Questionable.

In Bodyworks class today one participant asked the instructor, "How can I get smaller arms?" The gal behind her said, "Go out and play with some farm equipment." I could not believe she said that.

Harmony.

I just signed a gig singing at Harmony Bakery on California Avenue in beautiful Palo Alto; every last Friday evening of the month, six to eight p.m. Nice way to forget about all my troubles.

On Second Thought.

Not far from Moffett Field, a sign posted near Lockheed Martin reads, "Photograpy Not Allowed by Order of the Federal Government." (I thought better of taking a picture of said sign to post proof of it on my blog.) I bicycled down Stevens Creek Trail behind Moffett Field, past NASA-Ames Research Center and the huge wind tunnel used in the Mars Rover parachute experiments, over the estuaries of the Shoreline Marsh and into downtown Mountain View. The last time I made the ride, a brilliant golden pheasant shot out of the bushes over the trail just in front of me in full fall splendor. When I was there today I looked for more, to no avail: only egrets, ducks, pipers (whose lonesome, loonish calls haunt me) and a few flocks of small black geese. The pelicans from before were in absentia as well. What a treasure to live so near such splendid wildlife. Interesting to note however, that almost directly over the NASA wind tunnel, small planes circle; students, perhaps from nearby San Carlos Airport. I could not help but wonder: If photos around Lockheed are prohibited by the federal government, shouldn't NASA be restricted airspace too?

New Favorite.

Last night I took Carol and Emily to Dragonfly Restaurant. All we could say was "Wow!" This place is new and very elegant (the website photos don't do it justice). I had tender smoked salmon and strawberry spring rolls, and a fresh cucumber-tini, made with sweet sake, cucumber juice and lime. Carol ordered chili lemongrass chicken; Emily had calamari that was airy and crisp; I ordered a papaya salad and a side of grilled asparagus spears.

Reality Check.

Prices are better at Save Mart. Probably because Save Mart doesn't pay Patricia Heaton to drive around in a limo. That tv commercial so offends me. What am I supposed to say when I see it? "Oh, isn't she cute?" No. I don't think so. I prefer better prices.

Aspiration.

I love bluegrass music (love just isn't a strong enough word), and found an inspiring video that mirrors my own experience. Imagine yourself at a funky old piano and bam, you're me at San Gregorio. Almost. I'd like to know where this was filmed; it almost looks like the Haight. Anyway, it might take a minute to load and you have to click through a couple of ads and some settings, but I know you will enjoy Nickel Creek's Smoothie Song.

Sweet Sixteen.

My baby turned sixteen last weekend. Where has the time gone?

Not for Vegans.

Attention: The following entry contains descriptions of meat. If meat offends you, do not read. ve`gan: Neanderthal for "lousy hunter."
Those who know me know I am a darn good cook. Not the best, but I love it and am pretty good at it. At some restaurants, I think I can do just as good or better than the chef. Not so at Parcel 104. What a fantastic menu, far above Spago, where I was not too impressed with prawns risotto. Last night's fare was incomparable: lamb t-bone on a bed of oxtail marmalade with dollops of mouthwatering peach-olive tapenade and a venison confit. Superb, every bite absolute delight, not ever to be forgotten. And the service! Outstanding. Five stars! This gorgeous, inviting, warm, classy restaurant cannot be surpassed and my dear friend, Rowland, was my charming companion for dinner that evening.

Bemusement is a funny word.

I found the most hilarious article. A bit over the top, but entertaining nonetheless. I actually received one of these cork pullers as a gift. I was thrilled. Does it make me bourgeois? Hardly.


Vigneto Article

Hope for Paso.

Every time I use some of the gray salt I purchased at a quaint gourmet store in Paso Robles, I think of the woman who owned the store that sold the salt, how pretty and nice she was, and how classy and homey her store was. I hope she made it through the quake okay. She was right downtown, across from the park.

What are the Odds?

My, but my hometown, Milpitas, has grown. We now sport five Starbucks. I went on a bike ride Saturday and concluded the trip with a coffee reward. The Calaveras franchise was packed, a dozen or more people in line waiting to order. I really wanted the coffee so I hung in there patiently. After ordering a tall carmel machhiato and giving my name, I found a seat and waited. And waited. With only three employees on deck, production was going at a snail's pace. I heard another woman four people behind me placing her coffee order, and giving her name, Pam. I thought they were calling my name for my coffee but realized that she was giving hers instead. Naturally she ordered the same exact thing because after waiting twenty minutes for my coffee the barister called out "Pam! Carmel Macchiato!" That woman reached over and snatched up my coffee and was out the door before I could even blink. It would have been a waste of energy to make a fuss so I waited it out. After twenty minutes, what's another five, right? What are the odds of that happening -- that of all five Starbucks in the city of Milpitas, that a woman with my same name would order my identical coffee drink and swipe it in front of my eyes?

Raincatcher, Suncatcher.

Yesterday there was so much rain, thunder and lightning it was incredible. It went from north to south just like they said. I know, because I drove through it on the way going to San Francisco (for a peachy-fizzy champagne cocktail at the quaintest Thai restaurant), and back through it again coming back to the south bay. It was rather remarkable. When it cleared after I got home I took the dog for a walk. Everything is so fresh and clean and it's almost a false spring. Flowers starting to bloom, new buds on the branches. The sun setting in the scattered clouds looked like the center of Heaven itself. Wouldn't it be ironic if the sun really was God's eye.