Merry Christmas to you!

It's Christmas morning 6:25 a.m. I've just started a pot of coffee with a special holiday blend from Lion's Coffee a friend from home sent me. I can't wait to pour a cup because it is filling the house with a delicious aroma as it brews. I wish you could be here!

This Christmas is a quiet one not a decoration in sight. Not that I'm a Grinch! I chose to celebrate Christmas in my heart today rather than with the traditional fanfare. If you'd like to visit Christmases past with me you can visit Christmas 2010 here and 2009 here.

Today will find me taking a morning walk, something I haven't done since Sadie passed. It'll do me good to get out in the brisk morning air and walk the neighborhood. Last year at this time we were covered in fog but today promises to be beautiful and bright as all Christmas mornings should be.

A friend of mine is visiting with family in Arizona so later in the day I'll take a drive downtown to check on his two cats. I've been told I've got a Christmas present waiting for me as well as all the food I can eat! Hurray!

As for dinner this evening, I'll get a pot roast going when I get home and roast some root vegetables. I can't wait and dessert will be homemade Christmas cookies.

I thought I'd share a photo taken of me and my BFF Cheri earlier this month. We met our mutual friend Ed for breakfast in Hillcrest at a place called R Gang. If you ever go there you have to try their homemade tater tots!

Well, the sun is up it's 7:30 a.m. and time, as they say, is a wastin'. I hope your day is a jolly one spent with friends and family!
Stay snug and warm!
Peace, love and happiness to you all,

Love, Bonnie

My darling Sadie

If you are reading this post, thank you for sticking with me. Except for a brief period when my blog disappeared (!) the past two months have been devoted to caring for my dog Sadie and my struggle to cope with her death due to cancer. I cannot tell you how profoundly her death has affected me.

I really love this picture of Sadie

Sadie died in my arms on November 4 and though we were in a hospital setting it was not sterile. By that I mean we were surrounded by what I call “Friends of Sadie,” the techs, doctors, receptionists and groomer, those that have known her for the past eleven years. There were many tears shed besides my own as each told me what a wonderful dog she was and shared their stories of Sadie. The groomer told me how she loved taking a bath. Funny, I told her, Sadie was always difficult when I tried to give her a bath which is why I decided to leave it to the professionals!

Sadie and I on one of our many walks together

I decided to have Sadie cremated and she is back with me. There is a little Christmas mouse that sits on the beautiful cedar box that holds Sadie’s cremains. I thought I might share some of my own funny and endearing stories about Sadie but what I will remember most is how I always enjoyed listening to her softly snoring as she slept. To me that little snore meant that Sadie felt snug and safe in the world we shared. Talk about peace on earth.

Get ready here it comes....

The most beautiful smile ever!

How I miss her, I cannot begin to tell you. The cat, Sadie’s incorrigible sibling of sorts, is still with me of course. I think he realizes she is no longer with us but has moved on. They used to have tremendous fun chasing each other around the backyard and how he loved to torment Sadie by pouncing and walking all over her whenever he had the chance.

Just because he can - Sadie and the gato

I have always said that I prefer to live life on the sunny side but it’s been a little difficult of late. I am sure though one day without even realizing it the sun will be a little brighter, the sky a little bluer and when I remember Sadie I will smile broadly.

The lovely Sadie

My darling girl.

Bits and Pieces of September

I wasn’t feeling like getting out of bed this morning. In fact I spent most of my morning in bed with a slight headache and general blah feeling. This feeling continued when I stopped at the gas station and filled up at $3.79 a gallon. I thought the prices were supposed to be going down…oh, ok they did but by a whopping 10 cents.

A few things have happened since I last posted like... I didn’t tell you about the great SoCal power outage of 2011. Sure it’s not like you’ve never experienced the power going out BUT the circumstances were quite unusual. The “dark” started in Arizona and spread to southern California from San Clemente to San Diego (around 3:30pm) and across the border to Mexico. People in New Mexico and parts of Texas also experienced the outage that was caused by human error. Thankfully, the outage in my area did not last the two days the officials predicted and my power was restored sometime after midnight.

Who turned the lights out?

Ay, ay ay!

This is what happens when everyone leaves work at the same time.

Freakin' gridlock!

Happy birthday to me! Yes another year older on Sept. 16. I actually celebrated on that Sunday with a trip to the movies (Contagion) followed by a round of margaritas (hold the salt!). I found the movie to be a bit long and the margaritas refreshing and delightful!

Truth or dare....Uh, truth...ok so...I am looooong past 21 years old!

My margaritas must always be slushy with no salt on the rim!

On my birthday weekend I did manage a stop at Goodwill and picked up a few things. I was looking for some sweaters since the weather is changing and last year’s warm clothing no longer fits. I found a great cowl neck sweater with ¾ length sleeves that was from The Gap for $7, a cute leopard print bucket hat for $1.99 and an adorable pearl rope necklace that was $3. I’ll probably go back in two weeks or so to look for more sweaters.

I've had this for a while now but never posted, a brand new sweater for $3 and a colorful top for $2.

Yesterday I reviewed the 2010 entries on my blog. I thought it might be fun if I provide a link or two to a few of my favorite”vintage” posts. I thought I’d start off with this one of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. While reviewing my posts I realized how much fun I had doing them. It’s really a great creative exercise. I also realized how my posts have changed especially since I lost my camera. I’m really going to have to buckle down and save up for a new camera because I enjoy taking and sharing photos of my jaunts around town, the neighborhood and my latest thrift shop finds.

John and Yoko in Central Park 1980

I do have some sad news to deliver. My very sweet dog, Sadie, has been diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes. On a previous visit to the vet (about a month ago) she had unexplainably lost 14 pounds in two months so the goal was to put some weight back on. On our most recent visit, I was positive Sadie had put on some weight but was devastated to find she had actually lost 4 more pounds and that is when the doctor gave me the news.

My sweetie pie

Sadie has been my constant companion since 2001. She has always been a happy, sweet and loving dog. She helped me through my own cancer and was a hard task master insisting I continue our evening walks as usual even on chemo day. She made me look beyond my own poor pitiful self and LIVE each and every day. The day Sadie came to live with me was my lucky day. Right now Sadie is holding her own and I concentrate on keeping her as happy and comfortable as I possibly can.

Give you favorite little furry someone an extra hug tonight!

Peace out from Sadie, Kitty and your friendly blogger.

A Labor Day Post

I usually start my Monday through Friday mornings watching the KTLA Morning News. I find the team affable, engaging and just plain fun to watch. Oh, and yes you do get to the news of the day both local and national. It’s a mix of news, entertainment, and in-studio guests.

(L-R) Mark Kriski, Michaela Pereira, Frank Buckley, Sam Rubin

You know how most businesses say they are a family; I get the feeling they really are a family. I find the only drawback to the show is when they report the weather and traffic as they are in LA and I am in San Diego. You get the picture, big difference sometimes. Still I would love to work there! Hollywood, here I come!

This morning in honor of Labor Day, the station had a bbq set up in the parking lot with Frank Buckley (news anchor) at the grill demonstrating his famous shrimp recipe. Apparently, his bbq’d shrimp is legendary. If only their website had the video of it, you would have enjoyed it almost as if you were there in person. As someone who has never met a shrimp she didn’t like, Frank’s shrimp looked awesome, so awesome I will have to try it soon. Thankfully, Frank is all about sharing so here’s what’s required for his shrimp recipe...

Frank Buckley's Famous Shrimp Recipe

1-2 pounds (serves 4) of large raw shrimp (tail and shell on)
Old Bay seasoning

Extra virgin olive oil

Lemon

Directions: Pre-heat grill. In large mixing bowl, coat shrimp in olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. Squeeze lemon over shrimp. Dump shrimp directly onto grill at medium heat. Cook shrimp until pink throughout turning shrimp over as needed.

As you can see there’s not much to the recipe but sometimes less is more right? It doesn’t just apply to fashion!

I have never tried Old Bay Seasoning but I see it all the time and I know it’s a staple on the east coast where it originated. In the past I have marinated shrimp in Italian dressing and most recently I’ve been trying an Asian miso dressing. Either way it tastes great once it’s off the grill and onto your plate!

I also like shrimp done old school, simply boiled and with a ton of cocktail sauce to dunk it in; oh, perfection, thy name is Shrimp Cocktail. You just know it would go great with a Mad Men cocktail right?


Classic Martini

1 ½ oz gin

1 ½ oz dry vermouth

3 green olives

Rinse martini glass in dry vermouth and pour out. Shake gin with ice until chilled. Pour into martini glass. Add olives.

Hope you all have a great week!

The last dregs of summer

The sun was out today in full force.

It was hot and humid, the perfect setting for doing my favorite household chore, the laundry. Believe it or not there is nothing I like better than doing laundry. I enjoy the whole process from sorting, washing, hanging the clothes on the line (for me, preferable to the dryer), and folding. When I hang the laundry to dry, my only focus is on hanging like items together, i.e. all the bath towels in one spot, sheets together…you get the picture. I’m a little anal that way but actually concentrating on this activity frees up my mind and I find it a relaxing experience.

All neat and tidy

My other fun activity around the house is ironing. Bear in mind that the less ironing the better and I really do check for wash and wear items when I’m out scouting for new clothes. But like the laundry, I find ironing a relaxing experience.

Martha and I share something in common!

Things I don’t like…dusting, cleaning the bathroom and washing dishes. Much like dust, I’m not sure where all the dishes come from. I’m just one person after all with a dog and a cat but believe me I always have more than my fair share of dishes in the sink.

Speaking of ironing, I must mention that my cat has taken up a new hobby, lying on the ironing board. I’m going to guess that the ironing board cover is a cool place to be during the hot summer months. He’ll stretch out and take a snooze, occasionally falling off though it doesn’t seem to faze him. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I’ll find him just sitting by himself on the ironing board. Just sitting and meditating, I’m assuming, like some wise old sage.

It's amazing what you'll find when you google cats on ironing boards!

And so speaking of cats, I leave you with this little funny of cats with thumbs. You’ll enjoy it!


Now that you've had your giggle for the day, enjoy a tall cool glass of lemonade and what's left of summer!

Enjoy your week!

Donuts for breakfast

It all went south yesterday when I turned on the television first thing in the morning.

Somehow I found my way to the Travel Channel and to a show that spotlighted great breakfast spots across the US. Did you know that breakfast/brunch is my favorite meal of the day? The program showcased breakfast burritos the size of a small country, 12 egg omelets whipped up as big as your head, and gigantor sized pancakes that hung off your plate. But what really got my attention were the donuts! Donuts the size of Texas!

You better believe it!

So all day long I was craving...DONUTS!

Since my mind is on food (!), how about I share a few of my fave places to visit when I get the munchies!

I love this place, it's called Pacifica Del Mar. The food is excellent whether you are there for a corporate event, meeting friends for lunch or just drinks and nibbles on a weekend afternoon. I’ve been there for all occasions and it is always consistently good.

The restaurant is located in the Del Mar Plaza which also houses White House Black Market.

The whole shooting match is just across the street from Del Mar Beach which is breathtaking. I’ve been to the beach for many a picnic that’s gone way into the evening!

The beach at Del Mar

A Blueberry Mojito - Yummy!

Rebecca's Coffee House is a great place to experience a funky and fun atmosphere. I've only been there for coffee and muffins but there are other more substantial offerings. This is an area called South Park and is full of interesting boutiques nearby.

A cute and fun coffee house to lounge with friends or a good book!

Who could resist?

The Mission has gotten a little spruce up recently on the exterior of the restaurant. I’ve been there for breakfast and lunch and always enjoyed myself. The clientele is eclectic enough so that when I was going through chemo, I could go in and feel comfortable with or without a bandana. Oh yes, I was as bald as a cue ball! There was no need for second glances because I just blended in! My favorite thing to order from The Mission is Rancheros Verde - it's delicioso! If you go to the website, I visit the one in North Park.

They have great chicken sausages with eggs

Mexican hot chocolate!

One of Big Kitchen’s claims to fame is that Whoopi Goldberg used to work there. But believe me their food is awesome too and the restaurant has been featured on The Food Network. How about some pancakes, they are pretty tasty and the egg dishes are great! I like Big Kitchen because it is really an unassuming place, casual and the food is plentiful and good.

The outdoor patio

I love spinach omelettes and potatoes

Like Mexican food? El Zarape has it in spades. It is very unassuming from the outside but once inside it’s charming if tiny. The food is excellent and I had a lobster burrito the last time I was there.

Do you like carne asada fries? I do, but you can never eat it in one session. Be prepared to get the lefterovers to go. When you think about it, it's basically steak and potatoes!


Oh, P.S., I had a donut for breakfast this morning!

Have a great week!

What's on my mind

I had a dream last night.

My mother, brother and I got into a taxi but not by opening the door, we had to climb through the windows! Our driver was hunched over the steering wheel with his head turned to the right. He had some kind of condition and that's how he drove, the whole way- YIKES!

We got on the craziest freeway that had no middle barriers or side railings and we were high above the city almost in the clouds. The lane we were in suddenly came to an abrupt end and instead of driving off the edge we somehow made it into the next lane.

We finally got into the city - I forgot to mention we were in New York - and soon arrived at my godmother's house.

I started having a conversation with my mother when all of a sudden she morphed into Whoopi Goldberg. She was still my mother but in the form of Whoopi Goldberg!

Ok, if anyone can interpret that dream I'd be greatful!

I'd like to share a note I wrote to my mom. It's kind of personal but I feel compelled to share it with you because sometimes it's hard not being with her. I don't share this with a lot of people but my mother has Alzheimer's and I don't believe she quite knows who I am sometimes. I don't get to hear her voice often so I mostly communciate by writing to her.

Hi Mother!

I am wondering if you are having a good day. How is the weather, is it hot? The weather in San Diego is quite pleasant. (I drew a smiley face)

What are you up to? Right now I am reading 3 books at the same time. Don't ask me how I manage but so far so good!

What's for dinner tonight? I plan on making teriyaki burgers. Yummy! I think I'm going to use ground turkey instead of hamburger. What do you think? For dessert I would like something simple but I keep wanting cake! A white cake with fruit in the middle. (And then I ran out of space)

Always remember Mommie Dearest how much I love you!

Your daughter, Bonnie

Here is a pic of my mother and father and their littlest BonBon.

Hope you all give your loved ones an extra hug today!