Groovin' to the New Year

Len said he was tired of seeing the same photo of the biscotti. Why don't you click on the video and we can bop to the music together. I have been at this for a minute already so please lets get started before something really goes pow.

Random Samplings: Tasty, bitter, nasty, and sweet

  Picking up from where she left off a few days ago, Connie added another delightful achievement to her growing list of Mixer inspired treats.  Presenting the one and only "Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti"- with and without a dark chocolate glaze.

   Although this recipe was planned in advance they provided extra comfort today after a physical therapy session to relieve a frozen shoulder- Ouch! AND to lessen the agony from a freshly issued moving violation- Ouch, ouch, kaching!

Lovely picture from the camera phone.  The gentleman in the foreground,Vincent's new coach, is shown coaching in the second half of last weekend's game.  The week prior the old coach gathered the team together for the half time pep talk and promptly resigned.  The Bozo from Brazil was evidently frustrated with the teams performance and his inability to convey much in English other than "play better", "move better", "I was star in Brazil" and "do good and I give you candy from Brazil." 

The new guy has already brought about noticeable improvements.  If they can just win a game.....

So what do I say to my 13 year old when commercials come on TV before 10 pm for products such as the one from Trojan to the right?  What about the one for his and her KY lubricants?  Hey sometimes women need a midday pleasure stroke.  Mom and Dad need flavored slippery stuff for stuff or stuffing- whatever.

Last weekend- the one in which Vincent's coach quit- turned out to be a roller coaster ride.  After having a miserable morning game he and Joseph decided to grab some breakfast at Carl Jr's.  They rushed over there because the breakfast menu is served til 10:30 and it was 10:20.  Long story short a wallet containing a meaningful amount of cash was missplaced.  They spent an hour retracing their steps, talked to neighbors, and anyone else who'd listen.  No luck.  Three hours later someone calls to say a wallet was found in front of their home.  The boys ran over there and were happy to find that the wallet and contents were all intact.  There is good in the world and its right down the street!

New Addition in the Kitchen

The missus has been eyeballing options for a standing mixer for quite a while but when she narrowed the options down to "Black or Chrome" I knew the time to clear room on the kitchen counter.

Say hello to the KitchenAid Professional HD with its 475 watts of determined and finely controlled mixing power.  HD stands for Heavy Duty but I  was  briefly hopeful that High Definition broadcasting  would beam in close proximity of the microwave.  Then I was certain it meant High Dollar but the joy it soon delivered spelled Heavenly Delight.

After admiring it for two days as it majestically stood in the middle of the counter,  a recipe for cinnamon rolls was chosen to christen this noble appliance.   The rolls are shown in the lower left after the dough had been stuffed and rolled.  The oven did its task of browning each one to a wonderfully brown crisp finish which was bathed in a warm vanilla glaze. 

Emboldened literally by the sweet success the next challenge was to make a pizza from scratch.  The top center photo shows the dough after doubling its size to a smoothly elastic ball.  The pizza crust cooked just right with bold toppings of cheese, sauce, green served to the boys.  We pray that the flow of baked bits of heaven keep coming.

Labor Day Weekend 2009

 

Going into the weekend we had already experienced the anticipation and anxiety associated with the beginning of yet another school year. Joseph’s second year of high school has no where the buzz last year’s start had. Ho hums for our young sophomore. Meanwhile, the younger brother is closing out his Junior High years. Vincent and many of his classmates are starting their ninth year together at the same school. There is even a boy returning after spending the last two years in England.

I hope Vincent doesn't get short changed by us, his parents, in the hoopla and excitement departments. Oh, wow, this will be your time to be king of the hill-literally. One of the perks the 8Th graders garner is their exclusive area to congregate. It's a grassy area that slopes up towards the street and includes some shade trees. The shade happens to keep them cool and the location is adjacent to the 8Th grade private entrance and stairwell to their classroom.



Vincent is sporting the 8Th Grade Irish Green Sweatshirt. Each graduating class selects their own color in the last days of 7Th grade.
Yes, a year filled of earned privileges, routine moments performed one last time, high school selection angst, and finally relief- graduation! This year will be a last for us, too. We will join the ranks of graduating families, that is, no younger members left in the school. The routines and expectations developed over 11 years of grade school will completely transition to the much shorter high school years. Time will tell if "volunteer" work such as working the "Snoop Home Tour" and "Parish Fair" will indeed become voluntary in the future.

Although it represented an abbreviated vacation, Labor Day Weekend came not too soon. Friday I came home late having to work til 7:30 or so. [If you have any interest in what I am currently working on (VIIRS)go to the following NASA site http://npoess.noaa.gov/index.php?pg=viirs.] We were almost finished with our testing but had some unexpected results. Big noon time meeting lead to more testing and hence my staying late to help prepare for a 8 pm meeting. I did not stay for that one because once the analysts crunched on what we gave them the results would be compelling. We were done but will we go down path A or Path B? Fortunately either option was short and sweet and leads to a great outcome.

On Saturday worked from 6 am to 3 pm to supervise the end of the tests and schmooze with the customer folks. They were fairly content with how the test program was carried out. With all but the bow in place the various customer reps no longer felt compelled to watch over our shoulder every minute or send out hourly emails filled with progress reports, analysis, and predictions. With the return of calmness our overlords checked in briefly at 10 am with tickets to the airport in hand.

By being at work I missed out on the trip Connie and the kids took to the outlet mall near Palm Spring. The choice was wake up early and get grilled or go to the desert and fry. Hmmm. Turns out both locales brought welcomed results. After going home I really truly wanted an omelet for dinner. Must have something to do with not having breakfast with the family in the morning. However, a protracted search into the deep recesses of "the Fridge" turned up not one egg. Drats! Did I really want to drive to the market for some eggs. I could walk to Trader Joe's but the round trip will take more than an hour. Why not bike there, I thought. Be back in twenty five minutes. Off I went with a backpack to carry the eggs back and was locking my bike to a tree in the nearby lot within 7 minutes or so.

It wasn't long thereafter that I was back at the bike with the eggs, some soy chips, and crimini mushrooms. The mushrooms were for the omelet and the chips had a date with a cold beer. I was ready for a relaxing and tasty sendoff into the weekend. In 10 seconds the realization that the rear end of the bike was not cooperating broke through my happy mood. Was the tire that I repaired the week prior again leaving me "PHFFT" to be tied? I used the bike without incident all week and it did not need to be topped off with air at any time. In fact it was solid prior to the current undertaking. Was there a poky spoke-was the culprit working on the inside? There is construction occurring across the street from our home; did I pick up some nail or other sharp edge?

I ignored the lack support and rode off thinking that all would be okay for the lousy couple of miles it would take to get home. If I leaned forward the weight would all rest on the front tire. Yes, that's it. Was I feeling the rim ride on the blacktop? Was the bike really veering slowly to the right as the deflated tire collected itself on the left side of the rim? What I was was now walking my bike home with a load of eggs on my back. Was no longer longing an egg concoction but instead a cold beer and chips represented the inspiration to make it home quickly and without whining to myself (is that moping?).

Despite the bike glitch the rest of the day and evening were relaxing and uneventful. It was a little too quiet if you asked me but by 9 the far traveling shoppers were home showing off their bargains. There were even some dress socks for me that came with a lifetime guarantee. Did the 90% bamboo material composition ensure the manufacturer that no return would be forthcoming in the near future? I have to remember to keep away from hungry panda while showing off the footwear. More likely we were not going to drive 2 hours to make good on a $10 purchase.


FAST Forward through Sunday.  

Picked up Mother in law, Viola, went to church, sang in choir, went to Taco Bell, barbecued Tuna steaks, enjoyed making a fire, grilled some hot dogs, made angel food cake and topped with strawberries and fruit medley, low fat whipped cream.

Labor day had breakfast at Dinah's. I had a Spanish omelet (two for the weekend), Joseph had waffle combo, Connie chose eggs and bacon, Vincent selected biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, bacon. We put off for another visit the choices of fried chicken & waffles and the yummy apple pancake.

Fast Forward Labor Day. Went to fair in Hermosa, beautiful day,
music, arts and crafts, pet adoptions, lemonade, yada, yada, etc

Went to Torrance and briefly visited with kids, brought an extension ladder to change a light bulb in a second story fixture. Brian's buddy Willy was there. Great guy.

Went back to the homestead and barbequed sausuages and hot dogs, grilled squash, to complement Connie's refreshing salad of tomaotoe, cuke, onion. Can't forget the dish of mashed yams and the fresh guacamole.

Sometime over the weekend we completed the purchase of Joseph's school supplies. I only mention it because it included the requirement for a graphing calculator like the TI 84 plus. This electronic device was hefty along with the price tag. I did not know that a calculator could come with a CD for manuals and software drivers in addition to a USB cord for PC Connectivity.

Oh, by the way. I filled the tire with air and it has been rock solid for two days now. Some SOB must have let the air out of the tire. Perhaps a frustrated thief? Did I cut somebody off or otherwise cause some road rage?

Nicole Graduation

 

Went to Citizen's Business Bank Arena on June 13 which hosts minor league hockey games and guess what broke out- not a fight but a college graduation. Nicole graduated from college with her bachelor's degree in human sciences. The event was unlike those I had attended previously. But given the usual presentation where huge crowds gather outside either under a hot punishing sun or while rain chased the gathering to an indoor venue, the attendees have the opportunity to buy hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, flowers- all while sitting in comfortable stadium seats. There is even a large screen TV to get up close without having to leave your seat.

Taking pictures was a challenge but we made do. After the ceremony we gathered outside the arena and congratulated Nicole while the moment sank in. She had graduated! From there we all went to the house where those who did not attend the ceremony already had kicked off the party celebration. Over 50 family members and friends were in attendance.

Father's Day 2009- Yes!

Hello, Happy Father's Day. My name is Dinker and my staff will be serving you this morning. Would you like your orange juice with or without pulp.

Father's Day started early, in fact it started the evening prior when we attended Mass Saturday night. Normally we attend at 11:30 on Sundays but a full day was planned for me. The details will be shared over the next few days. Our parish has a wonderful tradition for Mother and Father's day where a slide show presentation of family photos are shown to some appropriately sappy musical accompaniment. After the presentation each Dad is presented a carnation and asked to come to the front of the church for a group blessing. Surprise, my photo with the boys flashed up there for 1.25 seconds. It was a pleasant surprise. Felt a little guilty because this year I forgot to send in a photo for Mother's Day.

 

Having the photo in the slide show was the first indication that much thought and planning was setting a series of wonderful moments into motion. I was awakened at 7 in the morning and beckoned to the patio where a fire was going in the mini outdoor fireplace. It was unusually sunny for this time of day but the cool temperatures were typical. Before me was a plate of warm homemade blueberry muffins and a cup of freshly brewed Guatamalen coffee. The fire and crisp breeze felt as if we were out at a campsite.


 

While I was working on my second treat a hearty breakfast made its appearance. Eggs over medium, perfectly crisp bacon, and breakfast links caressed by wheat toast were chased to my placemat by a medium glass of juice. It was a wonderful way to start the day.

 

Breakfast was followed by gifts and cards; one of which was hilarious. Will have to tell you about when I see you.


 

Next chapter: Ride to Venice Beach

Dodger Night Game Roars and Crackles

Dodger Stadium presents an interesting cast of characters all too eager to sell their tickets and souvenirs before you get ripped off inside. They are sincere in ensuring that guests are seated in the best location possible wearing the best made garments. Although most present their enthusiasm before the gated entrance some are so bold as to push their wares right in front of the stadium entrance. Notice the gentleman presenting a pair of choice tickets in the lodge on the first base side to a couple of young fans. This man does not fit the stereotype of the usual hawker. Most of them can run with the wind but this guy will need to hail a cab when the cops drop a dragnet.

 

So the "Scalper" is in reality the host and merry maker for our grand evening. Len is a child hood friend who blogs daily with wit guaranteed to bring a smile and raise your IQ. Len is a Dodger season ticket holder and extended tickets to my two boys and me weeks ago. The evening presented an opportunity to catch up on "things" while the Dodgers took on the reigning World Series champs. The two teams are 1-2 in the major league rankings of winning percentage this year with the Dodgers ranked first. A good game was expected but the home team did much better and in dramatic fashion.

 

 

Dodger Stadium is an engaging and comfortable venue to enjoy a baseball game. The food is varied and the tasty menu is topped by the famous Dodger Super Dog. An all beef foot long that is a meal all by itself. The souvenirs are tempting as well and the boys were more than overjoyed with the authentic caps. Didn't even want to bend the visor or remove the stickers and labels.



The game was a low scoring affair with the Dodgers unable to score against the Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer who is the oldest, maybe second oldest, player on a current major league roster. His pitches rarely perked the speed gun beyond 84 miles per hour with most offerings in the mid 70's range. But he kept the team off balance all night. But I am getting ahead of myself a bit. An unexpected surprise blindsided me when, of all things, I went to buy a bag of peanuts and a small cup of beer.

Wandering over to the food stand I was undecided as to what would go best with the beer. For some reason a cold beer sounded appealing and a salted treat to go with it was a no brainer. The choices included a Dodger pretzel, peanuts, and something else that escapes me at the moment. The pretzel just did not look appealing. Maybe if the Dodger pretzel were blue then the curiosity factor may have won me over. No, peanuts was the right choice because the individual treats requires extra attention that stretches out the pleasure.

So now it was my turn to order and I was ready- I least I thought so. The older woman (who am I to say "old lady"} on the service side of the counter wore her white cap neatly and greeted me with the direct "what can I get you." Well, I would like a beer and bag of peanuts I said succintly as I reached for my wallet. I was ready to had her the cash. But while she efficiently pours the beer she dutifully remarks " I am going to have to card you so please have your ID ready"??!!? Huh! I gave her a half hearted but knowing smile 'yeah, you almost got me there' I thought but before I could express myself she repeated "please have your ID ready because I have to see it."

I gave her a closer look now. Glasses look rather thick, might be missing a tooth or two, more than a few hairs that were not white - who is this gorgeous chick who was hitting on me? So like the "kid" who just got his license I proudly handed her my license. She took one quick look and said "that's not you." What the...I knew she was right. For the last three years I have wondered who would call me out on this but it never happened. Not the multitude of guards at work, not the TSA agents across the country, not the various businesses who needed to see an ID to complete a transaction. ALL ACCEPTED MY ID AS ME. But acceptance was not forthcoming from this sharp eyed, no nonsense chick.

Because of my excellent driving record the ID photo is 7 years or so out of date. That in itself should not be problematic but lose 85 pounds and shave the mustache - now that is a problem. I still don't know if she was messing with me or not but she completed the transaction without missing a beat. It was only a month ago that I was lamenting in these pages how I was sold a movie ticket at a Senior discounted price by a pimply faced whipper snapper (whatever that means). I didn't ask for the discount.

 

Once I returned to my seat I shared my peanuts- bag is huge- while savoring the much appreciated cold drink. The Dodgers were presented an opportunity in the bottom of the 9th inning to get back into the game which they graciously accepted. Phillie closer Brad Linge, who was spectacular in the role last year on the way to the World Series, has been terrible so far this year.

He let a couple of Dodger on base but had two out when the third baseman booted a ball for an error. The bases were loaded, two outs and up come Ethier. He promptly doubles down the right field line to end the game. And as a footnote, the next night the same two combatants were at it again as Ethier homers to win the game off Linge.





Once the fans calmed down after the walk-off heroics, it was time for the scheduled fireworks. It was a great way to end a great evening. Thanks, Len. Thanks, beer lady. Thanks Andre Ethier.