A Break Until the New Year

I am taking off the holidays. After the first of the new year, I will do my blog once a month. That way I can do other things too!

Vicki came back! More People are Coloring.

Labor Day was very pleasant. It was in the mid-eighties (which is unusually low for this time of year).  The food, company and weather were perfect.  Nylah is growing like a weed! She has a good disposition, so sweet!  My grandsons, Devin, Kevin and Christopher "are taller than me!  Heather's boyfriend Jake along with my grandson Christopher and Kevin fixed my hammock so it was more comfortable to use.  Alyssa will have her baby (a boy) on the 26, (at least that is the date they have told her).  The family is excited to welcome a new one in less than a month!   Nylah's father,  Lorence polished up the barbecue.  It was also my granddaughter's Kayla's sixteenth birthday which we celebrated with brownies, ice cream and whipped cream.  We had a lot going on.  Didn't get Devin in pictures.  He ran off when picture taking was going on.

Shelley and Kayla

Heather and her Boyfriend Jake

Christopher and his Cousin Heather

Great- Granddaughter Nylah, So Cute

Shelley and Kevin

Two Sisters, Jennifer and Shelley

Jennifer, Shelley with Me

Shelley and Kevin on My New Hammock

Sisters Crystal and Kayla

Alyssa who is Due toward the End of
September with her Cousin Crystal

I Think This is the First Picture of Just Kevin and Me

We had our first class using colored pencils.  There were six students.  Linda and I sat next to each other and Linda kept saying, "I'm going to love this class!"   Well I agree with her. We worked on how to make an even, flat layer of color.  We looked at varying the intensity of color by pressure. Of course, I have used pressure to make it darker, but she also talked about putting layer upon layer to make it darker.  It is hard to do the basics when you are anxious to be further along. But I do need to work on this.

The Secondary Colors, Green, Purple and Orange are
Actually Blending the Primary Colors to Make Them.
I have not done this before.  The idea is to make
it look like it was painted.  I'm a little sloppy and I need
to get a good brush to get the crumbs off my work.

We've started on a color wheel, with the
inside point the lightest and working outward
to make it darker.  I didn't blend it.

Shelley and I went to our Red Hat dinner held at Cafe Med. This a great group of women.   We were all so happy to see Vicki.  Her husband had died 5 months ago (it doesn't seem that long ago!).  Several of us have lost husbands, so I think that was a draw for me, but I like all of them.

Shelley is talking to Vicki

Evelyn, Judie and Jo

At head of the table is Vicki, I'm on her left, then Evelyn,
Judie,  Jo, Stephanie, Pamela, Chrysta and Shelley

Stephanie, Pamela and Chrysta

Barbara let me know that the Sierra Club was sponsoring a film that was shown at The Maya called Blue Gold; World Water Wars.  A very worthwhile movie that talked about corporations trying to buy all the water in the world.  Some people have fought back and won.  Much more needs to be done.   I joined Barbara along with her friend Chris.   Two of her friends, Doris and Cindy, we saw right after the movie.  They had gone with us when we went to the Tejon Ranch Conservancy earlier this year.  This synopsis came from Wikipedia on the movie we saw:

Blue Gold: World Water Wars examines environmental and political implications of the planet's dwindling water supply, and posits that wars in the future will be fought over water.^[4]The film also highlights some success stories of water activists around the world. 

At Chemo, I saw how they set up the coloring books and colored pencils. It was placed in a nice basket by the coffee. There have been several people who have used them. I'm happy about it, because it is a good stress reliever.  Some people have already decided to buy their own to do at home.

My Donation being put to Good Use

I met my friend Janet at Mexicali's.  I had gone to one of the art stores to replenish some of what I need.  I saw a coloring book of owls and this store had a sale of up to 60%.  Janet loves owls, so I bought the book and a set of 12 color pencils to get her started.  She does get stressed sometimes and I think this could help.

So that is it for the week.  It was a good week.  I hope your week went well and I will see you next Sunday.                         Rachel

Update on my Kitties

An update on my kitties, Pepper and Daisy:  Pepper is extra loving since her two week adventure somewhere outside. I think she is very happy to be back. Daisy has learned to be a little more independent. She used to follow Pepper to the living room, but she finally comes out on her own starting when Pepper was away. I think she found that it was okay to come out, so now Daisy comes out and Pepper follows.

Pepper has become more loving!

Daisy has become more brave!

I have complained a lot that my nails have become dry, brittle and very week. I hear I'm not getting enough protein. I have not changed my eating pattern substantially, so I don't think that is the problem. I am getting chemotherapy. It is Herceptin. It doesn't make me feel bad, but it could have an affect on my heart. I will have an echocardiogram in a couple of weeks to see if there is a problem. A doctor friend of mine suggested that the chemotherapy may be causing my nail problem. It is frustrating because it breaks even in the nail bed. I have used creams, lotions and oils on my nails. I'm not sure they help. I also have tried pills like Biotin and a multivitamin. I still take those.  That would be long term if it is going to help!  So, I think I have tried all the types of polishes for strengthening my nails. Most don't last well at all and my nails were still breaking!  Well I saw that OPI has this nail strengthener called Nail Envy. When I go for a pedicure, I pick OPI, as it lasts much longer than other nail polishes.  I think I finally found what works!  If you have a problem with you nails, check out OPI. I am really impressed and relieved to find something that works!  By the way, gel does not work for me because they file across the whole nail to help make it stick better. My nails are already thin. I don't need more of it removed.

My daughter Shelley talked about going to the coast for Independence Day. I just thought "hot and crowded".  Ugh. Neither of these are appealing to me. Then she said that there was a concert and fireworks show on the other side of town. I bowed out of this also for the same reason.  I know I would have loved this when I was younger.  I no longer enjoy this. There used to be a fireworks display put on at Bakersfield College three blocks away. We didn't see the ground displays from my home, but we did see the ones shot into the night sky from my front yard. They stopped this because of cost.  I liked when I could see it from my home, because I can go into my home immediately and cool down.

My daughter Ronda in Illinois sent me pictures of their celebration.  Their food sounded great. Here is a picture of Ronda and her partner Tom.

Tom and Ronda

Our Red Hat group met at Dewars, a local well-known ice cream parlor.  This is a once a year event.  My daughter Shelley and I enjoyed it a lot. I brought my own whipped cream because they use marshmallow cream.  Shelley got ........... And I got a banana split.  This is a once a year experience.  I also took a sweater because it can get soooo cold in there. It is okay for a few minutes, but after a bit, I feel it in my bones!  They also have wonderful chews which are addictive to me. I took some peanut butter chews home. As you might notice, extremes in temperatures are very difficult for me to handle!  And, I was not always like this!

Me, Evelyn and Shelley, my daughter

Me and my daughter Shelley

Those of us who came for ice cream:
In back Claudia, Jo
in front Shelley, Evelyn, me and Judie

Judie, one of our Red Hat ladies asked if anyone had given shots and Shelley said "Rachel has".  She needed an estrogen shot in her bottom. I could not draw up the liquid to give the shot, but then this young woman comes in who was an RN. She did it but was unwilling to give the shot. I tried twice and the needle would not go in. We got Evelyn who noted the end was in two parts (a deformed needle) which was probably the reason it wouldn't go in.  I was just imagining how much this was hurting her. I wasn't willing to push harder. So she was going to take it home and put a new needle on it.  That was stressful!  And to think I used to have a terrible fear of needles.  I don't want anyone to hurt from this!  Next time we meet in September,  it will be at the Crystal Palace.

I drew another toad.  We have class on Tuesday.  This six week round we will be drawing a peacock, a lizard and a snake.

Another Toad!

I did have dinner at Mexicali's with my friend Janet and she is doing well.  And that was my week.  It was even a little slower, but that is okay.  I expect to be doing more this next week.  I do hope you have a good week and I will see you next Sunday.               Rachel

Visiting Barbara in Seal Beach

I've slept a lot this week. It seems when I've done a lot (at least to me),  I find myself so exhausted!  Ugh. At least I'm not working. I sleep In between events and I regenerate my energy level. 

Dainette, Meagan's mom sent this to Billy (my grandson) on Facebook:

"Although you are Uncle Billy I want to thank you for stepping in to the parental role with us to raise these 4 other kids. AlyssaBeth, MeLeigha, Gavin and CoCo. You are here for them, you sacrifice your time for them, whether it be baseball, cheer or just hanging out with them in the yard. You've stepped in and I'm thankful for that. Happy Father's Day to you."

Meagan and Billy have two sons, Conner and Kason. They have another child on the way due in January. Billy has been very responsible, working full time and also going to school. I am so proud of him.  I don't think I could handle so much!

My friend Lynn responded about the ridiculous prices for seeing Hamilton in Los Angeles ($439). She said PBS is going to film it and show it on TV.  I think that is great. That charge for tickets leaves it out of reach for the majority of people. And I thought it was just Los Angeles, but tickets in New York are $845 each according to Lynn!  That is just incredible!

At art class with Carol Bradshaw this week, I brought in what I had done on a rhinoceros. I got the idea, but mine looked like a robot. I didn't work on it further this week and I'm not willing to show what I did. But I will next week. She wants me to have the two frogs I was working on and the rhino done when we have class in two weeks. 

There is a major fire going on the south side of Lake Isabella. My teacher Carol lives on the north-west side of the lake.  I feel bad for the people affected by this.  200 homes were destroyed by this fire and a lot of buildings were damaged.  It is not contained much, so there will likely be more destroyed and damaged. It is so early for this to happen. I think this summer will be bad. 

I went to Seal Beach to visit my high school friend Barbara. She lives in Leisure World. To get in, you must be approved (Barbara gave my name to the gate). It was so good to spend time with her. She has a wonderful caregiver Debbie who lives with her. Barbara has dementia. And as she says "that does not mean I am dumb."  She certainly is not.  She was one of the smartest students in high school and she became an RN working in hospice (I did too- working in hospice as a social worker) She reads around 4 books a week. We can have a conversation, but she forgets new facts I share with her. I wrote them down for her to look at.  I also loaned her my Imagaga, my senior yearbook from high school. She remembers people and their names from this period very well. She is much better than me from this time.  We went to Main Street in Seal Beach to have lunch and went to this very nice shell store she introduced me to. I drove and Barbara gave directions. We had no problems. She volunteers at a meal program done by a Catholic group in Los Angeles once a week.  I feel bad because we didn't go on Saturday, but it was the day I had to go home.  She has agreed to go to our 50th Reunion for our high school but she doesn't believe she will be alive then. Well, I also have problems and may not be able to go, but we are going to plan on it now and see what happens. If we go, we will share a room and I will stay by Barbara's side.   Here are a few pictures we took of each other or had taken.

This is from IFL Science and it is fascinating:

5 Laws about the Dead may Spook You 

http://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/five-laws-about-the-dead-that-may-spook-you/all/

This Friday is Carol Bradshaw's student showing from 5 to 8 pm. I will have three framed pictures in it. I'm going to find this sheet I drew on about 4 weeks before I started these lessons believe me, I've improved so much. You might think I am kidding when you see it, but I'm not.  I don't think I was even kindergarten level.  So I have grown a lot doing this. So if you think you cannot learn, you are wrong.  I didn't think I could do so well.  It will be at the Bakersfield Art Center, 1607 19th Street. Please come. But this will be up for the month of July if you can't make it that night. 

That is it for my week. I hope you are doing well.  See you next Sunday.                   Rachel

June Primary and the Proposition to get a Small Amount of Sales Tax to the Libraries Failed!!

I had lunch with my friends Valerie and Sherry at Lam's, a local Chinese Restaurant. My favorite dishes are scrambled eggs with shrimp, mixed vegetables that are stir fried.  We asked if it was possible with no extra fat or at least very little. It was delicious!  In addition, we got some lemon chicken. I then had lots of leftovers.  We haven't seen each other in months, so it was catch up.  We plan to get together in about three weeks. I missed these women. They have been a large part of my life. 

When I saw Carol, my art teacher, she had great ideas on how to "punch up" my drawings. She made a point of letting me know how far along I have come.  I agree. Even though there is much need for more work, she said that I have come along ways from where I was six months ago.  So I worked on three drawings I have already done and the fourth one is another toad.  

I added more shading and detail

I noticed on the first picture of Pepper that the right
eye was bigger than the left eye.  I made them as
even as I could get.

I added more detail and corrected the front leg.

I think he has a lot of character, but
I still need to work on him.
I like that he looks old.  That gives him character.

While at my art class I had this constant urge to urinate but unable to do much. Carol, my teacher is an RN and recommended Azo an over the counter medication for women with urinary tract infections (UTI's) and also said to drink cranberry juice and see a doctor. So I did, but took Azo before doing a home test to see if I had a UTI but taking Azo makes the urine red/orange won't show if I have an infection or not. So I went to Kaiser Urgent Care.. I was told to give sample urine, however, they couldn't tell if I had an infection because of the red/orange color.  From start to leaving after getting my medication was an hour and 20 minutes.  For urgent care, I thought it was pretty good!  I was given Cipro, an antibiotic which took care of the problem fast. Thank goodness!  I slept a lot this week.  I think recovering from all this.

California Primary Election  was this week. The 1/8 of one percent sales tax for our libraries did not pass. It requires a 2/3 majority vote.   It had a simple majority. Not enough.  I feel we are going back to the Stone Age with not getting this.  If they farm this out to a for profit business to run the libraries, our libraries will have even less monies to work with. It is a crisis!

That was my week.  I hope yours went well.  I will see you next Sunday.              Rachel

Memorial Weekend and Paul's Birthday

Pepper went immediately under my bed when I brought her in after catching her. She made it clear to Daisy and me to keep our distance. We did. What is interesting is that Daisy became more independent while Pepper was gone. First Daisy would wait until Pepper came out before she would come out. For the first 3 or 4 days after Pepper was gone, Daisy did not come out. Then she started coming out and then started coming out earlier and earlier than when Pepper was here.  Then Daisy started posing on the arm of my armchair like Pepper did. So funny. I had no idea that adult cats learn from each other.

Pepper gradually started coming out.  She leapt onto my bed Monday night, but upon meeting Daisy, she hissed at her and headed back under the  bed. The next day I saw her by the litter box.  So since I'm not  in there all day long, I think she was getting out more. At night there has been a cat outside which I think has been trying to contact Pepper. Maybe she did develop a relationship and she now missed this other cat.  Pepper jumped in my lap Tuesday night. She was still keeping her distance from Daisy. Daisy had been crying a lot feeling not accepted by Pepper.  Pepper is coming around because they each will get in their beds which are on my bed.  And Daisy isn't crying like she was.

Pepper sat on my hip when I was in bed

This was my husband Paul's birthday week. I had been thinking of him all week. I didn't get teary which I will give credit to Paxil and I appreciate it. I know that people would say that is not what an antidepressant is for, but really I so overreact to these situations without Paxil.  I'm sad but not devastated now.  He would have been 75 years. So much has happened in the world since he died. I wonder what he would have thought.  A very smart and caring man. I'm a Democrat and he was a Republican. As much we were different parties we felt similar about people. I still miss him, and probably always will.

My box of Hopeful Harvest came. I got broccoli, cabbage, cameo apples, strawberries and a cantaloupe. Recipes include Sautéed Cabbage, Broccoli Tomato Salad and Penne with Garlicky Broccoli. They all sound good!  I'm glad I'm getting this.

I called my step-mom Kate along with several others to let them know the good news  of Pepper being back in case they hadn't read my blog yet. And, while calling Kate,  I asked her what she thought of my pictures and she said "elephants have knees. You have the legs like there are no joints". I didn't notice that, so I watched videos per Kate's suggestion and many pictures. She also felt the back leg of the toad looked off. The problem was that the picture of the toad had the leg cut off, so I was imagining the foot was tucked under to push off.  I can imagine the leg tucked under. So I did work on the elephant.   I put in the knees/elbows and ankle/wrist joints.  I also put in more wrinkles and did more shading. I did not work on the toad.  When I see Carol Tuesday, she will probably have ideas on what to do.

More Detail on Mom and Baby

Memorial Day gathering was nice. Kayla helped me with some housekeeping and some food preparation which we kept simple. I wanted to go to the cemetery, but I was tuckered out. I will go later.  It has been in the 100's, so I think I will have to do this early

 My grandchildren - Heather, Alyssa, Christopher, and
Kevin.  I rarely see Christopher, so this was a treat.

Shelley, my daughter and me

Kevin with his Mom Shelley

Alyssa with Heather trying to feel her
baby.

I met my new neighbor Teddy, short for Theodora. They were doing major cutting in the backyard and wanted to pull the truck up in my driveway because it made it easier to get the cuttings they were doing. She told me that they will take three weeks working on their new home before moving in.  The previous owner, Celeste planted rose bushes and gave them loving care. Teddy and her husband cut them down.  I one time looked over the fence from an old neighbor I used to have to find everything I planted was removed.  You just have to let go and recognize we don't all have the same taste.

I read this fascinating book called The Violet Hour: Great Writers at the End by Katie Roiphe, who had a near death experience herself at age twelve. She had done research and interviewing of family, friends and others who had close contact with one of these five writers at the end of each of their lives. I found it fascinating in that they also struggled with mortality, death and dying as I and I would assume most people have or will, especially when our own lives or the lives of those we are close to are threatened. Since these people were accomplished writers and dealt with feelings, we get to read it from each of their perspectives.  The author of this book is also very accomplished and her style brings it all together quite well.  I did not have all the same reactions as these writers, but people do have different ways of looking at mortality (though we also have much in common) that I found it reassuring that we are all going to go through this. 

I also read a very short one, called Gratitude by Oliver Sacks, MD who shared how his life experiences colored how he dealt with death and dying.  He was an excellent writer, so I knew I would enjoy this one too.  His is a very positive approach.

A wonderful response from an online advice column. This particular question was on dealing with grief.  The initial question was, "My friend died and I don't know what to do."  It is a very touching response!

http://www.thatericalper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/boatsh.jpg

The Red Hats met at Mama Roomba this week.  I love meeting these women!  They are strong, warm and supportive. Shelley likes this restaurant the best. I agree with her. Such great food and the sauces they put on dishes are delicious at this restaurant!  Yum!  Paul and I used to be a part of a dinner group which Stephanie, her husband John and three other couples were in. I broke away from them because my man husband and they still had theirs.   Well, I'm coming along and I would like to meet them again. Stephanie will see about the women getting together.  I would love that. 

From the closest on the left, doing a U shape  _
Judie, Shelley, Me, Julie (Stephanie's granddaughter), Stephanie
Evelyn, or queen, Pamela (got her in a bad position!) and Jo

My fiend Cheri Sperl had an open house at Dagney's Coffee Company on 20th and Eye Streets at the First Friday for June. We used to worked at Memorial Hospital years ago, she as a Dietitian and me as a Social Worker.  We made contact maybe a year ago at the Bakersfield Art Center.  She is an outstanding artist and her show last night was all cats. She plans to have a future show of all dogs.  What I found so striking is that she got the essence of cat. I'm mesmerized looking at them. I bought all her cards.  I can't afford a painting.  Her paintings will be up for the month of June if you would like to see them. It's a real treat!  Here are just four of them.  I love them!

I slept a lot this week.  I'm glad I had energy to get up today.  I don't think it is the heat, because I keep the temperature in a cool range.  Anyway, I don't mind sleeping.  It is just that I was going to do things around the house that I didn't do.  Still, it was a good week and I think next week will be too!.  I hope your week was good and this next one works for you.  I will see you next Sunday.                           Rachel

Last Concert of the Season by Stringfever - What Fascinating Instruments and Performance!

I cannot find my cat Pepper since yesterday.  It is very upsetting!  I know cats will go somewhere to die.  At least I have seen this before. And if she died, I don't know why. If she isn't feeling well, I don't know why. She is a house cat and when the door is open with just the screen to the outside, she doesn't attempt to go outside. I continue to look for her and I'm feeling blue about it. Ugh!  Upsetting!  

When I saw my doctor the week before, I did ask her about dealing with ringing ears. She gave me a handout that recommended a machine that does white noises and nature sounds. So I bought one. This one is made by Homemedics  and is called Deep Sleep. They do have settings for an hour or less, but the sleep mode will stay on until you turn it off. So I have been using it every night for this week, andI do think my sleep is deeper. The setting  "Everglades" seems to be the most helpful for me. My ears ring very loud and when I'm active I can ignore it.  But at night, when it's quiet, there is nothing to distract me.  Also if  anyone  asks me about it, it draws attention to it which makes it harder to ignore!  I'm impressed with this and I will let you know anything new. When in bed, I lie on my side as I read.  I was playing "summer night" - crickets and toads and I became aware that my right hear hears the high chirp, because when I turned over, the left side cannot hear it at all.  So strange, since the other side is so clear!  So I just did my own hearing test!

My friend Janet and I met at Fresh Choice Noodle Bar for dinner before going to the last performance of the Bakersfield Concert Association.   Wonderful dinner with a glass of wine.  I always enjoy eating here. It has excellent Thai food!

The Bakersfield Community Association had their last concert for the season: Springfever. Three brothers and a cousin from London, England make up the group.  They play electric violins, viola and cello.  They could sound like a huge orchestra, an electric guitar or organ. They might have other effects they can do that I didn't hear. They were very talented and have made a show which includes a lot of humor. I highly recommend them!  They come back to the United States yearly.  Check if they could be in your area.  You will really enjoy them!

WEBSITE for Stringfever Band:        http://www.stringfever.co.uk/

The electric instruments they play are manufactured by the company Violectra which does violins, violas, cellos and basses.  They are beautiful.  They can sound traditional or like a  rock band.  They look and sound beautiful.  The reason they started using them was they were buskers in Europe (playing in subways and on streets).  They were trying to make enough money to tour all over Europe and they needed to get people to watch them instead of all the other groups which were out there busking too.  They succeeded in getting the recognition they needed to move up and become a steady group.

Springfever Band

Violin or Viola

Violin and Viola
violectra.co,uk

I have mentioned that these concerts will only be on Sunday at 2:30 this next year.   The first one is September 25, 2016.  I know of some people who did not sign up for the series this last year because of the time of the concerts.  Hopefully, this change will bring them back.  And, they will be in Harvey Auditorium with parking right there. There will be five concerts at a cost of $75 if you pay for the whole season. I think it is a very special program at a reasonable price. Here is their website where you can get more details and buy your tickets. They have reciprocity with 15 other communities in California.  If they have seats available, you can go to their concerts by showing your card at no extra charge.  If you pay for each concert individually, it will cost $35 for an adult, $10 for a college student and $5 for students through high school. This is an excellent deal.

Website for the Bakersfield Community Concert Association:      www.bakersfieldcca.org

I ordered something from Amazon and when it was delivered, the post office sent me a notice that the had delivered it. I went to the mailbox about an hour later. There was a piece of junk mail, but no package. I feel the post office does a good job. My suspicion is that it was stolen. I wanted to talk to someone but couldn't reach anyone with the numbers I had. I went to the post office and they gave me a number to call which had an area code of 877. They said they would start an investigation.  My concern was that someone stole it and I hope that person would be stopped.   Then it comes in the mail the following day and I get a call that at the time the mail was being delivered the postwoman thought someone was suspicious and decided to deliver it the next day.  Wow!  I was impressed. Very professional!

II got a message from my art teacher Carol Bradshaw asking where I was.  She had said no class this week, though I thought that was odd.  She was talking with someone at the time, so I didn't want to interrupt her,  So I think I'll have to have a contour drawing of an elephant by then to stay on schedule.  Ugh!  'I've been working on my art.  I went to Hart Park for a change, but it was too hot to me.  I need to find a shady place next time.  But, while there, the ducks came close and decided to sleep.  It was cute.  I worked more on my rock pile and I just started on doing a mama elephant with her baby.

Ducks at Hart Park Napping Close to Me

Added more detail

Just a start.  Mom and baby.

My niece sent a picture she found of me from about 30 years ago.  It is how I see myself, though I am much older now. It's funny how our memory of what we think of ourselves stops at such an early age! I also went around with my camera taking many pictures.  I know this was annoying, but I'm glad I got them now.

Me Around the Age of 35 or so

So Shelley's husband Michael came over yesterday to get AirDop working.  I can send pictures by email, but this is easier and faster.  It took him little time to get it going.  Thank you!  Thank you!

So that is it for the week.  I sure hope my cat Pepper is okay and shows up.  It is stressful to not find her!  See you next Sunday.              Rachel