Harvest Park - and it's cast of characters.

So the apartment complex I am staying in is called the Harvest Park Apartments. I don't think you could get any more characters within a three block radius then I have already met. First there was Randy, the stressed out maintenance man of Harvest Park. Randy always walks around this place like some of the trauma surgeons do at work. He is very important to the over all function of Harvest Park. He is always in a hurry, head down, walking really fast, with some tool in his hand; or plunger a few times. Always putting out small fires. If you ask him how he is doing...he sighs, "Oh you know, it's busy around here. " The first week I was here he had to put a fresh coat of paint on my walls. He came over at like 5:30 in the evening to start the job....??? He was off work at 6. Did he really think that he was going to get it all done in 30min? Within that 30 min. he left my apartment four times...to retrieve tools or little odds and ends. Finally at 6:15, wanting a little time to myself, I suggested that he come back in the morning when I was at work to finish up the walls...."Oh that would be great! Are you sure? I can stay and finish, it's no problem." This is after he has spent the last 30 min telling me why he has been so busy today. "This old man...fell. I had to call his son. I had two toilets overflow. One girl got locked out. And my new manager has been on my ass about everything." Boy, I was really feeling for Randy. But I let him go for the evening. He came back the next day and finished the project. I wasn't home, and I guess he was going to rinse out his paint brushes in my kitchen sink and got paint on some of my pots and pans. So what did he do...he did all my dishes in the sink! When I asked him about it he just blushed..."oh well, I got some paint on your pots...and needed to clean it up." He is very nice...but a little creepy.

Then I explained Mrs. Doolittle...if you missed that entry, please re-read a few previous entries and you will know who Mrs. Doolittle is.

The next on the cast of characters is a family. This family is made up of a grandma (nana), mom (she is my age) and four children....my favorite goes by Pudgie. He is this little rolly polly three and a half year old boy. Chubby as can be. And everyone calls him Pudgie. LOL. I don't know Pudgie very well, but I do know that he is in trouble a lot, because at various hours of the day and night i hear his mother or occasionally his grandmother yell, "Pudgie! Hey Pudgie! Get back in here!!!!" This in a very thick southern accent. I was unsure of the educational status of these kids, seeming that they were at the pool during school hours. I did see them getting off a school bus yesterday. In fact, Pudgie almost got nailed by an oncoming car while waiting for his siblings to get off the bus. He is too cute! I heart Pudgie!

My final character....is my newest friend here at Harvest Park. Right after I first moved in, I was making a trip to the dumpster when I heard a loud meowing. Me being the cat lover that I am, and missing Jack, looked around for the kitty. Not seeing anything, I headed back to my apartment. The meow got louder as I got closer to my apt. Almost to my door, I looked up. There it was. A beautiful grey and white cat in the window sill of the apartment directly above me. The cat meowed again, and I began talking to the cat. "Hi buddy, aren't you pretty. What a pretty kitty." As I realized how I might look, looking up and talking to a cat in the window...I quickly stopped and headed back into my apt. About a week later, I was at the pool and started talking to these two girls about my age, both very friendly. I learned that one of the girls was a single gal, who just quite her job as a pharmaceutical rep....she had enough money to just live for a few months until she moved to Chico and start up on her pre-nursing classes. When she found out I was a nurse...it was all over. She was inquiring about what path she should take..and how she could get there. After finding out she lived directly above me, I confessed to talking to her cat. She insisted that I come up and meet Cody sometime. Thinking nothing of it, I agreed. About three weeks have gone by, and I have yet to see the woman who lives above me....until yesterday that is. Again on my way to the dumpster and then to the mall, I ran into her. She said she was just going to knock on my door and see if I wanted to come up and meet Cody. I was wishing at this point I could remember her name, I said..."Ok sure." She then launched in to, "I have a huge favor to ask of you..." I should have ran. But I didn't. "What's that?" I said. She proceeded to tell me that she was going out of town next week and was wondering if I would keep an eye on Cody. "Oh sure." I said. She then said, "I remembered that you had a cat, and if you would like, you could keep Cody down at your apartment if you want to. She is totally de-clawed, litter box trained, she really is the best cat. And she just loves to go to new places." OK...i am thinking. This is kinda weird. Is this woman trying to pawn off her cat on me? Is this woman actually moving to Chico next week, and just wants me to take her cat for good? HMMMMM. As we made our way up to her apartment I asked about her move...very nonchalantly of course. She informed me that she and her boyfriend from Chico broke up. So, no move was in her near future. WHEWW! I thought. As we entered her apartment, she began calling Cody, in a weird form of baby talk. LOL. When she saw that Cody wasn't coming...she burst out in song... "Good morning, good morning, Good morning. How are is Cody this morning? Good morning, good morning, good morning..." As she sang, I thought, "is this really happening to me? She looked so normal. But what was with the song?" I couldn't help the little chuckle that came out of me. After the second verse of the good morning song, I asked, "Do I have to sing that song to her every morning when she is with me?" LOL! I couldn't help it. I had to call her on it. LOL. That wasn't normal! LOL. She replied, "Oh no, that is something I have been doing forever with her." Oh my word. Cody finally made an appearance in the living room for a few minutes before retreating back to the bedroom. Cody wouldn't have anything to do with me. She insisted that Cody was a great cat, and when she was gone Cody would really warm up to me. We made a little small talk, exchanged numbers and I headed out to the mall....still not knowing her name. I left the mystery woman, knowing that she was going to bring the cat down sometime to meet me and see my apartment. I couldn't help but wonder if we were dealing with a cat...or an actual human. HMMMMM.

Later that night, she texted me to see if it was ok if she brought Cody down. I was very thankful when she included her name in the text....COURTNEY!!! Finally. LOL. I knew her name. She brought the cat down to check out it's temporary apartment....emphasis on temporary. LOL. Cody and Courtney came down and Cody explored the apartment while Courtney told me again how awesome of a cat Cody was. She travels by car, plane and boat with this cat. She really adapts well to new surroundings, she doesn't try to get outside....which is a good thing because she doesn't have any claws...lol. What was I getting myself into????? I was in too deep so far....I was going to have a house mate for a week, no matter what! LOL.

All kidding aside, Courtney is a very nice girl, and is very greatful for me taking her cat for the week. I really don't mind, I like cats. It not such a big deal because I really do like cats, but I just find it really weird that she asked me to keep the cat at my place...what am I a kennel? Maybe I will be able to make a little extra cash...and start a side job. I could take in animals.....keep them in my fully furnished apartments.....I could advertise a little. Each city I go to I could place ads on craigs list....I could start it off....."Need a cat sitter? I'm your gal!" I think it is a promising business!!! Who knows.

I will keep everyone posted on any new and interesting characters that I come across here at the Harvest Park Apartments....but for now....this is all I've got.

Please check back. I will make sure to include some great pictures of Cody and I enjoying our week together.

Hope you enjoyed my entry today. Thanks again for reading. I miss you all!!!

-Bev =)

My first No.Cal. beach trip pics!

Bodega Bay with a flock of pelicans (looks like a white pile of trash, but they are birds). They were fun to watch for a little while. Cool birds.

North California Coast is much like the Oregon Coast. Very green. But I noticed that most of the trees seemed to have really bad hair days.

This is the ocean overlook where I parked and was able to walk out onto the cliffs a little. I was so high up, I was a little scared to be on the edge.

It was an overcast day, but still really beautiful!

Traveling alone...you have to become one with the birds. They are great travel companions. LOL.

The waves were crashing up on these rocks...so beautiful.

This was the crazy lady who felt the need to be right on the edge of the cliff. I did tell her that I wasn't going to be able to save her if she fell. She didn't care. She still hung off the edge. I didn't tell her that I was taking her picture...lol.

But she insisted that I get a picture of myself...

which I never understand why people take pictures of themselves while traveling alone. But I just went with it. She was very persistent. And look, now I have proof that I was actually there. It looks really cold, but really it was a great day at the beach, not too cold, not too warm.

A view of Bodega Bay. Hey Wes, I spy a RV park!

This is Spud Point Crab Co. where I had lunch. The best clam chowder and crab cakes ever! Yes, even better than Jake's! Notice all the retired people. This is how I knew it was good. LOL. I think that is Carol out grilling something out front. Really cool place.

This is Spud Point Marina. All the fishing/crabbing boats here. This was the view directly across from Spud Point Crab Co. Very relaxing to sit and just chill. I even saw a seal swimming right behind these boats shown here.

Yet another friend I met. This was at Goat Rock Beach. He almost nibbled my toes. Kinda freaked me out a little. There was also a camera crew filming some movie at this beach. So lots to watch.

I sat and read my book, and watched this front move in. It was really kinda cool. I felt the David Salesky coming out in me! LOL.

I then just made my way back via Hwy 1 and back through the wine country...it was so beautiful. There wasn't any room on the shoulder for me to pull over and take pics. But it was a great drive.

This place is NUTS!

Upon my arrival into the Santa Rosa area I really didn't notice much of my surroundings. I was so focused on not getting lost, that I really didn't have a chance to take in all the scenery. Well, four weeks into it....I have been noticing the scenery. At first I didn't think much of the statue of Charlie Brown that greeted me every morning as I got off the dreaded bus at the hospital.

Here is the sight I see every morning at 0645 as I arrive to Santa Rosa Memorial. At first I just thought, "cute, they must have a great pediatric unit here." But, boy was I mistaken.

One of my next destinations that firt week was Applebees' for a little carside to go. Always necessary being single and not really wanting to cook. As I pull up into the carside to go parking I see another statue....this time it was Woodstock. Aparently he enjoys himself a little Applebees also...here he is at the entrance of Applebees.

I finally got up the courage to ask. As the waitress brought my food out to my car I asked, "What is up with all the Peanuts' statues scattered around this city?" After she looked at me like I was a total mental midget..she said, "Oh he lived and died here. They are all over the city." I felt like I was in Texas again. When I lived in Texas with Sara we took it upon ourselves to see how many things we could see that were in the shape of the ever so great state of Texas. We found rocks, bushes, soap, stepping stones, benches, etc. It was great entertainment as we traveled around Texas to find how many different things we could that were shaped like the state of Texas.

Well, here in Santa Rosa I have made it my mission to see how many Peanuts' statues I could find. Here is what I found:

Charlie playes hockey at the ice rink here in town.

Snoopy and Woodstock hang in the park all the time.

Snoopy enjoys a night out on the town.

Snoopy kickin it with Woodstock on his house....this is in front of the museum.

Charlie sells tickets to the Charles Schulz museum....don't really know what is in there. But I am going to go out on a limb and guess....more statues. I didn't want to pay money for something I could see all around town.

Linus and Woodstock at Railroad Square in downtown Santa Rosa.

Snoopy got his braces at the orthodontist's office up the street from the hospital.

There is a whole airport named after Charles Schulz...and guess what. Snoopy hangs out there too.

Snoopy is even carved into the sidewalk! I am really feeling like I am in Texas!

I am sure you are thinking...man, she has way too much time on her hands. Probably so, but I wanted to share with you all the experience of Santa Rosa. These pictures I have shared with you are only a few of the statues and drawings around the city. They are everywhere. I can't get away from them. I would have encluded more, but there have been many times when I couldn't stop to take a pic, or I just didn't have my camera on me. But I think you get the picture.....they are NUTS about the Schultzmeister!

I'm thinking of buying some sort of t-shirt with some Peanuts characters and the words..."I got this shirt in Santa Rosa!" It really is a must have.

I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I did creating it....I miss you all!

-Bev =)

I've found a posse!

I am sorry about the late entry again. But I just haven't really been doing anything exciting down here yet. Since Wednesday...I have been going back and forth with my agency regarding some glitches in the payment category. But, as of now, it's all resolved. It only resulted in a few late bills, and a little increased stress level on my part. No biggie. No harm no foul...right. I am sure I am not the first one to be a little late on a few bills.


Last week I did return to the twilight zone...aka, the Acute Rehab Unit (ARU). This time at the ARU was still a little strange, but not as bad as my previous experience. No nurses having heart attacks, or chewing me a new one for getting a patient out of bed. This time there were a whole 8 patients. In report the nurses were just beside themselves that they had eight patients! WOW. What ever were we going to do. I had a whole four patients! And still did all the vital signs on all the patients. They were just shocked that I could get all my work done and still have time to do eight sets of vital signs! Who are these people? I thought. I worked with another older nurse who shhhhushed me twice during my eight hour shift. I felt as though I was working night shift with Bev Parscale again. I hadn't been shhhhhushed in a really long time. LOL. But she felt that I was being too loud for the middle of the day. Whatever! I also got scolded for "working in her area". Apparently in the med room there was a counter and a med cart. Since her folder was on the med cart, that deemed it her work space. When I went over to the med cart to use some scissors....she quickly and sternly said, "now are you working over here or over on the counter?" I explained my time in front of the med cart would be brief, and she could have her precious space back. It's stuff like this that isn't told to you when you get orientated to a floor....who's side of the med room to stay away from, who is sensitive to loud talking, etc. I am getting the hang of the paper charting. It's a lot of double charting....vitals on the flow sheet, and in the graphics sheet, then post it in the med room also. The charting actually is much easier then computer charting. I can see why the nurses are really angry about going to computer charting. It's because they will actually have to chart more.....because this paper charting is so vague. And leaves a ton of room for interpretation...especially if something ever goes to court. It's a little scary.


Other than the ARU unit, I have been working most of my shifts on the cardiac unit 4W. I guess it would be like the 2G of Providence. I have really enjoyed the staff there. I fit in really nice. I worked there this whole last weekend, and actually liked working the weekend. LOL. I just wish the weekdays could be like the weekends there. I spent a lot of time on the Internet, e-mailing, or checking out things to do here in Sonoma County. But I did get invited to a BBQ this coming weekend, so that will be fun to hang out with everyone outside of work. One nurse Marcea, totally reminds me of my mom in some ways. Wait, she reminds me of Janice Wiant! Yeah. I have found Santa Rosa's Janice!!!! She is really down to earth and fun. And I think we are going to go wine tasting here soon. So that should be fun.


I finally have found my posse!


Monday I went on my first adventure. I headed out to Bodega Bay, CA. It is about 30 minutes from Santa Rosa....right on the beach. I printed off some maps from google and headed out with my book, chair, and blanket determined to find a beach to hang out on. It was a little overcast, but still warm enough to only need a light sweatshirt. As I drove around the bay I passed a little crab house called Spud Point Crab Company. I definitely had to stop on my way back. I made my way down the peninsula looking for the "Ocean Overlook" winding around what seemed to be deserted two way roads. There weren't many cars on the road. I thought I was the only one to find this place. But as I got to the end of the road I found I wasn't alone out there. There were many cars in the parking lot at the end of the two way road all with varying license plates. I parked and walked out to the edge of the cliffs. At the edge, there was a group of older women....maybe 50's, all horsing around on the cliffs. Pretending to shove each other off the edge. Although the view with second to none, these women were making me very nervous, so I didn't stay out there long. I headed back to the car and made my way back to Spud Point Crab Co.


Spud Point Crab Company was a tiny little house that boasted about having the best clam chowder in Bodega Bay three years running. It was located across the street from the Spud Point Marina. Very cool with all the fishing boats docked there and an occasional seal swimming in the water. You walked in the front door of this little house and there was just a counter, a few cold drink fridges, and Carol. Carol apparently was the one responsible for the best clam chowder in Bodega Bay. She was in the back slaving over what I could only assume was more chowder. The menu was small. Crab cakes, crab sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, and chowder. I couldn't decide. I wanted one of everything. I decided with the crab cakes (2 in an order), chowder and a soda....totaling 18.00! WOW! This had better be good. I made my way out to the picnic tables that were out front of the building and chose a seat. The other patrons were obviously all retirees, seeming that it was a Monday afternoon. I definitely was the youngest one there. After one bite of the crab cakes I realized partaking of the best crab cakes on earth!!! They melted in my mouth! I had to refrain from inhaling them in one bite. The clam chowder lived up to it's reputation. It was very good, but by the time I got to the chowder I was full. Bummer...I had left overs. Going to have to take it for lunch tomorrow! I bagged up the leftovers and headed back out.


I made my way up Hwy 1, which is a two lane hwy that winds right up the coast line. It was beautiful. I found myself going only 30 mph so I could take in all the sites. The other drivers were a little perturbed with me, but I didn't care. I was enjoying my drive. I stopped at Goat Rock. It is a public beach..really nice. They were taping some movie there, so I of course had to be nosey and watch them. But I was too chicken to ask what movie they were working on. By the looks of it, it was low budget, but fun nonetheless to watch. I walked out to the beach and set up my chair and blanket and started to read. There were a ton of seagulls around. I didn't think too much of it until one was getting really friendly. It was so tame. This bird was about a foot away from me and moving closer. He totally was wanting food. He was so close i thought he was going to nibble my toes. After about a 5 minute stare down, he gave up and flew away. I stayed on the beach for about an hour just reading and enjoying the view. I then headed back up Hwy 1 and cut over some hwy...I don't remember. But the drive back to Santa Rosa was similar to the drive from Lincoln City to Salem through the VanDouzer corridor. It was beautiful. Through redwoods, and small cities with a ton of bed and breakfasts. Many of the small towns seemed to have a underwear optional attitude, seeming that I saw many large breasted women...without bras on! LOL. My kind of place.

I can't tell you how many vineyards I passed on my way to and from the beach. This place is littered with wine! Again, my kind of place! I believe I have chosen well. I found some cooking classes in Sonoma that I am going to try out. Along with some wine/food pairing sessions at various vineyards in the area. I can't wait to take advantage of this area. I will keep everyone posted on my activities.

Thanks for reading thus far. I really do miss everyone! Take care.
-Bev =)

Breakin the LAW!

I have to apologize for the late entry here. I have had a rough couple of days. I still haven't gotten out and done much exploring yet, due to fund-age issues....which sucks. But I did get to go back to work yesterday after four days off. I actually was excited to return back to work for the mere fact that I missed conversation. I was a little lonely. So Tuesday couldn't come soon enough....or so I thought. As I got ready for my first of three shifts, I decided that I would sleep a little later and push my time line on getting to work. Everything was going well, I had even found a new way to get to "The Lot". Many of you read my previous entry that explained that as a day shift employee here at Santa Rosa Memorial we have to park at the Vet's Building and be bussed in to the hospital. The original way that I had been going was a little long, and I knew that there was an easier way to "The Lot". Long about the last light before "The Lot" I was feeling so triumphant in finding a new way to my daily destination that I got lost in my thoughts. As I sat at my red light, I saw the nice police car that was adjacent from me, I thought, "man good thing I didn't just run that yellow light....I would have gotten pulled over for sure." As my light turned green I slowly made a left turn right in front of the on coming police car. "OH CRAP!, I should have yielded to oncoming traffic....and it's a cop!" What luck. Only my luck. I continued with my left turn continually peering into my rear view mirror hoping and praying that the cop somehow didn't see me....RIGHT! The squad car made a sharp right turn and quickly was on my bumper. As I pull into "The Lot", I have this squad car on my ass. The lights didn't turn on until I was completely in "The Lot". When I saw the lights, I quickly pulled over...as much as you can in a parking lot...completely empty. I was for sure getting out of this one...I would win over the cop with my charm and "new to the city" innocence. As I look in my side mirror...I see to much dismay....a...FEMALE COP! I am doomed. I am for sure getting a ticket. As she approached my window...I tried a charming grin....didn't work. I said...."I know, I didn't yield," (more charming grin). Still didn't work. I knew then I was going to get a ticket....no matter what I said. She tried to question my thought process as to why I would turn left on a solid green light with on coming traffic approaching. I had no excuse, except for ....I just didn't think. Something my father taught me as a young child when I would say..."but, Dad, I thought..." He would quickly reply, "No, that's just it Bev....you didn't think." With Deano it might have gotten me out of trouble..but with the female cop...it was a no go. I was getting the ticket. As she returned to the my car with my information and ticket she went into a lecture as to how bad this traffic infraction could have been. I could have been broadsided. I said, "Yes I know, please don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. I know what could have happened. I simply wasn't thinking. And I am very thankful that you were there to not broadside me." She clearly wasn't pleased with my sass. She said, "I'm not trying to make you have a bad day...." "Not only are you making me have a bad day, but now I am late for work. Just tell me how much the ticket is and where I pay it." I interrupted. She said she didn't have a price and that I was going to have to appear in court on November 24th to get my ticket price. I informed her that I wasn't going to be here...that my contract was up on Nov. 18th. She said I could call a certain number and take care of it before I left. I thanked her as I grabbed my paperwork and ID back...and sped off....about 100 feet to the nearest parking spot...to catch the BUS! It was a great day of fielding comments and questions...."Was that you that got pulled over in the parking lot today." Yeah, what a great way for Bev to meet new friends.

Work is the same. I am getting to be quite the little IV starter. I might just have to come back full time IV therapy....NOT! My record is currently 2 for 3. Not to shabby for a beginner! Don't tell Teri Houck.

Oh one funny thing did happen today ...I had a patient discharging. Not funny in and of itself, I know, but everyone kept saying she is discharging to a friends house. I just smiled and acted like I knew what they were talking about. I asked a few discharge planners what friend is she staying with, to which I was ignored. Finally I spoke up and asked what is the name of the friend that my patient is discharging to. And the whole nurse's station laughed. "No, the skilled nursing facility is called "A Friend's House"... HA HA HA. Again we all had a good laugh at my expense. LOL. I love that where ever I go I have people either laughing at me or with me...always a good feeling.

I hope all is well with everyone. I would love to hear from you all. Again, thanks for reading.

-Bev =)