Generations

Long overdue visit from Mom and Mimi yesterday afternoon.
We went to lunch, walked around downtown, and relaxed at home.
Can't wait to get Mimi back again soon.

Scooby Scooby Doo - Where Are You??

On the way home from the East Bay Sunday, we actually saw the mystery machine. I was tickled. This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!

Scooby lives!!!!!!!!

SoCal Sunshine

We visited Dad and Lisa over the holiday weekend. We had a fun drive down, and enjoyed our time there. The weather was so beautiful, that it really boosted our moods after nearly two weeks of no sun in the Valley.

Saturday, we visited the new Camarillo Library which was gorgeous. I got the top photo from their website.
And just check out this book return! There were multiple copies of new DVDs, brand-new books, etc...
I'm so envious! We also drove around CSU Channel Islands. It was much nicer than I'd imagined.

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Sunday morning, we hit the Ojai Farmer's Market. All organic, and the prices were quite reasonable. One unique scene I don't think you'll find anywhere else was an odd-looking man standing there with a "Free Hugs" sign. WE didn't see anyone taking him up on his offer.....

In the afternoon we headed to Santa Barbara, stopping on a Ventura beach for a quick picnic.

Sunday night we had a delicious dinner at a cool and cozy restaurant called Bodees.

Perhaps we can make this an annual tradition?

France Trip Fall 2010

Where are the postings about our fabulous trip to France last fall?

Various places:

• Draft Mode
• On the iPhone app for making lists, Paperless
• In my mind
• On scraps of paper

For anyone who is interested (yes Guy, this means you!) I *WILL* still be posting.

It will also help us start planning our 2011 trip - can't wait!

Where Oh Where Has the Sun Gone?

Yes, I know that we don't live in Antartica, Alaska, or even on the East Coast!

I'm grateful that we have central heat at home, and I'm able to work indoors.
But we have had several days of no sunshine and biting cold.

I've been keeping warm in all the usual ways:

• staying indoors as much as possible
• drinking massive quantities of hot tea 
• layering
• scarf
• one day, a hat (which is so unattractive that I won't be wearing again)
• purchasing a space heater for work (our office is "freezing").

My favorite quote is,

"We should get hazard pay for working in this icebox!"

Thank you dear husband for cleaning and refilling the bird feeders and bird baths the past few days.... :)

All of us are very happy!

2011 Book List

My only New Year's resolution was to record all books I read this year.

(Note this is not my photo or my dog!)

2011

January

How Did You Get This Number - Sloane Crosley

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel - Aimee Bender

You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness - Julie Klam
Room: A Novel - Emma Donoghue
I'm Too Young To Be Seventy: And Other Delusions - Judith Viorst
If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This - Robin Black (progress)

Are the French (esp Parisiens) Really Rude?

The French are not rude. At least they are no ruder than anyone else in American cities I've visited. I suppose there is a small percentage of folks who are not overly friendly anywhere. Is it possible that people are friendlier in smaller towns than the big city? I don't know, although I've experienced that phenomenon here at home. Also, people have bad days, misinterpret actions, etc...
To avoid these unfortunate interactions, just keep in mind:

1. You are not in the States. The French are not overly familiar, but they are very polite. These are very different qualities, and there is nothing negative about either - they reflect the different cultures. That said, you must acknowledge people in restaurants and shops by saying Hello, thank you, etc... You are in France and therefore should do your best to respect that culture. When you don't, you might experience what can be termed as "rude" behavior.

2. By learning just a few handy phrases, smiling, and being polite, you will open a world of opportunity. You might even be invited for a meal, and at the least, have a conversation with a new person. Just try. After all, wouldn't you expect the same for a visitor here?