Carmen's Chronicles

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Alphabe Thursday - "S" is for Sad and Scared - February 17, 2011

"S" Is for Sad and Scared

I try to keep a smiling face,

To paint my eyes so merrily,

So people miss the pain inside,

And the fear that's haunting me.

For two years now, I'd hoped,

There might be some reprieve,

But the time has finally come,

It's been only me that I deceive.

I must give up my home,

Packing boxes lay about,

I'm glad it's just a rental,

Or I'd really scream and shout.

First you lose your job,

Then your home of thirteen years,

Then you're overwhelmed,

With a million different fears.

It's time I sorted things,

There is much to throw away,

What my sons consider "junk",

Means more than I can say.

Some are special treasures,

From friends beloved by me,

Others are parts of distant lands,

That I was blessed to see.

I know not where I'm going,

Only that I'll be alone,

My life will be far different,

Than I have every known.

I used to be adventurous,

And could easily switch gears,

But now that I am sixty-six,

I'm overwhelmed and full of fears.

I have so many aches and pains,

And, though I know it isn't true,

I feel like such a failure,

In all I tried to do.

I loved my work and did well,

And raised three sons alone,

But, there are times of late,

I feel I'm in a combat zone.

I've lost my "joie de vivre",

I hope it can be found,

I'm afraid I look as gloomy as,

A long eared basset hound!

I guess I will get through it,

It's just a bit more strife,

That's sent to prove my mettle,

And where I go in an after life!

Carmen Henesy

February 17, 2011

I am participting in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday - check out the site and join in the fun!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Watery Wednesday #127 & Wordless Wednesday, Barbados Sunset, February 19, 2011

I am participating in both Watery Wednesday & Wordless Wednesday.

Check out the sites and join in the fun!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Today's Flowers - Lovely Blossoms in My Area of California - February 14, 2011

While much of the country is still blanketed in snow, our wonderful weather last week
brought forth a glorious show of bright floral blossoms. All these pictures were taken
in Millbrae, California, which is about 18 miles south of San Francisco. It rained all
day today, though, and rain is forecast for the next few days so that will probably
eliminate most of the blooms. I had a wonderful time driving around, taking pictures.

I wish I knew the name of all these flowering shrubs and trees. The only one with
which I am familiar is the Japanese magnolia.

Japanese magnolia

I am participating in Today's Flowers - check out the site and join in the fun!

Mellow Yellow Monday, #108, Valentine Thoughts, February 14, 2011

I cannot find the words to say,

The depth of love I feel,

Sometimes it's overwhelming,

And it doesn't seem quite real.

How did a humble soul like me,

Find heaven on this earth?

The day you came into my life,

I felt a new rebirth.

You fill my days with sunshine,

Though rain pours from the sky,

And make me a better person,

I don't even have to try.

Our quarrels are so short lived,

We simply can't stay mad,

We love each other far too much,

To make each other sad.

Your kisses run the gamut,

From gentle to raging fire,

With them, you are most capable,

Of igniting such desire!

I look into your eyes,

And see your love for me,

And know that all my life,

This is where I want to be.

My dearest Valentine,

When our days draw to an end,

I'll have spent them so in love,

With my soul mate and my friend.

Carmen Henesy

February 14, 2011

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday - check out the site and join in the fun!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sundays in My City - Lunch at San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar, San Jose, CA - February 13, 2011

Actually, I had lunch at the San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar in San Jose
this past Thursday. My oldest son, Shawn, has worked for the professional tennis
tournaments in the Bay area for well over ten years, initially as a volunteer driver
for the players, gradully assuming more duties and, occasionally, geting paid.
It's no secret that he prefers the ladies' tournaments but, for this past two weeks, he's
been working at the SAP Open, even taking his precious leave time from the Air
Force to do so. This is a men's tournament.

At any rate, Shawn has never been known for doing things in a hurry. He was 34 before
he finally got his electrical engineering degree from San Jose State. I'll concede that
Air Force active duty did interfere for several years but he is a bit of a tortoise! For
years, he had been telling me I should meet several women involved in volunteering
for the tennis program - "you'd really like them, Mom" - but he never did anything to
facilitate that. One of these volunteers, a wonderful Dutch lady, who had resided
about 20 miles south of me the whole time I've lived in the Bay area, just moved to
North Carolina last year to be closer to her daugher and grandchildren. She was back
in town this week to see friends and to volunteer for some shifts at the tennis tournament
"Better late than never," Shawn decided, and we finally had lunch. Annelies was
absolutely wondrful - my kind of person - and I would so much have enjoyed ten years
of knowing her!

I drove the fifty miles to San Jose and we met at a restaurant, the San Pedro Bistro and
Wine Bar, a trendy spot that has been getting rave reviews. It was so convenient, right
off the freeway for me and a couple of minutes from the HP Pavilion where the tennis
tournament was taking place. As soon as I got out of my van, I could smell wonderful
aromas of garlic and cooking which were most enticing. Even though it was noon, on a
Thursday, it wasn't too crowded and, since the day was chilly, we opted not to enjoy
the outside seating.

Their menu was wonderful, very diverse, with the most expensive item about ten dollars.
The wine selection was excellent, with both domestic and international selections, many
of them by the glass, some reasonably priced at $7. I only had one glass since I had an
hour's drive home and Annelies and Shawn only had water! I had filet mignon cubes with
garlic fries and watercress salad - superb. Shawn's 8 ounce Angus burger was so huge,
I was afraid he would dislocate his jaw trying to eat it. He devoured it. Annelies had
a wonderful seared ahi tuna salad which I tried and found delicious.

I really couldn't take pictures of the restaurant inside without violating people's
privacy. I'll definitely be going back. I just wish they had a branch in San Francisco!

I'm enjoying my wonderful Argentinian malbec while they drink water!

Watercress salad, scrumptious filet mignon steak cubes and the best

garlic fries I'e ever eaten

Annelies Geelen and me - instant friends!

Shawn's 8 ounce Angus burger

He could hardly close his mouth after eating this!

Annelies had this delicious seared ahi salad

I don't know why this is out of focus - I only had one glass of wine!

I am taking part in Sundays in My City!

Check out the site and join in the fun!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Camera Critters, #149, and Pet Pride, Beach Dogs, February 12, 2011

Last Sunday, when my son and I were at the Pacifica beach, I enjoyed seeing all
dogs that were out enjoying the sunny day. Many of them raced into the surf,
fetching sticks and balls, mindless of the waves and seemed to do much better
than their human counterparts who were a little further out, trying to surf. The
only problem was, when they came out of the water and began shaking vigorously,
spraying water all over the sunbathers!