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!

For he's a jolly good kitty

A shout out to our friend Baby Kitty who just turned 8 years old!

Happy birthday old man!

Baby Kitty's story is a fabulous rags to riches tale (or is it tail) that you will want to read here.

The festivities began Friday night...

...and is still going strong!

And now a birthday toast from Kitty:
Age is something that doesn't matter unless you are a cheese!

I'm sure you all know the words to this tune...




As we all know, birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake so

here's something special we baked just for you Baby Kitty!

ENJOY!

trip back in time

I have been on the look out for cake eyeliner for some time now without much success. I do have an eye shadow by Lancome that you can use wet or dry but I'm looking for a product with a price point that won't break the bank! Say something under 10 bucks.

Back in the day I loved Maybelline or Yardley cake eyeliners. I guess they've gone out of fashion.

I remember when Yardley was a HOT product. I loved the packaging it was so MOD and COOL. Their commercials were mostly shown during the Monkees TV show, take a look...

Oh yes, I was a GROOVY girl!

Olivia Hussey, wasn't she gorgeous! I almost forgot about Oh! de London cologne.

Believe me I had all the products. I wanted a London luv story as much as this girl!

Jean Shrimpton, one of the IT girls of the 60s


OMG, I am having a total flashback to the hallways of my old high school trying to avoid Sister Mary Margaret Something-or-other and grooving to the sounds of oh, say...Daydream Believer or I Got You Babe on my transistor because iPods hadn't been invented yet!

Our uniform consisted of saddle shoes, white short sleeve blouses and blue plaid woolen pleated skirts. Wool in Hawaii, whose idea was that! We also had uniform inspections every morning, and seriously, GOD help you if you weren't wearing a full length slip. That would cost you at the very least, three Hail Mary's, one Our Father, the Act of Contrition and a trip home.

I later switched to a public shool and after years of being sheltered with the nuns I really did experience a little culture shock! They were crazy in public school, swearing, smoking, rude gestures! You know, real life!

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

Happy 4th of July

Hope you are all enjoying your 4th of July today. What are you up to? BBQg, enjoying a picnic, ballgame, the pool or beach? Maybe you're taking a snooze in your hammock in the backyard?

Happy 4th of July

My nephew and his high school marching band (he plays the trombone) were in a patriotic parade today where he lives in Ohio.

Myself, I sit here at the computer with a pomtini in hand. It's hot and a drink certainly helps with the thought process! Here's the recipe, it's delish but if you don't have all the ingredients let me tell you that vodka (I used raspberry flavored vodka), pomegranate juice and a splash of ginger ale if you have it do the trick just fine.

Refreshing!

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed pomegranate juice
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, combine pomegranate juice, vodka, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Twist orange peel over cocktail and add to glass; serve.

I am awaiting a friend or two to drop over for an afternoon of chili dogs, sides, drinks and movies. I am especially wanting to watch Independence Day; I'm thinking the theme at least is appropriate even if involves aliens!

Chili dog heaven!

We have been following the news as the newly minted duke and duchess have made their way over to our part of the world. They are enjoying some Canadian hospitality right now but plan to join us in California on July 8-10. Here are a series of "wish you were here" type postcards as they appeared in Us magazine.

A little something for the folks back home!

Finally, it wouldn't be the 4th of July without Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, held since 1916! This year's winner (for the 5th time in a row) is Joey (aka Jaws) Chestnut who downed 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes! The female winner was Sonya (aka The Black Widow) Thomas who managed 40 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

Joey Chestnut displaying championship form

Ladies who lunch! The Black Widow in the middle at 40 hot dogs.

Ah, food lovers! I'm sure they'll reunite next year.

And that's another 4th of July Independence Day for the books!
Have a great week everybody!

Mid week interlude

I must sheepishly admit to feeling a bit like the absent minded professor today as I have spent the entire day at work with mismatched shoes.

Where exactly was my brain this morning?

Amazingly no one noticed but you know I could start a new trend. I mean after all if Helena Bonham Carter can get away with it on the red carpet well so can I!

I really don't think we'll be setting a new trend any time soon!