Elevating the Humble

It pleases me when people will make a request by asking, " May I ". I want to bend over backwards to make whatever we have, available and open to them. But when people come in like they own the place and demand to see our teaching kitchen, I have to let them down easy. If I have learned anything on this job, it is how to be of service. I cannot promise things that cannot be delivered, and by the same token I cannot favor one person over another. Thankfully, I have met the most gracious people in the world and have learned that people will generally treat you as well as you extend yourself to them when they arrive. First impressions are lasting, and no one should ever miss the opportunity to make a great first impression. Today, it is my hope that our Special Events team doesn't think that I am being persnickety when I point out that Greystone has been looking rather crumpled when I come to work after a wedding has taken place. The fact is, that a lot of stuff gets moved or is lying around waiting for someone else to pick it up . The problem is that it has to be picked up.

Summer winding down

Today we are experiencing a heat wave in St. Helena. The temperature is slated to go above 105 ☠ Yikes! I will be in an air-conditioned environment however, and will probably spend most of the day inside. It is Tuesday and this is my "hump" day now that I have Fridays and Saturdays off. I will drink plenty of water today and will be stopping by Dr. Michael Mulaney's office to pick up some more Kangen water this evening. This Kangen water is an ionized water that has a high alkaline profile. My system has been fairly acidic for some time so I have been converting to a healthier lifestyle by consuming up to eight - eight ounce glasses of water every day. You should always drink before you get thirsty. Water is the best hydration fluid. I have been off coffee now for over four weeks. Good for me. The picture above is of a healthy salad that I was indulging in last Thursday.

On top of the heap

Or underneath it? I never seem to know or care these days. I have been driving a rather modest and dare I say, crummy little car for the last fifteen years. I am almost scared to talk unkindly about it for fear it may stop running as well as it has for over 190,000 miles. If I change the oil, I will probably try to drive it through the next winter instead of getting a new one. It has gotten me around in spite of it's rather banged up appearance. I wanted to purchase a cute little white Jetta a few weeks ago, but my neighbor sold it. Damn. Now I have been thinking of that Jetta almost every day since.I definitely want a white car because I like the way they get seen. I don't want to be missed as people pull in and out of traffic. I have been affirming that the perfect car is now manifesting for me in my life, in totally satisfying and harmonious ways for the highest good of all concerned.

Eight, Nine Ten

Okay, so it's August ninth, Two thousand ten. We have someone who decided to have their wedding here at Greystone on a Monday night ( How quaint, huh? ) Anyway, it is already creating a bit of a hassle among the staff here, because the Atrium is being decorated and the tourists are getting confused.Already, the entry to the store has been compromised because of the insistence on having drapery above the door. Several people have already bumped up against the stands and have almost knocked them over. I am trying to keep my cool because the Concierge is usually the first to get blamed for anything. Thankfully, I am just here to do MY job and not anyone elses ( which, by the way had to get sorted out when I first came to work here ). The Concierge is the go-to person at the main entrance.Usually we are the last to know about any types of protocol regarding special events.

Plum Tuckered

Giving tours 3 times a day can be a bit draining, unless I play around and modify it each time I give one.Today I was so exhausted that I pointed to the flags in the atrium and exclaimed that they represented the many ways one should know how to prepare an egg. People looked at me like I was nuts. luckily, they had a sense of humor as well and I was quickly able to point out that the flags actually represented the major wine growing regions of the world at one time. Now that was true and far more plausible when I said it.This week I was tipped a 20 by a guy who looked and acted like he had a little too much wine. I humored him throughout the whole tour so I guess he appreciated that.Last night I sat and ate Hog Island oysters on the terrace and drank Pellgrino water at a table with five female coworkers.Ah life is good ! ( so long as I didn't have to pick up their tab !! ) Right now I am home and wondering what my next two days off will look like.

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.