budget and have to watch my spending like the rest of you.

Saturday on a Holiday Weekend

The kids in the neighborhood are getting excited about the fair that is taking place this weekend. They buy a bracelet and get to go on all the rides ( Jessica says that it's Free then). It is quiet here at the CIA. Only foot traffic as we have no big events scheduled. Last night the Napa Valley Vintners had their annual dinner in the Barrel Room. I heard that everything went smoothly and our Special Events Staff deserves a Gold Star. As it stands, I am continuing this blog on Wednesday , July 5th because as usual , I got busy. Last night I did a kewl thing. I climbed up on the roof top of my apartment building to watch the fireworks. I also brought my Powermac with and Isight up there with me. I was chatting with my friend Steve from Calgary who was at a campground there ( without any fireworks to view, I might add ) and I was able to direct the ISight camera towards the sky so that he could watch the entire show from 9:30 to 10:00 pm. I love high tech stuff for this very reason.