You know all those positive words I was using to describe the Zen of painting just a couple of days ago? Well, let’s just say those words don’t apply when there are beams across the ceiling that are faux-aged and, therefore, covered in a brown color. I painted and repainted and re-repainted those beams all…
Category: Family
A Special Little Visitor Today
I had my sweet little buddy, Miss Luna Isabella Pacheco Beaty, today from 10 and until 1:30. She has her own drawer in the kitchen that houses her toys and various plastic kitchenware, so while Grandma was making granola and then tuna casserole, little Luna had her bowls and measuring spoons on the floor whipping…
A Good Day’s Work
I am sitting this evening in my paint-stained tee-shirt and shorts after a day spent helping to paint several rooms at the home of my friend, Peter Kempson, who recently died. We are handling Peter’s estate, which includes getting his house ready to be sold, and Ray and I are taking a hands-on role with…
Recipe for Asian Lettuce Wraps
I made these lettuce wraps last night and they were quick to prepare and delicious. Also, it’s nice that they are quite healthy, which is always a good feeling especially when coupled with such a satisfying flavor. This meal also included roasted acorn squash, which were cut into bite-size chunks and cooked on a baking sheet…
Friday Night Ramblings
I am sitting next to daughter Rachael Beaty, who is studying for her LSAT, which she will take next Saturday. I am impressed that she is so focused as she works through her questions. No chatting whatsoever; we are both attending to our respective work and that is exactly what Rachael clearly thinks we need…
A Snippet from My Day
I am sitting with my 16-year-old student, Oona. Quick-write time. George – a 7th grader- is sitting here, too. He is waiting for him mother who is running late. He doesn’t seem bothered, however; I think he is playing a video game. Oona said traffic is bad near Santa Monica Boulevard. I can hear a…
A Sad Day
I am writing tonight with a heavy heart. Our beloved friend and priest, Ian Elliott Davies, received the news that his youngest brother, Jason, died unexpectedly today at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Ray and I are very close not only to Ian, but also his parents, John and Janis, and his brother and…
Pann’s Coffee Shop: Well Worth a Visit
Tonight we ate at Pann’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Westchester en route to LAX to pick up some friends at the airport. Pann’s is the diner that was featured in Pulp Fiction and it has been around since 1958. The exterior is a great example of Googie architecture, which is a futurist style designed…
A Turkey Burger Worth Eating
Looking for a great turkey burger (or regular beef burger) in LA? Here’s your stop: Astro Burger at 7475 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. The fries are also excellent, hand-cut and fried to perfection. Here is the turkey burger I had a few days back. Pardon those bite marks. I was so hungry, I forgot…
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese Recipe
I made this recipe today and I would recommend it. You can’t taste the sweet potato; you can taste a creamy sauce, which seems very cheesy. I think that’s part of the appeal of this recipe: much less cheese and the nutrition of sweet potatoes, to boot. On a scale of 1 – 10 for…
20 Minutes a Day 