Review of this month's posts

Okay, I have been exploring the Social Media a little more now that I have a new IPhone 4, and a bit of the know-how in posting videos both on my blog, FB, Twitter, QIK and Google Buzz.It's a big step into the unknown,only because I haven't asked all the questions there are to ask and it is all still a bit overwhelming. Below is the video I took in San Antonio at the big ALAMODOME Showdown with the friends of Bill. You can see that the place is filled to the Rafters with lots of special people. I ended up spending the night in my car because all the rooms near downtown San Antonio were BOOKED SOLID. I felt so grunged out the next day, but luckily I found a motel not far from the Conference Center and RIverwalk area. Before that though, I scoped out a community pool where I took a free swim along with a hot shower to freshen up. My higher power was with me the whole time I was there. It was an incredible experience even though I missed hooking up with the folks from the Northern California Fellowships.Waaaaaahh ! Anyway, I will be going to these again in the future.

Let there be peace in the valley

Hi, This is a silly little video I made for fun. I am poking fun at the fear some people have about "illegal aliens". I hope you like it. Today I am going for a hike with my friend Dave. We will explore Lake Hennessy which I haven't done in quite awhile.Yesterday, I baked my buns up at Harbin Hot Springs and had a great time swimming, soaking and sweating. I have also begun this regime of drinking a ionized water that is reaping me numerous health benefits. The other thing I am working on is my creativity. It seem that I will have to head off in another direction until I can find my muse again. Sometimes I have to change directions to get a better perspective on things.

Warm Summer Day

It's one of those days where I slept in, and did very little. Eventually I got my laundry done and fed myself, but only feel motivated to drive into St. Helena to get a cup of coffee at the NV Coffee Roasting company. I feel safe there. I have not been feeling too secure lately. I am not soliciting help, but perhaps I should be. The world seems to be in pretty bad shape, and it is not at all what I envisioned as a comfortable place be as an adult.It doesn't even feel safe to disagree with people anymore. Everyone seems on the defensive... so less inclusive as they once were.How sad.Perhaps it's because I am on vacation and feel compelled to be doing something...anything !

Back from San Antonio

Well it was a whirlwind couple of days but I am glad to be back. The heat was not as unbearable as previously thought. When I arrived we had huge cloud breaks and torrential downpours. Drove from Austin and got to the conference in time to attend the meetings in the Alamodome. Went for a swim in the morning and explored the Riverwalk downtown. Later on, I drove out to see the CIA at the old Pearl Brewery. It is quite impressive. I look forward to hearing about what it will look like when the rest of the building is renovated. Visited the San Antonio Museum of Art which was exhibiting a show of psychedelic art. All in all an interesting trip.

Still on the fence

As of today, I have not gotten a ticket for San Antonio, and I am still open to the possibility. When I come home from work this evening, I will either book it or I won't. If I don't, it means another "staycation" around Calistoga. I really don't feel like going anywhere at this point, but a lot is weighing on my mind. Today is another gorgeous day in the Napa Valley and the weekend is likely to be hot ( like San Antonio wouldn't be?? ) So I guess it is six of one and a half-dozen of the other. The only difference would be that I would be saving some money if I don't go, yet passing on a very significant gathering of the tribes. Oh decisions, decisions...

July approaching

Many things are coming up as this month ends. Dave Keegan is a friend who is returning from Italy who I plan to get together with to celebrate his birthday. San Antonio is the city chosen to commemorate the 75th anniversary of a Fellowship of which I am a member, and am currently planning on attending, even though I am registered and don't have a plane ticket or hotel reservation. My vacation begins on friday. Everything else seems to be okay... I still owe money for my student loans and the rent is due for this coming month. Let's see, what else? It's three o' clock in the morning on Tuesday, June 29th, 2010. I am wearing my snuggie that my nephew Edward gave me as a Christmas present last December and I am typing away, trying to make a blog. It is sorta like taking a crap at this point. Be well until my next post.

Trudging forward

Today is Sunday and I started the day with a bagel and cup of Joe at the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company in St. Helena. It has been a couple of weeks since I have written in my blog, but at least now I have a few things I can feel comfortable about writing. I have rekindled a relationship with Veda who I took an Art class with many years ago at Napa Valley College. We have a few mutual friends and a few things in common. She is an artist and convinced me to attend the Italian Chalk Art Fair in San Raphael this past week. The picture above is my creation. I was sponsored by a bike shop. but my design is rather nebulous and doesn't really fit into any particular category ( I just thought that it would make a nice tattoo ). In any event, we spent the day in the hot sun creating our pieces that turned out to be quite grueling, yet fun at the same time. I like Veda, but know my self well enough to proceed slowly as I get to know her. So far, I have found her to be fun, entertaining and interesting. I will keep you posted...

Sunday morning sunshine

Feels so nice.This morning the sun came out, the birds were making a racket, but you could tell that the day was going to be pleasant. I skipped mass and went to the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company for a Machiado and a Jalapeno Bagel with butter. Work was pleasnt and I had the opportunity to take some Iraq war veterans on a guided tour of the CIA. These guys were all affected with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You could tell that they were a little skittish and didn't always seem present in the moment. Point of fact, that at times they just seemed to wander off on their own when they couldn't deal with what was happening in thier surroundings. One guys was a bit concerned about the elevator, but seemed okay after I told him that we would only be going one floor up to get to the barrel room. All in all, I was glad that I took these guys around. They really deserve our heartfelt gratitude for serving in such torn up, God-forsaken places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trying to make sense of it all...

Today is another cloudy day with possibility of showers. It is late May and the temperature has not gotten above 60 in the last three days. Coming to work, I am greeted by two tourists at 9:30 AM who are insisting on making sure that their reservation has been made for 1:15 PM in the restaurant. After booting up my computer I see that they indeed have a reservation. Next question... " Is your store open to the public ? " Uh, yes it is. What time does your restaurant open? It opens at 11:15 AM. What time does your store open? It opens at 10:00 AM. "We drove all the way to see this place. Do your students prepare a balanced lunch in the kitchen? Uh, yes they do. At this point I am ready to say something that could get me in a heap of trouble,so I swallow my pride and smile. Momma told me there would be days like this.

I just realized that the picture above is very telling after the continuing news about the Oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. This saddens me greatly, and I pray that there is a way to plug it and clean it up after so many days of spillage.

Blogging on

Today I felt it was necessary to blog because I haven't done so in a while. Who has any time anymore? I worked today and got through it. That is what it was like at work today... I got through it. Just like this blog... today is just got through it.

Rise and Shine

Cockadoodledoo ! We celebrated mother's day on Saturday at my nephew Edward's house today in Napa. My friend Veda drove up from Fairfax to join in and meet the wonderful group of people that is my family. It was a pot luck, and because I don't particularly like to cook I bought a box of See's chocolates and some lollipops as the dessert. I was really impressed with the way Edward and Antonella take such good care of their guests. Edward made some bratwurst that was included some caramelized onions that were prepared in beer. He cooked some separately just for me because he is considerate of the fact that I am an alcoholic in recovery. Veda seemed to enjoy meeting the whole gang and everyone was very kind to her and made her feel at home. Most of her family lives near Sacramento, and she recently lost a brother, so I think it was just enough of family that she could take at this time.I realize after we left around 5:30PM just how much I appreciate what my family has done for me over the years. If it weren't for my brother in law Ernie, an0d my sister Martha, I don't know how I would have made it through the 80's living in San Francisco. The same goes for my brother in law, Hamish and my sister, Rita. It is gatherings like this that makes me want to stop and count my blessings.

Back and Forth

The bear in this picture looks like he is trying to do some exercise. The picture reminds me to do my exercise every chance I get.
The weather has been wet and dry, back and forth all week long. I rode my bike 14 miles on Sunday to St. Helena from Calistoga and back. Then I up and ran 10 laps around the local High School track yesterday, just to keep my momentum going. It will be so easy to slough off and not pursue the goal I made in the last blog. Today I refused to drink coffee and have switched to Green Tea. I am still dog tired after yesterdays run. I definitely need to get back in shape.

Food is fuel

When I turn 60 in December, I want to weigh in at 160 lbs. This is the goal I have set for myself. As i write this, I am 35 lbs. over that goal.
I went to see my cardiologist yesterday and was informed that I have high blood pressure and need to go on a regular exercise regime. I also am beginning to take a daily pill for my blood pressure along with the statin I am already taking for my cholesterol.

In my thirties and forties I was a marathon runner with a 2:50:14 personal best.I was in the best shape of my life and felt invincible. I have suffered injuries and setbacks over the years but have recovered well from a torn mininscus, ankle injuries and a traumatic motor scooter accident that nearly took my life.

Today, I rode my bike to St. Helena and back ( 14 miles ). It is my intention to keep a regular log of my daily activities from now until my sixtieth birthday. I will list both what I have eaten and what exercise I have done .Food is now fuel for my activities, nothing more, nothing less. My goal over the past fifteen years has been to get our of debt and back on my feet financially. I am almost there with that goal. I ask each of you for your support in helping me achieve these goals, and I thank you for taking the time to read this.I love you.

Uneventful days

The weeks have gone by without much happening. Spring seems a little flat so far, so I suppose we are all just proceeding in our own usual ways. The Giants win their opener, then lose the next day because my sister goes to the game to see what all the excitement is about, and blames herself when they lose the second game. The swallows return to Greystone only split a few days later when the rain returns. The yellow yarrow in the herb garden is the one of the few colorful plants that are around to pick and the lavender is too flimsy to put in a vase to display at the Concierge desk. Don't get me wrong, things may not be all that great, but they aren't too crummy either... just sort of flat. Hmmm... it makes it a little difficult to write about anything without sounding like Albert Camus in his book," The Stranger " when the main character proceeds day to day in kind of a mundane existence seeking only survival.

Momma told me there'd be days like this.

Who has time anymore?

Yesterday I went on an 8 mile hike in the hills near Pope Valley with my friend and colleague, Harrison Hood. The day was grey and eventually turned to rain. After about four miles of dodging creeks and muddy trails, I tried to step over a sloppy pile of mud that a bunch of cattle had gone through and fell sideways. Luckily, it wasn't the usual Meadow frisbees that the cows leave, but enough to get my shoe stuck and my pants completely drenched. But hey, I am a novice and should have had the sense to bring the proper gear. The other hikers had the right boots, hiking poles and the latest goretex pants and jackets. Needless to say, I felt foolish and was pretty angry with myself. The group leader then pulled out a pair of clean socks for me to put on !! (Talk about being prepared !) Anyway, the next time I go hiking it will be with the days are warm and dry.

Today, I came to work after a couple of days off, and was prepared to face the inevitable changes and communication glitches that occur.The day goes easier when I turn petty matters over to my Higher Power, but my tendency is still to try and place blame which only serves to make matters worse for everyone.Giving tours, running cameras, printing literature, answering emails, delivering communication and directing traffic are only a few of the duties that have been placed in my per view.

Allergy Season

is rapidly arriving, and my Flonase prescription has already been refilled. I recently purchased a new sleeping bag, a therma-rest air mattress and a lounge recliner to sleep out under the stars on my deck. The last couple of nights have been beautiful, even though it rained hard on Easter. Our company had their annual health screening in the Barrell room today. I found out that I am five pounds heavier than last year, but my cholesterol is good and my blood pressure is down. Yippee ! Now I suppose I will go out in this nice weather and do a few laps.

Easter 2010

The sun is out today but it is expected to rain again tomorrow, Easter Sunday. This is a time for reflection and reverence. I am staying at home for most of the weekend. It is Passover, a Jewish religious time that I find curious. I am sure that every ritual in both the Catholic and Jewish faith is time tested to reveal a particular significance that will lead it's followers to a holy hereafter.
I have been reading about the Pope's recent troubles with the covering up of the child abuse that has taken place in many of it's churches throughout the world. Not just the church in the United States, but the churches of Ireland, Germany and other places throughout Europe. It looks like the Vatican is scrambling for more cover, instead of taking the strategy of more transparency and openness. One would hope that Pope Benedict ( formerly Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger ) will continue to come clean with any information that remotely implicates himself, his brother, the German archdioceses or the Irish Catholics. This is not a time for covering up, it is a time for Revelation.

Gaels gone mild

Okay, So i watched as the St. Mary's Gaels got stomped in the Sweet Sixteen NCAA Basketball Tourney as Baylor went on to the Elite Eight. At least now, we won't have to face Duke.Traveling to S.F.'s ATT Park to watch the game on the Jumbotron was an experience. One of the Alumni donated money to have this free event for all the Gaels goin' wild. It was sad to see us lose, but it was great catching up with a few of my class mates that made it there. Afterward, I drove back to Calistoga and stoppped in St. Helena to get a free cheeseburger at the new "Gotts" that used to be "Taylors Refresher". A big legal battle is developing over the switching of the former name.
Today, I am back at work and I really am not feeling very prepared today. I drank enough coffee this morning to make me a little "thin-skinned" . Tomorrow is another day.

Spring Springing

The swallows have returned to make their babies and head south to Capistrano sometime in July. The Enchanted magnolias have blossomed and we have had a lot of tourists over the past weekend for the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives Conference.I went on a nice little hike to a place called "Zin Zin Falls" not far from Lake Berryessa on my days off. It was eight miles round trip. You can say that I was pretty spent by the end of the hike. I ate a tub of yogurt before I laid down to rest that evening and it helped assuage the pain I usually get from cramping, sore muscles. It worked. This is the type of weather that motivates me in to action. I make promises to myself to start exercising more, but there is only 24 hours in a day, and I usually have other things I want to do with my time.

Marching on

The weather is wonderful. The skys are clear. Today, we are having the Healthy Worlds of Flavor Conference at Greystone. I will only be there today and Sunday as the event will be held over my regular days off. It seems that the Mustard that fills the rows in the vineyards will soon be plowed under to add nitrogen to the soil. The days seem like they are getting longer now that we have set our clocks forward and the sun stays around until late in the day. Beautiful days are ahead. St. Patricks' day was yesterday and came and went without a lot of fanfare.