Headed For the Operating Room - Friday, January 18, 2013

In about twenty minutes, my dear friend, Mark Lammers, will arrive to chauffeur 
me to California Pacific Medical Center where the esteemed orthopedist, Dr.
John Belzer, will replace the joint in my left shoulder.  It took me a long time to
finally make the decision to undergo surgery but, when the pain in my left
shoulder and arm became so severe, even at rest, I couldn't put it off any
longer.  After all, I have a ten year Indian visa and my first grandchild
arriving in late April and I need to as pain free as possible and it's good
to have the use of both arms.  

I have drawn a black "x" on my left shoulder ( to tease Dr. Belzer ).  Years
ago, I was an operating room nurse and even wrote a poem called, "The
Orthopedic Blues" which is all about being an OR ortho nurse.  I will show it
to Dr. Belzer, after the surgery.  He is a terrific surgeon - very nice - AND
very handsome, not that good looks are a prerequisite.

I don't know how much I'll be blogging for while as, for six weeks, I cannot
use my left arm and hand at all. I've tried to dowload Dragon "Naturally 
Speaking" software so I can dictate my blogs, etc.  Not being very tech savvy,
I am not doing so well.  I'll work on it post op when I'm feeling a little better.
I also plan to work on learning Hindi!!  I've got a couple of CDs and books.  
We'll see how that goes.

Please, please, everyone, offer prayers to any and all gods, that I do well with 
this surgery.  I'll be getting a new shoulder but, sadly, the rest of the aging
body remains.  Too bad I couldn't get a face lift at the same time....no plastiic 
surgery for me, though, since insurance doesn't support vanity.

Over and out for awhile.

Monday Mellow Yellows - A Jaipur Plumeria - January 14, 2013

My guesthouse in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India had lovely plumeria trees in bloom, reminding 
me of Hawaii.  I loved sitting outside, luxuriating in the fragrance.  

I am participating in Monday Mellow Yellows -

join in the fun with a yelow picture of your own.

Camera Critters #249 - More Sleeping .Dogs - January 13, 2013

My friend has a dog sitting, kennel service.  It always amazes me how well these 
animals get along with each other - different breeds, ages, and sizes.  There don't 
seem to be turf issues or jealousy among the dogs. 

1. A black lab and a weimaranar

A doberman joins the group

The dobie got lonely by herself.

Wonder if he's dreaming?

I am participating in Camera Critters 249 -

post your critter and join in the fun.

Also, posting on Pets Forever

Monday Mellow Yellows - A Jaipur Lady - January 7, 2013

I am so glad to see that Gemma Wiseman is continuing the cheerful yellow theme on
Mondays!  Though I am 7000 miles away from my beloved India, I still have many
photos from there - to tug at my heart until I can return, hopefully by mid-May.
This lady I caught from my auto rickshaw as she crossed the street near me.

I am participating in Monday Mellow Yellows -

add your spot of yellow photo to join in the fun!

Having Fun - January 5, 2013

Since coming home from India, I've gotten out a bit, meeting friends for lunch
or dinner and seeing my favorite local entertainers.  It's nice to live in an area
where you can do that, even on a restricted budget. Zingari, a great Italian 
restaurant at the Hotel Donatello ( actually owned and managed by Krishan
Miglani who is from India! ) has a wonderful jazz club - intimate, romantic ( if
you're lucky enough to be there with a sweetheart ).  I've been going there 
for years, since the days when my friend, Sony Holland, used to perform there.
Subsequently, I've become friends with some of the other entertainers, many 
of whom are accompanied by my all time favorite piano player, Shota Osabe.

My friend, Kris, and I went Thursday night to see Anne O'Brien.  Shota was on
the piano and Chuck Bennett, on bass.  The place was almost empty for awhile
so it was like having our own private concert.  Anne, who specializes in "The Great 
American Songbook", has an incredibly lovely voice and delights audiences all
over the Bay area.

There is a nice dance floor at Zingari but I'd never seen anyone use it before.
We were surprised when a young couple came in and wowed us with their 
performance.  They looked wonderful together and really seemed to enjoy
themselves.  I know we enjoyed them!

Chuck Bennett, Anne O'Brien

The lovely Anne O'Brien

Terrific music!

Cheers!

Kris and I are the only audience, at this point!  What a waste of great talent.

Shota Osabe - sorry about the flash!!

The lady with the lovely smile - & a voice to match!

A young Fred and Ginger

They certainly burned off calories!

The dapper Shota Osabe

All smiles with my favorite piano player

With Shota Osabe, Anne O'Brien, and Churck Bennett

Ruby Tuesday 2 - Have Your Cake & Eat It, Too - January 1, 2012

A friend was given this cake by an office mate and he was kind enough to share
it.  It seemed almost too pretty to cut.  I was a good girl and only had one piece 
( okay, there was a scoop each of pumpkin and rum raisin ice cream on the side! ).

I'm participating in Ruby Tuesday 2 -

add your red photo and join in the fun.

As The New Year Dawns, 2013

As The New Year Dawns, 2013

It seems to me the year goes by,

With such amazing speed,

The new year is upon us,

And the world is filled with need.

We make such strides in many ways,

Yet atrocities abound,

Wars rage on about the globe,

There seems no common ground.

Politicians promise many things,

That are forgotten through the year,

If there was just a single thing,

To which we‘d willingly adhere!

Resolutions come and go,

As fast as minutes on a clock,

And when a tragedy befalls our world,

We’re in a state of shock.

If only we would pause and think,

Each and every one,

Of ways to make life better,

Before the new year has begun.

Change has to start within,

With regard for our fellow man

With our doing a little bit,

Each and every time we can.

  

Open up your hearts,

To those outside your sphere,

Every child and man and woman,

Could make a difference here.

For me, it’s been a special year,

In which my dreams came true,

I’ll cherish all the memories,

As I bid this year adieu.

I pray the year to come will hold,

Days full of joy and peace,

When people have enough to eat,

And wars will finally cease.

I wish you every happiness,

You help to make my life complete.

I hope before this new year ends,

We have a chance to meet.

Best wishes for love, health, success, happiness in 2013.

Carmen M. Henesy

Copyright (c) December 31, 2012 by Carmen Henesy 
All rights reserved. 

Skywatch Friday: Season 6, Episode 25 - Sunny Skies over Pacifica, California

At last, for the moment anyway, the rains have ceased over the

Pacific, just south of San Francisco.  Let's hope the weather  holds

for a dry New Year's Eve celebration.

I am participating in Skywatch Friday: Season 6, Episode 25

Point your camera to the skies and join in the fun!