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Our grand kids bring such great joy to our lives. As they see the wonders of the world for the first time, their stories always make us laugh.
Antonio, our grandson, started kindergarten yesterday. What a big day it was for him!
In his excitement, he shared with us all the things he learned and the new friends he made. No tears for him, just a really great first day…. and as we listen to him over the phone, we can’t help but smile and be proud.
A beautiful Henna tattoo on a hand
Henna is a flowering plant called Lawsonia Inermis. It is a small tree about 8 feet high, which use to dye skin, hair, fingernails and clothes. Henna leaves have coloring properties due to lawsone, an organic compound. Whole, unbroken henna leaves will not stain the skin. But, when crushed and mixed with lemon juice, strong tea, dark coffee or clove oil a paste is made which can be used to make tattoo the skin.
Henna came from Egypt at least 5000 years ago where it was used to paint Pharaohs toes and nails. For centuries, the art of henna painting on the body, especially hands and feet, has been practiced in India, Pakistan, Africa, and the Middle East, where the henna plant is believed to bring love and good fortune, and to protect against evil. Henna painting is traditionally practiced for wedding ceremonies, and in times of joyous.
It has been called with different names as it grows in dry and hot conditions. In India it called Mehendi but since art of painting hands and feet start from Middle East it got name as HENNA –it is an Arabic word means “home ruler”.
Henna tattoos are popular because they are temporary tattoos which last for 1 to 3 weeks and it is all natural.
Henna plant has lots of other uses like:
1) It acts as anti-fungal
2) The leaves are processed as a skin conditioner and can relieve rashes.
3) It cool your body temperature, that is why in old time in India during summer -feet’s and hands are painted with henna to cool your body.
4) Henna flowers have been used to create perfume
When shopping for henna kits, caution should be taken as many products add chemicals to give a dark color. Read the label before buying a henna kit to make sure it contains only natural ingredients.
Beautiful Laguna Beach California - playground for Daughter’s and Dad’s Day
Well, the day finally arrived – 8/20/11. What is special about this day, it’s my ticket date for the “Pageant of the Masters.” This year’s theme – “it’s only make believe.” I first went to the Pageant of the Masters when I was age 11 or 12; it was an eye opening and life changing event. I didn’t go again until about 7 years ago when I thought that it would make a fun Valentine’s gift – my then wife Kelly always got two nice dinners out of the deal; and, the tickets, in lieu of flowers, spared the lives of some unwitting roses.
I purchase my tickets in October (preferential treatment – I’m special ha ha) of the preceding year and patiently await the “day” – it’s always worth the wait! I have a “festival of Arts” membership that gets me access to other events as well – back stage meet and greets, preview artist’s work, celebrity activities, and so forth. This year the stars were aligned and the “Festival” runway fashion show and a “Criminal Minds” cast meet and greet were scheduled the same day. The theme for the fashion show was “Re(f)use” – the fashion entry had to be fabricated from reused material. One of the judges was Marlee Matlin, Oscar winner for her role in “Children of a lesser God.”
I always purchase two tickets and this year decided that my daughter Kasaundra will go with me. She recently graduated from Trabuco Hills HS and is enrolled at Saddleback JC. She will major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business. She is employed by “Forever 21” (women’s retail) at their new location in Mission Viejo and is very excited.
The fashion show began at 1pm and had 8 entrants. Materials used were cork, window screen, dry cleaner wire hangers, magazine pages, trash bags, etc. Entrants included a wedding dress (the winner), an Elizabethan dress, a Spanish dress, and some others – not my area of expertise J Kasaundra enjoyed the runway show and once done we walked around the art on display.
Laguna has many resident, talented, artists. We walked around enjoying the Jewelry, glass blown art, ceramists, painters, and sculptors. One of my favorites is the local school entrees; it is amazing to see what the creative mind of a kindergartner can express. Needless to say, I did not purchase any of the works but did see some incredibly creative and talented pieces.
Eight-thirty arrived and we went to our seats. This year I did better (each year I learn, and want, a little better and more) and chose Loge Center seats. The Pageant uses several locations in the Bowl to stage there Tableau Vivant – Living Art. Up close is great but you have to strain to see the side stages. So, I like to sit back a few rows in order to easily enjoy it all.
The works ranged from the Fairies used to depict Shakespeare’s “a mid-summer nights dream” to Salvador Daly numerous works – remember the theme “it’s only make believe.” The Pageant committee does well to keep a sense of humor and added, or alluded to, a Big-foot. Along the way many Dragons were submitted and some robotics added to give the night a large scale Tableau – usually not my thing but my fellow audience enjoyed it. Several of the Criminal Minds cast were seated a couple rows ahead of us and I kept thinking about the theme and how they must be wondering about their own portrayals in the series they appear in; and, that from time to time we all like to get away by viewing a movie or reading a book. The final Tableau is always Michelangelo’s Last Supper; this year was no different other than that Daly’s rendition was used.
The evening ended and Kasaundra and I went home. We shared some Ice cream and commented on what a great day we had spent together. The Pageant is memorable but not as valuable as the time I spend with her.
To close, October will arrive and I will send in my seating selections for next year; I wonder what the Theme will be? Will I take Kas again? Will she go with me?
Beautiful Bryce Canyon in Utah
One of my favorite spots to visit in Southern Utah is Bryce Canyon. My favorite time of year there is spring time. The weather is perfect and the snow has melted and everything is so green. Bryce is breath taking as you view it from one of the viewing areas around the park. The rock formations appear to be very delicate with varying shades of red and orange, along with the green vegetation and the spectacular blue sky!! If you choose to take one of the trails down into the canyon you will not be disappointed, the views from the floor of the canyon are from another perspective but just as breathtaking.
Juror 118 in front of Courtroom
For the past three days I have been serving as a juror in the Superior Court in Orange County, California. Because the trial is still going on, I am not allowed to discuss any details of what is actually going on.
My experience as a juror actually started in January when I received my notice to serve as a Juror. Because my initial jury service was scheduled to take place the week after our company moved I had my service postponed.
Jury duty began by more than a hundred of us showing up at 8:00 AM at Jurors Assembly Room at the courthouse. After being sworn in, prospective juror names were called and they were told to report to a specific courtroom. I missed the first several calls but then heard my name and was directed to report to department 18.
I think that about 50 of us were asked to report to the courtroom from which twelve jurors and two alternates were to be chosen. The jury selection process took over three hours and in the end, I was chosen to be one of the twelve. Two alternate jurors were also selected and are seated with the regular jurors.
The trial is taking place and…I can’t talk about that! It is interesting, but also frustrating because of the breaks. With the morning, afternoon and lunch break, we are not being productive jurors for about three hours a day!
I am impressed with the judge. He seems absolutely committed making sure the defendant receives a fair trial. His instructions to us, the jurors, are clear and concise and he continually thanks us for our service. I will report more once the trial is over and I am allowed to talk about it!
Sea Caves off Sand Island and Lake Superior Sunset
My husband and I recently spent a weekend in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin. The Apostles is a series of 21 islands most of which are uninhabited. It is truly a national treasure and is much loved by boaters, kayakers and campers.
The highlight of the trip for me was kayaking in the Sea Caves off Sand Island. The sandstone is carved by the wave action from the lake. It is spectacular! We were lucky to have a fairly calm day (the waves on Lake Superior can be treacherous) and very much enjoyed our kayaking adventure. We were told by some locals that the caves are even more spectacular in the winter – we will pass on that experience.
The sunsets were breathtaking and the stars – well there were so many it looked like the sky was dusted with light.
Affinity Medical Customer Care Coordinator Cesar Jara riding a Bull
One of the many hobbies that I like to participate on my free time is in a Mexican sport called charreada or charrería which is a competitive event similar to an American rodeo.
Charreada was developed from the methods of animal husbandry used in the haciendas of Old Mexico. A charreada consists of nine events for men and one for women, all involving horses and cattle. One of the many events that I like to participate in a charreada is Jineteo de Toro (bull riding) which is similar to the American rodeo bull riding but the bulls are smaller , weighing between 990 to1,320 pounds. The bulls are ridden until they stop bucking.
Two hands can be used on the bull rope and the points are given for technique. The charro (The Rider) cannot fall off. He must dismount and land on his feet. Before you dismount the bull it’s recommendable to remove the bell rope/ flank strap.
Mt. San Jacinto view from desert
May 21st , 2011, 11 Orange County Hikers participated in their annual Cactus to Clouds (aka C2C) Hiking event staged in Palm Springs, California.
At 4 am 11 Hikers began the ascent of Mount San Jacinto, a 10,834 ft peak, from the art museum in Palm Springs Proper. Mt. San Jacinto is one of three mountain peaks in the southern California area that rise above 10,000 feet sea level.
Although the trail was moon-lit, many hikers wore lanterns to illuminate the trail; by sunrise most were at an elevation of 4000 ft. The hike has a total elevation gain of 11,000 ft – occasionally the trail descends and then climbs up again. Typically, Palm Springs temperatures can be in the 80 to 90 degree range early in the morning; fortunately, this day the temperature was 65 degrees. What does this mean? that the hike would require carrying less water. For me, I carried 4 liters instead of 5 – electrolyte enhanced. The added weight can take its toll. At the peak, temperatures can dip to below freezing due to wind chill and the snow that is still present on the ground – several feet deep. The required clothing, warm beanie, gloves, sweater or jacket, also add weight to the hikers pack.
Other preparation, prior to this hike the group climbed mount San Antonio (Mt. Baldy), a 10, 084 ft peak in the San Gabriel mountain range. 8,000 ft ascents can take their toll, but the altitude can play further havoc on a hiker causing fatigue, and altitude sickness. In addition, these hikes are typically 19 to 22 mile hikes that last 9 to 14 hours. High energy snacks are a must in order to keep the “drive” alive; I burned nearly 4500 calories.
Spring season is wonderful. The wild flowers are in full bloom and their aroma is delicious. Chipmunks and lizards scurry as we walk by, birds call in the distance; and, the vistas are remarkable. The desert highland is more alive than one would give it credit for. The pines that habitat the skyline have witnessed decades, if not centuries, of the rise and fall of other inhabitants of the desert. Windblown, braced against the weather, they stand, and fall. Grown from, and returned to, the Earth.
By 11 am most had reached the upper tram station at 8,300 ft; now, to the summit. A permit is required to summit the peak so a stop at the Ranger station is required. Hikers can get lost in the mountains and the rangers must account for all that attempt the hike. Although modern devices such as GPS trackers are used, orientation can be lost and should the sun set, a hiker can be caught out in the cold. If not prepared, this can be deadly.
In our group, I was the first to summit at 1:55 pm, nearly 10 hours after the group started. Many stop and rest, have lunch, change socks, and rub sore feet. Also, the trek across snow covered trails can require crampons or snow shoes.
The view from the San Jacinto peak on this day was incredible. The temperature was in the low 60s and did not require more than a tee shirt. The descent back down to the tram, where we would enjoy some stories when all returned, was tough on some sore feet, legs, and backs – but satisfying none the less due to the experience of achieving one of the North America’s toughest endurance hiking events – top 5 in the country.
What’s next? Summer is coming and some of the higher peaks will be planned for in the fall season – Whitney, Langley, Rainier.
But, for now, Cactus to Clouds, aka C2C, is a challenge met.
Until next year,
OC Hiker.
Sunset view from our balcony
My wife and I traveled to Maui for our nieces wedding and spent six nights at the Marriott resort in Wailea. It was just wonderful.
I am a big Marriott fan and have stayed at a lot of their properties. From my experience, I can say this is one of their very best!
The rooms are large and very comfortable. Ours overlooked the adult serenity pool and had a really great ocean view. Service was excellent and everyone we came in contact with friendly and helpful. And, Maui is beautiful and relaxing!
My car was in the shop and instead of begging for a ride; I decided to try taking public transportation to and from work. I admit to not having taken “the bus” for many years.
Public bus service in our area is run by the Orange County Transportation Authority – OCTA. The organization has an excellent web site which allows a starting point and destination to be entered. Once a departure or arrival time is entered, the website will suggest the best route. Detailed instructions are provided which take the guesswork out of riding the bus.
I caught my first bus at 5:30 A.M. only a few blocks from my home. The bus arrived on time, was clean, and the driver was very courteous and friendly. A little over an hour later I arrived at my transfer point and followed directions to catch my next bus. Fifteen minutes later I got off the bus and walked five minutes to work.
Returning home was as easy as getting to work. Both trips took about 90 minutes. When I drive to work it takes only about 30 minutes so riding the bus took about three times as long. Getting home during rush hour takes about an hour so the bus was only about 30 minutes longer. Taking public transportation allowed me to read emails and catch up with my friends on Facebook using my handheld, two things I could not do while driving.
As for the cost, with regular gas at nearly $4.00 per gallon, I probably saved a few dollars. The cost for a day pass to ride the bus was $4.00, and it probably costs me about six dollars for gasoline to and from work.
I probably won’t ride the bus on a regular basis, but will certainly use it when my car is not available. All in all, it was a good experience.
