Look Ma, I´m blogging from Spain!

OUR VIEW Well, actually, I´m running out of time here at the ol internet access, and I can´t get another picture to load, so more later.
Adios muchachos

A New superhero?

Who do you think you are, the Caped Crusader Cowcat from Texas?


Once again I have to resort to pictures of our cats.

(Disclaimer- I did NOT, nor would I EVER put a cats head thru a plastic bag like that. She did it  herself, and it was removed right after the picture)

Give the Pointy Headed Boss a break

The title is a "Dilbert" reference. If you don't know Dilbert, read no further.

Having said that, I have new insight into the roles of Pointy Headed Bosses. Almost a year ago, I was shanghied onto the board of a small community owned water company. Through some sort of "cream actually sinks to the bottom" magic, I find myself El Presidente. My late step father had been president through some tough years, and is something of a legend locally. Perhaps there was some thinking that there might be some carryover. Most likely, I was like Mikey, the only one silly enough to accept. (I may have heard some snickering at the time)

So last Saturday was the first meeting since I was elected a year ago. Contact with other board members has been mostly via email. We met an hour before the regular meeting, and it was quickly apparent that the person with the lowest IQ was going to be running the meeting. The good part about all this is that it took all the pressure off me. All I had to do was keep track of where we were on the agenda and keep things moving, make a few jokes and pass out the cookies.

So, like Pointy Headed Boss, I'm pretty clueless except for calling meetings etc. I hope I'm not throwing any wrenches into the works. I think I did a pretty good job of keeping my mouth shut. (If you hear guffaws, it's coming from people who know me)

Why you don't play with dynamite

I was cruising through old photos and came across this one.

C'est moi, at about 4 0r 5.  The back story is this. We were at the beach with a small fire for cooking hotdogs, and I was gathering small pieces of wood for the fire, and adding them as needed. One piece had a waxy substance on it, and shortly after I threw it in, KABLOOM! My best guess is that fishermen at that time used dynamite to scare away seals , this one failed to blow and washed up on the beach. It was later estimated it was a half stick.

I have NO idea why I was smiling at this point.

Fogey alert

"Build a bridge" is young english for "Get over it"

An odd evening

I lay awake for awhile last night. I've been having a little trouble falling asleep the last week. As I lay there, I remember a medical call I went on. 

Why am I remembering that? Possible because this site brought back some memories.

 Anyway, it wasn't a bad memory, it was when our crew revived  a two year old drowning victim, which reminded me of when another crew I was on revived a brew pub owner who had a heart attack. She threw a party at the pub for us several weeks later, and wrote a thank you letter that said "I've waited all my life to have three handsome firemen rip my top off, and when it happened I was dead!"

Why am I thinking about this?

Then I remembered bits of another call, when we pulled out of the station, as we crossed the gutter line there was an enormous "THUMP!" (I was the engineer) uh oh, something broke. We were going to a call for a possible child  drowning at the community center, so if the engine will go, we go. So there were two right turns enroute, and things seemed fine until I had to turn left. Left turn, not so good, and we're in sight of the wading pool. I'm barely able to wrestle the engine left, then a right turn and we're there. The crew was Capt Gene, Jerry and myself. Jerry jumps in the pool and tends to the little girl who had a seizure but was fine. What was it that broke? It took quite awhile to remember. (leaf spring shackle) Which engine was that? One of the old Fords?

Then I remembered Gene, Jerry and I had a "save" at the community center where there was a large birthday party for an old guy who collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. His mouth and airway were full of birthday cake. The ambu bag broke. But we got pulses and respirations back.

Am I having flashbacks?

I remember when, with this same crew, we responded to a two year old burn victim, who supposedly filled the bathroom sink with scalding hot water and tried to give herself a bath. I can still see the skin falling off her lower torso. Jerry grabbed her, jumped into the tub with cool water as the paramedics arrived, Gene and I called for a medivac helo and started setting up the LZ. The house was on a court, so we just blocked off the court, but it was garbage day and everybody's cans were out.

Why am I remembering all this? The author of "Tidings of Magpies" is a nurse, Geez, I remember another call, with a different crew. It was springtime, a beautiful day about noon when we got a call for a vehicle accident about a mile away. Sometimes you can tell from the dispatchers voice that it's bad. A person having drug induced paranoia, was driving about 80 mph on a (6 lane) city street and swerved into a car sitting at a stoplight, head on. As we pulled up, the officers waved us to the car that HAD BEEN at the stoplight. The other car was about 150' down the road. Fortunately there was a ladder truck nearby that responded and handled the "perps" car. He died while being extricated. Our driver was....a nurse..... She was responsive only to pain, of which there was probably plenty. Paul, our FF/medic, went in thru the passenger window to try and start a line on her. I popped the door with the Hurst Tool. She was wearing dark blue sweatpants, and  I noticed a quarter sized dark spot mid femur. I pointed it out to Paul who cut the pants open.

Anyone remember in Catch 22 where Yossarian cuts open the bloody flightsuit?  We're staring at a classic compound femur fracture.

I remember we were able to call the hospital and check on her for a few days, then the new privacy laws went into effect. A nurse whispered to me that she had been transferred. I never knew how she recovered

Why am I having all these memories? Let's see, just before I went to bed, our 22 year old cat pooped all over the floor and seemed to be losing control over her hind legs. I remember thinking, oh God, is it time? Do we have to take her to be put down?

No, "we" cleaned her up (I'm HELPING!) and she seemed "normal" We gave her some meds for an upset tummy. Today she walks normally unless she's been lying down for a long time.

To quote from a VERY old Adam Sandler monologue, "The mind is a terrible thing!"

You probably had to be there

A recent conversation reminded me of a call I went on once that became THE favorite story for my captain to tell about me. We had responded for a medical for a man who was apparently experiencing side effects of a new medication. Once we determined that that might be the case I tracked down the meds and literature and started reading off the POSSIBLE side effects. There were many, and I guess as I was reading them outloud, the patient was experiencing them ala a scene from the movie "Airplane!" where the doctor describes the symptoms of food poisoning.

Natural Selection- a recollection

Thanks to this site, (a recent Blog of Note) I recalled this story.

I have had the theory for sometime that my former profession and related emergency fields were basically fighting the effects of natural Selection. People are out there doing really dumb things, and it was the job of others to rescue them from the consequences of their actions.

I used a particular call that I responded to as an example.

It's shortly after a rain shower, and the sun is beating brightly on the pavement. A young high school aged man has been drinking (and it's about 10AM!) and was driving at a "high" rate of speed (pun intended) in a small blue Miata with bald tires, and no seat belt,  going into a curve.  He of course flips the car several times. SURPRIZE!  He's ejected, his skull is cracked open, among other things, and brain matter is seeing the light of day for the first time,  (I presume) His vitals are dropping, but we go through the program because that's what we do. 

 

He becomes my permanent (I thought) example of how we're fighting natural selection.

Fast forward several years. I'm reading the local newspaper which has a story about a young man who is visiting schools, lecturing about drunken driving. He tells his story to the newspaper, and it's the SAME KID!

So now it's an example of why you do your job to your best ability even when it seems hopeless.

Lucy, you got a lot a 'splainin' to do!

see more pwn and owned pictures

What's that Sound?

I woke up around midnight to the sound of a loud click. 

Apparently it was my odometer turning over!

Scary or inspirational, you be the judge

Update on the jakester

With his lovely mom

Have I got recommendations for YOU!

Yesterday we went to see "The Reader". I hadn't read anything about it. The only real reference I was aware of was Oprah's "Nice tits" comment to Kate Winslet. I haven't been a fan of KW before now, but she hit this one out of the park! She had a great script to work with, but she was astounding. You HAVE to see this movie (bring kleenex)

2nd, this a.m. I heard about a website that is nirvana for my age group. Please go immediately to Wolfgangs Vault for all things connected to Bill Graham. Music, T shirts, posters. I'm listening to a streaming Dire Straits concert as I type this.

You'll thank me

Just 'cause I like the picture

The early Heron gets the...?

My Neighbor, The Artist pt VIII

You never know what you're going to see when you step out your door when you live next to an artist.



He has a show coming up, 1/19-3/1 @ Aurora Colors Gallery,145 Kentucky St, Petaluma,CA

Back amongst the Living

One of my favorite bloggers has returned from Hiatusville. He single handedly taught me that my problems with his bad spelling and typos were MY problems, and to get over it and enjoy the passion and perspective of a good guy. 

New Years Mystery

Just moments ago I was folding clothes from the dryer when the doorbell rang. Two quick rings like UPS does it. I quickly trotted to the front,and as I approached the front door, I could see padded quilted material like a....MATTRESS!?

Someone had left a dirty, rain (presumably) soaked twin sized mattress leaned up against our front door.

I moved it quickly and looked around outside. All I saw was a red Mustang driving down the street, nothing to indicate they were involved.

What do it mean? Why the doorbell?

First sunset of the New Year

My new favorite blog

Direct from a recent blogger of note designation...she's in S.F., brilliant, funny, lots of interesting links...



Tango Baby!

If You're in Napa, a good place to eat

http://winecountry.citysearch.com/profile/46316180/napa_ca/pica_pica_maize_kitchen.html

10 First St Ste 5
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 251-3757


Pica Pica Maize Kitchen
610 First St. #5 (Oxbow Public Market)
Napa, CA 94559
707 251-3757

1. Pick Your Main
Arepas
Grilled Corn Flour Flatbread (Wheat & Gluten Free)

Pepeada chicken salad with "guasacaca" (creamy avocado) 6.25
Pelu’a shredded skirt steak with cheddar cheese 7.25
Domino black beans with shredded white monterrey cheese 5.75
Pabellón shredded skirt steak, fried plantains & black bean paste 7.75
Pabellón vegetariano tofu with cilantro adobo, fried plantains, black bean paste & sliced avocado 5.50
Llanera sautéed sirloin strips with cilantro adobo, green peppers & onions. "guasacaca" served on the side 8.95
Benedictine poached egg, smoked ham, avocado & spiced sour cream 6.75
Perico scrambled eggs seasoned with pica pica sofrito. choice of bacon bits, chorizo or cheese 5.50
Cachapas
100% Sweet Corn Pancake (Wheat & Gluten Free)

Cheese choice of cheese 7.00
Cheese & Ham choice of cheese & smoked ham 8.00
Meat chicken salad, shredded skirt beef or sautéed sirloin strips 8.95
Maize´wich
Grilled Cheese On Sweet Cornbread

Cheese choice of cheese 5.00
Cheese & Ham choice of cheese & smoked ham 6.00
Add To Main A Small Salad Or Cup Of Soup $2.99

2. Add
Salads
Fresh

Bululu corn, red bell pepper, jicama & pineapple
Salad Of The Day served on mixed greens with choice of vinaigrette 3.75
Soups
Homemade

Chupe chicken, corn, potatoes & cheese in a cream based broth
Soup Of The Day cup 3.75 large 5.75

3. Plus A Side
Pasapalos $3.25
Choice of Venezuelan sides served with one dipping salsa (wheat & gluten free)

Yucca Fries
Tostones
Sweet Plantains
Salsas $0.50
Mmmm!!!

Morena black bean mayonnaise
Mela’o de papelón & tamarindo
Pica’chup our own spiced ketchup
Pica’pun our signature hot sauce

Drinks
Aahh!!!

Frozen Tropical Juice 3.50
Beer 3.50
Frozen Sangria 5.95
Cans 1.75
Bottles 3.00
Water 1.75
Glossary
Arepas - Ah - Ray - Paz grilled corn flour flatbread, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside
Bululu a noisy gathering
Cachapas - Ka - Chóp - Az 100% sweet corn pancake, wheat and gluten free
Chupe - Chew - Pa andean hearty chicken, corn and vegetable soup
Domino a tribute to the game of dominoes. the combination of black beans and white cheese alludes to the colors of the domino pieces
Guasacaca - Wá - Sa - Ka - Ká creamy avocado sauce with peppers and onions. mildly spicy
Llanera - Gia - Néra venezuelan cowboys, living in the llanos (vast plains east of the andes), are called llaneros
Pabellón - Paa - Be - Jóhn a traditional venezuelan platter: carne mechada (shredded skirt steak), fried plantain, black beans and white rice
Pelu’a - Pe - Luu - Aa means shaggy
Pepeada named after susana dujim, miss world, 1955. some say the name is derived from the definition of pepeada (beautiful and voluptuous)
Perico signature venezuelan scrambled eggs. the colors are reminiscent of the feathers of a parrot
Pica Pica - Peeka - Peeka picar’ means to eat different small things
Sofrito - So - Free - Tó seasoning base in latin american cuisine made out of tomatoes, peppers, onions and herbs
Tostones - Tos - Tó - Ness crispy fried green plantain
Yucca part of the agave family, it is a root that is widely eaten in the amazon by indigenous peoples. wheat and gluten free

Also in the Oxbow Market is a great spice booth.

Comment your gender indicating parts off

One of my regular reads is proposing that everyone, yes, both of you, comment on as many blogs as possible in some sort of commenting orgy. Hey, he turned his blogging into a book deal, so who am I to comment, I mean say whether he's nuts. (And there is some evidence to suggest he may be)

Lenora & Lily, sitting in a tree...

They're not K I S S I N G, but they do sniff a lot and occasionally play.



Meanwhile Michaela seems to have an upset tummy again, and her hindquarters seem worse. Maybe the cold weather?

Observation

Learning curve leads to brain burn

What's new

We are rejoining the Mac crowd, having purchased a new imac just before T'day. We went to a PC many years ago, but we're just TIRED of all the virus', updates, blah blah blah...

RIP Charlie the Seagull? We spent a week out at the coast, on our first day, I found a seagull carcass in the backyard. As funny as it sounds, it looked better than Charlie. I believe I would recognize his beak/face, and it definitely did NOT look like Charlie, however Charlie was a no show for the week...

I am spending time transferring files between computers, setting up internet access, printers etc. This morning I tried to set up the imac to work with our old printer, and it's not going so well...

Hope to get back to more regular posting in the near future.

My Neighbor the Artist, pt VII

Bush as Cartman (From South Park)

Pet Peace Progress

Upon hearing, only recently, the results of the presidential election, a peace treaty has been "signed" between Lily and Lenora. It stipulates at least 30 minutes of play together a day. (The treaty refers to "Hunting technique familiarization")
The negotiations were aided by liberal doses of catnip on the remaining cat tree. (The other was returned to the coast), and restrictions on access to Lenora's base of operations (our bed). This has the added benefit of increased sleeping time for the non feline members of the household.
Oh, and the cats have been trapped in the house for long periods because the house is being painted.

Here's what we did last night.

This was the first song of the night. I'm enjoying the music as much today, I seem to have several of the tunes running thru my head all day.

Special thanks to Bill & Kathy who invited us and paid our way. Good Time!

New feline fotos

Lenora seems to be shy. She was initially very attached to us and would jump into our laps at every opportunity. Now she's a bit more aloof. She's claimed most of the house, in particular our bed where she spends most of her time. It seems like there are few if any chances for "cute" shots. She chases Lily off if they interact at all.

Dis udda cat has made me a basket case I tells ya!

My Neighbor the Artist, pt VI

Here are the rear view mirrors he made for the car which are only put on for special occasions due to fear of theft.

Here they are in approximate position they would be on the car

Another neighbor, another artist of a different kind

He writes and sings music for young kids.

Here is James K at the Saturday Farmers Market just down the street where they had craft booths and entertainment for kids revolving around Halloween

Here's his website.

Introducing LENORA!

Stats: 9lbs 1 oz, throws right, bats left.

Meet Charlie's apprentice

Introducing... Studley Segal

He isn't taking food from the hand yet, but he shows up regularly, often after Charlie, and goes to the birdbath expecting food. Who is training whom?

Something There Is That Likes a Wall (Us)

Before

After

A Wednesday on the water

"A three hour tour", well, 2.5 actually. Bought tickets at a fundraiser. Original plan was to sail over to the channel and let the 5+ knot ebb tide carry us out the gate and sail back in on the evening westerlies. But there seemed to be more interest in seeing the results of last weeks fires on Angel island, so that's what we did.
This "boat" is owned by a non profit educational group. Thus we were likely to learn something. It is actually a "Schooner". What makes it a schooner? I'm glad you asked because I haven't quite forgotten yet. A schooner has multiple masts (2 in this case) and the larger (or equal) mast is to the rear, but in front of the helm. If they were reversed it would be a Ketch. If the larger mast were BEHIND the helm it would be a Yawl. (which I thought was just a boat from the south)

Somebody had too much money.

A Wednesday in Wine Country

A lot of people seem to not have gotten the memo about the economy crashing. That, or it's a case of eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.

First stop was Copia, who decided THIS was the day they would start being open only on the weekends. (No open, no free advertising guys!)

Second stop was Trefethen winery. Copious amounts sipped and purchased.

Should have eaten first, but oh well. Lunch was here.

Olive oil is also important. The presentation is somewhat less ostentatious.
Napa Olive Oil Co

Winery art.