Day 28 - Sis

Spent a beautiful Sunday in Atlanta at Centennial Park and took many pictures but this one caught my eye while driving through the city on our way home. Made me wonder what the round rate is for people like me?

Day 27 - Sis

Eye exam and new glasses ordered today.  New sunglasses, lens change in regular specs, eye exam with extra charge for dilating the orbs. This took almost 1/3 of monthly income and I have some insurance! No, no health reform needed for the uninsured American citizens who have none or who are out of work.  Oh these babies were to wear until the effect of dilation wore off,  my bonus, I was so grateful.

Day 27 - Lisa

If we cannot have a Casper's I guess we'll go for the other coasts famous dog.  Tasted so good!

Day 26 -Sis

Library park path goes through this small grove of trees and is so peaceful.

Day 26 - Lisa

Don't know why but since I was a little girl I've loved windmills.

Day 25 - Sis

Walking in the park with my pack. These geese are part of the park where Lisa and I walk, I should say they own it. As soon as you step onto the property they're coming to greet you with their honking and looking to see if you have brought them a gift. That means Lisa starts walking in the opposite direction!

Day 25 - Lisa

This sturdy old tree is in the field next to the library in Centerville where we've been walking.  I hope to capture it in each season of 2010.

Day 24 - Sis

Received a subscription as a gift from my cousin/best friend last month. This is the second issue and it's been a treat. The articles are interesting and varied, from the Sphinx to the poaching in N.Carolina of Venus flytrap plants! I didn't think I cared or was interested in some of the material and yet read every line within three days. Looking forward to next month and what it brings.

Day 24 - Lisa

This is historic downtown Stone Mountain.  It's about a 1/4 mile of very old buildings, most empty now, a few restaurants, niche retail outlets, cafe, hair salon, etc.  When I first came to Georgia back in the late 80's this little block of businesses was thriving.  It was wall to wall people on the weekends.  Now its a ghost town.  Its sad as its a very cool little area.  While relocating last year I used to eat dinner quite a bit at "Wells Cargo" a small restaurant run by a daughter/mother combination.  Good food and very eclectic decorum of antiques inside.  The tables and dishware are a funky mismatch with candlelit meals. We'd go in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and watch American Idol while eating.  Best homemade fries ever!  She always has a wide variety of music playing.  I hope they can withstand this downturn because they are good people.

Day 23 - Lisa

This place is driving me crazy.  I drive by often.  I cannot find anything about it online, no one is ever there.  Within this "village" is a BBQ stand & sign that says "BBQ-Jesus Loves You."  Okie Dokie, oh and did I mention the metal teepees with glow in the dark paint?  I need to put my culture cop badge down and let it go...

Day 23 - Sis

Continuous beeping of earth moving equipment at the entrance to the apartment complex is disrupting the peaceful, sunny day here.

Day 22 - Sis

A combination of two favorites. Coffee in a Coke cup; mmm so good. Not just for the morning jolt anymore in this cold weather.

Day 22 - Lisa

I look out my office window each day at this tree.  This morning with sunrise starting to shine through the greens of the moss looked flourescent (isn't that awesome looking)?  Within the next 15 or so minutes all the colors of the bark, the grass and trees became so vibrant.  Beautiful morning.  When I get too stressed out during the day this is where I go sit or take a quick walk to find some peace of mind.  My private little forest. 

Day 21 - Lisa

Welcome to middle age.  Ok, maybe I am tipping over the edge that leans closer towards fifty, whatever. I used to barely need anything but some lotion in the morning.  Now it takes eight rotating bottles of lotions, creams, varying shades of make up and ENERGY vitamins to be the spectacle that is me.  ;>

Day 21 - Sis

The first step to my future agricultural empire! Hey what's with the background music? Earth, Wind and Fire? "Every man has a place, in his heart there's a space and the world can't erase his fantasies). Oh well, I don't like avocados anyway.

Day 20 - Sis

Today's dilemma; refried or chili beans?

Day 20 - Lisa

I cannot seem to get out of this heaven of pillows each Saturday before 11am lately.  ;>

Day 19 - Sis

This is an old Hamilton watch from the late 30's early 40's I'm guessing. It came to me as an eighth grade graduation gift from my Aunt Lani. It was her high school graduation gift from her father. Aunt Lani was the second wife of my Uncle Daniel's three marriages and was one of my family's favorites. She was Hawaiin and like most South Pacific people; loving, generous and adored children. With our family she hit the bonus jackpot since there were seven of us kids and we were always thrilled to see her. Hugs, kisses abounded on her arrival to our home. The watch was my first and came in beautiful white boxed lined with blue velvet, ( I still have it) and at the time had a black double elastic band. For a 13 year girl who had never owned much of anything this was a powerful message. This told me someone valued and trusted me enough to give me a gift that held many of her memories and would add to my future ones. Thank you Aunt Lani and look forward to the day we share those times again.

Day 19 - Lisa

I'm cheating.  I took this earlier in the week while playing around with my new camera.  It reminded me of an Andy Warhol print.  My cat sunii & I.

Day 18 - Lisa

About 10 years ago on a business trip here to my corporate office a co-worker took me to this little neighborhood Italian restaurant.  It became a "must" each time I came Atlanta.  My co-workers and I would drive the 45 minutes one-way after working really long hours about once a week when we were on our year long project in '08.  The veal (I know, I know) parmigiana is to die for.  Best I've ever had and trust me I've  taste tested my way across the country.  ;>  I smirk every time I read the neon sign because it reminds me of my travel buddies as just saying the name would make them so happy, they'd sing "Bi Ba's Las Vegas" because the place is MONEY or do their version of Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" over how good the food is.  Ba Da Bing!

Day 18- Sis

This building is a Hindu mandir. Mandir is two words, man-dir, meaning place where the mind (man) becomes still (dir). It sits on 26 acres is 30,000 sq. feet, located in Lilburn. I couldn't believe this massive white castle sat in this little town the first time I saw it. The architecture was something out of Disney in my view. I asked permission to walk into the parking lot to take pictures and it was given. They have a website (http://atlanta.baps.org/mandir-info html) if you want to view some pro photos, quite stunning.

Day 17 - Sis

You know you're in the South if you see this sign. There are almost as many of these establishments in the South as Baptists churches! I know I have eaten there once about 15 years ago on a quick visit to Atlanta but really don't remember if I liked it. Hmmm, that may say it all. right ya'all?!

Day 17 - Lisa

Park next to community library just a few miles from where we live.  My mom and I have started to walk here in the late afternoons.  Trees smell good, the ducks and geese are friendly. 

Day 16 - Sis

Abundance of Baptist churches seem to be in the majority of towns here in and around Atlanta. Named after the town, geographical location, numerically, etc. This is one is in Lilburn. Looked to us that the one in background may be the old church with newer building in front. Churches are filled on Sundays and edifices can take up a complete block. Remember this doesn't count the other numerous denominations but have to say Baptists are definitely in the majority. Had to delete the locations of churches on the GPS because a loud "Bong" goes off when you near one eliciting inappropriate language from inside the car.

Day 16 - Lisa

This is "downtown" Lilburn.  It takes about 2 minutes to cruise Main Street.  Most of the towns, villages, cities in our county are made up of mini-strip malls.  Lots of oil & lube shops, chain restaurants and lousy taquerias.  Seems that the urban sprawl got a bit out of control here as the suburbs grew so little towns with old historic Main Streets are suffering.  Right now this little area is going through a retro fit.  They are trying to attract more businesses.  It's quaint but it doesn't really draw people to the area as there's an antique shop, a gift shop if you are into ducks, geese, cows and the other country crud decorum and one small diner called Blue Rooster that is only open for breakfast, lunch and a few nights a week supper but only till 8pm.  ;>

Day 15 - Sis

"Most people are thermometers that record or register the temperature of majority opinion, not thermostats that transform and regulate the temperature of society". MLK. Picture of Edmund Pettus bridge Selma, Alabama.

Day 15 - Lisa

In Montgomery, AL at the Civil Rights Memorial Museum they have the "Wall of Tolerance."  I wish this was a traveling exhibit so more people could participate.  You left us way too soon Dr. King.

Day 14 - Sis

Although memories are stored in your mind some physical evidence of them brings back others that you have stored in a container, box or rental space.  Look forward to the day I can touch them again mentally and physically.

Day 14 - Lisa

When I was here in Georgia by myself in the spring and summer months I would grab my dinner from a local restaurant, bring it to this Starbucks, sit outside next to the lake, eat and check my email as the whole area is "wifi."  Today was my first day back since June.  I received a warm "Hey girl, where you been?" from the baristo.  Is a guy a baristo or barista?  ;>

Day 13 - Lisa

Heaven!  Rainy night in Georgia.  Homemade Disneyland's Loaded Potato Soup.  Thanks Mom.

Day 13 - Sis

Since moving to Atlanta I've read 20 books from the "Books for Less" store here in town.  Everything from the Classics to books popular in the past year or so.  Today I returned 10 books and came home with "All the Kings Men, The Teammates, Don Quixote, Ragged Dick, The Canterbury Tales & The Mysterious Stranger."

Day 12 - Lisa

Washington DC here we come.  Let the planning & researching begin.  I'm so excited to make this trip in the Spring.  Going to be hard to pick what to see as there's just so much.

Day 12- Sis

It's an electrical outlet and provides many daily needs and uses, however I have no clue how. One year of high school science just doesn't cover it and even having a son-in-law who's an electrician has not contributed to my learning how electricity works. Atoms, nothing, Adams maybe. By the way, along with my meds, I get my dose of static electricity everyday!

Day 11 - Sis

This is one of the times I feel proud of my country and fellow citizens. Thanks again to our military and other rescue support teams and the individual Americans who volunteer and open their wallets (many who have little money to spare) at these times.

Day 11 - Lisa

No wonder my eyeballs hurt every night.  I spend most of my day staring at two, sometimes three screens.  I can remember being a little girl and playing "Office."  I was "Diane, the secretary or bank teller."  She was a really sophsticated chick.  All business in her two-piece Jackie Kennedy style knit business suit in some pastel color. Pearls of course. Now, here I am not quite what I envisioned it would be.  Mostly wear jeans and something to keep warm in daily, only dress "up" for meetings.  And I'm perfectly happy about that.  Day to day it's more like the TV show "The Office" than my make believe world when I was nine.  ;>  I guess the good thing is back then I thought being the teller or secretary was as high as I could go.  Happy to say I surpassed that.  I wonder what would have happen if I would have followed my other fantasies?  Journalist or professional baseball player.   ;>

Day 10 - Lisa

Woohoo!  I purchased a new camera.  I got plenty of good use out of my old SD400, my mom has a SD1100 that we've been shooting all our pictures with.  Sharp, clear, vibrant pictures from this compact camera.  So I decided to go ahead and get the most current, the SD1200.  And you gotta love the Orange, Black and Gray - Go Giants.

Day 10- Sis

Apartment gardening, what we have so far, pitiful. Love being outside tending to flowers, veggies, plants in general. Generations, before and now, on both sides of my family have always had a need or passion for working in the ground. Looking forward to returning to it in the future.

Day 9 - Sis

Fresh produce!  Yes, Lisa and I stopped here, (Whole Foods), on our way home from a doctor appointment I had today.  Needed some fennel, tomatoes, bananas, cilantro, nectarines, rice wine vinegars, etc. and oh yeah since we there, wings for lunch. Put those little beauties in separate containers, 6-8 each, with the barbecue sauce in a small plastic cup.  Then we added an artichoke, grape tomato, red onion and fresh Parmesan cheese salad in two other containers.  Headed home, rushed to put things away and then sat down to enjoy the lunch which now we decided will eliminate dinner tonight!  Oh the produce we got is for some new recipes I want to try this week.  Lisa paid since we squared up on me paying for some of her purchases over the weekend.  Damn should have packed a bigger container. ;-/

Day 9 - Lisa

Meet "Lil flower." I look at her everyday as I'm driving.  She sits right above my steering wheel. When the sun hits her, she glistens like a prism and she is quite beautiful.  I hope she never cracks more than she already has and that a cop never gives me a fix-it ticket cause I've grown quite fond of my little glass flower. A boulder, well at least it looked like a boulder, from the road work in Niles Canyon, came right at us in slow motion just like on the Indiana Jones ride @ Disneyland.  I think I did the "reach across and hold the passenger protective mom" motion as it hit.  Sounded like an explosion and then there she was my "Lil flower.

Day -8 Sis

Think this maybe, might be my future SUV when I'm restricted to a limited traveling area by my daughters. ;-D

Day 8 - Lisa

It's a world of ... okay, okay, I won't do that to you whoever you are out there.  ;> My daily cup of tea or java pours into this mug @ work.  Its the little joys in life that get you through and to take a sip from the Happiest Place on Earth brings me that.  Especially from my cup that represents the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, SHAG one of my favorite retro artists and all the fond memories of the trips  I took during the year of 2005. 

 

Day 7 - Sis

Miss laminated and hardwood floors.

Day 7 - Lisa

I'm not sure we set any rules to our picture taking. So some will be spontaneous and some will come from conversation. I was at our local Mexican store today looking for peppers to make chicken mole. While there the tomatoes smelled so good and then I eyed the bottles of Coke. I picked them up looking for the print to see if they were the real deal; from Mexico with sugar cane not the corn syrup like in the US. That's what gives it the umph we know and love from back in the day.

Here's an article about it.

http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041109/news_1b9mexcoke.html

As for the rest of the items in my bowl; chili peppers (jalapeno, serrano, habanero, pasilla and new mexico), the garlic, onion and tomatoes, they are the heart and soul of who I am. This mix of fruits and vegetables automatically takes me to any of my families kitchens, our gatherings, laughter and good food always centered in the kitchen and around the kitchen table. Speaking of which, I never call our table a dining table - dining sounds formal and something you do for a short period of time. Kitchen table is the heart of our home. Everything happens there; homework, craft projects, gossip, sad-happy moments, serious discussions, out of control card games and food. Lots and lots of food. I've rambled and dang it I should have taken a picture of our kitchen table! Wait, I can't it's in storage...

Day 6 - Lisa

Who knew moving to Georgia would cause me to pull out this part of my wardrobe accessories?!  I have only wore scarfs on a consistent basis for three reasons in my life:  Disneyland @ Christmas, "summer" SF Giants games @ Candlestick and everyday between October and April while living in Chicago.  Welcome back old friends.

Day 6 - Sis

Georgia is known for pine trees, pecans and peanuts, I think this should be added to their list. These towers run through so many areas they seem like crops. Just don't feel comfortable around them, possibly could be the influence of so many action films where the tower is hit, falls over, sparks flying, crashes and crushes anything it lands on. Or the emissions that are suppossively non-existent.

Day 5- Sis

Yesterday I waited for snow promised by all tv weather people by 11 a.m., ah make that noon, well by 3 maybe 4. So here I sat like Charlie Brown waiting for the Great Pumpkin and nada. My daughter comes home at 3:30 telling me about the snow that was falling a few miles away, urgggh. Had to start dinner and it was dark already, grumble. Plans to watch beautiful snowflakes thwarted. Closed the blinds and put in the Star Trek movie complaining under my breath at the loss of watching the first snowfall in Georgia. Movie over, looked out and saw a whitish glow over a section in front of our apartment. Sure, sure, couldn't be in daylight. Grabbed my camera, battery dead! Tried the cell phone camera, result of picture taking, a black screen. At 8 a.m. this morning with temperature at 14 which kept this huge snowdrift intact I got the picture.