March 16, 2014 - A Cuppa

It's hard to burn tea, but I managed.

We make herbal teas a lot in Mexico, instead of green or black teas which are true teas. In this case I had dried mint and we actually toss the dried leaves in to a small (quart) pan with water and let boil.

But my tutoring client arrived and we settled into start our lesson and I forgot the dang pot on the stove so the water was evaporating and leaving the brown herbal deposits on the sides of the pot and almost completely reduced to just the leaves.

Sheesh.

I managed to find a few dandelions in the yard yesterday and made a tea but I don't think there were enough (I had about 12) to get a strong flavor. It was pretty mild and when I added honey it was just sweeter without accenting the flavor. I'll have to try again.

March 14, 2014 - Pi Day! (I'm all over the place with dates now)

Back from grocery shopping and only 35 bucks poorer. God bless the Vietnamese market. Their produce and fresh meats are silly cheap. Of course it smells like dead animals over by the butcher section but that's because...well...there are dead animals. I had started to consider making a fish chowder instead of clam because I have a few frozen tilapias at home and might as well use what's here and not spend on the clams. But, the jar of fresh oysters is only four bucks! Small jar, of course, but then it's only little ole me that I need to feed. By the time I round out the chowder with some 'taters and celery, that's gonna feed me for two days. Happy me.

I was in line to pay and there was an older, Asian gentleman ahead of me and he stared at me for a bit (some people have been known to think I'm beautiful, you see) and then the dialog went thusly: 

Man: um, excuse me...?
Me: yeah?
Man: can you explain...(motions at my t-shirt with his finger)

Me: oh! It's a series of math equations and symbols.
Man: yeah, but I'm already stumped on the first one.
Me: it's the equation for the square root of negative one which is impossible so it's called an imaginary number represented by the letter "i".

And then I took him through the rest until we put it together, etc., and then I mentioned that I'm wearing it because today is Pi Day. Then I had to point out the date today and the number for Pi...ah! Got it.

Bet you've never seen a Mexican explain complex math to an Asian.

Also he asked if I knew of any place that has good fish tacos so I steered him towards that new place in Huntington Beach that is so good.

In (continued) honor of Pi Day, I bought a mini pie for my tutoring client so she can take it home with her after our lesson tonight. You know me. I like to go all out and nerd it up.

In a few minutes I'll make the chowder and have a light, early dinner so that I can work on tonight's lesson before my appointment. Right now, I'm on my belly, under the lemon tree, cooling off from sitting in a hot car.

May 9, 2014 - The Family Grows

I got new fish babies!

I was cleaning out the fountain earlier this morning before even going out to get the fish and I saw the hawk fly over head. Does the dang bird read minds?! I haven't even bought 'em yet!  Sheesh!

Later, I was acclimating the little guys when the crows started to gather. One at first and then it became this Hitchcock moment as they started to gather on the phone cable that crosses the back of our yard. Luckily, the mockingbirds weren't having it and asserted their no-crows-in-the-backyard rule by chasing them away.

As for the fish selection, don't laugh. I got the already accorded-to goldfish and as the guy in the exotic fish store attended to my request (I gave him the breakdown of living situation, experience, limitations, etc.,) he says to me, he says, "Take some guppies!".... "Uh... come again..." I'd always considered guppies to be sort of... well... disposable. For the ingestion of other pets like when I had a frog, a toad, a red-eared slider. Nice guy explained that they're great for eating mosquito larvae and eggs, which is why I started keeping fish in the first place, years ago. He said to just take a buck's worth and I figured what's a dollar and added them to the golds and the two high fin banded shark fish (I gave them a pep talk about helping me with maintenance of the fountain). We'll see how they do.

Obviously, May 5, 2014

 Another back-post...

To celebrate the holiday, I'm at the pho place that I usually go to (70 degrees today and that's probably as cold as it's going to get until next February) and they've re painted and gussied up the place. I asked for my usual and the gentleman taking my order asked, "where you go? I no see you" I chuckled and reminded him that it's been too hot for pho. He grimaced and lightly shook his head, "no, no too hot" and in his broken English admonished my brief absence and suggested I don't stay away again. 

This is the greatest exchange between us in about 10 years.

May 3, 2014

I'll be back-posting some prior writings that I never got around to sharing.  The next few posts will be alternatively dated, according to the actual day that they were written.

Bird watching in the yard.  We seem to have a new species but he's being awfully shy and I've only gotten one good look at him. Looked him up online and can't seem to identify the little rascal. So, I went out to refill the bird feeders (we ran out of seed as I filled the second one) and that's when dad went outside to turn off the sprinklers which was what was bringing them out of the trees, swooping and playing on the grass. Oh well. Guess I'll be on the lookout in the future.

Spring is robustly here. There are enough butterflies flitting about that I expect to see more Black Phoebes soon. They are sooo pretty. Coal black bodies with a diamond tipped patch of white on the belly. Very elegant-looking. And petite. Tuxedo birds.

And then there are the opossums. It seems we have been invaded by the prolific marsupials. A few nights ago I saw a really big one (bigger than either of my cats) behind the garage where we keep our garbage bins and pet food bins. It's prime stranger-spotting realty, as you can imagine, with odors of trash and pet food. So, going out there after dark is a 50/50 chance encounter. Proper protocol: Turn kitchen light on first. Turn outdoor light on second. Wait a few moments to give critters the chance to scurry. Ok, open the door and take out the trash and remind yourself that tomorrow you will do it before it gets dark again.

They're not aggressive but they are startling. Anything is startling if you didn't expect it to be there. The mega-possum from a few days ago, just turned around and went in the opposite direction of me, working clumsily to balance itself along the narrow surface of our tall fence. It was slow going and I knew the poor thing was more horrified by me than I was by it. So I made no sudden moves that might make it stumble or - worse - go into shock and drop mode. I quietly said hello, got Cleo's dinner, re-screwed the lid back on to the large bin, and came inside.

Two nights ago, I heard cat screeches in the yard, also after dark. Cat screeches are not unusual since we have two cats and our yard is a favorite local hang out for all manner of feline, both collared and feral. Still, if I can help it and since my bedroom window is the only one to the yard and I'm the first to know of any activity back there, I tend to go get a look if the sounds of encounters are not resolved quickly and efficiently. We mostly leave our little creatures to have their secret lives, but as they've grown older (Nala is 15-ish and Maya is 14-ish) I worry that their instincts or strength isn't what it used to be. In all fairness, neither has ever come home with battle scars. It was our beloved Griffin that used to show up with scrapes and wounds and a look that said, "you should see what the other guy looks like..." The girls are somewhat passive and don't get into much trouble so when I hear fighting I know it's visitors coming in to make trouble with each other. Often I find Nala and Maya just sitting watching it all go down and scold them for their diminished sense of territorial ownership... "Alright, you two: INSIDE, and you guys: go the heck home, your mother's looking for you!"

So, out I went a couple of nights ago, to ensure that my babies were not being cornered somewhere and to shoo away bullies, when I saw a small opossum climbing slowly up the rose tree branch, just past the avocado tree. I'd forgotten about the protocol, which applies to the back yard doors as well as the kitchen door. I'd not given any critters a chance to scurry. But this was a little guy, I thought to myself. A wee 'possum, surely adventuring and probably found himself face to face with a cat. No biggie, I says, cat's probably run off as soon as the patio light went on, I says. Except that before Little Guy made it up to the cover of the foliage, I heard said foliage move, heavily, loudly. Rustling of leaves in the avocado tree. A lot of movement. Um. Cats are stealthy. They don't move like that. And Little Guy was just reaching the upper branch of the rose tree.

I'm no rocket scientist but it was easy to conclude that Little Guy had been separated from the safety of mom and family and was trying to get back up there where all that rustling was happening. Who the heck knows what kind of opossum family reunion was going on up there and how many had been invited. I did an about face and came back inside right quick. I told the parents about our current tenants and mom was horrified. She is scared shitless of the things because they look like huge rats. We used to leave patio doors open on warm nights to help with ventilation when the AC is not really called for but now she asks me to close all doors, terrified that they'll find their way in and not wanting to get close to the door, herself, in case they are already at the threshold.

It's an exciting life we lead.

High on Kauai (Day One)

I'm in Kauai now.  Exhausted.  5 1/2 hour flight and I felt it for the first time.  My back was killing me by hour 2.  Today was just about dealing with the practicalities.

Oh, and I finally found a cure for insomnia:

Don't sleep at all the night prior.

Get out the door by 6am.

Hang out at the airport for two hours, most of it in an actual line.

5 1/2 hour flight of twisting in seat.

Airplane change.

Drag one suitcase and one gym bag around because "hey, the car agency is just right over there, no need for a trolley"

Drive an unfamiliar Jeep on unfamiliar roads.

Check in and unpack.

Go back out to get groceries.

Haul them home.

Make dinner (tuna sashimi with cucumber salad) and get drunk on two strong bloody marys.

Do ten laps in the pool

Do 20 minutes in the hot tub

Hot shower back at the condo and long, indulgent bedtime ritual of cleansers and moisturizers.

Drink cold glass of milk with half a cookie (those big kinds)

Stretch.

Now... try to plan your itinerary for the week and watch how well you slump over on the couch. :wink:

I acknowledge it's a heck of a solution for every time I find myself unable to sleep, but it's a pretty good option.

I've currently dragged my butt off the sofa and am burrowing myself into the covers of my bed.

I'll leave the TV on for noise and probably play on the 'puter for a while.  I must be up at 6 because I have an island tour scheduled and they're going to pick me up at 7.

My back still hurts a bit.  Took some advil.  

Thus ends our intro to How to Arrive In Paradise 101.

Endeavour

The following post is essentially the flurry of emails that ensued in the middle of Friday and carried through Saturday afternoon.  I've replaced names with general descriptions in order to respect privacy, but it should be easy to follow along.  Please forgive the odd formatting issues and if anyone knows how the heck to post a video (I've done it before, why can't I do it again?!) please help!!! I've got cool video too!

Enjoy!

From This Art Geek (T.A.G.)

Hi, guys

I'm currently at work and (should have done my research long ago) don't have time to find out if the Endeavour "Parade" is live streaming online anywhere.  I thought of you guys because you're the only ones who came to mind as possibly being as space nerdy as me.  A thousand pardons if I've offended or misjudged your level of interest, though.  =)

Anybody got any good sites I can try?!  I can hide my phone under my monitor and sneak a peek once in a while, so I'd appreciate any tips.  I'll keep trying some research of my own, but can only do quick searches at a time.

Hugs and kisses to all!

From Cousin 1:

Hi T.A.G.,
I looked around and didn't find anything, just news coverage.  Sorry... I wanted to see some live footage myself.  I'm planning on going very early tomorrow (3am) and hope to see it. Sorry, but it was great to hear from you.

From Cousin 2

I can’t find anything either 

From T.A.G.

Poop. 

I'm pretty sure I'll be attempting LA tomorrow morning as well.  My dad and I want to go see it but I'm not sure how decided he is and if he's willing to do the wing-and-a-prayer approach with me.  Both he and my mom called me at work on the day of the fly-over, squealing with delight that they had seen it.  We're all pretty nerdy that way. 

I keep hearing that they are discouraging people from assembling at the route, but I can't imagine that being too successful. 

Thanks for looking, guys.  I do appreciate it.  Plus, it's always heart-warming to hear from you all.

Besitos gordos,

T.A.G.

From Cousin 2:

Hi T.A.G., 

I don’t think Cousin 3 is working today, (it is her birthday).

So she might be at home trying to track the Endeavour.                

Cousin 2   

From T.A.G.:

Thanks, Cousin 2! 

And now I feel bad that i'm getting in touch to ask for something instead of to say happy birthday, as any good cousin/niece/goddaughter should do.

Cousin 3, will you forgive me my blatant selfishness?!  I'm not completely out of the loop, by the way, I'm the one who pointed out to my parents that our prior engagement might conflict with your dinner, but since I thought it would be an evening get-together, I figured we could still make it.

If that's not the case, we can always re-schedule.  We don't see you guys enough.  That's just wrong.

Anyhow, I hope you're having a lovely day.  Happy Birthday, dear heart, and give R a hug for me,

T.A.G.

From T.A.G.:

Cousin 2, the  email bounced back to me. I'll try the one I have in my address book.

From Cousin 2:

Yeah, try her other email.           

From Cousin 2:

You know, T.A.G., I don’t know what is going on with Cousin 3’s email.

Both of her addresses bounced back my email.

I’ll try to find out what’s going on. 

From Cousin 1:

Channel 11 has a live feed.

From T.A.G.:

Cousin 2,  her 1977 (att domain) address didn't bounce back to me, so I'm assuming it went.

Cousin 1, I'll try the Ch 11 website!  Thanks!

From Cousin 1:

Yea, I'm watching it now.

From Cousin 3:

T.A.G., I did receive your message. 

I don't see anything on channel  11 but channel 9 has live coverage.

Cousin 3

From T.A.G.:

Got it!!!!  Thank you thank you!

http://www.myfoxla.com/category/241718/live-newscast-feed-2

From Cousin 3:

Sorry, I'm talking about channel 9 TV news and you are talking about Chanel 11 website. Well, as long as we can all see it. We are all nerdy about the shuttle!!

From Cousin 2:

I’m watching it on the channel 11 website.

Some lady is sitting on the roof with a baby on her lap!

From T.A.G.:

Crud.  My phone won't play the feed.  I'm having to add the network app to view video.  Sitting here downloading on my phone.  I'm gonna get fired.

Meanwhile I see on my work computer.  Hope no one comes in to the office.  =)

From Cousin 3:

PS: T.A.G. I have added Cousin 4's e-mail for you. He's Also a nerd!

From T.A.G.:

Excellent!  Now I have you all .... bwahh ha ha.  Hello, Cousin 4!!! 

Meanwhile, dang phone downloaded the Ch 11 app and it still won't show me the live feed.  I've downloaded an app for nothing.  Just what I wanted.

I've given up all pretense and am keeping the website up on my work computer.  If I get fired, it'll be a mixed blessing.

From T.A.G.:

Well, kids, this was fun! 

I'm off in 10 minutes and heading straight home to park myself in front of the TV and my computer and drool with a bucket of popcorn.  If anyone'll be online for a running commentary, look me up!

Kisses galore,

T.A.G.

From Cousin 2:

T.A.G., 

I’ll look you up when I get home in about an hour and a half.

Say hi to your mom and dad and O and his wife.

Cousin 2

From Cousin 1:

I still waiting to see it go by Randys Donuts.

From T.A.G.:

That's right!  Wait, I'd heard that Randy's was going to fashion a mini-shuttle to look like it was flying through the donut hole.

But then I also recall something about them not being on the route anymore... or something.  I dunno.  My gossip's on the fuzzy side.

From T.A.G. (5 pm):

Wait!  Isn't that the donut at the bottom of the screen?

From T.A.G. (5:20pm):

In case you were watching the Fox feed that went down, here's the CBS feed:

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/cbs-news-live-feed/

From Cousin 1 (1am)

I'm on the corner of Manchester and Inglewood ave.  I can see it coming up. It still about 30 mins away.

From Cousin 1  (2:40 am)

We got a little closer to it, but its still not moving. I doubts its going to make it to the forum by 8 am. It still near the 405 freeway.

From Cousin 1 (4 am):

From T.A.G. (4:30 am)

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRG!!  

I'M ON MY WAY!

From T.A.G. (5:25)

I've parked at the forum!

From T.A.G. (5:45 am)

Ok, I'm smack dab in the middle of a big, empty space where there will eventually be a space shuttle.

Shoulda brought a chair.

From Cousin 3:

Cousin 1, are you still with the shuttle. Have you seen T.A.G. yet?

Send more pictures!

From T.A.G. (7am):

Did anyone get my email earlier? Just want to be sure the dang phone isn't sputtering out on me.

Just heard from my adopted family (people I've befriended here in the crowd) that the shuttle is at La Brea and should be at the forum 45 minutes ahead of schedule.

Cousin 1, if you need me, text. Regardless, I'm checking my emails periodically.

From T.A.G. (7:25):

I SEE IT!!!!!!!!!

I think I just peed a little.

From Cousin 3:

Send pictures!! 

From T.A.G.:

From T.A.G. (8:30 am):

Well, kids, I'm emotionally drained. I'm about as close as I'm going to get to this thing and it's going to park here now for another hour.

Meanwhile, I'm hungry.  Someone said something about an ihop nearby.  Gonna look it up and plan accordingly.

From Cousin 3:

T.A.G., you are the ultimate nerd! Good for you for your commitment.

Get a good rest when this is all done today. We'll see you tomorrow!

Cousin 3 

From T.A.G.:

Bonus of the day: breakfast with Cousin 1! Yay! Gonna meet him in a couple of minutes. 

Must visit the loo before I start doing the rain dance.

See you tomorrow!

From Cousin 2 (2:10 pm)

Wow, I didn’t know you guys were going to look at it in person. 

It took forever for me get home yesterday going south on the 405.

I drove right by Randy’s Donuts but I had no idea the shuttle was there.

From T.A.G. (3:15)

Shhh... I'm sleeping.

Cousin 2, My parents have left to drive up there and maybe see it at the destination.   I can play control tower if you want to try to meet them.  They have my mom's cell phone with them, but she has this fantastic habit of either having it off or not being able to hear it.

If you want to try them: (phone number)

And you thought this was gonna be a quiet Thursday night...

There's an opossum in the garage.  

Dang thing's bigger'n the neighbor's dog.  'Course, the neighbor's dog is a pomeranian, so that's not tough to be, but you get what i'm sayin'.

Mom's threatening to burn the garage down.  Deathly afraid of the little buggers, she is.  

Gonna get exciting up in here.

The Tropic of California

I grew up here in sunny Southern California.

Though not a particularly long enough life to justify my sitting in a rocker on the veranda and waxing poetic about "back when I was a pup...", I do have a recollection - and not a long ago one - of the arid climate that goes along with living in what is essentially a desert.

I mention this because it's raining today.  I'm in my shorts and a tank top, barefoot.  It's not horribly hot, but it's warm enough that twice this week I've come home to put on the AC.  I'm pretty hard to convince the AC needs to be on.  Today was muggy all day and now it's raining.  75 degrees and raining.

This is Mexico City weather, not Southern California!  What in heaven's name is going on?  It's the apocalypse, I tell you.

The Nina, The Pinta, and a Soccer Ball

Poppa decided to watch the world cup soccer final today.  ‘Twas Spain versus Italy.  Sometimes it’s hard to tell how invested Dad is in any given game. And sometimes it’s hard to know where our allegiances lie when the teams that are playing are particularly foreign.  Usually we default to any team from Latin America, just on the premise that, being Mexican, we all come from a similar culture.  In this case I heard him exclaim from the next room when the first goal of the game was scored.  Here’s how it went down:

Dad:       Goal! Spain scored!

Me:        (From my room, attempting solidarity) Yay! (… and then realizing I didn’t know who was playing nor who we were rooting for, I walked over to the TV room…)  Wait, who are we rooting for?

Dad:       (Somewhat shadily) Um… I guess Spain.

Me:        Because … it’s the motherland?

Dad:       Sure.

Me:        Ok.  Hey, Mom!  We’re winning!

Mom:    That’s nice, dear.