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On a recent Saturday morning after our dental appointments, Louie and I decided to stop for a late breakfast at Art’s Delicatessen & Restaurant in Studio City. We hadn’t dined there for a while – since before the pandemic, to be exact. Back then dining was only indoors. And I remember seeing actor Helen Hunt grabbing a bite. Outdoor dining was available this time, so we took a table at the sidewalk patio. The weather was perfect. Louie couldn’t wait to order his favorite corned beef and eggs. I, a creature of habit, ordered the perfect bowl of oatmeal. The diners next to us had brought their own centerpiece – a sweet little pot of yellow tulips. We spent our unrushed meal reminiscing and people-watching. On our way to our car parked in the adjacent residential neighborhood, a large, framed peace symbol in a storefront window caught my eye. “Stop!” I yelled to Louie already a couple of yards ahead of me. “I want to take this shot…and the framed poem in the other window.” The poem was “Hold Fast Your Dreams” written in 1916 by American poet Louise Driscoll during the sufferings of World War One. I had intended to post this diary entry yesterday but ran out of time. While examining the peace sign more closely, I zoomed in on timeless quotes from John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mahatma Gandhi, Thich Nhat Hanh, and anonymous others. Thich Nhat Hanh was a name not familiar to me, so I looked him up this morning. The first article that came up made me do a double take when I saw the date of the story, January 22, 2022. Yesterday. Known throughout the world, the eminent Vietnamese Buddhist monk who spent his lifetime promoting world peace passed away peacefully yesterday. He was 95. https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/21/asia/thich-nhat-hanh-death-intl/index.html Thich Nhat Hanh became a monk at 16 when he entered Tu Hieu Temple in Hue city in central Vietnam. He “spread the message of peace,” he advocated to end the Vietnam War, he taught at Princeton University and lectured at Columbia University and Cornell…among other laudable acts. Martin Luther King nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. But “…no Nobel Peace Prize was awarded that year.” Accidentally coming upon words of wisdom in the peace symbol where every blank space was filled, and Louise Driscoll’s poem were indeed throwbacks to times of historic world events. But my, how their words resonate today. Was it a coincidence that we stopped at Art’s for oatmeal and corned beef and eggs? PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Oh yes, it’s going to be a wonderful day! After pouring my piping hot coffee, I walked away for a minute, turned back and was hypnotized by rising steam swirling every which way. Any coffee addict will understand. Do you remember Starbucks’ “January” mug? It was sold only during the holidays. If you happened to possess one of these, your coffee during the thirty days of January would be free all day long. I loved giving them as gifts. This white mug was one of the earlier designs (a new design came out each year). I didn’t realize how possessive I had become of it until one day, when I decided to save leftover fresh-brewed coffee, the first container I spotted in my cabinet was my Starbucks mug. In the fridge it went. When my daughter woke up, I told her she could have the saved coffee. “Thanks,” she replied. Then, as she said good-bye at the door, in her hand was the mug. “Uh, that’s my mug,” I politely blurted out. No longer offered at Starbucks, my January Mug is now a relic of pre-pandemic times. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

On December 28 between rainstorms, a brilliant sunset blanketed my foothill town. The foliage and mountains were golden. I can’t recall seeing anything this magical in the 35 years that we have lived here. I was in the right place at the right second. People had stopped in their tracks to capture the extraordinary light. I’m ready to welcome 2022. Are you? HAPPY NEW YEAR! PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Happy Christmas Eve wherever you may be… PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

It’s been a month since my last Paloma story. Good grief, she’s growing faster than a weed. Yesterday I was cooing at our sweet puppy as she could barely keep her eyes open after a good breakfast and energetic morning play. Then, her 14-week-old growing body said it was time to rest. You are getting sleeepy… Laying her chin on the pillow we bought the night before, she watched as I made my morning coffee, trying as hard as possible to stay with me. But couldn’t. Going, going, gone. Then, all this puppy cuteness took on a different perspective when later in the morning we took an hour’s drive to visit Louie’s Aunt Magdalena in San Clemente by the beach so that Paloma (finally completing her puppy vaccinations) could meet her senior “cousins,” Bleu, Bunny (Golden Retrievers), and Messi (a Pomeranian). We worried about Paloma and her baby teeth grabbing ornaments off the Christmas tree and everything else in her path. And something we definitely were not prepared for was witnessing the canine hierarchy being established in the raw. It only took one time for Paloma to know that if an elder does not want to play, don’t push it. We humans, including Louie’s cousins Gloria and Mario, looked on as Paloma bounced around Bunny (she has the redder coat) wanting to chum up and play, play, play. As far as Bunny was concerned, Paloma needed to know what lines not to cross. Bunny quickly snarled and showed some teeth as she hovered over the little one. Paloma quickly backed off and rolled over. I could practically hear Bunny respond, “Good, a fast learner you are.” From that point on, as Paloma mingled amongst her cousins, she respected their space -- especially Bunny’s. Paloma practically stood at attention whenever she was in her presence! But poor Messi. Paloma thought she was another puppy and wanted to play. Messi, with her physical limitations, was not going to have it. Paloma innocently tiptoed onto Messi’s bed to lay next to her. As Paloma victoriously snuggled next to Messi, Messi snarled mildly before getting up to find another resting spot: Paloma’s bed. Messi can respond much worse, Louie’s aunt said in surprise. After almost two hours of non-stop “play,” going on a walk down the block with Bunny – and prancing back into the house beside Bunny like BFFs, Paloma, faster than we could ask, “Did you have fun?” had fallen asleep in the middle the floor. In a time of such unfortunate divide in our country and around the world, this pack (Messi, Bleu, Bunny and Paloma) demonstrated in one afternoon the art of reaching resolution – an important lesson we humans should learn from our four-legged companions. With unconditional love, they just want to co-exist in harmony. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Home in Southern California, I was on a mission to find Emmental or Emmentaler – aka Swiss cheese with the holes. Having written about various cheesemaking regions around Switzerland and walked with reverence through low-lit cheese caves big and small, I forever crave the floral aromas, nutty flavors and buttery texture of this legendary mountain cheese made in the high elevations of the Alps. But I discovered that the semi-hard yellow cheese made in the traditional method using raw cow’s milk (that originated in the Emmental region, possibly as far back as the 13th century) is not easy to find in SoCal…until some research led me to the Cheese Cave in Claremont, California, 30 minutes from where I live. How divine is that? Marnie Clarke, co-owner of the Cheese Cave, knows cheese. She comes from a dairy family. After college she decided to continue the family legacy, learned cheesemaking, and with her sister launched the business in 2010 in Claremont where they grew up. At any one time, their shop carries 4-10 cheeses from Switzerland. Some of Marnie’s favorites include Challerhocker, Schnebelhorn, Hornbacher and Aarwasser. I had texted my order for two Emmentalers: Rahmtaler, the younger and creamier version, aged six-months (a regular offering at the shop) and the 12-month semi-hard Emmentaler AOP or Appellation d’Origine Protegee (not so regular). Wheels of the cheese are BIG – over three feet in diameter and weigh about 200 lbs. Then, peering into the case, my husband and I lusted over sausages and more luxurious cheeses from France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Ireland, Corsica, and the U.S. that teased our tastebuds and pocketbook. During the holidays, the Cheese Cave looks forward to special shipments of more Swiss cheeses: L’Etivaz AOP, a hard cheese similar to Gruyere; and Sbrinz AOP, Switzerland’s version of Parmesan cheese). Oh la la! Cheese is the main event at the Cheese Cave, but the other half of the shop stocks cool hand-selected food items, wine, and more. The Cheese Cave has another location in Downtown Los Angeles: inside the historic Grand Central Market called, what else? DTLA Cheese – quite possibly the only cut-to-order shop in the downtown neighborhood. Now, when our Emmentaler stash runs out, I know where to beeline.

I was thrilled yesterday to wake up to an early-morning text and heartwarming photos from our friend, Maria, letting us know that she had arrived safely in Athens, Greece. A Greek American, her visit was originally planned for earlier in the year, but the pandemic forced her to postpone. She hadn’t been back to Greece in a long time and was looking forward to connecting with family and friends and taking in a quintessential Greek summer. By fall, things were looking more promising; however, travel challenges loomed again with the rise of the Delta and Omicron variants. She was close to rescheduling once more. In her early seventies and full of life, she was torn knowing that she might not have another opportunity to see Greece for a while. But perhaps Maria’s domestic trips this year to visit her aging mother back east may have been a dress rehearsal. She had become well-acquainted with protocol for safe air travel during Covid. So, the night before her departure, Louie and I called to bid Maria a wonderful journey while she packed last-minute items. I was joyful for our friend. I had fallen for the Greek culture and family-loving Greek people when I explored the towns and villages around central Greece, the area Maria will be visiting, and a part of Greece seldom visited by North American travelers. The sprawling countryside, mountainous terrain, and most of all the warm hospitality and authenticity of the Greek people flood my memories. “It’s all good!” she wrote upon her arrival at Athens International Airport. We can’t be happier that Maria finally made it to Greece. Travel well, Amiga. Can’t wait to hear your tales. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

From my neck of the woods to yours, let Mindfulness, Love, Peace, Kindness and Joy greet you each day! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

It warmed our hearts when Paloma, now 13 weeks old, brought smiles to our neighbor boys, Jace and Roman. A few days before Thanksgiving their father, Derek, informed us that their beloved Jack, the family’s 13-year-old schnauzer-terrier mix, had died suddenly from a heart condition. The news brought tears to all of us. The next day while we were out in the yard with Paloma, we saw Derek and the boys on a bicycle ride. A good way to take their minds off Jack for a little while, he said. Immediately, Louie urged them to come into the yard to play with Paloma. Smiles across their faces were a sight for sore eyes. This serendipitous moment reminded us that puppies have a magical way of bringing tenderness and love that lift our spirits, especially when we need it most. Alas, the precious puppy stage passes much too quickly. So, it is in this spirit that I have been heeding our vet’s advice: “If you like taking photos, take a lot NOW…!” PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

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6:20 a.m. When I took Paloma out to pee, the start of a new day greeted us 😊! When was the last time you witnessed an inspiring sunrise? PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

We are still catching our breath after welcoming 9-week-old Paloma, a Golden Retriever, on October 25. But I can no longer hold off announcing our new addition to the family. She’s growing FAST. Proof was at a weigh-in during this week’s visit to the vet. She gained three pounds in one week! Her sudden heftiness was not my imagination. “It’s normal,” the vet said. Puppies eat three times a day, sleep, and grow exponentially. By the time they reach a year old, they are at their adult size. We also had forgotten the attention a puppy requires. The last puppy we had was Lola 11 years ago. But we’re in this together and I’m impressed at the great tag team we have become. Paloma is our fourth Golden Retriever. She’s an endless bundle of energy and has brought us more joy than anxiety. And I’m amazed with her extraordinary calm, especially during the waking hours. Like when I walk down to the loo in darkness as the sun is barely starting to rise. I cringe as I tiptoe down the hall hoping that she doesn’t see me. But she knows I’m there, thanks to the creaky hardwood floors of our little old house. If she is still quiet, I go back to my room to read a bit until she makes some “noise.” Sometimes when I dare to peek at her, she’s staring at me eye to eye. But our sweet girl remains ever-so-chilled on her bed and is kind enough to let me off the hook giving me another hour to relax until our day of round-the-clock puppy care begins. With space at a premium in our small cottage of a house, a bulky crate is not ideal. But our mud room (the size of a small kennel run) just off the kitchen, is Paloma’s space just as it was for Noble, Anouk, and Lola, before her. Natural light shines through the windows and she is within sight and hearing of goings on around the house. How lucky we are so early on that she sleeps through the night and naps during the day even as we move about the kitchen. And we can reliably say that she is potty-trained. Thank you, Paloma, for being a quick study not to mention the early training you and your siblings got at the breeder! Alas, we won’t forget the loss of our beautiful Lola last March and the palpable quiet throughout the house during spring, summer and early fall. Now, we hear the pitter-patter of happy paws, we spend lots of time playing on the lawn and in the back patio with Paloma and supervising her endless curiosity (like the screw sticking out of a wall that I had never noticed in the 35 years we have lived here). And expandable wire dog pens have become our favorite design feature around the yard and inside the house. Like spandex, the paneled fences stretch and bend whichever way we need. We will never forget how Lola became quite the gourmand (with her eyes that is). She loved dinner time as she sat around the kitchen to watch the action and inhale the aromas. Sometimes we think she is coaching Paloma. Welcome to your new home, sweet little girl! PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, AND GUY FAWKES DAY! This time of year, Halloween, one of the oldest holidays, is celebrated around the world, born from religious rites and ancient celebrations. From trick-or-treating and costumes (U.S.; Canada; and Ireland, where the holiday originated) to honoring loved ones long gone during Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead (Mexico and Latin America), to bonfires and fireworks on Guy Fawkes Day in England – it’s a time for all ages to let down their guard, dress up and have fun together. After COVID-19 put the holiday on hold last year with communities cancelling door-to-door trick-or-treating, group activities, and parties, 2021 will be a year to remember as we (carefully) resume pre-pandemic festivities (don’t leave home without your mask), like Sierra Madre’s Annual Scarecrow Festival and contest. Residents and businesses display their scariest or most whimsical creations – and the community votes for their favorite. Here are just a few images of the cool and imaginative scarecrows around town that capture the spirit of Halloween 2021! PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

MORNING LIGHT! PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES October 4, 2021. Returning to Los Angeles from a weekend in the Central Coast, we stopped in Santa Barbara, our half-way point, for dinner. Our “quick” meal at Mexican restaurant Flor de Maiz on Cabrillo Blvd., lasted much longer and turned out to be front-row seats for darkening skies, oncoming wind, rain, thunder and lightning strikes. With beautifully plated dishes gracing our tables, distracted guests oohed in unison while trying to capture the lightning as it struck. I gave up and instead sat back to eat and watch the drama (that would last until we reached home and through the night). Realizing the “lightning fast” lightning was getting too close for comfort was good reason to get back on the road. Out on the sidewalk the crackling got louder and scarier – stopping us in our tracks. Watching it all in awe, I kept snapping away. Then I got the shot. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY