Holden

Nothing like a trip to the Emergency Room to top off a trip to the Russian River.


He looks a bit like a monkey in a cage, doesn't he? Well, this little monkey may or may not have gotten into some prescription medication while he was "washing his hands" aka eating soap and otherwise making mischief in the bathroom. Better safe than sorry, right?

Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

I took my new immersion blender (thanks Mom and Dad!) to the Russian River and made this great soup for Linda and Holden last night. Admittedly, it was quite delicious! And perfect for the cold and rainy night.

Lovely, Still

Because I've been ailing, I've spent a lot of time on my couch lately watching Netflix. And because it's the holiday season, I simply MUST recommend a movie I watched last night - without knowing it was the quintessential, bittersweet holiday romance.


Lovely, Still is - in a word - lovely. It features an 81-year-old Martin Landau and a 78-year-old Ellen Burstyn who should be held up as a beacon to actors everywhere. WATCH THIS MOVIE! And if you don't like it, please don't tell me as I'll refuse to listen.

CD Group

Marriages, divorces, babies, cross-country moves ... our CD group has seen it all.


We gathered at my place Monday for our holiday meeting. An excellent time was had by all!

Remembering Gin

It was six months ago today that I lost my girlie and I don't miss her any less.

Eucalyptus Wreath

Yes, it's an invasive species. Yes, it damages biodiversity. But it's so beautiful and it smells delicious - like Christmas in Northern California.


Patricia also uses the pods, which pump up the scent - noticeable even in my stuffed-up state.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Well, not exactly.



Looking back through my photos from Korea, I came across these taken at a tower high above Seoul - a spot that's known for young lovers.


Up close, they're love letters attached to decorated, metal locks secured to the "trees."

Holiday Bouquet

Look at this lovely Christmas bouquet! At $7.50, I think it was a real bargain.


Once again, I must recommend Patricia's flower stand at the corner of O'Farrell and Powell. I ordered one of her $20 handmade eucalyptus wreaths, too!

Netflix Junkie

I don't have cable TV. In fact, I don't know anyone who has cable TV. That said, I am a complete and utter Netflix junkie. For less than $20 a month, I get three DVDs and unlimited "watch now" downloads. This is particularly welcome when one is laid up for a week after "minor surgery."

Anyway, I've become enamored with two "new-to-me" series that I must recommend.


"Doc Martin" reminds me a lot of an English "Northern Exposure." Big-city doctor comes to a small-town and meets all its quirky, lovable residents. It's deadpan humor at its finest.


"Damages" is definitely darker. It's got a great ensemble cast: Glenn Close, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt and others and it's set at a cutthroat law firm. The words of the theme song are particularly apt: "When I am through with you, there won't be anything left." Dark and nasty - but in a good way.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Yesterday, I made a yummy pot of mushroom soup. I got shitake and white mushrooms from the farmer's market and doctored up this recipe a bit by adding some onions, carrots and a splash of sherry.


After making a mess in my food processor, I added an immersion blender to my Christmas list.

Watching the Game

The Union Square Sports Bar has become my go-to destination to watch sporting events I can't see on regular TV.


While they don't serve food (I don't count hot dogs and chips as food), they do let me bring in a bagel from around the corner. Their yummy bloody Marys are $6.50 and I always seem to find a WI native on the bar stool next to me.

Christmas Cat

And he didn't touch a single ornament. What a good boy!

Zuppa

My company had its annual holiday dinner last night at Zuppa. Admittedly, I was a bit dubious as Yelp's best reviews were about its happy hour.


But, I have to say, it was simply fantastic. We had appetizers, roasted root veggies and the best arugula salad EVER! We then shared pork and halibut entrees. Everything was served family-style, which I really like.



To top things off, I received a bag full of Meyer lemons from my Sacramento co-worker's tree. Awesome!

Oliveto

When I'm forced to cross the bay, my friends are kind enough to pick a meeting place convenient to BART. Last night was no exception.


Oliveto is a stone's throw from the Rockridge station. Plus it was a warm, friendly space with tasty pizzas.