(1) Sat Oct 18 16:36:46 Jewey Crafts:

My friend Glenda is making crafts for babies, some Jewish themed, some not.  I bought this pretty 'burp cloth' set as a gift. 

 

Check her out.

Fri Sep 26 22:56:59 Apollo:

So, in September, both drew and I had sisters that got married, and we got a new family member, Apollo. He fits in so nicely. Tonight he was sleeping in the room I left these slippers. I moved the slippers to the room I was in and he followed and nuzzled up against them. So nice. He's practically perfect in every way.

Sat Sep 13 11:18:32 little Apollo Patel Villafan Perttula :

we pick up the little guy one week from today.

 

(2) Tue Sep 02 12:52:50 We get the puppy soon:

Just 2.5 weeks.

Sun Jul 27 08:51:19 Besos is birdwatching:

He is so great. We are getting very used to having him around. Will be sad for him to leave tomorrow.

Thu Jul 24 20:57:24 Besos:

We are watching our friends' kitten, Besos, for four days. It is great fun as he is very sweet and cuddly, but also playful.

(1) Tue Jul 22 23:08:05 Packing and Janet leaving:

One of my very best friends in the world, Janet, or better known as J.P. is leaving, with her husband, for their new home in Austin. We had a last hurrah in SF complete with japanese food at a favorite restaurant, a nice long walk, and many hours of helping her pack.  luckily, when it came time to pack her knife block, I had a great tip from a crime scene I had worked which involved a knife block full of knives.  Maybe it isn't all that brilliant, but remember to use tape to secure all the knives to the block. Then they are quite secure in a box full other things.  I will miss janet very much.  

 

(2) Sun Jul 13 19:00:23 Watch out!:

Burning man season is upon us. Berkeley store keepers are catering to the crowd. Luckily aviva who was with me, shares my distaste.

(3) Sun Jul 13 14:46:09 Kp in high school:

test mail

(3) Fri May 16 16:59:01 Maybe things aren't so dismal...:

Though things are bleak in many ways, it was nice to note some good news this week: (in order of importance to me)

The polar bear is finally on the endangered species list (not that this matters to the current administration, but perhaps the next)

John Edwards emerged with an excellent endorsement for Obama, who is apparently destined to be the nominee (so happy to almost have a nominee)

The California Supreme Court overturned what I felt was a very stupid ban on same sex marriage

I successfully rode my bike to work two times this week. That is my goal until it gets dark early again. Drew also rode his bike this week for the second time this month

Last week, I found the perfect bag for my MacBook Pro and all the other things I like to carry around. I had many requirements for such a bag (non leather, nice to touch, no or minimal velcro, zippers sturdy enough to resist my destruction, the right dimensions/pockets for things, a touch of style, not black) Yesterday it finally arrived.

Sun May 04 15:47:45 Last day in England:

Today we went to Crawley to see Rosemary's sister-in-law, Rita, and her son Michael, and his wife, Nellie.  We had a lovely visit. Then we are off to the airport to fly out tomorrow morning. Goodbye England.

Sun May 04 03:23:35 Seventh Day in England - Heyshott to Lockerley:

Before leaving Audrey's, her son-in-law, Dary, showed me the boat he was building.  He has worked on it from scratch and I thought it was very impressive. 

We left Audrey's on Saturday morning to head West to Lockerley. Here, Jim, the husband of Rosemary's friend Cherry from when she was around 10 years old, lives. Sadly, Cherry passed away suddenly a few years ago.  But happily, we got to visit with their three nice children: Keith, Soula, and Peter, and Peter's wife and three children.  We had a really nice time, visiting all afternoon, and taking Peter's family's dog, Tara, for a nice, but muddy walk. Jim, in the yellow shirt, is over 90 years old, but he loves the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. None of his kids were familiar with the show, but I explained that it is one of the popular shows among my friends. Jim calls it "Great American political satire", which it is. 
Today we head East, near Crawley, to visit Rita, Rosemary's sister-in-law, and some of her family.  Then we head to the airport to fly out in the morning.

 

 

 

Sat May 03 13:38:52 Map-Walking tour of london:

I charted out where I went in London; added up to 9+miles.  I didn't mean to, but this is what happens when I travel alone.  It was spread over 6+ hours, but I was tired after it was done.

 

Sat May 03 01:47:28 Sixth Day in England- More London and back to Heyshott:

I spent the night in London, and walked around some more the next day, but was feeling quite tired, so I didn't do as much as I planned. I took the train out southwest again, to find our rental car alright in the car park, in spite of a man's warning.  (I suspect this is part of why I wanted to get back).

 

Today, we leave Audrey's house, after 3 nights, to stay with Rosemary's old friend Cherry's husband and daughter.    They are an hour + east, near Romsey. The next night we have dinner with Rosemary's sister-in-law and extended family, then head to the airport hotel.

 

 

Fri May 02 00:30:21 Fifth day in England- London:

Thursday I took a train in Haslemere, 30 minutes from Audrey's house, into London.  I arrived just before noon.  I walked all around London for many hours.  I went to one free museum with no line, but all the big sites had big lines and I preferred to keep moving rather than waiting in line with my short time.  I spent the night and will see some more today, but then I will head back.

 

 

Flowers and art museum in Victoria

Man walking from polling station-Conservatives have a big win for council seats, but mayor is still undecided

Westminster Abbey

Parliament Building

Wed Apr 30 14:22:24 Fourth day in England- Stourhead and Heyshott:

Today we went to Stourhead to meet Rosemary's cousin Sally.  We had a nice lunch, but unfortunately it was raining so we couldn't really hike. Then we made it out to Heyshott to stay with Audrey, Rosemary's friend of 50 years.  Less internet access, so not so much posting. London for me tomorrow. More posting then.

Stourhead National Trust

Sally and Rosemary

Rosemary and Me

Sally and Rosemary in front of the Inn

Audrey and Rosemary

(1) Tue Apr 29 14:45:15 Third day in England- Oxford and more:

Today, after spending the night in the pretty Cotswolds again, we headed out to see Susan in Broadwell (near Lechlade).  I dropped Rosemary off and I spent half the day in Oxford.  I found Oxford very nice, though I wasted sometime by not getting off the bus in time, so I had to back-track.   I saw some of the sites briefly, and infiltrated Oxford University for a few minutes.  After some nice vegetarian-friendly Indian food, I headed back to pick up Rosemary.  She and Susan had a very nice visit in Susan's beautiful, garden-surrounded, home.  

From here, Rosemary and I headed to Gloucester to "The Air Balloon", a pub,  It is located between where we were staying and where Rosemary's cousin Guy and his wife Fiona live.  We had an early dinner, and a lovely visit with Guy and Fiona, of Hereford.  We hope to see them in California in the not too distant future.

After that, headed into the hotel and I spent time running and swimming at my new favorite gym and pool.  I hope to get up early enough to use the facility once more before we check out.  We meet Rosemary's niece, Sally, in Stourhead tomorrow.  I'm told Stourhead is really beautiful.  I hope the rain lets up so we can enjoy walking the grounds.  

On Thursday, London is voting for their mayor.  I'm personally kind of rooting for 'Red Ken'.

 

Oxford

Small village between Broadwell and Oxford

Outside of "The Air Balloon" Pub

Susan's pretty backyard

Susan and Rosemary-day 2

Guy, Fiona, Rosemary, and me at "The Air Balloon"

Inner courtyard in Oxford

Mon Apr 28 15:22:08 Second day in England-Cotswolds:

We got in to the Cotswolds late last night.  We're at a nice hotel on a lake, and really enjoying it.  It has a smallish, but one of the nicest gym/pool facilities which I think I will use every day I am here.  This morning we saw nice birds on the lake, then headed to Cirencester.  Here we took care of business (saw a Dr. to get medication Rosemary needed; put minutes on the cell phone we borrowed, and sent a post card).  We also walked around the very nice city.  

 

Then we headed west to Broadwell, near Lechlade, where we picked up Susan, Rosemary's good friend of ~50 years.  We had a great time at lunch, at a pub called 'the swan' in Southrop. Tomorrow we're off to see Susan again, though I will probably drop off Rosemary, and head to Oxford.

 

 

 

Sun Apr 27 16:22:45 First day in England-off to London:

We finally got to London after some difficulties with the car, cell phone, etc. We went to see Rosemary's friend of 40 years, Pam.  She was a pediatrician who worked with Rosemary in England.  We had a very nice visit. Then we headed west, with the GPS unit, to the Cotswolds.

Sat Apr 26 19:11:26 made it!:

Amazingly, we made it to england without losing our bags, or getting too delayed.  Heathrow airport is actually okay at midnight; not too many people.

Now we are checked into our comfortable hotel, and going to try to get some sleep before a busy day of travels and visiting tomorrow

 

Sat Apr 26 07:18:17 Trip to england:

we're quite comfortable in the first class cabin to europe, as this is a first for my grandmother and me.

(2) Fri Apr 25 17:17:23 New computer:

It arrived tuesday, just in time to get it ready for my trip to England. My first computer in 5 years, and my first apple. So far I really like almost everything about it.

Tue Mar 25 18:57:40 I almost got ran over by these deer:

I walked out to the street with my ipod on and didn't realize there were deer less than 3 feet from me, trotting along. A few seconds later, I was able to snap a photo.

Tue Mar 18 21:53:57 Peanut for Sale:

well, you only have to pay for his medical treatment/fixing.  he is so sweet and great, and would make a great pet. I urge anyone in the bay area to stop by the silicon valley humane society.  unfortunately, this isn't the time for us to get a pet. soon, I hope.  but until then, I hope peanut finds a home:

Link of Peanut's 'bio':

http://66.92.179.155/animal/animalDetails.asp?animalid=15951&result=21

 

 

Sat Mar 15 18:29:04 Another shot of peanut:

Who is so very nice and just wants a good home.

Sat Mar 15 15:22:55 I want to adopt this dog:

His name is peanut.

(1) Tue Mar 11 22:51:53 Green Advisory Board:

After listening to the Belmont City Council meeting online all evening (3 hours), I just learned that I did get on the Green Advisory Board which I interviewed for last week. There were many applicants so I was a little nervous, but am glad that I made it.

 

(4) Mon Mar 10 18:44:07 log a what?!:

I checked this book out of the library to help a friend with math. then, upon closer look, I realized the cover art is totally wrong.

for those not clear, the identity is: log (x/y) = log x - log y

Fri Feb 29 07:44:47 Good bye west va.:

I am so happy to be headed home. Just 3 planes, 12 hrs away (i hope).

Wed Feb 27 16:39:52 When you open piano benches in west virginia...:

sadly, you apparently don't find piano music.

Wed Feb 27 04:16:52 Snow:

Last night there was none and now we're blanketed. Most area schools appear delayed or closed according to the news. I wonder if we'll get to our class a few miles away.

Mon Feb 25 07:04:12 It's called progress :

In Huntington, west virginia. For work.

Fri Feb 22 22:21:47 Aviva who juggles:

I told aviva that I was sad to be going to west virginia for a week to training for work. She asked if it was for vomit spatter analysis. It isn't.

Fri Feb 15 15:23:45 Doppelganger for george w. Bush:

Every week i'm amazed at how much my radiation safety instructor looks like the president. However, he pronouces nuclear correctly. I feel I should warn him that he is in danger of being kidnapped so gwb could fake his death; a plot I recently saw on a movie trailer.

(1) Wed Feb 13 22:23:17 Edwardians for Obama:

I thought this site was amusing.

 

Mon Feb 11 10:30:25 Tom Lantos will be missed:

Today my favorite US Congressman died.  I had the honor of meeting Congressman Lantos in 2006 (just a month before he was arrested for civil disobedience in front of the Sudanese Embassey), and I found him to be genuine, humble, and with a good sense of humor.  I live a few blocks south of his district, but no matter, as I believe Tom Lantos represented humanity.

For those interested in his fascinating life:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Lantos

 

Tue Feb 05 11:36:48 I voted for Edwards...:

...in a way. Figuring he was a bit more aligned with Obama, and always spoke heavily against HRC (especially at the party I went to in SF back in November).

I really didn't want to, but I did vote for Obama. The whole thing was very dramatic. Especially after I figured out once you selected a candidate on the computerized voting screen, you could 'change your mind' many times, until the ballot was officially cast.  This is different from the computerized voting I experienced in 2004.

My reasoning had to do more with how Hillary has lied way too much during this campaign for me not to do my part to fight her getting the nomination.  And I hate the idea of the Bush/Clinton diarchy.  Also, Mike Gravel and others came to me in a dream with a crazy, haunting dialogue which further compells me to fight HRC.

So now I hope Obama wins.  I hope JRE is prominent in his campaign (thereby making me feel even better about my vote).  I hope Rove doesn't get his way.

 

(1) Tue Feb 05 08:49:13 Wore my new shirt to the polls:

apparently apple inspired. drew wanted to pinch it.

(4) Mon Feb 04 22:56:54 after giving it more thought:

and talking with my friend Yannick, I'm having second thoughts.  I see many compelling reasons to vote for Edwards tomorrow.  Still, a bit conflicted, I will sleep on it. 

Mon Feb 04 09:45:13 begrudgingly for Obama:

It has not yet been a week since my favorite candidate has dropped out, but I figure I need to get over it, given voting day is tomorrow.  Unfortunately, it appears Obama is the most progressive viable candidate.

 

Here are some of my reservations:

-Accepted big money from coal and nuclear industries (and voting for liquified coal)

-Politician out of Chicago

-His 'inspirational' victory speeches have been little more to me than him stating how impressed he is that he won. Seems like masses/media may have been impressed with his style over substance.

 

Why I am supporting Obama:

-Sadly, after 8 years of GWB, he is the most progressive candidate

-I am categorically opposed to the Bush/Clinton Dynasty. However, even more distrubing, if McCain is the Republican nominee, I don't think it would even come to that.

 

-Obama seems quite competent, and speaks against cronyism, which has plagued the current White House

 

Things I HOPE for:

I hope we see JRE resurface soon.  I hope there is a real progressive change. I hope the influence of mult-billion dollar corporations will diminish with the next administration.