The possible return of "little latin lupe lu"

Well Sweet Things,

I went into work early this morning, and a good thing to, clearing away the muck of a back load,   right now my former Boss, whom I'm doing contract free lance work for is glad I'm here.

With staff taking vacations here and there, before their children go back to school, my filling in is a big help.

Yoshi came by to pick me up since she was going to see an aunt on the East Bay side of the waters, she called me earlier and I leaped at the offer,  I still take the Ferry,  Joe drops me off and I grab the bus when I return to come home, but I told him to not worry Yoshi was bringing me home.

The weather has been cool in S.F. with fog rolling over the hills and on occasion hiding the Golden Gate Bridge, but the minute we hit the Bay Bridge it starts getting warmer, even though it still is on the cool side.

While we were driving over, Yoshi said she was involved in a fund raiser for Cancer, once again a pool competition, with the proceeds to go the charity and an award to the winner as well as one year free pool table use.   I looked at her slightly rolling my eyes and said "Are we ladies going to have to wear high heels again?"  Yoshi giggled and said "yes, an impromtu dance contest for the ladies to raise more money"  and she looked at me and asked "Have you been going to the gym?"  Well of course I have, even on vacation I excersised.   But she said that it would be good to take some free style dance classes.   "Just to improve the moves and make sure all the muscels are streched".  

Oh Lord, deep knee bends or plies in high heels??!!!  Oh the thought of my aching inner thighs!!!  And then I thought....Hmmmm well they do need some toning, and it's for a good cause.  Then I thought how would Joe react to this?? And said so to Yoshi.   She replied "Well tell him about it and that its for a fund raiser and you need a body guard."   A Body Guard??!!   Well for an older man Joe has been working out and lookin' pretty good if I might say so. 

So I told him that I needed  Burt Lancaster and he looked at me and went into his Burt Lancaster impersenation, he's almost as good as Frank Gorshin, "And why, pray tell do you need Burt Lancaster?" and I carefully explained it to him.  So in the next few minutes we are going to the gym, him to tone up better, and me to make sure I will not get a leg cramp, it's a good thing to do anyway and it will be for a good cause.

Kisses Sweet Things

Worries & Sadness~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

I have been keeping both my eyes and ears glued to the media on any changes in the European economy. Because we have become global we do have the "Butterfly Effect". What happens in Europe affects the U.S., what happens in China, Japan, the middle east, Canada, South America affects the U.S.

I have continued to encourage my people to be conservative and think of their basic needs, shelter, food, medicine, health care, utilities, transportation---I know I'm over-simplifying, but I really cannot give out more information, but I can tell you this I have given as gifts, when I can purchase them, Elaine St. James' books on simplifying one's life. For my older people they have taken it to heart, and I can see that their faces are more relaxed, less stress.

On the younger ones they do not like the suggested restraints, but I've become a sort of "Mama Bear" and have told them that it will create a greater comfort level for them as they get older.

I've been doing it too, not walking so much on the wild side, I think having re-connected to my family and with Joe in my life along with Lillian's comfortable and wise wisdom and Heather's youthful zeal on things, I am finding the simple things to be so much better.

Although a bit chilly today, Lillian, Heather and I are going Christmas Tree Shopping, I have no desire to put up my "black" tree (artificial) I want a real tree. Not too big, table top size.

Lillian is going for something a little larger about 4 or 5 feet, There is a couple of lots sponsored by local churches that I know will have something just right and it benefits the church programs for the needy. Now I'm going to need Christmas ornaments, but Heather said to check Salvation Army, Goodwill and St. Vincent De Paul, so I will, but the lights will need to be new.

Joe is tired, angry and sad, he knows it's not going to be a happy Christmas for one family, an 18 month old toddler was taken off life support yesterday and died. His father is a rapper and he had taken his young son to a food truck where he and some of his "homeys" were going to do a music rap video, when someone snuck up on them and spray shot at them, some where hit but the little boy was shot in the head, he had been on life support, and the doctor's told the family that all indications showed the baby was brain dead.

What frustrates Joe is that the people know who did it, they won't give up the names, and these same people complain that the police won't do anything---how can they if the witnesses refuse to at least anonymously give up names.

Joe and a number of other officers along with the chief of police were in a march organized by the community and family members in memory of this little boy to try and have people speak up and help the police stop this violence. What makes it even sadder is that the boys father will not co-operate. There is rumours of possible gang retaliation.

Between this and the expenditure of dealing with the idiots of "Occupy Oakland", law resources are spread thin. Joe said to me that the basic message of the "Occupy" groups is correct but they are going about it all wrong, and they need to be careful of doing more damage than good.

There is a petition going around to re-call Jean Quan, the question is "who would be better".

I am glad that I live were I live and not in Oakland, or Berkeley. Not that it's much better in a way, this local government has made mistakes too, not as bad as others but still I cannot turn a blind eye on things. With my work it's impossible.

But for a few hours I will think on church Christmas trees and ornaments, and getting some toys for Toys for Tots, giving food to the food bank and doing what good I can where I can.

Joe has some time off, so he is going to drive Lillian's van and help us haul some trees, tonight comfort food for all 4 of us and hot apple pie and cider as we decorate Lillian's tree.

And you Sweet Things---what kindness are you going to do to help others this Holiday Season and through out the year?

Kisses.

White Elephant Sales and Headaches~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

I know "shock"! I'm posting again, well I'll continue to do so, but it may be sporadic, but when I can 'steal' a few minutes I will.

Work continues to be very hectic, with all the upheaval in the middle East we have to be on our toes here, oil prices are shaky, and for now will go up, until the situation stabilizes. California's requirements for it's "special blend" is not helping---"special blend" is such a joke.

Many of my co-workers are taking public transportation to and from work instead of using their cars, or are car-pooling if it works. Myself, I use bus and Bart, unless I need to get here very early. One of my neighbors takes the ferry into work and drives to the terminal and we try to co-ordinate going together when possible. It works, I don't worry about coming home the same time she does, but I do enjoy the ferry when I can.

And right now I have to rely on my feet or the kindness of neighbors or Joe when his schedule permits.

Reason?? My car was totalled!! I'm fine, just a sprained wrist, a concussion and a few scratches but my car will not be drivable again. Thank God for air bags. Had to spend a couple of days in the hospital and I have to go in for check ups, the headaches were the worse but they have gotten much better, I'm not going to elaborate but, I was at a stop light, it went green I had the right of way and someone didn't pay attention that it was my turn. The good thing is that I was hit from the passenger side, if it was the driver's side it could have been much worse for me.

Poor Joe, he was sick with worry, Mother came up by plane (brave lady), Joe picked her up and she stayed with me for a week, but I was back to work part-time, after a few days bed rest, my assistant took care of shifting some appointments and my co-workers took care of those that couldn't be shifted and followed my notes.

Joe felt frustrated that he couldn't be with me because of his job, I told him to not worry and just call in when he had free time. Which was often. Love that man. He and Lillian shopped for me, Mother cooked and made friends with Lillian, those two were having the nicest chats I was told, while I napped.

My lap top was totaled as well, then dealing with insurance, getting a new lap top, recovering the information on my old one, getting a new cell phone (mine had disappeared) and discontinuing service to the old one, now I am going on a car hunt. Of course I need one that gets good mileage, is dependable, comfortable for me to drive(especially on long trips), and not difficult to repair---Toyota need not apply.

One very pleasant thing, my neighbor (he of the crashing tree into my home) his wife travels into the City for her work, she usually leaves the same time I do but she likes the ferry, so frequently I've been going with her to the ferry terminal, but she comes home earlier than I and there are times when I have to work late, so depending upon my situation I'll take the ferry at a later time or come back by Bart and Bus.

Their two daughters are so nice and helpful, Lillian and I have watched them when their parents go out, and they are "Scrabble" demons, keeps me on my toes. They are not babies but now are 10 and 12 I think, for safety reasons they can't be left home alone but the girls seem to enjoy being with Lillian and Me or sometimes it's just me and on occasion also Joe. He cannot keep up with them on Scrabble.

About a new car, Joe suggested a Mini-Cooper or a VW Jetta---I couldn't see myself in a Mini-Cooper--too mini for my taste. The Jetta has a good track record, but so does the Honda, we'll see.

Mother has gone back home now that I've fully recovered, but I will continue to see my doctor, and this weekend is the Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale.

And what an event that is!

There are no words to describe possibly the biggest, most fantastic annual Garage Sale held here in the Bay Area, it is one event you Must plan on every year.

Saturday Morning, I get a wake up call from Lillian at "Oh My God it's Early"---- "Rise and Shine Sunshine" she says, which means I have only 30 minutes to shower, dress and pack a thermos of coffee and dash to her place (wearing my most comfortable running shoes).

Lillian and her Great-Granddaughter Heather (Heather is staying with Lillian while she goes to U.C. Berkley and keeps an eye on Lillian along with Esperanza her housekeeper) are revving up the Dodge Caravan and I jump in. We get to the handicapped parking in time to snag one of the coveted handicapped spots. Heather just bristles (she's driving) if anyone parks too close to the car that Lillian can't get out. But with a side sliding door that is not too much of a problem.

Then we wait, already there are food vendors, serving everything from Hot Coffee and Chocolate with pastries to some of the best Burritos in the World. Although an old Factory area it is slowly becoming gentrified, but neighbors that live in some of the former workers Victorian homes, take advantage selling soft drinks, popcorn, chips, and having their own yard sales, some of the business around there will open their parking lots for $10 a parking spot and they get their money. Even one person opened his back yard and had space for 5 parking spots and made money.

On the side where the handicapped parking is we have porta johns, and it's not so crowded to get into the building but on the other side, the line snaked for 5 blocks!! Then its 10 a.m. time to start the sale, the roller doors go up, volunteer staffers stand in front until the announcement, then across the expanse of the huge warehouse, you can hear a cheer and it's "GAME ON!!" Lillian has her handicapped walker with wheels ready to go, and we rush in.

We use our cell phones to keep in touch, Heather stays with Lillian and Lillian tells me go ahead and grab anything she might like. I head to accessories, and find some wonderful vintage purses, and other things, Lillian joins me and sees the perfect belt that she wants.

We made out like "Bandits", Heather found some Barbie dolls that she can use in her art projects and other things that she could use. I know that baby sis and Mother will love what I was able to get, I wandered to another area and spotted something that I had to get, a regulation holster for a 4 inch barrel with low positioned belt, it also had the holders for cuffs and mags, it dawned on me that it was for a left handed person or a motorcycle cop. I bought it.

I went over to where they have stationary and office supplies and met Lillian there who was picking up her supply of Christmas cards. I found some things I could use at home, such as a card file for various occasion cards.

When we had too many bags, Heather and I would put them into the car and head on back, while Lillian would go and tackle another area.

The Jewelry counter was jammed packed, 4 deep, once you wiggled your way into a spot you worked it for all it's worth, and I found 3 beautiful pins. I also manged to buy a beautiful cocktail ring, 18 K with a large Amethyst. Talk about Luck, it was buried under some other items and had been over looked.

Finally the three of us sat down, rested and reviewed our situation. Lillian was done and wanted to go back to the car, Heather wanted to still check out some art work and I wanted to looked at a couple of areas again. With Lillian made comfortable we went back and with a more leisurely eye I spotted a lamp with a intact shade that would be perfect for my living room, Heather found two paintings that she coveted, back in accessories I found a beautiful hand mirror, brush and comb set, the set had jars for various things like powder and such in a beautiful blue and rose enamel, it had been buried under some handkerchiefs in the case, I knew it would be perfect for Mother go I got it.

One thing I did was write out checks to the W.E.S. this way it was easier for me to use as tax deductions.

Tired, and hungry (again) after 3 hours of shopping in the wildest of sales, we carefully made our way out of the area, Oakland P.D. was there to direct traffic, we discovered that even 3 hours after the show had opened there was still a line 3 blocks long of people waiting to get in!

Heather looked at me as we waited for an opening to move the car out and said "Are they crazy??" I started to laugh, with that even she knew how absurd her remark was.

We debated where we wanted to go and grab lunch, Heather said she wanted a Hamburger from "In and Out Burgers" but I suggested "Nations" since we could right now get strawberry tarts there. Nations it was. I never new a Hamburger could taste so good. Yes, back to the Gym again.

We returned home, and even though I was tired I prevailed upon Lillian's good graces for me to borrow her car so I could do some grocery shopping, Lillian gave me her grocery list as well and we tucked her down for a nap, Heather and I braved the insane parking at the Safeway--Trader Joe's area.

Using our insulated bags we could keep our refrigerated foods cold, as we braved the sales at the Border's Book Store that was closing with things now 20 to 50% discounted. In terms of books I didn't find anything that had me anxious to buy, but Heather found an art book that she was interested in at a good 40 % discount.

We returned to our respective houses, putting away our foods, when Heather came by again saying she was feeling restless, frankly I felt the same way, with going to Office Max, an Antique co-op, Office Depot, picking up some collectible soda pop bottles at Nob Hill (with the soft drink for consumption), I filled up the Car at the Nob Hill gas station, Heather still was restless, I asked her if she was on something, but no she said she just was tired of going from home to school to home to school and this felt like freedom.

Understanding her feelings we drove down Doolittle drive which fronts along part of the inlet behind our island city, she had brought her art pencils and started sketching the bird sanctuary, zeroing in on a cormorant that perched on an old piling. Her art work is beautiful. Using her camera she took photos of the bird and the area for reference, and told me that she'll see if she can work it in watercolors and oils.

I suggested that we go to Rasputin's and see what CDs we could find, and called Lillian, Esperanza was there putting in a few hours and said that Lillian was awake and had some tea, so I told Lillian where we were going and she asked me to check on some DVD's for her.

Going out to Rasputin's Heather told me that although she loved art and had talent she wasn't sure if she could make money at it. I told her about Owen Smith a local artist who has done magazine covers, murals, book coveres and illustrations and has sold his independent work.

She had seen his works but she wasn't sure if she could get the breaks. I suggested that she look at a business degree because she would need it to understand what it would take to sell her art work and with such a degree as a major with art as a minor, she could still work and pursue art, that there were various outlets that she could examine until she could finally get a "toe-hold" in the art world, it wouldn't happen over night, but it would happen.

This gave her a lot of options she reasoned, and felt much brighter about what to do. At Rasputin's, we leisurely took our time looking over the music and movies and found a couple of the DVD's that Lillian wanted. Driving home taking what I call "the scenic route", we called Lillian and were informed that Esperanza had made a huge pot of stew for dinner with rice.

Relaxing after a delicious dinner we looked over our finds ooooing and awwwing over them. Later this week I'll need to box those things I got for Mother and baby sis, I'm still deciding to either mail them or take them down with me when I visit for Easter, depending upon whether I have a car or not. If I take the train I can put them in my suitcases, which is an option to consider.

This morning I slepted in, Joe had pulled another double shift although we kept in touch via cell phone, and he is still sleeping as I type this. I left the police issue holster out for him to see and found a note attached to it---"PERFECT!!" it said. That made me smile.

In an hour he is going to wake up and we are going car shopping. I don't think I'll find what I want right away, but at least with my consumer's reports I'll at least know what I'm looking for.

And yes, Sweet Things this was a long post, but so much has happened and will happen, so I think my posts will be long. At this time I do not forsee my going on many trips, the demands at work and my Doctor's insistance about my staying close to home until she can give me a full bill of health it going to cramp my style.

And so is a Jury summons---yes---a summons for Jury Duty was in my mail box when I came home---Pooh!! So I'll have to see how cramped my style is going to be. Well if I do get on a Jury I hope it will be an interesting case.

So for now Sweet Things, stay dry and warm. Kisses

And yes Sweet Fram, I still am "Windy" ;-)

Have You Ever Tried to Pole Dance With A Pool Cue?

Alright sweet things I know that sounds obscene, but there is just no other way to explain it.

Let me some back ground that leads up to this remark.

Work has been insane, finishing things up for the end of the quarter and the end of the fiscal year, part of it is that some staff members have been busy with end of school year, a few graduation events and parties, last year wasn’t as bad, but this year there seems to be a lot of very special events happening at the same time, including one of my co-workers getting married.

So I hope I didn’t appear to be ignoring all of you but, as with many people right now, I’ve been busy.

So busy that I think I need another vacation.

The repair work on my bay area home is finally done, just a little painting on the outside and then buying some replacement furniture and drapes.

My neighbor, whose tree made the unexpected visit into my home, has been good on his word, his insurance has offered to make good on 90 percent of the claim, but my neighbor will pay for the remaining 10 percent. This I have to admit has surprised me, because in this day and age many people will say “Oh it’s not my fault” and try to get out of their responsibilities, part of it is that he knows some of my friends and he knows if he tries to get out of his responsibilities it could affect for the worse his friendship with them.

And, he claims he wants to be a “good neighbor”, well I’m all for that, maybe he saw the bumper sticker on my car that I bought at the last gun show---it says---“Ladies with guns have more fun” --- I really do like that sentiment.

Lillian is off visiting family for the next two weeks, so I’m collecting her mail and newspapers and watering her indoor plants----don’t have to worry about the garden, she has a sprinkler system on a timer, something I’m planning to have installed this summer.

And I’m making plans to visit my family over the 4^th of July weekend, by that time Lillian will be back and she can reciprocate the favor.

Baby sis called me the other night to tell me ‘another miracle’ has happened, those 3 filing cabinets and cardboard file boxes that held all the sermons that was done by Dad’s old church, has been moved out of the family garage and sent back to the church. Dad told the ‘minister’ that the sermons really need to be on church grounds since they were church property. And baby sis can no longer transcribe the taped sermons; Dad told the ‘minister’ that baby sis needs all the spare time to work on her college degree.

Baby sis said that with those boxes and file cabinets out it feels like a big weight has been removed from the place, and everyone feels free. Of course the ‘minister’ tried to prevent Dad from doing this, but Dad, said baby sis, was firm, saying that it’s about time someone else assumed those responsibilities.

It almost sounded like baby sis was dancing around the room the way she was telling it to me, she sounded so happy. I felt so relieved that had happened it was like a hidden monster was finally chased out.

So I was feeling like celebrating, I called my friend Yoshi and she made a recommendation to go to this pool hall that was planning to have a fund raising Charity pool competition for Breast Cancer

So Saturday evening Yoshi and I along with Jill and Carol from work went to the Pool Hall, actually it’s a very large building with 50 or so tables, food, drink, music and competitions. Family friendly, but this place has a policy, no one under the age of 18 after 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and they are strict about this.

Fortunately Carol was the designated driver, which is fine, she can’t stand the taste of alcohol but she loves to shoot pool. I can play too but I am really amateur amateur, not great but decent.

As I said that evening was a fund raiser for Breast Cancer, and we did alright, but (and this is where I could wrap a pool cue over Yoshi’s head spring something unexpected) Yoshi signed all of us up to do “Pool Cue Pole Dancing” and sprung it on us fact accompli. The idea was the better the dancer the more dollar bills were collected for the Charity.

I really wasn’t prepared to do that, I mean I didn’t mine doing the competition for Charity but this was an unexpected extra, and now I knew why Yoshi said for us to wear high heels.

Yes Sweet Things it was legitimate and it was for a good cause, and the girls that did compete all did fairly well, but I noticed that they were making the mistake of choosing songs that ran a little long and a little slow, so that towards the end of the music they were getting tired and the audience was getting a little bored.

But the one good thing is that we could choose our music, so I asked the DJ if he had the Righteous Brothers singing “Little Latin Lupe Lup” they did. So with Pool Cue in hand, high heels, Capri pants and my white shirt tied to expose my waist (thank God I work out at the Gym) my friends will never think of that song in the same way again and there was a nice large Pot of money for Breast Cancer.

But Oh! how my toes hurt afterwards, not a good thing to dance like that in high heels, it makes me appreciate Cyd Charisse and Rita Moreno more.

So Today is now Father’s Day, I called Dad early in the morning to wish him a Happy Father’s Day, he was so happy to talk to me, I asked him how they were going to spend it and he said that Baby Sis’s boy friend (oh yes boy friend) has fixed up one of the vintage cars so it is running beautifully and they are going to take it out for a run and do a picnic, Mom and Baby sis spent yesterday cooking chicken, making home made potato salad, the corn on the cob was cooked up this morning and wrapped in foil, peach pie, and other goodies. Ted found this one Grocery store that sells soft drinks in vintage (reproduction) bottles and an old ice chest that still works.

Life right now seems very, very good, the weather has improved, and although it’s still hard times, if one thinks positive things can and will work out. Such a difference from last year, and today Sunday, I went to the flea market and had fun, found a few nice little vintage items to replace what was broken, and I wore comfortable tennis shoes, my toes still haven’t recovered.

I’ve been talking long distance on the phone to my two tenants, and things are going fine for them. And its’ possible I may go and check on them towards the end of July, I’ll just have to see how things shape up.

In the mean time, I have to plan on replacing a couch and chair, select drapes, a lamp or two and a end table, but I don’t want to rush it.

But tonight I’m going to relax and read, I’ve come across this mystery written by Ann Michelle that takes place in Leadville, Colorado in the 19^th century. It sounds interesting, but first it’s retro night on KOFY TV 20 and they are going to show the old “Mission Impossible” I can’t miss that.

And how was your weekend Sweet Things?