I had been blogging every day up until Thursday and now it is Sunday. Good God, you think I'd been to busy. Not really. I can't even remember what we have been doing.
This morning we wen with Chris (from Dallas) and his daughter Grace to Pebble Beach. We went to the Beach club for Breakfast and then we were going to hit the Concours de Elegence. Today is the big show with the cars lined up on the golf course. Well they didn't have the normal breakfast service at the Beach Club. The had only set up for pastries and coffee. Disappointing. So we skipped the show. Traffic was horrible and we couldn't park at the Beach Club. So we dropped Chris and Grace off, came home, ate some lunch and took a nap.
It's gorgeous out now, Rex is on the phone with Brad. Hope everyone is well.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Monday - already
Goodness how time flies.
Writing the Crystal story is much mor arduous than I expected. I'm going to keep going but I can't churn one out per day.
Sunday was movie night. Went to see "Dinner for Shmucks". It had it's funny moments. Not a stellar movie but definitely some laughs. I'd wait for the rental. We tried the movie house in old Pacific Grove. Locals call it PG, not to be confused with PB for Pebble Beach. It was a small theater with only about four screens. The guy that sells the tickets also serves the popcorn. Lots of leg room and decent seating. We were two of maybe ten in the theater.
Not much open on Sunday night so we hit the pizza again. It's very good and great people watching.
I would write more but am in bed and ready to read a little of the second book in the Dragon Tattoo series. Made me wonder if Tracy liked Oryx and Crake?
Writing the Crystal story is much mor arduous than I expected. I'm going to keep going but I can't churn one out per day.
Sunday was movie night. Went to see "Dinner for Shmucks". It had it's funny moments. Not a stellar movie but definitely some laughs. I'd wait for the rental. We tried the movie house in old Pacific Grove. Locals call it PG, not to be confused with PB for Pebble Beach. It was a small theater with only about four screens. The guy that sells the tickets also serves the popcorn. Lots of leg room and decent seating. We were two of maybe ten in the theater.
Not much open on Sunday night so we hit the pizza again. It's very good and great people watching.
I would write more but am in bed and ready to read a little of the second book in the Dragon Tattoo series. Made me wonder if Tracy liked Oryx and Crake?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Crystal II
Crystal stepped through the sliding door into the lobby and surveyed the area. This was unlike any hospital she had seen before The lobby looked like a magazine spread. The entry's waiting area had beautifully carved and upholstered high back chairs and leather love seats with end tables and lamps on a giant oriental rug. Oil pantings of landscapes and lilies hung on the panelled walls, fresh cut flowers in a crystal vase and in the corner was a seven foot spruce Christmas tree trimmed with wrapped presents tucked around the skirt. On her left was an alcove with what Crystal guessed was a replica of a French antique desk. Sitting behind the desk was a petite elderly women with bright white hair in a little pink and white striped camisole. The women was talking on the phone and, after smiling at Crystal, held a a finger, as if to say, one moment.
The women set the receiver back in it's cradle and looked up with a warm smile. "Can I help you my dear?"
Crystal smiled back, "Hi, I'm Crystal De, um, Olson". She still had to catch herself, often forgetting to use her maiden name. "I'm her to see Jane Hengen in Human Resources. I think she's expecting me."
"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, i'm Gwen Baker, welcome, let me buzz Jane for you," Gwen said with warm grandmotherly smile.
No sooner than Gwen hung up the phone, a petite and very attractive woman came around the corner. Dressed in a navy knit dress with brass buttons, the woman extended her hand with a professional air and said, "Welcome Crystal, I'm Jane Hengen the Director of Human Resources for the hospital. Let's go back to my office and we can get things started."
The women set the receiver back in it's cradle and looked up with a warm smile. "Can I help you my dear?"
Crystal smiled back, "Hi, I'm Crystal De, um, Olson". She still had to catch herself, often forgetting to use her maiden name. "I'm her to see Jane Hengen in Human Resources. I think she's expecting me."
"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, i'm Gwen Baker, welcome, let me buzz Jane for you," Gwen said with warm grandmotherly smile.
No sooner than Gwen hung up the phone, a petite and very attractive woman came around the corner. Dressed in a navy knit dress with brass buttons, the woman extended her hand with a professional air and said, "Welcome Crystal, I'm Jane Hengen the Director of Human Resources for the hospital. Let's go back to my office and we can get things started."
Crystal followed Jane down a short hallway and into a small but very comfortable office. Crystal took her seat facing Jane's desk.
"I have everything ready for you," Jane said as she produced a printed folder with multiple documents inside. "Everything should be filled out with your information from the agency. It's all ready for your signatures." Crystal could see about a dozen little sticky flags protruding from the documents, each marked "Sign Here." Jane started laying the documents out across the desk and said, "Hiring from the agency certainly makes my life easier; saves me the trouble of all the back ground checks and references."
Jane took Crystal through the stack of documents and had her sign each one. As Crystal was signing each document, she commented to Jane, "This is a lovely hospital, nothing like my prior assignments."
Jane took each original as Crystal signed and left a copy in Crystal's file, and replied, "Yes, I know you will like it here. We are a very close community and this is a one-of-a-kind facility. While we only have eight six beds, our level of service rivals anything you would find in the Bay Area. We are very fortunate to have a generous client base. Just across the road is Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, some of the most expensive real estate, and for many of the people this is not their primary home. Over the years, many former patients have given generously to the hospital. In fact, we are one, of only a seven hospitals in the country that has an endowment fund. This gives our board a great deal of flexibility."
After finishing Crystal had a good feeling. There was something about Gwen that made Crystal feel she was good at her job.
Friday, August 6, 2010
I have a reader
Thanks Linda for reading my blog and I am glad you like Crystal's story. I may be tempted to tell more later.
I did yoga yesterday at the Sunset Center Yoga. It was an hour and fifteen minutes of Gentle Venyasa (sic). It was great. The instructor was fantastic. I'll probably try it again.
Sorry but I don't feel like writing a lot today. Nothing really exciting happened. Gym, breakfast, nap and happy hour. All with a lot of texting mixed in here and there.
I can't believe it has been too weeks!
I am giving a shout out to the losers in San Antonio tonight.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Crystal (my surprise)
Crystal took her last drag on the Benson & Hedges pinched between her lips before stamping it out in the Corolla's butt filled ashtray. Reaching for her now ice cold latte she told herself, once again, that was to be her last cigarette. She had driven all night from Reno. A full eight hours across the Sierra Nevada mountains through the state capitol of Sacramento and the high tech valley of San Jose. She had arrived with just a few minutes to spare. Minutes she needed to collect her thoughts and have that last cigarette.
It started almost two years ago when she packed the Corolla and left her troubles behind in Nebraska. Every six month taking another contract nursing assignment. She had slowly made here way west. From Denver to Cheyenne to Reno and now to Monterey. She couldn't drive any farther without ending up in the Pacific. She had run as far as she could. Perhaps at twenty seven it was time for her to stop running and face the fact that she was going to have to make a real life for herself, regardless of the shitty hand she had been dealt. No one was going to do it for her, and there wasn't anyone to even help her. It was going to be all up to her.
She checked hair and face in the visor mirror and then searched for a breath mint in her purse. Popping the breath mint in her mouth she looked out through the foggy morning at the County Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, or CHOMP as Sandy at the contract agency said it was referred to. The fog made the place look almost magical. She could vaguely see Christmas lights twinkling in the lobby. She recalled her high school production of Brigadoon, in which she had a two line part. It was, as if, the same fog machines had been placed out of sight and were billowing puffs of haze over the scene. But that felt like such a long time ago. If she had only known that what she knew now. She thought for a second; would it have made a difference?
Checking her watch, it was seven fifty a.m. - show time. She buttoned up her sweater and grabbed her purse. Stepping out of the car she was struck by the eerie stillness. Not an extraneous sound. She could hear herself breathe. Perhaps it was the fog. As she strode to the entrance she said a little prayer. A prayer that this was going to be the place.
(this is the first installment of the rough / preliminary draft of the copyrighted story of Crystal, I don't where this will end up, but if I don't get some feedback from you bitches it will die a sad death)
It started almost two years ago when she packed the Corolla and left her troubles behind in Nebraska. Every six month taking another contract nursing assignment. She had slowly made here way west. From Denver to Cheyenne to Reno and now to Monterey. She couldn't drive any farther without ending up in the Pacific. She had run as far as she could. Perhaps at twenty seven it was time for her to stop running and face the fact that she was going to have to make a real life for herself, regardless of the shitty hand she had been dealt. No one was going to do it for her, and there wasn't anyone to even help her. It was going to be all up to her.
She checked hair and face in the visor mirror and then searched for a breath mint in her purse. Popping the breath mint in her mouth she looked out through the foggy morning at the County Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, or CHOMP as Sandy at the contract agency said it was referred to. The fog made the place look almost magical. She could vaguely see Christmas lights twinkling in the lobby. She recalled her high school production of Brigadoon, in which she had a two line part. It was, as if, the same fog machines had been placed out of sight and were billowing puffs of haze over the scene. But that felt like such a long time ago. If she had only known that what she knew now. She thought for a second; would it have made a difference?
Checking her watch, it was seven fifty a.m. - show time. She buttoned up her sweater and grabbed her purse. Stepping out of the car she was struck by the eerie stillness. Not an extraneous sound. She could hear herself breathe. Perhaps it was the fog. As she strode to the entrance she said a little prayer. A prayer that this was going to be the place.
(this is the first installment of the rough / preliminary draft of the copyrighted story of Crystal, I don't where this will end up, but if I don't get some feedback from you bitches it will die a sad death)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Hump Day
We changed up the routine today. No workout this morning. Instead we had our first breakfast of the trip at Little Swiss Cafe. We split a bacon avocado eggs benedict. Carol was off today, so no spicy banter with the waitress.
After a few errands we drove out to the Carmel Valley Ranch. A resort about seven miles up the valley. They had done an extensive remodel and had opened up a new fitness center and pool as part of the resort. We thought we should check it out in case we wanted to join. It was very nice, but very new. For the moment, we will keep our workout at Garden.
It has been a very dreary foggy day. It hasn't gotten above sixty degrees today. After my nap we lit the fire and watched a movie. "The Ghost Writer" It was a decent movie, a little slow, but well done (directed by Roman Polanski). If you are reading this Steve, I know you think I am overly critical of all movies. I would recommend "Inception" over this one, but they are very different movies.
After the movie we headed over for a light workout and a dinner of sushi at Crystal Fish. Just got home and ready to hit the shower.
I may have a surprise tomorrow. You'll have to wait and read.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Carmel (not Jersey) Shores
On Jersey Shores its TGL (tan / gym / laundry).
On Carmel Shores its WCN (workout / coffee / nap). Plus a little extra something, but WCN is the backbone that the day is built upon.
It was a very chilly day. While the rest of the country is sweltering we are unseasonably cold. The weather this morning said that San Francisco had the coldest July since 1971. What were you doing in 1971? I was sneaking cigarettes during our lunch break in the fifth grade.
I have only one newsworthy item to report. In the evenings I have been going for a walk starting at the house. After tonight's walk I was sitting outside to relax and I could hear them rehearsing at the Forest Theater. The Forest Theater is the outdoor theater that is about two blocks away from the house. It's an outdoor theater and rehearsals have started for the next production (it begins in two weeks).
So I am sitting outside (it's overcast and cold) and through the tops of the trees I hear a chorus of "Who can take a sunrise, Sprinkle it in dew, Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? The candyman. The candyman can". If you haven't guessed it, the next production is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! Too surreal. You couldn't make this shit up. A bunch of rich, old, f'er's standing on an open air stage in the middle of Carmel-by-the-sea belting it out like they were Sammy Frickin' Davis Junior. If Sammy was alive he would probably laugh so hard his eye would pop out (did I just say that)?
Back later.
On Carmel Shores its WCN (workout / coffee / nap). Plus a little extra something, but WCN is the backbone that the day is built upon.
It was a very chilly day. While the rest of the country is sweltering we are unseasonably cold. The weather this morning said that San Francisco had the coldest July since 1971. What were you doing in 1971? I was sneaking cigarettes during our lunch break in the fifth grade.
I have only one newsworthy item to report. In the evenings I have been going for a walk starting at the house. After tonight's walk I was sitting outside to relax and I could hear them rehearsing at the Forest Theater. The Forest Theater is the outdoor theater that is about two blocks away from the house. It's an outdoor theater and rehearsals have started for the next production (it begins in two weeks).
So I am sitting outside (it's overcast and cold) and through the tops of the trees I hear a chorus of "Who can take a sunrise, Sprinkle it in dew, Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? The candyman. The candyman can". If you haven't guessed it, the next production is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! Too surreal. You couldn't make this shit up. A bunch of rich, old, f'er's standing on an open air stage in the middle of Carmel-by-the-sea belting it out like they were Sammy Frickin' Davis Junior. If Sammy was alive he would probably laugh so hard his eye would pop out (did I just say that)?
Back later.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Manic Monday
Let's do a catch up.
The first batch of cashew brittle ended up in the trash. Like I mentioned, it's fickle. This stove is a little different and the batch turned out kinda sticky. Don't want to pull a crown off. However, the second batch turned out great.
Sunday morning we headed off to Bechler's Bakery in Pacific Grove. It's just over the hill from Carmel-by-the-sea. Carmel-by-the-sea then Pebble Beach then Pacific Grove then Monterey and Seaside. They really just run from one to the next with no natural demarcation.
Bechler's is one of the fine bakeries in the area. It tops any bakery in Houston, and in the area it is one of several great bakeries. We love their ham and cheese quiche. It is superb. A definite for anyone who visits the area. We tried to have a slice last week when we went to the Carmel Valley Roasting Company (they carry it), but they were out!!!!
The remainder of the day was taken up with Jame's fiftieth birthday celebration. His actual birthday is tomorrow, but the party was yesterday. James lives with his partner Scott (our massage therapist) and his 92 year old mother. James grew up in Carmel and still has many close friends from his youth. To me this is a little foreign, but I guess if Rex and I had stayed in Nebraska, we too would see old friends.
The party was a lot of fun. Scott had pulled together a nice spread. Friends and family kept the party going well past our departure in the early evening. If you watch the video, Scott is holding the cake and Barbara (James mother is in the opening shot).
We got home, played with the dogs and watched a "True Blood".
Today went by quickly. Monday is massage day. We had early massages today because Scott's birthday present to James was a trip to Tassajara (including Barbara). Tasshara is a zen hot springs retreat way up in the hills of Carmel Valley. They will be spending two nights there. We had never heard of the place before, but it seems to be well known. You can check it out on the web.
The first batch of cashew brittle ended up in the trash. Like I mentioned, it's fickle. This stove is a little different and the batch turned out kinda sticky. Don't want to pull a crown off. However, the second batch turned out great.
Sunday morning we headed off to Bechler's Bakery in Pacific Grove. It's just over the hill from Carmel-by-the-sea. Carmel-by-the-sea then Pebble Beach then Pacific Grove then Monterey and Seaside. They really just run from one to the next with no natural demarcation.
Bechler's is one of the fine bakeries in the area. It tops any bakery in Houston, and in the area it is one of several great bakeries. We love their ham and cheese quiche. It is superb. A definite for anyone who visits the area. We tried to have a slice last week when we went to the Carmel Valley Roasting Company (they carry it), but they were out!!!!
The remainder of the day was taken up with Jame's fiftieth birthday celebration. His actual birthday is tomorrow, but the party was yesterday. James lives with his partner Scott (our massage therapist) and his 92 year old mother. James grew up in Carmel and still has many close friends from his youth. To me this is a little foreign, but I guess if Rex and I had stayed in Nebraska, we too would see old friends.
The party was a lot of fun. Scott had pulled together a nice spread. Friends and family kept the party going well past our departure in the early evening. If you watch the video, Scott is holding the cake and Barbara (James mother is in the opening shot).
We got home, played with the dogs and watched a "True Blood".
Today went by quickly. Monday is massage day. We had early massages today because Scott's birthday present to James was a trip to Tassajara (including Barbara). Tasshara is a zen hot springs retreat way up in the hills of Carmel Valley. They will be spending two nights there. We had never heard of the place before, but it seems to be well known. You can check it out on the web.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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