Kick the can!

While cleaning my garage earlier this week, I came across about 10 paint cans...most of them empty...some just totally hard and un-usable.
I had yet to find a GREEN (and legal) way to dispose of them so, for two years now, I have just stored them. They took up space and looked bad and, seriously, they are not super healthy to have around!
After AT LEAST a dozen phone calls asking how to dispose of hazardous household waste, I finally got the answer and knew I had to share it with you...

Waste and Recycling of Orange County
6411 Oak Canyon
Irvine 92618
714 834 6752
(right off Sand Canyon and the 5)
www.oclandfills.com

I drove up, the guys opened my tailgate and unloaded it all...quick, easy and so convenient!
There's tons of paint AVAILABLE there too!
Check it out!
Clean out your garage!
Get rid of paint and other hazardous materials the RIGHT way!
You're welcome

Take me (and a few friends) out to the ballgame!

Tonight was our MUCH ANTICIPATED Montage night at Angel Stadium!
Fifty of us enjoyed a beautiful night at the ol' ballgame!

Light up the Halo--Angels win!
And, light up the sky...it was Fireworks Friday...
a perfect way to top off the evening!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I love Fall!!!

Yep, I'm going

Billy Idol, Blondie, Devo, Psychedelic Furs,
REO Speedwagon and Twisted Sister!
Holy crap! How fun will THAT be??

Lucky Sevens

After dropping off a load behind Goodwill today, Eliane and I decided to go see if there was anything INSIDE Goodwill that we had to have.
Oh are we glad we did!
Eliane found an Angel shirt to wear to the game on Friday night.
Cost? $1.99
And...I found a pair of SEVEN jeans that fit me perfectly!!! Yes! Sevens!!
Cost?
$11.99
It was indeed a GOOD day at Goodwill.
And it was just the beginning of a(nother) GREAT day for us!

Monet isn't everything...

Eliane and I just returned from the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. And, once again, it was absolutely spectacular. Tonight was my second time this season...and at least my 10th time over all.
I love the whole experience...and I always have.

Besides the Pageant, there are incredible art exhibits--photography, jewelry, sculptures, blown glass, children's art work and so much more!

This year is the Pageant's 75th Anniversary!

The Pageant itself is staff completely with volunteers!

Tonight was my gift to Eliane for her birthday.
So glad she let me tag along...

Re(ally) productive System

My friend, Eliane and I have been OH SO productive in the last 48 hours!
We have gone to dinner with my folks, grocery shopped, cleaned out my garage, made a magnificent dinner and had friends over to share it with...and so much more!

BEFORE
The garage was quite a mess...
and Allison's belongings needed some organization!

AFTER
Every single thing is organized and in the right place.
Allison will EASILY find everything now!

And I will be able to sleep better too!

I also took the opportunity to fix several things in my home...
I was locked out of the house last month and the above shot shows the result of my attempt to get in.
I had to call a locksmith.

Today, I replaced the knob. (No locksmith necessary...)
And I replaced both toilet seats.
Eliane just made us dinner from last night's left overs.
Then, we are headed to the Pageant of the Masters.
We are so damn productive...we almost amaze ourselves!
(Well, almost.)
We already have our list for tomorrow's activities!!

Having a ball...

My friend Eliane is here this week visiting from Ohio. I picked her up at the airport around 3 on Sunday and we have not stopped since. Not for a minute! And, of course, we were up at 5 this morning ready to start our day!!

Eliane and I always joke that we do more in one day than most people do in a week. And when we are together, seriously...we do not even take a breath. We are so productive too!
We worked in my garage most of the day and then shopped a bit, visited a few friends, and then had people over for dinner. (It was delicious and SO fun too!)
Now it is 11:37 and we are just going to sleep!
Day one of our six day vacation.
I am exhausted...
And I can't wait til tomorrow...

Are you nuts?

Tonight I went shopping at Ralphs, and since I'm going to the baseball game this week, one of the items on my grocery list was 'peanuts'. They usually have the Dodgers peanuts which, of course, is my first preference. Sometimes they only have the Angels peanuts, which is fine, though second best. (I know--they are in first by 15 games--sorry, I still bleed Dodger Blue!)
But tonight...THIS is what they had.
Seriously??!! Really??
I'm sorry, but I do not know one person in Orange County who is a Padre fan. Not one! Matter of fact, I am not sure if there is anyone in San Diego who's a Padre fan any more..last I heard they were 20 games out of first!
There was not one bag of Dodgers or Angels peanuts in the place...insane!
I actually bitched and moaned for a few minutes in the produce department. But, being as they were the only peanuts available (and at $2.00/bag they are less than half the price than at the ballgame) I put them in my basket extremely reluctantly...and prayed that I wouldn't run into anyone I knew!
Please know that as soon as I got home I poured the peanuts from the Padres bag into a Ziploc. Then I went outside to get rid of the Padres bag. Thankfully, my neighbor's trash can was still out front of the house.
I don't even want anyone to see that wrapper in my trash.
I will tell ya though...I definitely won't have any problem eating the peanuts.

Empty nest? Come fly with me!

I always tell people that my children are great, grown, and gone. College graduates, living out on their own--one in Los Angeles, the other in Africa! They are independent, productive members of society--and on top of all that--they are really enjoyable people to be with.
If I do say so myself, “I done good.”
Each of them also has their own hopes and dreams. And I have mine. Not for them. For me.
I haven't experienced a syndrome of “empty nest." Although I was the one who ‘flew the coop’ a few years ago--my kids were already in their 20s. At that point I realized that my happiness had to be independent of my children’s lives. They appreciate this too, by the way. They love knowing that in addition to the great joy I have in being their mother, I am enjoying a rich, fulfilling life.
I would go so far as to say that I believe this freedom is somewhat of a reward for a job well done! I don’t think the second half of life has any sort of syndrome at all. Along with most women in my stage of life, my days are filled with an enjoyable and highly rewarding job. My evenings are filled with experiences at new restaurants, fun classes and attending a variety of events with good friends. My vacations have taken me out of the country three years in a row now and I'm busy planning next year's excursion already. And I am loving the fact that I now have the time to cultivate friendships and relationships like I never could before.
Empty Nest Syndrome? Come on! There's so much good stuff left to do! No syndrome should even be allowed! Just the term “empty nester” sounds depressing to me. Like you're sitting in the nest hoping that the little birds come by for a worm. That’s not me. I'm rarely at the nest...and God knows, even if I am, I'm surely not sitting.
I am wondering if perhaps the syndrome might just be fading away with my generation. The generation who always worked, had careers and were encouraged to have outside interests as we raised our children. Seems like we are far healthier and (dare I say) happier than our mothers and grandmothers were at the same point in their lives. We have more direction, deep desires and the determination to live the next half of our lives pursuing our own dreams. Our new dreams! We are re-feathering our nests with what makes us happy and patting ourselves on the back for encouraging--and allowing--our kids to fly on their own. And we are loving the feeling of our own ride.
My children are--no doubt--my greatest accomplishment in life. They now have their own nests, their own flight paths, and their own destinations. They know that the nest is still here (and really clean) if they ever need a place to land and a quick worm or two. But in the mean time, I know that they really love the fact that I am out there flying high and soaring on my own.
Empty Nest? No way!! This nest is FULL of great things!

Nothing nothing...absolutely nothing...

I have gone out almost every night since returning from Kenya.
So today I decided that I was going to come straight home after work and do nothing!
When I got home I took a bath and watched the Dodger game (ugh!) and read the new issues of Victoria and Real Simple magazines and talked to a couple of friends on the phone and made a delicious grilled cheese & vegetable sandwich and updated my Facebook page and had a bowl of Cherries Garcia Frozen Yogurt (with chocolate syrup!) and cleaned out my Yahoo inbox and went through a stack of mail and watched a movie and bought a pair of shoes online and sewed a button on my suit and chatted with a friend online and caught up on everyone's blog.
I love the nights that I just sit and do nothing.
I get so much done.

...and they call it Bella Notte

and, speaking of Bella...
Enjoyed a lovely evening with Bella and the Sarti Family
and Todd and Jaime too!
Leigh barbecued delicious steaks, Jaime brought a fabulous spinach salad and Jana served up yummy rice, fruit and french bread.
(As usual, I brought dessert!)
The Sarti boys
...and the girls!

Sweet Leighton

Jaime and Todd will be getting married in January!
I worked with Todd at Saddleback and at Montage and have known his (awesome!) mom for about 10 years...
Jaime and I still work together at Montage!

Allison's picture hangs on the Sarti refrigerator!

He loves your picture, Allison!

Sing it with me..."Her name is Lola, the youngest Sarti..."
(Does this make TWO pictures of me with a baby this week? Yikes!)
I kissed all the kids for you Allison. Bella even showed me
the jeep that apparently she'll be driving to Kenya!
Yeah for a great night with great friends!

Never, never, never give up!

I didn't write this...but it sure sounds like I could have!
It was sent to me today and I thought I'd pass on the good advice.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship is a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candle s, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful,beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

The Cure

"Race for the Cure" is about saving lives and ending breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

My Nana is a two-time survivor, having lost both breasts to cancer 25 years apart. Obviously, this is an issue that is very close to my heart.
On Sunday, September 28th, along with thousands of other concerned and committed people, I will be "Racing for the Cure."

If you would like to assist me in making a $1,000 contribution to this cause, you can click

HERE

Thank you!

USA for Africa

I have been home from Kenya for twelve days. I have been to the market and Target and back to work and back to Chili's. I have run my air conditioning all night, had a hot shower every morning, and slept each night the comfort of my down-filled blankets and pillows. I've watched four or five movies, finished up a couple of novels and spent too much money on a new coffee maker. I've sat in the sun, laid on the beach and lounged by the pool...
But Kenya has not left my mind. Nope.
Not for one second.
I just got back from dinner with a couple of friends where--for three hours--I did not stop talking about my experiences/thoughts/feelings and memories of Kenya.
In fact, I have not stopped talking for TWELVE DAYS.
Warning: "How was your trip?" is a loaded question.
I am still overwhelmed. And praying about what I am to do with all my new feelings. With all the things I NOW know. And once you know what's over there, what's being done, what still needs to happen--you have to do something about it!
I believe that sharing the information with others is step one.
OK. Check. Believe me, I am sharing.
I am praying for the revelation of step two.
Until then...If you ask me, I will tell...
And then you will know too.

Starting it today...

The numerous posts from Ryanne and Allison (and hundreds of others!) regarding the GREATNESS of this book--and subsequent Meyer books--I decided I had to read it too.
As I went to pay yesterday, the girl at Barnes & Noble told me, "You should go ahead and buy the second book right now. You're going to read this in one day."

I have three appointments and a meeting today...
so it may take me two.

My house...is a very very very clean house...

It's one of my favorite dreams...especially when it's reality.

Most of you have only seen my house clean. But it had been a LONG 10 days since returning from Kenya, and, honestly, I don't think the house had ever been in such disorder and chaos. I'd worked seven days straight and gone out nearly every night last week...and my house paid dearly for it. I couldn't even see the kitchen table--it was a mountain of shopping bags, newspapers and days worth of mail, gifts needing to go out, and--nearly everything I had worn over the last week--three suit coats, a sweater and a jean jacket and both my Dodgers jerseys. Seriously ridiculous.

Add to it the fact that Allison had moved much of her belongings into my home to be stored while she is in Kenya and much of it was still in my living room. It was not a problem--except for the fact that I had just ADDED more crap to it rather than going through it, organizing it and putting it in a proper place for the duration of her trip. My stuff was PILED on her stuff and I was feeling totally out of control. Disorder literally makes me angry, agitated and anxious.
So yesterday, I worked a short shift in the morning, and, after Andre Ethier's walk-off home run, decided it was time to regain control of my life and order in my home...
While the washer, dryer and dishwasher ran loads for me, I spent the next SIX straight hours cleaning floors and windows, organizing closets and cabinets, scrubbing toilets and bathtubs, and washing sinks and counter tops. I deep-vacuumed all 1450 square feet (which, by the way, includes 42 stairs!) Every single thing was put in its proper place. I moved outside for a bit and watered and trimmed all my plants out on the balcony, (tossed a few dead ones) and swept up all the leaves. I even cleaned up my Yahoo inbox! It felt sooo good!

I threw out THREE bags of trash and ended up with a LARGE bag of items to be taken to Goodwill today. I bagged up and wrapped up and lined up all the gifts and packages that need to go with me to various locations this week. And, just around 10pm, I emptied the dishwasher, folded the LAST load from the dryer--and put it away.
As I sat on the couch talking to a friend...I admired my SPARKLING home. The only thing on the kitchen table--a little vase of pretty white roses clipped from my front yard.
It was a PLEASURE to go to bed (in clean sheets no less!) knowing that the entire house was back in order. I admit that I cannot have order in my head unless there is order in my house, my spirit is so much calmer when clean overcomes chaos.
I have just a few things to mend and iron this morning and will be meeting a friend for lunch and another for dinner. And I am going to enjoy the day so much more knowing that my home will be a joy to come back to.
I swear, the whole experience is almost like therapy for me. Yet so much cheaper and with results I can see and appreciate!
I encourage you to clean something today...I promise, it feels soooo good!

MAN oh MAN(NY)! What a night!

Last night ranks up there with one of the best nights I've ever experienced. Seriously. First off, and in all honesty, on a beautiful summer night in Southern California...there is no where I'd rather be than Dodger Stadium.
No where.

The addition of Manny to the line up has added even more excitement to the pennant race! And JOY to my heart! We heard there were "Manny wigs" available...but, apparently, they sold out quickly.
Who wouldn't want one?!

And...sitting in a box, seven rows from the field, with my dad...
does it get any better, really??

Oh...it was "80s team members" night too!
The guests on the field included Billy Ashely, Mike Davis and...
Tommy Lasorda

You'll have to read about the game.
Though the Dodgers didn't win, it was brilliant!
Full of all the excitement that is great baseball!

Gina and Greg added to the fun as we spotted celebrities (including a rock star or two!) in the crowd around us. The night concluded with the most spectacular fireworks presentation ever.
Great company, amazing seats, cold beer, peanuts and crackerjack...
I truly didn't care if I ever got back.
Life is (oh so) good

Dear Porsche,

Let me start by saying, I love you. I have always loved you. Since driving your 1987 brother and your 1967 cousin (both belonged to my Dad), I have DREAMED of the day you would be mine. I can spot you out on the road a mile away. You are so attractive to me and you perform like no other. A few months ago, I had realized that I could actually make my dream of owning you a reality...and began to get excited about having you in my life.
But I have been doing a lot of thinking since my return from Kenya...and I don't think I can do it anymore. I can't own a car that looks like you and costs what you cost! I KNOW! You are still so beautiful to me, but I just don't think that I can have you in my life knowing what is happening in Kenya! Knowing what that money would do for the people of that country! I KNOW that I would enjoy driving you all day...but I know I would be unable to sleep at night.
I'm sorry. I just don't think I can do it...
I have realized that your dear old friend, Mr. 2001 Volkswagen, is just fine for me after all. He's been so good to me and has taken care of all of my needs. He is paid for too. And he's still kinda cute.
Though my heart still beats for YOU (I think it always will...)
I can't justify having you in my life...
I believe, Dear Porsche, that these words say it best...

You're beautiful, it's true
There must be an angel with a smile on her face
When she thought up that I should be with you
But it's time to face the truth
I will never be with you

Restaurants on the fun...

I have gone out to breakfast, lunch or dinner every single day since I returned from Kenya. I have been able to share my pictures, my stories, my thoughts and my feelings with SO many great people...it's been fantastic. I have so many incredibly caring and loving friends...
(And the food has been fantastic too.)Tonight we celebrated Elisa's 45th birthday!
Elisa, Kelly and Sharel at The Yard House in Fashion Island!

Last night, we celebrated Javad's transfer to Montage Beverly Hills at French 75.
(Apparently, this was just the first of MANY planned 'going away' parties for him!)

With Danyel and Ray

And with the most delicious souffle of all time.

Saturday night?? Dodgers Game!
Yep. Life is Good.

25 things I LOVE (for YOU Dad!)

1. Starting a new book.
2. A twist/surprise/brilliant ending to a movie.
3. Soy Gingerbread Lattes
4. Being at a baseball game--Corona in one hand, hot dog in the other.
5. A really good laugh!
6. Warm bananas foster (or warm peach cobbler!)
   
7. New stamps in my passport
8. The Apple Store
9. Getting flowers
10. Shared memories
11. Pancakes
12. Karmann Ghia Convertables
13. All things Italian
14. Browsing antique stores
15. A genuine smile from a stranger
16. A hot bath
17. A call from my son
18. The stock market going UP
19. Margaritas on the rocks
20. A super organized, clean house!
21. Allison's heart for the people of Kenya
22. Hearing a song that "takes me back..."
23. Someone saying, "Good Morning Beautiful!"
24. My amazing HOME!
25. Happily Ever Afters...

Breakfast Club

Yeah! I got to meet Gio today!

He is sooooo cute!!!

And I got to have breakfast with Sue and Lea too!!
So fun!

I kissed them all for you too, Allison!

Family Food

My sister Leesa is in town with her kids for a few days.
That always means a big gathering and dinner at Fuddrucker's!

With Gina and Thea

With Leesa and Sid

We went to Baskin Robbins after...
Thea and Papa

Bum and Leesa

Freaking adorable Sid really enjoyed his ice cream.

Allison in Africa

Many of you have asked how Allison is doing in her
new home town of Kitale, Kenya...
Simply put--she loves it.
There is no doubt that she is exactly where she is supposed to be.
Check out her Kenya blog
kenyakenyakenya.blogspot.com

Ten things that totally bug me!

If you know me at all, you know that not much makes me upset. I go with the flow and rarely--if ever--get angry. But, that said, let me tell you that there ARE, indeed, many things that just plain BUG me (and you are welcome for the AWESOME bug picture!)
I thank YOU in advance for the therapy...here's my (latest) list:

1. People who don't make plans. They say, "We should get together" or "let's try to have dinner this week". I always say, "OK, what day?" or "I eat everyday--how about Wednesday." If you want to see me--name a time and place. I will be there. "Let's get together sometime" is what you say to someone you went to high school with when you run into them at the mall.
   
2. People who are in a hurry at the grocery store or the post office. I seriously cannot stand this. You are not the only person on earth and we all have places to go. Plan your life better.
3. Websites that haven't been updated for months. DANG! This kills me. Please just pull your site if you don't have time to keep it up!
   
4. People who say that they are getting old as an excuse for not being able to see or because they could not remember something or ANYTHING else!
   
5. People who say, "Can I ask you a question?" I say, "You mean another one?"
6. Holes in the toes of my nylons.
7. People who spell 'lose' LOOSE! (This might bug me more than anything else on earth.)
8. When I am blow drying my hair or vacuuming and I think I hear the phone ringing.
   
9. People who don't leave enough room for me to make a right turn when they are stopped at the light and going straight. So inconsiderate!
10. People who put their toddlers on the phone for me to talk to! Seriously, I don't want to talk to him. Also, I don't want to sit through his rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle" on your voice mail. Sorry.
    

OK...I feel better.
Tell me...Is it just me?
Crap...maybe I'm just getting old...

Happy Birthday Eliane!!

There’s a WONDERFUL person in my life.
You might even say she’s my wife.
My best friend for years,
Through laughter and tears
She’s the only one who really lets me gripe!

Today is this dear friend’s birthday.
And here is a heart-felt HOORAY!
A thanks for all she’s done
For the 20 years of fun
“I love you” is what I want to say!

Click click click, pat pat pat
Guys waiting on out the mat
White Zinfandel, regular milk on the side
Monkeys, owls and Ted #7
DUIx3 and dear Mary in Heaven
She's my counselor, my therapist, my guide!

Here’s to you Eliane
You know and love me and all that I am,
My heartaches, my dreams--all those men!
Don't know where we're going, don't care where we've been
And as long as we're eating--who gives a damn?

Happy birthday dear friend,
I am yours to the end,
Eating wedding cake, shrimps, hummas too
LIFE IS SO GREAT and you’re still my life mate
(But I’m kinda hoping for a gorgeous man too!!)

Have a GREAT day Eliane!!!

Total lagger

Physically, I have felt terrible since returning from Kenya. I have been exhausted, dehydrated, totally nauseated and completely unable to sleep. I have also felt disoriented, anxious and I swear I have lost my memory and ability to concentrate. I could barely work yesterday, feeling in a fog and as if I was going to fall on the ground--I was just so tired.

Though we never even saw a mosquito while in Africa, I was convinced that I must have Malaria. Yes, I took my pills religiously, (just took the last one), but I figured maybe it hit me anyway--OR that maybe I had a parasite or some really rare strain of an African virus! Hey--I don't get sick and I have more energy than anyone I know and this thing was kicking my a*s!
This morning I woke up at 2:47 am and I could not go back to sleep. I got online and emailed everyone I knew. Then I sorted pictures, emptied the dishwasher, cleaned the kitchen, read the entire paper and then went back to bed! I slept til almost noon! And this afternoon, I fell asleep while watching the Dodger game...and I literally just woke up.
If you know me AT ALL, you know I am not a rester, not a lazy person, and not one to EVER give in to a sickness. My assumption: I must have a fatal disease.
So I typed my symptoms into Web.MD--fatigue, anxiety, dehydration, nausea, disorientation, inability to sleep, exhaustion, memory lapse...
Diagnosis?
Jet lag
Yep. And, according to the trustworthy source, "Symptoms are compounded based on duration of travel and can last up to one day per each time zone crossed." Kenya is 10 time zones away.
So there ya go.
Though I was kinda thinking at least I'd lose a lot of weight if I had Malaria or an African parasite, I am waving the white flag and giving in to the reality of it being a really severe case of post-travel blues...good old fashion jet lag.
OK...I'm heading to bed again.
Wish me luck.

Kenya take a few more?

This morning I ordered prints of my Kenya photographs to make an album. It was tough, but I narrowed it down to the top 100 or so pictures. Though I'd love to share all 100 with you (come by my house and you can see all 1500!), I think the ones below come the closest to capturing the essence of the trip...

This is Solomon. He works at the camp we stayed at the last two nights. He was absolutely THRILLED to take a picture with me using my 'long arm' technique! We took about 10. And he wanted to look at the image every time.

This is Wilbur. Well, that's what I called him. He lives at Sister Freda's place.
(Well, he might have been dinner by now.)

This little baby was found in some bushes on the side of a road by Mary, the woman who helps Pastor Steve at his home. Mary immediately took the baby (her umbilical cord was still attached) to the police. They told Mary there was nothing they could do and that she should just keep the baby. She did. Her name is Angel.

Having to borrow Allison's clothes, I ended up in one of Taffy's small group sweatshirts.
I am still not sure that a 45 year old woman should wear "Droopys" across her chest.

These are children at one of the orphanages we visited.
The boy closest to me lost both his parents in the violence earlier this year.
(And BOY could he dance!)

And there's always lots of dancing going on...

At the flag raising ceremony at Deliverance Church...

Just a shot out the window as we drove through Kenya

At the Masai Mara

I LOVE this shot...It's in Potak, one of the small villages where we did a medical/dental/eye clinic.
Caught in a downpour, we gathered under this gorgeous tree.

Before the rain in Potak. We were up to our ankles in mud after that!

Twonga Twonga

Allison LOVES all the kids...
And vice versa.

Another beautiful smiling child at an orphanage

With the staff of the camp

Allison singing to men at the prison

Feeding the street kids at Deliverance

Helping a man 'see' by getting him the glasses he needed!

At one of our many gas station/bathroom stops

On the way home, we had an 8 hour layover in Amsterdam...
We took the train into town and walked around for several hours. It was fabulous! We had hot pastries to start with...and, later on, an ice-cold beer. It was a great way to end the trip...
I am still processing all that I saw and experienced and felt over the two weeks in Africa.
And I have a feeling the best blogs are still to come.

Browsing on Safari

On our last day in Kenya, we woke up very early to go on an all day Safari in the Maasai Mara. It was absolutely the experience of a lifetime...and well worth the 6am wake up call. Though it was very cold and dark when we left, the sun came through and the adventure began...

None of these shots required 'zooming in' on the camera.
This is how close we actually were to ALL of these beautiful animals!

I was in the front seat and took this picture (very quietly!)
straight down out of the window.

We saw HUNDREDS of Zebra...

I had never seen a Cape Buffalo before...incredible looking animal!

The trees and the scenery are spectacular...

After many trips to Lion Country Safari and the San Diego Wild Animal Park (and many rides on the Jungle Cruise...) it was SO cool to actually see these animals in their natural surroundings. The Lions were probably my favorites. No, the Elephants. Though the Giraffes were pretty darn impressive too...and the Ostriches and Eagles and Gazelles and Wart hogs and Hippos and Impalas...Absolutely fabulous!
It was TRULY one of the most incredible adventures of my life!
To top it all off, the Maasai Mara is listed in the "1000 Things to See Before You Die" book.
Check one more off.

Two Peas in an iPod

Just a few shots of me and my favorite little girl from our
African holiday...

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Children in the neighboring area of a school we visited.
Anywhere we went children would come out to greet us!
They say, "How are YOU?"

The JOYFUL Boy Scouts at Oasis of Hope

This is one of the families that came to the clinics we held throughout the trip.
The children are each holding medicines in their hands.

The children having lunch at Sister Freda's school

Just one of the MANY gorgeous children at Deliverance Church...

This woman came to the eye clinic and I was able to give her reading glasses that made her so excited. Her little baby is so beautiful!

This little boy was part of the very large group who came to the clinic we had in Potak.
Only 1,200 more to share!

Kenya feel the love?

Just a few to get you started...
I miss it already

Out of Africa

After 35 hours of travel--I am home. My sweet dad greeted me with the GREAT news of Manny Ramirez joining the Dodgers (!) and then dropped me at my beautiful home...
I came in my house and turned on the lights, turned on the air conditioning and stripped off the clothes I had been wearing since Monday afternoon. I jumped in my hot shower and lathered up and washed my hair and shaved my legs and OPENED MY MOUTH to the strong stream of water! Oh, and I brushed my teeth with the water from the tap.
There is no place like home.
It is a little after midnight in the US of A and I am eating a DELICIOUS peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's 10am in Kenya...my body thinks it missed breakfast.
It is impossible for me to tell you what I experienced over these last two weeks. It's like someone trying to describe the Grand Canyon--even with pictures you cannot convey the vastness, the beauty, the amazing feelings you have.
It is exactly the same with Kenya. And the people of Kenya. Even with the 2800 pictures I took, I will never be able to truly articulate what I saw, learned and felt. It was absolutely unbelievable--incredible and amazing. It was also tremendously depressing and heartbreaking and disturbing. And absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.
In a word--it was overwhelming. And it will take a while for me to process all of it. And for me to figure out what MY part will be in continuing to assist and love on those beautiful people.
Tomorrow I will download the pictures and narrow them down a bit. (Maybe...)
Tonight...I'm gonna charge up my phone and my camera and go dry my hair. I am gonna bury myself in the layers of blankets on my bed and attempt to sleep a bit.
My mind just won't stop.
Suffice it to say that the trip was spectacular. I have so many stories to share and memories to cherish. There were amazing adventures and so many hilarious moments! And a great surprise on top of it all.
Blogs for months to come.
Until then...
kwa heri