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.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
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?
What does it mean?
Sunday, July 16, 2006
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!
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!
Friday, July 14, 2006
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!
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!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
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.
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.
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