Juror

9-28-09
9-26 and 9-27 I was on a jury for the very first time. It was very different than I anticipated. It was nothing like the TV shows. It was long slow and tedious. The Attorney's were very methotical and slow. The witnesses - some were creditable and some liers and it was obvious as to which were which. The jurors were very smart and nice to be with . I did my civic duty. I will not share the details. I feel that if you were not there then you don't need to know more.

Today I am home fighting a cold off that I got at the court house. I am going to spend the day eating chicken soup. echanesia, garlic, oregano oil and taking naps.
stay well,
Toni

Just Hanging out

It has been a quiet week since my cousin left. I checked out a couple of interesting web sites today. I went to family watchdog to find out if there are any sex offenders on my block. Thank the Lord there is only one but I have the address and it is 3 houses away. Such a sad state of affairs.
I went to wowowow to see what all the ladies had to say today but the site was down. What would my grandma think of all of this. Well, she was married to a deputy sheriff so I am sure she heard some of his stories. And, she worked at a lady's dress shop so girl gab was not unusual to her.
Later, Toni

family

My cousin Jack and his wife Donna came to visit and we had a great time. We got to renew our relationship. I saw them 4 years ago in Orlando when my Aunt Benny (Jack's mom) died. We reminissed about childhood times. His father had polio when Jack was age 1 and his brother Jerry was 2 . His father was in an iron lung for a long time and then spent the rest of his life as a paraplegic in a wheel chair. He was a brilliant and handsome man. He developed the landing gear for the first space travel. He died at 48. Benny moved the children and Jerry to California shortly after he got out of the iron lung. They lived in their car for several months until Locked Arospace hired him. She was a dynamic woman. Jack is battleing serious health problems but he is a defense contractor and is traveling all over the world. He wants to make sure Donna has money when he dies. He has a very bad heart.
He got to meet my son and his family and he loved that opportunity.
He had to take a long flight to get here but he loves me and wanted to get so see how I live. He, Donna and I did alot of soul searching and sharing.
Toni

09-12-09

I had a great day. I went to the Chico farmer's marked with a new friend that was visiting from Redding. We laughed alot and had a great time.

09-10-9

I attended a luncheon put on by my russian friend Galena. She became a US last July after being here five years. She has over 200 rose bushes in her yard and many other assorted beautiful plants. When we lived in Escondido we had ten rose bushes and that was alot of work. The lunch was wonderful.
I cannot imagine my grandma having a russion girlfriend. When I was growing up all we heard was about the terrible communists that were going to take us over. Well, needless to say it was alot of scary propaganda. Galena explained to us how they lived and the government had alot of control for awhile and then it lossened up in later years. The had alot of starving people probably like the depression rationing here in the 40's.

It was a delightful lunch and so wonderful to think that one can have a friend all the way from Russia.

Health Care 09-09-09

President Obama gave an elequent,intelligent ,informative, to the point speach tonight in his usual stylish manner. He deserves our utmost respect and support. The nath sayers need to stop being childish and grow up .

My grandmom was an open minded progressive woman and I know she would be one of his avid supporters as I am.

These troubles times with so much political decent reminds me of the 60's. We that were against the vietnam war were the protestors then now the conservative fearfuls are creating a fuss. Medicare passed in the 60's and we need to pass this healthcare plan. He spelled it out clearly and if anyone is still confused they were not listening.
I am proud to have voted for him.

life by the sea

This weekend was very special because I got to spend it with my son and his family. He has always been a very special person to so many people and I am so very proud of him and how he treats everyone especially his family and me. He is so respectful and considerate of my needs .
Each of my grandchilren are special to me in their own ways.
Some of the special moments this weekend are as follows: KK is practicing her drama improv and we did a few moments together. She was the ultimate interviewer. Also, I heard that KK can eat 6 saltine crackers at one time without a drop of water. And, She loves the sound of music.

Caleb decided to share a room with me again. I felt very honored that my 11 year old grandson still enjoys my company and likes me to read to him before he goes to sleep. He also told some amazing jokes and laughed very hard at the funniest videos that we watched together.

Cristi shared something with us that I did not know . She gets all squarlly and emotional when watch people on t.v. have special moments.

Kendra and I got to play a game together and she is very quick for her age.

We all went for a hike on the beach and On the way back I got to walk alone with my son which always feels special when I have him alone. It reminds me of his childhood.
I have the greatest family on earth and feel very blessed..

New subject.
I found out when I got home that President Obama was to speak to the school children on the 8th. He wants to encourage them to further their education so they will have better lives and be good contributing citizens.
I was very disturbed when I found out that most of the schools in Paradise and Chico where going to block the broadcast and that some parents objected to their children listening to the president. That is a disgrace and I am ashamed of anyone who would do such a thing. One does not have to agree with all sides of anyone's political views. But, this is the highest office in this country and the children need to have this kind of encouragement. I say to all parents give your children a foundation of good ethics and integrety but for heaven sake let them have an open mind and be open to listening to our president.

Have a great day,
Toni

off to bedega bay with the family

I am so lucky that my family loves me and feels comfortable enough to ask me along on some of their short adventures to the coast. I miss the coast after living in Marin for 9years. It is my favorite place but I chose to be closer to my family and that is why I live in the forrest.
The very first time I came to California was when I was 16. I took the train with my grandmother. We went to the Fernando Valley to see my Aunt Benny. I had a great time and my aunt worked in a restuarant that Clint Walker owned. My grandma got me an autograph from one of the little rascals whith was my favorite t.v. show at the time.
later,
Nana-Toni

9-2-09 there was a huge moon peering out last night

It was early to rise today. I had much to do. Went to see the chiropractor to get my leg ultra soundeddd. Packed meals on wheels for those who can't get out. what a great idea someone had when they thought of this.
Then I went to work-out for an hour or so. It was invigorating.
Then I went to see the neice of one of my hospice patients that went to the Lord. She was 89. Her parents came from Greece to she could be born in the U.S. and then went right back to Greece for 8 years so she could have dual citizenship.
She never had children. She knew alot fo famous people. Lue Castello, Joe Demogio, Lue Forigno and more. She was raised on the Jersey shore. Her family had 7 greek restuarants. I was with her several times and was impressed with her wonderful attitude.

She was an independent strong woman like myself and my grandmother. My grandmother was born in Sicily and came here when she was 8. They had that in common, also.
Volunteering I get to meet many different people even if it is only for a short time.

Sweet Thoughts,
nana=Toni