Happy 63rd Birthday!

We miss you.

Happy 62nd Birthday!

We think of you always!

Happy 61st Birthday James!

61st

November 5th, 2011 – James’ Memorial

Ten years ago today, Redwing generously hosted a memorial for James.  They provided a feast and it was a wonderful celebration of his life and the people he touched along the way.  Thanks to everyone that was able to make it.

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The first and last pictures are Artie sitting in James’ favorite spot at the bar.  We love and miss you James!

10 Years…1 Decade

A bit of a warning…the following images are a bit graphic in nature and hard to look at.  They show the toll that cancer takes on the body while James was fighting to survive each day.  But these are the most recent pictures we have of him.

It’s October 22, 2011.  Kabir’s birthday and just 3 days before the inevitable.  He got to celebrate one last birthday with one of his best friends.

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When we celebrated this year, we were thinking of you, James.  We miss you!

 

 

“My friend just died. I don’t know what to do.”

Re-posting this here –

 

“Alright, here goes. I’m old. What that means is that I’ve survived (so far) and a lot of people I’ve known and loved did not.

I’ve lost friends, best friends, acquaintances, co-workers, grandparents, mom, relatives, teachers, mentors, students, neighbors, and a host of other folks. I have no children, and I can’t imagine the pain it must be to lose a child. But here’s my two cents.

I wish I could say you get used to people dying. I never did. I don’t want to. It tears a hole through me whenever somebody I love dies, no matter the circumstances. But I don’t want it to “not matter”. I don’t want it to be something that just passes.

My scars are a testament to the love and the relationship that I had for and with that person. And if the scar is deep, so was the love. So be it. Scars are a testament to life. Scars are a testament that I can love deeply and live deeply and be cut, or even gouged, and that I can heal and continue to live and continue to love. And the scar tissue is stronger than the original flesh ever was. Scars are a testament to life. Scars are only ugly to people who can’t see.

As for grief, you’ll find it comes in waves. When the ship is first wrecked, you’re drowning, with wreckage all around you. Everything floating around you reminds you of the beauty and the magnificence of the ship that was, and is no more. And all you can do is float. You find some piece of the wreckage and you hang on for a while. Maybe it’s some physical thing. Maybe it’s a happy memory or a photograph. Maybe it’s a person who is also floating. For a while, all you can do is float. Stay alive.

In the beginning, the waves are 100 feet tall and crash over you without mercy. They come 10 seconds apart and don’t even give you time to catch your breath. All you can do is hang on and float. After a while, maybe weeks, maybe months, you’ll find the waves are still 100 feet tall, but they come further apart. When they come, they still crash all over you and wipe you out. But in between, you can breathe, you can function.

You never know what’s going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, a street intersection, the smell of a cup of coffee. It can be just about anything…and the wave comes crashing. But in between waves, there is life.

Somewhere down the line, and it’s different for everybody, you find that the waves are only 80 feet tall. Or 50 feet tall. And while they still come, they come further apart. You can see them coming. An anniversary, a birthday, or Christmas, or landing at O’Hare. You can see it coming, for the most part, and prepare yourself. And when it washes over you, you know that somehow you will, again, come out the other side. Soaking wet, sputtering, still hanging on to some tiny piece of the wreckage, but you’ll come out.

Take it from an old guy. The waves never stop coming, and somehow you don’t really want them to. But you learn that you’ll survive them. And other waves will come. And you’ll survive them too. If you’re lucky, you’ll have lots of scars from lots of loves. And lots of shipwrecks.”

~ by GSnow

Yahoo Answers Answers Part 98

What is a great dip recipe or idea for crackers or chips?

Favorite Answer:

Hey Lexi,

If you like pizza, you will love this recipe.

Equal parts of:

Kraft Miracle Whip (Don’t use mayonnaise, you need the tang of Miracle Whip)

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Don’t use the expensive fresh.).

Diced or Sliced Jalapenos, In a can, Drained, Liquid set aside.

Artichoke Hearts with liquid.

Add all ingredients into oven safe dish, mix together, taste. If it needs a little more heat, add some of the liquid that you saved from the canned jalapenos.

Bake at 300-350 for about 1/2 hour. If you need to re-heat through your party/event — this microwaves well. If you didn’t want to use your oven, microwave from beginning for about 10 minutes, it will taste just as good.

Good Eating,

James in San Diego

p.s. I just remembered another one:

2 Packages of Cream Cheese – Room Temperature.

1 Jar (5 or 6 oz.) of Sun Dried Tomatoes (in oil, drained) OR

1 Jar (5 or 6 oz.) of Roasted Red Peppers

Put cheese and Tomatoes (OR peppers) into Food Processor (You can use a blender, but you’ll have to keep scraping the sides, more than you would have to the food processor).

When finished, refrigerate.

That one is sinful!

James

 

Can you spoil a 7 month old baby?

Hey Jennifer,

YUP!

What you are talking about — EVERY PARENT experiences!

Behavior! Either you modify it or IT will modify YOU!

It’s OK to let the baby cry. This will not last for long. If you don’t modify your behavior, as the years go on, you will witness fits while in line at the Grocery Store. Tantrums while at the Toy store and worse.

Do you really want a teenager that rebels so bad when you tell him he can’t spend the evening/weekend etc with someone you don’t trust?

Start now or forever hold your peace!

Just my opinion,

James in San Diego

 

if you drink alchol the night before a blood test , will it show up?

Hey Newman,

Well, it will depend on how much and when. If you were to have a glass or two of wine at 6pm and the test is at 10am the next morning, the chances are VERY slim.

You go to a bachlorette party and get home at 3am and the test is at the same time, you are busted!

Hope you ain’t in trouble!

James in San Diego

 

More and more wines are being sold in a box. What do think do you think about that?

Hey Soar,

I found out years ago, the secret to wine tasting. It’s a very specific talent, that may take years of training and the average person might not fathom this concept — but here goes!

The best wine to drink….

Is the wine that you enjoy!

Box, Bottle, Vat… Who cares!

If you like it, then it’s the best wine in the world. Just don’t limit yourself. (Years ago, I used to like Sutter Home! After tasting many different wines, I realized that it was the worst wine I HAD EVER TASTED! That, shouldn’t take away the millions of people every year that buy Sutter Home — Just not my cup of tea… er, Wine!

Good Drinking,

James in San Diego

 

Did you ever get caught masturbating at work ?

Hey Patrick,

Only did it once, long time ago — Never got caught!

But,

My guess is that you did :-p

Hope you’re not in trouble

James

 

Is yogurt really alive when you eat it?

Hey Edna,

YUP! Alive as you and I are!

Anything that can grow mold (Milk, Cheese, Bread, Meat) is a living organism. Lucky for us, it is not able to walk out of our fridge.

That being said (before everyone jumps on my case) — The LIVING part happens to be the organisms that live off the host. Living organisms (except us and a few insects) don’t eat dead things (I’m not talking about the dead cow, it’s organs still have living things in them) That’s why we don’t have animals digging up things that have been dead for months for a quick meal.

Under a microscope, you might not see things “moving around”, but you will definitely see living organisms.

Good Eating!

James in San Diego

Yahoo Answers Answers Part 97

I live in the south. Would it be too country for me to have fried chicken at my reception?

Favorite Answer:

Hey Mark’s wife – 2 – B!

When my wife and I were to get married, her mother had these plans for a reception that would have made a state dinner look like a hot dog cook-off! There were two caterers, an expensive hall, flowers from every florist that she could find in the pages of the phone book :-s !

Kathy & I needed a break, so one weekend we went up to Northern California to go hiking, we came across this older church, nothing spectacular, and we started talking… to make a long story short,

Our wedding and reception was at a small white church in Long Beach, California. We served fried chicken and all the fixins on picnic tables set-up behind the church. We had no live band but we did have music. The children were able to run around and chase each other. We had a country wedding and neither of us are from the country or the South.

My wife has been gone for 15 years now, but I still have my favorite picture. It is Kathy, resting against an oak tree in the church yard. Sleeping on her lap is our flower girl. Kathy is playing with the flower girls hair by touching the baby’s breath that was in the hair.

That day, TRULY was about love and families!

I hope you have a blessed day, no matter what you serve!

Congratulations!

James in San Diego

 

Who Invented Donuts?

Capricarno is RIGHT ON!

James in San Diego

 

Alcohol prohibtion in U.S.A . possible or impossible ?

Favorite Answer:

Hey Citizen,

Well, since they tried Prohibition in the 1920’s (by Constitutional amendment, no less!), and it didn’t work!

Since they have never legalized Marijuana, and you can get it on most street corners/from friends.

Since they will never be able to prohibit tranquilizers or other sedatives;

And since the governments make sooo much money in taxes on booze, my guess is:

NOPE!

Great question, though!

James in San Diego

 

How are the prices at The Cheesecake Factory and is it a kid friendly place?

Hey Mom,

I don’t believe that most kids would like it. It’s not kid friendly in the design.

You will wait for up to an hour (more on the weekends)!

The waiting are has VERY little seating, so for that hour+ you are standing.

Unless your kids are drones or Borgs, they probably will want a play area or at least a place to chase each other around and act like kids! This would be lacking in any of those amenities.

Plus, the food is not only priced like Olive Garden, it’s on the same level. If you are going to wait an hour+ to be seated and another 1/2 hour to get food, SHOULDN’T IT BE A GREAT MEAL?

Just my opinion!

James in San Diego

 

how do fast food resturants make their food soooo good?

Hey ……..,

I agree, they don’t use MSG, but they do use seasoned salt (Salt with spices like Paprika).

Salt/Seasoning + Fat = Flavor!

Sorry, there are not a whole lot of substitutions.

I don’t like salt… So I try not to add it to my cooking, Sadly, I can tell the difference 🙁

Good Eating,

James in San Diego

 

why is it so hard to find a good relationship after so many failed ones?

Hey Suzanne,

I am a guy/dog. I don’t have much luck with relationships. It actually got so bad that I’ve just put them on hold for awhile.

In my experience, I find that I bring my past experiences to the dinner table/date/conversations with me.

I also seem to compare that person to how my successful relationships have been.

So in actuality, I am bringing another person with me — always.

Until I stop comparing my date to others, I’m going to stop for awhile.

Just my opinion!

James in San Diego

Yahoo Answers Answers Part 96

What do you order when you go to Buca di Beppo?

Favorite Answer:

Hello Bastet,

My personal preference for having at Buca di Beppo is ….

TUMS – And lot’s of them.

I have been there twice, I have an iron stomach and can eat most any food but both times I’ve gone there, I have had the worst heartburn/stomach ache! I don’t know what it is, but this never happens at any other place.

It could also be the fact that for some reason my friends I’ve gone with don’t seem to have a problem waiting 1 hour to be seated.

If you forget TUMS, then I go with the first gal…. WINE and Lots of it!

Good Eating?

James in San Diego

 

How do you get your children from being lesbians?

Hey Nikki,

My guess would be the same way I can get you to stop being a dumb*ss biggoted biatch that can’t figure out how to use this free service!

IT AINT POSSIBLE!

 

If the church condemns the drinking of alcohol…Why did Jesus turn water into wine at a wedding???

Hey Mama,

I don’t believe that the “Church” condemns drinking alcohol. I believe that “Some Churches” believe that you shouldn’t drink. Those churches are usually Evangelical – (Baptist, Church of God, Four Square, Quaker) or are group churches (Latter Day Sts., Christian Scientist…)

I think the confusion is that most churches feel (as the bible also states) that you should not be UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

In Jesus time, water was usually unfit to drink (remember, that was their tub, shower, laundry, Ox bath, floor cleaner….) so most civilizations made their water into spirits as a way to make it fit to drink.

As early as a few generations ago, Beer and Wine surpassed water, tea, milk and hard liquor as the beverage of choice for most people around the world.

Great Question!

James In San Diego

 

where to buy chroma type 301 by f.a Porsche knives in las Vegas NV?

Favorite Answer:

Well Stan,

If you don’t mind the price there are several places that sell them along the strip.

They are the Sur La Table at Caesars Forum

the Crate & Barrel at Caesars Forum

Ah Sin at the Paris Hotel

A little more affordable are:

Las Vegas Safe & Knife, they’re about 2000 Rainbow Road (parallel to the strip). I don’t know if they will carry Porshe, but you can call)

Or even better;

Ask chefs while you are in Las Vegas, they will know of new and used knives available. Also try one of the many cooking schools, same criteria.

Good Honing!

James In San Diego

 

Does anyone have a recipe for angel cake?

Hey Sheng,

While it’s not difficult to make, only eggs, flour, vanilla and some butter and sugar, with all the separating of eggs to whip and fold into the yolks and flour, I honestly find it easier and less hassel to buy it from store ( especially since it is only available in small loaves or in that cake form with the hole!)

Trust me, any time I can spend < $3.50 and save myself two hours of prep and cook, is money WELL SPENT!

Sorry to be the lazy one!

James in San Diego

 

Look at this…?

Favorite Answer:

Hello Guru,

As much as I think that members of this world community should share in the decisions in the Middle East, those of us in the World Community have failed the Middle East, Horribly.

There has been death and unrest there for nearly 6000 years.

As much as I hate to say it;

The world needs to let the middle east destroy itself. Survival of the fittest.

If I take Israel’s side, then I am a piggy american

If I take any other arabic countries side, then I am a terrorist.

So, I will take Jordons side….

They say nothing, do nothing and basically are waiting ’til the middle east is a smoking pile and will go in and become the dominant force.

If the middle east can’t solve their own problems… Then the hell with them!

The piggy american with the terrorist living insde!

James

Yahoo Answers Answers Part 95

why are all the seven elevens owned by indians?

Favorite Answer:

Dear Proud,

Mainly the reason that you see only foreign born persons owning convenience stores is very simple….

We are TOO LAZY!

Running a convenience store is long hours and hard work. You will work many hours alone, mostly on your feet, with no breaks. When was the last time that you went into a convenience store and found the clerk gabbing on the phone? I have only seen it once.

If these places were such Tax hideouts, you would see every Doctor and Lawyer in America working at or owning one!

And as to your ALL and INDIANS, I know of many 7/11’a and Arco Mini Marts and such that are owned by African refugees, Iraqi’s and Muslims from the Mideast. I haven’t seen any here in San Diego owned by Indians. Now there are a lot of Mom & Pop motels here in San Diego owned by Indians, but that is because of the huge Tax benefits that the stooopid people keep talking about…!

James

 

Is religion not racist?

Hey B.W.,

I believe RELIGION is racist. If it weren’t then you would not have killings/ethnic strife based on the will of God/god/a god.

However, racisim is a learned trait. We are not born that way!

So, maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks. Racisim can be unlearned…It just takes an open heart 🙂

James

P.S.

Oops, Lou 300;

You say that religion SHOULD teach tolerance. It usually doesn’t. If it did, you wouldn’t have them demonstrating against such things as gay marriage, Terry Shaivo, or shouting down people at Military Funerals (Westboro Baptist Church).

Sorry!

 

Chocolate pie with marshmallow cream?

Hmmm Cassy…,

Let’s see, Graham Cracker crust (with lot’s of butter, no doubt), Topped with a lovely chocolate mouselike topping, with just a dollop of Marshmallow cream, to balance the taste….

Cassy, If you ain’t 400lbs by Friday, you are just dreaming!

FAT? No dude, fat is like when you have a scoop of ice cream. Fat is like when you get the fries instead of the salad. Fat is when you decide to only walk 3 blocks instead of 6.

No, you’re talking coronary! It was nice knowing you while you lived… (Oh, and please save me a slice…)!

James in San Diego

 

what if alcohol was never invented???

Favorite Answer:

Well Jason,

If you are not including the earliest uses of alcohol (making water potable, anesthesia in surgery, disinfecting wounds, preserving food) and you are only referring to alcohols bad rap, then I would have to say;

1). We would probably be a little more uptight.

2). Murders / Suicides / Rapes would be much lower.

3). Ugly people would probably never get laid.

4). Good looking people would be lousier lays.

5). Smokers would take A LOT more heat, (Driving while smoking… Hey, someones got to pay those fines!).

6). We would have “Milk Bars” and milk would be taxed up the yin-yang.

7). We would have to blame ourselves for our children’s failures!

AND LASTLY, Yes, we would still have wars. You said no Alcohol, you didn’t say “No Male Testosterone!”

Love and smoochies!

James in San Diego

 

How many drinks a day is harmful?

Favorite Answer:

Hey Spike,

The American Medical Association and the Surgeon General have stated that they feel that no more than two drinks a day is beneficial. Red wine is supposed to be the most beneficial due to the anti-oxidants (however, they don’t mention the sulfites, which are supposed to be harmful to everyone). Beer is supposed to be the next best alcohol you can drink.

Remember, women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should never have alcohol.

That being said, the former actor, singer and vaudevillian, George Burns used to have two glasses of scotch and two cigars per day and he lived to 99! So, I guess, everything in moderation!

 

Do you like Chimay Blue or Red better? Why?

Hey Ouros,

Sign me up for Blue! That beautiful head on the top with those creamy bubbles….

Sorry, I got lost in the moment for a few….

Yup, I vote for Blue!

Good Drinking,

James in San Diego