ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS!!!

"Atmospheric river poised to drench California"

Of course, this headline captures my attention! (Just as the editor hoped it would!) In the past, it would have been merely, "Heavy rain expected to drench California" or something to that effect! So is this just a new meteorologist phrase to capture our attention on the evening news! In the 60's, it was Harry Geise on KCRA Sacramento that my roommate would imitate as she looked out the window and predicted what the weather would be for the day so we could dress appropriately! Usually cloudy with a chance of rain since we were living in Portland at the time!! Presently, it's Mark Finan that gets so excited on KCRA3 when there is actually WEATHER to report!!
 
So again, what about this atmospheric river thing? Metaphorically, I think I must have one in my head to joggle me to post a blog which I haven't done for a very long time!!

I heard if for the first time last year when we were indeed FLOODED in my area with more rain in the future. That expression was posted on my phone alert for the weather. 

The term was first coined by a couple of MIT researchers in the early '90's. They found scores of long, narrow, river-like air masses moving vast amounts of heat and moisture from the tropics into the mid-latitudes---”atmospheric rivers”!! This explains why some storms are wetter! DUH! ARs also have colloquial names, such as “Hawaiian fire hose,” or “Pineapple Express”. AR's supply us here in California with 30-50% of our rainful. However, lately, due to drought and fires, the extreme rainfall causes flooding and mudslides. These events can disrupt travel and cause catastrophic damage to life and property.

"ATMOSPHERIC RIVER"

 So now we all know what an atmospheric rivers are. . . Basically, they have always been here but now they have a new an improved terminology!! We just need an emoji for them!!

TIRED OF THE TURMOIL LEFT US BY 2016? HYGGE ANY WHICH WAY YOU CAN!

Every year the "Oxford Dictionaries" choose a word of the year.  The Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year is a word or expression that we can see has attracted a great deal of interest over the last 12 months. These are taken from a program of over 150 million words!  One is eventually chosen that is judged to reflect the mood of that particular year and to have lasting potential as a word of cultural significance!?!?
 

So it only makes sense that last year, it wasn't even a word!!  It was an emoji!  Possibly lasting potential!?!?!?

Past words selected were "podcast", "unfriend", "locavore", "chav", "vape", "refudiate", and "selfie"!

 This year it was "POST-TRUTH". The word has existed for over a decade but spiked in the last year in association with Brexit, the election and politics.  "POST-TRUTH POLITICS"--DUH!!!

But I will NOT ruin this blog by discussing politics!! 

 NOTHING COULD BE LESS POLITICAL THAN HYGGE!!! 

 
I was fascinated with the "short-list"!

 "Adulting", "Brexiteer", "glass cliff","Latinx", "woke", "coulrophobia", "chatbot", and "HYGGE"! What a list!  From fear of clowns to a computer program simulating a human! 

I had not heard the word HYGGE! Pronounced "hoo-gah". But it isn't really important how you pronounce or spell it. Like the philosopher, Winnie the Pooh said when asked how to spell an emotion said, "You don't spell it, YOU FEEL IT!"


 HYGGE is a Danish term for a feeling or mood that comes from taking pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments more meaningful, beautiful or special.   There is no English translation.  It is a noun,adjective or verb. It is an emotion--laughing, hugging, or feeling gratitude.  It's unwinding and choosing to live a positive life. It's an atmosphere! It's candles,  a cozy fire, friends, togetherness, laughter, comfort food, mulled wine, pets, hot drinks, gardens, the sun on your face---- and the list goes on and on!

  It is fundamental for the Danes culture and what has helped label them  the HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH!! Not to mention it enables them to get through the cold winters because after all "Winter is the most hygge time of the year!"

Once an obscure word but to Scandinavians,  it is invading Europe, Britain and now America.  There are hundreds of articles and books. Amazon showed 369 books and Instagram has 1,686,832 results for hygge, hence it has been called "THE CATNIP TO THE SOCIAL MEDIA"!  So I am throwing in my 2 bits of catnip to the media and still flummoxed that I hadn't heard of it till the word of the year was announced and had over a million hits on instagram.




The French have a similar word joie de vivre meaning the "joy of living" or " a delight in being alive". . . . but maybe it is just too hard to pronounce that it hasn't taken off quite like HYGGE!. I love this word-HYGGE- and am anxious to embrace it, feel it, snuggle up with it!! It has arrived at just the right time!! It is no accident with all the cacophony of nonsense swirling around us that people are grasping for something positive to hold to and look forward to!!  Hygge offers a refuge from the tempest around us. It's personal and accessible. Hygge's "a complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming".   I will be enjoying the art of hygge over the next 4 years in the pursuit of everyday happiness no matter what is going on around me.  Live a more "hyggelig" life!!
 
Last night I experienced HYGGE.  A crazy windy winter storm was screaming outside and the power went out.  I snuggled up with my cats by the fire. Read a new book from one of my favorite authors.  I love HYGGE!!

So try more HYGGE!!  

 This makes me want to post some of my 

past moments of hygge. 

 

 "ALWAYS FIND TIME FOR THE THINGS

 THAT MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPY TO BE ALIVE!!"

 
 



 

 

MAKE AMERICA TASTE GREAT!!!!

  Sorry folks, I am putting all politics aside!  I loved the slogan  RUM--Make America Great, but just really won't work for me over the next 4 years. I started thinking, (which can be dangerous!) and thought I needed a slogan for the next 4 years that can start a movement all over AMERICA!! So I am starting a revolution!
And this is my mantra:  "MAKE AMERICA TASTE GREAT!!"  I can add "AGAIN" if you think it will sway the masses!

Maybe you are remembering, "Tastes great, less filling" but this is even better.  MAKE AMERICA TASTE GREAT!  Just the thought of that gives me hope!  I can do that!  It will be my defining achievement for the next 4 years!!  When I plan something special, I will stop and think:  "Will this make America taste great?" Weigh the pro's and con's and proceed.

I will start out this first installment of MAKE AMERICA TASTE GREAT with a recipe that everyone will enjoy!! Especially at this time of the year.

 
Last month, I was cleaning up my garden and wouldn't you know it, while I slept. . . . . my zucchini had grown a monster.  Overnight, the zucchini fairy comes along and just touches the plant and the zucchini takes on epic proportions!!  Unfortunately, we know that the taste does not always improve with size.  As in other areas of our lives, SIZE MATTERS!  But I didn't want to toss it to the chickens, so I thought I would make some soup!  I was surprised how delicious it was and is now one of my regular easy soups to make.

ZUCCHINI SOUP

•  2 large zucchini chopped
•  1 med onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Tbl oil (used a pepper infused oil)
• 3-4 cups vegetable broth
• juice of 2 lemons
• lemon zest
• tsp salt
• shake of herbs- thyme, lemon grass, fennel. . . 

INSTRUCTIONS
     Saute olive oil, onion, garlic, and zucchini. Cook until fragrant and tender.  Add stock, lemon juice, zest, herbs.  Use immersion blender or Vita-mixer to blend. May add a little coconut milk if you like it creamier.  Serve topped with a sprig of herbs.  For a finer touch and help make AMERICA greater---make a zucchini bowl to serve the soup!!


Remember, this is just a start but may every sip bring you joy!  And hope for our future to MAKE AMERICA TASTE GREAT!!!  (Possible even a little more filling!!) So just 1 more step for mankind.  MAKING AMERICA TASTE GREAT---one recipe at a time!!

 THERE IS HOPE!!

ELLEN

I am sure when I mention “ELLEN” you immediately think of “Ellen Degeneres” -the comedian and talk show host, who I admire and find highly entertaining! But at the top of MY admiration list, you will find ELLEN “W”. Who I must say is highly entertaining, and like Ellen D is really a life changer for so many people, helping them to reach for their potential.

She works full time and then teaches zumba and boot camp for the employee wellness program, after work, 4 days a week. Her zumba classes are a unique and choreographed routines that she has worked on to express her enthusiasm for dance and music. She is energetic and motivating and keeps her classes entertaining and positive. It is an excellent way to get rid of the stress and pressure of our jobs while getting and staying FIT!!

So for years I went to the gym regularly, but didn't really have a definite program to follow. In my employee email, there was always emails almost daily from the “EMPLOYEE LIVE WELL,BE WELL UNIVERSITY”. This is a program for employees designed to help employees adopt healthy behaviors to improve life and reduce health risks. (The bottom line is that it benefits the organization by lowering health costs!) There were Pilates, boot camp, yoga, Zumba classes and more, that were free to us. I decided to try out one of classes after work at my facility. It was a good workout geared to whatever our level of flexibility was and the teacher, Jen was so cheerful and motivating. The group was friendly and encouraged me to come back, that I could do it!! Then they wanted me to join their run club! That was just the beginning! I ran a total of 10 races that year, even placing in a couple small races in my age group. (Yes, as I get older, the crowd thins!!)

In 2014, a 6 week fitness challenge-- “A SIZZLING SUMMER CHALLENGE” was coming up at another facility led by Ellen. I persuaded one of my fitness buddies, that I would try it if she would do it with me. The “challenge” involved a theme and not only an exercise program every day, but a balanced nutritional plan to follow,if desired. We were divided into teams. We got a calendar with the themes for the day or week and accumulate points by attendance and coming in “theme” of the day and doing bonus workouts.  Ellen kept us motivated and the challenge fun and intense! Her class reminders include inspirational quotes.  My friend and I worked our buns off and were rewarded by finishing 1^st (her) and 2^nd (me) minus a little “bum” to boot! What a rush! We were winners!! And so completed the first challenge of many to follow.


Ellen uses her creativity to come up with challenges especially at strategic times of the year when we usually slack off the exercise and make excuses for eating more and exercising less. Most of all, it is amazing to see the change in people as they exercise regularly and gain confidence and better health. Over the past years, there are many success stories of lifestyle behavior changes and improved health, they will list Ellen as the turning point for sparking their transformation. 
 



 I am so grateful for Ellen and her leadership and influence in my life. 






She knows how to "make it happen!"

 

A leader is one who knows the way, 
goes the way, 
and shows the way.

"A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT!"

It is that time of year again when I make my annual pilgrimage to the North-Beautiful British Columbia. It use to be for R&R from my stressful work situation, but now that I am retired. . . it still is R&R! Just in case I am not resting enough in retirement!! It also helps that I get recharged hanging out with my friends and loved ones!

One of my favorite spots continues to be the Slocan River. I know I have mentioned that before in previous blogs,(TAKE ME TO THE RIVER) but whose counting or who is even reading?
 

I still have happy feet!!

I had just arrived to the Valley of the Crescent and my “camp host” (I can call her that cause I am staying in her camper in this corner of paradise),Gina, had rounded up a posse of floaters wanting to raft. It was a perfect sunny day for the river. And from previous river excursions, the river was at a perfect level—not too high and not too low!!

JUST RIGHT!

Just right-because I didn't get dumped but plenty of sloshing to keep cool!!

"Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy!  

To do nothing and have it count for something!"

Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/reginabret586808.html?src=t_lazy

"SNOWBIRDING"

A snow bird is a nickname for the dark-eyed junco. The junco has affectionately been called the "snowbird" because huge numbers migrate south in the winter from higher latitudes into much of the United States as the snow begins to fall.

 However, we have generally used the term "snowbird" for people who move from northern colder climates and migrate southward to warmer locales such as Florida, Arizona, Mexico,etc!  The majority of "snowbirds" are between the ages of 50 and 69.

I can't really claim I am from a northern climate-- but I claim Northern California as my home and I am between the ages of 50 and 69!! Does that make me a "snowbird".  Whatever!! So when I was invited to join a flock of "birds" in Florida I spread my wings and flew!!

Somewhere in my dim and mystic past, I remember visiting Florida several times.  About all I remember was that it was hot and humid and couldn't understand why people would flock there.  I expected to get off the plane and be greeted by warm steamy weather giving me an instant friz.  So I was surprised in so many ways!

I indeed received a warm welcome, not from the weather but from my host, Kathy. She greeted me like a celebrity with poster, fans and media!  (Actually, the media and fans were waiting for the local winning sport team to arrive!)



Our destination was Amelia Island, the northeast corner of the state. The weather was perfect my whole visit, making me understand why there is a mass migration to Florida in the winter.  Not only was the weather outstanding, but the residents were warm and welcoming.  I made so many friends the first day.

Amelia Island is a jewel in the "Sea Island" chain of  barrier islands off the East coast. It is "easy to reach but hard to forget". A beautiful island with a lot of history.  I was in for an unforgettable experience.  Kathy has been a long time resident of the area so nothing like a seasoned tour guide. We biked the Amelia Island Trail--a lovely paved tree-lined trail that stretches through the Island. I didn't get tired of biking the "canopy" roads .  There were walks and lounging on the beach and strolls down the historic streets of Fernandina Beach with the oldest saloon and old mansions. 

FLAGER COLLEGE

 I did take a little side tour of the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine. It was settled over 450 years ago. History is brilliantly on display in St. Augustine. From the coquina walls of its forts and city gates to its brick-lined streets. Again with a seasoned tour guide and driver Fred, Kathy's husband.  What a difference it makes when you have someone who can relate stories of the history that go along with the ancient landmarks.

FLAGLER COLLEGE

So to just sum it all up--I loved my "snowbird" experience and hope to do it again. It was one of the most relaxing and "renewing" vacations I've had!

 I have to give a shout-out to my hostess with the mostest-- Kathy.

FLAGER COLLEGE

Kathy and I were linked by the Lymphoma Foundation over 15 years ago by their "Cell Buddy" support network. We had met at some of the LRF conferences. But mostly over the years, we have been email buddies. So this visit was very special for both us in many ways.  We are both "survivors" and thriving and enjoying life so much.  Kathy is a real champion in managing lymphoma. This visit I witnessed what a kind and generous soul she is.  What a gift was given to me years ago with by that link! (Thank you Izumi at LFR!) 

 

"Each friend represents a world in us,

 a world possibly not born until they arrive, 

and it is only by this meeting 

that a new world is born.”
Anaïs Nin

PLANTATION GOLF COURSE

SHRIMP BOAT ST. JOHN'S RIVER

THE PLANTATION

"THELMA & LOUISE"