The other day I was in the same room with a murderer. That was a first, as far as I know.
Last Wednesday Patrick and I went downtown to the courthouse to sit in on the murder trial of Jesse James Hollywood. He was the Manson-like perpetrator of a murder. The young man, Nick Markowitz, was brought here to Santa Barbara from the San Fernando Valley in August of 2000. He was kidnapped because his brother owed Hollywood drug money. It went bad and Hollywood's minions shot and killed the boy, burying him in a shallow grave up in our mountains.
The movie, Alpha Dog, was based on the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping/murder.
We heard the testimony of some 20 year olds (at the time) who had been around Jesse and Nick when they first arrived in Santa Barbara. Nick's mouth, hands and feet were bound in duck tape. Then a few of the boys continued to drive him around Santa Barbara. It has been said that Nick was partying with them. Nick was 15 and evidently enjoyed alcohol and pot. After 3 days he was killed.
Jesse was in Los Angeles at the time, having dinner with his girlfriend, Michele, and other friends. He spoke with one of the guys in Santa Barbara on the phone and was told that the murder had taken place. He is charged with authorizing it.
Yesterday I went down by myself and sat in. It was chilling hearing the testimony of Michele, talking about fleeing California with Jesse. Most chlling was the fact that Nick's mother was sitting in the row in front of me. She seems to clench her teeth much of the time.
Dana will be here on vacation from New York on Monday, and we plan to attend the trial some days. My daughters are equally fascinated by criminals and crime, I guess I did that to them. As I told the News-Press reporter yesterday during a break: I am a student of human nature. I desperately wish to enter the minds of criminals and try to find out how they think.
Marci Wormser, the reporter, asked me if I thought Hollywood was a sociopath. Told her I didn't think so. Said he was just a stupid 20 year old who sold dope for a living -- living high in many respects. Made huge mistakes for which he will probably pay with his life. Well, he did evade authorities for 5 years and was finally found in a beach town in Brazil. Cunning is probably a better word for him.
At the end of the court day yesterday, after the jury had filed out and before the audience left, I was watching Jesse. Still sitting at the defense table, his left profile showing, he quickly began shoving something into his mouth. Whatever it was made a huge lump in his left cheek. Nick's mother laughed ironically and said, well he did wait for the jury to leave. It was rather disgusting. Well, a lot disgusting.
I hope to be able to tell Mrs. Markowitz how very sorry I am for the loss of her son. And that finally having a trial must make her feel a tiny bit better. I don't know if I'll have the nerve.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Our Own, Personal Johnstown Flood
The snow is visible on the higher mountains, patches of bright white. I was about 14years old when I saw my first snow covered peaks, the Cascades, when I traveled by car across the country with my parents and brother. It must be that snow on mountain tops is universally magical.
We are in Ahwahnee but not at Quail Cottage. We are staying with Paul and Madeleine, our friends nearby. On October 15th, 2008 (this past year)Quail flooded. A water hose beneath the kitchen sink blew and sent the contents of our well storage tank – all 2,200 gallons of it – into the house. We were there on vacation but had taken the afternoon to visit Yosemite Valley. On our return that evening we stepped into slosh.
The fortunate part about it was that we were there. There are times that weeks go by, even a month or two, when we don’t get over. So we didn’t have to deal with mold and all that awful stuff. We called the next morning and Allstate sent a fellow over with huge fans to dry the place, a “water mitigation” company. There were 14 fans, and they blew full force 24 hours a day for 3 days.
In the light of the next morning, and coming out of shock, we assessed the damage. It was extensive. We think the water reached a level of 1 to 2 feet, was soaked into and discolored the lower part of all the walls. The water company guy cut up the wall to wall carpet and under carpet and hauled it away in huge garbage bags, exposing the concrete slab underneath.
It was difficult to experience our little Quail Cottage in such disarray. We checked into the B & B about a quarter mile down the highway, and stayed with “Candy” for 3 nights. Luckily the insurance company reimbursed us for that, also.
When the insurance adjuster came after a few weeks he further damaged the walls by cutting into them (a standard practice). He assessed the damage and paid us on the spot. We also got to claim some of the furniture that sustained water damage as well.
Now we are in the midst of remodeling. We are using Jim, a local handyman and his electrician son, Tad, for the work. Since the building was being gutted anyway we decided to make some structural changes to improve the layout and rewire some really creative electric that somebody had invented. We are also moving the wood stove to a logical place in the corner instead of where it was -- at the entrance of the kitchen from the living room.
We are going to lay laminated wood floors throughout, to my great relief, as I particularly HATED the former carpeting. We have ordered all new white kitchen cabinets and the counter tops are a speckled beige and brown. The guys have torn out all the wood paneling and have replaced it with dry wall. We have put a slider in the wall of the living room and tomorrow a crew is coming to tear out all the pyracantha on that side that blocks our view of the long Sierras.
We will have a new refrigerator and stove and a new vanity in the bathroom, new sinks and faucets and new light fixtures. Throughout we plan recessed lighting in the ceiling.
IT IS GOING TO BE BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOTE: This story illustrates that there are silver linings to everything that happens. Thus, my blog name of Positively Nancy.
We are in Ahwahnee but not at Quail Cottage. We are staying with Paul and Madeleine, our friends nearby. On October 15th, 2008 (this past year)Quail flooded. A water hose beneath the kitchen sink blew and sent the contents of our well storage tank – all 2,200 gallons of it – into the house. We were there on vacation but had taken the afternoon to visit Yosemite Valley. On our return that evening we stepped into slosh.
The fortunate part about it was that we were there. There are times that weeks go by, even a month or two, when we don’t get over. So we didn’t have to deal with mold and all that awful stuff. We called the next morning and Allstate sent a fellow over with huge fans to dry the place, a “water mitigation” company. There were 14 fans, and they blew full force 24 hours a day for 3 days.
In the light of the next morning, and coming out of shock, we assessed the damage. It was extensive. We think the water reached a level of 1 to 2 feet, was soaked into and discolored the lower part of all the walls. The water company guy cut up the wall to wall carpet and under carpet and hauled it away in huge garbage bags, exposing the concrete slab underneath.
It was difficult to experience our little Quail Cottage in such disarray. We checked into the B & B about a quarter mile down the highway, and stayed with “Candy” for 3 nights. Luckily the insurance company reimbursed us for that, also.
When the insurance adjuster came after a few weeks he further damaged the walls by cutting into them (a standard practice). He assessed the damage and paid us on the spot. We also got to claim some of the furniture that sustained water damage as well.
Now we are in the midst of remodeling. We are using Jim, a local handyman and his electrician son, Tad, for the work. Since the building was being gutted anyway we decided to make some structural changes to improve the layout and rewire some really creative electric that somebody had invented. We are also moving the wood stove to a logical place in the corner instead of where it was -- at the entrance of the kitchen from the living room.
We are going to lay laminated wood floors throughout, to my great relief, as I particularly HATED the former carpeting. We have ordered all new white kitchen cabinets and the counter tops are a speckled beige and brown. The guys have torn out all the wood paneling and have replaced it with dry wall. We have put a slider in the wall of the living room and tomorrow a crew is coming to tear out all the pyracantha on that side that blocks our view of the long Sierras.
We will have a new refrigerator and stove and a new vanity in the bathroom, new sinks and faucets and new light fixtures. Throughout we plan recessed lighting in the ceiling.
IT IS GOING TO BE BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOTE: This story illustrates that there are silver linings to everything that happens. Thus, my blog name of Positively Nancy.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Broadway's Up and the Battery's Down
Ahhhhhhhhhh, 2 glorious weeks in New York spent with darlin' daughter Dana. Yes, I love alliteration, but that just happened.
September after Labor Day -- a great time to be on the East Coast. Weather is mild, not humid, kids back in school, everyone walks with a brisker step. Well, New York City buzzes with its own energy, and it transmits it to my core being. Dana got us a great suite at the Affinia Dumont Hotelon 34th St. and 3rd Ave., where she works. I qualify for Friends and Family discount, and it was a whopper.
When I arrived at LaGuardia (after non-eventful flights, changing at Denver), I took a Yellow Cab to the hotel, as Dana was still on duty. That was the last time I touched my luggage for 2 weeks. We had dinner in the room and I went to bed early.
Next day we relaxed and she re-introduced me to everyone on the staff. From then on I was "Mom." As in: Is Mom having a good time? Is everything alright with Mom? How's your room, Mom? Yes, Yes and Terrific. They all love Dana, so automatically I'm a celebrity from the West Coast. It's fun.
We had massages that day at the Spa, which IS the 2nd floor of the hotel. Next day we trained up to the New York Botanical Gardens, a gorgeous place. Lush and greener than green, there is a collection of more than one million living plants, 30,000 trees, and what they call the most beautiful rose garden in America among its 250 acres. There's a conservatory that provides "an ecotour of the world and renowned seasonal exhibitions; magnificent collections of trees, schrubs, and flowers." It was so tropical inside the conservatory building that I was bitten 2ce by mosquitoes, each one must have been humongous!
The highlight of the visit was the Henry Moore sculpture exhibition. There were 21 pieces placed throughout the gardens. As he's one of my long time favorite artists, I was rather over the top -- to actually see them "in person." And please don't tell anyone that I actually touched a few. Wow! Well, there were no guards staring at me like they do at MoMA and the Guggenheim...
Then we spent a couple of days in Washington D.C., also traveling by train, and stayed with my former in-laws, who remain my children's aunt and uncle. We didn't have a lot of time to sight-see but it was wonderful seeing Cathy and Neil after, um, 20 years or so. The pace of D.C. is so vastly different from NYC, much calmer, more measured, and the traffic is a lot less crazy.
When we returned to the City we stayed one night, then got Dana's car and drove out to Greenport, on the north shore of Long Island. Friends Dottie and Richard came out for one night and we went out for Maine Lobster. Yessssss. Dana and I stayed on for 2 more days, just relaxing, also visiting Shelter Island. This island, reached by ferry, has "summer houses" that are mansions, surrounded by acres, leading down to the water.
Outside of the City my eyes just couldn't get enough GREEN. During my visit it only rained a couple of times,and I was diappointed. Course, everyone there thot I was bonkers. Told them we don't get rain in CA for months on end. They just shook their heads in disbelief.
The end of Dana's vacation came so Mom was on her own for 3 days. I took myself shopping at Lord & Taylor on 5th Ave., visited the NY Public Library lions, did my usual tour of MoMA and the Big G., walked and gawked up at both tall and beautiful old buildings and took loads of photos. Bought some sidewalk art outside the Met, and tried and missed a boat trip out of the South St. Seaport to see the waterfall art exhibit. Yes, and I souvenier shopped.
Some highlights included a wonderful as always dinner at Sevilla in Greenwich Village with Dana and Monica; at least 3 meals at the Barking Dog which is attached to the Dumont; a great pedicure with Dana in the next chair; fantastic views from EVERY hotel room we stayed in (4); being taken care of and spoiled by every, single person (especially Dana) that I encountered. Even had a great hair cut and color by "Dios" in the salon up the street. Not expensive.
I'm already planning on when I can go back. I do hope to import Dana early next year in order to celebrate her 40th birthday. How is it possible that my "baby" is older than I am?
September after Labor Day -- a great time to be on the East Coast. Weather is mild, not humid, kids back in school, everyone walks with a brisker step. Well, New York City buzzes with its own energy, and it transmits it to my core being. Dana got us a great suite at the Affinia Dumont Hotelon 34th St. and 3rd Ave., where she works. I qualify for Friends and Family discount, and it was a whopper.
When I arrived at LaGuardia (after non-eventful flights, changing at Denver), I took a Yellow Cab to the hotel, as Dana was still on duty. That was the last time I touched my luggage for 2 weeks. We had dinner in the room and I went to bed early.
Next day we relaxed and she re-introduced me to everyone on the staff. From then on I was "Mom." As in: Is Mom having a good time? Is everything alright with Mom? How's your room, Mom? Yes, Yes and Terrific. They all love Dana, so automatically I'm a celebrity from the West Coast. It's fun.
We had massages that day at the Spa, which IS the 2nd floor of the hotel. Next day we trained up to the New York Botanical Gardens, a gorgeous place. Lush and greener than green, there is a collection of more than one million living plants, 30,000 trees, and what they call the most beautiful rose garden in America among its 250 acres. There's a conservatory that provides "an ecotour of the world and renowned seasonal exhibitions; magnificent collections of trees, schrubs, and flowers." It was so tropical inside the conservatory building that I was bitten 2ce by mosquitoes, each one must have been humongous!
The highlight of the visit was the Henry Moore sculpture exhibition. There were 21 pieces placed throughout the gardens. As he's one of my long time favorite artists, I was rather over the top -- to actually see them "in person." And please don't tell anyone that I actually touched a few. Wow! Well, there were no guards staring at me like they do at MoMA and the Guggenheim...
Then we spent a couple of days in Washington D.C., also traveling by train, and stayed with my former in-laws, who remain my children's aunt and uncle. We didn't have a lot of time to sight-see but it was wonderful seeing Cathy and Neil after, um, 20 years or so. The pace of D.C. is so vastly different from NYC, much calmer, more measured, and the traffic is a lot less crazy.
When we returned to the City we stayed one night, then got Dana's car and drove out to Greenport, on the north shore of Long Island. Friends Dottie and Richard came out for one night and we went out for Maine Lobster. Yessssss. Dana and I stayed on for 2 more days, just relaxing, also visiting Shelter Island. This island, reached by ferry, has "summer houses" that are mansions, surrounded by acres, leading down to the water.
Outside of the City my eyes just couldn't get enough GREEN. During my visit it only rained a couple of times,and I was diappointed. Course, everyone there thot I was bonkers. Told them we don't get rain in CA for months on end. They just shook their heads in disbelief.
The end of Dana's vacation came so Mom was on her own for 3 days. I took myself shopping at Lord & Taylor on 5th Ave., visited the NY Public Library lions, did my usual tour of MoMA and the Big G., walked and gawked up at both tall and beautiful old buildings and took loads of photos. Bought some sidewalk art outside the Met, and tried and missed a boat trip out of the South St. Seaport to see the waterfall art exhibit. Yes, and I souvenier shopped.
Some highlights included a wonderful as always dinner at Sevilla in Greenwich Village with Dana and Monica; at least 3 meals at the Barking Dog which is attached to the Dumont; a great pedicure with Dana in the next chair; fantastic views from EVERY hotel room we stayed in (4); being taken care of and spoiled by every, single person (especially Dana) that I encountered. Even had a great hair cut and color by "Dios" in the salon up the street. Not expensive.
I'm already planning on when I can go back. I do hope to import Dana early next year in order to celebrate her 40th birthday. How is it possible that my "baby" is older than I am?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Life Is Good
It’s a dry heat, but wowee - - it’s HOT! The front porch thermometer reads 94 F. We’re at Quail Cottage for our 3 day mini vacation, will be leaving in a couple of hours, after lunch. Patrick and I wander around with wet towels around our necks. We’re so used to the cool, coastal region where it rarely gets higher than in the 80’s.
Yesterday we visited with Mike Corbett and Jennifer, my tenants in the mobile on the Pond Property. They are so nice, and Great Tenants. Mike: “Let me give you September’s rent and save 49 cents.” Getting the rent over half a month early is unheard of. But I’ll take it. Told them I’d like them to teach a class on how to be a good tenant – that I have some students for them.
The Q’s need lessons. Not so much one of my other tenants, Ms. P., although she’s been complaining lately about her loss of privacy. Can’t be helped when someone owns the property next door and has work done on it from time to time. If’s she’s so fearful for her safety she should take an apt. in town. All 6’ and a couple of hundred pounds of her…
Sorry, but true. I have less and less patience with the negative people in this world. I refuse to play their games of: “Ain’t It Awful?” Or,” I could never accomplish anything like that!” Look on the bright side, people. You are alive and-- Life is Good.
Lunch yesterday with Marie at the Japanese restaurant in Oakhurst. Opa? She’s my: the glass is half full friend. And we reinforce each other. I’ve been quoting her lately with her phrase, “If there is a recession going on now, I just refuse to participate!” Moi, aussi!
When we get home I’m sure I’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good the house looks now. We finished the remodel last week and had a fantastic party 8/2 to celebrate, both the house and Patrick’s 62nd birthday. Our grandson brought his mommy, my BFF Pat was with us for 5 days, all from the Bay Area. Friend Ellie from Van Nuys came for the week end. We partied hearty and I was exhausted by Monday, when everyone left.
OK, menudo soup, salad and fresh corn on the cob lunch time… For now.
Yesterday we visited with Mike Corbett and Jennifer, my tenants in the mobile on the Pond Property. They are so nice, and Great Tenants. Mike: “Let me give you September’s rent and save 49 cents.” Getting the rent over half a month early is unheard of. But I’ll take it. Told them I’d like them to teach a class on how to be a good tenant – that I have some students for them.
The Q’s need lessons. Not so much one of my other tenants, Ms. P., although she’s been complaining lately about her loss of privacy. Can’t be helped when someone owns the property next door and has work done on it from time to time. If’s she’s so fearful for her safety she should take an apt. in town. All 6’ and a couple of hundred pounds of her…
Sorry, but true. I have less and less patience with the negative people in this world. I refuse to play their games of: “Ain’t It Awful?” Or,” I could never accomplish anything like that!” Look on the bright side, people. You are alive and-- Life is Good.
Lunch yesterday with Marie at the Japanese restaurant in Oakhurst. Opa? She’s my: the glass is half full friend. And we reinforce each other. I’ve been quoting her lately with her phrase, “If there is a recession going on now, I just refuse to participate!” Moi, aussi!
When we get home I’m sure I’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good the house looks now. We finished the remodel last week and had a fantastic party 8/2 to celebrate, both the house and Patrick’s 62nd birthday. Our grandson brought his mommy, my BFF Pat was with us for 5 days, all from the Bay Area. Friend Ellie from Van Nuys came for the week end. We partied hearty and I was exhausted by Monday, when everyone left.
OK, menudo soup, salad and fresh corn on the cob lunch time… For now.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
No, We're Not
Cont'd.
...all the important things to take when evacuating your home...
It was the 3rd night of the Gap Fire in Goleta. We had gotten recorded messages on the reverse 911 system before, but this one seemed to say we were on notice to actually evacuate. After consulting w/the neighbors, who didn't feel any urgency, we felt a bit better. We still half packed the car, and went to bed rather tense. We were able to stay after all.
It's been a week of ash raining on everything, smelling smoke, listening anxiously to the news, power outages every day and evening, checking the sky for the direction of the smoke. It's been a month of extensive remodel and we have been without a kitchen, dining room and living room. We huddle in the back 2 rooms with even the porch out of bounds because of the poor air quality and my asthma.
Add to that Patrick's 2 week bout (during this time) with a 9 mm. kidney stone and it's apparent we have been dealing with a lot. They finally blasted it with some sort of laser surgery.
The kitchen cabinets are being installed at this moment. I think we'll be done in about 2 weeks. We will celebrate on August 2nd with an open house reception and we've invited all of "Andy's boys" who helped make our dream come true. Champagne, please.
...all the important things to take when evacuating your home...
It was the 3rd night of the Gap Fire in Goleta. We had gotten recorded messages on the reverse 911 system before, but this one seemed to say we were on notice to actually evacuate. After consulting w/the neighbors, who didn't feel any urgency, we felt a bit better. We still half packed the car, and went to bed rather tense. We were able to stay after all.
It's been a week of ash raining on everything, smelling smoke, listening anxiously to the news, power outages every day and evening, checking the sky for the direction of the smoke. It's been a month of extensive remodel and we have been without a kitchen, dining room and living room. We huddle in the back 2 rooms with even the porch out of bounds because of the poor air quality and my asthma.
Add to that Patrick's 2 week bout (during this time) with a 9 mm. kidney stone and it's apparent we have been dealing with a lot. They finally blasted it with some sort of laser surgery.
The kitchen cabinets are being installed at this moment. I think we'll be done in about 2 weeks. We will celebrate on August 2nd with an open house reception and we've invited all of "Andy's boys" who helped make our dream come true. Champagne, please.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Are We Evacuating?
Let's see, meds; lock box w/papers; selected photo albums; address book; cell phones; bank check books; lap top; birds & bird seed; my very special drawing by famous artist; jewelry, more sentimental than valuable...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Mexican Recycling -- The Lack Thereof
Even as a young teen ager, exploring Tijuana with my parents, I noticed a certain, uh, messyness. Back in the early 50's Americans were starting to deal with trash-on-the-side-of-the-road, beginning a campaign to clean up, don't throw stuff out of car windows, be responsible. A hefty fine helped.
In the past few decades, (most) people in most countries have become aware that we MUST recycle to save our planet.
Not in Mexico.
Can't there be a force that could turn these folks around,and reward them for recycling -- partly with hard cash? Just as we have in America? I believe it must be done, and it's totally possible, with education.
In Acapulco, in addition to some ugly hillsides littered with discarded trash of all kinds, the streets are strewn with empty plastic bottles, paper, soda cans. Name it. We even noticed an obviously abandoned parked car during our walks into town that was filled with recyclables. In its front seat. Oh my.
We also noticed the problem during our week long stay in Ensenada last year. So it seems to be a country-wide crisis. Ideas?
In the past few decades, (most) people in most countries have become aware that we MUST recycle to save our planet.
Not in Mexico.
Can't there be a force that could turn these folks around,and reward them for recycling -- partly with hard cash? Just as we have in America? I believe it must be done, and it's totally possible, with education.
In Acapulco, in addition to some ugly hillsides littered with discarded trash of all kinds, the streets are strewn with empty plastic bottles, paper, soda cans. Name it. We even noticed an obviously abandoned parked car during our walks into town that was filled with recyclables. In its front seat. Oh my.
We also noticed the problem during our week long stay in Ensenada last year. So it seems to be a country-wide crisis. Ideas?
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