On a "Look at me" kick. 06-25-13

Corky, the Poodle Prince has been with me for five days. He has developed a rash and wants to constantly bit and chew at his back legs and thighs. I had a hard time keeping him from chewing himself raw and, of course, it was the weekend so no vet. Although I found out today that his vet (the one who does the acupuncture) does have office hours on Sunday. It never occurred to me - wish I had checked. I put cold compresses on the inflamed parts and applied Benadryl cream that his mommy had sent with him. That helped for a couple hours and then he would start again. All I could think of to do was to have him right next to me and physically stop him from biting himself - so I didn't accomplish much on the tasks I had lined up for the weekend. I am wondering if he has developed an allergy to peanut butter, which he gets everyday with his medications and in his favorite little dog bone shaped treats. We are going to stop the pb and see what happens. And we will give him a antihistamine pill and use a antihistamine spray. Poor little guy, I wish he could tell me what helps and what doesn't. He is back with his parents tonight, so maybe I can catch up on some sleep.

New Year's Eve day 2012 - Corky in his Trojan T-shirt, asleep on his "viewing box".

Del at Glacier Nat'l Park - June 2012

I had a request from a guild for a picture to use for publicity and I imagine everyone is sick of seeing me in my orange shirt and hat. So, I've spent some time looking through pictures to find one I liked that I didn't look like a fool or a big fat blob. I rather like this one, so I have sent it off to the PR person. In doing this picture sorting I came across some pictures I had forgotten about, so it was a worthwhile effort. The Portal image in my Monday Browsing is one of my re-discoveries.

Monday Browsing 06-24-13

This is blog post number 2002.  I suppose I should have done something to celebrate number 2000, but I have my hands full right now and couldn't think of anything sufficiently celebratory.  Maybe for 3000?  Thanks for keeping me going.  Love, Del
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Fantastic  views of underground work on NYC subway stations:

http://www.tested.com/tech/456510-most-awe-inspiring-photos-new-yorks-second-avenue-subway-construction-project/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D331597

 A musical smile:  http://www.fark.com/cgi/vidplayer.pl?IDLink=4365716

And a trumpet solo:  http://www.flixxy.com/trumpet-solo-melissa-venema.htm

 This is both disturbing and sad:

http://on.aol.com/video/scam-artist-targets-quilting-group-517827278?hp=1&playlist=127161&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl29%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D332318

Sign of the times!   http://www.dosomething.org/thumbwars

White Pelicans in Australia:  http://serendipitypatchwork.com.au/blog/2013/06/14/feeding-time-3/

 
"All That Remains"  04-12-07  Junction CA 152 and 156

Dinner at "Del's Restaurant" 06-23-13

Tucumcari, NM, is on the eastern side of the state on I-40, the old Route 66 and US 54, that heads off at a diagonal to Wichita, KS.  I was there May 21, 2013, on my way to Ohio.  I have stop there in years past and in the far distant past I visited my aunt, uncle and cousins when uncle was transferred there by the Southern Pacific RR.  It has changed a lot in fifty or so years, thanks in part to the completion of I-40.  But it is still a stop for those people who do a nostalgic drive along Route 66.  I have seen this restaurant for years, but never at a time when I needed a meal   This time I traveled a couple miles on 66 to see what has kept it open since 1956.  It is obviously a gathering spot for locals, lots of hugs and hellos and visits to other tables.  Inside it is like an old time steak restaurant in any town. 

The Lexus is the 2nd car from the left - I wonder if anyone noticed the DELQLTS license plate.   The restaurant was build by a man with the first name "Del" (probably Delbert) and has remained in the family for all these years. 

 Inside it is decorated with lots of "stuff", such as this old coin operated "Pappy".  I didn't get a chance to walk over and look at the instructions and when I was leaving I forgot.  Perhaps it is like the fortune telling machine in the Tom Hanks movie "Big".

 Out of the large number of offerings on the menu I chose grilled chicken which came with a tasty raspberry sauce.  Fortunately, I remembered to ask for it on-the-side as it was a little too spicy hot.  The Fiestaware "china" was every different color and, to be honest, I felt the dark blue sort of "killed" the presentation.

 I had a choice of colors at the salad bar and like the aqua with my broccoli, olives and bell pepper.  In with the roll were packaged pats of butter, tiny tubs of artificial butter and two packets of sour cream.  It is a touch of "fast food", but probably saves a lot of money for the owners.  The food wasn't fancy, but it was cooked correctly and I enjoyed my meal.  I'll stop here again when I stay in Tucumcari. 

Frequently I eat dinner from my cooler - cheese, crackers, fruit, and cookies - because I am just too tired to go out after driving all day.  One motel I stayed at had a freezer case in the vending machine area that was stocked with frozen meals and pizzas.  I tried a chicken dish that I cooked in the microwave in my room.  It was just food, nothing to write home about!

Friday Feet 06-22-13

The trouble with taking pictures of feet is that the feet are often moving.
The varying color is due to the lighting - the shoes are light beige.

 

Wordless Wednesday 06-19-13

 

Satisfying Dinner 06-18-13

I am such a sushi fan that I always look for sushi restaurants when I travel, but I long for the favorites close to home.  Saturday night after the Visions Art Museum reception Beth and I went to dinner at Ikiru, which is just a bit more than block away from the Museum.  We have eaten there many times in the past.


It is interesting to sit at the bar and watch the sushi chefs at their work.  Every table was occupied and there were several groups of ten or more, so these two guys were working very hard to keep up. 
 

 
The fish is always kept cold and taken out quickly, the door closed, the sushi sliced and the remainder popped back in the refrigerated case.  It must be as fresh as they can possibly keep it. 
 

I ordered the Combo #1 which comes with a little tray of  palate fresheners - pickled seaweed, wasabi and pickled ginger.  The sea weed on the left of the bottom tray isn't served everywhere and Ikiru's offering is extra good.   From the left the larger tray has "Crunchy Shrimp", "Ahi Ahi" w/spicy tuna center, "Pink" w/salmon outside, and "Tuna Blossom".  DELICIOUS.
 

The rolls are cut into "bite sized" pieces, but they are usually a little too big for my bite.  However, I manage to eat them.
 

Beth ordered this artfully arranged combo which was equally as delicious as my combo.  We always share bites so we will know what to order next time.
 

This artful bite is wrapped in a thin layer of edible "rice paper".  Beth noticed that it looks like a charming little city with tall buildings backed by palm trees.  But she still ate it.
 

On the menu that evening was uni (sea urchin).  It is an awesome presentation with the spines still moving.  The inside is what is eaten - it is the bright yellow pile in the top left hand corner.  I used to love uni - until I had some that was not so fresh.  I never want to be that sick again.  So, as much as I have fond memories I no longer eat it. 
 

 
One of the groups of ten, mostly guys, ordered several different items, including this tray with sea urchin included - it is the bright gold pile in the front right.  I just walked over to their table and asked if I could take a picture.  They said I would have to pay, but I just laughed and took my picture.  They were having a great time with saki shooters (at least, I think that is what they were drinking). 
 

"The party's over."  I just couldn't manage that last little bite.  As it was, I didn't think I could even walk to my car.  Stuffed - happily.

Monday Browsing 06-17-13

This is for quilt artists and quilt artist wannabes.   Thoughtful info for promoting your work online:
http://emptyeasel.com/2013/06/12/the-trouble-with-artwork-titles-3-common-mistakes-that-many-artists-make/

This is for people who love dogs – especially Golden Retrievers.   And outrageous poodles.  http://amisimms.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/dog-bowl-2013/

And here is one for people who love crazy cats:
https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=110445319161968

You might be interested in whatthe members of Postmark’d Art have been up to.  Studio tours, techniques, wonderful fiber art postcards:    http://postmarkdart.com/

Summer ice cream flavors.  I tried B&J Pina Colada and wasn’t impressed, but you might be!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/14/the-best-summer-ice-cream_n_3417468.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D329265#slide=2562807



A portal in San Diego.