King's Game Mobile

Took the very charming dog Jesse James to the mobile. He is a dalmation/pit bull mix and is very, very sweet. He was featured on the mid-game TV spot and did an outstanding job by looking at the camera, wagging his tail, and responding to the talent giving him a treat.

We took a dog that was black and white like Jesse, and people thought the two dogs were the same.

I took a video of Jesse's tail wagging because he kept it going like a metronome for almost the whole game! So far I can't seem to get it to play on anything other than my phone.

More Dramamine and Hiking

Drove up to Foresthill again and took the Deadwood road down to the Western States Trail. Walked downhill on the road to the Deadwood Cemetery and then to road's end.

It was creepy too! I'm all alone with just Commando. When we get to the restored cemetery (with just a memorial headstone, no apparent graves) I look at Commando and his hackles are up. Whooooo.

I also dropped my cellphone, which I didn't notice at first. I had to walk up and down the hill to the cemetery to see it.

Walked back up the WST, which paralleled the road, and found it a much nicer trek. Saw plenty of fresh and not so fresh deer tracks as well as some fresh animal scat but no actual animals. Possibly saw some bear scat too, but I'm not completely sure.

Great hike. Next time, I'm going to check out the Devil's Thumb.

Tiny Hike with Brother and Dog

Drove up to the Foresthill Divide as it's a relatively straight road for the mountains. Gave Commando some dramamine and he threw up anyway. Poor doggie.

We first hiked a bit at the Beacroft Trail but stopped when we got to the edge of the canyon leading down to the American River. Although there wasn't much snow, I just didn't fancy going down a steep, wet, snowy, and icy trail and then trying to climb back up.

We drove back down the road and stopped at some forest service road that goes partway into Secret Canyon and hiked around there. We could hear a waterfall but the road didn't go all the way down so we never saw the waterfall.

Could he be any cuter?

Lots of Commando Pics

In picture 1, Commando is napping in his dog basket. In picture 2, we've just finished a walk at Goethe Park near the American River. Commando is lying in the sun while we chat and look around.

Commando at the Granite Regional Dog Park

I've been sick with a cold and out of work but the dog still needs to be walked. I remembered going with Jodi and Bridget to a dog park nearby and thought this might be a good idea. I could sit and rest and Commando could run around like an idiot.

They have moved the park slightly from when I was last there, and the new location is fabulous! It's 2.5 acres with some decomposed granite paths, plenty of grass and even some trees that will eventually make it shady.

There were people (and their dogs) last night and this morning. Commando ran around with every dog that would run with him and was pretty relentless. Every other dog in the park came to me (and my delicious Trader Joe's treats) except Commando. He is so smart, he knows that he'd rather run around than have a treat!

This morning he had a really long exercise because he slipped his collar off and then waited until almost all of the other dogs went before deigning to come near me. I think his tongue was hanging out for an hour after we left.

Devil's Falls

Based on the great waterfalls page, I drove east to Colfax to Devil's Falls in the pouring rain. The excellent directions got me right there and it's a beautiful drive, even in the bad weather.

Commando and I hiked around from the falls to the bridge and down to the river. I had Commando off leash and he was reasonably obedient. I won't be able to trust him yet around other people, but he's definitely getting it.

He did learn an important lesson too that's kind of funny. He got carsick again (I'll have to take him to the vet for that) and so I stopped in the middle of the road to let him out to finish being sick and clean up. He scampered around happily and refused to come back to me in spite of the treats.

I was in the middle of the (isolated, dirt) road and could see a pull out about 100 feet ahead. I got in, left the driver's side door open, started up the car, and drove to the pull out. Wow! Commando had a complete attitude adjustment and decided that maybe coming when I called was in fact the best option. He got a treat and some ear scratching as a reward. I also put him in the front seat to see if that made his stomach any better.

He really is the perfect companion dog for me. He's smart though which means I have to be smarter with training. On several instances you can see him thinking, "Hmmm, do I want the treat she's offering, or is what I'm doing now more entertaining?"

I hope we can get him over this car sickness because he loves hiking and hiking involves getting in the car and driving. He seems to recover quickly and still loves hopping in the car for a ride so we'll see. Maybe the vet will have some insight.

He's curled up now sleeping in his new dog basket from Ikea. So cute.

Could There Be More Commando?

Let's see. He's now fairly reliably pooping outdoors but I can't trust him not to pee indoors so he's on a leash when we're inside.

We've had several great walks around the neighborhood and along the American River. Today we're going up to the snow (hope he doesn't get too sick), probably to Donner Summit. Or maybe we'll go to Carson Pass instead. Hmmm.

Last night he and Bridget played for a few hours while Jodi and I got Thai food for dinner.

Okay, right now he's playing on the bed, messing with the covers and if a quilt headed blob with occasional dog feet popping out isn't cute and funny I don't know what is!

I promise there will be a non-Commando post here soon.

Commando and the Dog Door

Last night Commando figured out how to come IN the dog door, and this morning he figured out how to go OUT the dog door. I'm still waiting to see if he can figure out WHEN he needs to go in or out because I still can't trust him not to use the living room carpet as his own personal bathroom. Last night he had another little accident. Oops.

Commando and Cesar Millan

That Cesar guy is really good. I've been walking Commando in the morning and in the evening. He's reasonably good on the leash, and I generally let him roam around freely. We do "wait" at curbs though and he's very good at that.

I was practicing heeling with him and he was sort of getting it but there was a lot of lunging and "NO"ing and correction. Then I did the tap with the back foot on his hind end and made the "Tcchh" noise and with 2 repetitions Commando was heeling beautifully and walking very calmly at my side. I swear I could have dropped the leash completely!

I now generally let him run around on the leash and then about 3 blocks from home he heels. I also have him heel when we encounter other dogs.

So far he's been delighted to meet other dogs and immediately does the play bow.

Good dog Commando!

We're still working on getting him to use the dog door.

Commando and Bridget Redux

We went on a longer bike ride today and I didn't want to take Commando. As I was walking him in the morning, Jodi brought Bridget by and we let them go off leash in my backyard. They seemed to enjoy chasing each other around the yard with lots of play bowing and tail wagging. We brought Commando over to Jodi's and let him hang out with Bridget in the back yard while we rode the bikes.

We rode from Sac State to Old Sac and then on up to the Cornerstone for breakfast. We then called Mom to come pick us up. The dogs did great together and Commando is now happily sacked out on the floor.

I also got some potty training in with him and was able to give him treats in the back yard for going there instead of in the living room.

Biking with the Dog

Went to Goethe Park with Commando to test out biking with him. Jodi had a great tip to speed up, and hold him out and to the side. It was a little dicey, but after a bit (maybe a 10th of a mile) he seemed to catch on and we got some good exercise.

I shoved the bike in the car and Commando and I then walked around a little. We followed a deer trail and startled a doe and a buck.

We also introduced Commando and Bridget. They got along just fine and played happily on the front lawn. I think they will do well together in the back yard too.

It's nice to know that we can hang out with our dogs and not have a big fight.

2nd Day with Commando

He was great during T-giving dinner. We kept him on the leash and tied him to a table near the dining room (it's all open) and he was calm and relaxed and lied down and napped during dinner. He enjoyed a few bits of turkey and some gravy and even about 2 pieces of bread from the stuffing in his dinner.

Walked him in the morning around the neighborhood and then Andy and I headed up to Echo Summit to snowshoe. Commando sacked out on the back seat of the car. Unfortunately, when we got the the twisty mountain roads, he got car sick and hurled his breakfast. We drove slower after that and stopped a few times to give him a rest. He seemed a little uncomfortable a few times, but otherwise okay.

He really enjoyed the hike and the snow. He pranced around and sniffed every scent he could get near his nose. At one point, he even rolled little snow balls with his nose and then licked them up. He likes to toss stuff in the air when playing and he enjoyed the snow. He definitely frightened the little mousies and other " Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beasties" by sticking his nose in a variety of downed tree holes and snuffling deeply.

Great day, lots of fun and it's good to know that Commando will be a good companion on the hikes.

1st Morning with Commando

I kept him in my room for the night and it was a bit of a chore, but we worked it out. At first, he sacked out on the carpet on a towel I put down for him and I dropped off to sleep thinking all was going to be good.

After about 45 minutes, he woke up and wanted to play. He tossed his toys around and paced around my room, occasionally putting his forepaws up on the bed. I tried letting him go outside, which he loved as long as I was with him. Then he started LEAPING onto my bed and I would have to drag him off saying, "NO." This went on for a while. I could keep him off the bed only by staying up and saying, "No" everytime he would jump up.

I wasn't getting much sleep this way. Finally he settled back down on the carpet and tried to drop off. Within about 15 minutes he had leaped up on the bed and snuggled right down. I thought, he's quiet, I can sleep, so I just him be. I got most of a good night's sleep this way and so did Commando.

When morning came, we went in the backyard and I tried to encourage him to "do his business" but to no avail. I left him out there (checking on him) and went inside to make coffee. Then I got dressed and we went out for a little walk. He enjoyed the walk, didn't do any marking or any "business." We got back and I left him in the back yard for a while (checking on him).

I was doing some cleaning and tidying and after a while I let him back in. He followed me around, very curious and playful. I checked in the backyard and---success---he did his business!

Now I'm relaxing and he's lying under the feet of my recliner relaxing himself.

So far so good.

I can hear the helicopters overhead for the "Run to Feed the Hungry."

New Dog -- Commando

I finally bit the bullet and got a dog from the SPCA. His name is Commando as you might have noticed from the title. He's a shepherd mix, about 1 year and a few month's old.

Plus: He's trainable, sensitive to verbal correction, curious, and interested in being a companion. We went for a walk and he seemed to enjoy it although he needs leash training. We saw some deer and he stood up on his hind feet (like a human) perhaps to get their scent. He's definitely a sceny hound, sniffing everything thoroughly.

Minus: He's very, very active. He's been on several walks today and he's been exploring the house and rarely sitting or lying down. I assume that eventually he'll calm down. He also may not be house trained. He's already had some accidents in the house. I hope it's just nerves and that he's in an unfamiliar place. Alternatively, I hope he learns quickly.

So far so good.

New Gate in Progress

When I replaced most of my fence a few years ago I also put in a new gate to my backyard. It was a cheap, pre-fab, stapled together gate and although it has served its purpose well, it is time to replace it. The stapled boards have fallen off and the replacement screws now tear out of the worn cross pieces. The hinge is bent and buckled.

This picture is me preparing to load the raw materials into my Jetta after a shopping trip at Home Depot. You'll see other pictures later as I put the gate together.

--
Sent from my Treo

New Fone Phinally

I'd been checking my cell phone company fairly often for new phones and they just started selling the Samsung Blackjack. It seems to have all of the features I need (although it looks like I might want a bigger screen) so I ordered it. Will update this when the phone arrives.

Update: Well, the phone arrived last night. It's very small, I almost feel like I might lose it. It's not hooked up to my service yet and I'll be calling today on my old phone. It's got a nice feel and I like the keyboard layout very much. I'm not so sure that I like that it doesn't have a touch screen. I wasn't sure if I would miss it, but touch screen is an easier interface. I added some dog mobiles to the calendar. So far so good.

Day 3 of the Desert Adventure

We made reservations at the fabulous Furnace Creek Inn for brunch so spent most of the day mooching around the Valley taking in a variety of the roadside attractions. We gazed at the Borax works from the parking lot and drove through the aptly named Mustard Canyo (formed of yellow mud). We strolled to Natural Bridge, although not all the way to the end of the canyon. We drove through Artist's Palette (colored rocks) and got out once to stroll around. We toured Zabriskie Point.

The brunch was outstanding! The highlight of the meal was the smoked salmon, lightly seared ahi tuna sashimi, and mounds of delicious caviar with all the fixin's. They also had blueberries and blackberries. I'm sorry to say I gorged. Well, there was one mishap. I started eating the blackberries and noticed that one had smashed. I scooped it up with my spoon and added another whole blackberry. Oops, bad taste, that was caviar, not smashed blackberry! They also had petit fours, a rare treat. The service was impeccable, although, the waiter did chuff Petra for not finishing her profiterole.

We then drove all the way to Wildrose Peak and the Charcoal Kilns. The kilns are very interesting. It was late in the day so we didn't hike very far up the trail and stayed mainly on the level bits.

Our last stop was the best and I wish we'd had more time there. We hiked up Mosaic Canyon for a bit but just ran out of daylight. I will definitely do this hike again.

--
Sent from my Treo

Day 2 of the Desert Adventure

We drove, biked (or coasted), and walked down through Titus canyon. It's quite interesting and about everything you can imagine being done with rock has been done. It's colored, folded, melted, torn, dissected, pressed, stacked, tortured, and riven.

We briefly visited Scotty's Castle and ate some taste flavored eating substances. Skip the snack bar unless you're starving.

We hiked all around Ubehebe crater. It was a great way to see it. Your perspective changes as you round the circle. We interrupted a raven enjoying the beauty and testing echo properties of the crater.

Lastly we drove to the racetrack. This is really a whole day trip and best made when everyone is fresh. The road is bad, but I've been on much, much worse. All of the roads we took were rated 4x4 only, but all could be driven with a regular passenger car. Of course, conditions change!

--
Sent from my Treo

Day 1 of the Desert Adventure

The first day was a long driving day. Started out by walking Moose in the morning at the ranch. Reached the superb train station in Wasco just as Petra's train pulled in. It's a new station in a poor Valley town. The bathrooms are particularly nice with motion sensors on everything.

Dr0ve over 155 to 395 to 190 and over Daylight pass to Beatty. We stopped for lunch at the above "Koffee Shop" in Lake Isabella.

I'm a bit disappointed in the El Portal as it looks like a dump and may cost the same as the Stagecoach and Motel 6. The woman who checked us in was very frazzled and said she had just woken up.

There's not much in Beatty so next time it might be prudent to bring food and a camp stove because I'm not sure we're within 50 miles of diners or even a grocery.

--
Sent from my Treo

Petsmart Stockton Blvd Mobile

This is Taylor, an 11 month old white german sheperd mix. He's quite charming and should be easily adopted from the shelter. He enjoys treats and is learning to sit and walk on the leash. He's pretty much mastered sit, and needs more leash work.

We also had Chevy, a 10 year old border collie who was well trained and quite clever. He knew sit, down, and roll over...he also knew that he would get a treat whether or not he performed the trick so he got sloppier and sloppier with the tricks as the day went on.

--
Sent from my Treo

Wasted kayak trip

If any time on the water can be considered wasted, this was. On a previous trip, I'd checked out the William B Pond access to the river. It looked like a nice, calm place to put in. It was calm, but it didn't connect to the river. I had to portage over the cobble rocks that infest the river banks and bushwhack through the willows and poison oak. Might I also add that a kayak is not the best thing to have on your shoulder while bushwhacking? It's not. It's long, it gets stuck on every branch within a mile, and it's heavy.

On the other hand, I got exercise and spent some time in lovely weather along the beautiful American River. I guess I can't complain too loudly.

Jaeda at the Home Show Mobile Adoption

This is Jaeda. A very cute dog with such a cute boo-boo face. My cell phone camera really doesn't do this shot justice! Jaeda is about 6 years old.

Remember to spay and neuter your pets, and feel free to look for adoptable dogs and cats at the Sacramento SPCA.

--
Sent from my Treo

Mobile at Cal Expo

This was the dog I was lucky enough to take. His name is Puppy, and he is 11 months old. Based on his cuteness, calm personality, and the attention he received from the attendees, he will be adopted very quickly.

I almost took him home myself!

--
Sent from my Treo

New Bike

Finally bit the bullet and bought a new bike. I bought a Trek mostly road bike. It's very light, especially compared to my e-Bike. I also bought different shifters and a different seat. The seat is somewhat comfortable, but I wouldn't mind a little more cush.

Rode it to and from work today and it is much easier to peddle and get started and stopped. I'll also have to check and see if more people catch me as a test of speed.

So far so good.

Bike Trip on the Golden Gate Bridge

Donna and I met up with child in tow for a bike trip. We met at the scenic overlook area. I discovered that you can't get to the S.O.A. from southbound 101 so I would recommend parking on the other side in the triangular shaped parking area. That's accessible from both sides of the freeway.



We biked across on the Bay side of the bridge and then turned around after a brief exploration of the SF side. The views are fabulous, although it was overcast and cold.

We biked back on the ocean side of the bridge, and schlepped the bikes down some steps and up some steps back to the S.O.A. We stowed the bikes in my car and then went down to Sausalito to poke around. We ate lunch at a nondescript place next to the water while the child ran around exploring the rocks.

We then went back and sorted out the bikes and headed off in our separate directions. This was fun and we'll definitely do it again. I also saw a good (free!) launch site for the kayak and will look forward to a trip for that.

Mystery of the Yellow Flower

This was growing widely in the gravel near the American River in Goethe Park. It's definitely a spiny, prolific weed. I did a GIS for it, but couldn't find anything quite like it.

--
Sent from my Treo

Walk at Goethe Park

Took a stroll along the American River and saw some turkeys pecking away at the grass. Almost everytime I come here I see the turkeys. They don't look so hard to catch and I wonder how many people try to snag one late in November?

--
Sent from my Treo

Kitty-Puss Put to Sleep

When I got home from camping the cat ate his last meal after meowing for it like he always does. Later in the evening though, he was listless, didn't ask for second dinner, and ignored the food I put out for him.

He spent some time outside, and slept in the bedrooms. When I got up, he was outside walking down the sidewalk (who knows why, perhaps pain) and came inside when I called him. He wasn't asking for food at all. I knew it was time.

Gave him all of the pain medication, about 3 doses. It took him a while, but he finally got pretty dopey. We took him to SAMG around 8 am and he was sent to his final resting place about a half hour later. I should have brought a little piece of his fuzzy blanket as a soft place for him to rest but didn't. I thought about sacrificing the towel, or may pajama pants, but that just wasn't right.

He's being cremated, and they'll call me when his ashes are ready to pick up. I'll be able to scatter him around the backyard, and on the chimney, and even some on the roof...all of his favorite places.

I'm very sad and still crying. I know it's stupid to be upset about a free cat, but he was very special to me and we had a special bond.

Cat, I will miss you and will love you always.

ADP Conference

Director Kathy Jett says the data that providers enter into CalOMS and other systems is critical to help ADP tell a compelling story to get state and federal funding. We save between $1 and $4 for every dollar spent diverting users to treatment from jail. Courts, treatment, and law enforcement are now speaking with one voice on this issue and it helps legislators continue to fund these effective programs.

Deputy Director Michael Cunningham mentioned the "inalienable right to services" that clients have.

Dennis McCarty suggests (and challenges) that more drug dealers are using text messaging and the internet to sell drugs than are prevention and treatment providers to prevent and treat AOD users. With treatnent, timing is everything. When clients call, they shouldn't have to wait a month for help. He also provided some statistics that were interesting (see the CD). Successful treatment outcomes decrease with any delay in providing treatment.

These are my notes for my purposes and are not meant to reflect on ADP policies or practices.

--
Sent from my Treo

Castle Peak Too Hard For Me

My original plan was to drive to the end of the forest service road. I didn't do that because I thought, "Oh, I can walk the whole distance." Plus, I'm not sure my car would have made it.

Well, I can definitely make it to the top of Castle Pass, but when I started up the trail to the peak, I realized it was steep and rocky and I really needed to be much fresher than I was. The views are gorgeous and there was almost no one up there so I took a long time drinking water and eating some dried apricots.

I took the Pacific Crest Trail down instead of the road. It's a much nicer trail, although a bit longer. There are some forest service "roads" that connect the PCT to the road I'd come up. I got a little lost traversing them, but managed to make it back to car okay.

Note to self: don't forget the Advil!

Windy paddle

Drove to Hell Hole to paddle. The water level was down about 30 feet and there was wind as well as many people loading and unloading boats. That translates to too crowded for me.

I headed along to French Meadows which is usually prettier. Well, it was prettier although also down about 30 feet and much, much windier. I battled the waves (most with whitecaps) for a short trip and then called it a day.

I briefly visited Ox Box Reservoir but just couldn't get motivated to unload the kayak.

Fixing My Rack

Finally got the car rack put back together. I had to take a trip down to the store and ask for help. It turns out there's a hex wrench adjustment that needs to be made. Once that was done (and it took a bit to figure out how that worked) the racks are on nice and tight. I'm going to experiment with a little trip onto the American River at say Howe or Watt and then go up and then down. If I'm right, there won't be much current and I'll have no problem. If I'm wrong, I'll have a short paddle to some current area and then have to turn around.

Castle Peak

Drove up to inspect some work done on Jodi's cabin and then headed to the Castle Peak/Boreal exit off 80. Jodi wanted a steep climb and I wanted a relatively flat hike. Neither of us had (we thought) gone this way before, but I figured that if couldn't be that hard as it was such a popular trail.

We started off around 4 pm and the trail climbed steadily (but not horribly) upwards. We reached a trail marker to the "Hole in the Wall" trail which climbed steeply to the left and Jodi headed off that way. I continued along the forest service road.

This is a very pretty trail with great views of meadows and Castle Peak. About the last 1/2 mile is a pretty steep climb and once the forest service road peters out and the Pacific Crest Trail it's pretty damn steep as it gets to Castle Summit at 7880 feet.

Spectacular views all around. The experience was a little marred because a large (20+) group of people arrived at the same time so there was plenty of loud talk and shouting, especially by one guy who had WAY too much energy. I was time for me to head back anyway so I feasted my eyes on the scenery and headed back.

I'll have to drive all the way up the forest service road next time and get to the summit of Castle Peak. Another day.

Winnemucca Lake via Woods Lake

Took Friday off and drove up to look at the potential house in Sutter Creek, then continued on up to Carson Pass. I was going to take the usual route at the summit past Frog Lake, but decided to try something different.

The Woods Lake trail is nice, perhaps a little rockier where it crosses or is actually part of a seasonal streambed. Most of the route is not too steep, although there is one patch close to the end that's stimulating. The path borders a snow melt fed creek that was rushing along.

Winnemucca Lake itself is gorgeous against it's volcanic backdrop. I sat and admired Elephant Back for about 10 minutes before heading back. There were lots of wildflowers in the forests and in the open hillside.

Attack ducks

Of course they aren't close enough to see but these juvenile ducks were in the mood for trouble. They followed me around and explored around my kayak at the shore while I was swimming. They left their mischief when I yelled at them.

--
Sent from my Treo

Kayak

My beautiful and trusty kayak on Lake Natoma.

--
Sent from my Treo

Dental weeniness

Apparently one of my ancient fillings (20 = +?) needed to be replaced and I am a giant weenie when it comes to dental procedures. The dentist prescribed some Xanax and I took one the night before (and felt nothing) and 2 in the morning.

Two was certainly the right amount although I did need an extra injection of novocaine during the procedure. I give props to the new-fangled electric drill because it seemed to have less vibration than the old and busted air powered drill.

Got home and slept for the rest of the day. Managed to wake up and eat dinner and watch about 1 hour of TV and then went back to bed for the whole night.

I can't believe that people actually take the drug recreationally! What's recreational about sleeping for 24 hours? If I'm going to recreate (which I'm not, drugs are bad), I want to see colors and other weird crap.

More Echo Lake Kayaking

Andy came up Friday and rented a Kestrel from CCK (great retailer, please patronize for all of your kayaking needs). On Saturday we loaded up in the baking 100 degree temperatures and headed for the lake.

We stopped in Pollack Pines for a fishing license for Andy and in Placerville for breakfast for both.

Echo Lake was very crowded! The lower lot was full, the upper lot was full, and people were parked along the road for a good half mile. The ferry that crosses the two lakes was in constant service shuttling hikers to and fro. The lake was riffly from a mild breeze and choppy from the ferry and few power boats revving around.

We paddled steadily to the upper end and then hung out where a cold, snow melt creek infalls. I floated around in the water while Andy got his fishing tackle ready to go. Then, he paddled out to experiment with fishing while kayaking. I floated some more, then strolled a few hundred yards in either direction along a casual use trail that bordered the lake. Then I got back into my Willow and poked along the shoreline.

After an hour or so, Andy decided that the one nibble he might have gotten wasn't worth it so we meandered around the various islands and then headed back to the launch area.

I selfishly allowed Andy to hike back up to the car and sat and watched the crowds around. A retriever fetched a stick and walked along the top of the dam. Various boats exited. Several people wore extraordinarily silly shoes. Will "rich" people buy anything? I swear that a man wore sequined clogs that matched his wife's.

Andy made it back down and we loaded up. We had a brief delay while he unhooked a fish hook from his shorts. As a sister, I can say with due fondness, "ha, ha, ha, HA, HA, HA, HA" and wipe tears of laughter from my eyes.

A woman asked us about kayaking and we assured her that it was fun and she should definitely rent some tomorrow and go out on the lake and try it out.

So that was the great trip!

Even more sick cat news

Each day we disect his movements and wonder if it means he is in pain, or if it's time. He went outside for the first time in months...what does that mean? He decided to spend the day on the red couch. He slept in his wicker basket after avoiding it for about 3 weeks. He slept on the chair with the towel. He spent the day in my chair. He begged for food and wolfed it down. He is still snubbing the salmon feast but loving everything else. He drinks a lot out of the toilet. He slept in the spare room (sorry about the cat hairs Andy). Are we wiping up drool more often?

What does it mean?

Mt. Judah Loop

Went with Jodi yesterday to conquer the trail. At the beginning (up a rocky cliff face) I was expecting more of a smooth, "dynamited from solid granite" experience. Instead, the granite is very eroded and it's more like scrambling over small granite boulders and blocks. It's not too steep though with the numerous switchbacks. Then we began to climb gradually over more of a lightly forested dirt trail with long, long switchbacks. We reached the trail junction (where the Mt. Judah Loop leaves the PCT) and headed up again. There is some interesting overlooks and a weird puddingstone gash bisecting the hill. Not sure if it's human made or elemental.

There is still snow on the sheltered sides of the hills and the melt makes a lively brooklet running down the center of the trail. Part of the landscape is the ski area for Sugar Bowl so the lifts and run areas are evident.

The top is lovely (although we decided NOT to scramble all the way to the top) with good views of the surrounding mountains.

We retraced our steps to the trail junction and then I led us (somewhat inaccurately to Jodi's annoyance) straight down the ski run to a dirt road which I falsely believed would take us to a little lake and some cabins and the road that we started the trail on.

No quite. We pushed on heading down and rightwards until we hit a "trail" that followed along a dry creekbed. In spite of the DEET I was viciously savaged by mosquitos who apparently considered DEET more of a sauce than a deterrent. It was a bit of a scramble on the creekbed with some 2 to 4 foot drops. I did see a bike tread on one of the damp dirt areas and can't imagine how someone got a bike up or down the creekbed without walking it.

Eventually we did reach the pond area. Jodi (much fitter and faster) had reached it first and waded in for a cooling swim. Apparently it's all private property and some cranky "bad karma" guy told her to get the hell out and stay out. What a grouch!

I caught up to her as she was headed back up and we were on the road the whole way back to the car. I do think the shortcut saved some distance and was not quite as difficult as the rocky cliff part of the trail. I could be biased though as I'm a fan of hiking off the trail.

Keep in mind that I'm always doing this where there is some feature or other to navigate towards to avoid getting lost!

Remembering SF

I loved Muni and all of the busses. The 38 Geary is great because it's always full (Tip: Go to the back!). At rush hour leaving downtown the poor people near the Civic Center would watch bus after bus pass by because they were always jammed. The 1 California is great because it crosses Stockton street which is always fun. Mmmmm, I wonder if Hunan Home's is still there? The 30 Stockton (?) is fun too especially through Chinatown and you do NOT want to get in the way of the little old ladies with the pink bags. They will mow you down.

Just having the monthly Muni pass is too cool for words, especially when riding the cable cars. Ignore the turn stile at Market, just barge on up at Union Square and wave your pass while the tourists are handing over great stacks of cash to the conductors.

Jogging along the street just up from California after Van Ness, then down Lake street, then onto dirt trails in the Presidio and then to Baker Beach was a great workout. It slopes mostly downhill and you can cool your feet in the ocean. Then, just walk a couple blocks to Geary and take the 38 back.

The Embarcadero is open with views of the Bay Bridge, and don't forget the ferry over to Sausalito for breakfast on the weekend, or the farmer's market at the Ferry Building. It's easy to bike along the Embarcadero and then along Crissy Field and up and over the Golden Gate bridge and then return. Polar Bear swims near Ghirardelli Square are the best. There are busses to the Marin Headlands over the GG for hiking excursions too, and you're only an hour from the wine country.

Too bad Busvan for Bargains closed!

Clement street has great shopping as does Mission, Irving, and Fillmore. What's the great art store at Market near Van Ness, and I wonder if the funky psychic shop is still near there? Keeping up with the outlet stores was too much after a while, but browsing in the garment and furniture districts was always fun.

Although the Berkeley Rep was good I preferred the San Jose Rep. The Santa Cruz Shakespeare festival was always the absolute best...I still remember Waiting for Godot and Midsummer Night's Dream there!

The street fairs and parties...Folsom Street Fair is wild, Halloween in the Castro used to be wilder, but still has its charm, and Bay to Breakers is a party too. Don't run naked though, it's just gross!

My brother still lives there and I get to visit him, but not often enough!

Sacramento Knights Reno Trip

As is the tradition, we stayed at the Sands Regency in Reno. It's not the best hotel and the casino is pretty dirty, but it is cheap and conveniently located. Plus, we're guests of the S.K. so we can't really be choosers.

We hiked two loop trails. The first trail was in Bear Valley Discovery Loop. The second trail included an off trail scramble as we hiked off the trail around a little pond off of the Glacier Meadow Loop. Although the distance travelled wasn't much, scrambling along the base of the cliffs forming the ridge between Highway 80 and to old Donner Pass road was challenging.

The next day we woke up bright and early and had breakfast at the Atlantis casino, then drove south on 395 to Mt. Rose pass. We probably made only about 2 1/2 miles as the trail was blocked by snow. We ran into other hikers who had made 2 other attempts. They had been blocked at the parking lot on the first try, and at the top of the first short climb on the second try. Another hiker recommended that we take the alternate mountain bike route as it was on the west face and the snow was likely to have melted.

We also drove north on 395 and looked at some houses in Bordertown. It's a nice area and within commute distance to Reno.

It was a lot of fun for me to chat with everyone at BOE and hear the various stories. The gambling was amusing, but as usual, I did not win anything to speak of.

We'll have to try that Mt. Rose summit again, once all of the snow has melted.

Mini-vacation activity

Kayaked for the first time at the Willow Creek area of Lake Natoma. It is really very nice there. The cattle egrets have set up a nesting area just west of the launch area on some bluffs overlooking the lake. They always look so silly up in the trees...these big, white birds...looking "too big to be allowed" and perching precariously on branches bending under them. This is a successful survival strategy?

Next day drove to Clear Lake (and did a little hiking) to explore the area from a property standpoint. I mistakenly ran out of gas (duh!) and was very, very lucky in making it back to civilization and highway 20 before the car actually choked and died. Although there was no cell phone signal, there was a call box about 2/10's of a mile (1/5? ha ha) down the road. Thank you to my tax dollars.

Next day I stood up Andy and went hiking near Lola Montez lake after a long, arduous drive up the dirt road. The road has decayed since the last time and I'm not sure I'll be able to traverse it later. Snow runoff has created several deep cuts in the roadway. I was finally stopped by a snow bank at about 7200 feet. It's a beautiful area though and I'll have to explore it more often. On the way back I explored the area off Highway 20 near Bear Valley. Bowman Lake looks like it might be a great place to camp.

On Tuesday I washed clothes, dishes, and the cat. He tolerated being washed better than I thought and next time he'll get a more thorough cleaning! Also went to Malene's for the 4th and had a good time.

Now, it's back to work and I'd better get my ass in gear.

SPCA Dog Walk

Went in this morning for about 2 hours and walked 3 dogs. I liked the first one the best (Snickerdoodle, Doodlydoodle? Something like that). She was energetic and really enthusiastic about the whole thing in the that pure, energetic way of dogs. Then I walked Prince who was pretty tame. He did decide to lie down in the shade by the book sale area and refused to get up and keep walking. Funny! A treat lured him right away. Then I walked Snowy, a young pit mix. She was energetic and needs lots and lots of leash training.

It was a lot of fun. I was surprised when I went in to record my time and walked past the cattery how sad the sight was. It was visceral and unexpected.

More sick cat

Well, the biopsy came back and he's got a sarcoma on his tongue. Apparently it's common and there's not much that can be done. The vet gives him 1 to 2 months.

He's sitting on my lap now enjoying the cool morning air and we're both listening to some pissed off squirrel in the tree outside.

He's had a good life since I moved in (and maybe before, who knows) and he'll keep having a good time until he's not.

It's just amazing how this little furry critter wormed his way into my heart. Back in the day I'd be sitting in the yard waiting to be bitten by mosquitoes and he'd come out of the wild and overgrown ivy meowing and meowing. He'd let me pet him but not pick him up or hold him. Then I started feeding him. Then I started luring him into the house with food placed just inside the front door. He's a scaredy cat and we spent a lot of time with him just at the front door sneaking a quick bite and then darting out to the "safety" of outdoors.

Finally he got comfortable coming inside and began to relax and take advantage of the heat and cool. I installed a cat door because he was a big one for going out, coming in, going out, coming in and I refused to devote several hours a day to be a catomatic door opener.

He would sleep on the roof, or on the roof of the shed under the branches of the camellia tree. He also liked a little nesty area under the false quince. He spent some time on the concrete slabs around the garden area (once I'd ripped out the ivy and built it). And he would usually be waiting for me on the chimney ledge when I came home from work. He could survey the street and still stay tucked up nice and safe.

In the last year or two he's spent more and more time inside. I bought a litter box for him and actually locked him in after a cat mugging incident. I would call it a cat fight but he's tiny and unable to fight. A small gray tabby kitten once cowed him and forced him into the house.

Some might think I should have made him into an indoor only cat to protect his safety and perhaps they right. On the other hand, it's a decision I made that I believed was in his best interest and I'd do the same thing again. He didn't wander and I never saw him kill a bird (although I think he would have liked to). He was never going to catch one of the bold jays that would occasionally dive bomb him (and me!) to protect “their” territory.

Now, he hardly ever goes outside. The last time he was out, he was beaten up (no wounds) and now he's content to stay inside. He goes out occasionally on the front porch if I'm with him.

Indoors he likes to sleep on a lap (and don't move too much or he'll meow in protest). Over time he's made many indoor places to sleep...the spare bed in the spare bedroom (leading to the "cat has his own room" joke)...the back of the red IKEA couch...all of the living room furniture...the top of the TV cabinet when he could still get up there...the dresser in the front bedroom...the dining room table.

He had a bout with cancer in his bowel and the vet at 65th street did a GREAT job of surgery. He had chemo from Dr. Stephen Crow at SAMG and the brilliant surgery and the chemo gave us about 5 more great years. Thanks to my brother Andy for forgiving my horrible extravagance (and it really was immorally extravagant).

Don't know how old he is, I've had my house since 1998 (it's 2006 now) so perhaps it's 8 plus 5 for a total of 13 years.

He hates one of my friends which is mean because she's fed him many times. He loves another friend and tolerates my brother.

I never named him...it seemed wrong to give him a human name. He's a sentient adult; I don't understand his language and don't want to presume to tell him what his own name is. Yep, it's stupid but it's how I feel.

Just a few thoughts before I toss him off my lap (probably to go in the wicker basket) and get moving for my day.

Letter from Dad

Dad has been writing to his cousin about some property in New Brunswick. This is his letter:

Dear George,

I have been wanting to write to you for some time. You overcame my procrastination. Of course I will sign the course of action you advise. In fact I hope I have remembered to include it with this correspondence of June 20.

It brings to mind a wonderful summer I spent in New Brunswick with Grampy at his house there. It sat on a corner of a graveled road that had no junction with another regular road for another forty miles (?) after passing Grampy‘s house. Just before Grampy‘s house a dirt road went up to the McCutcheon farm. Chester and his brother Ralph lived with their parents there. All of the McCutcheons were great friends of Grampy. Chester visited us in Cornish for Sandra’s wedding.

For fun Ralph and Chester took me deer hunting one late evening. That involved a rifle, a large flashlight, and a drive past a game warden‘s house and a detour through large areas of sloping fields fronting his house. The pick up truck was parked some walking distance back past the warden’s house and we walked back to jacklight some deer below his house. A deer was lighted, a shot was fired with no resulting joy, we heard a vehicle start up near the warden’s house and consequently we ran towards where the pick up was parked. The rifle was hidden in one stone wall and the flashlight in another. Arriving at our transport we drove circuitously back to Grampy‘s and continued our evening conversation there. Soon a car drove up and the driver stopped to chat knowingly with Ralph and Chester and courteously with Grampy. He even kindly said he hoped I was enjoying New Brunswick. Definitely New Brunswick had exemplary people.

My routine there was to visit the outhouse upon awakening. It was a short walk there and each morning I would pass a steaming pile of bear droppings. Then I would wash up and Grampy would start to make his delicious sourdough biscuits telling me to go catch breakfast (trout) in the stream in back of the house. In a few minutes I would have three to five brook trout and return to the house. Grampy and I would prepare the trout for pan frying and a fantastic breakfast would be ready in minutes.

The neighbors would always include Grampy and I in their baking each week so we had fresh bread and sometimes cookies or a cake. One neighbor added me to his family for a blueberry picking trip. We went there in a horse and wagon. I hope I turned in more than I ate but it was a long time ago (sixty + years) so my memory fails me on that issue.

Another time some friends of Grampy took us on a day trip to a remote lake. We had to take a motor boat to the island they lived on. I saw and heard loons on that trip. This trip was up the road past Grampy’s.
Mention of Chester certainly evokes pleasant memories.

However a correspondence from you brings forth even more and greater memories of the most wonderful family I have ever known, the WALKER’S. Your mother and father were exceptional, and their children Betty, George, Tom, Kathy, Dorothy all contributed to my ideas of what people
should be like. Each of you were different but with your own admirable qualities. For all of the terrific things each of you did for me, huge THANKS!

Sick Cat Slightly Better

This morning he was begging for food around 4:30 am. Normally I ignore this as it is TOO EARLY! In fact, one of the first commands I taught him was, "Cats who meow at 4 am go outside and stay outside no matter how cold it is."

I digress. I put some Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets down for him and he gobbled it up as fast as he could. I waited a little bit, and put some more down and he munched that down also. I didn't give him anymore because he tends to throw up easily.

Here's the funny bit...it's time to go to bed and I'm showing my mother (who's staying with me this week) how to give him the pain medication. I haven't given him any because he's not in pain anymore. As soon as he saw the medicine bottle he got very excited and begged for some. He hopped up on the dining room table and nearly knocked me down getting it.

Now I just have to find out what substance the vet flavored the medicine with and put it in his food and maybe I can get him to eat more.

So, today was a good day for the cat.

Sick Cat

Well, my beloved, ancient cat is really on his last legs perhaps. I took him in for a regular checkup about a month ago and everything seemed fine except for his kidney disease. Almost immediately though, he started drooling when he napped and then began drooling even more. On Friday, it didn't look like he'd eaten anything all day so I took him into SAMG on Saturday.

The news isn't good. The vet found a mass, most likely cancer, on his tongue. It's possible that it's an ulcer from the kidney disease so the vet wasn't sure. They did a biopsy on Saturday and he's home here with some pain medication.

Well, he's clearly in pain now. He isn't eating much and I haven't seen him drink either. He's spends most of his time in his basket (unusual). It could be the pain of having the biopsy done, or it could be the cancer, or it could be the kidney disease.

Obviously, I just don't know. He just ate a tiny bit of food and went back to his hut. He normally welcomes petting but when I pet him, he doesn't seek out more so clearly he is in a lot of pain.

I really love this cat and will be very sorry to see him go. I'm so glad that I bought this house and that he welcomed me as his companion for these many years. I wish we could have many more years but it's not looking good now.

Hell Hole Again

Drove to Hell Hole for a quick kayak trip. The rains over the winter really did a number on Mosquito Ridge road and whatever road leaves HH for Georgetown. Lots of slides, big and small. Some slides were just dirt, but plenty were dirt mixed with giant several ton boulders. In one place, you could see the dent where the boulder landed, then the scrape marks on the pavement as the boulder was dragged to the shoulder.

The water was not as cold as I thought it would be although it was plenty high. The waterfalls were tame but still flowing. Lots of debris (logs, logs, logs, sticks. twigs, branches, and bark) in the water.

My arms are a bit sore.

Tomorrow it's another bike ride with Jodi.

Lake Natoma Wind

Drove up after work for a quick workout. Jodi went with to rollerblade. I kayaked across, then cut back and went to the ranger point. It was a little windy and cold but still very relaxing and pleasant. There were a ton of other boats, kayaks, canoes, crew rowers, outriggers, single and double rowers, sail boats, sail boards, and surf skis. As I was leaving, a kayak class was starting.

Post Repair Bike Ride

Should have taken the bike in much, much sooner. Just got back from the ride and we went faster and didn't take the bus on the way home. It's amazing how having all of the gears available helps!

Nice and cool with a stiff breeze...why is it always a headwind though? The turtle pond is drying out and the grass is turning crispy colored.

Bad argument

I'm reading Fark and go to ahapless pundit's blog article.

The guy makes the stupidest argument I've ever seen, and he's getting attention for it. Bizarre.

He argues that there are dead people on the voter rolls in West Virginia and that they are Democrats, and that Democrats support that dead people are on the rolls, and only the recently elected Republican is purging the rolls.

Now let's break down the argument.

He starts with a charming story about the ancient Greek battle at Thermopylae and several hundred thousand soldiers dying of plague. Doesn't seem too relevant to dead people on voter rolls, but I suppose it could be considered catchy.

He compares the plague deaths in ancient Greece affecting the battle with the purging of the 6000 from WV rolls affecting elections. He must be assuming that all the dead people are Democrats, and all of the dead people's registration was used in election fraud.

From the orginal article, there's a bit less to the story than our hapless pundit believes.

There are indeed an alleged 6000 dead on the rolls (give or take). It's been difficult to purge them in the past, not because of a giant Democratic plot, but because

"This year, for the first time, the secretary of state has been able to cross-reference voter registration lists with death statistics provided by the state Bureau of Vital Statistics."

There's a little math to the story too. I did the math with handy dandy Excel, the numbers are from the article. WV's total registered voter population is 1130088. From the article, 57% of those are Democrats, or 644150. That leaves 485937 as registered Republicans. If we assume that all of the 6000 are Democrat and subtract them, that leaves the Democrats with 638150 remaining (presumably) live voters. That still leaves the Democrats with a comfortable margin of 152212 to swing any election, so I'm not sure there is much of a motive for widespread zombie voting unless, due to gerrymandering, there is some other dynamic involved.

A quote from the article, "evidence shows the possibility that more than one voted in the recent May primary." Wow, out of 6000 more than 1 may have voted in the primary. Of course, the primary is party-centric (at least, I'm assuming it is in WV) so no damage to the Republicans here. Call in the FBI!

Another quote,

"While saying Ireland’s office will aggressively pursue such offenses, Beakes said some of those marked as voting might be simple clerical mistakes.

We cannot disenfranchise any voter that may be'" erroneously flagged as deceased,” he said."

After reading the article, I'm convinced that WV may have a few dead people voting, perhaps, but that they are few and far between and unlikely to sway an election. I would be astonished if there weren't a few dead people (and pets, and children, and mentally incompetent, and space aliens) voting in all sorts of elections everywhere during all times and all centuries. I would also be astonished if this practice were restricted to one party. Show me some evidence of wide spread voter fraud that affects an election and I'll be the first one to show up, pitchfork in hand, with the other townsfolk.

To return briefly to the blog from the guy making the outlandish and paranoid claims for one last bad argument.

He seems to think the NYTimes is in on the scam. He refers to an editorial piece about Republicans in Ohio and Florida who are (allegedly) trying to "shut down voter registration drives." Ohio and Florida both had issues with votes that did affect an election! I'll let you read the NYTimes article yourself and judge whether or not the evidence presented there is more or less credible than our man from WV.

Lake Natoma Nursery

Took my kayak out for the 1st time this year, finally! The lake was cold, but not bone chilling and the water is nice and high. I cut directly across the lake at Nimbus Flats to the water through the culvert under the bike trail. I didn't see the beavers and don't know if they moved, or are sleeping, or I just didn't see them. Saw plenty of geese, ducks, waterfowl, hawks, and osprey. I also saw some turtles summing themsleves on the logs.

The water back here is mucky and filled with plants. There are also some huge fish, a foot or longer and very fat. It was a little startling for both of us!

I also had to buy new cam straps. As I was putting the old ones on, two of the four just crumbled! Yikes! Had to make a trip to REI to get some new ones, snazzy red and yellow!

My blog is fine

Don't know what all of the complaining is about.

Long drive to Grover Hot Springs

Took Friday off work after deciding it had been too many days since I'd been over 5000 feet! Drove over Highway 4 and Ebbetts Pass. The snow is still very high although it's melting fast!

There's a short (3 miles round trip) hike to some falls at Grover Hot Spring SP which is very pleasant. I saw a juvenile blond bear within a 1/2 mile of the start. I'm not completely sure what size bears are when they leave their mothers so I spent some time scanning the forest for a protective mama. Once the teenager spied me though she scampered away as fast as her bear legs could go (which is pretty fast!). On the way back saw 3 deer.

The drive home was long but saw plenty of the gold country and spied a few places to hike (or kayak) this summer.

Weekend Activity

Saturday cleaned and did chores.

Sunday went for a bike ride with Jodi along the American River. It was a good trip, especially because we stopped at 16th street and took the bus home. It reminded me of when I lived in SF and was jogging. I used to jog from Laguna to Baker Beach and then walk up and catch the 38-Geary home.

Monday I drove up near Cool and Foresthill. I hiked along the Middle Fork of the American River near the Ruck a Chucky camp. The road down was a little fierce for my car, but no broken tie rods and no fluids leaking from holes poked in the bottom by serpentine rock.

Then I drove back and across to the other side of the river. I took Sliger Mine road and exercised my cars suspension system until a dried up mud bed that was way too bumpy stopped me. I did see some sedan type cars below and I'm not sure how they negotiated the obstacle. I guess they just have bigger balls!

I walked down the road a ways to a curve and an abandoned cinder block structure (Sliger Mine?), then headed back.

On the way down I passed two women on the way up. One said to me, "Hiking alone?"

I wanted to give a snarky answer, "No, Harry the Rabbit is hiking with me." But I didn't, I just said yes.

She then said, "Well good for you."

WTF? Usually the conversation is more along the lines of "nice day" and "great day for a hike" or something equally tame. I got the sense too that she was a little critical, that I shouldn't be hiking alone. Yes, well, that's just the way it is. The humans I encountered (several cars passed me on my way up) all waved cheerfully, or, asked if I needed help. I suppose it's statistically possible that a mountain lion could attack me, a jogger was eaten 5 or so years ago...but I think I took my life in my hands much more on the drive on I-80 to and from the hike.

I also sort of wanted to point out that the deep tan they had now looked fine but once they got over 50 they'd look a lot more like leather (and not fine Corintian leather!) than they might prefer. Ooh, snarky!

Good weekend!

Retirement

I can leave the state at 50 and not draw retirement and get the age factor. I will lose health insurance though. I can come back to work though for even 1 day and then retire and get the health benefits.

I'm at a retirement function.

Sick leave credit is by contract. 250 hours of SL equals 1 year of service credit. Days of SL / 250

--
Sent from my Treo

Too bad my brother is getting so old

This is a quote from His Oldness:

The actor who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter
movies is exactly three days younger than me.

* And by fun I mean totally dispiriting.

If I weren't his sister, I would have sympathy. Since I'm his sister, I can just say HA HA! (Note: It might be a jollier HA HA if I weren't older)

Notes from GTC West-Gopal Kapur

The instructor was Gopal Kapur from the Center for Project Management. www.center4pm.com. He’s a great speaker so if you ever have a chance to listen to him, take it.

A. One of the analogies was good…PMO as air traffic control. Here’s a quote as he expands the analogy:

Announcement in an airport lounge: Attention all passengers, all flights are delayed today, possibly cancelled. We are experiencing technical difficulties. Some of the pilots and cabin crew are still in transit. We do not have the right staff to service the planes. There is no one in the air traffic control tower,
and we cannot give you any gate arrival or departure information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Have a nice day.

This got a big laugh from all of us as possibly somewhat reflective of some of our IT and PM experiences.

He further outlined the analogy: Can the organization answer questions about its projects? How many are underway? What is their status? What is our capacity for projects? Imagine if the airport could not answer those types of questions about planes.

It drives home how important a PMO (or something that replaces the functions of a PMO) is.

B. He talked too about the common statistics about project failures (Cedars-Sinai, FBI, Hershey Foods, HP, Tri-Valley Growers---at least we’re in good company when a project fails). He recommended that execs fund a PMO, "You’re going to waste the money anyway, why not waste some of it on a project office?"

Where is your PMO Charter?

C. He validated that our PMO is in line with others (in a good way). Many of the things he said we are doing, or are planning on doing.

D. I’m not sure our agency is quite ready for this, but he recommended that we include shutdown conditions in the project charter. Shutdown conditions mean that if the project gets to this state (so much over budget/cost/schedule, or requirements, or technical issues), we’re going to quit the project and close it down as it will no longer make business sense. It’s sort of a prenuptial agreement for projects (kinda).

E. He also talked about making the PMO an attractive place to hang out to comfortably relax and share information so that PM’s are eager to come to the PMO. We may need a library for example.

Nalu goes home

A great young couple came in and fell in love and took him home! Yeah!

He's relaxing here at the entrance to the shelter after a busy morning leaping after the ball and being charming to those around him. I spent several mobiles with him (Petsmart, Starbuck's Dog Fashion Show, and Family Fitness in Folsom) and then today's adoptathon.

He's a great, great dog and I almost took him home with me.

Vaya con Dios, Nalu!

--
Sent from my Treo

Chuy's

We ate at this regional chain. The picture represents their cute idea of how to find us to give us our food.
--
Sent from my Treo

Pitbull, grenade, Florida

said Rogers, 30. Fifty, named after famous rapper 50 Cent, is an 8-month-old

"called her father to make sure. Using expertise developed through years of viewing war movies, he surmised it was a grenade"

"The kids were still wearing their pajamas as they drove to the home of Rogers' grandmother."

Writer Willoughby Mariano

Reuters, roadkill, and NASA

NASA fears collisions with the large, carrion-eating birds could damage shuttle

Roseann was adopted!

The dog I took to the Earth Day festival was adopted. She went home to a close to retired couple and will get plenty of attention.

It's funny, I wouldn't have taken her but Stan picked her out and I said sure. She was also close to not making it to the adoption floor but another volunteer lobbied for her. Then of course the couple who adopted her had to show up at the right time to see her. Serendipity.

Missed Intentions

For some reason, I intend to exercise (or clean, or do something productive) a lot more than I actually do. I can find myself thinking, just about as fast as I can think, "I should go for a walk, I should clean my bathroom, I should do dishes, etc, etc). And yet, I'll find another game of solitaire to play, or perhaps another time wasting fark.com article.

At Trader Joe's I managed to used the power in a good way. I intended to get ice cream but they didn't have anything I liked. I then intended to go next door to Brrr's for their superior ice cream. I treated it like exercise and just didn't do it.

The mind is fascinating.

Earth Day Dog Mobile

No pics of dogs this time, although Coco was the most attractive. She was a big shepherd mix with a reddish coat. Her face was the best, she had a lighter golden face with arches of brown fur over the eyes. I swear one of the early Mickey Mouses looks just like that. Adorable!

I had Roseanne, a salt and pepper Australian cattle dog mix. She was very interested in everything and wanted to be the center of attention. We worked on her sitting instead of jumping up for a treat and by the end of the day she had a nice sit. Two people asked for cards on her so I hope she gets to go home with one of them.

I found the Earth Day surprisingly interesting. There were the usual "prayer chanting" and incense burning activities. I'm sorry, smelly incense is really stupid when you're outdoors under redwood trees. How about just having some pine branches around the house if you want a nice smell. I only saw one scientific exhibit and would have liked to have seen more.

There were some capoeira dancers and that's fascinating. Only a few were really good and it seems like it's a better show for late at night during Carnival. Still, cool drumming.

By the end of the day I was wiped out and I'm relaxing with a few Aleve and trying to get hydrated.

Go dogs!

Echo Summit Again

Took a quick trip up to Echo Summit for a short snow shoe experience at the sno park. I had to break trail in heavy, wet snow with a slushy middle layer. It was a beautiful day though and once I'd spent my billion calories I headed home. I am so glad I bought those Cabela's pants, warm and cozy (and cheap!).

Dell Problems

I had some problems this morning with a video driver. Calling Dell was very irritating, especially the voice response system. Tonight a dll file was corrupted and I had to reinstall windows. Another couple hours down the drain. The giant screen is fabulous though. I'm assuming that I'll get used to the scratchpad instead of the trackball (or whatever).

New Dell

My new Dell arrived today after 5:30. Those poor UPS guys work much too hard!

I've got it mostly set up, I still can't send email. I can receive it, but not send it. I sure wish I could get on my old laptop to see what the magic setting is!

The screen is gi-normous on this thing...love it. It's a little more comfortable too. On the other hand, I hate the mouse pad device. There's only the pad which I've always thought was a lame way to navigate...unless you like flicking your finger 3 thousand times to move across the screen. Can't believe I missed that in the specs. I can always buy a wireless mouse though.

It's so clean and shiny too!

I've installed Firefox and Thunderbird and Google Earth. I need to find Solitaire and recreate my many, many bookmarks too.

Still, I'm glad I got it and it was all ready to go out of the box. I probably won't try my TV and remote control till the weekend when I have more time to futz around with everything.

Biking in San Jose

In spite of the rainy weather Donna and I headed out about mid-morning on Friday to bike along the Guadalupe River Park Trail in downtown San Jose. The city has certainly gotten much more dynamic and interesting since I lived there. The downtown city hall is beautiful too, especially the pillars lining the surrounding streets.

We headed north along the Guadalupe River and saw mallards galore. The water was high, but didn't threaten the trail at all. It was also cold and overcast, with no real sun. We made it as far as the airport and then headed back against a nasty headwind for home.

On Saturday, we went to the Berryessa Flea Market on our bikes and did a hour or so of shopping. Donna wanted to get a decorative hanging pink flamingo for her yard. They had parrots, but no flamingos. At the same stall, I bought a gift for Andy and Ira's Sonoma house. I can't wait until they see what it is!

Sunday was get away day and I headed back in time to go to the SPCA for a King's game dog mobile adoption. Fortunately, we have almost no dogs so with 5 volunteers and only 2 dogs I "volunteered" to go home and get my chores done.

black metal pots 50 and 75
san jose marbury

--
Sent from my Treo

Why the dog pictures?

On Saturday the SPCA had another dog mobile at the Sacramento Fine Arts in Carmichael. It was their first year of the "Animal House" exhibit. It was fun, all of the dogs were mellow and relaxed. There weren't many people, however, we got donations and people were interested in the pooches.

Paris and Her Beloved Toy

She carried around a little stuffed animal all day. Who would not want to adopt this cutie!

--
Sent from my Treo

Tara Sitting Up

I just could not get the excellent shot as she was lying down on her back with all four of her paws curled up getting her spa full body massage. She'll be flying out of the shelter so if you want a loving and mellow pooch act fast!

--
Sent from my Treo

Bridget the Boxer

Very sweet brindle boxer. This doesn't quite capture her sweet expression, but she enjoyed her mellow, relaxing day napping on the stage.

--
Sent from my Treo

Angel Reluctantly Poses with Cat Painting

This mobile was at an art gallery so at least one of the dogs should pose with the art. Angel was the favorite with many people coming over to visit her. She also enjoyed exploring the area around the art center and was just a joy. She's 2 years old and is part chihuahua.

--
Sent from my Treo

Irritability

Why do people stand in front of a door chatting? Step aside and chat, there's a whole sidewalk available, leave space for people to use the door as nature intended it to be used. Ditto for escalator exits.

Why don't dishes rinse themselves and spring into the dishwasher? Why do people with dishwashers whine about doing dishes? Why do you have to clean the counter more than once? Why doesn't it just stay clean?

Why am I not independently wealthy, or perhaps a trust fund recipient?

Emigrant Gap

Now that I'm finally over the horrible sickness, I went snowshoeing off highway 20 (near Emigrant Gap on 80) for a mere hour. This is a view across upper Bear Valley. The snow is not very compacted so I'm having to break trail and it's slow going. I'm aiming for the two stripes you can see in hopes that it's an old, snowed over packed trail. It turns out to be just as soft as the rest, I'm not sure what it was. It was a great trip and I think I'll go tomorrow too. Life is short!

--
Sent from my Treo

Foot, shoe, pole

--
Sent from my Treo

Becoming a man

I just finished reading an article about the movie "Americanese" in sfgate. There's a lot in the article, and apparently in the movie, about what it means to "become a man," particularly from an Asian perspective.

Women don't obsess in the same way about becoming a woman. Sure, it's a phrase in the middle school pamphlets (if they still have those quaint handouts) when discussing starting your period. It's maybe also assumed, or discussed, or giggled about when you lose your virginity. But I can't even begin to imagine having a conversation with any woman anywhere, "Say, do you feel like a real, womanly woman yet?" Any such conversation would end with gales of laughter...or even girlish giggling.

I guess I don't understand what the issue is. After a certain age, somewhere in the late teens, you're definitely no longer a child. You're sexually mature. I can remember seeing how my brother's faces hardened and became clearly man faces instead of boy faces. There you go, men!

Ritual is I suppose nice enough, but hardly necessary. Is the mythic tale of dad taking his son to the whorehouse really an entry to adulthood? I shudder and hope not (not that there's anything wrong with the sex trade per se). In cultures I'm familiar with, there are many ceremonies that celebrate the boy into man passage, but far fewer that celebrate the girl into woman passage. Of course, I'm no expert on culture.

Anyway, for the men I have this unwanted advice. Get over it. If you're over 20, you're definitely a man, a manly man, and completely male.

Death Valley Thoughts

Young spring wind in the mountain shadow loses the will to blow and moan and hum, stunned by the heat, even now, late in the evening. Stars showing, dying wind flicks tails of white sand too heavy to lift hissing across the road. Deeper in the darkening valley the wind gains will and over the tops of the dunes hurls powdery sand high in the air, a scouring curtain obscuring the dark Amargosa range with alkali sand.

Unicorns and rainbows

Or some kind of crap like that. We've been having a lot of storms and my brother snapped this picture of two actual rainbows over my house. I'll be digging the backyard up for the gold any day now.

Andy also knocked down the cottage cheese ceiling in my dining room. He is such a good brother!

Beauty secrets of the slovenly

I cut my own hair. It's true. I care so little about appearance that I periodiacally just whack at my hair. Fortunately it's curly so mistakes are easy to hide..

I decided to splurge and get a cut at a new shop near work. Plus, it's hip and filled with people who could be my children. I'll be the one in the nursing home wearing the stretch metallic jumpsuit the kids will all be wearing in the future.

The cut was fabulous and I even enjoyed the conversation with the cat owning, sushi bar owner's girlfriend, grew up in the country stylist.

She listened, my hair looks good, and she even taught me something new about styling my hair.

Now I'm at the allergy doctors.

--
Sent from my Treo

Buying a book at a big box store

The hypothesis is that big box store employees are know nothings. I went to big box bookstore to buy Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer's book. The clerk who helped me did know where the legal section was and even searched for the book for me. He didn't recognize the author's name. Also, he couldn't find the book.

He went off to help someone else and the book was right on the shelf where it was supposed to be. The clerk had nearly had his hand on it but was confused, or couldn't read, or something.

--
Sent from my Treo

Medical Experimentation

Our tax dollars are at work with a visit from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2006. They took blood and are going to store some for DNA analysis. There goes my life of crime! I passed on the treadmill test because I am still so sick, but got to join the "take my blood pressure" a thousand times test. Apparently they are testing various methods of taking BP. They also measured some joints (like the length of my leg from the hip to the knee is) but not others (no interest in the knee to the ground). Or perhaps I missed one of the tests.

The bonus is that they pay actual cash money for the pleasure. "Ask not what your country...." my ass, I took the money and will enjoy spending it unwisely.

Sickness Sucks!

Every day it's a different sucky symptom. Thankfully, my cough is better. I'm only coughing a few times an hour and it's just one or two dainty little *hacks* instead of the rib breaking monsters from last week. On the other hand, why do my sinuses taste like blood...rotten blood at that? There is no blood, no green goo, just this really vile, spongy taste/sensation. Yummy.

IKEA, IKEA, IKEA

Ikea

In spite of my illness, I couldn't resist and drove to the new IKEA (have I mentioned the name yet?) to look around. I escaped with a new doormat, a new teapot, and 4 new pillows. I may be buying new sofa and recliner after checking out the offerings. I also liked the bathroom fixtures which will come in handy for the possible bathroom mini-remodel. I was looking forward to the wardrobe systems, but they weren't as great as I'd hoped.

It was fun to join the other zombies driving into the parking lot, following the billions of workers in day-glo yellow rain gear waving us on and on and on until we finally reached empty part of the parking lot about 20 minutes into our journey.

The local polizei had a huge presence and were clearly prepared for virtually any disaster short of running out of the teeny tiny little pencils. When I left, they were helping some woman who had tripped and fallen. I didn't think she looked that hurt myself, but then, I'm not a medical professional.

It's always funny too when people try to be independent. Follow the arrows. Don't try and take a cart to the 2nd floor. Take a pencil and a piece of paper. Trust Ikea, they have clearly discovered a legal form of crack-eration and you should not try to out think them. All you need to decide is if you want the item or not.

Anyway, I'm a fan and am thrilled that Sacramento finally has a civilized store. I look forward to making many purchases of bargain items in the years to come.

Almost fainting

This was fun. I was at the allergy doctor's doing a test where I blow as hard as I can. Apparently, I blew too hard and actually almost blacked out. I certainly lost most consciousness as it is known. I remember almost feeling weird and dreamlike with thoughts that I now can't remember. Then there was a period where the nurse and I talked, "What happened?" "Yes, I feel really weird." "Were you asking me something? Was I alright?" Hmmm I don't remember that. Did two more tests but stopped blowing as soon as felt the blacking out sensation and I was fine.

It was irritating though because darn it I'm in control of my consciousness!

Prednisone

I'm still feeling much, much better. Took my first 8 pills of prednisone tonight and I see I really should have waited till tomorrow morning. One of the side effects is insomnia and I really don't feel all that sleepy here at 10 pm-ish. The codeine cough syrup has got me feeling a little calm. I definitely would not get behind the wheel of a car right now.

The COUGH is still with me although less persistent. I have something going on in the lungs that's very wheezy sounding. Not much mucus (I know you've been clamoring for that statistic) but lots of wheezing. The cough syrup definitely cuts the coughing.

I went to the RiteAid to pick up the meds and stopped to rake up the oranges that had blown down in yesterday's storm. It was maybe a 5 minute light raking job. The lungs did not like that and the COUGH said you will now go in the house and lie down. The lungs felt like they were on fire.

Still, I'm a little worried about the prednisone...it suppresses the immune system which I need to fight off infection? I'm sure my doctor has carefully considered that, but maybe I should ask him. Maybe I should ask him for no other reason than that I can then explain why I trusted him. He is a good doctor. I have my personal experience as weak anecdotal evidence. He was also featured in a local magazine as a noted doctor which is stronger evidence. One of his diplomas is from Stanford, so if he's really bad, he's at least somewhat smart.

STILL sick, maybe hope is at hand though

It's been about 5 weeks and I've still got paroxysmal coughing, haven't slept in I don't know how long and I just generally feel sick. Went to the doctor again yesterday morning because I developed an earache. He prescribed an antibiotic that I think is going to kick this bug's ass! I finally slept last night and only woke up maybe 2 or 3 times. I did have a lot of weird, weird sensations. I could hear myself breathing (like Darth Vader) because of all the goo in my ear. I also imagined that I could hear birds chirping (a LOT of birds) sometime in the early, early am. Then I seemed to hear some kind of loud thumping or booming (probably me snoring) and the cat decided it would be a good time to come sleep on top of me. No.

Anyway, I'll be off work for at least 2 days and that hopefully will be it. Is it wrong to go to the IKEA opening when I'm off sick? Yeah, it is.

Home improvement wish list

1. Paint front and side
2. Pull carpets, refinish floors
3. Landscape? Weed front flower bed, prune orange tree, make back patio off of bedroom, make raised flower beds, remove more of the pink stick bushes, remove trees, make patio area by back fence.
4. Replace gate
5. Replace roof of shed
6. Fix bathroom
7. Renovate bathroom with new tile, toilet, sink, possible framing
8. Remove cottage cheese ceilings This is in progress as of March 4
   
9. Paint inside (geez, pick a damn color already)
10. Remove problem addition and move sliding door and windows to dining room
11. Install IKEA closet in bedroom
12. New mattress
13. Remove blow in insulation in attice, replace with pink roll out insulation
14. Remove gutters? replace gutters with ones I don't have to clean leaves out of?
15. New roof (well, about 1/2 a new roof)
16. Replace those spinning things on the roof
17. Pest control inspection for rats and termites
18. New sheetrock in dining room area
19. Fix areas of hardwood floor that have termite damage and where the old, old heater unit is
20. Covered patio over problem addition area
21. Move front door and slightly reconfigure living room
22. Strip paint from fireplace
23. Paint or cover front cement with dark gray tiles
24. Molding in bedroom and kitchen, finish painting trim in new construction including door
25. Organize and clean garage, paint white, install shelving, etc.
    

Still freaking sick

I'm taking some antibiotic (Biaxin) and it's making me nauseous, especially if I take codeine cough syrup with it. Still have the cough too. This cold has now blown 3 (THREE) weekends including a 3 day weekend. I am not a happy camper.

Sick again

Started feeling bad Friday night, another weekend ruined. The cold started when I was in a meeting with my boss and she coughed about every 5 minutes. Bummer. I'll be doing the same when I go in tomorrow. There has to be a better plan.

PMO talk by Thom Pryor- Notes

Background:

• EDD PMO (IT)
• 6 PMPs, 10 staff
  

Comment: Wow! That's a lot of staff. Why does BOE have so few IT staff in comparison?

He recommends the local MPA Association.

PMO must prove value of PMO staff and for PMO methodology
Methods should be scalable both up and down
Only need to use what's helpful
Enhance org's PM capability

Comment: We struggle with these same issues in our PMO

Tools and Maybe Stuff to Steal?

What's the context to frame portfolio reports?
They have MS Project 2003 and have some training.
He's going to CHP
Customer Service Eval of the PMO help as part of lessons learned
He loves ESI

QA
How many schedules can a scheduler handle? 2 to 4. A large project is 3000 lines

Governance? Yes. It's new. Ha ha. Same story. Execs want control for others but not for their pet project.

Lessons learned DB? No but working on it

--
Sent from my Treo

standing on the lake it looks like water but it is ice in the shade of the mountain behind ready to head back wow fabulous sunny weather snow is a little soft trail is great though

--
Sent from my Treo

Google Earth

My world has been rocked and is forever changed! I bow down to our new Google Earth overlords!

Thermodynamics

0. If A and B are in thermodynamic equilibrium and B and C are in thermodynamic equilibrium then A and C are in T.E. Well, this isn't such an exciting law if you ask me.

1. Conservation of energy: can be transferred, can't be created. Mass and energy related.

2. Entropy increases and heat only flows one way (from hot to cold): clocks wind down and you have to add energy (wind them back up) for them to work again.

3. Absolute zero: Remove all kinetic energy from particles and they are at A.Z which is 0 Kelvins. Who was Kelvin?

Brings back some fond memories!

I did find a hint to remind me.

Happy

Finally got my new DSL up and running so I can waste time on teh internets faster.

My brother will be so happy.

Sad

CNN's list of the soldiers killed in Iraq since the war began. Very, very sad.

Thrilling day so far

I've had coffee, breakfast, and have killed brain cells reading fark.com. I SHOULD be doing some other things (snowshoeing, fixing my curtains) but I have yet to motivate myself to move.

Yesterday went to a dog mobile at the fairgrounds at the KCRA Health Expo. We took Dixie and Sargeant. Although I gave Sarge many, many opportunities to relieve himself, he chose to do it inside on the carpet. It was a little runny, very smelly, copious, and he's one of those dogs who walk around while dropping it so it was arranged in a somewhat deranged semi-circle.

I did my best picking it up with my plastic bags, but it was hideous. I apologized profusely to the staff but was too chicken shit to avoid taking the long way past the small army of people scrubbing the carpet on their hands and knees later. I may never go back!

Power still out

The trees are still down on Elvas. My power is still out and I'm at Tupelo's coffee shop on Elvas because they have free wireless. Yeah.

I've been trying to find out how long the power will be out and I'm not having any luck. SMUD, KCRA, and sacbee have no information that isn't old. Oh well, I can only assume it won't be too long.

I also have to say, it is just too fuckin' cool that I can just boot up and click my browser and *boom* I'm on the net. This kind of thing makes me wish I was born now instead of then.