Deep-Fried Fun

Summer is not complete without Girls' Night Out at the California State Fair.

BFF's Forever

Geckos

Turtles

Jen Lightyear

Corndog and Corn-on-the-Cob

Deep-fried-whatever-you-want

I got the twinkie. So gross, yet so good.

Stuffed and happy BFFs

Power to the People

Today is the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a piece of legislation that ensures the rights of people with disabilities by establishing a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, increasing full participation in community life.

On the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting my efforts to educate and advocate for these principles.

In the kitchen

Making lasagna with farm box goodies, farmer's market goodies, giveaways from gardens goodies, and whatever else I can toss in.

In the news

A collection of the latest stories:

• Kate Gosselin and Sarah Palin are going camping. Really? THIS is what Palin is doing with herself since she left the Governor's office? Any last smidge of respect that I might have had for her is gone. And of course, Gosselin is a desperate fame whore, too, I guess.
• Lots of whales are visiting Monterey Bay right now due to an excess of krill, their fave food. See awesome pictures here. If you can, get over to Monterey Bay and take a whale watching tour.
• Women are making big strides in the Navy. This year, women swept the Sailor of the Year awards. Go ahead, women. Serve your country, do it well, and show us there are no limits to your greatness.
• A program called U-CAN (United College Action Network) is helping at-risk teens finish high school and go on to college. Fabulous efforts and good news for the kids it helps. Since its founding in 1988, U-CAN has helped more than 10,000 students get accepted into four-year colleges and universities.

What's new in your world?

Denver, the Mile-high City

They should change the nickname to "The Grumpy Waiters and Jaywalking Citizens City." But it doesn't really have the same catchiness.


Just home from a few days in Denver, mostly spent attending conference workshops. However, I would not be me if I didn't squeeze in some adventure while away from home.

16th St. Mall, a pedestrian thoroughfare running through downtown.




Naturally, the adventures included food.

Wiener schnitzel, spaetzle with mushroom gravy, and sauerkraut - Cafe Berlin.

Food of my people.

Tofu and rice noodle bowl, An's Lemongrass Grille.

Mexican chocolate cupcake, Mermaid Bakery and Pie Shop.


Denver omelette, The Delectable Egg

At the airport on the way home, I had another celebrity encounter. (This is getting to be a habit: last year, Alice Cooper was sitting in first class on my flight from Dallas to Louisville. A couple of years ago, Cliff and I saw Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimoun Hounsou at LAX. Before that, we ate lunch at the table next to George Lucas in Downtown Disney, SoCal.) I met the guys from "Ghost Adventures," a travel/paranormal show on the Travel Network. No, I did not take pictures. No, I did not get autographs. You'll just have to take my word for it that they fell at my feet and begged me to grace them with my conversation, and that they asked me where I have been all their life, and.... What? You don't believe me? Oh, all right, we just chatted about their show.

Great city.

Forever a Girl Scout

Or, how to be prepared

I made plans this weekend to prepare my disaster/emergency kit, in case of a, well, disaster or emergency. The world can be pretty unstable what with all the earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, mudslides, river flooding, and all that. And as we discovered a couple of summers ago *, an emergency evacuation doesn't give you time to go through your house and pack things to take with you.

* Exhibit A: when evacuation means get the f%@# out, NOW.

Thus - the disaster kit**. One for me, one for TH, and one for the cat. To be stored by the exit of our home and portable enough to carry on our backs.

**Et voila.

You can't see it, but there is a full change of clothes and pair of shoes, as well as "toilet kit" (ahem), and a space blanket, poncho, and glow stick. Also we each have a flashlight.

Kitty-boy's bag has food, litter, water, and will have a blanket and plastic feeding dishes.

We will also carry copies of important documents (ID, birth certificates, vet info for the cat, etc.) and cash.

For information on how to build your own kit, see this site. The wonderful amazon.com sells many items, if you need help finding them, but for me? I went to Target and spent about $120.00. Many of the items will not go bad, so think of it as an investment. $30 of that went towards a pre-made first aid kit. Considering I live with a nurse and I am First Aid/CPR certified, I figured we will be called upon to give help, and would need a more complete kit***. You can make your own for cheaper.

***Amazing, complete kit for those who dig being extra-prepared.

If you have a medical condition or special needs, that is even more reason to be prepared and have a plan. So get yourself ready, because you never know. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Start small - any preparation is better than none. How about starting with a small bag of food and water? And put a blanket in your car. Most people have that kind of extra stuff just sitting around the house already - just gather it in one place, go to Goodwill and buy a tote or backpack and make a quick kit for yourself. Everyone can be a girl scout.

I'm just thinkin'.

I am completely fascinated by how people make changes. I've seen this process every day, a million times, in a million ways, in myself and those around me - for decisions big and small. What is interesting to me is this: people have their own timeline, and despite any evidence, observations, commentary, etc., people make changes when they are ready and not a moment sooner.

What fascinates you about people?