My Buddy & Me

Seriously????? 14 Hours?

2011-11-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

I was able to attend a family reunion in San Diego this weekend. I had an absolute blast :D

BUT......we were to fly out of PDX on Thursday morning at 7:20am on Spirit Airlines. We were on the plane and taxiing out...when the pilot announce that there was an indicator light on and we needed to go back and get it checked out. So back to the airport.

We sat on the plane for 40 minutes while they 're-booted' the system. They hoped that would clear the light. It did not. So off the plane we went. But we had to stay near the gate because they would give us updates on the plane.

3 hours later they let us know that they needed to order a part and it would be coming from San Fransisco so we could leave the gate and they would give us $7 vouchers to get some food. None of the stores in the airport were redeeming the vouchers.

There were many people getting super mad by this point. Lots of people were yelling and screaming MEAN things to the attendants. It was not pretty. After we had lunch they told us that we needed to stay close and they would give us updates every 15 minutes. They absolutely refused to cancel the flight. They would give us credit back for our flight but would not get us on another plane until the flight was canceled.

4:00 pm rolls around. Because we had a connecting flight....we got lucky at this point because they canceled the flight to San Diego. So the few of us that were going to San Diego got a flight on Alaska Airlines and it was to depart at 8:45pm. That meant 14 hours in the airport by this time. Yet we did not have time to go home. We spent the remaining 4 1/2 hours in a restaurant.

The people at the restaurant were the most friendly people we had encountered all day long. And they did not care how long we sat there. They gave us free food and kept refilling our drinks for us. We were very grateful. It turned a somewhat difficult day into a better one.

But, I will NEVER fly Spirit airlines again.

Yes, Yes, Yes.....I'm still here :D

2011-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm human again.....I do not find any time to sit at the computer. But, I do have a list of all the things I want to blog about. I just have to bring myself to sit down. I've had an amazing summer and cannot wait to share it.

Also to come...........I'm going to run a 5K. Anyone pass out with that last sentence? I know I did when I thought of it. I have never run before. But, I thought it would be a great start. My brothers and their significant others are going to run with me. I would love to have support from more people. It would give me more motivation :D Let me know.....

Skippy or JIff???

2011-09-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

Costco has done it again......darn it. I know that Costco carries only certain things. If you love it though.....they just might discontinue it. I love a lot of the things that we get from there......but now they have changed their peanut butter. I am NOT a skippy person. Jiff.....ALL THE WAY!!!

This happened earlier this year when they got me hooked on dark chocolate nature valley granola bars. There was a coupon and everything......I haven't seen them back in months.

And here I thought I was a person that loved change. Think again......

I am BORG!!!

2011-07-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Resistance is futile.

Dan and I are both Star Trek fans. But I never thought I would be come one of the characters. In April Dan stumbled across a new procedure for chronic back pain sufferers. I will forever be grateful for his internet escapades :D It is called a spinal chord stimulator. This is how it works.......The little round (pocket watch size) doohicky is inside my left hip. The two leads (wires) are threaded up the epidural space in my back. The leads send a busy signal to my brain so my brain is confused and does not register the chronic pain. The only thing I feel is a vibration.....kind of like the tingling you get in your legs just before they fall asleep. I have a remote (far left of picture) that helps me turn the stimulation up or down.....or off if I want to. The watch size implant in my hip needs to be charged every so often so the middle gadget is my battery charger. I have to wear it on my hip (by way of a velcro belt) for about an hour or so a week.

Here is the kicker............I am pain free :D

Pause for effect........

Seriously.........PAIN FREE!!!

I had the surgery 3 weeks ago. My incisions are still healing.....and my body is screaming at me in so many different languages because of all the muscles I am using that I have not used in 11 years. But......I am human again. With borg implants.

I have 6 to 8 weeks of no bending, lifting or twisting. Believe it or not, this is the MOST DIFFICULT part of the entire process. This is how I explain it. Imagine that 11 years ago your significant other was taken away from you. Your love grew exponentially during that 11 years. Then imagine that all of a sudden that someone has been returned to you. BUT, you are not allowed to talk or touch that someone for 6 to 8 weeks. Tough eh? YES!!!

I feel no pain. I want to get up and run and climb and jump because I feel fabulous. But, I'm not allowed to. IT SUCKS.

When that day comes.......I'm saying August 1st.......the world better watch out. Because I am going to live again :D

New 'Dog'hter

2011-07-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is Nessarose.

She is our newest baby.

Her name is also from 'Wicked'. Elphaba's little sister was Nessarose. It seemed fitting :D We brought her home on March 1, 2011.......which explains a little why I have not been blogging lately. My time has been spent bonding with this little darling. She was born November 28, 2010. Nessa is a wirehair dachshund and her coloring is called piebald.

Elphaba is very lucky because Nessa loved her the first time she saw her. They were playing really hard before bedtime even came. Which is a little unusual for a new puppy. It usually takes them a little bit to get used to their new family. Elphaba has been an amazing trainer. Nessarose does everything wrong that Elphaba does :D

Gauper was indifferent at first. I'm not sure he is very happy even now......he is a grumpy old man. Nessa doesn't care though.....she plays with him just as hard. Even though he growls at her.

She is very shy but has adapted well to our home. I think that she will even be the Alpha dog eventually. Gauper and Elphaba want nothing to do with that job. It will be interesting to see her grow up. Nessa's hair will grow longer and her beard will be fuller. Kind of like a terrier. Most likely she will stay under 10 lbs. (We'll see if that is true AFTER she is 'altered'.)

Nessa has decided to make life a little more difficult for the next few weeks. The day before she was scheduled to be 'altered'.....she came into heat. Now she wears a little diaper. (Pictures to come) And will most likely be in heat for the next 3 weeks. Not fun for mama and papa :( We just got her potty trained and now we will have to take her outside to potty (puppy diapers are not like human diapers) She is not allowed to go potty in them.

The joys of a new baby.

Now I have to remember what life was like before......or that I even had a life......did I?

Best Gift

2011-02-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas gifts was from my sister Lisa this year. She is always commenting on how much our dogs lick each other. They are constantly bathing one another. I tell her that it is because they love each other. But seriously....the noise is very annoying. I cannot stand the licking sound.

Lisa works at a grocery store (kind of like Roth's here in Salem). It is called Oliver's. They sell a lot of specialty items too. She found this salt and pepper shaker and knew it was the perfect gift for us. She was right!!!
One of the things that I love about it is that it is male/female appropriate. Gauper is black and tan and Elphaba is red. Seriously.....she could not have ordered this any more perfect than it was.
I love the little magnets on their noses that hold them together in a kiss. My sister is a great gift giver. Thanks Lisa :D

Snuggle time

2011-01-31T14:48:00.001-08:00

I love it when the dogs want snuggle time. It doesn't happen very often with Elphaba. She is a free spirit. So, it was wonderful that I could catch this on camera. She loves her papa. :D

What is the point.....?

2011-01-28T14:05:00.001-08:00

I spend so many hours cleaning my home. Mostly because I'm slow. But, by the time I get back to the front of the house.....this is what I find. Why even clean?

The funny thing is this picture doesn't even show the extent of the damage. How much stuffing do they put in those toys?

And for the record.....Gauper is not the culprit. Even though he is the only one in the photo. It is all Elphaba. She is our killer.

Beautiful!!!

2011-01-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

This new year is giving me opportunity to reflect on last year. I have to say that this was one of the most beautiful sights I had seen last year.....

It is so nice to be home :D

Thats going a little far.....

2010-12-30T14:11:00.001-08:00

Some people go a little far in their love for their dogs. Some people treat them like humans....or Children. (Can you believe that?)

I was surprised to find this beauty aid at the dog store. Even though it says 'John Paul'....the maker is the brother of 'Paul Mitchell' beauty supplies. Seriously....do people go that far in their love for their dogs?

Obviously....they do. Or should I say.....I do. The picture says it all. And the IKEA bedspread gives it away. Yes, My dogs are my children and they smell lovely. And are so soft.

Yes......They are worth it :D

Silence is Wierd.....

2010-12-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Target doesn't play music in their stores. I didn't realize that until today after hopping from store to store with blaring Christmas music. I'm not complaining about the music.....but it was just strange to notice none. An employee told us they never play music. Did you ever notice that?

Cross stitching HURTS!!!

2010-12-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

Because we are out of town for Christmas, we had to buy new stockings for down here. (One thing I forgot to pack in September) So of course we went to IKEA to pick them out. LOVE THEM!!! And since I have tons of time on my hands....I thought I could cross stitch our initials on them. OUCH! I'm only half way through the D for Dan....and I have three blisters. Ah.....the pains of Christmas decorating :D

Who am I ????

2010-12-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

I have fallen into the abyss of California and have completely forgotten that I have a life and a Blog. We have been here 2 1/2 months and it seems like it has been forever.

We are hoping to be home for the New Year!!! Yeah!!! If we aren't....I'll be really concerned about my sanity. Not to mention Dan's. He works 16 hour days. I have forgotten what it is like to spend all of my time with him. I stay awake at nights just to watch him and spend time with him while he sleeps.

I miss home. I miss my husband. I miss my friends.........I Just MISS!!!

Big Trees

2010-10-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

We visited our Niece Maria and her hubby Mitchell this last weekend. They live in Fresno. We had a great time. These were some of the sites:
Yep.....those am some big trees. That was not the only thing we got to see that was huge. Picture to come of a tarantula trying to cross the road. If we had run over it....Yep....we would have felt it!!! YUCK!!!

On the sweet side we did see a few deer and a mama bear with twins (one black, one brown) It was AWESOME!!!

We loved spending time with Mitchell and Maria. We will be coming back soon. We have a few more National Forests to hit over there :D

Only in the country....

2010-10-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

Our brother-in-law, Justin, had a birthday this last month. He decided on a restaurant called Cattleman's. Of course it was "Country". Only in a country restaurant could you have your child in a bar. Our nephew Ryder is on his lap. It was great food....but, very loud. I crave their salads. Great Ranch dressing. Yummy.....Maybe I will go there for my birthday.....NOT!!!

Speaking of Toilets.....

2010-10-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

I thought my friends in Bookclub could appreciate this one. My sister lives in an old house. And she has a maids closet.

This is the smallest bathroom I have ever seen. It reminded me of "The Help". This closet was definitely an after thought on this home. I don't know if the picture does it justice....but your knees are touching the door if you can close it at all.

There is no window.....no air ventilation.....electricity has only been added within the last year. Seriously....I think it is the strangest thing I've seen in a while. And from the book.....I know exactly why it was made this way.

Got a good chuckle :D

Home Improvement Specialists???

2010-10-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

I went to Lowes the other day to buy a ceiling fan for our bedroom. (It is way too hot in California) I love home improvement. Even when it is not my home.

So I go to use the bathroom and I find this......
I'm not sure if the picture does it enough justice....But it was so crooked I couldn't use it without bumping my knee on the side wall.

Not something you would expect to find in a home improvement store :D

Temptation

2010-10-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

When you have a headache from the devil......you sometimes are forced to also cross to the dark side and use liquid from the devil too.....
Proof that I was willing to try anything. And I was right.....it didn't work. :(

What season is it?

2010-10-05T10:13:00.001-07:00

Here we are in sunny California. Dealing with heat in the 90's and sometimes over 100. I'm having a hard time remembering that it is Autumn.....

Vaccinations

2010-09-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

My sister called today to let me know her doctor is recommending anyone that will be around her newborn to get a 'Whooping Cough' vaccination. I guess there has been an epidemic in California. Of course, as a loving sister, I didn't have a problem with that......Dan on the other hand was not happy. (He HATES shots).

I got the appointments immediately so he could not even have a chance to think of it. What I didn't know is that the nurse was so excited to do HIS shot. She said it was like Christmas when she saw his name appear. (I love how the nurses and doctors at that office give him a hard time) He deserves it :D

So, I had to go back and get proof.
While he was in the chair trying to talk himself into and out of doing this.....the other nurse came by and did mine while I was standing there. He didn't even get to see mine happen. He was too busy causing a commotion of his own. He is so adorable.

But, I had proof too:
No one can say we don't love our new nephew :D

SMELL BAD!!!

2010-09-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

Our lovely city has decided to re-pave all of the 'city' streets in our neighborhood. That is great and all.....but the city and county lines are so screwed up around here.....there is paving in front of our house.....then it skips four or five houses.....and then starts up again.

Thanks for the new road....but my obsessive compulsive tendencies are going to go crazy with such messiness. Not to mention the smell that is permeating through our house today.

Oh well......I should be grateful. I guess I am.......

Sockless summer

2010-09-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to go without socks all summer. I'm down to the last week and I didn't miss them at all. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to them this fall.....I hate how confining they can be. I guess it will be better than hypothermia though :D

15 lbs of Goodness

2010-09-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

We have a family recipe that my father created. Granola. I still remember going to bed with the smell of fresh granola cooking....knowing I will get it for breakfast in the morning. Seriously....YUMMY!!!

My brother decided to use the family recipe and make it a business (Lifestyle Granolas) and bring it in to everyone's home. Unfortunately, those people will never go to bed with the smell in their noses. But...you won't be complaining. He has come up with all sorts of new flavors.....including my favorite.....Island Lover. I send out for a bag every once and a while. While I have the family recipe....Craig has all the ingredients for the different flavors and the kitchen to make that big of a batch:)

My tummy will be singing for some time now. It takes a little bit of time to go through 15 lbs of granola.

New additions to the family

2010-09-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a busy one for family members. On Saturday our Grand Nephew was born and on Monday another Nephew was born.

At the moment I only have pictures of the Nephew:

Wyatt Colton Otten
I just talked to my sister Lisa and they are already home from the hospital and settling in. His older brother Ryder is not quite sure what to think of him....and is already wanting more attention than the new baby. We get to go visit them next week. Congratulations Justin and Lisa.

As for our Grand Nephew who we think will be named Ezra....pictures of him will follow too. Congratulations to Brad and Angie.

Sunflowers

2010-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

I am loving all the sunflowers that we have in our yard this year. I had no idea that there were flowers this color. They are so beautiful! I hope I can find the seeds for more next year.

So Sweet

2010-09-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

To keep Chelsea from embarrassment I will keep it anonymous.....

I have a sweet friend that decided to bring me flowers today. She picked all of the orange flowers in her yard knowing it was my favorite color. Now that is a friend. I really needed some sunshine today (hypothetically). I love having friends that really care :D

Yummy smells....

2010-09-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying the rain the past couple of days. I'm loving the freshness that comes from it. I cannot stop inhaling. The smell of September is so vivid. I actually feel nervous like I'm going to school for the first day. It is that strong.

But one smell that seems to bring a smile almost as much?

BACON

I love breakfast for dinner :D

Our Laborious Day

2010-09-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

We have been wanting to do this for years. The difficult thing was that we had to figure out how to do it without center posts....due to the fact that we wanted to pull the car back there too.

Dan figured out how to get it done. It is a folding fence. It opens like a closet door...on casters.

I think it turned out quite well. And we had beautiful weather today to work in. I love projects that we can do together.

Job done!!!

GO GET ONE!!!

2010-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart
(Sorry....couldn't get the image to post)

I swore I would never do this.....but, I cannot stop myself. Dan and I bought a new cookbook this year. And after seeing Julie & Julia we decided to go through that book and cook every recipe. The coolest thing about the book is that it is set up by season. So everything in Spring is what you can find fresh in the stores....same with Summer, Winter, Fall etc. Most of the recipes for Summer are cooked outside so you don't have to heat up your house.

I am in love with this book. EVERY recipe that we have tried has been the best food we have ever had. We will never use any other cookbook. We are just about finished with Summer and ready to move onto Fall. Our only disappointment is that we have to wait and get through the book before we can start making them again :D

Kai's Bike

2010-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Our friend Kai is a go to guy. He is all about being on the go. And he loves the freedom his new bike gives him. It was great to see how this seat was on the front of the bike. Most kids have to look at their parents back or look backwards. This one put him in front of the world. He could not get enough of it. He just wants to go, go, go.....

Isn't his helmet just the cutest???

The paddle boat

2010-09-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

Note that my dad is the only one in the boat? This was our dreaded trip to the boat crazy lake last month. Everyone tried so hard to paddle that thing. As soon as the boat hit shore everyone was out. My dad took his time. He is the fit one and even he was out of breath. I think we have decided to get rid of the boat. :( Kayaks or canoes sound like much more fun. And the cruise much faster :D

Silence and Lonlieness

2010-08-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Dan and I are going away this weekend (yipee) so we took Gauper and Elphaba to their Aunt Amy's house last night to spend the weekend with their Cousin Cooper.

When we got home....I was wondering why I couldn't hear the dogs barking. It was a very sad homecoming!!!

This morning when Dan left to do jobs.....I was left at home ALONE!!! That was a weird and freaky feeling. I keep looking for my little snugglers. I miss them so much.

Another sad thing.....they miss me too. Amy text me and said that Elphaba has been sitting by the door waiting for me to come back. She had been there for hours. I cannot imagine life with out those darling little rug rats :D

Glee

2010-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

I have heard so many good things about this new show. I had to try it. So a friend of mine let me borrow her 'Glee' DVD for the first season (Volume one). Dan said that I could watch it during the day because he wasn't that interested in it. RIGHT!!!

I started the show....and within 3 minutes he was out here on the couch watching it with me. Then after it was over he said I cannot watch it without him. I love that man. I knew that he would get on the band wagon :D

So now we are 'Glee' fans :D

Cooper

2010-08-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Cooper came to visit for the day. Doggie Play Dates are so much fun. His mama dropped him off on the way to work and will pick him up after work. He loves it here. He used to live here with us....so in a sense it is like coming home. Elphaba and he love to play rough together. I love play dates. This weekend they get to go and stay with him at his house.

Some dog owners are so silly aren't they?

Good Buddies

2010-08-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

When you look at this picture....you have to wonder....who is the one being locked in or out? Our little friend Kai loves to come and visit. He is just not quite sure of the dogs yet. They are his size and he doesn't know if he likes that or not. The dogs, of course, love him.....he is the source of unknown human food. Which makes Kai their best friend :D

Bogs & Swamp Monsters

2010-08-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we spent a lot of time in our yard thatching and updating our sprinkler system. It got a bit muddy at times.

But, not to worry we were having a great time. Enough fun that a swamp monster was created. Seriously....Yard work doesn't have to always be hard :D

Flaws

2010-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling recently with a flaw that has been driving me crazy. I am a gossiper. I HATE it. Yet, I cannot seem to stop. Why is that? Why is it so hard to stop doing something that you cannot stand and that you recognize immediately? It is a very difficult struggle....and now that I recognize it maybe it will be easier to battle. Until I conquer my flaw.....I apologize if I have offended anyone....Just know that I am working on it :D

Agates?

2010-08-21T22:20:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite sites to go to is Weather Underground. I love weather (I should have studied it for a career I like it so much) But, I also love the pictures that people post from all over the world.

This one is Fort Bragg, California. It is a beach that used to be a dump site. All the 'Agates' you see are what the sea does to garbage. I think it is lovely....but, that is a horrible way to make beauty :D I would love to go there and walk the beach. On one of our trips to California maybe I might :D

New Project

2010-08-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

We went to a little antique store in Silverton today....They had these adorable bird house condos. They were like 6' tall. I wanted to buy them on the spot. They were only $30-50. Dan decided that he will make them for us. I'm really excited now....I think I'm becoming a bird lady :D

Spoiled Rotten

2010-08-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

My husband is so wonderful. He makes sure I have everything I need. And always makes sure I have good fruits and vegetables. Today I asked for a snack and he brought me a bowl of oranges.....Bless that man.....

If you look closely you can see the 'M' on the "oranges". I'm so glad Dan knows how to take care of me :D

Meteor Showers

2010-08-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

We went camping this last weekend mainly to look at the meteor shower that was going on. I have to say....as much as I hated the lake in the middle of the day....it was so peaceful at night looking at the stars. My Dad was there and he was showing us all kinds of cool constellations and everything. It was really cool. We went out two nights in a row and were out there for an hour or so. We could even see the milky way. Sometimes I wonder why I chose to live in the city. For those of you who have not experienced the stars in the country....hundreds of miles from a big city....you must do it. I cannot wait to do it again.

Hot days

2010-08-17T09:33:00.001-07:00

I really hate all of this sun we are having. The only time I go outside is twilight. I guess that is ok because it is my favorite time of day....but enough already!!! I am so ready for a wind and rain storm. Bring on the lightning and thunder too. I would go out and enjoy the outdoors then. I'm beginning to think of retirement age and where I will go when it is this hot. Right now I'm thinking ANTARCTICA!!!!

Weekend fun

2010-08-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend to go camping. Except for the fact that it was MEGA hot. Luckily we were in a very shaded campsite. (And close to the water)

I say water....but that only includes the lake....NO SHOWERS....NO FLUSHING TOILETS!!! Which means very dirty people.

Three days of stubble

I love how good it feels to take a shower at the end of a very dirty weekend. I love to camp....but nothing beats the comforts of home.

And the kitchen was a HUGE bonus. I loved having all the space on the table. I recommend the kitchen to all campers :D

Some people are freaks

2010-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Seen in a dachshund puppy magazine:

It reads: (The self-styled world capital of Dachshundom is Gergweis, Bavaria. It once laid claim to having twice as many dachshunds as people! While this is no longer true, Gerweissians make the most out of the tourist trade by renting Dachshunds to tourists by the hour.)

Dachshund owners can be a little weird. Is it sad that I actually thought of taking us and the dogs there to go on vacation? I love my dogs a little too much :D

Todays Harvest

2010-08-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

I love this time of the year. Especially when I can pull this much fruit off the vine in one day. Eventually I will get sick of the sun gold tomatoes and want to share with friends.....but I'm not there yet. Sorry :D

Is it still Camping?

2010-08-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who get super sensitive when it comes to camping. RVs...totally NOT camping. But, most people still throw it into the same category. It really drives me crazy.....a 'heebee geebee' pet peeve :D

On the other hand....I am all for comforts. Especially when it comes to getting old and using back problems as an excuse. :D (RVs are still NOT in for me) But, I find myself enjoying the comforts of an air mattress. And....this new toy.....

Is it still camping with these type of comforts? I'll have to ponder on that. I'll let you know after the weekend.

Peaches

2010-08-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

We picked close to 40 peaches off our poor little peach tree this year. I cannot believe how many there used to be. We must have weened off a good 40 more earlier this year just to make sure these grew big and strong. I am so proud of the production of this little tree. I wonder what it will be like when it is 20 years old? I'm so excited!!!

Growing fever

2010-08-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

While on my birdhouse spree....I found an adorable greenhouse and decided that it was just the right size to try out my green thumb. I've never actually used a greenhouse so I wanted to start small.

It proved a tough thing to get the birdhouses, the greenhouse, Chelsea, Dan and I in the car. (Plus Chelsea bought a climbing rose bush) We were having too much fun and forgot that we were in a sedan.

When we got out to the car we realized how unprepared we were....without a screwdriver. Chelsea pulled a Popsicle stick out of her purse and away we went. Dan used his keys. All in all....I think we did pretty good.

I'm ready to start growing :D

Birdland

2010-08-07T23:34:00.001-07:00

I don't go shopping very often. Mostly, because.....well....I just don't like to. And secondly, because I spend too much money. This is a great example of my shopping sprees. Especially when I find sales. (Buy one get one free)

I have always wanted a bird town. Now.....I have one. I just have to figure out where to break ground :D

WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

2010-08-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

oy vey!!! The burdens we bear seem light compared to this! This poor little peach tree is usually as tall as the tree behind it. It's sad that we are so excited that it's burdened so. The only thing weighing on my mind right now is which cobbler recipe to use.

Tigridia

2010-08-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

We have a new flower in our yard. It is so beautiful.....BUT.....it only blooms for one day. I'm glad we weren't gone on that day :D

Living Basil

2010-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

We have been trying a lot of new recipes this year. (Blog to follow) And have found that we use a lot of Basil, Mint, Cilantro and Parsley. Yesterday while shopping for more of these items....we stumbled across this :

Living Basil. It is the coolest. You bring it home....put it in one inch of water and it keeps growing. Like having a plant in your yard....but living in a vase in your kitchen. It is so great. I cannot wait to find more.......

Dad's Relay

2010-07-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

I love that my dad is so athletic. We have been able to go to a few of his races and we love it. This race brought him within a mile of our home.

The relay was from Gresham to Eugene. They separate the running times to be about 5-7 miles each. And some of them run two or three legs. One of his legs turned out to be at 2am. He said he loved it because it was so beautiful and quiet and peaceful. There was even an eclipse of the moon that he got to enjoy during his run.

I am so proud of my dad. He always strives to be better than he is. Better educated, more fit and healthy. He has taught me so much over the years about how to better take care of myself. He doesn't seem to let anything get him down. Retiring to him was to stop doing what he was doing for 30 years and do what he has always wanted to do.....Teach science. He is always on the move. I hope that I can be just like him some day. :D

(Just a side note: The guy he is passing off to....His name is Ernie...My dad's name is Burt. I thought that was pretty funny :)

The King and I

2010-07-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful friend who is a professional performer. She invites us to all her shows. This one she played "I" (Anna). I love watching these productions. I cannot believe how much talent we have locally. We always have a blast. Especially because we go out to ice cream after the show with her and her husband. But really....that is not the highlight (completely). :D I cannot wait for the next one!!

Part Time Single Mom

2010-07-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

With all of the advertising and promo things Dan has been getting for bio-pest....they always send him fun stuff in the mail.

The other day....he got a boomerang. It was pretty cool. It said "come back to us, we miss your business". I thought it was pretty clever. Until I found it in one of my plants in the living room. Apparently, Dan was trying to figure out which room was big enough to throw it so it would come back. He was giggling like a little boy.

I love my husband. He reverts back to a little boy at times. I think it is the most adorable and funny thing to watch. I could say at times like that that I am happy to be a single mom. Because he makes me smile often :D

If you are offended......DON"T READ!!!

2010-07-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

I got a comment from one of the foster parents of a specific child that use to live in our home. I guess she was offended that we had written anything about that child. Supposedly it offended the child too. (remember that next time you post about your children)They thought that my comments were not christian like.

Here is the deal. Don't read my blog if you get offended easily by being loved. If I praise you too much....or if I think you are everything to me.

I think that is pretty simple.

Better yet....Just don't read my blog if you don't even know me or have anything to do with me. There would be no other reason for you to have an interest in anything I have to say. It will save you a lot of misunderstandings.

Days of Summer

2010-06-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a warm muggy day that we decided to go swimming. BAD IDEA!! The dome on top of the pool is working so well (heat wise) the pool was a balmy 95 degrees. Although that would be a great temp in the winter to swim in.....it is not great to swim in to cool off. I had a difficult time breathing the air. It was like a hot bath.

This sounds like a complaint. It is so NOT. It was wonderful to swim. I love spending time at home....in our yard....just the two of us. I look forward to this summer and many more days like yesterday :D

Goliath

2010-06-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

How can I not love this little thing? No joke...this is my favorite little kitten. I cannot get enough of him. And he is so soft I cannot tell that I am even touching him. He is the most gentle of all the kittens and seeks me out all the time. He just wants to be held. He is purr-fectly content. And his blue eyes pierce right through me. He will be the hardest to see go. I fell in love with him from day 1....and probably is the reason I am keeping the kittens until they are 12 weeks. I will keep them as long as I can.

No, really.....I am looking for homes for them. I just don't want to :D

Mamas

2010-06-17T18:10:00.001-07:00

This cat is the most perfect cat I have ever met. She is sweet and lovable. She is 100% jealous of the love and attention the kittens get. She will make sure we make time for her too. Or she will tell you all about it. We have conversations all the time. Sometimes I almost think she understands me :D

Pretty

2010-06-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

This little girl is a sweet little princess (When she is sleeping) Don't let her size fool you....she is a spit fire. And yet incredibly sweet at the same time. You just want to pick her up and protect her....but, believe me, she can hold her own.

Tux

2010-06-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

This little guy is a spaz!!! Seriously he is all over the place. He chases the wind and fights the air. All with twirls and tumbles. And yet....dressed to the nines :D

New Audio Book Series

2010-06-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Our friends have given us a thumbs up for a certain series of books for us to listen to in the car on our long trips. The books are by Lee Child. It is the 'Jack Reacher' series. I believe there are 14 books so far. And each one is about 15-16 hours in length. LOVE IT!!! It is a lot like the TV series 24. Most of the stuff would never happen in real life. But, I love the series books. I love when the characters are people you already know....so they can get down to the nitty gritty of the story.

Believe it or not....it makes me look forward to our next car trip. Hmmmm....maybe a trip across the US? Nah!!! At one time it was a dream of mine....now I'm too old and cannot think about sitting in the car that long. But, we'll see :D

Era gone

2010-06-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sadly....I remember when video stores were first out. No one had a VCR (unless you were rich) and you had to rent one from the video store. A big bulky thing. But, we loved movie nights:D

We have been collecting movies for a long time....and sadly, Hollywood Video was a frequent haunt. We would get $6 movies...and they were guaranteed for LIFE!!! They are no longer :( I'm pretty sure that guarantee is no longer available.

Now where will we buy cheep videos? And I don't mean to rent them....I mean buy! I guess I will have to think of something else to collect.

Books, books, books, books.....

2010-06-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our new hobby is collecting the readers digest series. We have around 120 of them. We found them at the thrift shop for $1 a piece. How can you resist that??? Now starts the collecting mode. I have a list that I carry in my purse at all times....just in case :D

Forgotton Color

2010-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

I am a rain girl. I've admitted it before...I'm not afraid to do it again. I LOVE the rain. But, I never realized how much I love the sun too. I had forgotten how beautiful the blue could be....and my flowers just glow in the sunlight.

I have a friend that won't eat blue foods because she says that blue does not appear in nature. (This is an argument I chose NOT to have). Well....obviously she was wrong. Because this blue is amazing. Although, not food. Lets think....blueberries???

Fledgling

2010-06-04T10:43:00.001-07:00

Our little baby dove decided to go for his first flight. And of course....landed in the doggie yard. We called a wildlife rescue place that we know through bio-pest and they told us we could pick it up and put it back in it's nest so the dogs wouldn't devour it. They said it was just a myth that you cannot touch birds. Birds do not have a good sense of smell....so they have no clue if you have touched their nest or their baby.

I'm just glad he is ok......for now.

Learning from the Mama

2010-06-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

I love watching the kittens and Mamas outside. They do not have their coordination yet and it is super hilarious fun. It amazes me how much they pick up from their mother. Certain character traits...ways they walk....ways they play. They are like little carbon copies.

Shocked beyond belief!!

2010-06-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

This was NOT my idea. All Dan's. It has been really cold and wet outside this spring. Dan felt like the inside of the house would be best for the kittens. (The dogs are not liking the arrangement)

I was super surprised when Dan said that the cats were coming in. I was actually against it....but he prevailed. I'm loving it now. I can love on them in my pajamas :D

Witches Brew

2010-06-01T15:21:00.001-07:00

We had a BBQ this weekend. Our friends (the Halliday's) made homemade Root Beer. The little girls (Ashleigh, Hailey, Hannah and Megan) loved the affect of the dry ice. It entertained them for some time. They are little witches in the making :D

FOUR DAY WEEKEND

2010-05-27T22:30:00.001-07:00

Our 16th anniversary is on May 28th. Luckily it landed on a Friday and a Holiday weekend. Of course now we have to figure out what to do.

Dilly Beans

2010-05-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

I was asked what a dilly bean was......I didn't know until I met Dan. Basically they are pickled green beans. Dan loves it when they are super hot. His mom used to can them....we are playing with recipes to find the right taste. Dan is like a little boy with candy with them :D

And yes, we do can our own spaghetti, dilly beans, peaches, pears, jams and anything else we can get our hands on. It is a family thing :D

Garden of Eatin'

2010-05-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

My family has a community garden. It is bigger than I could ever imagine being able to take care of....but it supports us through the season with fresh veggies. Not to mention gallons and gallons of homemade spaghetti sauce and dilly beans.

I'm glad we have a big family....because this is going to be a lot of work. If it ever stops raining :D

Kitties need a home

2010-05-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm searching for people who are looking for a kitten/cat. If you know anyone let me know. I really want to find them a good home. Mamas included :D

S'mores

2010-05-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have discovered s'mores in the microwave. BAD NEWS!!! I'm not that fond of them over the fire....but, in the microwave the marshmallow gets soooooo chewy. I crave that texture (well, probably the chocolate too). And it only takes 10 seconds. You can't beat that. Unfortunately....I used the word 'crave'....that is what I have to be careful of :D

Hunter or Playmate???

2010-05-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Elphaba is a very interesting dog. We found her out in the back yard just staring up at the bird feeders.....waiting for birds to come. The funny thing is....she isn't wanting to kill them. She just wants to play.

The other day she caught a gigantic bumble bee. She spit it out and just stared at it. Pouncing every once and a while. She just wanted it to move so she could play with it. Since it didn't move....she got bored. So dad poked it with a stick to get it to move....it moved so much it flew away. All Elphaba could do was sit and watch it disappear :(

I think she needs a playmate. Gauper is just too old to want to play with her....I say that....but, he is really just too lazy. Maybe she would like a kitty......

Year of 'mamas'

2010-05-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

It makes me feel so good to know that my yard is a haven to more than just me and Dan. We have found two mamas that have made our yard their home. I hope our dogs leave them alone :D

I posted about the kitties a few weeks ago. They are getting big. Mama moved them so I didn't know where they were. We found them on Sunday. I took them to the vet on Monday....($$$$)! They are all doing well. Kitties have an upper respiratory infection so they are on antibiotics. Mama is very healthy. And she is such a lover. She is only around one year old. No collar....no chip. I'm scared that she might be ours now. The vet gave me great packages to give out to the new owners of the kitties when they go. My vet is AWESOME!!!

Our other visitors are a family of doves. It amazes me how close they let us get to the nest. According to research on the internet....We should have a baby bird in about 7 days. I'm really afraid for when it starts to fly....I hope it can do a good job first try....because they are nesting in the dog yard :(

I'm very busy taking care of these new families. I am loving it!!! I have to do antibiotics three times a day. My hand is all scratched up from the littles. But, they are so sweet. I don't care :D

Feeling good

2010-05-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that very many people read my blog. I love going to a different state...or hanging out with friends....or just talking to family and someone mentions my blog. I didn't even know people read it. It makes me feel a little bit self conscious...but also loved. It is good to know that people want to know what is going on in my life :D

California

2010-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

We are headed to California this week. AGAIN!!! This time we get to go for a wedding though. And it will be in Fresno....We never go there :D

I'm excited that it will be a bit of a change. And I hear that strawberries are in season down there. YIPPEE!!!

Vegetable and Fruit Bouquets

2010-04-24T17:45:00.001-07:00

My friend Chelsea and I got creative the other day and made some yummy baskets for a baby shower. I love being creative.

Kittens

2010-04-24T17:35:00.001-07:00

I wanted to post a picture of the newest members of our family. I don't get to keep them....but I love having them here right now :D

Pool is ready!

2010-04-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

The water is a balmy 80 degrees. We get to put the dome on tonight! I can't wait to dip in :D

Surprise!!!

2010-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was weeding my garden today (just below the clematis that is shown below) and my dogs started barking. I thought maybe they had trapped a rat or a snake...so I ignored them for a while. Letting them be dogs.

I finally decided to go and check out what the commotion was. I found a litter of kittens. They were so sweet. Three of them. Maybe a couple of days old. I was horrified that my dogs could have attacked them. Luckily mama kitty had put them in a protective area that the dogs could not get to. They just barked and barked.

I waited around for an hour and a half for mama to come back. Just as I was putting together a box to take them to the humane society....mama came home. She has been there constantly since. I feel bad that I almost took her babies away. But, I couldn't let them starve. I was so sure the dogs had chased her away and she would never come back.

Happy Earth Day!!

2010-04-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time believing that I can be responsible for such lovely things like this in my yard:

There are so many more things that bring beauty to my life. I just want to sit outside and watch them grow and hear the birds sing. I cannot imagine a more beautiful place than my own yard. One that I have worked hard to create....and still have more hard work to put in. I am grateful for this Earth that we live on. I hope that it will remain beautiful for centuries to come. Happy Earth Day! Take care of it :D

Back in the saddle again

2010-04-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

A really great friend sent me an article to read last night. I was very grateful to her. I have been struggling with so many things this year...my physical condition....emotional condition.....and a family.

I'm not sure she understood that. But, I am grateful that she followed a prompting to share that with me. It was a direct answer to my prayers, and it cleared everything up for me. Here is the article if you want to read it.

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Nephi’s Story, My Story

I am semi-embarrassed to share with my friends and family that we are going through the adoption process yet again. It is a difficult choice to make and we have been so wishy washy about making it. But we know that it is a commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. We need to do whatever it takes to make that happen. And as long as we have our Heavenly Father close to us....we will succeed in everything.

I heard a quote the other day...."two men can do ANYTHING they put their mind to...as long as Heavenly Father is one of them.

I am ready. I will be part of an eternal family. Thank you for all of your love and support through this process. It has been much needed.

KILL ME NOW!!!

2010-04-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

Decided to buy the flowers and plant them myself. (It sounded good at the time). Not so much now. OUCH!

I really need to start listening to my body more. Also my husband, doctor and friends..... :D

I know the limits and I push them always. It is worth it though. The planters are beautiful.

Flowers

2010-04-19T15:15:00.001-07:00

It is time to go and buy flowers for the yard. I'm so excited. I love this kind of shopping.

Now to decide if I want to buy the hanging baskets already made.....or buy the flowers and do it myself. Decisions, decisions.

April 16th

2010-04-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today marks the day (16 years ago) when Dan asked me to marry him. We went to the same restaurant for breakfast this morning as we did that morning. I love anniversaries.

I love romance. I love that he feels the same way I do. I love that I get breakfast in bed every morning. I love that he loves to cuddle. I love that he is funny. I love that he works from home. I love the home that we have built together. I love that we have the same taste in everything. I love that he loves to cook. I love when his hair (what little he has) sticks out on the side and he still looks like a little boy:D I love that we weigh the same (it took me a while to get him up to mine...wish it was me down to his) I love that he loves to clean..........

Maybe it would be a shorter post if I posted everything I didn't love about him.... :D

Happy Anniversary Buddy!!!

2 Years +

2010-04-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have now been blogging for 2 years.....(officially). I was worried at the beginning that I might run out of things to say about my dogs. Funny how I didn't realize there were more things going on in my life than that.

At times I find myself looking around the room that I am in and trying to find a topic. Not so easy. I've realized that it is all about experiences. So, my goal is to go out and experience more.....

Microwave

2010-04-07T13:23:00.001-07:00

Dan thinks I am mean for posting this. But, I think it is so funny....I have to share.

We keep our microwave in the cupboard. I hate a cluttered counter top. Dan loves to do the cooking and he is such a busy body in the kitchen. Quite the multi-tasker. He likes to close the door to the cabinet when he uses the microwave (it is safer that way...no bumping into corners) But the hilarious thing is when he hears the three beeps of the microwave and he doesn't know where the sound is coming from. I think it is hilarious because it has happened more than once just this week alone :D You would think that he would figure it out.....three beeps means the microwave is done. Instead I hear "what was that noise?".

He is a silly guy :D

Old Dryer

2010-04-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

I believe I have mentioned this before....but, they just don't make appliances like they used to.

I am so sad. Our 15 year old dryer is dying. It keeps popping the breaker. So, we called a repair man. $250 later....it is still having problems. Luckily the repair man gave us a refund.

We were looking at new washer and dryers....most of them are now the front load. Not a good idea for people with back pain. Plus, they are too deep to fit into our laundry closet. So, not only would we have to pay the price for the new appliances...we would also have to pay for the construction to move the washer and dryer into the garage.

I'm trying to figure out if we should just buy a new house. The expense might not be as much as trying to adapt to the new appliances. :D

Pool Already?

2010-04-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

As I sit here and write this post....it is raining and super windy. I worry that the porch roof is going to go sailing down the road. But, that doesn't stop us. Yep! We are starting the pool tonight. It is comforting to know that we have a dome that creates a nice green house effect. I cannot wait to go swimming!!!

Outside

2010-03-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

I can't help but want to be outside. I want to watch every flower bloom. And I just cannot keep myself from wanting to dig in the mud. Thank goodness I live in Oregon...I have enough to last a lifetime :D

I am loving Spring

2010-03-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

If I could....I think I would be outside all day long. There is so much yard work to be done. I love the cool air. The smell of potting soil. Listening to the birds sing. I think I will spend the day out there today. What a beautiful day!!!

Book Ratings

2010-03-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty strict about movie ratings. I don't need a bunch of crap in my head. But, I have realized that books do not have any disclaimers. Not that I am trying to start a movement....but, if you were watching a movie and there is something you don't want to see....you turn it off right? You haven't wasted that much time of your life.

When reading a book.....it takes a lot more of your time. I've been reading a lot of books lately. And it is sad to me that I will be half way through a book before I realize it is not the 'rating' that I would prefer. Three out of the last five books that I have read....I have actually thrown aside. Frustrated at how much time I put into a book that I won't finish.

I've even tried to go with older books...classics....from the 1800s. No such luck. Amazing how crude some can be. How can you find a nice wholesome book with a great story? One that will pull you in and engulf you? Join a bookclub. Done that. But there has to be something more.....

Dogs don't understand Daylight savings

2010-03-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

We used to think our dogs could read the clocks. They never failed to tell us when breakfast or dinner time was. It was like clock work. Gauper would bark at us if we showed any momentum toward the kitchen and he would continue barking at his food container until we fed him. Elphaba is more subtle. She likes to sneak up to you on the couch and smother you. She actually will climb around your neck until you cannot breath. We know she does it in a loving way.....Right!!

Since Sunday the dogs have been an hour late telling us when to feed them. We now know that they are smart enough to read the sun. Which scares me....because I can't even do that.

Happy food vs. Comfort food

2010-03-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Dan is always confused when I tell him I need comfort food. I don't blame him. The food changes with whatever mood I'm in. So brownies might work for one mood....but definitely not an other.

I have found that BBQ Ribs are in the happy food category. It does not matter what mood I'm in....Ribs will always make me happy. I would like to find more foods that fit in that category. I'm not really a picky eater...so, you would think that would be easy to find.

I'm very grateful that Dan loves to play with recipes. But, it makes it harder because I have too much good food to choose from.

It would be nice to go to a grocery store and just stroll down the 'comfort food' isle.

What I find interesting is that comfort food and happy food are not the same. Comfort food is something that makes me feel better when I'm down....but happy food makes me smile and get excited. Ideally I would like to find a happy comfort food. Maybe it is a good thing I haven't found it. I would never do anything but eat.

"Lulling" to sleep

2010-03-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up my father used to play the piano before we went to bed. It must have been to calm us all down. But, we always knew that when he got to the 'Brahm's Lullaby' we had to get ready for bed. By the time he was through playing it three times we needed to be jumping into bed so he could come tuck us in.

I have noticed that even now......36 years old.....I cannot fall asleep without singing the lullaby in my head. It seems to be the only way that I can get my self to shut my mind down and drift off. No other piece of music will work. Funny how our minds work.

Husband of the Century

2010-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

I have to say...my husband is absolutely AMAZING. I could probably host an entire blog just on his Awesome-ness. I usually don't like to brag....because I am totally spoiled, and I don't want people to dislike me.

Before marriage....did you ever build the perfect man in your mind? I did. And I have to admit that I aimed pretty high. My mother thought I was crazy. She did not believe it was possible. (She has admitted she was wrong.)

I have never met a person more loving, more selfless, more thoughtful, more witty, more romantic....I could go on. But, I don't want anyone to throw up either.

I just have to say. I am happy. I have never been happier. I couldn't have imagined ever having this much joy. And I hope that everyone gets to feel this way. I hope that I am not the only one who has found her perfect match. I hope that everyone who reads this will challenge it and say that they have the "Husband of the Century". You deserve it.

BBQ Dilema

2010-02-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

Our BBQ died this weekend. Right before we put ribs on. TRAGIC!!! For the last couple of years we have been using an electric BBQ. I prefer the smell of the briquettes....but it takes so long. And the gas BBQ is really quick. When we went to the store to pick another out....that is what we were looking at. How to choose?

You would think that they would have some kind of hybrid by now. One that can use both gas and briquettes. NOPE. We ended up buying one small gas and one small briquette. It was just too difficult of a decision....and we wanted both. We were also in a hurry to get home because the ribs were calling our names.

Late dinner.....but so worth it :D

Saturdays

2010-02-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

I remember when weekends used to be day trips. We were all over the place. I have a hard time believing that there is any time to do that kind of stuff now. Saturdays have become so sacred to Dan and I. It is the only time that we get just to us. But, we always seem to be doing something other than playing. I think that needs to change.