A Day and Passenger To Remember.

ACTC Clear Lake Roundabout (a biking/camping trip). Climbing into the sack at the end of a terrific ride and gourmet campfire supper, I snuggled my head onto the pillow, closed my eyes, and about one minute later felt a cold, small *thwop* on the forehead by something not human. I snagged it out of my hair, flung it, found the flashlight, beamed it in the general direction of the fling, saw the frog, then screamed. The kind of grossed-out, reflexive scream that only one's oogyest inner child could produce. I felt silly for a second, gave him a gentle flick out the front flap, then laughed myself to sleep. What an incredible day. Just driving through Calistoga on the way back gave me the yearning to cook up some California cuisine. All those wonderful, wine-soaked mesquite smells as you drive through town. When we got home, I went to the market, bought what was on sale that looked good (all for under $10) and whipped it all up beautifully (with no recipe): sweet baked squash with creamy dollops of plain yogurt, and flame roasted chicken topped with fresh mango-mint salsa. (I think I'll start adding my favorite original recipes here. Most definitely stay tuned.) Did Lakeshore Drive all the way around Clear Lake (60 mi.). Exhilarating. Scary. Risky (close encounter with a car!). On the Edge. Perfect weather and a champion biking partner who changed my first flat. What a great way to clear the head and raise one's self-esteem. About time.

Even Geese Have Ghosts.

A big flying V of about twenty them went over my car when I was on 237 this morning, and again over 101 in a northwesterly direction. Maybe they do what jets do: take off and then turn around. I'm pretty sure they're supposed to be going south. They were not in a perfect V though; it was longer on one side than the other due to several empty places, like they were flying in "missing goose" formation or something. I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, ok? Hey. It could happen.

Another Happy Scary Day.

I am pleased to report I'm feeling pretty good. I am working hard lately, and am glad for that. The people I work with are so great. I spoke with both my parents tonight, and they are both doing very well. There was a little earthquake near here today, a 3.3. I have been walking a lot in the neighborhood, before and after work, sometimes with the dog and sometimes not, and going biking a couple times a week. It gives me lots of energy. The weather is beautiful. Wish I could say my bills are paid but, not today. They never seem to be. I just pick them off one at a time when I can. But no one's banging down my front door (yet) so, all is well as can be. Thankful for that. Let there be peace on earth.
pam

Short, Sweet and Sticky.

I performed nicely. Nerves get me--always. The funny thing was, the keys had these smeary puddles of ice cream on them as if some sticky little kid had snuck onstage at cake time and 'prepared' the piano for me as some kind of joke. It was funny, but because no one else knew of the conditions, no one could conceivably appreciate just how coolheaded I was being. I played three songs, played them well, but those keys were a challenge. Bottom line, the people liked the music, and sadly, against my will, I left them wanting more. They'll just have to come to the Store for that. I adore weddings, and this one had true class. Abbey is so wonderfully creative. Our little butterfly has found her mate. Congrats to both of them. I am grateful for the invitation. I absolutely loved the times we shared, lovely San Pedro Point, my Rusticators cd, the ice cream (new flavor=avocado), all the music, and everything.

On Singing Naked.

Well I won't exactly be naked, but it always feels that way. Abbey's wedding later today in Pacifica. There's gonna be a jam, she asked me to sing a couple songs, should be pretty casual. This is going to be in front of a bunch of serious musicians. I feel like a such a hack sometimes. Wish me luck.

My New Mantra.

Is located on the back of the "No-Salt" shaker. Know how you like to read the cereal box in the morning at the breakfast table? I read the "Lifestyle Suggestions" on the back of my No-Salt, and it sets my day in the right gear. Check it out.

I like the No-Salt people. Once, I wrote their company asking why they don't have little packets in restaurants. They said they had tried and it wasn't cost-effective, but here's a couple dozen leftover packs. I really appreciated that.

Lake Tah-No.

I tried cycling around the lake, but only got as far as the second climb at Emerald Bay. It was gnarly on the downhill, with lots of peds and SUVs and at times a big scary drop. Heading back, we explored Fallen Leaf Lake. Lush and beautiful. 45 miles total. Not bad, but not what I wanted. Next year.

Bad Doggy. No Cookie.

Not my dog, but some other dog was loose on the street this morning, and he chased us. TJ staved him off and he ran away momentarily, retreating about fifty feet, then launching back toward us, charging rapidly with his hackles up, snarling. I froze. TJ leaped ahead, then Henry (trumpets sound) came to the rescue, shouting loud, standing tall, "Go home! Go on, go home!" Then the dog really ran away. My guys really are brave.

Reality Checkmate.

I don't mean to be callous, but occasionally one's emotional survival warrants going on a total media fast for as long as possible. Not easy trying to force out TV and radio. I listen to music, but only pre-9/11 material on CD or cassette. No magazines (that's easy at $3-4 dollars a pop, plus they're tragically rife with stupid pictures of fake people), and no newspapers (hate the mess). I get plenty of info -- more than I really need to know really -- from what I hear and am forced to read (billboards, spam, pop-ups). I am a better listener because people are all too happy to share what they know. And I don't miss the advertising at all. If I need something, I'll go out and get it. I don't want to be pitched to all the time everywhere I turn. It is impossible to completely shut everything out, of course, but I did a darn good job with the O.J. deal. I media-fasted for almost four months back then, but gave in on my will to outlast it. I caved. Plus I was paranoid the Dream Team might hunt me down to be on the jury. Try a total media fast. I dare you.

More Wildlife News.

This morning, TJ seemed overly concerned with what appeared to be an empty meadow, until I saw a pair of black-tipped ears flick around. It was my very first homegrown jackrabbit siting. Strange that I've never seen a jackrabbit here before, yet there he was. He was a rascal, and gave us a good dose of stinkeye from atop his haunches before we moved on. TJ just licked his chops. Hey, a dog can dream.

Wicked Crickets.

Tonight TJ and I headed west just after sundown with a sliver of new moon and Jupiter rising above a drowsy late-summer twilight. Crickets clicking in a patch of dry grass shushed themselves silent as we passed over. A couple nights ago, I had been awakened after two in the morning by sirens and lights that stopped very close to home, close enough to light up my bedroom with crazy dancing strobes. When we passed what's left of that house, we were impressed by its charred, spooky, pungent remains. Maybe those darn crickets had something to do with it.

Learning To Fall.

How's this for timing. I was riding my bike yesterday morning through a grove with TJ trotting alongside when a bird pooped on my arm at the same exact moment TJ decided to take off after a squirrel. I was caught with a firm grip on the leash, looking down at my ravaged arm, as the dog did his best to yank the bike out from under me. I did not exactly have the luxury of time to dismount properly before hitting the ground, which was mercifully soft. The exercise is terrific and a bit terrifying for both of us, but by its newness and nature, biking with a running dog has proved risky. I am not going to quit. I blame the bird entirely.