Please Volunteer...insist on it!

The folks at "No on 8" in Sacramento need to have more than one person (Jeff) who is coordinating all of the volunteer needs. Either he cannot delegate, he has a piss-poor team, or it was poorly organized. Sorry. All I know is that I have made enough chili for 50 plus people!! I don't know where to take it..even though I got an email (today, Friday) asking for food for volunteers!! Now, I called earlier today offering to make food for the volunteers..before I actually made it.

I called this morning and I spoke to a very nice woman. I told her I was offering to make chili for 50 people. She asked why. I told her I'd received a wish list this morning from "Sac No on 8" which included a meal for 20 - 50 people. She knew nothing of it..she told me to hold for Jeff...which I did for quite some time. That's bad people. I called again at noon....listened to Jeff multi-task for at least 10 minutes as he talked with about 4 people at once..all the time holding the phone waiting to talk with me about cooking and donating food for 50 people. When he got on the phone he said, "well, where do you want to bring the food?" I said, "don't know Jeff...just got an email earlier asking for food..you tell me where I should bring it". This required 10 more minutes and a final..".not sure". I asked if I should bring it to the place where they will be training folks. "I think so..not sure. I think you should come to the training..to keep you in the loop". I say, I don't need training..I am in the loop...for sure. I just want to feed everyone. I am making a meat-free chili....I am bringing all the bowls, napkins, crackers, and utensils. Where should I bring it? I ask him to call me tomorrow morning...as he seemed quite overwhelmed.

I was going to stand there for 5 hours on election day and hand out No on 8 stuff....but my ankle cannot take it. I have to sit down and ice it after one hour on my feet. I just want to contribute.

Here is the email I got this a.m. They need help down there. Call Jeff..and hope he can talk with you!

[here is the email I rec'd]

Hi friends,

Thanks for all your hard work and generous donations.

We still need a lot of help at the Downtown Sacramento NO on 8 Headquarters office.

We need help driving to polling locations and doing information gathering.
We need help getting ready for Election Day.

Friday 10am-9pm
Sat 4:30pm-9pm
Sun 10am-9pm
717 K Street, Suite 507 and 527

Please stop by and help or call Jeff at 530-329-3501

Donations

We must reach $3 million by Friday to catch up with out opposition and ensure that we get the same number of ads out in to the worlds as our opponents.

The most direct way to donate would be in person at the Sacramento NO on 8 Headquarters at 717 K Street, Suite 507 and 527 from 10am-9pm. Or you may donate over the phone by credit card by calling Jeffrey at (530) 329-3501. Please make checks out to "Equality for All".

NO on 8 HQ Wishlist

If you are a business owner who can help us, please let us know.
To donate, please deliver to: 717 K Street on the 5th Floor in Room 527.
Questions? Call Jeff at (530) 329-3501. Donations are not tax-deductible.

Office supply store gift cards
Food for large group of volunteers (20-50 people)
Snacks/soda/water for volunteers
Folding card tables
Chairs
Gift cards for gasoline
Name badge stickers
Paper shredder
Paper Towels
Plastic Utensils, paper plates, cups
Coffee

Early Voting Sacramento County

Early voting is available to Sacramento County residents.

Mon-Fri 8a-5p
Sat 9a-2p

7000 65th St. Suite A
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 875-6451
Election Day Help

Because this is going to be a razor thin election, we need to keep working hard up through Election Day and especially on Election Day.

Horror at Blockbuster's on Rush River Drive

I took some movies back today at our area Blockbuster Video Store. I had been in there about 5 minutes when this young guy came in. He walked in the door and began talking about how they had sold him the wrong oil. The manager told him that he was in a video store. He then called the young manager a stupid "cunt bitch" and began to spew all kinds of threats! The manager asked him to leave, at which point the young man became even more irritated and verbose.

I immediately was sent back to my days working on an emergency psych unit..and looked around for backup. Two women dropped their videos in the isle, grabbed their kids, and fled out the back door. Wise choice. They knew it could become even more dangerous..as I did.

The guy left..went out and sat in his big, expensive truck. The manager called 911, as his other male employees watched and listened. He never told the dispatcher that this man threatened to kill him. He got off the phone and the 3 employees were joking about the guy when he got out of his truck and walked toward the front door. I said, "he is coming back..he is nuts!" He came back in and his tirade continued..only worse. One very tall and large customer went up to him and suggested that he "let it go". They were of the same race. The crazy guy said, "fuck you bitch".

The crazy guy said he knew that they had taken down his plates and his description..and vowed to return to take care of them all. I stood near the back..by the door. I called 911..and the phone rang up front. The manager answered and the guy left..again. The manager made light of what had happened...even though the store was now empty..except for dumb me and them.

I suggested that he lock the door and wait for the cops...but we all knew the cops weren't coming. Sad, but true.

The guy drove off...but I was still scared. My car was parked next to his truck. I wondered if he'd come back with a gun. He had promised to "fuck the guy up..and put a knife up his ass".

I gave the manager my phone number and name. I told him to watch his back and not take this so lightly. It was serious.

I was trembling when I got home. Dave agreed that the manager should have been concerned about his customers..and not his ego. Threatening someone's life is a felony. I called the manager and told him that. Hope he is okay. I did all I could do.

Please Spread the Word....NO! on 8

http://72.2.116.137:8000/discrimination_video

Tyler Florence Coming to Area

I got this email from Copia saying he is the executive chef now at their restaurant, Julia's Kitchen. I thought Jeff Mosher was the e. chef there? I went to Tyler's website and didn't see anything about his new chef duties..but then, executive chefs don't have to be "in the house" much.

Anyway..he does a book signing at Copia (in Napa) from 11 - 12 on Sat. the 8th and then cooks a dinner (175.00 for one) the eve of the 9th at 6:30. Call for reservations707-265-5700.

If you don't want to drive that far to get his new book and google at his baby blues, then head to SF . On Friday eve at the perfect time of 5 pm (for you commuters) he'll be at Sur La Table at the Ferry Bldg. It's free..get there early. He'll also be at Cost Plus World Market in SF this coming Sunday, the 2nd, from 11 - 1pm. It's at 2552 Taylor St....free again, not counting gas, cost of eating in SF, etc.

I see from his website that he is for Obama. Good Man Tyler! http://www.tylerflorence.com/

http://www.copia.org/

P.S. BE sure to VOTE NO on 8

Gnarly Head

Some wonderful person brought this fartastic wine to the pig roast and I just got around to opening it for use in my braised short rib dish. I am totally impressed with this BIG wine.

I poured half into the dutch oven and then poured a bit of zin for me. I took a sip. WOW!! About ten seconds later..give or take, I had an exhaust explosion! Dave thought I'd stomped on a duck! Let's just say the bouquet (bookay) was on a "hole notha levol". It's 'nose' was hard to describe but I'll try.

It had a hint of red pepper, a splash of plum, a blast of sulphur, and the lingering scent of steaming cotton with a burnt rubber/raisin finish.

I suggest you use it in your next blind wine tasting event with three caveats:

1. Do not sit on anything vinyl
2. Do not wear spandex bike shorts or skinny jeans (this could result in cyclic flatulance)
3. For those stuck in the 80's, skip on the parachute pants.

You can expect analreverberations, cheekungulations and gastroefluvia..which aren't bad things really.

Dave and I are planning an NPR Wine Judging Radio program...much like "Click and Clack"...except when we ask what it sounds like, well...you know. http://www.cartalk.com/ What should we call the show?

I give this big gnarly zin 4 out of 5 flatus'. I would buy some for myself. http://www.gnarlyhead.com/

Hands-off Cooking

Ann Martin Rolke wrote this fabulous cookbook. Ann also has a local blog http://www.sacatomato.com/, writes for Edible Sacramento and teaches cooking classes. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and Duke University, edits cookbooks (I have several on my shelf that she copyedited), she is a great chef and top-notch mom. She is also very kind-hearted.

She brought us some Caribbean Black Bean Soup the other day, along with some pumpkins and delicious bread. The recipe is included in her book, http://www.handsoffcooking.com/ She substituted the sweet potatoes with pumpkin and added some smoked turkey sausage that she got at Trader Joe's. So delicious. I am making her "Year-Round Corn Chowder" today.

My ankle is all better now...and Dave's shingles are "better" too. Thanks Ann! Go buy her book! I got mine at Avid Reader, but I've seen it at Borders as well.

Saturday Harvest

I'd love to live on a little farm. I want chickens, goats, and a huge garden. I want to make goat cheese and walk around in muddy boots. I want to go out in the morning and get warm, fresh eggs. I love the smell of chicken shit in the morning.

This is what I harvested today...from my little garden in the city and my neighbor's tree.

I think I'll make a trip over to Sher's blog and get some inspiration for dinner. That potato pizza (April 18, 2008) looks very delicious. http://www.whatdidyoueat.typepad.com/. I just know she is in blogger heaven checkin things out.

Maybe I'll make a tomato/feta/pomegranate salad.

Diane Fedele's Been Outed

California Briefing
San Bernardino County GOP women's club chief resigns over Obama cartoon

October 23, 2008


The president of a San Bernardino County Republican women's club that published an illustration of Barack Obama surrounded by ribs, fried chicken and watermelon resigned Wednesday, saying she demonstrated "poor judgment" and a lack of sensitivity.Diane Fedele faced intense pressure from state GOP leaders who called the drawing racist and Democrats who demanded she quit as head of the Upland-based Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated.

In a sometimes combative apology sent to club members, Fedele said she received the illustration through a chain e-mail and used it for a "satiric" attack on what she sees as Obama's "socialist" agenda of government giveaways. When confronted by an African American club member, she said she apologized for the cartoon but the woman took the story to the media."For many it may be hard to believe, but some people do not associate certain foods with particular groups," Fedele said. "I do not think like a bigot, and because of that fact I did not view this as racial, because I do not have a racially discriminating point of view."She accused the media of branding Republicans racist whenever they criticize the Democratic presidential nominee.

Hector Barajas, a spokesman for the state GOP, said the decision to resign was a personal one between Fedele and the 200-member club. "As far as we are concerned these images and words have no place in this campaign," he said.-- David Kelly
.

Mike's Mixed Memories

For beautiful photos and stories...please go visit Mike's blog. This font's for you! http://www.jmainewoods.blogspot.com/

Hope your eyes are getting better. My husband feels your pain!!

Those photos on your Oct. 12th post are lovely. Thanks Mrs. Mike!

California No on 8

So, today I left "Elephant Man" and got out of the house...limping along like a gimp. I was going to get "No on 8" signs for my yard. I managed to get a parking spot on 8th street...hurray. I limped over to 717 K to get my signs. They were out..but the helpful guy took two signs off the wall for me, gave me a bunch of stickers..and then sent me over to the phone bank room to get bumper stickers. I met some very nice people today at the "NO on 8" headquarters in Sacramento.

I got home and nailed the signs to my new tree supports...which offer a great view from two busy streets. I can tell you that in 10 blocks in my neighborhood, I have not seen ANY political signs..one way or the other. So I called the Sac Obama headquarters and asked how to get a sign. The woman who answered said, "we don't have any signs". I waited..and she repeated it. I told her I saw a man coming out of Safeway on S street with an Obama sign. She replied, "don't know where he got it". I replied..."geez, I guess Obama must be doing really well if you don't care about people having signs in their yard..and explained that there were NO signs within 10 blocks of my house 'in the pocket'. She said nothing. I hung up. Politics have changed. All anyone wants now is $$. I am old, but I recall that if someone was willing to put a yard sign up...a yard sign was provided...or at least one was told where to get one!

Maybe Safeway is selling Obama signs??

Here is another strange thing that happened after I got my 'No on 8' signs. I walked into this shop..just a few doors down from where I got my stuff. I wanted a cool drink. I had a No on 8 sticker on my shirt..and was holding other such signs as I looked around this store. A man, who appeared to be Chinese, along with about 6 other such people behind the counter, said, "you are against gays right...those gays will destroy our country. I will vote no as well. I am against gay marriage!" They were all staring at me. I said nothing. He asked if I had any other 'NO' stickers. I gave them all I had. They were putting them on baby strollers, on their shirts, etc. I told them I had to leave, as I was sure my time was up at my parking spot. They all thanked me. I got the hell out before someone came in to give them the REAL scoop on their stickers! It was sort of scary.

My poor husband, Dave, is so ill with shingles. Just a note....as you age, please learn how to de-stress or it could happen to you!! Both of his eyes are swollen shut now. We go back to the doc tomorrow. His dear mom is taking his dad for chemo tomorrow..and they are both nearly 80 years old.

He's Hot

My dear husband, grilldave, has come down with "shingles". I diagnosed it on Saturday..when he showed me some red spots that looked somewhat like pimples on the left side of his forehead. He thought it was caused by his "do rag". I said, "I hope it's not shingles. You've been so stressed lately". By Sunday, one side of his forehead was looking like a "vineyard filled with white pimple-like grapes". It was burning, it itched, and it was very painful. Hello?? Shingles.

He went to his dr on Monday...and yes, shingles it was. He is contagious..for humans who have never had chicken pox. He can transfer that virus. The only way to get shingles...is if you have had chickenpox. The virus lays dormant for years until stress..or an immune issue..causes it to raise its ugly head once again.

Today, he looks somewhat like "the elephant man". Thank goddess, his doc sent him to an optemologist yesterday...as shingles can cause long-term vision issues.

He goes back to the dr tomorrow morning...as the left side of his forehead is growing...and is HOT to the touch.

Like I said...we seem to be falling apart over here.

I Support NO on Prop 8 - Vote NO

Equality for all. Let's just do the right thing people. Vote NO on Prop 8.

visit http://www.hahnathome.com/ for more info!! she's got it all going on over at her place.

While you are voting no on 8, please vote no on Prop 6, 9, and (with some reluctance) Prop 2. Prop 2 needs to be more balanced. I want poor people to be able to afford eggs!!

Grilled Cheese and Tomato/Basil Soup--thanks Marlena Spieler! click to go to her site!

BTW...when you click on my post title..don't miss reading Marlena's very insightful SF Chronicle Column about being a diet outlaw.

So I was going thru Marlena's "Grilled Cheese" Cookbook and decided to make Grilled Cheese & Eggplant Sandwiches..with Tomato/Basil Soup. I went to The Nugget to get the ingredients.

I got home and didn't feel up to grilling the eggplant so I substituted bacon...which isn't really a close match at all. I cooked the bacon in the microwave. I bought red bell peppers but didn't feel like grilling those so used some jarred ones. I used some garlic and dill mustard, garden tomatoes, snow peas, havarti and sharp cheddar cheese, dandelion greens, and a thin smearing of creamy horseradish aioli...and some roasted, thinly sliced chicken. [This isn't a recipe from her book exactly but was heavily inspired because of it]

I cut some rosemary sourdough bread...made the sandwich, brushed the first sides with olive oil and placed them into a hot grill pan with a heavy pan on top..then did the same to the other side and waited till I saw the cheese melting.

The soup wasn't so tough...I opened a can of Campbells tomato soup and used garden-fresh basil to pump it up. Delicious. My husband was in happy land.

I made a "regular" grilled cheese with tomato and bacon for my in-laws. My MIL says she doesn't like the way regular food is "all gourmeted" up. They were in fairy tale town over the entire meal.

My husband had spent over 10 hours with my DFIL at Sutter Cancer Center on Friday..and they both came home pooped and hungry. Bill seemed to take the treatment without any noticeable horrible side effects. My husband has a case of shingles though..right above his left eye..which began on Saturday afternoon. Poor grilldave. Shingles can be very painful. It seems we are all kinda falling apart cept for my MIL..who is hobbling around trying to care for everyone...and water the flowers!

I am "Mels Diner" now...they just call and order a meal and they have it ASAP. That makes me happy. Today I made my Sunday slow- braised tri-tip with potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots....way comforty.

Answers to Quiz

Due to the obvious popularity of the recent quiz, I left the post up longer. :( If you haven't taken the Quiz yet, don't cheat. Go to the post before this one and take it! What else in the world do you have to do?



Answers To Quiz:
>
>
> 1. The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the
> participants know the score or the leader until the contest
> ends: Boxing
>
> 2. North American landmark constantly moving backwards:
> Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year
> because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it
> every minute.)
>
> 3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their
> own for several growing seasons: Asparagus and Rhubarb.
>
> 4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside: Strawberry.
>
> 5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew
> inside the bottle. (The bottles are placed over pear buds
> when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The
> bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When
> the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.)
>
> 6. Three English words beginning with dw. Dwarf, dwell and
> dwindle.
>
> 7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar:
> Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe,
> question mark, exclamation point, quotation marks, brackets,
> parenthesis, braces, and ellipses.
>
> 8. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned,
> processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh. Lettuce.
>
> 9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning
> with 'S'. Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers,
> skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

Take The Quiz

Quiz for People Who Know A Lot

> This is a quiz for people who know everything! I found out
> in a hurry that I am not one of those people. These are not
> trick questions. How many can you answer correctly?
I'll provide the correct answers tomorrow!
>
> 1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor
> the participants know the score or the leader until the
> contest ends.
>
> 2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving
> backward?
>
> 3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their
> own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be
> replanted every year. What are the only two perennial
> vegetables?
>
> 4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
>
> 5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a
> real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and
> the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way.
> How did the pear get inside the bottle?
>
> 6. Only three words in standard English begin with the
> letters 'dw' and they are all common words. Name two
> of them.
>
> 7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can
> you name at least half of them?
>
> 8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold
> frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form
> except fresh.
>
> 9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet
> beginning with the letter 'S.'

On Being Rude

I was watching the Waiter Rant blogger on tv...I used to read his blog all the time and now he has a book! www.waiterrant.net

He spoke about the following, on a recent talk show:

1. Why it is rude (on a busy night) to ask for a different table.

2. Why it is rude to tip less than 15-20%.

3. Why it is rude to expect a great table without a reservation.

4. Why it is rude to ever be rude to a customer in a restaurant.

He, and others, had much more to say about what they believe to be rude behavior.

One author said that insecurity causes someone to be rude. I'll add that ignorance does too! Apparently, there seems to be lots of cell phone and blackberry rudeness in the world today. Snarky seems to be the "new rude".

So, I got to thinking about the times I've been rude..that I can recall, and he is right. It was usually because I felt insecure about my abilities, myself, etc. I am pledging here and now to do my best to stay on top of that so I don't take it out on someone else.

I loved the quote by Millin..."you never touch someone so lightly that it does not leave a trace". I want to leave positive imprints...at least from now on. One can only hope.

It hurts (update)

So, I was hoping this would just go away. Apparently, it's not going to. Off to the doctor today...she wouldn't just order an x-ray. I am literally falling apart..it seems.

My dear FIL is driving me..after I wash the bottom of my foot!

(It is not broken...hurray!)

Ethan and Gma at Dad's

When the kids were here we went to Dad's on Freeport..ate on the patio. Service was slooooow, food was just "okay", but Ethan enjoyed it all!!

Leftovers

This is the rash leftover on my arms after the recent 10 day prednisone treatment and the shot of prednisone in my ass. If you recall, I was clearly allergic to the CPAP mask..which I was told was silicone (I told them I had a horrid allergy to latex)and was told only 2% of the population was allergic to silicone. When I first saw my doc, I had this rash over half of my face, my entire chest, my upper back, and the bottom of my legs. It seems to be aggravated by heat...so I only take cool showers now. The doc seemed mad at me...for waiting so long to come in. I told her that my experience has been negative with re: to "referrals" that take many months to complete. She denied this saying, "if you are not better by Monday..I'll refer you to a dermatologist"....which scared the shit out of me, as I've been waiting 18 mos. for a routine colonoscopy and 4 months for an "urgent" endoscopy.

So, we are going to a party in Chico on Sunday. Thank godess that I don't have to wear a Burka! I'll just wear a long-sleaved shirt. I have been doing that...and I have many sleeves that now have many spots of blood on them...where it get's stuck when I take it off at night.

I just love leftovers like this....don't you?

Comfort Food....and stuff

So today, Dave took his dad to the cancer center to have his blood cleaned up..and they will go back for another 4 hours tomorrow. Next week will be Bills first chemo-type therapy. I took my MIL up there to make sure all was well, then we stopped by Old Ironsides for a bit of lunch (cool spot!) and then to the grocery store.

I was supposed to be having an endoscopy at 11 today...but, the procedure center called yesterday before noon saying they didn't have any notes, the referral was screwed up somehow, blah..blah...blah. We cannot wait to get out of this medical group...Hill Physicians. We've had nothing but trouble with it.

So, my MIL and I talked about having some comfort food for dinner. Bill was tired, Dave was drained, Joyce was worried still...and I cook when I feel frazzled.

I cut up two chickens and fried the parts...used the rest to make chicken stock (I am obsessed with good chicken stock/broth), made mashed potatoes and gravy...and I enjoy mixing corn into my mashed potatoes and gravy! I've always done that. I had some chicken tenders left over so made chicken salad for tomorrow...and now I am going to bed.

I am so happy that my husband is taking such good care of his daddy. It's a good thing.

Beers Books...eegad!

Feel very free to double click on the images to enhance your enjoyment of them!





I found some old cookbooks...and some other books I am dying to read. I love the 1958food photos! How about the Yiddish with Dick and Jane? Dick is such a schmo.

Sympathy for a Tree

Today, the Sacramento Tree Foundation woman came by to discuss a new shade tree for our yard. When I answered the door she touched my shoulder and said, "I am so sorry for your loss"..looking toward the heaping mound of dirt/mulch where the old silver maple used to be. I began to cry...and so did she. She talked about how last winter, in midtown Sacramento, her favorite huge tree did not survive the storm. She and her neighbors sat around the base of it, drinking wine, and toasting to the demise of it. It was so great to have someone understand...and my grief over the past week finally made sense. I miss my huge tree.

I keep the front bedroom door closed..so I don't have to pass by and miss it each time I walk by and notice the glaring sunlight!

Just saying....

Autumn Harvest

and a simple sandwich

My FIL is starting treatment for Waldenstrom's

Apparently, he got it in Vietnam..from Agent Orange. You can read this long description...but bottom line...his blood thickens and he feels dizzy, slow, and his memory suffers. Yes, he is 79 years old...but I can tell you that I see a huge change in his behavior in just the last 6 months. He has always been so with it...and he is a retired Lt. Colonel.

My husband is going with him next week for his first two treatments...and I am happy for that. It is hard to see your parents get sick...but it is so very rewarding to spend time with them when they are ill. I am so greatful that I was there to administer my mom's chemo....and to spend those months with her.


What Is Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia?

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that produces large amounts of an abnormal protein (called a macroglobulin). Another name for WM is lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. This condition used to be called "Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia," so some people refer to it as "Waldenstrom's."
The lymphoma cells in WM grow mainly in the bone marrow, where they can crowd out the normal cells that make the different blood cells. This can lead to low levels of red blood cells (called anemia), which can cause people to feel tired and weak. It can also cause low numbers of white blood cells, which makes it hard for the body to fight infection. The amount of platelets in the blood can also get low, leading to increased bleeding and bruising.

Lymphoma cells can also grow in organs like the liver and spleen, causing these organs to swell and leading to abdominal pain. The macroglobulin that is made by the lymphoma cells can cause other problems as well.

Lymphoid tissue and the immune system

Lymphoid tissue contains several types of immune system cells that work together to resist infections. Lymphoid tissue also reacts to transplanted tissues (such as blood transfusions or organ transplants) from other people and is involved in fighting some types of cancer.

Lymphoid tissue is found in lymph nodes, which are pea-sized collections of immune system cells found in the underarm area, in the groin, on the sides of the neck, inside the chest, and inside the abdomen. Lymphoid tissue is found in the bone marrow as well as other organs such as the thymus (found behind the chest bone and in front of the heart), the spleen (on the left side of the abdomen next to the stomach), and the tonsils and adenoids. Lymphoid tissue is also scattered throughout the body within other systems such as the digestive system and respiratory system.

Lymphocytes (lymph cells) are the main cell of lymphoid tissue. There are 2 types of lymphocytes: T cells and B cells. B cells respond to an infection by changing into a different type of cell called a plasma cell. Plasma cells make the antibodies (also called immunoglobins) that help the body attack and kill disease-causing germs such as bacteria. The main job of T cells is to help direct the immune response, but they also can directly kill invading infections.

Cells responsible for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a cancer of the B cells. The cancer cells in people with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia are similar to those of 2 other types of cancer: multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Multiple myeloma is considered a cancer of plasma cells and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes. The cells of WM have features of both plasma cells and lymphocytes and are called lymphoplasmacytoid. These cells produce large amounts of an abnormal type of antibody protein (immunoglobulin M, or IgM) that causes many of the symptoms of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, including excessive bleeding, problems with vision, and nervous system problems.

We'll keep you updated on the progress.

Are You Trippin? (from the archives, by Mike Harris)

I went to work for Intel, in Portland, seven and a half years ago. Every seven years, an Intel employee earns a six-week paid sabbatical. As an avid motorcyclist, I made big plans for my time off over six long years ago. Those weeks would be filled with a cross country journey visiting as many states as possible. Just me and my motorcycle against the world!

I never wanted kids. I decided in my early twenties that I wasn't cut out to be a dad. My wife, at the time, was in agreement. I told her how I was planning on riding across the U.S. on my FZ1, taking only the essentials and camping out along the way. After our divorce, which was amicable, I was inspired after reading "Jupiter's Travels". Filled with a thirst for adventure I hatched a new plan to ride down to the tip of Mexico, taking only my American Express card, a small tent, some beef jerky, and a few clothes. That six-week sabbatical was always the carrot dangling just in front of me.

I met my wife, Jenn, a few years ago. She had me hooked when, on the sly, she programmed her number into my cell phone, along with her birthdate. Within a little over a year, we traveled all over Europe, got married, had Elaina, and bought a house. Our second child, Ethan, entered the world only seven days ago.

My sabbatical begins next month on January 23rd. Instead of an epic two-wheeled ride of freedom and adventure carrying only the bare necessities onboard, I will be on four wheels with a payload of two car seats filled by my young, poopy-diapered co-pilots, Elaina and Ethan. Our cargo will be comprised of ziplocs full of smart puffs, sippy cups, and of course the life-saving, essential-filled diaper bag. The sights and smells of the open highway will be replaced by crying children, blaring kid's music, and as a last resort, my repeated desperate attempts to amuse my daughter such as shouting "Hey look! There's a bus!" or "Here comes a truck!"

Dreams change. Man, there's nothing like the feeling you get when you walk in the house and your little girl smiles and runs up for a hug. Seeing my reflection in my infant son's eyes is equally amazing. I'll take that ride someday, but it may pale in comparison to the epic adventure that is fatherhood.

(Well written and pulled from the archives. Thanks to my son, Mike)

BTW...if you want to view the pics he took of the pig roast/birthday party...go to Freeze Frame Photography and click on galleries. Then click on Harris Family, then click on Pig roast..password is porky. He did it for fun...and I thank him for bringing his big ol camera. While you are there...check out his portfolio...and his blog. Impressive.

Meat Buyers Club..no antibiotics/grass fed

Their goal is to provide delicious, locally grown meats to the residents of Placer and Nevada Counties. Your meat purchases provide you with a quality product and supports local farms and ranches. http://ceplacer.ucdavis.edu/Meat_Buyers_Club/
Wish I could get the link to work...but I can't.

How it works:

No membership fees.
No minimum order per individual.
Members order from a list of frozen individual cuts of beef, lamb, and pork on a monthly basis.
Order forms are available here Order Form .
Orders must be placed one week prior to the predetermined delivery date.
A $4.00 delivery charge will be added to your order.
You will receive an order confirmation and directions to your pick-up location by Email or phone.
Members pick up their orders at designated pick-up sites throughout the county.
The Producers are local, family-owned operations. Livestock are raised on Sierra Foothills range and pasture and produced with no hormones or antibiotics.

Thanks to Catherine for the heads up on this. I am excited about it.

Told Ya

I witnessed my neighbor blowing wood chips today...as soon as he got home. It's always somethin'. (I told the nice man from Triple R not to bother cleaning those last little remnants up...I was sure my neighbor would take care of them).

Dirt Ain't Cheap

So, goodbye silver maple.

Love,

Treehuggers

P.S. For very professional and courteous service, click on link below. Triple R Tree Service and Landscaping right here in Sacramento! They also clean gutters!
Triple R Tree Service

almost gone...

I will miss the big old tree. I won't miss worrying about the branches falling on our house...or our neighbors houses. I won't miss the ever-present "anal leaf-blowing neighbors". He was out today blowing the "sawdust" away. Sac Tree Foundation will be out Tuesday to help us choose a more suitable tree for a new location out front.

The tree guys will be back tomorrow to finish the job...and grind the stump. It's taken them 2 days so far. Maybe I should have a chainsaw artist come and do a sculpture with what's left?! Maybe a dude with a leaf-blower? Any other ideas? Does anyone know a chainsaw sculptor?? There's a lot of wood there!!

Going

Going

The Presence of Trees
by Michael S. Glaser

I have always felt the living presence
of trees

the forest that calls to me as deeply
as I breathe,

as though the woods were marrow of my bone
as though

I myself were tree, a breathing, reaching
arc of the larger canopy

beside a brook bubbling to foam
like the one

deep in these woods,
that calls

that whispers home