Day 82 - August 4, 2010 - Leapin' Lizards?

“Precisely the least, the softest, lightest, a lizard's rustling, a breath, a flash, a moment - a little makes the way of the best happiness.” -Friedrich Nietzsche

Poor little lizard! He has the misfortune of being born in our back yard. Oh, don't worry; he's still alive, just stunned. My mother found him after Chloe managed to snag him by the tail. We held him and splashed some water on him. He was looking at us and breathing... you know, the most important vital signs. lol

Our dog has made quite a name for herself as a lizard hunter. All I have to do is say the word "lizard" in an excited tone, and she's out the door! This has proven to be very useful at certain intervals.

Well, this poor little guy was released back into the garden. Hopefully this will be a valuable lesson for him: stay away from dogs.

Day 81 - August 3, 2010 - San Juan Capistrano

"Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell." — C.T. Studd

When you visit the California coast, San Juan Capistrano is a must-see in my opinion. It is truly gorgeous! Most people think of beaches, surfing, Hollywood, and San Fransisco when they hear the word California. Those of us who live here have a slightly different idea of what to expect.

San Juan Capistrano is part of what makes up California in my mind. It reminds you that Spain had a pretty big influence on the state. It also reminds you that California is a desert; not a watery-wonderland. It also makes me realize how relatively young U.S. history really is. The cathedral collapsed in the 1800's. To most U.S. citizens, that sounds like a long time ago. There are buildings in Europe that are older than that by about 600-700 years.

Well, ok, you've got me pegged. I actually care about history. I guess if you don't really care about anything but beaches and partying, then San Juan isn't for you.

We took my cousin to San Juan Capistrano today. It was quite enjoyable in my opinion. Perfect weather, good food, great company and great scenery. That's what day-cations should be about, don't you think?

Day 80 - August 2, 2010 - Let's Bake a Cake!

"Let them eat cake." -Marie Antoinette


I've come to discover I enjoy baking things. Why? Well, I've thought about that too, of course! When it comes to cooking, it always seems to require time constraints. You make food for a meal, and everyone is hungry! Baking seems to me to be about pleasure. Relaxation. Whenever I get ready to bake something, I know that I have time. I don't have to finish it in 1/2 an hour for a hungry mob. The oven, somehow, is less demanding. Items on the stove top must constantly be monitored. Once you place something in the oven, you can set a timer and check on it periodically to make sure it is setting up properly. Also, baked goods make people smile. I know good food does the same (and it is healthier and nourishing), but cookies and cakes are a splurge gift. A way to say "I love you; i made you something!"

I made cupcakes the other day. Today I made a "devil's food" chocolate cake. This one wasn't from scratch... although I enjoy making things from scratch better. It seems to taste better that way, don't you think?