Gretchen
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Dog Humping 101
Another entertaining topic, Barb! My sister had a Yorkie that would hump a hoe every time she brought it out to garden. She had a serious issue trying to get anything accomplished in her garden with her dog around for fear she'd accidentally chop it in half. Even making the hoe "dead" by laying it down didn't distract this dog from doing her business. She must have been one anxious pup!— August 29, 2011 5:24 p.m.
Marking a Milestone
Oh, Barb, thank you for sharing your sweet birthday story. Your dad is the luckiest man to have you and your sisters as daughters....he and your mom did a whole lot of right things when they raised you girls! Kuddo's to them and to you! PS ~ Seems like I once remember you writing a long term goal of yours is to move out of San Diego. If I'm correct, boy, I could be off target here, but with the close connection you have with your family, I don't think you'd last more than one year away. Hmmmm, this could worth writing about! Gretchen— May 30, 2009 2:28 p.m.
Pensive Phase
Aaaah, Barb, you always entertain me! Thanks for sharing your weekly yammerings on the keyboard. Your twitter twerp, G in PB PS ~ You are, by far, more entertaining to follow on Twitter than anyone else in my Twitter world! Thanks for always giving me a laugh or smile!— March 18, 2009 1:14 p.m.
Family Practice
Barb, Through your writings, I can feel the love you and your sister have for your father, and he for you. You're all very lucky to have each other. Makes me realize even more what I have missed in my life since I lost my dad when I was only a baby. I'm grateful that my sweet guy is here and is such an incredible dad to our grown daughter. She, like you, is very fortunate to have a positive male influence. Thank you for sharing and I send warm thoughts for healing and good health. Warm regards, Gretchen, your twitter twerp— March 6, 2009 9:23 a.m.
The Great Escape
Hey Barbarella, I've recently returned Sonoma and Napa Valley and had the most fun I've had in a long time! Prior to our wine valley trek, my guy, Bob, and I were Napa-virgins, but ready for fun. Upon arriving, we hit a couple wineries before checking in to the Wine Country Lodge. The lodge was a flash from the 60's, complete with a (non-velvet) picture of Elvis hanging over the bed. Their claim to fame is that Elvis and Marilyn Monroe stayed at the lodge. Elvis was popular in our group and we snapped pictures throughout our stay, gathering around him on the bed, just so we could say we stayed with The King. Besides Elvis, our main goal was the lobster feast at Pine Ridge Winery. When first arriving at Pine Ridge, we were given an apron and told to write our names in order to become better acquainted with others; I became, "Gretchen Go-Girl Napa Virgin." Besides tasting their scrumptious "not sold in stores" varietals, we were offered lots of yummy appetizers, while wandering the vineyards. When the bell was rung it was time to settle in for some feasting; our table of 25 or so was tucked amongst the vineyards, grapes still on the vine. After the welcoming remarks, we were instructed to grab our wine glasses, stand up, and push our chairs back. The "chef" walked along the table carrying a huge steaming pot, complete with lobster, shrimp, corn on the cob, artichokes, and potatoes (I'm sure there were other veggies, but by now my memory is a little fuzzy). He started at one end of the table and didn't stop until he was at the opposite end, carefully dumping our goodies in the middle of the table. Huge loafs of sourdough bread were given out, and condiments of mayo and butter. With only fingers allowed, no one was shy and everyone was hungry to dive into the table of treats. The feast was tasty beyond description and we all ate until we couldn't eat anymore. We all helped with clean up by tucking in the butcher paper and plastic table cloth towards the center of the table, just in time for the waiter to roll the empty shells, husks, used napkins and whatnot up in the plastic. By the time he reached the other end of the table, the "taper" guy came along with the tape gun, securing the giant roll of our dinner remains and whisking it away for the trash. We were left was clean and beautiful table linens and hot, wet wash clothes were handed out all around. I wish every first timer could have this same fabulous experience as we did in Napa Valley, but only members and guests of members are allowed. Bob and I joined the wine club, now we'll be able to attend and invite who we want, so if you and David want to go next summer, drop me an email! It's on the books as an annual event and one not to be missed! Ciao, Gretchen PS ~ if you go to the wine country, try the Bay Leaf restaurant, but be ready for an all night dining experience, complete with the Imperial Drop! But then, that's another story!— October 29, 2008 4:06 p.m.
The Newlywed Game
Your experience with the newlyweds is a prime example of how over rated weddings are while not enough time and focus is spent on the relationship. Too often it seems women are head over heals in love with their engagement ring and the ideal wedding. Then, after the wedding, reality sets in and they realize they're not a good match. I've been lucky in love for over 30 years and our wedding consisted of 30 close friends and family at my sister's house. It was actually more than what I wanted; like you, I preferred to go to the county courthouse, yet wanted to please my guy. After all these years I still want to make my sweet man happy and it's reciprocated daily! Still honeymooners after years of marriage is the best!— October 25, 2008 2:01 p.m.
Their Own Little World: Mission Beach
Great article on the history of Mission Beach. However, in the article, the author wrote, "though Asher is called the Father of Mission Beach, none of his developments still stand." I believe this statement to be wrong....there is one last piece of Asher's history still standing. In reviewing "Images of America Mission Beach" by Terry Curren and Phil Prather, they share that the Mission Beach Tent City rental office and real estate sales building was part of Asher's development in 1915. This building still stands in old Mission Beach, located on Redondo Court, and home of Saska's Restaurant! It's a great piece of Mission Beach history and the Saska family has maintained it's rustic yet comfortable feel, bringing in locals and tourists alike for over 57 years. One of Saska's biggest fans, Gretchen Walden— July 6, 2008 1:04 p.m.
Personal Assistant
Thanks for your story, "Personal Assistant." I have a business working in the virtual world, which closely relates to Nicole's business. As a virtual professional, I currently partner with clients from diverse industries including a biotech firm, behavioral psychologists, a local town council, realtors, and a promotional products salesperson. Most virtual assistants have a niche; providing services like trascription, bookkeeping, or web designer, to name just a few. I am considered a generalist in our industry - which I feel extremely lucky to have this distinction - because of my past experience coordinating state-wide projects in higher education. Through this experience, I gained a vast amount of knowledge in all different arenas; and now in business for myself, I'm able to pass that diverse expertise on to my clients. I coordinate trade shows, help new start up businesses establish best practices, provide web maintenance, conduct Internet research, write content for websites, make travel arrangements, write reports, contact management, and so much more. Life is never boring and full of fun challenges as I support business growth for each and every client. To learn more about this amazing industry of Virtual Assistants, go to the International Virtual Assistance Association (IVAA) at http://www.ivaa.org. And to check out my business, go to http://PacificProVA.com. Gretchen H Walden Pacific Pro Virtual Assistant— June 16, 2008 11:19 a.m.