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!