quietly...
Feb. 21st, 2009 08:27 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thoreauThis morning was an early one. I overdid it at the gym yesterday - and my legs decided at 6am to cramp up and HURT. So I got up - stretched on the floor - which of course aroused Miss Kate - who sniffed my face as I stretched and grimaced. The one thing I'll say about Dave's place here in Palo Alto is how unbelievably quiet it is. Compared to my apartment in the city on the ambulance route - thats really not saying much - but - wow is it quiet. I came out into the kitchen and looked out on Channing street - and it was a beautiful morning out. I got dressed and Miss Kate and I took our stroll through the city.
Our first leg is through a lovely residential neighborhood that's a mix of brand new condo complexes, some designed to try and fit into the neighborhood - others bright glass covered modern buildings. Palo Alto is a small city - actually smaller than Boise was - it only has a population of 60,000. (but then it's surrounded on all sides by other cities that all add up to a population in the millions. but... :) Dave and I did some research the other day (thank you, Google) and discovered that Palo Alto was "born" in 1865. It was the country escape for the new Americans that had come to San Francisco. :) thus - the nickname Dave gave his home "Miss Kate's Country Estate". (chortle)
Anyhow - this morning we stopped at Peet's and picked up a Sugar Free Mocha which was made mute because I forgot to say no whip and MissyEspresso went wild - and put so much whip cream on it - the cover spurtled whip on the counter when she put it on. Then we cross down towards University Avenue - where there is a homeless woman who "loves puppies" and change for something to eat. I brought her a croissant. Now I realize I could have brought her change (because this is a known routine - etc.) but it felt better to actually bring her something extra from Peets. She sits and pets Miss Kate - and Miss Kate seems to know how much this lady loves puppies. She just leans into her and takes in the affection.
As we walk down University past the Stanford Theater - there are always a pair of golden retreivers outside the Starbucks. One is super friendly - and the other has a muzzle and snarls at Miss Kate. His owner always assures me he's the 'friendliest dog you'll ever meet' (using those same words every time) - but his snarls say to me (and to Miss Kate who hides behind me) that he sees a tasty snack in Miss Kate. so we continue on our way. We're on our way to 'House of Bagels'.
I honestly didn't care much for bagels till I met Dave and was introduced to this shop. They make the bagels fresh every morning - which is half the battle. I've asked Dave to pick us up a bag on his way north to San Francisco - and he calmly re-explains that the beauty of the bagels is getting them fresh, not day old. So him picking up a bag sorta defeats the purpose. I pick up two cinnamon raisin - one sesame (Dave's fave) - and one plain.
The bagel shop is always full of families getting a start to their day - and children that want to meet Miss Kate. Miss Kate doesn't get kids at all. Even when I was with Jon in Idaho - around all of his gabillion neices and nephews - she would hide and come sit with the adults. She simply doesn't 'get' children and all their grabbing and squeaking. (giggle) This morning was no exception - with a kidcart of twins stopping and giggling at having their hands licked (the mother whipped out a germ-wipe out of nowhere like a magic trick) -- and a young girl who at first was scared of Miss Kate but then announced to her parents she was staying with Miss Kate and they could "pick her up here later". LOL. She said it so matter-of-fact-ly. The parents were just as surprised as I was. It was very cute.
We then finish our stroll up past the old folks home and home to Channing Street. She has SUCH a crush on Dave. When I get up I close the bedroom door and leave Dave to sleep in - she circles up in front of the door - to keep guard. Occasionally getting up to sniff the door as if to check that Dave is still in there sleeping. She looks back at me down the hall as I do my writing and things on the 'puter in the living room. It's really very cute.
In a bit - Dave will get up - and we'll have breakfast. I am going to make a fruit salad from grapefruit, pink lady apples and tangelos. :) and of course, bagels. and then cereal - - and thats a place where Dave and I don't match up. The sweeter the cereal - the happier Dave is. Sugar Corn Pops, awesome! Honeycomb, lets eat teh whole box! LOL. I'll stick to my shredded wheat, thank you. :)
We're taking Miss Kate to the spa today - so of course doggy goddess adorable-ness will follow later today.
laterz!
Our first leg is through a lovely residential neighborhood that's a mix of brand new condo complexes, some designed to try and fit into the neighborhood - others bright glass covered modern buildings. Palo Alto is a small city - actually smaller than Boise was - it only has a population of 60,000. (but then it's surrounded on all sides by other cities that all add up to a population in the millions. but... :) Dave and I did some research the other day (thank you, Google) and discovered that Palo Alto was "born" in 1865. It was the country escape for the new Americans that had come to San Francisco. :) thus - the nickname Dave gave his home "Miss Kate's Country Estate". (chortle)
Anyhow - this morning we stopped at Peet's and picked up a Sugar Free Mocha which was made mute because I forgot to say no whip and MissyEspresso went wild - and put so much whip cream on it - the cover spurtled whip on the counter when she put it on. Then we cross down towards University Avenue - where there is a homeless woman who "loves puppies" and change for something to eat. I brought her a croissant. Now I realize I could have brought her change (because this is a known routine - etc.) but it felt better to actually bring her something extra from Peets. She sits and pets Miss Kate - and Miss Kate seems to know how much this lady loves puppies. She just leans into her and takes in the affection.
As we walk down University past the Stanford Theater - there are always a pair of golden retreivers outside the Starbucks. One is super friendly - and the other has a muzzle and snarls at Miss Kate. His owner always assures me he's the 'friendliest dog you'll ever meet' (using those same words every time) - but his snarls say to me (and to Miss Kate who hides behind me) that he sees a tasty snack in Miss Kate. so we continue on our way. We're on our way to 'House of Bagels'.
I honestly didn't care much for bagels till I met Dave and was introduced to this shop. They make the bagels fresh every morning - which is half the battle. I've asked Dave to pick us up a bag on his way north to San Francisco - and he calmly re-explains that the beauty of the bagels is getting them fresh, not day old. So him picking up a bag sorta defeats the purpose. I pick up two cinnamon raisin - one sesame (Dave's fave) - and one plain.
The bagel shop is always full of families getting a start to their day - and children that want to meet Miss Kate. Miss Kate doesn't get kids at all. Even when I was with Jon in Idaho - around all of his gabillion neices and nephews - she would hide and come sit with the adults. She simply doesn't 'get' children and all their grabbing and squeaking. (giggle) This morning was no exception - with a kidcart of twins stopping and giggling at having their hands licked (the mother whipped out a germ-wipe out of nowhere like a magic trick) -- and a young girl who at first was scared of Miss Kate but then announced to her parents she was staying with Miss Kate and they could "pick her up here later". LOL. She said it so matter-of-fact-ly. The parents were just as surprised as I was. It was very cute.
We then finish our stroll up past the old folks home and home to Channing Street. She has SUCH a crush on Dave. When I get up I close the bedroom door and leave Dave to sleep in - she circles up in front of the door - to keep guard. Occasionally getting up to sniff the door as if to check that Dave is still in there sleeping. She looks back at me down the hall as I do my writing and things on the 'puter in the living room. It's really very cute.
In a bit - Dave will get up - and we'll have breakfast. I am going to make a fruit salad from grapefruit, pink lady apples and tangelos. :) and of course, bagels. and then cereal - - and thats a place where Dave and I don't match up. The sweeter the cereal - the happier Dave is. Sugar Corn Pops, awesome! Honeycomb, lets eat teh whole box! LOL. I'll stick to my shredded wheat, thank you. :)
We're taking Miss Kate to the spa today - so of course doggy goddess adorable-ness will follow later today.
laterz!
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no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 05:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 05:10 pm (UTC)Yes they're especially gorgeous hot out of the oven. But they'll be just as good for 2-3 days more. Especially if you toast them.
no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 06:41 pm (UTC)As for bagels, they freeze very well if properly packaged in an airtight container, but I prefer them right out of the oven!!
no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 07:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 08:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 08:54 pm (UTC)Re: germ wipe magically appearing--What in the world is wrong with dog slobber? Miss Kate doesn't like children b/c the parents insult her! And the mother will wonder why her poor kid is chokka with allergies in a few years. Just sayin'.
no subject
Date: 2009-02-21 10:04 pm (UTC)Leg cramps in the early morning - I hate 'em !! they're amazingly painful. My mom taught me as follows: with both hands, immediately grab the muscle knot and start massaging vigorously, always stroking towards the heart. try it... it usually works (or at least takes your mind off the pain temporarily).
no subject
Date: 2009-02-22 02:50 pm (UTC)