Roxanne

This past week had touches of a feline theme, and unfortunately the two incidences were tragic and sad. However, things took a turn for a better on Friday night. At nearly 11, while enjoying vino on the porch of our neighbors', I heard the jingle of an animal collar and saw a cat running up our street. It stopped dead in its tracks, and was nearly hit, something I could not witness following Atticus' own fate and the site of one earlier in the week. Thankfully, the driver saw, and Priscilla and I went out to investigate. What a loving, sweet little kitty, who hung out on the porch with us the entire night. Blake dubbed her Roxanne.

Roxanne continued to resurface Saturday, and we even introduced her to Oliver. She was affectionate and clearly smitten with our area. She wore a collar and a bell, but had no tags. Having no cats around the house since our previous neighbors moved, I was very surprised to her visit.

Sunday morning came and with it, Roxanne on the porch. I walked up and down the street with her at my feet, like the Pied Piper, but couldn't come up with a home for her. I even tweeted her photo hoping someone would claim her. I feared taking her to the pound would mean a death sentence due to her non-kitty age. 

Ultimately, I wanted to keep her. But, being an outdoor cat, I wasn't sure how this would work out with Oliver who only comes outside (sadly) on a leash for his Vitamin D. Blake and Priscilla weren't in the market, especially with him being allergic. 

Coincidentally, the previous owners to Blake and Priscilla's house dropped by the same day and Julie, a  self-proclaimed cat woman, said she would take her in. Naturally, Roxanne was no where to be found at that time, but a few hours later, resurfaced.

I called Julie to see how certain she was about taking on a new cat in their new house and she obliged. Getting Roxanne into the carrier proved to be a feat, and anyone who has ever driven with a cat in tow knows that watching paint dry is a better activity, but once we arrived at the new home, Roxanne was welcome with open arms and pronounced male.  

It's comforting to know that this cat went to a good home. I admittedly am more sympathetic to animals than people (harsh, but true) since they have a genuine dependency on humans, but ultimately am a fan of any happy ending, and of course, The Police's hit that's been on repeat mentally all weekend.

Oh hey, April

Sometimes there is so much yet so little to say in this little corner of the Internet I call mine. So I'll rely on visual aids.

It was Good Friday for this guy grazing outside. Thou shall not judge me on my weeds.

Bootlegger's 4th Anniversary Party, the evening of apocalyptic rain in Southern California.

The beautiful weekend that followed the storm.

A day in Laguna at the Laguna Beach Culinary Arts Institute wine and cheese tasting.

Driving Miss Daisy.
The day Scott took the keys to both cars and I walked to work and my sister picked me up to take me to my doctor's appointment. I also refreshed my knowledge of Poly Sci 100.

And, "Cat on a skateboard, briefly." YouTube sensation, no?

Little things

Saved By The Bell is now on Netflix on demand. All 98 episodes of glorious Bayside High. I see a binge coming on this weekend.

Busy Bee

Life is passing before my eyes, even though I soaked up most of the hours of the day recently, staying until past 1 a.m. two nights in a row this weekend.

Major work event this week that has taken prep for the past few months. God bless color coding and dry erase boards. AND post it notes.

We enjoyed a major blast from the past on Friday night when the Ataris played at Dipiazza's in Long Beach. We went with my sister and her boyfriend Max, who clearly are much more in tune with the goings on of bands and their comeback tours than I am.

Diapiazza's/Villapiano's (That Thing You Do-anyone?anyone?) was a random Chain Reaction like establishment in the LBC. The band went on at 11 p.m. 11 p.m.!!! I had to have a Scarlett style rest at 8:30 to prepare to LEAVE the house at 10 p.m.

Saturday morning was atypical, but the best part was enjoying the day with this peach and his mom for a day in Laguna.

My neighbor has a very California-friendly garden and though Scott is not on board for our entire yard, I love the idea of these flowers in a bed out front.

We've also been treated to two great family dinners-one with my aunt and parents and one with Scott's family in honor of his brother's birthday.

And, amen, Mad Men is back. TGMonday is over.

(photo credit)

Doozy Weekend

Doozy weekend started off with a morning bootcamp:

The enforcers.

Followed by major house cleaning inside and outside, Sunday BBQ prep, and an afternoon wedding, in honor of Blake and Priscilla-also new homeowners next door!

Sunday started with a booze cruise for Karen's birthday. What a gorgeous day to tour the Newport harbor.

We dashed home to make it to our neighborhood BBQ in honor of our next door neighbors who have sold their house (to Blake and Priscilla, newlyweds above). It was long overdue to finally get everyone together-even Blake and Priscilla came to meet their new neighbors, as well as a another family new to the 'hood. And in true potluck form, I anticipated their wouldn't be enough food and we had enough to feed a small army, including fall off the bone ribs from an award winning smoker.

Good weekend.

KONY 2012

We are no strangers to Joseph Kony. In 2006 and 2007 Scott took up our friend Adam's offer to hang out in Africa for three months each summer, lending his database skills and computer savvy to the organization Invisible Children. Because he ventured there and not me, his experiences are authentic and more descriptive than I could ever write. Click here to read.

With the prolific sharing of the KONY 2012 campaign comes critics with wagging fingers. You can read their response here. On my soapbox, regarding the Better Business Bureau, people pay to join it and it's not the regulatory body that the public is lead to believe. They have a sales team that preys on other organizations memberships to increase their own. End soapbox-it was worth noting.

Thus, this is me helping to spread the word about KONY 2012. Make him famous.

What we ate.

I love a challenge in the kitchen, so this week I tried out a few new recipes and cooking methods.

Skillet Gnocchi with Chard and Beans

adapted from here.

Tomato and Artichoke Tart

adapted from here.

Salmon with Soy Sauce, Ginger and Sriracha Cream Sauce with Udon Noodles

adapted from here.

Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers

adapted from here.

White Bean and Kale Soup

adapted from here.

Seared Scallops with Parmesan Risotto and Spinach

adapted from here.

First time risotto maker on a 90 degree day in March. Next time, I'll be trying Ina's oven method.