Of Mother's Day, and a walking boot~~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well Mother's Day is tomorrow!  And to make it easy on everyone the Dad's and Uncles will be cooking (bar-be-queing) the Food,  We may have burnt offerings yet.

But for us ladies it is a treat, it's going to be at my brother's home because of Coralline's ankle, and because it's been so chilly and windy we'll be eating in-doors, picnic style, at least for the youngsters and those whose bones don't ache.

My sister-in-law has been doing a lot of hard work these last few months and it's not been easy, that's why I and Sis and Aunt Jane have been helping out. 

Yesterday Coralline was freed from her fiberglass cast and was given a walking boot, which is a whole new learning curve for her, as well as physical therapy exercises,  the twins Robbie and Ryan wanted to see the incision Coralline has and think although gross is also neat, so she is considered a sort of Goddess in their opinion.

She is just happy to be able to get around, her Mother told me she was so happy to finally be able to take a hot shower, granted she had to use a bath bench but she was singing.

I'm going to go with them today, the insurance check came in and the first thing to buy will be new computers for Chris and Coralline and a new printer (two of them) as well.

Chinese Dinner last night was fun and Coralline told me that she does want to be a journalist, where it will take her she doesn't know but that is what she wants to do for her career, be it travel, medical, food, investigative who knows, but the world is her oyster right now and I'm happy for her.

Must go, they are here.

Later Darklings

Of family, updates and Poizin wine~~~

Hello Darklings,

I know, I know I have been a naughty girl not posting like I should but I have perfectly good excuse.

I’ve been busy.

See as simple as that I’ve been busy.   O.K. what have I been busy with?   Well working with the trust that was set up by my Great Aunt on the house to maintain the house and working with contractors to do what work needs to be done.

There were wooden parts to be duplicated and replaced, painting (a Major project), gutter replacement,  Thank Goodness we’re fine on the roof, re-leading the stain glass windows and putting a protective glass cover in front of them that doesn’t detract from the house,  and replacing broken glass on the Green House,  (it was an accident Darklings not vandalism),  and the only thing left is replacing and painting the balustrade on the front porch,  the carving has to be duplicated so it’s a lot of work. 

Then I can start to breathe a bit.

Mother’s Day was fun, we were at my brother’s house and he fired up the grill and made homage to the propane gods with burnt offerings,  it was pot luck really everyone bring their special dish,  and non-alcoholic beverages to drink  although it was cool and we were worried about rain we pretty much landed in my Brother’s Man Cave and ate picnic style and had a wonderful time.

I took my niece to see the ballet “Onegin”  the story was a bit sad for her but she understood why the young lady had to send Onegin away, she was completely entranced by the gracefulness of the ballet, it was completely different in story than the Nutcracker and she had a wonderful appreciation for it.   And I confess it was a treat for me as well.

Now my brother and his family are getting their RV ready for Memorial Weekend, they are going to take the long backward route to Scott’s Valley instead of dealing with the dangers of Highway 17, instead they are taking 101 to 129 to Watsonville, back up 1 to Santa Cruz, by taking that long convoluted route it will take them 4 hours at least but they are prepared for that.   I can understand, I’ve driven 17 and it’s a killer.    Then they can enjoy the civil war re-enactments at Felton and the Santa Cruz Beach and board walk, they’re towing their jeep behind them, Christopher and Coralline are looking forward to it, the twins too, they love loud noises.  

Am I going anywhere for memorial weekend?  No.  I’ve seen how insane it can get, no I will finally enjoy a bit of relaxation at home,  My Sister has a Spa date, really two Spa dates planned for us, at a local Spa resort, and it will include everything, mani-pedi’s, facials, massages, everything that is decadent I will not have to move a finger, I’m going to enjoy it!  

Right now we are suffering with a high wind, pollen blowing around leaves scattering here and there,  such a change after a couple of days of heat, which I think will be a precursor to the Summer that’s to come.   And the weather man is saying possible rain tomorrow, well that put’s question marks over my head.

And now Coralline is a bit worried, she is graduating from the 8^th grade into the 9^th grade high school, fortunately her brother will be in the 10^th grade and can give her guidance.  Some school districts have lower or Elementary, then Middle then High school but here Elementary and Middle are combined.   She’s growing up and she’s a bit worried, it’s a good thing she has a few girl friends who will be suffering the same growing pains as her but with Chris to help her, we think she’ll be fine.    Her grades have been excellent, her parents have been very happy for her, of course there is the possible dip in the grades due to adjustment but we think she’ll level out very quickly.  She is quite focused.   And fortunately she can continue the ballet classes as her P.E. alternative, which is good.    And August is going to be busy for her and her parents, Freshman orientation and all that.    In a way I’m glad I’m an Auntie.

I am finally no longer on  the back up list at my former employers, I’m now back on call, they finally hired a couple of permanent staff, I’m glad it has taken a burden off of me and can go back to enjoying retirement again.

There has been some sadness and excitement across the street, the police had been called twice to Crazy Son’s folks house, I heard that the Mother had passed away and also an Uncle, Crazy Son had been taken away in an EMT ambulance for 72 hour observation, what has been happening I’m not sure, but I’m sure eventually the sister will call me and let me know.  So for now it’s like watching a Soap Opera but waiting on pins and needles for the next installment.

My Gardener has been showing me catalogs of dark blooming plants,  some of them very exciting to behold, unfortunately it’s a little too late to buy and plant them but I’ve got them listed for next year,  I am going to have so much fun!   And he’s found a place that will do  skull cement edging, its special order but they look so fantastic,  there is one side of the house that gets very mossy, I can see them there with moss growing over them,  Ooooo I get chills thinking about it.

So I’ve got to get back on track with my Gothicness again, life has been keeping me busy.  I’ve been having fun stocking up on Armida’s Poizin Zinfandel wine I’ve gotten fond of it Let me explain the Technical aspects of it.  As Advertised it is a lush, delicious and "serious" wine but in a fun package! The nose is fruit driven with fresh plum, Bing cherry, spicy peppercorn and zinberry. The mouthfeel is soft with a hint of milk chocolate, sweet oak, and a long vanilla finish. The deep color and firm structure are enhanced by the addition of the Petite Sirah and the firm tannins softened by moderate oak.   As they say it is a “Wine to Die for.”   

I have it along with my Vampire Wine and a friend of mine gave me two bottles of a 2010 Merlot with the label on it that announces it as “Dracula’s Blood” it is imported from Romania through the Vampire Wine site

Another friend has given me again from Vampire Wines’  TRUEBLOOD Carneros Pinot Noir  this is described technically as artisan style pinot noir was made from 100% pinot noir grapes that were carefully picked by hand, sorted by hand and then carefully placed in French oak barrels for 15 months before bottling, resulting in an elegant wine.  Cherry, clove, brown sugar, warm spice, with floral accent aromas with cherry and vanilla flavors lead to a refreshing long finish of mixed berries.

I am still looking for other Gothic brews, perhaps even a cocktail mixture to add some “spice” to one’s summer’s night fest. 

Another friend has given me a CD of a Musical titled “Dracula Das Musical” unfortunately it’s all sung in German but the man who sings Dracula, Thomas Borchet has a wonderful Dramatic voice,  so I’ll be hunting on the internet for information and English translations to this.  Perhaps YouTube. 

Yes My Darklings I do have to get back into my Gothic Mode.  

And now to be more prosaic the timer went off on the crock pot so dinner is served. 

Later Darklings 

Of Happy New Year for 2016!!! ~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

I have not been posting so often of late, well I'm still getting better, right now I tend to fall asleep a lot,  the Doctor says it's the cough medicine that I'm taking,  because it has codine in it.   And because of that I'm to stay away from wine and such.   Such a bore but then health is always important.

Christmas was wonderful with family and friends, but our new years tonight will be on the quiet side,  it will be a combination of pot luck and Chinese take out.   No I'm not doing a New Year's party this year, the family has insisted I focus on resting but I do intent to stay up with them to welcome the New Year.

I'll be seeing my Doctor next week, although he did do a house visit this week, and feels that I will no longer need the visiting nurse, but next week he will finally determine that.

Because I've been coughing so much my chest and ribs have been hurting but that has lessen considerably, and I hope to get back to my old self.  

The other evening we all went to the Oakland Zoo and saw the zoo lights and rode the Zoo train as well,  and for the first time in years I wore thermal underwear!!!  Including Thermal Socks!   Not exactly elegant, but necessary in the low 40 and in some cases upper 30 degree weather at night.

The frost has been harsh, my gardener has protected most of the plants but I fear I will lose a few of them,  Spring will tell us how bad.

Sis insisted that I hire Betty as a regular housekeeper and have her come in 2 or 3 days a week with Merry Maids to do any major cleaning for the holidays and lighter cleaning for regular.   I've talked to Betty about this and she is very agreeable to it.   She loves the house and has said to me that I can't do it all by myself and to put my pride to one side. 

We've agreed on what I can do,  and what she will do and it works out.    I did grumble about feeling old but Betty said to me that I'm not old, I just need pampering.   The dog's love her and she likes them as well. 

There has been a bit of a sad thing that has happened in our neighborhood, our elderly neighbor that use to baby sit the dogs from time to time has had a stroke and her children are seeing to her care.   The good thing is that her daughter was with her when it happened and was able to get emergency services for her quickly and that lessened any damage,  but the daughter has now moved in with her so she won't be alone, which is good.

Crazy Son across the street has been very quiet, well with his sister and her husband having moved in with the parents Crazy Son can't pull any stunts, which is good.

New folks have moved into the neighborhood and have refurbished this old Victorian home that was very run down.  The previous owners were elderly and didn't have enough money to do all that needed to be done, but fortunately these new owners love the place and are restoring it.  That makes me very happy.

The family is doing fine, Sis's business is keeping her, well, busy.  Doyle has been kept busy as well but to keep my mind occupied he is having me transcribe his notes (I can read his hand writing).   My brother and sister in law are happy and so are the children although they are moaning the fact that next week they will be back in school.

The following weekend we will have a little "take down the Christmas decorations" party and carefully pack them away.    I will be sad to see that but they will be up next year and the year after that.

I hope in 2016 to be more active on my blog and find more interesting Gothic type things to post about,  strange and bizarre things, and finds,  but now a hot cup of Peppermint tea is wafting under my nose and it's time for Lunch.

I want to wish all of you a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous  New Year!   May all your problems be little one's and the big problems be easily solved and taken care of.

Happy 2016 My Darklings!

Well I'm not that Evil, not really.   Well maybe a little bit.  Oh what the heck, for those of you this can be an excellent thing to work with.

Of slowly improving for Christmas~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Yes I know it's been days since I last posted but I have a confession to make, I really was a lot more ill than I let on, I had been in the hospital, it was pneumonia and I had the shot too!   But sometimes it can hit pretty hard.

The doctor told me that if I didn't have the short I would still be in the hospital possibly with complications.  so I should be thankful for the vaccine.

I was having the visiting nurse coming by everyday for a short while but with my improvement its down to two times a week and I have Betty to help me every day.  I have to confess I don't like to be babied, so she told me to think of it as being pampered.   O.K.  I'll accept that.

And I am getting stronger everyday.

I think it was really hard on the children, they can understand sniffles and colds and the flu but this I think frightened them.  And they are keeping a sharp eye on me,  Sis says she can understand that, its like having a unit that use to work flawlessly start having problems and when that happens everything else breaks down until the unit can be "fixed".   Or understand that they have to go on without that unit.  (that was my addition).  

I'm completely retried now from my job, I may be called in for consultation or as a independent contractor if needed.  But frankly I'm enjoying the freedom of retirement.  But I'm keeping up with all the new developments.

We did have some fun, Thanksgiving was at my brother's and sister in law's house, and it was wonderful, the food, the conversation, the games, the silliness.   The next day we went to the Dickens Christmas Fair and Coralline and her brother Chris went in their Victorian Semi-steam punk outfits, Sis and Monica and my brother came along we all were dressed in Victorian clothing except my brother, he really didn't have the right outfit, but with a brown sweater, a knitted scarf and a wool newsboy hat he did look close to it,  but when we were at the men's emporium well we did have to get him suited up and we came pretty close,  I think we'll have to go to Old Town Sacramento and get a few more things, because when we returned to my home we still carried on in the Victorian manner.

My brother finally gets the idea!

We did go back on more time and I think the Children would have loved to have gone every weekend, but well that can't be,  the twins don't quiet understand, but as they get a little older and a bit more settled maybe they will.  I'm going to have to pass on taking in the Oakland Zoo Lights as I have to stay out of the damp night air for a while.

But we are going to Dunsmuir House this weekend.   Saturday I'm having the family over for Pot Luck to decorate the two Christmas Trees,  Doyle purchased them and both he and my brother will put them up tomorrow so they'll be easy to decorate,  Betty and Sis brought out the  Christmas decorations so they are all ready to go.

I feel bad for being so sick at this time of year, usually I'm reveling in the Holidays, but this has laid me low.

Which makes me wonder if its a wise idea to see the latest   Christmas horror movie "Krampus" but knowing my dark side how can I possibly refuse going to see it,  I did manage to take in "Spectre" and relax and enjoy it---so much so that I reviewed my earlier James Bond films.

I just wish I felt up to putting up my black Christmas tree this year in the entrance hall, but 'easy-does it' as Betty would say.   But it would be nice and gothic to top it with a Krampus tree topper and have my all red Christmas lights on it, yes a bit bizarre but then Darklings I never said I was completely normal either,  well it's something to plan on for next year. 

I wish my Sis could put Christmas Decorations on her house or at least inside but she says she wants her house to be as calm and normal as possible with out anything to remind them of holiday depression, because for some of her clients something tragic may have happened around a holiday, and she wants to avoid any "triggers".   I can understand that.  I think that is why she is so often here at my house for the holidays. 

And now Betty is leaving she wants to get home before it gets too dark, I can understand that,  and before any rain hits.  Although the rains have been filling my water cisterns up very nicely.

Well I'm going to take a later afternoon nap with the dynamic doggie duo while dinner cooks in the slow cooker.

Later Darkings

Of Having added a new page "What is Horror Literature" ~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well I have been busy---writing that is, yes I managed to write at least part of an article on my thoughts on what is Horror Literature.

Granted my Darklings its nothing like the literary works by far more studious experts on the subject but it is a "stab" at it.

For now I have posted part 1 on this subject---so if you look to the right of this blog site under the links of "Thoughts and Mysteries" you will find "My thoughts on the history of Horror Literature"  Sorry it is only Part 1.

But I promise once I'm past all the Halloween fun I will do another chapter on this.  But at least you have a little Halloween reading for tonight.

 

But for now enjoy this photo of three of the most wonderful gentlemen to frighten and seduce us into the world of terror and horror.

 

Later Darklings and have a Happy, Safe and Fun Halloween.

Of updates and articles~~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well this is going to have to be a short post, I'm at work right now.

My cousin called me and asked if I'd be interested in going to the movies and I said of course, so since she is working just 5 blocks from me she'll pick me up and we'll go to the movies and then have a late dinner afterwards, her treat.

Well I'm all for that, but what movie I haven't a clue, the "Ouija" movie won't be out until Friday, and there isn't any other that I'm interested in, I hope its not a weepy movie I've had enough weepy in my life and she knows it.  So we'll see.

I have also come across some interesting pictures and articles which I will post over the next few days.  One about Mourning clothing which should be interesting.

I recorded Coast to Coast last night Judika Illes was on the latter half so I had fun listening to it while I was commuting to work, I have not finished it yet but a very interesting person.

I love Coast to Coast radio, but it comes on so late that I have to record any interesting program and listen to it while I'm commuting.  They have ghost hunters, UFO spotters, vampires, exorcists and other persons from the odd side of life. 

If you've never heard of it look it up on Google Coast to Coast Radio, when I have time I'll put up a link.

Must Go.

Later Darklings

You never know what's out there in the night, in the dark.

Of the fire and such update~~~~

Well my Darklings,

The King fire is about 35 percent contained if the winds don't pick up, so far it seems to be going in a North East direction but embers do fly up and start hot spots in other locals.

I've been praying for rain and cool weather to give the firefighters a chance, they've come as far away as Alaska and Florida, 5,000 of them, this is a horrendous fire.

Al and Doyle went up yesterday to see if Al could go to his cabin and in the afternoon they were letting some folks up there, and also Al wanted to see if any notices were posted about these lost dogs,  they didn't get back until late last night.

Al said that he lost his work shop and his non-working VW, he was glad he didn't have gas in the tank of that car or it would have been worse,  it seems that the back part of his cabin got badly scorched, and it appears he may have lost the bad deck of his cabin but so far it appears to be in tact,  so he got boards and he and Doyle put boards over the windows, and doors.

Put a big sign on it saying that it is owner occupied, and had salvaged family photo's which he was grateful to find unharmed.

There was no notice of any dogs missing answering to the two dogs he has.  So this morning we took them to the vet to see if they were micro chipped and they were not.  So the Vet gave them a full set of shots, advised what sort of food they should be fed incase they might have food allergies, and said that the taller dog was about 10 years old and the shorter one was about 8, Duke is male and Gabby is Female, and both are neutered, the Vet found the neuter scar on Gabby. 

So with all those shots the dogs are now sleeping the sleep of the just and medicated.   Al is making plans on moving one of his trailers back up to live in while he does repairs to his cabin, but it may be a while until his area gets the all clear.

Duke and Gabby have taken to sleeping on these rugs that I have in the kitchen towards one corner,  I was surprised to see the other day that Duke dragged one of the rugs to one spot and laid down there, and Gabby just crowded on it, so I moved the other rug there with their food and water bowls near them,  and it's a good spot just right where they can see all the doors, and yet be out of the way. 

They won't go outside unless one of us is with them, and has taken to accepting both Doyle and myself as part of their "pack". 

So for now Al will be staying with us but going back and forth until he gets a final all clear,  the question of the dogs are still up in the air, although both Belladonna and Weiner have accepted them.
They are house broken and very calm, Al is not sure if he wants to keep them, but we said to not to worry at this point in time. 

Take care of what needs to be done first.  So now Al and Doyle are working on plans, I'm leaving in a few minutes to put in a few hours at work, Sis said she'll do dinner as her clients are now coming to her home for their appointments.

And then I'll take a little time this evening to collect my thoughts to see what will be happening next.

I do know that I have a graveyard to set up for Halloween, so I need to go through and see what is being offered.

Later Darklings

Of wine, desks and Halloween~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Well we are having another mild heat wave, not so bad where I am but I know just over the hill it will climb to triple digits.

And now I can take a breather,  I am so exhausted from working that I know with my hours being only part time now, I'm using my hours up very quickly and the Holidays are coming, so for sure they will go quickly.

But I did talk to my supervisor, I really want to be more retired than what I am now, my income from my investments and retirement plan is more than enough, and with the trust to cover the house, I really don't have any worries.  So why do I work?  I asked myself that question and the answer came back 'to not become dull'  but my Doctor did advise for me to slow down a bit and enjoy life.

Oh I'm not sick Darklings, just a little heart murmur, but I do have to admit that getting up at "Oh My God It's Early!" has lost a lot of 'charm' for me, although I do love my co-workers.

And the Powers That Be do not want to lose my expertise, so I am to be "on Call" which knowing how often they get backed up and with fellow co-workers wanting to have what we call "a life", it will be a much better proposition.   I will continue to read up on all the updates on my work and I've been informed if there is going to be a training on a new test or system I am to be included in it.

So starting this weekend my life will finally be my own, unless they need me.  Oh the life of a dilatant, a social butterfly, flittering here and there, sipping at that flower and this flower.  But I am going to keep myself busy, there is a lot to do and be involved in.

And with fall nearly here I am looking forward to it. 

Already I've made a list of the movie classics that will be shown around various theatres, it will be a while before the Film Noir festival, and one of my favorite vintage fashion shows will not be until November but there is a book sale coming in October and do not get me going on Halloween---Which happens to fall on a Friday, I am making serious plans for that. 

So where do I begin?   Well Doyle's Man Cave is done, it's starting to look like a 1940's private detective's office, there is a small foyer with a locking door, so if you're coming in from the rain you can hang the rain coat in, then there is the "office door" with a pebbled glass upper half that has Doyle's name and then under it "Private Investigations"   and you walk into the office, behind where his desk will be is an imitation window, my present to Doyle, it's recessed to give the impression of a window with the skyline of San Francisco from the 1940's, I had it fixed up so that the lighting will change over the hours so that the lights from the other offices will come on, with little tiny street lights, and a moon that will rise at a certain time. 

A friend of mine from Los Angeles did it for me, I had done him several BIG favors over the years and this is his way of re-payment, and one can get through a wall in the garage to replace any burnt out lights.

It has hardwood flooring made out of sustainable bamboo, the walls are made to resemble the walls in Sam Spades office, there is a real window that looks out into the garden but my friend found the old fashion wooden blinds that one would have found in old office buildings, so now it's to finish the lighting, we've found a office chandelier that will be good for over all lighting but we are looking for the lamps that would have been used back them.  And a desk, chair, file cabinet for that period, Doyle wants to use it as his office, away from his office,  so it will look like a cross between Sam Spades', Philip Marlow and any other 1940's film noir detective's office.

Fortunately there are a number of pictures based on the set design and layout so I was even able to include a cold water sink so Doyle could wash his hands before coming in to dinner.

The height of it was one concern but since my garage was designed to have a storage loft as well it turned out that the height was just right.

With a bit of luck I think I'll be able to find a copy of the "black bird" and if not I think my ghostly artists could make one for me.   So now to find the furniture.

Our trip to Napa was very rewarding in many ways but also it was a bit distressing as well.  We were able to donate a lot of plate and glass ware to that consignment shop to help out folks who lost theirs, but to see the damage up close and personal well it did leave me gasping, and that was only a 6.0.  Although I know my house is anchored down I even wonder if it could really ride out a serious quake especially if the Hayward fault shifted as that one is closer to me. 

Doyle tried to distract me and we left for the out reaches of Napa and managed to find a motel to stay at, one of the more average one's but we were comfortable, one of the delights we found was Anaba winery, it is green powered and their wines were delicious I managed to get 1 bottle of the 2011 Syrah, although they say they are sold out, there still was a few bottles left but I was informed those were spoken for.  So I considered myself lucky. 

We did stop at a few of my other favorite wineries that were not affect, and it seems each one was contributing to helping those that had lost some of their stock.  Amazing how well a community can pull itself together.  And just the other day we heard that the boy who was crushed under the bricks of his family's fire place is home and expected to recover, but there was one fatality, a woman who was struck on the head and thought she would recover, had succumbed to her injury.  But at all that only one death, I consider that a miracle.

And now with the weather so nice and warm I want to travel there again, but we shall see how that goes.

Earlier this week my Sister had us over to her house for dinner, it was good seeing my brother and sister in law, the boys and Coralline, she just could not stop chatting about the trips that her family has been on.  I was so glad to see that she had recovered from her injury but her Mother told me that she still has a bit of pain in her little finger and was concerned that it didn't heal right, well that evening was a bit of surprises, my sister took us on a tour of the house and so much has been done, only two bedrooms need to be finished as well as some finishing touches in the garden, but everything is in place and she is very happy with it and showed up her prize find---a kidney shaped desk, with a file cabinet for current cases, and drawers for writing paper and materials, it was right from the late 1940's and such a find.  She found it at a charity shop, all she had to do is have it refinished as it's solid mahogany, but even I could see the beauty in this wonderful desk and the style was just right for her home office.

The other surprise was Sis, Coralline's Mother and I chipped in to buy Coralline her own laptop, now she can work on her home work, do her journal and any writing that she'd like to do.   Her friend Marissa is suggesting some reputable writing competitions for her to submit her stories as well as magazines that take stories from young writers.  I told Coralline the worst that can happen is that they may say "no" but even Steven King's first novel "Carrie" was rejected until his wife said to keep at it.  So never be discouraged.  Coralline was elated with her gift even her Dad said she deserved it.

Her mother told me that she got a part time job to help offset the cost of the insurance and gasoline for their RV, I asked how did they manage to fit all 6 of them in it, and she said "A camping tent"  they were going crazy with how crowded and noisy the RV got with the boys arguing, until they got to Manteca and went into a Bass Pro shop and found a tent that could be put up in 30 seconds, so with an awning going from it to the RV's awning and of course pegging it down the boys had a room to their own and seemed to like roughing it.  The oldest kept an eye on the younger two, and there were a few rules set down but I was told it worked out well and sanity reigned.

And now my Darklings, it's coming!  Yes, Halloween is coming!!  I went into the Nob Hill grocery store and there they were, skeletons of human's and dogs, lights and candy and other decorations.  And I got my Grandi Road Catalogue and Spirit is sending me information as to where the nearest stores will be, I am so excited---I did have to buy the skeleton dogs, but Belladonna and Weiner dog were not amused, especially when I put them near their food dishes, so to keep peace in the house I tucked the boney dogs away.

Now to see what Target and Wal-Mart will offer, but Oh I can hardly wait for Spirit to open their stores, hurry, hurry I say, I simply can't wait.  Oh and there is the Pirates of Emmerson haunted houses as well as a few others we need to check into.

On a personal note, Doyle's problem is getting better but it is taking a long time to resolve itself, so he'll be off the antibiotics in a few days and he can go back to work full time in two weeks, but he is going to have to see the doctor in 2 months as well as having another follow-up ultrasound, the good news is that it does not appear to be a tumor at all so keeping and eye on it at this time is the best procedure, and he's not feeling any pain or tenderness so that is good.  But he still wishes he'd kicked that other fellow.

Frankly I don't blame him.

Now my Darklings, Doyle has shown up with Dinner, our old standby, Chinese!

Later Darklings

Of I'm back, I'm back!!~~~~

Hello Darklings,

This will have to be a short post.

Whew!!  Well I have been busy, sometimes it doesn't pay to take an extended weekend vacation but I did and the minute I get back it's "We need you now!!" 

Well illness, and some of my co-workers getting their little one's back to school, and someone having to leave for family emergency, it was an All Hands on Deck situation. 

But both Doyle and I managed to squeeze in a short trip this last weekend.

But I'm going to have to tell you about it another time, Sis is having all of us over for dinner at her house for a change, and I have to admit I've not had a chance to see any of the work that she's had done lately and she also wants to show her prize purchase.

So Darklings, I will be forced to fill you in later.

But I just wanted to let you know I'm well, Doyle is slowly getting better (I'll have more on that later), we had a great time.

And now my telephone is ringing, it's Sis she needs my help with the dinner, well it's better than yelling across the fence.  LOL.

Later Darklings

Of Some Earthquake Good News~~~

Hello Darklings,

We've been following the news of the Napa quake here at work and we cheered when we heard that the boy that was crushed under bricks from the family fireplace, although having major surgery has been upgraded to "satisfactory condition"  his pelvis had to be, as I understand it, re-built, but for a bright and happy 13 year old he's very upbeat.

Two very venerable historic churches are going to be saved from demolition and restored.  And from what we've been hearing that is what they are going to do with as much as possible with historic Downtown Napa.   I sincerely hope so.

They are saying that Napa is open for business but the main part of town is still being cleared away but many businesses around the area are functioning including many wineries. 

And from what we've seen in the news the whole community is pulling together and helping out any way they can.

They have over 100 aftershocks but the chance of having another big one is now down to 12%.

I always love good news, so tonight Doyle and I will plan on doing something over the weekend, there is the place, I have to go to KPIX (CBS ch 5) website to get the name, it's a consignment shop and they are taking donations of kitchen goods, glasses, dishes etc to help people get back on their feet who lost their dish ware and it will be exchanged for free. 

Sis and I have some modern dish and glass wear from our old apartments before I moved into the house, so now I think Doyle and I will take it with us and drop it off up there, when we go up on the weekend.

Coralline is both happy and a little sad, School for her starts next week, happy because she'll be seeing a number of her friends, sad because the Summer for her is over, but her Dad has said that does not end the trips.  So I think something is in the works.

Later Darklings

Of "Earthquakes" and aftermaths~~~~

Well Darklings,

As the new poured in the last count was nearly 200 people injured but 4 or 5 critically, the worst was a 13 year old boy that was sleeping with a friend in the living room and the bricks from the fireplace fell in and crushed his chest.

Last word on him was he's stable and so far no fatalities, Historic Down Town Napa has sustained a lot of damaged, the fires were mostly in mobile home parks, very old homes were sheared off their foundations.  At least 100 structures were "Red Tagged" not habitable.

The odd thing is Doyle and I just to get away from it for a day had planned to go to Napa and Sonoma for the Day and with luck maybe overnight, but I think we'll have to change plans and think of something else.

This is going to be short post, several of my co-workers have relatives in Vallejo, Napa etc. and have gone to help out so I was called in to work for a few days to take up the slack.

Then I'll be back to my old schedule in Mid-September.  But it will be only 3 days a week, and on call for emergencies.  Frankly I like my reduced schedule, much easier for me.

Now must go, my mini-break is over.

Later Darklings

Of more Dark things and School Shopping---a short post~~~~

Oh Darklings,

Already the leaves are beginning to fall and curl hinting at Autumn to come.  Halloween is just around the corner!!!

That does get me excited.

But I'm going to have to make this a short post as my niece and her Mother will be here any minute.

I've got to list another magazine link or two in the next few days, that I think all you Gothic Beauties will love.

Doyle is doing well, the Urologist just wants to keep him on antibiotics for another 4 weeks, plus a pro-biotic and then more follow up ultra sounds, blood and urine tests and doctor appointments to see how he is progressing.

He can go back to his job but he's going to be doing desk duty, no more risks to the vital areas for a while so limited functions.  He's happy about that he was climbing the walls here at home, and then I can go back to work in 2 weeks but again just a few days a week, well at least things won't be boring or dull, not that it ever is in our home.

But we still have to post pone the vacation plans Oh Pooh!!!  Well I can focus on the Halloween decorations and see what Spirit has to offer. 

But right now Coralline,  her Mom and I are going clothes shopping for Coralline, she's out growing her clothes and shoes,  and we still need to get her supplies for school, and they are here, already Coralline is tugging at my sleeve singing "Faro-La, Faro-Lee" 

Yes my Darklings---last night they were showing "Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman" with one of the only few (with the exception of "Phantom of the Opera") musical numbers to find in a horror movie.

And her parents let her and the boys stay up late to watch it..."Come one and all and sing this song, Faro-la faro lee, for life is short but death is long, faro-la faro lee"...

Oh dear we all now have an "earwig" running in our brains---Faro-La, Faro Lee....

Later Darklings----I must Flyyyyyyyyyyyy.......

Of a short note and the Alert being called off~~~

Hello My Darklings,

I'm on my coffee break and we have a mess to clear up here, because of yesterday's "alleged" Muni sick out---did not make my commute any easier and yes I'm grumbling.

So this will have to be a short note, The Alert on the person the FBI wanted to find has been called off,  the gentleman in question was captured late yesterday afternoon at Chrissie Field.

Both Police and the FBI were worried about a post his put on his facebook page which indicated he might have been thinking of taking his own life.

Exactly what are all the perimeter's of what he's done or allegedly was doing is still slowly coming out, he may have acted on his own or was being used as a dupe, the FBI is sorting this out, but he may have been despondent as well.

But he has been found and is in custody.

When I have time I will post the "story" around the 2nd hand coffin, I've had more than one person ask me about that.

But I must go, my co-worker has brought me my 3rd cup of coffee and I really need to get "fired up"

Later Darklings

P.S.  did any of you feel that Earthquake last night about 11:05 p.m.  it was located in San Leandro.

Of Updates on crop circles, skulls and family~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well, Well, Well....It seems that the Crop Circle that appeared on Dec 30 in the Salinas Valley near the town of  Chualar was a marketing ploy!

A very clever one I might add.  A company called NVIDIA did it as publicity in regards to the release of a mobile processor used in many devices.  It is a new Tegra K-1 graphics chip.

Brett Murray a marketer for the company and his team brainstormed the idea to promote it.

The farmer who owned the field was in on it.  The you tube video was done by Murray and another NVIDIA employee, then they called news stations and the whole thing went global.  Cropologists and UFO researchers are extremely upset by the hoax but NVIDIA stock has risen quite a lot.  Some people did guess it was man-made but to quote Murray he understood why the story attracted so much attention "This is like Santa Claus"..."People want to believe". 

Murray and his team agreed with the farmer to mow down the circle to avoid any one getting hurt.  So far the Sherriff's dept is not sure whether to bill NVIDIA or not. 

It reminds me of Orson Wells' Halloween stunt in the late 1930's "War of the Worlds".  Where people who tuned in late heard the first part of the broadcast which sounded like news broadcasts of an invasion and people panic.    I have a framed poster of a space ship with the words "I want to believe" when the T.V. program "X-Files" was popular, it's stored right now but Doyle wants it for his "Man-Cave" that we are going to build out back---Why Not?

Coralline and her brother's called me and were very disapointed that it wasn't really real, and I said to them that "It's not to say that everything is a hoax, there are strange things out there that still have not been solved, greater mysteries that defy explanation, so do not be disapointed."

I remember years ago I was getting ready for work, I didn't have to go in until 12 noon so I took my time getting ready,  I was almost dressed and applying my makeup at my vanity table, I had turned on the radio to catch the news but I was only half listening to it, it sounded like a radio reporter was talking about a ship that was (I thought) coming into San Francisco Bay, he described how majestic it was, so I thought it must be a huge passenger liner, remember Darklings I was only half-listening to the program, when all of a sudden the reporter announced that the ship had exploded, burst into flames, and he was trying to describe the disaster.

 I  stopped putting on my mascara and looked at the radio and was listening intently wondering why did this ship explode, I was becoming very alarmed and well using the word concerned is too mild for what I was feeling about unknown people injured and killed, but you some how want to just rush out to do something is that type of feeling.

I heard the radio reporter crying and being very emotional and I was thinking this must be very horrible and then I heard him say a very important phrase  "Oh the Humanity"

That is when I realized the radio program was playing the orginal  Hindenburg Disaster broadcast,  after a bit an announcer came on stating that they were playing this recording on the aniversary of the Hindenburg Disaster....but I use that experience to illustrate how I,  a more "sophisticated" person, was taken in by an old radio broadcast because at that moment it seems real, I had missed the opening announcement that was the reason for the broadcast.   But in those few seconds I had been briefly taken in just like people had been in the 1930's by Orson Wells "War of the Worlds" broadcast. 

And it can still happen today here and now in 2014.

About the Skull that was found up in the Oakland Hills on New Years Day, the latest word is that it has been given to a forensic anthopologist to determine its age and finally confirm if it is or isn't Native American.

I told the children about that---which sent shivers up their spine.

Sis is happily settled in her at home office, she still has clients she has to drive to see, but now she can have more of them come to her in far more comfortable surroundings.  By next Fall much of the painting, wallpapering and gardening will be done.  Currently her office, kitchen, downstairs full bath and upstairs full bath, are done, as well as the living room and entrance hall, the dinning room is being worked on and the stair well, she's going to have the stairs carpeted this weekend.   Then on to the upstairs bedrooms, her laundry room is finished as well as the large basement area, but her back area that faces the back garden is going to take a little time,  she has a decorator who understands what she wants and has done some design ideas for her bit of 1950's Hawaii without it being tacky.  The decorator suggests a large aquarium placed in an area where any client can easily see it and have it as a relaxing visual aid.   Especially if my sister chooses to work with clients in that area.

When her master bedroom is done she will eventually have professional movers move her furniture from my house to hers, but at this time she is not in a great hurry.

I've been putting in some long hours at work, but I'm going to be working half-days tomorrow and Thursday and have a nice 3 day weekend as things are slowly going back to what passes for normalicy.

Sad to say (well sad for me) Doyle is going to be flying down to San Diego this weekend to see his family, he'll be gone for two weeks, but I know he'll be calling me.  He has friends down there as well that he hasn't seen in some time.  And his oldest grandson is announcing his engagement to a very lovely hard working young lady, they had been dating for some time and Doyle was wondering when the young man was going to pop the question.  But they are not going to get married right away, she is finishing her Master's Degree and he has just started a new job so they want to get all that settled.

Weddings, new grandchildren, new things happening, new changes developing.  And that is how it should be.

Later Darklings 

Of Black Christmas Trees an Update~~

Hello My Darklings,

I need to clairfy something very quickly, I went to B,B & B for some things but across the parking lot I also went to a hardware Store called Pagano's, and that is where I found the Black Christmas Tree, it's $299.00 but it will last for a long time and you can use it for 3 holidays instead of two (Halloween, Christmas and New years)

Pagano's is located in Alameda.  My Parents use to say "If Pagano's doesn't have it, it doesn't exist."  But I have since suplemented Pagano's with Vermont Country Store, and Victoria Trading Company.  This Pagano's is in the same shopping Center as B, B & B in Alameda.

So Lucritia that is where I found my Black Christmas Tree.   But I do believe one can find them on line as well.  But try to avoid going on a Saturday, that is when the Foodie trucks are out and it's competing with the portable ice rink, it does make parking very difficult.

Must go,  we are still tree trimming, and 4 of them this time!  What have I got myself in for?

Later Darklings

Of a Quick Holiday Update~~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

The Christmas Holidays are here!  Hooray! Hooray!!!   I know why should I an Elder Goth be cheered by the Christmas Holidays?

Well, Dear Darklings, the days after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the modern Christmas season. A time for Shopping, parties, cooking, buying foods that one usually never eats during the year but must try, going to the theatre, decorations, visiting and most importantly giving thanks to a small child who was and is The Light of the World.


Yes for those here in the Northern Climes, by Dec. 21 to 25 we do enter the darkest period of the calendar year, if you live south of the Equator it is the lightest period.

But it is during this time, of winter cold, of possible hunger and freezing temperatures where we have to put forth every effort to beat back the darkness and the cold, with remembering those who are less fortunate than ourselves, the elderly, the sick, the homeless, and the helpless who are alone and forgotten. It is a time when we should never forget these lives who need help not only during the Christmas season but all year long.

For an Elder Goth, for any Goth, it is this darkness that we must delve in to bring in one candle of light and hope.

From collecting Toys for Tots so those unfortunate children can have at least one gift, to the donating of food for the food banks and meals for those who are down on their luck, to working in food kitchens to feed the needy, of putting into the kettles our dollars and cents for Salvation Army to help during this especially hard time of need. Of putting out food for the birds and small animals, of helping at the local animals shelter so those who do not have a voice will find a “forever home”.

For some people there is a form of unspoken ritual, such as selecting the right Christmas tree, writing out cards to send to friends and family, of planning a party or making something special to take to a party.

For others it is doing the Advent wreath and going to church to remember why we celebrate this season. And it is important to remember the true reason why we celebrate, it’s called the “Season of Giving” but not of presents but of one’s self, either of time or money or doing little things so those who feel forgotten are not forgotten.

Frances P. Church in his letter to a child, Virginia describes what the season really means, a man who really was disgusted with organized religion, was disheartened by war and by the mean spiritedness of people dug down deep into his own soul to produce the most iconic description of what Christmas should be, but using the iconic image of Santa Claus or old St. Nick.

I have an acquaintance of mine who on her own blog some years ago did a wonderful posting about that letter and the people involved in it. I’ll ask her if I can reprint it here on mine.

But for my family, well we are going to select a tree, most likely several trees, for the house, already bit by bit we’ve started putting the lights outside on the house to give it a festive air. And the indoor decorations are already dragged out and ready to be put up, something that we’ve been doing bit by bit, with this Friday for the tree selections, there is a Church operated Christmas tree lot, the sales will help with their educational programs.

We will, with Coralline and Marrisa, take in the Dickens Faire, The Nutcracker, “A Christmas Carol”, the holiday lights at the Oakland Zoo, and see what celebrations at Dunsmuir House, as well if possible any Christmas craft shows; we already are planning to see “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing at a local theatre. And somehow we will squeeze in shopping, but we’ve decided to give gifts to only to the children, and I’m grateful that I’ve had my flu shot.

We are checking the pantry and wines and spirits (the drinking kind) and making a list and checking it twice. The “Spare The Air” hot line is on speed dial to see if we can or cannot burn a fire, but with the freezing chill we’re having I hope we can burn a fire for the next few evenings, if not well I’ve laid in a lot of tea lights and candles to give the impression of a fire.

And now I must finish this post, I’m going in to cover the afternoon and help with some catch up. This is going to be very busy for me.
Later Darklings.

We have such fun at Christmas Time.