New Car!

My new baby, due tomorrow. A 2006 Nissan Murano, white with a tan interior. Sweet. Quiet. Strong. Joe's smitten too. After a five-year hiatus with Toyotas, I've gone back to Nissan. In 1980 I bought a new Datsun 280Z, which I had until 1988 when I got the red 300ZX; kept until the Toyota Solara in 2001. Toyota makes such an excellent car that I'm nervous making the switch. I could easily and happily have bought the Highlander. But there was something about that Murano. It's a quality car with good looks. At least I think so.

One quality worthy of mention is the Murano's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) . It doesn't change gears, so you don't have that sensation you're used to as you accelerate. The CVT transmission has been used in Japan for over a decade, so I'm comfortable with it.

Tonight, in just a few minutes, we have another entertaining hour of American Idol auditions -- always a good time -- and then a new episode of LOST! Can't wait! That and a new car. How lucky am I?

Annie

...my sister, of whom I am way proud.

My Sago

Joe hates our sago palm. It thrives in our climate, but isn't well-placed. It encroaches onto a walking path in our back yard, scratching us at arm-level if we aren't careful. But I think they're beautiful. Hmmm -- Oprah just announced the topic of her show today: a baby born with two heads. More interesting than a sago palm photograph, if it's true. I think I'll watch. Now isn't that lovely?

Goodby Flu

Hello Santa Barbara pier pelican and lamp. I haven't posted since I got the flu just after Christmas, and even Nancy tired of seeing her own image on this blog. I'm glad someone's checking in. Hi Nancy. Here ya go.

I drew this pelican over a year ago with soft pastels, my first true love. I boxed up my pastels a year ago and put them in the garage while I explored other media (mediums??) like watercolor and pen & ink. But I miss them, with their buttery softness and rich hues.