Saturday, April 30, 2011 — What to tell you about first???

Yesterday my intention was to tell you more about the things we did on the eight day trip to see Steve, Susan and Mira in Italy. I still intend to do that because when I land in Fort Bragg tomorrow afternoon I know I'll immediately be swept up in preparing for the following week's and weekend's activities.

But right now it's hard to focus on Italy when I'm in the midst of a Soroptimist Regional conference attended by some truly amazing women. They are hard working, generous, creative, productive and best of all, warm, collegial and funny. The last adjective deserves to be accentuated because, even though serious and concerned matters are being dealt with by this dedicated service club, not more than a few minutes go by without being punctuated by laughter ........ sometimes just plain joyful and sometimes naughty. But always full of hearty old fashioned belly laughs. This conference is taking place at the Double Tree Hotel in Rohnert Park. I made the decision to attend so close on the heels of the trip to Italy because it's right on my way home to Fort Bragg. So — Why not? I thoroughly enjoying the informal moments with people from my own club. And I've already met a host of regional members I hadn't known and would enjoy getting to know better. They are all such "doers." So brainstorming with little groups can be very productive and informative. Lots of wine at in between moments. A flapper motif dinner tonight and a tear producing awards dinner last night featuring women we are giving 10K scholarships to for use in completing their last year's work toward their PHD. Food not bad — better today though ....not that much better. So, we're not here for the food, that's clear. I walked out on the later part of today's lunch because the cold I seem to have acquired by sitting on that Airbus for eleven hours was simply forcing me to go find more kleenex. Tonight is a little party of our club followed by a big dinner tonight with more speeches. Lots of fundraising booths selling everything from cool jewelry and hand made hats to insulated lunch bags and logo sporting sweatshirts. I'm going to move on now, but I needed to share my present circunstances with you while it's hot.

The second day we were in Italy, we were taken to one of the many old buildings in Torino that has been transformed into a space for a very Italian style exhibits focussing on the history of Italy over the last 150 years. All over Italy, but I am led to believe especially in the Torino region, they are mounting spectacular exhibits devoted to the story of the unification of Italy 150 years ago. What great timing to arrive just in time for the opening of these amazing presentations. From the English portion of the handout to this day's exhibit — "To tell of this century and a half of unified history from a critical viewpoint, the exhibition will be showing the main elements that have held Italians together as well as those factors that have maintained or increased the divisions, representing them by multiple narrations and languages. — The multimedia, creative and technological exhibition requires visitors to choose their own routes and to explore them interactively, along two directions running parallel. The first takes a chronological line a sequence of dates referring to the most important events in Italy's history and which accompany the entire exhibition. The second is made up of thirteen "thematic islands" relating to the aspects that have most influenced the profile of Italians: Italian cities, farmer's world, school, church, migration, First World War, Second World War, political participation, mafias, factories, market products, transportation, mass media."

Sorry for such a long quote, but, as Chuck says, the Italians design a show like this and they really follow through with the plan all the way. I couldn't have described their "plan" nearly as well or as clearly as they have. Nobody does design any better than the Italians and this exhibit takes place in the land of the automotive center of Italy with engineering playing a major part from super modern multimedia presentations to the creation of small and large physical environments. Ramps carry one up to heights that oversee the show below. Blackboards with school children photos on them can be touched in such a way as to make the current image disappear and produce a new one. I suspect this is a photoshop job. Science projects from the past are explained and demonstrated. Huge screens show stills and then moving pictures of farm activities from earlier times. Gigantic construction and farm equipment is displayed on the main floor. You can be right in the midst of it all or see it from a higher platform or ramp.

There is no way to avoid the presence of war during a great deal of what is shown. Old airplanes and artillery are there. War trenches are constructed and kids seeing the exhibit are climbing in an out of the dark spaces created to suggest trench warfare.

I eventually had to slow down. The exhibit covers several city blocks of space within a huge old building. After about three hours I became tired and hungry. Easy to cure. One had only to find ones way back to the beginning and exit. There, it was easy to satisfy the hunger with salads, pastas and much more being offered by a "chain" food provider known to do a good job of it. We sat at bright yellow tables obviously constructed like cardboard folding constructions so that at the end of this event, it could all be dismantled in minutes. What a pleasure to see so many good design ideas featured at every turn.

After we ate, we cruised through the "Future" section of the exhibit. A kind of sister exhibit that didn't impress me nearly as much as the history one. Surprising considering my afinity for art. But the things on display there looked as though they were all trying too hard. So this time I'll have to come out preferring the dated stuff. Sometimes that's the way it goes.

Wednesday April 22011 — Whirlwind visit to Italy

We returned last evening and were met at SFO by Leah and Mike. The return trip on an Airbus instead of a 747 was just a little less brutal. Actually a lot. Fewer seats and more amenities. The below decks restrooms are in a space where one can actually stand and do some exercises and stretches. What a relief. Chuck and I each had isle seats with no one sitting in the adjoining seat. That helps a lot too, for easy getting up, down and around.

Steve, Susan and Mira entertained us royally. Susan made some lovely dinners and lunches for us and we ate out at the most pleasurable venues. They had reservations for museums in all directions. For the next few days I'm going to back up a bit and tell you about the places we went. There was never time to work on the blog while on the trip because we often returned to our inn around 10:00 or 11:00 night and took off the next morning for a new day's activities.

The first day we went to the nearby town of Chieri to visit the Textile museum that Steve had discovered. They responded in such a gracious manner to his request to see this space that has very restricted hours. The displays of beautiful old looms began with the simplest in construction and ended with modern dobby and Jacquard looms with all their peripherals. The man whose family had once owned one of the major textile companies in the area was our guide and he was helped with translation by a very knowledgeable and cordial colleague. The guide is also the president of the museum's foundation. As we moved along and they began to realize the depth of my interest and my understanding of what they possess, they really warmed up and were extremely generous in the number of special things and places they shared with us.

Their collection includes a nice sampling of things that are very Italian and some things from far off places. The president's face lit up as I exclaimed over the presense of a Japanese marudai set up with weights and all. He looked at the label and said, "Yes, a marudai." You're never alone when you're looking at textiles and the devices that have helped with their production all through the ages. When we were visiting their library, the president presented a gift to me of the book they had published dealing with the textile production of textiles from the thirteenth century to the twentieth century. A big, thick, meaty book I'll be sharing with many of you. I'm hunting for an Italian/English dictionary today. Certainly, the amount of Spanish I possess, little though it is, helps me a great deal in making sense of the Italian written word.

Walking back again through the museum space as we prepared to leave, was like going back again in time. Dye plants, methods, raw materials, looms from a fancy little Jacquard loom to produce pictorial swaddling fabric for Italian babies, to a linen fabric made on a simple vertical loom that made reproductions of the famous Turin cloth that is thought to possess the image of Christ.

I will probably come back to a discussion of this museum and the stimulating book I received. But I'll move on to that day's delightful activities for now. The two hospitable Italian gentlemen suggested that we have lunch at a remodeled space where the important bleaching facility for the city of Chieri once operated. We found it to be closed for the day though and moved on to one of Steve's many haunts. He took us around the corner to a favorite place for having lunch where we feasted on green salads with chicken strips. It is attached to a building holding the library space where Steve hangs out many days to do research and get some of his business ideas formulated and written down. We went upstairs where they hold many interesting exhibits of old Italian books and artifacts. The library and reading room space was spacious and airy. Lots of good shelving ideas. I can see why Steve is very happy to hang out in such a space. Later in the week we visited tow other libraries in Torino where he also spends a lot of time using their wifi and tables for his work.

To finish off the afternoon we drove out to the edge of Chieri and visited a very solid complex of buildings housing the Martini & Rossi company. We asked to see their museum and were quickly directed there. What an amazing, endless cellar space spanning at least a city block. Beautifully displayed and lighted ancient receptacles adorned the stone and brick underground walls. Beginning with Etruscan objects of interest that were so beautifully made and preserved you would have thought they were from this century. Chuck was fascinated by the contrast between our local winery museums and their holdings which inspire awe if they are a hundred an fifty years old. Here we were with artifacts thousands of years old and in handsomely designed humidity controlled spaces. The old presses and wagons as well as other wine cellar artifacts were also endlessly fascinating. I don't know when I've seen so much beautiful patina on wooden objects being displayed. The Italians seem very trusting and casual about these spaces. There were only a couple of other people in this underground space while we were there and they were a visiting couple enjoying the exhibits as much as we were.

We drove home leisurely (If that can ever be said of Italian road travel) and spent several hours resting at our inn before being picked up and taken to dinner at an outdoor garden dining room in Moncalieri where Skip and I had also eaten the year before. Salads and pizzas were the order of the day. Then back to our rooms to rest up for the next full day of museuming to see an amazing historical review of the times leading up to and following the unification of Italy one hundred and fifty years ago. Turin played a big roll in this happening and they are celebrating it all over town. All for now, but much more to come. Ciao.

Wednesday April 20, 2011 — Remembering Skip went well

Max and patti did a great job of organizing a lovely night at Mendociino Stories devoted to the reading of some of Skip's stories followed by one set played by our son Mike and his duo with our granddaughter Leah joining in with them at the very end. I don't think they are used to narrowing themselves down to one set. The musicians were as wonderful as ever but seemed to be in a more low keyed or subtle mood than I am used to hearing them. A few people had to leave before Leah played so I hope they'll get a chance to hear her on some other date. Because they were staying with us overnight, I got to listen to them really let loose the next day. That's always a thrill. I was so touched that they came all the way up to Mendocino for this event. I think they had a good time and we certainly had a great time visiting with them.

Sunday I headed for the Bay Area because Chuck and I were flying to Italy on Monday. Long flight with the usual lack of leg room. We had only one isle seat between us so we traded off every few hours for a bit more comfort. Chuck particularly needed the knee space. Each time I've flown the last couple of years, I think they've simply gone over the line of what's a reasonable amount of space to allow for each passenger. Then, the next time I fly, they've gone just a little further. I'm sure this complaint is going to make a big difference in that situation.

Steve met us at the Turin airport and we had a great visit and lovely risotto dinner made by Susan. Today is actually Thursday here. We lost one day on the way over and my computer is totally confused about that. I'm keeping it on the U.S. settings since we are only here for eight days. That includes doing the sit all day routine on the plane in reverse. A bit brutal.

Steve and Susan arranged for us to stay at a charming hotel on the side of the hill above Moncalieri, which is just a few miles from Turin. We're only about a ten minute drive from where they live. Mira had the last two of six finals yesterday so we quizzed her on possible questions for her history test before we returned to our hotel. This charming place consists of several rows of rooms with common verandas and a sunny courtyard between them as they climb up the hill. I have a lovely little suite on the first level with living room/kitchen, bath and room with a super comfortable bed. Chuck is on the next level and he has to be careful he doesn't hit his head on the ceiling when he goes to bed or rises because his bed is under the low end of a loft reached by a spiral staircase. He had the choice of that suite or one more like mine but which had too much lingering smoke to keep him company. So far he hasn't complained of a head trauma from his morning rising. He tells me he is entering from the foot of the bed to avoid hitting the ceiling. I'm crossing my fingers for him.

Steve made a reservation for us in a nearby town of Chieri to see a textile museum that was absolutely wonderful. Must go now, but will get back later or tell you about it tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 — Getting ready for Friday

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone at the Mendocino Stories event this Friday evening. There are so many people up here who have not yet heard Mike, Julian and Leah play. They are each fantastic on their own and wonderful to hear when they get together. I can't wait. If anyone is planning on coming but has not been to the Mendocino Hotel before, I would recommend coming early. I think they open up their doors for dinner at 6:30. Best about then if you want to get a really good seat. Actually, there aren't many bad seats the way they have arranged the stage in the middle of the overall space. It's a great place to have a fun evening.

I'll be having family/musicians here and the "Frog" awaits them. That's "Functional rooms over garage." Not original with me. I stole (borrowed) it from the sister of a friend. I've always had a soft spot for frogs so it works for me. It's a great place to hang out and the wifi makes it a good spot for the kids to watch movies or do research. Not many kids this time around. Larkin is turning out to be a winning tennis player and will be competing over the weekend. I'll miss him but we're going to have to adjust to him being somewhere else next year. He's just on the verge of choosing where he'll be going to school next year. He has great choices but seems to be gravitating to San Jose because of their aeronautics program. Time will reveal all.

I checked out the situation at Pacific Textile Arts this afternoon. All the nails are pulled from the larger building south wall and some from the smaller library exterior. The big electric heaters that protruded from the ends of each building have gone on to their next resting place. It looks so much better not having them sticking out from the end wall exteriors. Greg Tregoning is doing the wall replacement work and I have lots of respect for his command of a situation. He thinks things through in a way that inspires confidence. We were just told last week that we cannot final the buildings without painting them. So that will be the next challenge.

I am going to Italy next week to visit Steve, Susan and Mira. I'll deal with the painting situation when I get back at the beginning of May. When Skip and I visited the Italian residents at the end of 2009 it was October. It will be fun to be there in April this time. Should be warmer than where I'm coming from. I don't think I remember a cooler spring here in Fort Bragg. Not complaining. Trees and plants are showing that they know it is spring and that it will soon warm up. I love walking around the garden and checking the tiny buds on each different tree. There had been some speculation from Carlos that the new Gingko Marilynn gave me might not make it. I said, "no touching it." It is now showing lovely new Gingko leaves before the other two. I'm watching the weeping elm given to me by one of the MLPA groups. It's going to be a beautiful tree and I hope they'll all come to the Taurus party to see it. I'll post some pics of it soon. I learned about Katsura trees from Shozo and Alice. They have a gorgeous one in the entry courtyard of their beautiful Japanese garden. I now have two conventional Katsuras and one weeping Katsura. They are looking magnificent with their luscious new green leaves with the tiny fleck of rose color that accompanies each leaf. I just received a call from the local nursery this afternoon asking me if I was still seeking a white blossom Dogwood tree. I'm not quite sure where I'll put it, but yes, I do want it. It will just feel right to have a Dogwood in our garden.

I've now finished three books about plant based nutrition. I find myself veering further and further in that direction. I'm sure I'll never be a vegan, but I'm thoroughly enjoying trying out many of their suggested dishes. And I am leaning toward a more heavily vegetarian cuisine. I am losing some weight and did well with a little competition of losing inches that the local Curves has been conducting this month. Feels good. Nice to get a glimpse of my old body. I am reasonably confident that I can see this through. Wish me luck.

Tuesday, April 12 — Looking at life

I'm watching a TV program about the assignments that are undertaken by National Geographic photo editors. The focus at the moment is on some native inhabitants of Ethiopia. The photographer is describing a social situation whereby half the people near a river are going to have their lives destroyed in about three years because of a rerouting of the water that is planned in order to aid another half of the population. Now suddenly, the story has moved on to a group of mormon polygamists in a remote area of Arizona. A zip line going over the cold waters of a small lake into which some of the group drop is shown as the photographer is descending along the line. She has become one with this group. They are fully clothed in long garments while playing in this muddy looking water. The pictures this woman photographer is obtaining are gained by building the trust among this private group of people.

Now they are discussing the April issue devoted to the subject of water around the world. They are moving from one spectacular venue to another. I can't keep up with them but I'm trying hard because the pictures transcend politics and infighting beyond words. Now they are showing two children playing at the edge of an area of the Dead Sea.

Now they are moving on to focus on king Tut, and during a privileged few moments, they were able ply their craft while some time sensitive DNA studies were being conducted by scientists. Mummies, skulls, rapid movement between Tuts grandmother and other members of King Tut's family. Then, just as suddenly, they are gone.

The editor is talking about his favorite pictures from everywhere. A woman photographer is discussing the stories and showing pictures of women in Afghanistan. She is traveling with scientists who are on a mission to study maternal health. An awkward scene of a woman out in the middle of nowhere and about to give birth, is now on screen.

I'm so impressed with the depth of humanity in the discussions between photographers and the head photographic editor. They discuss their goals regarding the telling of stories and the things they want to say.

Women in a desert area spending eight hours a day searching for water. Amazing images of women trekking in stark wilderness. Again, the discussion of goals, of research, equipment, ability to learn about the subjects. The dedication to finding a kind of truth seems to always be present. I love hearing these people talking about their craft. The editor begins talking to prospective photographers about how they can become story tellers by way of the camera and acute sensitivity. I'm about to hunt down my April issue. After taking in this barrage of fast moving images, I can't wait to have a slow motion look at them all.

Just watched a charming, short "Image Makers" film featuring an enchanting couple of dancers doing their thing in the aisles a grocery store. Sweet, quirky and well done.

I can get pretty furious at Channel 9 because of their all too many pledge drives. But in just this half hour I've spent sitting and watching a non pledge sequence, i've seen so much that affects me.

Now Frontline has come on and will be documenting high school football and the rising danger of permanent physical brain damage visited upon its players. Heat stroke in a practice victim whose body went into renal failure after his temperature reached 108. Typical high quality Frontline feature expose. Now two players are critically ill. Eventually one of these boys dies. Now four players in this Arkansas community have suffered the same demise in a one week period. The fact that football mishaps are growing in number is being driven home to the listening audiance. The importance of the fact that these schools are being scrutinized by national media, and college scouts is highlighted. Increased exposure brings increased pressure to do the job. "Football factories" they are calling them. A new landscape of high scool football. The building of an elite football program for which players are training year round. It's time for me to stop trying to relate this amazing documentary to you. But talk of God has entered. Religion and sports are suddenly entirely meshed. National attention, recruiting, The making of a "true superstar" is being profiled, revealing the seriousness of the whole current football situation. Sophmores in high school being marketed and recruited by major colleges. Astounding. Beautiful young men turning into willing gladiators.

Head trauma. 60,000 concussions in a year, brain damage, the whole nine yards. A woman is discussing the autopsied brains of past players. Dementia, damage to the brain that is dramatic.The discussion of the real facts involved in the trauma and health risks being experienced all around the country. Check it out on the internet. It's shocking. They're turning these young boys into huge monsters, some weighing as much as 300 pounds. Being "physical" and "winning the game" is all that matters. Playing so hard that your opponent loses his next game because of violent happenings during this game. Trinity High from Texas displaying virtual monsters. Talk of "war, never giving up, hurting the other guy to the enth degree." This is disgusting and yet I can't take my eyes off of it. "You don't cower down. I'm going to hurt you if you do," says the losing coach. Purdue University is studying the results of non concusion causing brain impacts. Cognitive impairment due to the number blows received by a player. Sensors placed in helmets reveal all kinds of horors. This is a shocking revelation of "informed act of beating peoples brains in." Like boy babes going to slaughter — Willingly.

A voice of comfort

Oh Sam, if you knew how often I have thought of you and Sarah and Bill and all the others who kept me sane and held me just after Skip died. I don't know how I would have survived without you. You were all so kind and thoughtful to my children and family as they gathered over the afternoon. I will never forget it. Thank you for checking in. Some people tell me they can't deal with the comment thing for the blog. I've never tried to do it myself. Is it a G-mail thing. Do you have G-mail? Anyway, thanks to you and others for conquering it.

I'm doing really well now. If you've been following my blog as you say, then you know all the things I've been up to lately. Guess you can tell, this is a slightly stressful time because of finding out about the many hoops we're going to have to jump through before we can simply move our books into the new library space and start teaching the children to spin and weave in that lovely classroom space. At some moments, I wonder if this is the time my Taurus nature that my mother used to call stubbornness, but I call tenacity, will fail me. I still have faith that it won't, but it's not the easiest of times.

On a happier note...... " Mendocino Stories," the marvelous events producers over here are holding a night of entertainment at the Mendocino Hotel next Friday evening. It's called, "Remembering Skip Wollenberg." Tomorrow I'll test my digital skill and try to place a small poster they gave me on the blog. The first half will be various people reading some of Skip's stories (which are wonderful, of course) and the second half will feature our son Mike's jazz duo with guest appearances by our granddaughter, Leah who plays jazz and Celtic music on the violin. You probably remember her from her visits to the hospital.This is a fun venue and there will be drink and bar food throughout the evening. This will be a celebration, not a memorial.

The other event coming up soon over here is our yearly Taurus party which we hold in our garden and is really just an excuse to have a party. Though we do seem to have a lot of people around here of the Taurus persuasion. We are also calling it a celebration of life this year. It will be on Sunday, May 15 at 2:30. There will be music, boule, and other outdoor games. It's a great time to just visit my studio and enjoy good conversation. It's a potluck and is known (because of all the weavers, they say) to feature some of the best food you'll ever eat. Our friend Carlos will also be serving tamales and carne asada made by him and his wife. Yum. It would be great if any of you could come over to either of these gatherings and join the coastal celebrations. We'd love to see you. You know I'd love to see you any time you can come over. I'll never forget your warmth and kindness. Thanks again for writing.

Thursday, April 7, 2011 — One thing on the mind

As the saying goes, "This too will pass." It seems to me that except for the time I spent in Mexico in January and part of February, I have had next to nothing on my mind other than the building project at Pacific Textile Arts on Alger Street. I know we all thought it would be completed way before now. But how many times have you heard that statement regarding any building project?

Thirteen years ago we launched a pledge drive to fund the bidding on the Alger Street property which Pacific Textile Arts so proudly owns now. We actually raised $65,000. in less about four months and borrowed $29,000. from good friends in order to bid $83,000. and soon became the happy and slightly dazed owners of this wonderful half acre with a little two story house at its front. Not too many arts organizations we know have what we now have. It was in pretty bad shape when we took possession. There was no foundation, little or no exterior paint to be seen, a sixteen foot wide multi-plant (bush) swath of so called hedge where our parking and driveway are now located. Slowly, slowly after endless rummage sales, raffles and bake sales, we raised the money to pay back the friendly loans, put in a foundation, build a storage shed, paint the house and begin to work on the inside where the woodworkers from the college program next door had stored precious stacks of drying wood for some years. We covered the leveled floor in the kitchen and front room with Baltic birch, a fine cabinet makers, plywood.

We made some structural repairs in the kitchen and then painted it. What a joy that was to slowly whiten the walls of all the downstairs rooms one by one. Eventually that front room became our gallery in which we mount new exhibits each quarter. Now that I have recollected that slow, thirteen year history, it helps me to put into perspective what we're going through at this time.

For several years some of our board members, led by Karen Inwood as well as Elaine Stevens and Laine Escola, have been teaching young students to spin and weave in the gallery and the kitchen. Every time we have a meeting or an opening for a new exhibit, Karen and others have had to move all the table looms from the front of the house to the back porch. That obviously became a little too tedious for anyone to take for too much longer. There were discussions about possible solutions to ease the problem. Some suggested renting or buying a "container" or knocking out windows in the storage shed and various other ideas that sounded problematic regarding amenities like heat, light and the like. Then Laine Escola told me about a rumour she had heard regarding surplus buildings possibly being available from the Fort Bragg School District. I made an appointment to speak with the school superintendent and the rest is history. They offered to give us a single wide and a double wide portable building. Then we discussed the moving of these buildings with the company who usually does this work for the school district. They gave us a bid of close to fifty thousand dollars to move the buildings across town and install them at our site. That's how we became involved in our second fund raising pledge drive. With the help of our warm hearted textile arts supporters and friends, we raised $55,000. in about seven months and here we are. All seemed to be going smoothly until a few days after we received our building permit, the fire department decided that we must have sprinkler systems in both of the new old buildings. That took us well over our budget to the tune of $11,000. And the fun wasn't over yet. For a while, every week there was some new little revelation regarding fees, unforeseen costs and the like. You might remember that I wrote about being called to go to the city hall the morning I was leaving for Mexico to pay for a new meter that needed to be installed that day! I abandoned my last minute packing and departure efforts and went down town to the finance office. They didn't know what I was talking about. After a conversation that was mutually frustrating, I walked across to the community development office and asked them to try to find out what I was there for. After about an hour and a half of phone calls by a tireless administrator in that office, a piece of paper was finally produced and brought downstairs for me to take back across the hall to the money receivers. I drove back home, threw things left and right into my car and took off for the Bay Area.

I had a rejuvenating six weeks in Mexico as many of you have read. And I think it was the tonic that gave me the energy to deal with the ups and downs we're going through now. A visit the other day with the contractor and the county building inspector revealed that we would have to replace the south walls of both buildings and that we wouldn't be able to final with the city or the county before we painted the exterior of both buildings as well as remove the giant exterior electric heaters that protrude from the ends of the portables. I think I'm beginning to sound like a pretty bitchy lady as I review what I've written. But it's actually done me a lot of good just to write it down, and get it off my chest. Thanks. I really do believe that this too will pass.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 — Whirlwind month

Where, oh where is this month going so fast? Between windy days, during which I perform at about 50% at most, and the new demands for rebuilding at least two walls of the new Pacific Textile Arts (old) buildings at Alger Street in Fort Bragg, as well as the demand (by the building department) for having them freshly painted before they can be finaled..........Well, you get the picture. I met with a contractor about bidding for the wall replacement and he seemed to take it in his stride. The second contractor contacted to fulfill the need for open bidding, has not yet answered my call. We'll see.

On another note, my garden is actually beginning to look like spring after all these cold and rainy months. It appears to be a dud year for the iris bed. Does that mean anything other than a "dud year?" I wish I knew more about such things. The gorgeous array of heather in my center mound is beginning to lose its vibrant pink tones. But it has been beautiful. The rhodies are beginning to show their true colors. And, besides all the fruit blossoms, the most exciting thing to see is all the lovely lilacs on the tree just outside the vegetable garden. I just took a picture of it but I'm afraid I can't share it with you until after a trip to town for errands which will include buying a new stash of double A's to feed my hungry camera. Once it makes its "I quit" announcement, that's it!

Yesterday's Press Democrat had a good little article about "Fort Bragg Helps Japanese Town." Its subtitle goes on to say, "Residents raise more than $63,500 for sister city crippled by tsunami." If anyone out there would like to help by donating funds to help the ravaged community of Otsuchi, they can send donations to: Otsuchi Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1017,

Fort Bragg, CA 95437. Or you can make donations to this fund at any Mendo Lake Credit Union branch. I am surrounded by friends and neighbors who knew these devastated people through the warm exchange of friendships between the two sister cities. My heart still breaks for them. But they are not sitting back and crying. They are doing all kinds of things to raise funds for Otsuchi. Friday night I went to a gathering at the City Hall where people were selling special crafts and artwork to benefit the cause. I bought two "benefit boxed" glass straws from some glass blowers. The funds go to Otsuchi and it also means no more paper straws to be thrown away. Besides seeing Larry Thomas' fabulous new work, this was the highlight of my First Friday art wanderings. I didn't get down to North Coast Artists to see their guest show. I hear it is wonderful. Inspired comments about work by Kary Marshall. I'll get there soon.

I've been missing my friends in Mexico and thinking of all the lovely experiences I've had there. Yael, I have discovered something new and interesting about the lentil dish you make every year after the recipe from your cousin Sara in London. I made it the other day for a potluck dinner and decided to take it a step further. I made it from a package of gray/brown lentils, yogurt, parsley, garlic, cilantro, horse radish (my addition) and curry powder. Then I got brave and put it in the food processor in several batches, adding more greenery toward the end. It made the most wonderful spread/dip which seems to keep in the refrigerator very well. I've been reading three different nutrition oriented books over the last few months. Starting with the way out "save your heart" one that is being adhered to by my friend Mark. I was particularly critical of this one because I came upon a chapter entitled, "Moderation Kills." Well, you know me. Those are like fighting words. But after two careful readings and watching Mark's health improve amazingly, I changed my mind and decided that there was lots to learn in this avid plant based movement. Then I read a book called "Cinch" by a nutritionist who is a vegan but does have some poultry and fish recipes for hard nosed non-vegans. She is the one who reccommends eating some kind of beans, peas or lentils every day as a "best" source of fiber. Now I am reading a book by Dr. Neil Barnard that makes the middle book (Cinch) look like a walk in the park. Actually, I find that there is much to be learned via the latest studies regarding blood circulation to the back bone discs and other parts, that is valuable even if you never expect to adhere rigidly to their plans. I love reading this stuff for their little bits and pieces of new studies and theories. Yesterday there was an article about longevity in tiny worms being affected by turmeric. Bet there will be a big run on that market. Fascinating. Yael, I also miss your garden and the conversations we've had over the years, at the little table outside the garden cell.

On that note, I think I'll go do those errands and bring the lilacs closer to your viewing. Done!