Well, sorry. I'm long overdue on a post again. But know I've been thinking of you all. I spent hours on the phone today re-establishing my presence with my closest friends, whom could be reached. It sure is good to be home, and I really do feel home. True I had a few frustrating moments re-establishing my "spot" in the fam. (It was just one week, but things seem so different!) and I felt like jumping on the first Accela Express back to my apt. in NYC, but alas, that really is not an option.
I really feel some sort of "wrap-up" is due. I'm pretty "knackered" still as my good friend Kieferskate would say. However, I will attempt it and try to keep it under 10 pages!!!
I believe I left you all when Kieferskate and I were on our way out the door to the second concert night. After our usual Gray's Papaya lunch, (Oh God I just love those!!!) I put her on the Subway straight to the concert hall (Webster Hall In the East Village), where she had the good luck of seeing all the guys in the bands again coming in for their show. Again with her cigarette smoking she managed to talk to the" extra" film crew that interviewed Rocco on the front steps of the venue. She of course told them she had come all the way from the "Edge of Wales" to see Rocco. (By the way it was 28 hours in transit for her to make this trip!!! That's dedication huh??) So when they had Rocco in the interview they asked him if anyone had come a long distance to see him!!! LOL!!! He of course told them about the lady who traveled from the "Edge of Wales" to see him God Bless him. He is so sweet! You go Kate!! Score another one!! That night at the meet and greet, he was nice enough to tell her he had mentioned her in the "extra" interview. He really is very nice.
So Kate got to the venue very early and was so rewarded. I on the other hand went to play my heart out on the electronic drums, at you guessed it, my favorite store - The Sam Ash Percussion Store in Midtown. I had a fab time playing to my new ipod. They work so well together!!! I also bought the drummer and percussionist a pair each of brand spanking new Vic Firth drum sticks, with the crisp red label!! I wrote on them, "Thanks for reaching my 'inner drummer' guys. Rock On! L--------. and gave them to Rocco the second night to give to the guys who couldn't get out for the meet and greet as it was packing up night. For Rocco I got a business card with the address to one of the best shops in the NATION for Dobros!! Apparently it's in Staten Island. Who knew? He seemed grateful for the tip.
My camera battery was dead the night before, and I had told Rocco that I was pleased with all my autographs, but would definitely like to get some photos Wednesday night. Which as you can see I certainly did! And just look who came to the concert the second night!!! MY MUG!!! Yep, that's right people, and Rocco thought it was very cool! I agree of course!!! I actually made a print of this in NYC for him to sign at the Boston concert Friday night, which he did!!! Along with another ass-kicking photo of him wailing on his new Dobro! But by the time Sparky actually scans these for me, you'll all have forgotten about Rocco DeLuca & the Burden!! ( I may have too for that matter!! My friend mmorris can back me up on this one!!) So these are the unsigned versions!!
The show was awesome the second night too! However, by this time the tour was wreaking havoc on our bodies as we are not in our 20's-30's anymore. So I'm sorry to let you all down, but the truth is we just hailed a taxi right after the show and were back resting in the apt. by midnight!! (Having our dinner!) However, we did stay up till nearly 4 am again rehashing everything, blogging, sorting pics etc., and watching one of our favorite Kiefer movies "Dead Heat". This was all great fun too!
The next day the fam woke us up with a phone call at 1:30 pm!! We took our time puttering around the apt. Then off to Greenwich Village where Kieferskate treated me to a lovely Chinese dinner in a restaurant we just know Kiefer may have eaten in!! Then the Apple store! Then home, and again up till 2 am!!
Next am up by 7:30 am, run a few errands, pack myself, clean apt. a bit and say farewell to Kieferskate at 11am for 12:03 Accela Express to Boston!!! (She let herself out a few hours later for flight back to England at 8 pm) Must beat the band back!! NOT!!! Accela delayed one hour!! Arrived South Station 4:30 pm! Concert doors open at 6 pm with Rocco on stage 6:30 pm sharp!! Would have checked my bags at station and collected them after the show, but Amtrak won't check a laptop. Therefore, jumped on the orange line out to Oak Grove. Fam and Mellojoe waiting there for me. I really felt like "Jack Bauer" as I ran off the train, slammed a new cell phone battery into my phone, got money and "documents" off Sparky, quick kiss-kiss to the kids and immediately jump back on the orange line (with all the Red Sox Fans!!) and of course Mellojoe ! Arrived in time to use bathroom, comb hair, eat half a burrito and come into venue just as Rocco is coming on stage!!
The show was good. Unfortunately not as good as the NYC shows because they let in 12 year-olds!! They just had a bracelet so that they couldn't drink alcohol. So it was a nice crowd of "kids" but not what I was hoping for. I don't think the bands were that happy either! Matt Kearney actually seemed more well-received in Boston. All the "kids" were singing his songs. Anyhow, I of course sooo enjoyed the live music, for the third time that week!! Mellojoe and I stuck together, and I believe she really enjoyed it too! She definitely of course liked Rocco! Said she would go to another show with me to see him if I wanted!!!
Carolyn1968 and cousin S liked Rocco. Carolyn1968 definitely enjoyed Rocco and will also go to future shows with us! They weren't too crazy about the other bands. Unfortunately they went out for a smoke after Rocco's set and we never hooked up again as the crowd really grew! They say it holds 3,000?
Mellojoe and I battled the Red Sox fans home, and her hubby was nice enough to pick us up at the T. Luckily I was home about 11:30 pm and I must say thoroughly KNACKERED!!!
The fam was sooo glad to see me, and I them. The kids had got this new nintendo Brain Quiz game and so wanted me to test my brain age right on the spot!!!! AAAGGGHHH! Somehow I managed to put that off, as I think I had but one neuron still firing!!!!
So that does bring me to the end of this most excellent adventure!!! It was probably an outlandish thing to do - invite a stranger I met over the internet to my apt. But it really couldn't have gone any better than it did. Kieferskate and I got on like a "House on Fire" as she would say. I am soooo glad I did this. Certainly not something I'll do often, but it was great.
I just know I haven't seen the last of Kieferskate, as she has invited me AND the fam to visit her on the "Edge of Wales"!! And I feel confident we will someday.
As for the whole Kiefer thing. As I said in a earlier post, he was not in NYC when we were there, as he is busy filming the season finale episodes of 24, which by the way has taken yet another interesting plot twist with just 5-6 episodes to go!! We had a lot of "discussion" regarding HIM. And I gotta say - It's All Good!!
Rest assured I'm NOT as Kiefercrazy as I was before this trip. However, I still like him and admire his work a lot!! Rock On!! Kiefer!!!
So that's it for me. I'm glad to be home with all my Homies!! Look forward to seeing you all soon!!!
Cheers!!! Kieferskate, Love Lovekief1
Monday, April 16, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Rocco DeLuca & the Burden
My Dear Still Most Treasured Friends, (I've not yet run off with The Band), but notice I have dropped poor Steve off the list today. Nothing bad, just probably best not go on about this all with him ad nauseum,
Well what can I say? Having Fantastico Time! Wish you were all here (highly reccomend such an outing for all at some point). Cheers!
I have to keep this short, as Kate and I did not get to sleep untill nearly 4:30 am! I was awakened by Betsy's little voice at `10:30AM on her way home from reading lessons!! The whole fam. was in the mini-van (so camp!) including little Sally, whom Steve really has taken to carting around with the kids on all the things I've scheduled for them!! Note: it was also very nice to hear Betsy's little voice on my voicemail when I got home at 2:30 am wishing I was having a good time, they missed me, and were saying goodnight. I really must say I hadn't checked my phone from about 6 pm when the party started, till I got home at 2:30 am. Trust me I could never have heard it!! I saved the message.
Well we got to Webster Hall at about 4 pm for a 6 pm show (Kate's idea) but must say it worked out well. She's inclined to get there about two hours early again tonight. I on the other hand will have a little look see around The East Village, and join her on line about an hour early.
By being early last night we did see the bands arriving with instruments going in to set-up and do their soundchecks. That was fun. The skinny young British group The Feeling were cute to see! This surely was not Melrose, this scene!
We got in just fine and stood right up first next to the stage! I positioned myself to get the best view of their two drummers of course (I could have handed them back a stick if they dropped it I was so close!) I was also right in front of Rocco, of Rocco DeLuca & the Burden. He's very cute, and plays a mean Dobro. The guys really gave a great show. Unfortunately , since they are sharing the venue with two other bands on this vh1 "you ought to know" tour they were first act with only a 30min set. They picked their best songs to play and gave enough extra on the songs so that you felt like you got your money's worth for the Live Show!! Well Done! as my friend Kate would say!! (Actually, she would probably say it was "fucking, bloody, well done!"
We went to the Merchandise table and really got to say hello and get things signed by them and actually have a bit of a chat as they probably were not the real pull for this venue, so the crowd at the table was easy to deal with. They were very nice, and gracious!! We actually chatted with them a little more throughout the show at the bar etc. I got to talk to one of the drummers about my upcoming, earthshaking decision of buying a very good electronic drum set or a real drum set. It was fun. Today I have a total need to go play drums at my favorite store, The Sam Ash Percussion Store. Which I will, They actually have lots of drums set up for this purpose. So I'll take a good half-hour to work out some stuff!! I think I will also pick-up the two drummers a new pair of good VIC drumsticks each as a token of my gratitude for reaching so far inside my drumming soul, (which I have honestly felt since I was about 5 years-old!! It really has not been let out to play very much in it's lifetime YET!)
Anyhow, the second band got the 40 min slot last night, (tonight Rocco and The Feeling switch on that ) . They were suprisingly, very good and had lots of energy which I so appreciated! The drummer had a bigger set and was more the focus than Rocco's Boys, which again , I appreciated. I of course bought their CD for $10 and had them all sign it, and say a good hello to them. They were also extremely nice. It was fun to say, see you all tomorrow night and again up in Boston Friday night!! (I really am just too cool!! Aren't I?!!)
Lastly, was Matt Kearney and his band, his drummer had the biggest best set of the night!!!) which was the top billing for the night. He's a young white guy with a very good guitar, rap, address some political issues type thing going. It's very nice. I don't feel he had the energy of the other two, and felt the songs were a little more repetetive (than again, rap can be!!). It was good in that it was just different enough for me. I did buy his cd also, for $10 and thought I'd get it signed, but he seemed to do an encore instead of a meet and greet. I could get his cd signed and have a word with him as he comes into Webster Hall tonight if I really wanted to. (Nope, just decided Kate's the hard -core one who will be there and she'll get mine signed with hers. Thanks Kate!)
I REALLY enjoyed the nearly three hours of a very good rock show, Melanie, Carolyn, and Stephen, I just know you all are going to enjoy yourselves!!
It may not be too late if anyone else has changed their minds? There may be tickets left, but I don't know for sure? Anyone? Anyone?
So, It was clear to me last night that it was definitely not all about Rocco and the Boys, (which it actually never was) (by the way, I asked the drummer Ryan if Kiefer was in town for their shows, but he said no he was very busy filming the final season episodes for 24. So no Kiefer either, which is good and let's me relax into it all better, as I'm not looking for Kiefer to get an autograph!) but that I appreciated the live, energetic music, and it didn't really matter which band was up there. They were pretty interchangeable in my mind. However, real music wise, I still definitely think Rocco is the best of them. I have been listening to his music a lot lately, and I am so NOT bored of it, like I have easily become within a couple weeks of playing a particular song or group hard and heavy. I take this as an important indicator for me.
I would have been content, to go home after the show, but we were easily swept across the street to The Pourhouse. Which Kate thought they said we were all going to the "Whorehouse, and we still followed!!!! LOL!!!! A nice, popular , after show bar. The place was crowded and I knew we were doing well when I managed to get a seat right up at the bar for my diet coke and a Guinness for my friend. If I had held out 5 mins. longer before I ordered, we would have been added easily to the bar tab of the very nice vh1 people, who we hung out with till 2 am!!! (the place f$#$#%ing closed at 2am!!! at least officially!!) Well done don't you think??!!!
These kids were young. 22- 30 year olds running all theses shows and many were with different advertising companies, Loreal, Wendy's, MTV, to name a few. If what they said was true, and I suspect there was a little exaggerating going on in this crowd, they were handling 50 to 140 MILLION DOLLAR accounts!!! (Didn't feel bad about my Diet Cokes on them!!!) Geez! I learned quite a bit about a slice of life, I really had NO idea about. I found it hard to believe but we really all got on so well. They seemed to be genuinely interested in Kate and I , We did eventually make the running tab!!
WEll this has gotten way too long, and it's 12:30 now and we're trying to get out by 1 pm. Off to The Mary Poppin's Bank (for those of you in "the know"!) They should know what to do with a bloody, British Pound if anyone does!!} Kate and I have taken to spliting the Gray's Papaya special. She get's the papaya. I keep to one hot dog for my blood pressure's sake. which unfortunately, I must report, is still not doing as well as I 'd like.
Saw a new doctor about it at Harvard Pilgrim Medford last week, finally decided to leave Lahey for my healthcare. My bp was found to be 190/112 by her in her office.!!! She told me not to get alarmed and started me on a new antihypertensive, which I was to take all last week and record my pressures. which I did and they came down as far as 170/11o. So I was then to add the second drug this week , which I did and keep track, which I am happy to report it has come down as far as 150/100. Which is slighlty better. Anyhow, know that I am keeping an eye on it throughout this fun escapade.
I'll close with, we did get invited to see a different even more up and coming band tonight with free tickets and backstage passes left for us at the door if we really wanted them. But we have our Rocco tix for tonight and so enjoy them, that we politely declined. Soo many shows, soo little time!!! Lastly, there was the possibility of following along to the "real after party" down-town at some Chinese Strip-clubs? I'm not really sure about that, but I did hear talk of it!! We also found out through our new found "friends" that Rocco and two other good bands were playing at the well known Milk Studios (photography, awesome gallary in Chelsea) Thursday night, private function, and we may just get a couple of tix gratis from them. They'll call us today. No promises and it's all been way beyond our expectations!! I headed for home at 2 am, Kate stayed out a while with some of the folks, but caught a cab home by 3am. We re-hashed it all till 4:30 am, because it was really well beyound fucking belief!!! Who'd have ever thunk!!!
I was awakeneded by my Betsy this am, now we're off to who knows what tonight!! However, I think we both agree if we died now, we really did have more of a great time than we could have ever imagined!
So Kate's out of the shower, gotta go.
Just remember, It's All Good!!
Peace Out, LPK
Well what can I say? Having Fantastico Time! Wish you were all here (highly reccomend such an outing for all at some point). Cheers!
I have to keep this short, as Kate and I did not get to sleep untill nearly 4:30 am! I was awakened by Betsy's little voice at `10:30AM on her way home from reading lessons!! The whole fam. was in the mini-van (so camp!) including little Sally, whom Steve really has taken to carting around with the kids on all the things I've scheduled for them!! Note: it was also very nice to hear Betsy's little voice on my voicemail when I got home at 2:30 am wishing I was having a good time, they missed me, and were saying goodnight. I really must say I hadn't checked my phone from about 6 pm when the party started, till I got home at 2:30 am. Trust me I could never have heard it!! I saved the message.
Well we got to Webster Hall at about 4 pm for a 6 pm show (Kate's idea) but must say it worked out well. She's inclined to get there about two hours early again tonight. I on the other hand will have a little look see around The East Village, and join her on line about an hour early.
By being early last night we did see the bands arriving with instruments going in to set-up and do their soundchecks. That was fun. The skinny young British group The Feeling were cute to see! This surely was not Melrose, this scene!
We got in just fine and stood right up first next to the stage! I positioned myself to get the best view of their two drummers of course (I could have handed them back a stick if they dropped it I was so close!) I was also right in front of Rocco, of Rocco DeLuca & the Burden. He's very cute, and plays a mean Dobro. The guys really gave a great show. Unfortunately , since they are sharing the venue with two other bands on this vh1 "you ought to know" tour they were first act with only a 30min set. They picked their best songs to play and gave enough extra on the songs so that you felt like you got your money's worth for the Live Show!! Well Done! as my friend Kate would say!! (Actually, she would probably say it was "fucking, bloody, well done!"
We went to the Merchandise table and really got to say hello and get things signed by them and actually have a bit of a chat as they probably were not the real pull for this venue, so the crowd at the table was easy to deal with. They were very nice, and gracious!! We actually chatted with them a little more throughout the show at the bar etc. I got to talk to one of the drummers about my upcoming, earthshaking decision of buying a very good electronic drum set or a real drum set. It was fun. Today I have a total need to go play drums at my favorite store, The Sam Ash Percussion Store. Which I will, They actually have lots of drums set up for this purpose. So I'll take a good half-hour to work out some stuff!! I think I will also pick-up the two drummers a new pair of good VIC drumsticks each as a token of my gratitude for reaching so far inside my drumming soul, (which I have honestly felt since I was about 5 years-old!! It really has not been let out to play very much in it's lifetime YET!)
Anyhow, the second band got the 40 min slot last night, (tonight Rocco and The Feeling switch on that ) . They were suprisingly, very good and had lots of energy which I so appreciated! The drummer had a bigger set and was more the focus than Rocco's Boys, which again , I appreciated. I of course bought their CD for $10 and had them all sign it, and say a good hello to them. They were also extremely nice. It was fun to say, see you all tomorrow night and again up in Boston Friday night!! (I really am just too cool!! Aren't I?!!)
Lastly, was Matt Kearney and his band, his drummer had the biggest best set of the night!!!) which was the top billing for the night. He's a young white guy with a very good guitar, rap, address some political issues type thing going. It's very nice. I don't feel he had the energy of the other two, and felt the songs were a little more repetetive (than again, rap can be!!). It was good in that it was just different enough for me. I did buy his cd also, for $10 and thought I'd get it signed, but he seemed to do an encore instead of a meet and greet. I could get his cd signed and have a word with him as he comes into Webster Hall tonight if I really wanted to. (Nope, just decided Kate's the hard -core one who will be there and she'll get mine signed with hers. Thanks Kate!)
I REALLY enjoyed the nearly three hours of a very good rock show, Melanie, Carolyn, and Stephen, I just know you all are going to enjoy yourselves!!
It may not be too late if anyone else has changed their minds? There may be tickets left, but I don't know for sure? Anyone? Anyone?
So, It was clear to me last night that it was definitely not all about Rocco and the Boys, (which it actually never was) (by the way, I asked the drummer Ryan if Kiefer was in town for their shows, but he said no he was very busy filming the final season episodes for 24. So no Kiefer either, which is good and let's me relax into it all better, as I'm not looking for Kiefer to get an autograph!) but that I appreciated the live, energetic music, and it didn't really matter which band was up there. They were pretty interchangeable in my mind. However, real music wise, I still definitely think Rocco is the best of them. I have been listening to his music a lot lately, and I am so NOT bored of it, like I have easily become within a couple weeks of playing a particular song or group hard and heavy. I take this as an important indicator for me.
I would have been content, to go home after the show, but we were easily swept across the street to The Pourhouse. Which Kate thought they said we were all going to the "Whorehouse, and we still followed!!!! LOL!!!! A nice, popular , after show bar. The place was crowded and I knew we were doing well when I managed to get a seat right up at the bar for my diet coke and a Guinness for my friend. If I had held out 5 mins. longer before I ordered, we would have been added easily to the bar tab of the very nice vh1 people, who we hung out with till 2 am!!! (the place f$#$#%ing closed at 2am!!! at least officially!!) Well done don't you think??!!!
These kids were young. 22- 30 year olds running all theses shows and many were with different advertising companies, Loreal, Wendy's, MTV, to name a few. If what they said was true, and I suspect there was a little exaggerating going on in this crowd, they were handling 50 to 140 MILLION DOLLAR accounts!!! (Didn't feel bad about my Diet Cokes on them!!!) Geez! I learned quite a bit about a slice of life, I really had NO idea about. I found it hard to believe but we really all got on so well. They seemed to be genuinely interested in Kate and I , We did eventually make the running tab!!
WEll this has gotten way too long, and it's 12:30 now and we're trying to get out by 1 pm. Off to The Mary Poppin's Bank (for those of you in "the know"!) They should know what to do with a bloody, British Pound if anyone does!!} Kate and I have taken to spliting the Gray's Papaya special. She get's the papaya. I keep to one hot dog for my blood pressure's sake. which unfortunately, I must report, is still not doing as well as I 'd like.
Saw a new doctor about it at Harvard Pilgrim Medford last week, finally decided to leave Lahey for my healthcare. My bp was found to be 190/112 by her in her office.!!! She told me not to get alarmed and started me on a new antihypertensive, which I was to take all last week and record my pressures. which I did and they came down as far as 170/11o. So I was then to add the second drug this week , which I did and keep track, which I am happy to report it has come down as far as 150/100. Which is slighlty better. Anyhow, know that I am keeping an eye on it throughout this fun escapade.
I'll close with, we did get invited to see a different even more up and coming band tonight with free tickets and backstage passes left for us at the door if we really wanted them. But we have our Rocco tix for tonight and so enjoy them, that we politely declined. Soo many shows, soo little time!!! Lastly, there was the possibility of following along to the "real after party" down-town at some Chinese Strip-clubs? I'm not really sure about that, but I did hear talk of it!! We also found out through our new found "friends" that Rocco and two other good bands were playing at the well known Milk Studios (photography, awesome gallary in Chelsea) Thursday night, private function, and we may just get a couple of tix gratis from them. They'll call us today. No promises and it's all been way beyond our expectations!! I headed for home at 2 am, Kate stayed out a while with some of the folks, but caught a cab home by 3am. We re-hashed it all till 4:30 am, because it was really well beyound fucking belief!!! Who'd have ever thunk!!!
I was awakeneded by my Betsy this am, now we're off to who knows what tonight!! However, I think we both agree if we died now, we really did have more of a great time than we could have ever imagined!
So Kate's out of the shower, gotta go.
Just remember, It's All Good!!
Peace Out, LPK
Sunday, March 25, 2007
You've Been Mugged! (Episode #1)
Well I'm back. Sorry to keep everyone hanging on by their fingernails for my next post!! LOL! However, as you can see My Mug has been on a field trip!!
Went skateboarding with our friends at an indoor skateboarding park up in Rye, New Hampshire. Awesome place! Everyone had a great time. Even My Mug "Hung Ten"! Which actually was a little scary as I overheard some talking about sending it down the huge half-pipe! Also the idea of having a "stunt" mug was discussed!
I however, am thoroughly convinced I am a "legend in my own mind"! So of course I took a couple of "bad" falls (as if there is a "good" fall?). Unfortunately, I really smashed the same hip I had smashed on my first horseback riding lesson this Fall! That first lesson cost my health insurance company $1,100!!! So what do I do? Smash it again of course!!!! AAAAGGGHHHH!!!
So I said to my Son, "P! I really smashed my 'bad' hip again!" He said , "It's not your 'bad' hip Mom." It's your HOBBY HIP!"
So there you have it. My HOBBY HIP and I have been hobbling around lately. Luckily didn't need the ER this time.
So the verdict is is:
Horseback Riding - YES (definitely have improved there)
Skateboarding - NEVER again!
I'm glad to report I'm back and I'm bad, and - It's All Good!
Hmmm...? I wonder about rollerblading?
Hobble gently, LPK
Went skateboarding with our friends at an indoor skateboarding park up in Rye, New Hampshire. Awesome place! Everyone had a great time. Even My Mug "Hung Ten"! Which actually was a little scary as I overheard some talking about sending it down the huge half-pipe! Also the idea of having a "stunt" mug was discussed!
I however, am thoroughly convinced I am a "legend in my own mind"! So of course I took a couple of "bad" falls (as if there is a "good" fall?). Unfortunately, I really smashed the same hip I had smashed on my first horseback riding lesson this Fall! That first lesson cost my health insurance company $1,100!!! So what do I do? Smash it again of course!!!! AAAAGGGHHHH!!!
So I said to my Son, "P! I really smashed my 'bad' hip again!" He said , "It's not your 'bad' hip Mom." It's your HOBBY HIP!"
So there you have it. My HOBBY HIP and I have been hobbling around lately. Luckily didn't need the ER this time.
So the verdict is is:
Horseback Riding - YES (definitely have improved there)
Skateboarding - NEVER again!
I'm glad to report I'm back and I'm bad, and - It's All Good!
Hmmm...? I wonder about rollerblading?
Hobble gently, LPK
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Not Giving Up!!!
NOT EXERCISING IS LIKE TAKING A BRAIN DAMAGE PILL! (DAME BRAMAGE!!!)
It's All Good!
HI HO, HI HO, IT'S OFF TO THE TREADMILL I GO!!!!!!! LPK
It's All Good!
HI HO, HI HO, IT'S OFF TO THE TREADMILL I GO!!!!!!! LPK
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Warning! Battery Nearly Exhausted!
This was the message on my camera the other day while I was taking pics at my daughter's birthday, which I managed to pull off by the skin of my teeth! It's true, I've been a little distracted lately, and I may have left a few things to last minute.
Anyhow, I found that message extemely poignant, timely and useful. I really think it would be great if we somehow had this type of alert available for display. It would save a lot of time, and clearly point out to others what is going on when we may seem a bit "off".
Well there you have it. You're up to date with my latest thoughts, and I still believe - It's All Good! LPK
Anyhow, I found that message extemely poignant, timely and useful. I really think it would be great if we somehow had this type of alert available for display. It would save a lot of time, and clearly point out to others what is going on when we may seem a bit "off".
Well there you have it. You're up to date with my latest thoughts, and I still believe - It's All Good! LPK
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Kate The Ripper! (Beware The Ides of March!)
Kieferskate is a new friend I met on the fox.com 24 message board. I've never done that before, or any sort of chat line thing, but I found it a lot of fun "chatting" with others about my favorite show. She is Kieferskate and I am lovekief1 (are you laughing!). Anyhow, we really seemed to hit it off. Like myself, she too is (I think) hopelessly infatuated with Kiefer Sutherland, 24 and other roads leading from there. One such road is Rocco DeLuca & The Burden. Ironworks Studio's first independently produced record label. Kiefer and his good friend (Jude Cole) own this studio. It is a state of the art recording studio inside Kiefer's big warehouse/old ironworks factory house in Los Angeles. Kiefer is a big time guitar player/collector/musician/music lover and Jude Cole is an accomplished musician.
So to get to the point. Kieferskate, carolyn1968, and I think mellojo, have become Rocco fans (for lack of a better word). So I took a fun leap here and invited Kate to my apt. in NYC to catch two back to back Rocco et al., concerts in April. Since we only know each other over the internet, I've goten some pretty varied responses from friends, family,etc. Husband and kids are "ok" with it at long as I do it in NYC. He just wants me to get "it" over with and get back home to him and the kids (I hope this does it?!). Some friends think it's absolutely "groovy", and others are afraid that I've invited an axe murderer from England to come visit me. Hence the name "Kate The Ripper". Kate and I spoke for the first time on the tele. the other night, and had a good laugh over this. I feel I can pretty much assure everyone that a) I don't think she is an axe murderer, b) She is not a man. (something several of you and both our "mums" were worried about?). Therefore, stay-tuned for our adventures coming Easter week (perhaps not the best planning on our part?) in NYC.
To end the week on a good note, after attending one, possibly two (waiting on Tues. night tix) Rocco concerts in NYC, I will (maybe even travel back with the band?) see them once again in Boston that Friday night with my good friends carolyn1968 and mellojo. I really didn't intend to be a groupie, however, carolyn1968 and myself had planned to go to the concert before I did the "Hey Kate, why don't you jump on a plane from London and catch the Rocco shows with me in NYC thing!". Mellojo just jumped on recently, although she was the first to express interest in a Rocco concert some time ago.
So for someone who hasn't been to a concert since high school and my Grateful Dead daze, I'm going to 3 in one week! What a long strange trip this is going to be. (Almost a direct quote from my "high" school yearbook!)
Hubby will be home with the kids all week (I'm scheduling as many things as I can for him!!!) ROFLOL!! (just kidding!) Thanks mellojo for offering to be available should he require some respite.
So that's the story of Kieferskate aka Kate The Ripper, Lovekief1, Rocco DeLucca et al., carolyn1968 and mellojo. Stay tuned - I have a feeling - It's All Good! Peace Out, LPK
So to get to the point. Kieferskate, carolyn1968, and I think mellojo, have become Rocco fans (for lack of a better word). So I took a fun leap here and invited Kate to my apt. in NYC to catch two back to back Rocco et al., concerts in April. Since we only know each other over the internet, I've goten some pretty varied responses from friends, family,etc. Husband and kids are "ok" with it at long as I do it in NYC. He just wants me to get "it" over with and get back home to him and the kids (I hope this does it?!). Some friends think it's absolutely "groovy", and others are afraid that I've invited an axe murderer from England to come visit me. Hence the name "Kate The Ripper". Kate and I spoke for the first time on the tele. the other night, and had a good laugh over this. I feel I can pretty much assure everyone that a) I don't think she is an axe murderer, b) She is not a man. (something several of you and both our "mums" were worried about?). Therefore, stay-tuned for our adventures coming Easter week (perhaps not the best planning on our part?) in NYC.
To end the week on a good note, after attending one, possibly two (waiting on Tues. night tix) Rocco concerts in NYC, I will (maybe even travel back with the band?) see them once again in Boston that Friday night with my good friends carolyn1968 and mellojo. I really didn't intend to be a groupie, however, carolyn1968 and myself had planned to go to the concert before I did the "Hey Kate, why don't you jump on a plane from London and catch the Rocco shows with me in NYC thing!". Mellojo just jumped on recently, although she was the first to express interest in a Rocco concert some time ago.
So for someone who hasn't been to a concert since high school and my Grateful Dead daze, I'm going to 3 in one week! What a long strange trip this is going to be. (Almost a direct quote from my "high" school yearbook!)
Hubby will be home with the kids all week (I'm scheduling as many things as I can for him!!!) ROFLOL!! (just kidding!) Thanks mellojo for offering to be available should he require some respite.
So that's the story of Kieferskate aka Kate The Ripper, Lovekief1, Rocco DeLucca et al., carolyn1968 and mellojo. Stay tuned - I have a feeling - It's All Good! Peace Out, LPK
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Kiefer Madness
Some of you may know that I have a little "thing" about Kiefer Sutherland. What exactly this thing is, I'm not sure. I've been calling it my mid-life crisis, but one of my friends said I was too young and not entitled to one yet? 43 years old? That doesn't seem quite fair. I feel I've waited long enough. Then again, I was extremely interested in the retirement plan that came with my first lab tech. asst. job at 18 years old.
Another friend of mine, carolyn1968 does not see this as a crisis at all, but rather just "me" coming out/back, whatever. She views Mid-Life crisis more as a person who may not have done whatever they feel would be exciting in their life. Suddenly they realize their life my be half-over, panic and start doing new things and making up for lost time. Given this description, I'm not there either. She makes the point that I've already done many exciting, crazy things in my life . Rather, I'm RE-DOING some. I'm all for that!
Honestly, I think it is more of an "awakening " of my spirit. Maybe it all really snow-balled with my blood pressure scare a month or so ago, which really did necessitate some lifestyle changes. However, it is really feeling "right" on so many levels now. I'm getting more into making better, healthier food choices, exercise and meditation activities. whatever, - It's All Good.
However, back to the Kiefer thing it may have all really started there - actually probably with my first headlong dive into fun fantasy with Eddie Izzard, but it's in no way going to be all about that. Through the Kiefer thing I've met some interesting new people, such as Kieferskate. I've also been enjoying music so much lately. Something I haven't done in a while - and I am a drummer!!!! I used to love music! I was always tapping on something. For about 12 years now - I've felt very little of that. Now it is bursting out of me again! This is very exciting. I've also enjoyed sharing music back and forth with my friends.
Anyhow, there is so much going on inside me right now, I'm having loads of fun with it. It may have been a bit out of balance for several months now - but I feel likes it's all becoming clearer to me.
The bottom line - I probably shouldn't call it a Mid-Life CRISIS as I in no way feel DISTRESSED! In fact - It all feels pretty good!! Cheers!
Another friend of mine, carolyn1968 does not see this as a crisis at all, but rather just "me" coming out/back, whatever. She views Mid-Life crisis more as a person who may not have done whatever they feel would be exciting in their life. Suddenly they realize their life my be half-over, panic and start doing new things and making up for lost time. Given this description, I'm not there either. She makes the point that I've already done many exciting, crazy things in my life . Rather, I'm RE-DOING some. I'm all for that!
Honestly, I think it is more of an "awakening " of my spirit. Maybe it all really snow-balled with my blood pressure scare a month or so ago, which really did necessitate some lifestyle changes. However, it is really feeling "right" on so many levels now. I'm getting more into making better, healthier food choices, exercise and meditation activities. whatever, - It's All Good.
However, back to the Kiefer thing it may have all really started there - actually probably with my first headlong dive into fun fantasy with Eddie Izzard, but it's in no way going to be all about that. Through the Kiefer thing I've met some interesting new people, such as Kieferskate. I've also been enjoying music so much lately. Something I haven't done in a while - and I am a drummer!!!! I used to love music! I was always tapping on something. For about 12 years now - I've felt very little of that. Now it is bursting out of me again! This is very exciting. I've also enjoyed sharing music back and forth with my friends.
Anyhow, there is so much going on inside me right now, I'm having loads of fun with it. It may have been a bit out of balance for several months now - but I feel likes it's all becoming clearer to me.
The bottom line - I probably shouldn't call it a Mid-Life CRISIS as I in no way feel DISTRESSED! In fact - It all feels pretty good!! Cheers!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
MY MUG
Some of you may have noticed Kiefer Sutherland is in no way attached to this picture. Perhaps I'm getting better, and I would have my good friends O and R to thank for this. They found this fantastic mug! It is the perfect size, shape, do you see those colors!!!! How could that be??? And of course the piece de resistance(sp) - It's All Good!!
I nearly fell over when I saw it. They apparently found it in Harvard Square. Words cannot express my gratitude to O and R! I promise to make good use of this mug. Already I can tell you my green tea tastes much better in it!
I meant to post this blog first thing this am when I was full of piss and vinegar, but here it is nearly 7:30pm (daylight savings time) and I'm done for the day. I have some ideas for adventures with my new mug and I can assure you - It's All Good! Stay Tuned. Much peace, LPK
I nearly fell over when I saw it. They apparently found it in Harvard Square. Words cannot express my gratitude to O and R! I promise to make good use of this mug. Already I can tell you my green tea tastes much better in it!
I meant to post this blog first thing this am when I was full of piss and vinegar, but here it is nearly 7:30pm (daylight savings time) and I'm done for the day. I have some ideas for adventures with my new mug and I can assure you - It's All Good! Stay Tuned. Much peace, LPK
Saturday, March 10, 2007
I'm Back in the House
Hello? Anyone still out there? I've been gone a few days. My 'bug" has passed and I feel a Blog coming on.
This morning I'm all about Spring. I sat in my new perennial garden which was planted last summer. It used to be a shade garden as a very beautiful, double-trunked Hemlock used to live there. It's a great greeting spot from our driveway to our back door. About 6 years ago, as a Mother's Day present, my husband helped me make a pretty shade garden in the area around the old Hemlock. The garden enjoyed some limited success, and I always took delight in my Pansies and Coleus that I grew there.
I can't say with 100% certainty why we took the old tree down, I do remember my husband not liking how it was encroaching on the side of the house, blocking lots of nice sun-light from getting in and one of the trunks was having "troubles". It must have made sense about two years ago when we had the HUGE , 100-year(+) old, Silver Maple in the front of our house, which was rotting and threatening to wreack some heavy duty damage on our house, should it go over in one of our infamous ice storms, to also remove the old Hemlock at that time.
This of course meant a whole new life was about to start there. Goodbye shade garden, hello sunny perennial garden. It took me nearly two years of trying to keep it weeded, overturned, install irrigation, puncture same said irrigation during weeding and turning until I finally gave up and hired a good friend of mine and her husband to help me with my new Welcome Garden. They own a wonderful business aptly named "Perennial Pleaures",and I must say - It's All Good!
They really worked with me and brought my vision to fruition and then some! They also helped with some other landscaping I've had the best of intentions of getting to. They did a great job and I am forever grateful to them!
Well, with that huge build-up said and done, this brings me to the point of my "Earthly" inspired blog today. This is my first Spring with my new garden(s). This am was the first time I sat out there on my little fairy bench (frooze my little fairy butt!) and had my morning coffee (which by the way, I think I'm just about done with coffee and the rot gut feeling it gives me).
It's a done deal as far as I'm concerned - Spring is Sprung! Some things are greening-up, others still quite dormant. However, I truly love the first sightings of the spring bulbs. Another good friend of mine gave me so many nice bulbs last year (I believe they are crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and Johnny-Jump-Ups? Who knows - It's All Good! Thank you so much to L. They are coming up beautifully and I'm sure they are a step up from the bulbs I buy at Christmas Tree Shops, and then treat to a year or so of torture in my basement before I plant them. These look very healthy!
As I inspected nearly every square inch of my garden for signs of life this am, I really felt so fortunate to have so many friends who have contributed to it. I wouldn't have this SAME garden without each and every one of them. A few to note -(more as they spring to life)- are M's Mums and manintenance, K's Lillies, L's Bulbs and our Birthday tree - A beautiful Japanese Red Maple you helped me transplant. It looks awesome! O helping me weed it. C helping with maintenance. My Mom's Irises and big bunch of Autumn Joy. Actually all of my friends have been nice enough to lend a hand at helping me with one of my most treasured projects. Thank you all soooo much.
I'll close with one extra little perk. My daughter came out the front door in her pajamas, coat, hat and gloves and joined me on a tour of "our" garden. She enjoyed seeing all the little bulb flowers poking their heads through. She has the corner turn section of the garden. It's doing great and she even pointed-out some things I missed! We sat together and frooze our butts on the fairy bench for about 40 seconds (My Bad! Thought it was one of those true Mother-Daughter bonding things. I don't think she got it, but you never know! I'll die if she tells me she did this with her daughter some day!)
Well the Fam is waiting for me to watch a Werner Herzog film on the Loch Ness Monster. It looks quite good. He is quite a director and character!
Happy Spring to all! Much Peace, LPK
This morning I'm all about Spring. I sat in my new perennial garden which was planted last summer. It used to be a shade garden as a very beautiful, double-trunked Hemlock used to live there. It's a great greeting spot from our driveway to our back door. About 6 years ago, as a Mother's Day present, my husband helped me make a pretty shade garden in the area around the old Hemlock. The garden enjoyed some limited success, and I always took delight in my Pansies and Coleus that I grew there.
I can't say with 100% certainty why we took the old tree down, I do remember my husband not liking how it was encroaching on the side of the house, blocking lots of nice sun-light from getting in and one of the trunks was having "troubles". It must have made sense about two years ago when we had the HUGE , 100-year(+) old, Silver Maple in the front of our house, which was rotting and threatening to wreack some heavy duty damage on our house, should it go over in one of our infamous ice storms, to also remove the old Hemlock at that time.
This of course meant a whole new life was about to start there. Goodbye shade garden, hello sunny perennial garden. It took me nearly two years of trying to keep it weeded, overturned, install irrigation, puncture same said irrigation during weeding and turning until I finally gave up and hired a good friend of mine and her husband to help me with my new Welcome Garden. They own a wonderful business aptly named "Perennial Pleaures",and I must say - It's All Good!
They really worked with me and brought my vision to fruition and then some! They also helped with some other landscaping I've had the best of intentions of getting to. They did a great job and I am forever grateful to them!
Well, with that huge build-up said and done, this brings me to the point of my "Earthly" inspired blog today. This is my first Spring with my new garden(s). This am was the first time I sat out there on my little fairy bench (frooze my little fairy butt!) and had my morning coffee (which by the way, I think I'm just about done with coffee and the rot gut feeling it gives me).
It's a done deal as far as I'm concerned - Spring is Sprung! Some things are greening-up, others still quite dormant. However, I truly love the first sightings of the spring bulbs. Another good friend of mine gave me so many nice bulbs last year (I believe they are crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and Johnny-Jump-Ups? Who knows - It's All Good! Thank you so much to L. They are coming up beautifully and I'm sure they are a step up from the bulbs I buy at Christmas Tree Shops, and then treat to a year or so of torture in my basement before I plant them. These look very healthy!
As I inspected nearly every square inch of my garden for signs of life this am, I really felt so fortunate to have so many friends who have contributed to it. I wouldn't have this SAME garden without each and every one of them. A few to note -(more as they spring to life)- are M's Mums and manintenance, K's Lillies, L's Bulbs and our Birthday tree - A beautiful Japanese Red Maple you helped me transplant. It looks awesome! O helping me weed it. C helping with maintenance. My Mom's Irises and big bunch of Autumn Joy. Actually all of my friends have been nice enough to lend a hand at helping me with one of my most treasured projects. Thank you all soooo much.
I'll close with one extra little perk. My daughter came out the front door in her pajamas, coat, hat and gloves and joined me on a tour of "our" garden. She enjoyed seeing all the little bulb flowers poking their heads through. She has the corner turn section of the garden. It's doing great and she even pointed-out some things I missed! We sat together and frooze our butts on the fairy bench for about 40 seconds (My Bad! Thought it was one of those true Mother-Daughter bonding things. I don't think she got it, but you never know! I'll die if she tells me she did this with her daughter some day!)
Well the Fam is waiting for me to watch a Werner Herzog film on the Loch Ness Monster. It looks quite good. He is quite a director and character!
Happy Spring to all! Much Peace, LPK
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Home Sweet Home
It's good to be home! We had a great vacation. Our last two days there were fun. Lots of fishing and boating. (I actually don't want to eat any more fish) Our last trip out I brought my MP3 player with me and I really enjoyed grooving to my music out on the boat. To be honest with you, I enjoy listening to my music really loud, dancing on the bow of the boat, all while fishing! This was truly a freeing, fun experience. Perhaps a little anti-social but I only did it on one trip out. I think fishing is mostly a quiet, sitting activity.
Our last day on the way back to the Miami Airport, we stopped off at a beautiful state park where people go snorkeling on the reef 4-6 miles out. We went on a glass-bottom katamaran. It was very nice. The reef is pretty. We were lucky enough to see two loggerhead turtles, a shark, stingrays, birds, and many beautiful tropical fish. If we go back to the Keys next year, this place will definitely be on our list as a good place to teach the kids how to snorkel.
Flight home good. On the way to Miami I sat next to a nice lady and her daughter from Ecuador. On the way back I sat next to a nice lady and her son from Uraguay. Steve said he sat next to a woman from Revere.
We picked up our little dog from our friend's house. She was nice enough to take her home from the kennel for the last 3 days. I think the kennel was scary to her. She lost a little weight and she's very quiet. She was really happy to see us. Poor thing. I don't know if I can leave her in a kennel again.
Well, It's all good, and I'm honestly glad to be home. That was just enough vacation for me. We're ready to hit the ground running. See ya'll soon. Peace, LPK
Our last day on the way back to the Miami Airport, we stopped off at a beautiful state park where people go snorkeling on the reef 4-6 miles out. We went on a glass-bottom katamaran. It was very nice. The reef is pretty. We were lucky enough to see two loggerhead turtles, a shark, stingrays, birds, and many beautiful tropical fish. If we go back to the Keys next year, this place will definitely be on our list as a good place to teach the kids how to snorkel.
Flight home good. On the way to Miami I sat next to a nice lady and her daughter from Ecuador. On the way back I sat next to a nice lady and her son from Uraguay. Steve said he sat next to a woman from Revere.
We picked up our little dog from our friend's house. She was nice enough to take her home from the kennel for the last 3 days. I think the kennel was scary to her. She lost a little weight and she's very quiet. She was really happy to see us. Poor thing. I don't know if I can leave her in a kennel again.
Well, It's all good, and I'm honestly glad to be home. That was just enough vacation for me. We're ready to hit the ground running. See ya'll soon. Peace, LPK
Thursday, March 1, 2007
BOATING
I must say I'm very much enjoying boating. I've never been one for it. In fact I'm a little scared of it. However, I've thoroughly enjoyed this week. It really is quite a feeling to race across the wide open, gorgeous, blue-green water at 60-70mph! It's downright exhilirating. The wind and sun in your face is great too. I also like sitting quietly and enjoying the serenity I imagine one could experience out in the water. I'd prefer more of this.
I REALLY seem to have this need lately, to be quiet and by myself. At the Lutheran camp I went to every summer when I was a kid, we would have a half-hour of solitude time every day. As a kid this was hard at first, but became more enjoyable with experience. I've tried this with my own kids at camp in the summer, with limited but encouraging results. I think this is a discipline worth cultivating and will keep encouraging them. My impression after only one week of this is that fishing and boating are a nice way to quiet one's mind and have some nice solitude time. I guess fisherman know this. Of course, one can also share all this with friends/family as well.
It came to me on this trip that I would probably enjoy going on one of those several day remote islands sea kayak tours. Honestly, sea kayacking has never really interested me before. I've done lots of river canoeing in remote places in small groups. However, I have no kayacking experience, especially with the sea. I'm going to have to look into this. My husband is definitley not interested. He said, "You go right ahead". I hope he meant it!
Well, not too much to report today. Fun relaxing day. Tomorrow is our last fishing trip. I'm looking forward to it. The week has gone by just right. Not too long, not too short! We have most of the day on Saturday here too. My mother is arriving with a girlfriend Saturday afternoon and they are staying at a very nice hotel across the street. We'll all probably have lunch or dinner together Saturday before we drive the 2 hours back to the Miami airport. We will sleep at the Miami Airport Hotel again on Saturday night and be on board our flight at 7am Sunday.
I miss all my Homies and hope to see ya'll soon. And remember, as far as I'm concerned - It's all good! walk (paddle) gently, Lorraine
I REALLY seem to have this need lately, to be quiet and by myself. At the Lutheran camp I went to every summer when I was a kid, we would have a half-hour of solitude time every day. As a kid this was hard at first, but became more enjoyable with experience. I've tried this with my own kids at camp in the summer, with limited but encouraging results. I think this is a discipline worth cultivating and will keep encouraging them. My impression after only one week of this is that fishing and boating are a nice way to quiet one's mind and have some nice solitude time. I guess fisherman know this. Of course, one can also share all this with friends/family as well.
It came to me on this trip that I would probably enjoy going on one of those several day remote islands sea kayak tours. Honestly, sea kayacking has never really interested me before. I've done lots of river canoeing in remote places in small groups. However, I have no kayacking experience, especially with the sea. I'm going to have to look into this. My husband is definitley not interested. He said, "You go right ahead". I hope he meant it!
Well, not too much to report today. Fun relaxing day. Tomorrow is our last fishing trip. I'm looking forward to it. The week has gone by just right. Not too long, not too short! We have most of the day on Saturday here too. My mother is arriving with a girlfriend Saturday afternoon and they are staying at a very nice hotel across the street. We'll all probably have lunch or dinner together Saturday before we drive the 2 hours back to the Miami airport. We will sleep at the Miami Airport Hotel again on Saturday night and be on board our flight at 7am Sunday.
I miss all my Homies and hope to see ya'll soon. And remember, as far as I'm concerned - It's all good! walk (paddle) gently, Lorraine
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of The United States. After Key West one can swim 90 miles to Cuba. Key West is mile marker zero on U.S. 1. Now being a woman, I couldn't understand how this was really part of the United States (at least not the mainland). When men have to build a 7-mile bridge in the middle of the water to connect to it, something tells me this was supposed to be an island. This always amazes me about men. They force their will on nature. If women ruled the world, I honestly don't believe there would be any skyscrappers, bridges, tunnels, I would like to hope there would be no wars either. However, I'm not sure about that one. I'm not saying we don't appreciate the above things, it's just that I don't believe we are driven in the same way to create and build these types of things. I'd much rather have a green tea and sit and talk with a good friend then build a 7 mile bridge to get to an island.
Anyhow, with all that being said, I did say to Steve -"This is not part of the mainland, why did they build this bridge out here?" He pointed out that Key West is very important strategically to the military as it sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico which in very earlier days we needed to protect from invasion. So there you have it. There is a big naval air base there among the tourist attractions.
It's very pretty, quaint, tropical, touristy, etc. It feels much like browsing around on the Cape or Martha's Vineyard, (and Long Island where I grew up). This is a kinda quiet week after most school's vacations last week, so I imagine the traffic and cramming of people into this small area when it's really busy, might also make it feel like the Cape!
So would I reccomend Key West or the Keys in general to people? Well if you really like boating, and know how to take a boat out on your own, and if you really like fishing, then yes. If not - No. Go to the Bahamas, the Carribean, etc. We are loving it because of my sister and her husband who have a boat, know where to fish, and have been coming here 3 or 4 years now.
Yesterday was a great day out on the water. Doreen and Ray's good friend (Jim) who has been fishing these waters for 35 years, took us all out to the protected, extremely tricky to navigate waterways of the Everglades. These are many beautiful islands out in the Florida Bay. One could easily ground the boat and have to get towed out and fined by the Parks Dept. for screwing up like that. Jim really knew what he was doing and took us on a priceless tour.
The most beautiful spot was this sargasso grass area with sand bars all around us - tough navigating-and hundreds to thousands of birds nesting. We were fortunate enough to see WHITE Pelicans. These are very unusual, and only nest here in the winter. The most amazing experience I had (really a feeling) was when everybody was silent for just a minute or so. The incredible "hush" on the water, with a gentle whistle of the wind, the water lapping at the sides of the boat and a little bit of noise from the birds was like nothing else I've ever experienced. I hope someday, I can go back to such a place and just sit quietly for as long as I want. Of course this was tough with the kids.
This is one of the spots where we fished. The kids mostly, caught 22 delicious red snapper in about an hour. Basically, you put a pilcher on your hook (small, live bait fish, which we net in the shoals in the morning, about 300-400 of these) cast it, wait about 30 secs. and reel in your dinner! The kids had these cheap K-mart poles Jim lent them. Everyone was impressed with the fish they were able to pull in with these. My son caught a 22 inch trout and a 30 inch Jewfish, which is part of the grouper family and is protected. Awesome looking fish, which we released. The snappers had to be 10 inches, and ranged from 10-14 inches for us. My daughter caught a few ladyfish and a decent size barracuda!
That night one of the guys caught a nurseshark off the dock here. That was exciting to see. Ray also caught today a 75 pound Amberjack fish. This is the bigest fish I've ever seen up close, other than an aquarium! It snapped his new pole which was supposed to be able to handle it. We'll all take it to the World of Sports Bass Pro shop that's about 1/2 mile down the road. This shop is supposed to be a destination in itself if you are a fisherman, which I'm starting to feel a little like!
Well, it's 11:30 pm, all this fresh air, sun, excitement does tire one out, but - It's all good!
See you all soon! LPK
Anyhow, with all that being said, I did say to Steve -"This is not part of the mainland, why did they build this bridge out here?" He pointed out that Key West is very important strategically to the military as it sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico which in very earlier days we needed to protect from invasion. So there you have it. There is a big naval air base there among the tourist attractions.
It's very pretty, quaint, tropical, touristy, etc. It feels much like browsing around on the Cape or Martha's Vineyard, (and Long Island where I grew up). This is a kinda quiet week after most school's vacations last week, so I imagine the traffic and cramming of people into this small area when it's really busy, might also make it feel like the Cape!
So would I reccomend Key West or the Keys in general to people? Well if you really like boating, and know how to take a boat out on your own, and if you really like fishing, then yes. If not - No. Go to the Bahamas, the Carribean, etc. We are loving it because of my sister and her husband who have a boat, know where to fish, and have been coming here 3 or 4 years now.
Yesterday was a great day out on the water. Doreen and Ray's good friend (Jim) who has been fishing these waters for 35 years, took us all out to the protected, extremely tricky to navigate waterways of the Everglades. These are many beautiful islands out in the Florida Bay. One could easily ground the boat and have to get towed out and fined by the Parks Dept. for screwing up like that. Jim really knew what he was doing and took us on a priceless tour.
The most beautiful spot was this sargasso grass area with sand bars all around us - tough navigating-and hundreds to thousands of birds nesting. We were fortunate enough to see WHITE Pelicans. These are very unusual, and only nest here in the winter. The most amazing experience I had (really a feeling) was when everybody was silent for just a minute or so. The incredible "hush" on the water, with a gentle whistle of the wind, the water lapping at the sides of the boat and a little bit of noise from the birds was like nothing else I've ever experienced. I hope someday, I can go back to such a place and just sit quietly for as long as I want. Of course this was tough with the kids.
This is one of the spots where we fished. The kids mostly, caught 22 delicious red snapper in about an hour. Basically, you put a pilcher on your hook (small, live bait fish, which we net in the shoals in the morning, about 300-400 of these) cast it, wait about 30 secs. and reel in your dinner! The kids had these cheap K-mart poles Jim lent them. Everyone was impressed with the fish they were able to pull in with these. My son caught a 22 inch trout and a 30 inch Jewfish, which is part of the grouper family and is protected. Awesome looking fish, which we released. The snappers had to be 10 inches, and ranged from 10-14 inches for us. My daughter caught a few ladyfish and a decent size barracuda!
That night one of the guys caught a nurseshark off the dock here. That was exciting to see. Ray also caught today a 75 pound Amberjack fish. This is the bigest fish I've ever seen up close, other than an aquarium! It snapped his new pole which was supposed to be able to handle it. We'll all take it to the World of Sports Bass Pro shop that's about 1/2 mile down the road. This shop is supposed to be a destination in itself if you are a fisherman, which I'm starting to feel a little like!
Well, it's 11:30 pm, all this fresh air, sun, excitement does tire one out, but - It's all good!
See you all soon! LPK
Monday, February 26, 2007
Greetings from the Florida Keys!
Well I gotta tell ya - It's all good down here! Having fantastico time. Wish you were all here. Cheers!
Maybe I could fit in a tiny bit more.
Several of my friends have contacted me just to let me know how beautiful the snow is back home. I am so glad you are all enjoying it. This of course increases the odds that I will get snowed out of Logan airport and be forced to stay down here in the beautiful tropics for an extra day or two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
The Keys really are something else. I've been to the West coast of Florida, California, Tahiti, Queensland, Austrailia, New Caledonia, the Bahamas, the Dutch Antilles, and several other exotic tropical places, and I must say the Keys holds up to the best of them. The water, climate is just gorgeous.
Our cottage is great. My sister and her husband have been very gracious and are really showing us a good time. They are nautical people and we've been fishing and boating daily.
Tonight we had a fresh snapper fish fry (courtesy of my kids beginer's luck fishing) with about ten of their friends. Everyone brought side dishes. Of course you all know that I don't cook, but I can assure you Sparky did not let us down. He made homemade french fries and sweet potato fries. Delicious!
So far we've been snapper fishing, barracuda fishing, shark fishing, bait- netting, snorkeling, swimming, speed boating, fed tarpons (big fish), and it's only the third day!
We do like this place and will probably come again for two weeks next year.
Tomorrow we plan to drive to the end of the keys - Key West. There are lots of little shops, restaurants, etc. On Thursday my sister is taking us to one of the islands in the Everglades National Park system ( which is where we are staying). She says the park rangers give a good tour of the island. We'll be treating to dinner that night at a Brazilian Steakhouse near here which is supposed to be very good. My sister had been feeding us too well, and I'm glad I had lost a few pounds before I came.
Oh, guess what? Iced Green Tea is Great!
That's all I've got for now. You all enjoy the snow. I really do believe it looks pretty, and I do love New England. Cheers! LPK
Maybe I could fit in a tiny bit more.
Several of my friends have contacted me just to let me know how beautiful the snow is back home. I am so glad you are all enjoying it. This of course increases the odds that I will get snowed out of Logan airport and be forced to stay down here in the beautiful tropics for an extra day or two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
The Keys really are something else. I've been to the West coast of Florida, California, Tahiti, Queensland, Austrailia, New Caledonia, the Bahamas, the Dutch Antilles, and several other exotic tropical places, and I must say the Keys holds up to the best of them. The water, climate is just gorgeous.
Our cottage is great. My sister and her husband have been very gracious and are really showing us a good time. They are nautical people and we've been fishing and boating daily.
Tonight we had a fresh snapper fish fry (courtesy of my kids beginer's luck fishing) with about ten of their friends. Everyone brought side dishes. Of course you all know that I don't cook, but I can assure you Sparky did not let us down. He made homemade french fries and sweet potato fries. Delicious!
So far we've been snapper fishing, barracuda fishing, shark fishing, bait- netting, snorkeling, swimming, speed boating, fed tarpons (big fish), and it's only the third day!
We do like this place and will probably come again for two weeks next year.
Tomorrow we plan to drive to the end of the keys - Key West. There are lots of little shops, restaurants, etc. On Thursday my sister is taking us to one of the islands in the Everglades National Park system ( which is where we are staying). She says the park rangers give a good tour of the island. We'll be treating to dinner that night at a Brazilian Steakhouse near here which is supposed to be very good. My sister had been feeding us too well, and I'm glad I had lost a few pounds before I came.
Oh, guess what? Iced Green Tea is Great!
That's all I've got for now. You all enjoy the snow. I really do believe it looks pretty, and I do love New England. Cheers! LPK
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Care for a Cup of Tea Facts?
As some of you may know, I've recently started drinking green tea (who knew?). Quite frankly, I find it hard to keep straight ANY tea facts. Therefore, I really need to write down a few notes to look back on when I forget this tomorrow. I thought I could save those who are interested a little leg work by posting some info. I'm not going for brilliant tea expose writing - just the facts mam! (As best I understand them).
In order of decreasing levels of antioxidants (phenols). However, all teas have some antioxidants.
white tea - green tea - oolong (Wu Long) - black tea
What are they and how are they prepared?
All teas come from an evergreen bush called camellia sinensis. When the leaves are picked they can be shaken in a bag to slightly "bruise" the leaves (one way of doing it), or just left out to air for the oxidation process to begin. The more oxidized , the less antioxidants (phenols). If this process is even STARTED and for HOW LONG it is allowed to continue gives us the different types of teas listed above. The oxidation reaction is stopped by heating.
White tea - leaves are picked before they fully open, when the buds are still covered by fine "white" hairs. Less caffeine, may have more antioxidants, however, harder to find, more expensive, and quality assurance a question. May/may not be worth extra effort to find good source and price.
Green tea - Picked and dried immediately. NO or very little oxidation. 25 - 50mg of caffeine.
Oolong (also called Wu Long) - oxidation is between green and black tea. It is roasted to dry. Slightly smoky flavor. The type usually served in Chinese restaurants. About 50mg of caffeine.
Black tea - fully oxidized, and heat-dried.
What is red tea?
Rooibos (Red Bush in African). Different plant, very healthy and antioxidant rich also. Historically brewed in South Africa and drank with milk and sugar. Early settlers started drinking it like the natives as black tea on supply ships was scarce and expensive. Rooibos is not tea but rather a tisane (herbal drink). Rooibos contains no caffeine.
What's so great about antioxidants?
Oxidation is a natural process which occurs in our body. A free radical (a charged atom or piece of molecule) is produced which then roams around our body looking to "hook-up" with an electron to stabilize itself. This electron may be from one of your healthy cells. This ongoing process of repeated small amounts of damage may cause a cell to become dysfunctional or possibly cancerous. Therefore, in theory when we drink /eat antioxidant rich foods we are providing our bodies with an alternative source of electrons to stabilize these damage causing free radicals. Other chemicals which act as antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. The specific kind of antioxidants in teas are called phenols.
One last point: Loose tea leaves are supposedly better than tea bags. The tea in the bags may often be powdered lower quality tea. (However, convienance does count for something). Also remember not to use boiling water, but rather very hot water to make tea.
Well, as far as tea goes, I still think - It's all good! Now, off to Tea Time. Enjoy!
In order of decreasing levels of antioxidants (phenols). However, all teas have some antioxidants.
white tea - green tea - oolong (Wu Long) - black tea
What are they and how are they prepared?
All teas come from an evergreen bush called camellia sinensis. When the leaves are picked they can be shaken in a bag to slightly "bruise" the leaves (one way of doing it), or just left out to air for the oxidation process to begin. The more oxidized , the less antioxidants (phenols). If this process is even STARTED and for HOW LONG it is allowed to continue gives us the different types of teas listed above. The oxidation reaction is stopped by heating.
White tea - leaves are picked before they fully open, when the buds are still covered by fine "white" hairs. Less caffeine, may have more antioxidants, however, harder to find, more expensive, and quality assurance a question. May/may not be worth extra effort to find good source and price.
Green tea - Picked and dried immediately. NO or very little oxidation. 25 - 50mg of caffeine.
Oolong (also called Wu Long) - oxidation is between green and black tea. It is roasted to dry. Slightly smoky flavor. The type usually served in Chinese restaurants. About 50mg of caffeine.
Black tea - fully oxidized, and heat-dried.
What is red tea?
Rooibos (Red Bush in African). Different plant, very healthy and antioxidant rich also. Historically brewed in South Africa and drank with milk and sugar. Early settlers started drinking it like the natives as black tea on supply ships was scarce and expensive. Rooibos is not tea but rather a tisane (herbal drink). Rooibos contains no caffeine.
What's so great about antioxidants?
Oxidation is a natural process which occurs in our body. A free radical (a charged atom or piece of molecule) is produced which then roams around our body looking to "hook-up" with an electron to stabilize itself. This electron may be from one of your healthy cells. This ongoing process of repeated small amounts of damage may cause a cell to become dysfunctional or possibly cancerous. Therefore, in theory when we drink /eat antioxidant rich foods we are providing our bodies with an alternative source of electrons to stabilize these damage causing free radicals. Other chemicals which act as antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. The specific kind of antioxidants in teas are called phenols.
One last point: Loose tea leaves are supposedly better than tea bags. The tea in the bags may often be powdered lower quality tea. (However, convienance does count for something). Also remember not to use boiling water, but rather very hot water to make tea.
Well, as far as tea goes, I still think - It's all good! Now, off to Tea Time. Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Home Hum
I guess you can tell where I'm posting this from. I'll admit it was good to see the "fam" (the dog seems so much bigger!), and I do reasonate with the nice quote found in the header of Sue's wonderful, homey blog ~ "There is nothing like staying home for real comfort" ~ Jane Austen, but I really can't wait to do my next trip to The Big Apple! That being said, let me wrap up my trip here.
After much agonizing debate (in my head) I did the right thing. I cleaned the apt. a bit, packed up and got on my scheduled train. The Amtrak proved to be a fun suprise! I haven't been on the train to NY in ~15 years. The conductor was a very young, cute, nice guy. If he was "all business", I probably wouldn't have asked him. So I said, "Do you know my friend __________?" He said, "Yeah, He's driving the train tonight". I couldn't believe it! I asked if I could go up and say a QUICK hello? Of course this meant running up about 100 cars! But I did. After a quick hello, I sprinted back about 200 cars and enjoyed the rest of the trip. He did a great job of taking me home safely to my family! ( and in such great time too! Thanks!) OH, note to Amtrak - you need some Green Tea on board! I could only get a Lipton. I did try though!
Now I'll just wrap up the Green Tea portion of my trip , since sadly there is no Kiefer portion to wrap up. NYC is just not the place to get green tea! I tried to be true to my latest cause, but it was not easy. The best green tea I had was in my apt.! Even in Chinatown, I tried to find my friend's favorite Chinese Tea Shop, which I did, but as fate would have it, was closed for Chinese New Years! Therefore, the second best cup of green tea I had was at home sweet home with the Fam. Thank God, it's all good! walk gently, lpk
After much agonizing debate (in my head) I did the right thing. I cleaned the apt. a bit, packed up and got on my scheduled train. The Amtrak proved to be a fun suprise! I haven't been on the train to NY in ~15 years. The conductor was a very young, cute, nice guy. If he was "all business", I probably wouldn't have asked him. So I said, "Do you know my friend __________?" He said, "Yeah, He's driving the train tonight". I couldn't believe it! I asked if I could go up and say a QUICK hello? Of course this meant running up about 100 cars! But I did. After a quick hello, I sprinted back about 200 cars and enjoyed the rest of the trip. He did a great job of taking me home safely to my family! ( and in such great time too! Thanks!) OH, note to Amtrak - you need some Green Tea on board! I could only get a Lipton. I did try though!
Now I'll just wrap up the Green Tea portion of my trip , since sadly there is no Kiefer portion to wrap up. NYC is just not the place to get green tea! I tried to be true to my latest cause, but it was not easy. The best green tea I had was in my apt.! Even in Chinatown, I tried to find my friend's favorite Chinese Tea Shop, which I did, but as fate would have it, was closed for Chinese New Years! Therefore, the second best cup of green tea I had was at home sweet home with the Fam. Thank God, it's all good! walk gently, lpk
Monday, February 19, 2007
Chelsea and Greenwich Village
Despite the really cold weather, I took a great walking tour of Chelsea and Greenwich Village. Chelsea is on the West Side just south of Hell's Kitchen and before the North Village (new to me), The West Village (also new to me) and finally Greenwich Village.
Chelsea is the place to go if you're looking for modern art studios. Apparently in the late 1990's, seemingly overnight, half of the art galleries in SOHO packed up and moved to Chelsea. Unfortunately, since I can't seem to stay on course, I didn't find any of those. However, I did enjoy a walk along the Hudson River on this extremely brisk day. Also, found a NYC correctional facility.(My walking tours do make me a little nervous when I'm entertaining friends in NYC). I always find jails interesting since I did a 8 week medical rotation in a correctional facility in Baltimore. I certainly saw some interesting medical things there, but more importantly, I came away from that experience so thankful I never went to jail! Trust me on that! I had lunch in one of my favorite places - The Chelsea Market. This is actually the original Oreo Cookie factory. Great little shops and eaterys in there. I had some tomato lentil soup with a crusty parmesan bread twist. It was all good! I really have been treating myself well with the food. I'm making SMALL, excellent gourmet choices and savoring it. I know there are a lot of great little cafes/restaurants/art galleries in Chelsea, and this gives me something to look forward to the next time!
I then strolled down 8th ave. towards Greenwich Village to see if Kiefer was there (he wasn't). I stumbled upon the North Village. I have never heard these two words together before. It seems to be just a few blocks. It doesn't have the grid of small, cozy streets like Greenwich Village, but I liked it. It had a "real people" type feel, unlike Greenwich Village which has a "How cool is this place to live" feel. Of course I enjoyed meandering the quaint streets of Greenwich Village. Saw many nice little cafes, restaurants, fetish shops, book stores, vintage clothing stores, head shops, etc. Will definitely need to spend more time there.
So where did I have some green tea today you ask? At the Cafe Lalo on the upper West Side. Perhaps some of you know of it as they filmed the cafe scene in "You Got Mail" there. In fact that whole movie is about the area where we live. The cafe is very nice. Their green tea was so-so. NYC may be trying to be a green tea place, but I for one am not impressed. I went with my friend Marica. We were there until 8:50 pm and then we both walked home as fast as we could to watch 24! You may not believe this, but I've been relaxing and enjoying so much I completely forgot it was on tonight! That must REALLY mean - it's all good!
P.S. Anyone think I could pull one more day out of this? If we weren't leaving for the Florida Keys Friday, it would be a done deal. So we'll see. Later.
Chelsea is the place to go if you're looking for modern art studios. Apparently in the late 1990's, seemingly overnight, half of the art galleries in SOHO packed up and moved to Chelsea. Unfortunately, since I can't seem to stay on course, I didn't find any of those. However, I did enjoy a walk along the Hudson River on this extremely brisk day. Also, found a NYC correctional facility.(My walking tours do make me a little nervous when I'm entertaining friends in NYC). I always find jails interesting since I did a 8 week medical rotation in a correctional facility in Baltimore. I certainly saw some interesting medical things there, but more importantly, I came away from that experience so thankful I never went to jail! Trust me on that! I had lunch in one of my favorite places - The Chelsea Market. This is actually the original Oreo Cookie factory. Great little shops and eaterys in there. I had some tomato lentil soup with a crusty parmesan bread twist. It was all good! I really have been treating myself well with the food. I'm making SMALL, excellent gourmet choices and savoring it. I know there are a lot of great little cafes/restaurants/art galleries in Chelsea, and this gives me something to look forward to the next time!
I then strolled down 8th ave. towards Greenwich Village to see if Kiefer was there (he wasn't). I stumbled upon the North Village. I have never heard these two words together before. It seems to be just a few blocks. It doesn't have the grid of small, cozy streets like Greenwich Village, but I liked it. It had a "real people" type feel, unlike Greenwich Village which has a "How cool is this place to live" feel. Of course I enjoyed meandering the quaint streets of Greenwich Village. Saw many nice little cafes, restaurants, fetish shops, book stores, vintage clothing stores, head shops, etc. Will definitely need to spend more time there.
So where did I have some green tea today you ask? At the Cafe Lalo on the upper West Side. Perhaps some of you know of it as they filmed the cafe scene in "You Got Mail" there. In fact that whole movie is about the area where we live. The cafe is very nice. Their green tea was so-so. NYC may be trying to be a green tea place, but I for one am not impressed. I went with my friend Marica. We were there until 8:50 pm and then we both walked home as fast as we could to watch 24! You may not believe this, but I've been relaxing and enjoying so much I completely forgot it was on tonight! That must REALLY mean - it's all good!
P.S. Anyone think I could pull one more day out of this? If we weren't leaving for the Florida Keys Friday, it would be a done deal. So we'll see. Later.
That's What I'm Talking About!
Good morning. This is the last full day of my little break with reality. This morning's inspirational picture is none other than Kiefer Sutherland himself walking around Greenwich Village. I've sent these photos to the Papparazzi stalker lab to have the bricks in the background analyzed so that I can strategically position myself in his usual walking path. However, I'm afraid time is short and this sort of stalking activity is best left to warmer weather. Therefore, I'll just see where my feet take me today! 'Cause as far as I'm concerned - It's all good! Later, much.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Chinatown!
Happy Chinese New Year! I walked right into it by accident today. That's where everybody who was anybody was. The streets were piled high in confetti and confetti rockets were blasting away. Apparantly in some there is a little parachute with special chinese writing on it. Everyone would become very excited when one of these appeared and dash to try and catch it. Probably some special good luck. There were many colorful dragon puppets and dances throughout the streets. It seemed that most of the chinese restaurants were closed for the holiday. Therefore all the Thai and Vietnamese restaurants were packed, and this is where I wound up having Pad Thai for breakfast at 3:30pm. You see, this is what I really like about traveling by myself. No one to worry about but me.
As you can see from my earlier post, I wasn't headed to Chinatown when I set out about noon today. I have this habit of just wandering about and seeing what I stumble on (Something which drives my husband, Herr Stadtplan- Mr. Map in German- to distraction). Anyhow, I accidently (and then said "what the hell" and kept going) walked past Greenwich Village and came upon this great celebration, and the most delicious Pad Thai I've ever eaten for breakfast, in Chinatown.
After that I walked along the Bowery to the East Village. Had a great tele. chat with Olga along the way as I passed the first thrift shop we went into on our Thrift Shop Tour of NYC this past Columbus Day. I miss all my friends. I feel a little lonely here, but I really needed some alone time. (I didn't even tell my mother I was coming to NY. So Ma, if you read this, I hope you understand I really wanted to be alone in my apt. in NYC just once. I know I still owe you a Broadway show!). The East Village was really subdued on a somewhat cold, Sunday afternoon. I guess compared to Chinatown! Walked straight across 8th street to Greenwich Village (See, I do eventually get to places).
By then I was chilled to the bone and determined to find my first happening cafe to have some green tea of course. Well wouldn't you know, they were completely sold out of green tea today! It's too hard to believe that I probably found the only cafe in NYC that was sold out of green tea. There must have been quite a rush on it! See, this is what I'm telling everyone. Despite the unavailability of green tea, the place really had the "right feel" about it, so I stuck, and I'm glad I did.
Now unfortunately, this doesn't mean I met Kiefer, or anyone else for that matter. After sitting in what I believe was a great location- nice organic cafe on 8th street (main thoroughfare between East Village, Broadway, NYU and Greenwich Village) right in the big window with a clear view, for about one and a half hours, I saw no one whom I thought was famous. Oh sure there were a couple of "maybes" but I'll never know. By the way, since I couldn't have green tea, I had a large caffe latte. Oh boy, I forgot that I haven't had a big dose of caffeine in a while! So with my heart pounding away I decided to eat something. They had homemade, organic zucchini soup with homemade bread. It was really like pureed zucchini in a blender. It was ok. So I figure since I couldn't have green tea, I'd have some green soup. I'd say that's an A for effort!
Well finally I was ready to move on. So I said to the waiter. "So tell me. Do any famous people come in here?" He said, "Yes! Everyday!" He said Uma Thurman lives around the corner and comes in all the time. He said she is really tall. Movie Director Brian DePalma is in a lot. Jimmy Smits(sp) comes in with wife and kids. Kirsten Dunst is apparently taking some sort of class across the street (I saw a sculpting school) and comes in every day recently. Some Saturday Night Live guys come in (he said they were really boring). So of course I popped the big question. "Has Kiefer Sutherland ever come in here before?" He said "Not here, he goes to the other cafe I used to work at on ______ street all the time" And there you have it folks. I'm now just a little bit closer to getting an autograph some day! You know what I say to that? It's all good! Until tomorrow.
As you can see from my earlier post, I wasn't headed to Chinatown when I set out about noon today. I have this habit of just wandering about and seeing what I stumble on (Something which drives my husband, Herr Stadtplan- Mr. Map in German- to distraction). Anyhow, I accidently (and then said "what the hell" and kept going) walked past Greenwich Village and came upon this great celebration, and the most delicious Pad Thai I've ever eaten for breakfast, in Chinatown.
After that I walked along the Bowery to the East Village. Had a great tele. chat with Olga along the way as I passed the first thrift shop we went into on our Thrift Shop Tour of NYC this past Columbus Day. I miss all my friends. I feel a little lonely here, but I really needed some alone time. (I didn't even tell my mother I was coming to NY. So Ma, if you read this, I hope you understand I really wanted to be alone in my apt. in NYC just once. I know I still owe you a Broadway show!). The East Village was really subdued on a somewhat cold, Sunday afternoon. I guess compared to Chinatown! Walked straight across 8th street to Greenwich Village (See, I do eventually get to places).
By then I was chilled to the bone and determined to find my first happening cafe to have some green tea of course. Well wouldn't you know, they were completely sold out of green tea today! It's too hard to believe that I probably found the only cafe in NYC that was sold out of green tea. There must have been quite a rush on it! See, this is what I'm telling everyone. Despite the unavailability of green tea, the place really had the "right feel" about it, so I stuck, and I'm glad I did.
Now unfortunately, this doesn't mean I met Kiefer, or anyone else for that matter. After sitting in what I believe was a great location- nice organic cafe on 8th street (main thoroughfare between East Village, Broadway, NYU and Greenwich Village) right in the big window with a clear view, for about one and a half hours, I saw no one whom I thought was famous. Oh sure there were a couple of "maybes" but I'll never know. By the way, since I couldn't have green tea, I had a large caffe latte. Oh boy, I forgot that I haven't had a big dose of caffeine in a while! So with my heart pounding away I decided to eat something. They had homemade, organic zucchini soup with homemade bread. It was really like pureed zucchini in a blender. It was ok. So I figure since I couldn't have green tea, I'd have some green soup. I'd say that's an A for effort!
Well finally I was ready to move on. So I said to the waiter. "So tell me. Do any famous people come in here?" He said, "Yes! Everyday!" He said Uma Thurman lives around the corner and comes in all the time. He said she is really tall. Movie Director Brian DePalma is in a lot. Jimmy Smits(sp) comes in with wife and kids. Kirsten Dunst is apparently taking some sort of class across the street (I saw a sculpting school) and comes in every day recently. Some Saturday Night Live guys come in (he said they were really boring). So of course I popped the big question. "Has Kiefer Sutherland ever come in here before?" He said "Not here, he goes to the other cafe I used to work at on ______ street all the time" And there you have it folks. I'm now just a little bit closer to getting an autograph some day! You know what I say to that? It's all good! Until tomorrow.
Greenwich Village
Well I've posted a picture so far today. I find the picture helps me focus and come up with something to say later. I'm off to Greenwich Village for Sunday Brunch and gawker stalking. Wish me luck! Hopefully, more later.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Big Apple
I'm off to the Big Apple today. Taking a few days to myself at our apt. in NYC. I've never been there alone before. Usually quite the crowd with us, so I'm really looking forward to this adventure. It feels a little like my traveling days. I traveled by myself but met so many wonderful people along the way. In fact about 2 years ago I met a friend from Sweden who I met while traveling in Austrailia about 20 years ago. We both wound up with our kids in Central Park and she recognized my voice and asked me if I was Lorraine _________? I said yeah and I almost fell over when she said it's Annika ______! Small world! I find it very interesting that we both met again wearing our rain jackets as we were 20 years ago in a tropical storm on the Whitsunday Islands! It's all good!
Well, my plan is to just try and eat very healthy (that means only ONE stop at Gray's Papaya, the best hot dog place in the world!) , drink green tea in as many cool places as I can, relax, and roam about at will. Of course I will be ever vigilant in my lookout for famous people. Have autograph book and camera ready. I also have a very cool pair of gawker stalker sunglasses. This should be so much easier stalking without kids as I don't have to pack as many snacks and coloring books! Wish me well. If I figure out how to use the computer in my apt., I'll post from there.
P.S. If I'm not back by Tuesday please send out my Homies to get me!
Well, my plan is to just try and eat very healthy (that means only ONE stop at Gray's Papaya, the best hot dog place in the world!) , drink green tea in as many cool places as I can, relax, and roam about at will. Of course I will be ever vigilant in my lookout for famous people. Have autograph book and camera ready. I also have a very cool pair of gawker stalker sunglasses. This should be so much easier stalking without kids as I don't have to pack as many snacks and coloring books! Wish me well. If I figure out how to use the computer in my apt., I'll post from there.
P.S. If I'm not back by Tuesday please send out my Homies to get me!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Tea Time
I love coffee! However, I have decided to drink less of it. I can't say I'm really doing this at this point to reduce my caffeine intake, as the amount of green tea I'm drinking just about equals this. Rather, I was amazed to find out about the endless (possible?/probable?) health benefits of green tea. In fact, it seems that one would have to be an "idiot" (for dramatic effect) NOT to drink green tea with all the favorable press on it. Apparently it can cure (or at least help) any problem from hemmorhoids to ingrown toe nails! You just don't get this type of press with coffee! Anyhow, I decided to give it a go, and much to my surprise I am enjoying it! There was a slight taste issue at first, but this quickly resolves with multiple cups.
I still have 2 big cups of "Good Morning America" in the am, however I have substituted my afternoon 2 cups with green tea. At about 3-4pm daily for the last 3-4 weeks I start sipping 3-4 cups of green tea until around 9-10pm. I haven't had any caffeine withdrawal headaches as the tea is ~one-half (50mg) the caffeine content of coffee per cup. I also haven't noticed (thankfully) that "rot-got" feeling I've been getting lately with coffee (probably not a good thing).
Some of the benefits I've definitely noticed are: 1-Much more"soothing" than coffee, 2-takes the edge off my appetite, 3-look forward to the little "ritual" of having a cup of warm tea to carry around the house with me, 4-reminds me of important health issues I need to deal with daily, 5-I believe it has contributed to the decrease in my blood pressure, 6-I may be reaching here, but I don't feel quite as "irritable" while sipping green tea, 7-easier to get a cup from the crowd I hang-out with! I really feel there is some more going on than I listed. I doubt a gazillion Chinese people are wrong. So, for now I'm on-board with "the green tea thing".
I have sampled quite a few types/brands since I started and the cost can add up. So I like swaping different tea samples with friends to broaden my horizons. It's fun!
In conclusion, my traditional western medical training of course wouldn't simply let me enjoy a cup of green tea, no questions asked. Oh no. Therefore, I plan to post soon some green tea facts I've learned. However, the data is 99.9% in and so far - It's All Good! Enjoy!
I still have 2 big cups of "Good Morning America" in the am, however I have substituted my afternoon 2 cups with green tea. At about 3-4pm daily for the last 3-4 weeks I start sipping 3-4 cups of green tea until around 9-10pm. I haven't had any caffeine withdrawal headaches as the tea is ~one-half (50mg) the caffeine content of coffee per cup. I also haven't noticed (thankfully) that "rot-got" feeling I've been getting lately with coffee (probably not a good thing).
Some of the benefits I've definitely noticed are: 1-Much more"soothing" than coffee, 2-takes the edge off my appetite, 3-look forward to the little "ritual" of having a cup of warm tea to carry around the house with me, 4-reminds me of important health issues I need to deal with daily, 5-I believe it has contributed to the decrease in my blood pressure, 6-I may be reaching here, but I don't feel quite as "irritable" while sipping green tea, 7-easier to get a cup from the crowd I hang-out with! I really feel there is some more going on than I listed. I doubt a gazillion Chinese people are wrong. So, for now I'm on-board with "the green tea thing".
I have sampled quite a few types/brands since I started and the cost can add up. So I like swaping different tea samples with friends to broaden my horizons. It's fun!
In conclusion, my traditional western medical training of course wouldn't simply let me enjoy a cup of green tea, no questions asked. Oh no. Therefore, I plan to post soon some green tea facts I've learned. However, the data is 99.9% in and so far - It's All Good! Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day
Well we are a blogging family now. Spent quite a bit of time today trying to figure out all the things I can do with my blog. By the end of this snowy Valentine's Day all I had to show for it was one more great Kiefer Sutherland picture on my blog, while the kids have done all sorts of amazing things with theirs. Which by the way I've listed their blogs with my favorites now, (but they can't list me with theirs!) Also I think I've run out of things to say. Oh well, It's all good for today. Goodnight!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Mid-Life
I guess that's where I am. Been feeling very restless lately. Lot's of pent up energy and not sure which way to direct it. One diversion has been to Kiefer Sutherland (whom I'm absolutely infatuated with) and the show 24. It's all good, but there must be something else? Recently had a high blood pressure scare which has forced me to take some inventory on my lifestyle. Bad diet, too much caffeine, little sleep (4-6 hours), sedentary, 50 pounds overweight, out of shape, need I say more? So while trying to take baby steps in changing, been doing research on some things that may be of interest to others in similar situations. My search has included (or will include) topics such as green tea, high blood pressure, depression, exercise, others with a Kiefer Sutherland obsession (or just 24), music, blogging, motherhood, alternative health modalities, traditional western medicine, good movies, whatever. It's all good! walk gently
This is my first post!!! I'm sooo excited!!
My friend Sue has inspired me to enter the world of blogging. She even helped me with the name of my blog (something I guess I've been saying a lot). Anyhow,I have no idea exactly what direction this will all take, but here we go!
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