Sweet Bliss

Posted on by

It’d been a while since Sharon and I had seen each other because let me just say, grass does not grow under that woman’s feet. I’m talking not one single blade. She and her hubby Jim have been to all but two of the United States. And don’t even ask me how many countries they’ve visited. I can’t count that high.

    So after their trip to New Mexico but before they leave for Africa, we made plans to spend the day together. I picked up Sharon in Santa Rosa and we headed for the picturesque town of Healdsburg, which is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and wineries. Sorta like a miniature Italy.

      Continue reading →

      Meant to Be

      Posted on by

      I believe in meant to be.

      Like when you’re at a low moment and something happens, an unexpected occurrence that ends up being a godsend (so to speak) exactly when you need it most. That’s what happened recently to my friend Leanne.

      Leanne was dealing with the possibility her black and white 15 1/2 year-old blind Papillon, Kingston, was near death. Congestive heart failure had him struggling to breathe and his seizures became more frequent.

      Late one night we were texting when Leanne called in tears. Kingston was still struggling to breathe and she worried he was suffering. Soon we were on our way to pet emergency to have him humanely euthanized. It’s the toughest decision we make for our pets, knowing when it’s time to say good-bye. But they count on us to know.

      Continue reading →

      In My Mind’s Eye: Remembering Dad

      Posted on by

      Here’s my annual Father’s Day post, adapted from an article I wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle in 1997. Happy Father’s Day! Here’s to you Dad…There’s an image I have captured in my mind. I’m in my car in front of the home my parents have shared for most of their 45 married years. Mom and Dad are standing on the front porch.

      From the street, I can see the huge eucalyptus tree in their backyard, silhouetted against the evening sky. It’s gently swaying in the warm breeze while the full moon illuminates the manicured lawn. My parents are smiling and waving as I drive away after a visit.

      Mom lives alone now that Dad is in an Alzheimer’s nursing facility, so that scenario has changed. But it never does in my mind. My parents always stood on the porch to wave good-bye when I left. Even in pouring rain, they still stood in the open doorway together. I always looked back and returned their waves. Continue reading →

      Bring It On!

      Posted on by

      So you probably know about my trials and tribulations with a leaky kitchen faucet. Trouble was, the insurance inspector couldn’t say for sure if that caused my hardwood floor to buckle but they refused to replace it just the same. I griped about it, threatened to go elsewhere, and the funds miraculously appeared in my checking account.

      So off I went to look for new flooring, deciding on Luxury Vinyl Planks because it’s practically bullet-proof. That’s fine and dandy but what I wanted is flooring that’s pee-proof, water-proof, scratch-proof, and one that cleans itself. I got three out of four. Not bad.

      You see, Taffy misses her pee pad almost daily. Callie, who is 13 this month, physically can’t make it out the dog door most days and try as she might to hit the pee pad, her foggy eyes mean her aim isn’t stellar. Then there’s Oliver with his luxurious long fur (which means constantly cleaning up hairballs) and Fat Jack who overindulges then promptly vomits his meal. Consequently, as much as I like it, hardwood flooring in my house is dumb.

      Continue reading →

      You Won’t Believe This

      Posted on by

      Last week while gardening I got bit by a poisonous spider on my left thumb. My hand swelled to the size of Donald Trump’s head. I know, I know. I’m picking on the guy. But when I have such juicy material to work with, I simply can’t resist.

      spider thumb

      Anyway, when the swelling appeared to cut off my circulation, I drove myself to the emergency room. At this point my hand was as hot as a fire iron and crimson red. I can’t tell you how scary and painful it was. Long story short, I’m now typing this blog with one less thumb.

      Okay, okay, I’m lying. Need I remind you I said you won’t believe this? Well, I wasn’t lying about that. If you actually fell for my story and felt bad I lost my thumb, I’m sorry you’re gullible.

      gullible
      Continue reading →