Byrd received her Girl Scout Bronze Award tonight. It takes a lot of work just to be able to start the Bronze Project, then to complete it, it takes 15 hours of community service. Most girls/troops it takes 3 years, to get there, our troop 1.5! The troop decided to help animals, so they built scratching posts for cats. Then donated them to a second hand store that gives the proceeds to the local animal shelters.
We spent last week decorating the tree. The thought of Christmas at the cabin has encouraged us to simplify Christmas, maybe its mixed with the thought of the what the economy is doing.
Yes that is popcorn and oranges, and just a few of the most special ornaments, the lantern lights Melissa bought us for our first Christmas together in Homer, our antique ornaments, the red string of beads we bought our first Christmas in Anchorage, and our most prized Hallmark ornaments. I was tempted to try to "sugar" some plums. It is so pretty!
Dan and Janice (John's bosses) threw another WONDERFUL Christmas party. We ate at Kobe's, their show was much better then what Benni Hanna's does. Then we went bowling, where I had a pretty good score, until the Tequila shots kicked in. It was easy to blame it on something stuck on my shoe, because I was the soberest (wonder if that's a word?). I really like the crew he works with, even though I only see them once a year. Maybe, I am still wearing my stress, or maybe they just truly care because they were all very concerned about how we are ALL are doing with Shane's death. It means so much to me, makes me feel part of the Pinnacle family, that they would care so much about my family, people they have never met. I wish Shane and Mark (he's gonna be a Grandpa) could have met. I wish you all could meet the crew. I wish..... so many things.
I have my cards done, not mailed, but ready to. I haven't started Christmas shopping yet, but hey I still have a few days, and I am more worried about bringing the basic necessities down so the girls are comfortable in the cabin. I want our first night to be the best, and what better night to do it on then Christmas Eve. Which reminds me... I better pack the ice melt and an ice pick... I left the commode behind the cabin, and its probably iced in.
The attitude in my house was as if we were doomed and needed to break out the survival kit. Today the phone rang and we had to rush back home... you see a snow machine knocked over something important and we lost phone service and the INTERNET....FOR DAYS!!!! What did we ever dooo??? John ran to the internet cafe' ...to play mobsters.... and then we celebrated Byrd's 11 birthday, shopped, math homework, played life, watched a movie, moved into freshly painted bathroom, washed all the hanging clothes and hung them in the new bedroomcloset, lots of good ol' famliy stuff!
Dusky morning, telling me its overcast with snow on the ground, its quiet, all I can see is the under boughs of the spruce tree in the front yard, so big.
I am thinking...
it takes time.
I am thankful for...
distractions.
From the kitchen...
the sounds of a child making breakfast.
I am wearing...
sweats, a long sleeve T, wool socks, and a Sweatshirt.
I am creating...
I am going to create, a mess in the bathroom. Sanding down the tongue and grove, so I can re-stain it.
I am going...
to hang home and do chores.
I am reading...
"The Shinning", again, it was assigned reading for my 9th grader?
I am hoping...
Shane's girl's are all right.
I am hearing...
John coming in from the garage.
Around the house...
is quiet.
One of my favorite things...
bed.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Bathroom and closet remodel, make lungs, laundry, pack, Principal's cabinet, travel, funeral, family, travel, Girl Scouts, rest, finish lungs, dentist appointment for Rose.
I am a Palin fan! I am, or was.When Governor Murkowski picked his daughter to replace his senate seat, I understood.When Governor Murkowskibought that jet against our vote, he pissed me off. I was an instant Palin fan, later, she chose to stand up to her party and run for Governor. I found she was a real home town kind of gal. A lifelong small town Alaskan, middle class, union, commercial fishermen, four kids; I could relate to her, she must have many of my same concerns. Education, working for a living, managing while exploring our natural resources, and cutting the fat out of government.When she put Murkowski’s Jet on EBAY, she won my heart, what a “Main Street” thing to do.
Even with the new investigations targeting her, I still maintain, I am still able to relate to her. I would use my power to get a bad cop out of a position of power, any law enforcer that will tazer a child, has some issues making approperate desions.When it comes down to the firing of Walt, this is not the first time Walt Montigainhas been removed from public office. He was appointed by Mayor Wuerch as Chief of Police herein Anchorage, the Mayor explained that he "wanted to take a little risk." Montigain’s choices were always being questioned during this time, “lack of communication” being a huge issue. Crime in Anchorage went up, the gang population grew. When Mark Begich asked him to step down in 2006, it was said that Walt was going to retire anyway, and that it was a mutual choice, but that is not the way the press laid it out at the time.
The rumors floating around about our Governor leave a bad taste in my mouth. These rumors coming from Wasilla, why are these people just now speaking up? If these things are a hundred percent the whole story, the book banning, the firing of staff for personal reasons, why didn’t they step up speak their voice when we put her into a position of power here; in Alaska, where it affects us on a more personal level?I have to believe it has to do with the national attention; these issues blew up to be bigger issues. There is usually a little truth to some of the rumors that float amongst the people of small towns, but over time only the juiciest of details are remembered. Book banning, it been an issue for hundreds of years, it would never have happened, it isn’t an issue that’s high on my prioiry list right now. Some things I can agree to disagree with her on.
Here’s my “Deal-Doe”, the way she went from “Baracouda” to “Caribou-Barbie” for the McCain campaign, she has suddenly become a politician in my eyes, someone out of reach, another big wig listening to the advisors before the people. It is understandable, I would also be afraid to call my buddies at the local radio show, in fear the “Elite Libreral News” would pick it up and twist every innocent giggle or slur of speech, but that is why I voted for her, she was real, unscripted.
When running in a campaign that the whole world is watching, I can understand dodging the paparazzi, but if you speak publicly, shouldn’t you make sure you practice what you preach? That what you are saying is the whole truth. So many people had a heyday with Bristol’s situation, Governor Palin asked that her family be kept out of it, and it is now old news, but now the McCain/Palin campaign has been getting a lot of attention from families with "special needs children" and the McCain/Palin campaign is using it. Personally it offends me, she has asked the media to leave her family out of it, yet she is willing to use Trig?It bugs me she is willing to advocate for Trig publicly, but not for Bristol. Trig’s situation has probably widened her views on disabilities; did/does Bristol's situation widen her views on sex education? Just wondering , It appears that "Special Needs" is a noble calling, while teen pregnancy, affecting more American, is an embarrassment?
I see these families flock to see Trig. It offends me that there is no coverage on what the “Special Needs” issues are, just that the families are showing up to rallies just to get a glimpse of Trig. I haven’t heard them talk about what those needs are or what they should do to implement them.Governor Palin has had 6 months experience as a mother with a disabled child, which alone does not make her an advocate.During her time in office, as Governor, she has signed legislation that would increase financing for children in Alaska with special needs, but was not part of the development. She promises to be strong advocate. Advocating WHAT? Maybe we disagree, like we do on sex education, the banning ofbooks, or abortion. What about disabilities in general, our "special needs kids" are going to turn into special needs adults.
Talking to many parents, throughout my years of weaving our way through the system, many military, Alaska is one of the better states for financial and medical support for physically impaired and medically dependent children. Alaska is continuing to work hard on getting some of the issues surrounding behavioral disabilities recognized, addressed, and funded.There are a few advocates to thank, but I haven’t heard that Sarah is one of them.
From a parents, a ASD surrogate parents, and a teachers assistants view, what I have seen is under qualified, poorly trained teacher assistants, implementing a child’s specialized learning plan, under the mangament of a underpaid overworked Special Education Team, who is really so busy doing paperwork, leading meetings, looking for liabilities, and managing TA’s to really see if those goals are being met.The recourse for a parent or care giver when the system breaks down, a round table battle, where everyone agrees the system sucks?Let’s get the teachers back in the classrooms and let’s train the support staff handle the paperwork. We need improvements in the Special Education System; our “Special” kids need more one on one with a qualified, up to date, educator.
The govoner has chosen to advoate for me and my family, now I want to know what our govenor plans on advocating, if I elect her campain partner into the White House, what is she going to do?
How are you going to improve the Special Education Program?
How are you going to support these kids into adulthood after Special Education?
What are going to do to stop the “Use it or Lose it” grant abuse that is happening in our State?
Does your advocating, also include all adults with disabilities, or just Veterans?
Can you make adifference in the way Social Security is being handled,so I know my family can fall back on that system if need be? That it will still be there after the baby boomers, and that people dependant on SSI won’t lose or abuse benefits?
Can you do something to increase the job market for people with mental impairments, without taking jobs away from the students and the under-educated?
Does your health care plan do something to insure my disabled daughter will still have health coverage after collage? That her employer’s health coverage cannot reject her medical needs due to pre-existing conditions?
Governor Palin, you brought disabilities into limelight,now tell us what are you are going to do!
I know, I have been slow to write, or comment, but I am still alive. I have been keeping myself busy around the house, avoiding going out and spending money. My property taxes have gone up ($100 bucks a month), my heating (33%), and soon the amount we pay into Social Security. While here on main street I am cutting back trying to get out of debt, I am funding more government (China's mostly from what I hear) and more big business. My life outside of the house consists of Costco, the Schools, and the gas station, while CEO's of failing companies are taking spa retreats! I guess I should feel lucky gas prices are dropping, but that won't make up for the loss in the 401K or our next Permanent Fund Check.
I have been keeping up with the elections, the debates are leaving me more confused. The last debate was disappointing, they both acted like children, twisting words, rolling their eyes, spewing the same ol' stuff. Maybe debates are a thing of the past, really its turning into a venue for negative campaigning. I would like to see each candidate with TV time dedicated solely to them, to present me with their resume's, detailed plans, with flow charts, facts, and resources. None of that catty back and forth, straight facts! When they mention Joe the Plumber, I want to see his future tax return, under the candidates plan. I want to see how they plan to fix our global reputation, I want to see a detailed budget regarding that 7 billion dollars! In politics, promises and words are transparent.
I agree with Obama on a few things, but strongly believe he cannot fund all that he promising, he talks pretty, like a used car salesmen. It bugs me that he has been running for president his whole political career. To me that is a personal goal, not one that the people have asked of you. I like the fact that Economics is what he does, I like that he thinks we can have it all, but we must be realistic. Under Obamas lead we will all be dependent on the government to much, I am tired of Americans making stupid choices and expecting the government to bail them out.
McCain, I think will be a great leader, I believe, he is the one for the office, especially when it comes to our global issues. I have noticed more and more that he jumps to quickly, Joe the Plumber and his choice in VP, have hurt him, maybe that's the maverick in him, but its hurting his campaign and it scares me. I support our Governor, she has shaken up Alaskan politics, she has taken on the big boys, and she is willing to listen to the people. She is good for Alaska, in ALASKA! She is just not ready to play the big game with the big boys, she needs a few more years to prove herself. I am embarrassed for her, she needs to pull up her big girl panties and quit hiding from the media or the media is going to continue to rip her apart. I am wondering if McCain would be seening the same issues if he had chosen another running mate.
Like, most Americans, I need to continue reminding myself this race is between McCain and Obama, about the ISSUES! I am afraid of who America is going to pick, this isn't Americas Got Talent....
... it is not all about making history, the first "black" president, the first female VP, a chance for Alaska to get noticed. Its about the issues? About the most qualified candidate?
... It not about the stupid things that Saturday Night Live, Jay Leno, all of the day time talk shows come up with. The entertainment industry is very one sided. Americans need to be more proactive and question what the media is saying.
I want to hear about the issues! I want to know more about, how the candidate is going to get us out of this finical crisis? What are they going to do first, health care, the war, the recession? What are their priorities?
We built the ramp to the front door probably 9 or 10 years ago. The materials for the ramp were purchased through a grant for Tay; but the rest of the lumber were scraps from the job sites Uncle Marty was working on. The flower boxes also act as storage for the winter or summer toys, depending on the season. That is all they are really good for, there just isn't enough sun light or warmth to grow anything in that location. I have been meaning to transplant some plants from the woods, something that likes to grow under spruce trees. I spent a week sanding off the "Honey Gold" and hated every minute of the dust. I did however find myself thinking about all the people and stories surrounding it. I ran into the hand writing of a child, written on the bench, it said "Here lies Wormy the Worm". I giggled as a sanded it off, remembering the Kresley boys. The deck boards were so worn, as I put more pressure on the sander, I would recall the numerous hours of listening to scooters and skateboards.....rumble down the ramp.
When I got to the the burn marks, I didn't put to much effort into sanding, it felt like I would erase a treasured memory.
The ramp/ deck is sanded. There were a few finishing touches we never got to here we are FINALLY hiding the old concrete steps. When we first installed the ramp we had to cut out and haul a few tons of concrete, but most of it is still under there. Thankfully Toby and Shane were around, both working in Anchorage. Toby and John loaded Toby's truck and hauled it to the dump, I believe the weight in the truck was twice the amount it should hold, but had to be done in one load.
The view from the road , someday the rock path will be done and some grass will grow before August. The rocks were collected along the Sterling highway around Cooper landing. They were widening the roads and blowing up mountains. Every trip that summer we would stop along the highway to pick rocks. Hauling rocks is now the dreaded punishment for the kids, one I have always threatened,but never had to carry out.
Here is is all finishsed, it is redwood like the green house and the swing set. I think it will look nice with the Spruce trees. I stained it this week, in 40 degree weather, I hope the stain sets up right. I kept waiting for the rain to stop, or the wind to quit blowing. When the temperatures dropped, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. Now I just have to clean up the yards, garage, move the tools inside, paint the living room, re stain and paint the downstairs bathroom, and build a closet under the stairs.... and when that's done it will be time to mud and paint a cabin and repaint the house!
As a teenager, my mother would step into my bedroom, get one sniff, let me know I needed to fix that (aka clean my room), and leave again. I am sure she would come down to communicate about something much more important. She would get one whiff, forget everything and would get out before the smell could penetrate her. I used to think she had an over sensitive smeller. Now I think, I was equipped with a defense system similar to a skunk. As a parent she presented a danger to my teenage social life and social appearance; in defense my body would use its defense trait to keep any adult far away. How do I know this..... it is hereditary!
It has been very quiet with the girls at school all week. I have enjoyed doing a few projects, some productive and most not. I am still harvesting raspberries and today I hope to get some plants out of the ground. If you know anyone who wants some ... give me a call! If I don't give them away to friends, I think I will advertise them on Craigs List. $5 a plant sounds fair!
This year, is appears the more I harvest the more they produce, every four to five days I can pick another batch of jam. So far I have put away 4 batches Raspberry Treasure Jam... I call it that because I threw my few treasured Strawberries in there (and a few from Costco), there weren't enough to call it Raspberry Strawberry Jam.
I read somewhere that the 1/2 sugar pectin sets up the best so I bought some of it, then I read the box, it has Splenda in it. I don't like artificial sweeteners, I steer away from most diet stuff, call me silly but I am concerned with the long term heath effects. Also, Miss Tay will surely notice and not eat a bit of it, she can taste the difference, and doesn't like it . My next batch will be made with good stuff.... maybe even ORGANIC sugar!
For those of you who have gotten recent phone calls (or where sent to the hospital) about the last items canned in this house; I took extra precautions, in the sterilizing process, and can guarantee there was not a moment in the process were anything cooled down enough to have been contaminated. I will also test it out on a focus group (JOHN) before I give any away.
Here I am cooking the berries, not very appealing at this stage....looks like road kill...eww! I couldn't get photo's of the canning/jarring process, I only had two hands and the hot stuff had the priority, but here is the end product. I have a few more items I want to can up before the apples are ready to be processed. I will let you know how it goes.
