California Fires

"In response to a friend's email, concerning the California fires and asking if I was okay:

"My" fire happened last month, but because it was only a couple of mountains and all forest and only a few "hunter's cabins" and grew to be larger in size than the city of San Francisco , I guess there was not much news coverage on it. Fortunately, it was on the other side of my little mountain and would have had to jump the freeway to get to me. Staying locked in the house was my best option. Still it played havoc with my asthma, but that is under control now.

My son, being in San Francisco has little to worry about. My daughter is in the Los Angeles area and close to the Lake Arrowhead fire. Three years ago flames were in sight of her street and they were ready to leave when it turned around.

This year she is only being inundated by ash. (Think of a blizzard and you've got the picture.) They are all locked inside their house with the air conditioning OFF in 3 digits temps. Last time they used the air conditioner, the ash ruined the coils, and they had to replace the whole system, so this time they are using the house fans.

I told her to come up here, but now the freeways are closed. The routes they could take around still would make it possible, but I cannot imagine the traffic, and think they are safer at home. Her son, is a Paramedic and I am more worried about him, as he is working the Riverside area which is closer to the other bigger fires, and he is in the midst of rescue efforts. Not too long ago he was gung-ho to be in the military and on the front lines. Well, he got his wish in a way. He's a tough guy with a very big heart. I know he is getting an education the hard way, right now. I will get the real story from him later.

There are fires in the Canyon Country region, where my brother used to live, as well as my parents. I am so glad they are no longer there. My brother is frantic about his old friends and neighbors. Same with my sister, who used to live near the Malibu fires area. You have to realize these fires are NOT just in the uninhabited areas. It is inevitable that neighborhoods get destroyed.

Most people think of California as one big stretched out freeway city, but there is a great deal of wilderness surrounding each city and homes encroach right up the canyons and into the trees. There are those who say "I told you so" about building neighborhoods in areas that should be left to nature. But, I guess if one can afford $$$ million dollar homes up on the side of a mountain, one can afford the insurance and rebuild.

Sorry to sound so cynical. There's a lot of rich neighborhoods which have been destroyed. I cannot help but notice the comparison between Hurricane Katrina and now. Money has power and California money talks to politicians. Swarztenegger was there in the area of the very rich homes on the first day. He has friends in high places (like those homeowners near the fires). Though this is a terrible tragedy, the power that moneyed people have here is obvious. And of course, the ones in the shelters have less than the ones who have gone to stay at Hilton.

I keep wondering about the wildlife. We lost a lot with the fire up here last month. The small critters can't get away. The larger ones run into other regions. Where I live the wildlife relocated itself into farming areas and they keep rescuing cougars and bears. The wild boar are being shot. The coyotes live very well among communities. Wolves are on the fence as there are those who kill on sight, and those who rescue. I don't know what they are going to do in Southern. California.

Well, I suppose one could consider one good thing to have come from all this. The San Diego area is so devastated. There wont be any cover for the illegal immigrants. They wont need an army of immigration officers to watch the border. A single helicopter should be able to handle the job. That should take care of the problem for a long time! And, yes,  I am being a bit sarcastic here.

I dread this winter when the rains begin, as then there will be mudslides galore. It really is very very bad this year. I've lived in So Cal many years and seen the fires come and go.

Slow but Steady Wins the Race

Awoke again with no pain, on just five hours sleep. I just can't fall asleep easily right now. I don't any racing thoughts or things on my mind like some people suggest is what happens when one has insomnia. My body gets comfortable and I just lay there semi-dosing waiting to drop off. I would have slept in a little to make up for it, but had NPO blood work to be drawn, so headed over to my regular doctor. She is an Oncologist and Internal Medicine specialist. So, whether or not I have active disease she takes care of most of my needs. 

Her partner was there today and came out to say hello during the blood draw. (this really is small-town medical practice). So, I asked if he ever gets Sarcoma patients, to which he answered, yes. He presently has three. So I told him about Team Sarcoma and my plans of getting myself stronger so that I can participate. Then, told him that I wanted to find ways to get Sarcoma Awareness out there in the community. He immediately ticked off a number of suggestions on his fingertips, and was very happy to hear more. I couldn't write down his ideas. Darned blood draws anyways! But, he suggested I send an email outlining the whole program. I would like to find someone in my community who can let their fingers do the walking around here, and get me some opportunities to connect with people for Sarcoma Awareness!

There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to take care of myself, the chondrosarcoma group and trying to set up a community network. But, I keep in my mind some words of wisdom I once learned: "Slow but steady wins the race." (said the Tortoise to the Hare.)

After returning home, I had to lie down for a while. This happens sporadically for me. I just know... that's it... time to lie down. Once I did that, I realized my right foot was ice cold. This happens and I don't know why. The lack of pelvic floor muscles? Pressure upon veins? I don't know. If I ignore it the whole leg becomes cold, and that gets painful. I don't like to take pain drugs, if I can handle it without them. So I keep reclined, warm my foot with the heating pad, and when it feels better, get up.

After I felt better I headed off to the local outdoor shopping mall and walked the sidewalk, which goes from the end of Target to beyond the grocery store with a number of shops in between. I began in the middle so I could walk one direction and come back. If too tired, I would get in car and go home. But, I kept on going to the end and returned. In the meantime, I made one walk through the whole perimeter of Target. I took a cart to "lean on" as that has been what I do when I use my walker, substitute cart for walker. I was getting tired (actually achy) enough that it helped to have the cart to stabilize me. I didn't shop, though it was tempting. I was just there to do my walk, with only one poky stop in the socks department. I did notice that when I slowed down or stopped that pain hit my Sacroiliac joint. Now I realize why shopping is such a drag for me. Well, other reasons, too. I just hate it when kids who have lost their parents have a basketball and stand at each end of the aisle hurling it back and forth like a missile. Then there are little kids in a cart who are leaning out screaming to reach Mama, who has her back turned. 

I usually like to shop after hours!

The absolute most amazing thing happened today!!! I had been thinking about wearing a T-shirt while I am out walking that has something about Sarcoma on it, so maybe it would trigger someone to ask me, "What's sarcoma?"

I tossed around some slogans:

Tame Sarcoma with Team Sarcoma What's Sarcoma? Just ask me.

But, finally I settled on: "Got Sarcoma?"

You know, like that ad that says, "Got Milk?" My Japanese sweetheart has a bumper sticker that says, "Got sushi?"

I figured wearing a shirt that says "Got Sarcoma?" At least those who have had it or know someone who has will have a comment to make, and therefore, I will have a lead to help create Sarcoma Awareness. Who knows maybe Oprah will see me and donate big time. Because, after all her House Designer guy, Nate Berkus did a re-design for Ty Bassett who had been amputated due to synovial cell sarcoma.

Hey Oprah, don't you wish sarcoma patients had a cure? You can make it happen!

Okay, nevermind, let's get back to the awesome coincidence and the T-shirt story. I looked in the yellow pages in the hopes of finding a T-shirt place. Lo and behold, there was one right here in Watsonville. So, I called, and the owner answered. Conversation went like this:

Hi, this is Doug.
 

Hi. I am wondering if I can get a shirt with a logo on it.

Do you mean one shirt?

Yes.

We don't do one shirt orders. We make many at one time. Like for charities and organizations and so on.

Oh, darn. I was hopin'..

Well, it would be very expensive for just one.

I just want one. If it isn't too expensive. It is sort of for charity... for cancer.

Well, what would you want imprinted.

You know the slogan: "Got Milk?" I want a slogan that says, "Got Sarcoma?" because I....

Sarcoma? Why Sarcoma? His voice changed at this, and I suspected he knew the word that most don't.

Well, I had it and survived, and now I am getting ready to do a fund raising event and...
 

My dog's got sarcoma!!! She was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago!

Now I understood the unmistakable catch in his voice and the conversation was no longer about T-shirts.

We spoke a longer about the Sarcoma patient support groups online, and even the fact that there is one for dogs with cancers, and that dogs and cats are, or have been, members of my Chondrosarcoma group. By the time we got off the phone I would like to think that Doug has a bit of hope for a little while longer for his dog. I will stay in touch with him, even though he told me it would be easier to go to kinkos and get an iron on transfer made. Thanks Doug!!

You may think I am crazy for allowing pets to be members of my support group. Or to acknowledge them as Sarcoma Patients. I can't help myself. I was once told that the reason my surgeon was able to perform my internal hemipelvectomy on me (back in 1967) was because dogs had been used to perfect the surgery. So, in a roundabout way, I owe my life to a dog. So, why wouldn't I let them (or their people) join my group?

I don't think they experiment on dogs anymore for sarcoma. But, if they do, then they might have a cure sooner than humans will.

So, needless to say, today's walk is ALSO, dedicated to five year old Tina, the dog who has sarcoma in her throat, has had surgery, and presently is undergoing chemotherapy. May she have many more healthy years.

Because I still didn't find my pedometer, I just timed it. I was able to walk for 50 minutes

Hypnogogic Electronic Walking

They're called Hypnogogic Hallucinations. I have had them on and off for many years. But not for the last two. So, I drowsed off to sleep with that sense of muscular tension like a sour violin string being plucked. I just wanted the sensations to disappear. While waiting for my seizure med to take effect, I fell deep asleep. I don't know how long I slept when, suddenly, I was aware
of someone in the room. I opened my eyes and there was what resembled that guy in the movie, "Powder". About a foot from my face staring at me, my automatic reaction was to shout, HEY!!! This has always worked in the past to get rid of the hallucinatory beings. (or wake me up as the case may be.) But, this apparition only stepped back, and I had to yell out another, HEY!!! Needless to say, I thought I would have awakened my brother, but he must have been out like a log. Four hours later, he woke me to ask if I was ready to go with him to the Electronics Flea Market. I told him, not possible, I would come later.

Kats picked me up and got me to De Anza by 6:30 AM. It was quite cold! I put on sweatshirt. two jackets and knitted hat. Soon, I was waiting on customers. I have worked with my brother like this since about 1979, when we both lived in the Los Angeles area. That's part of how I got to be such a Geek, being exposed to coaxial wires, adapters, antenna splitters and now a plethora of new stuff. I still enjoy hanging around with the big boys. Though not able to do the things I once did gets more frustrating, like unloading the truck, setting up the tarps, lifting crates of merchandise, putting up tables, and so on. Roger's space was about 30 ft by 20 ft and I found myself pacing when not waiting on customers. It is so painful for me to just stand in one place for any length of time, I just have to keep moving, lie down or sit down. So, I put my pedometer on, and decided to see what happened. Several times I left the site and went for walks throughout the swap meet trying to guess what all the unimaginable ham radio devices were for. I still have so much to learn.

This time I was wearing my Lucky Pinks, so walking was stable and able, up and down all the aisles at a brisk walk. It was fun to just look and keep walking without any difficulty except having no money to splurge on some old Syvania vacuum radio tube, like the ones my mother produced during the war. Eventually, I thought it would only be fair to return to Roger and get back to the business at hand.



We were aware of the possibility of light rain showers, but that is not what they used to call what happened next when I lived in the Mid-West. (tornado watch) We, of course, were ready for the rain, as Roger had put up his rain tarps before he set up the tables. A little rain occurred at that time and died off. Upon returning to Roger, the rain had returned with a passion. I kept going around with a long stick and pushing upward on the tarps to get rid of the run-off before the whole thing collapsed on us all. In the meantime, some customers were getting dowsed before I could get to them. Everyone crowded under our tarps anyways as not too many other sellers had protection from the weather.

All of a sudden the wind lifted up the frame of the tarps. I grabbed one of the poles and asked for help from the man nearest me. Then, a few others followed suit. The wind was so intense, many took their chances running back to their cars. A few regular customers (for years) stayed behind to help us. I felt so bad that I could not grab the goods, load them in the cases and haul them into the truck as I once did, and Roger had to rely on customers to help. All I could do was dry things off with a towel.

Going home driving through more rain was challenging now that my body had time to complain. Kats and I went to the spa and did the pool and jacuzzi, to release the tightness in the muscles.

During the four hours that I was with Roger, the pedometer registered 4114 steps.

Not Taking a Walk

Too many breakthrough seizures this morning. Probably more likely due to the lack of appropriate sleep, not the new walking program. If this continues throughout the day, I will need to call the Neurologist and ask if I need to up my dose of Lamictal.

Have been on the phone most of the day, one call was with the office of a researcher who had requested to communicate with me. But, it is Friday. His Assistant didn't say he was away, just he would call me back next week. I asked her to send me one of his research papers, which she did. I printed it out and have taken it with me to read later. I will stay overnight tonight in Sunnyvale where I have met up with my brother, Roger .

I had hoped to get there before him and take my walk while waiting for him to show up, as he drove up here from Phoenix, however it turned out that he was ahead of schedule and I was late. We had dinner out, then back to the hotel, where I am now. It will be a very early wake up as I will be hanging out with him.

I won't boo-hoo about not walking today. Getting control of the breakthrough seizure activity was more important.

So, no walk. Zero steps today.

Rio Del Mar Beach, Aptos California

Had trouble falling asleep last night. Many cramps in legs. Hmm!

Rainy night. Strong windy day.

I wasn't able to pull myself together enough to go out early to walk. Bones too creaky. Too many emails to handle. Cat needed cuddling. Excuses!


Then... Earthquake!

Yup. But, just a little one. Epicenter, if you can call it that a little off shore, from Watsonville, in the Monterey Bay. Really, it was very minor and one of 13 in the area today. Thank heavens for those short shifts! I live only about 10 miles from the previous epicenter of the Loma Prieta Quake (1989).

I finally put on some sweats, (still cold and windy out) and got in the car to drive over to Aptos beach to walk. I parked at the beginning of the half a billion dollar homes, well okay, maybe they are only quarter billion. Once I got my pedometer on, and started walking I had an "oh, no" moment. I had forgotten to change shoes!! I left my Lucky Pink's at home. Darn it! Oh well, slip-ons just had to do.

So, this sidewalk was slanted too. It is across the street from the crazy rich homes. Crazy, because you would have to be crazy to live there. A huge cliff that produces mudslides every winter faces the backs of those homes. The sand and ocean is literally is at the front doors. That is, separated from the sand my only a street and the walk. Well, at least most of them have their first floor as the garage only. I have seen some pretty bad damage on that street. So, I guess it is okay to be crazy if one wants to pay big flood/mudslide insurance (act of God insurance?) and pay for rebuilding when the mud oozes through your kitchen into the living room and right out the balcony and plops down onto the front driveway where the ocean washes the mud away. Still, I wouldn't mind living there just for the incredible view, and the sound of the surf. On the other hand, it is the one and only street that leads to the state park beach. In the summer it is crowded with tourists. The rest of the year it's either surfers or whales washing up on shore. I have a recording of ocean sounds, I think will satisfy me.

And you thought I was going to write about how nice it was by the sea... the seagulls, the sunshine, the waves, the breezes, the warm sand, the beachcombers. Yes, it is all that, and more! It was hard to just enjoy the beauty when my shins were burning, though. My slip-on shoes were not meant to be supportive walkers! I will NOT forget my Lucky Pinks tomorrow. You can bet on it! I want to be in good enough shape for my trip to Vermont that I walk along the shores of Lake Champlain and just hang my mouth open in wonder and joy, forgetting to take pictures.

I didn't care for the inclined, not flat, sidewalk. So I crossed the street to walk along the front of the nice homes. Many people sitting out on their verandas or patios nodded or said hello. Nice people! I wonder if they do that during tourist season, too. I remember how sociable everyone was on New Year's Eve. The whole street was it's own double party. The tourists below on the sand with their bonfires giving toasts to the hosts. The householders out on their balconies in their dress clothes lifting their glasses to their guests. It was a surreal and happy new year where everyone seemed truly happy. What year was that? I forget. But, it was so kewl!

I was determined that I would at least walk as far as the end of the homes, where the public restrooms begin. I did have to stop a couple of times to just stand there and breathe. Coming back, I decided I could handle the sidewalk as the slant evened out my leg length discrepancy. I managed quite well with that, except for the areas where the sand had blown across the pavement. Loose sand is not easy to walk on, when you are as out of practice as I am. Soon, I had lost my momentum, and the pain slowed me down considerably. Other walkers were passing me by, even an old lady with a dog! The jogger, (Bless him!) ran by me, back and forth, so many times, it was Déjà Vu, all over again. Along the sidewalk is a sort of metal bar fence. (something to hang onto when the wind is blowing hard, or the waves are rushing by) I stopped four times, and pushed my spine up against them to help relieve the pain. The burning shins were gone by this time. It was my rib cage and shoulders that were complaining. Next time, I will probably need to take something for pain before I go out, just to keep it to a dull roar. It's very distracting. At least when I am home, in the car, visiting someone's home, I can squirm or change position, or even lie down if need be. But, I had to continue walking. My car was not going to come pick me up. Hey! that's a good idea. You know. They have those cars now that will park for you, and the ones that will watch out for drivers sneaking up on your blind side. They need to invent one that will unpark itself and drive up to whereever you are. That would be great for when you come out of the grocery store and can't remember where in the world you parked your car, too.

Now, see! Who's crazy now. This crazy lady who calls the beach home owners crazy! That's who.

I just need to keep on working on this until my body is as ambitious as my mind wants it to be. It's not like I can't do it... I can.

That last 99 steps I counted myself, just to put my mind off the invisible Samurai jabbing me along with his ancient sword. It was with a sigh of relief, as well as pride when I got in the car. I actually had broken a sweat! Though my body was throbbing and complaining even after I sat down, I was happy to see the numbers on the pedometer.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention... the pedometer says I took 3599 steps!!

My reliable, old, 1987 Dodge tells me that I went a mile. Aren't there only supposed to be 2850 steps in a mile?

These Shoes Were Made for Walking

4-10-07

Didn't sleep well last night, and I received an early phone call. It was Amy, who is the dog walker for Karen, the neighbor who shares her cat, Cinnamon with me. I had previously asked if I could walk with Amy when she takes Karen's dogs out. So, I went her. I was a little disappointed though, as Amy didn't want to take them but more than a block away. The Dachshund was raring to go, and keep on going, but the "redbone" hound that Karen adopted from Katrina (the hurricane/flood) was much slower. Mahree apparently is old, and has arthritis. At one point she literally stood still. I could tell how she was feeling as my arthritis does that to me, too. Sometimes just taking another step seems impossible. I wonder if they have anti-inflammatories for dogs.

Since I didn't walk very far, I won't "count it" as a walk.

Later, when Liz came home, we went walking, ( meandering). But we did 3,282 steps by going in the other direction than before. We stopped halfway and sat on a bench that one of her friends has in her front yard and chatted with her. She gave us cuttings of one of the flowers in her yard that I hope to plant.

I am proud of myself. It seems so incredible to me. Over 3,000 steps and no real negative after effects.

I spent the rest of the day on the computer trying to arrange for a flight so that Xavier, my son, and I can go to Texas for my parents Memorial. They both died within the last 17 months.

Since I could not find my old walking shoes, (not under the bed, not in the closet. Did I toss them?) this evening I went to Ross discount store and bought me a pair of Skechers for only $17. As my mother would say, if she were here, "they're ugly as sin". But they are Pink! I love them! They will be comfortable for this summer as they are sandals.

Getting the shoes was one more goal acheived....

First Walk

Awoke with pain in the belly, which has been quelled for a few months. Last time I had it bad enough to go to the hospital, it turned out to be passage of a gallstone. I don't have a gallbladder, but I still produce them. The gall duct is quite enlarged so I guess it makes sense that it substitutes nicely for a gallbladder. Go figure.

So, my first nagging thought was, "What will I do in Vermont, surrounded by others who want to get on with the day if I have a bad episode?" Then, one thought jumped to another. I am annoyed with myself that I am having this much anxiety. But, I am sure I will work it out. I had a cup of green tea with ginger and half a lemon, and later was able to have some toast.

Later, I asked my neighbor, Liz Valencia, (picture at right) and asked if she wanted to walk with me. She had a hip replacement last year and walked quite a bit afterwards. She gladly went with me. I recall that she had a nephew who died of Sarcoma a couple of years ago. But, we didn't talk about it, just noticed the flowers and plants along the sidewalk. We walked around the corner, down the street and back. I wanted to go further, but I have been warned to take it slow, a little more each day. Liz knows about the blog and gave me permission to use her name and image.

I wore the pedometer and it counted 1510 steps.

Later, I was surprised to have sacral pain, not leg pain as I had expected. No need to take meds. Just rested a while.

Scans

An update on the recent scans I had:


The Mammo radiologist called me Monday and asked me to come in for another Ultrasound. This time done personally by another radiologist, (not the technician). This time he was able to image the left nodule and clearly was able to determine that is is simply a "cyst". 


YAY!!!!


The one on the right is clearly not a cyst, and is questionable, needing further follow up. Though there is a remote possibility it could be scar tissue from the removal of a previous benign nodule a few years ago, there is enough question about it that the recommendation is to go to UCSF and have the MRI done as apparently it can be a more refined image and clarify the question. Then, if necessary, I will have a biopsy. 

To Sleep or Not to Sleep

I awakened exhausted. Couldn't get to sleep last night.

Well meaning folks say to me, "just go to bed at an early hour, and lay there, you will fall asleep."

NOT!

Been there, done that, and still lay there awake.

Of course I have learned to keep my room as dark as possible. Even have some cardboards over the windows beneath the curtains. Good thing the bedroom window doesn't face anything but my backyard! Have a black cloth over the glow of the clock radio.

The bed has padding over the mattress, the sheets are the soft kind for arthritic patients. I have an electric mattress pad to keep me warm and cozy. If I didn't have these, I would toss and turn all night in pain.

So, when I went to bed last night it was late, admittedly past midnight. But, no matter how comfy, I am wakeful. So, I read until my eyes were blurry. In fact I fell asleep holding the book. But, a short time later woke back up and had to start all over again.

Finally, sleep.

So, sometime in the darkness, the phone rings.  I don't care who it is. I am not answering the phone. So, I let it ring until the answer machine takes over and the person leaves a message. It is someone from Tennesee calling about 7AM, I think. Maybe 6? What is the time difference? 2 hours? I had left a message for her on Friday afternoon. I will call her back later.

I am tired enough that I fall back asleep right away. Next thing I know, Keli is bothering me to get up and turn on the faucet for her. So, I do. I have to pee anyways. It is 10:20 Back to bed and asleep, I dream the cellphone is in my left hand and it is vibrating as though someone is calling me. I think it is nice that is only vibrates and doesn't jar me with the loud sounds. Then, a few minutes before 11, Kats calls me on the cell phone. Was I dreaming the phone was vibrating? Or was it doing its second or two of vibration before it rings? We talk a moment. He realizes I am groggy and tells me to go back to sleep. I do. I am so tired.

Keli comes and wakes me up at ten minutes after noon! I am not a happy camper. I HATE to do this to myself. I made a vow to myself some years ago that I would never let myself sleep so pass noon. It screws me up until I am sleeping the opposite of the rest of the world. It has happened enough throughout my life, that I had come to the realization that no matter how tired I am I must at least get up by ten. I do this most of the time. I am not mad at myself for sleeping so long. I must have needed the rest. But, I will need to set some alarms, so that I will get up. Or respect Keli's wake up call and get up then!

So, as usual, I make my cup of tea to see if my stomach will handle having anything in it, and take my morning dose of pills. I head for the computer, which is unplugged. Last night it had problems shutting down. It was working overtime. Every time I tried to shut it off, I got a message that Windows was still working on a program and I needed to close it before I could shut down. I couldn't figure out what the problem was. When I did control alt delete it didn't show anything in that menu. So, I pulled the plug on it, and hoped for the best. But, turning it on this morning, it behaved itself and everything came up properly.

So, I drink my Orange Pekoe, with lemon and sweet and low, and really enjoy the flavor. Thoughts of second cup discourage me. Don't want to get hyped up on caffeine by having too much too soon. Got to get more de-caf tea for those times I'd like to drink some tea just for the flavor.

So, I have missed my favorite morning TV program, Starting Over. Oh, well, such is life. I am sure they would cure me of my sleep disorder problems!!! and I sit in front of the computer ready to begin my daily dose of the world at my fingertips.

Concerns

I have been going through a little bit of concerns regarding my son's bone tumors.

Dr. O'Donnell has reassured us that the nasty looking one on his humerus is still benign.

Xavier will be seeing Dr. Jablons (Thoracic Specialist) next week to determine what is going on with his rib, and lungs.

So, I have not been as attentive to other things in life as I normally would have been.

Chopstick Gardening

I visited the captivating garden of Robert Stoll. Originally from Brooklyn he came to California in 1951. Robert and his wife, Therese, have worked together transforming their all but barren plot, into a pleasurable piece of paradise. Now retired, they are able to benefit from their labors by purely enjoying their garden which is adorned with stained glass and picassiette art created by the talented, Therese.

The only living thing on the property when they first moved in was a Satsuma Plum tree (Prunus Salicina Satsuma) thought to have been there since 1939. Robert has always been fascinated with Japanese culture, and this ancient tree seems the perfect backdrop for his Bonsai. Upon entering his garden, one is amazed by the enormous arbor of Kiwi vine (Actinidia Chinensis) growing on  an overhead trellis extending around a corner about twenty feet or more.

Robert has decks and an elevated wooden boardwalk upon which one may wander this lush garden. Everywhere you look is another focus of interest. Within what used to be a Koi Pond, Robert has created an Island of striking Mexican Weeping Bamboo (Acuminata Aztecorum) as the centerpiece. Several other unique species of Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata, Phyllostachys nigra) are showcased in large ceramic pots. A lovely Hachiya Persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki Hachiya) and Espaliered Apple trees round out the plantings. “Life began in a garden. Robert says. “What better way to spend my days, but working in one?”

Beyond Robert’s work shed (a charming replica of a Japanese Tea House) is a small forest. Literally.

Robert says, “Bonsai is an Art. It is the ancient art of training small plants to look like miniatures of very old plants.” He doesn't think they need a lot of care compared to other types of gardening. Though he admits they need frequent watering because the small pots can dry out fast. Though they can sometimes be brought inside for a few days, he says 99% need to live outside, unless they are a subtropical Ficus Benjamini or Schefflera. No automatic watering techniques are used, Robert says he is very old fashioned. He enjoys walking through and hand watering as it helps to see each plant individually and helps to assess its needs.

“To maintain, simply do the work as it needs to be done. It’s not so much”, Robert says. Some people think that Bonsai are small because they are not well-fed and have stunted growth, which is not a true understanding of Bonsai. Robert fertilizes regularly every 2 weeks with fish emulsion one time and miracle grow, next time.

Among the many trees that Robert has nurtured, the smallest are less than 8 inches and the largest are about 3 feet. The oldest are twin Junipers (Juniperus Californica) rescued from the property of an old Victorian house demolished on River Street some years ago. As with many Bonsai, they were reduced in size over time.  In order to do this, they were lifted out of ground, roots and branches cut, and planted in a large wooden box. This process continued until they were small enough to put in their present Bonsai pots. Robert  also has a Santa Cruz Mountain Oak (Quercus Parvula var. Shrevei) Bonsai which has remained healthy and has not affected by Sudden Oak Death.

Robert has an interesting assortment of tools used for trimming, shaping, sanding, carving and caring for his trees. Nippers, and cutters and pliers and special benders and anodized copper wire of all sorts are at hand. But among his collection of tools Robert has found most useful, his chopsticks.

As a member of the Santa Cruz Bonsai club, KAI, Robert trades off  with other members to tend the garden when he is out of town. They meet monthly at the Live Oak Grange Hall. Because it is a training club, experts are brought in to teach and demonstrate techniques. "Robert will do a demonstration on carving bonsai at the August meeting".

Robert is recognized for his accumulated knowledge. He has spent over 40 years, developing his abilities and learning Bonsai techniques.  He is a member of two bonsai clubs; the Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai and the Midori Bonsai Club in San Jose.  He is past president of the Santa Cruz Club and presently the Editor of the Santa Cruz Club's Newsletter.

Chopstick Gardening
Originally published: May 30, 2004
Monterey Bay Master Gardeners Newsletter
Story and Photos By Elizabeth Munroz

Note: Photos were taken at a Bonsai exhibition at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, Watsonville, California and are not Mr. Stoll's Bonsai

Joy

My new neighbor, Joy, just brought over two zip-lock bags, one Mexican Bread in each. She must have thought I was ignorant when I said, “ What’s this?” I don’t know why I said it. I felt stupid for saying it. I knew what it was. Sometimes I have no control over what comes out of my mouth. I recovered quickly, when she responded, “It’s Mexican Bread… for you. Just thought you might like to try some.”

“Yes Thank you. Pan Dulce, I love it! Perfect timing! I just made a cup of tea.” Then, I shut the door. Later, I realized how stupid I had been. Maybe I should have invited her in to share the tea and bread. But, I looked around me at the piles of boxes, the fact that there was no table in my kitchen, and I was still in my nightgown at 11 a.m. and thought that was going to be the end of having any kind of neighborly relationship.

Joy drops by, I invite her in to visit. I can’t keep turning her friendly overtures away. She has COPD and is only off a lifetimes work for a short time and it is driving her crazy. She seems very lonely.

In memory of my old friend Jyoti (Joy) Nupoor

Not forgotten

A Day in the Life of Stomach Pain

9:30 am wake with pain beneath ribcage extending from RUQ to central (below the sternum)

Absolutely no appetite. Feeling almost nauseous.

11:30 Pain has resolved enough to attempt eating. Still no real appetite

Noon ate one bowl of oatmeal, with raisins, cranberries and soymilk,

Photo by Elizabeth Munroz
Art Glass Monterey Bay Aquarium Gift Shop

12:15 intense pain central, beneath sternum, between breasts. So intense I feel weak, while attempting to move my purse and notebook from one room to another. I sit down to wait for pain to go away.

12:40 I am on the phone, lying down on bed. Chest pain continues. Suddenly heart pounds real fast and hard. I finish phone call. After I get up I feel light headed and dizzy. I decided to take one puff of nitrospray.

1:00 pm Pain continues and now has moved into my back, deep beneath the scapula. I am now taking two Tylenol plus one Famotadine.

2:15 pain is somewhat relieved but still remains. I have some burping.
Called Doctor's office. Asked for Donnatal in pill form. She is ordering.

2:45 Feel slightly hungry, ate some fresh pineapple

3:00 pm pain has moved into back, like bra line pain (not wearing one)

3:50 pain is finally resolved. Feel normal hunger. Eat a couple of crackers with tea. Take one Donnatal.

The rest of the evening have no pain or nausea. Eat normal meal of beef stew with noodles and asparagus.

Later have peanut butter and jelly on oat toast with cup of tea.

At bedtime, I take Famotadine, Atavan, 2 Tylenol, 1 Melatonin

Wednesday, ‎May ‎15, ‎2002, ‏‎11:43:04 AM

Awaken without nausea or pain. Have no appetite and slight headache.