EH

2011-01-28T21:06:00.001-09:00

Funny thing, I was thinking about making a post today... then I noticed, the last date I posted and I forgot then what I was gonna say today.

What if?

2010-01-28T10:30:00.000-09:00

What if?

Surprise!

2009-12-16T22:11:00.001-09:00

2009-06-23T17:41:00.015-08:00

I came home from Anchor Point to find my garden is growing nicely. We had our first Harvest last night, fresh Zucchini. It was tasty!

It's amazing what you can find on the internet.

2009-05-21T08:13:00.003-08:00

is this correct grammar?

2009-05-13T22:27:00.005-08:00

I saw this on our way to Seward.

Boy did you miss out!

2009-04-22T21:53:00.005-08:00

Puffs
1	cup water
1/2	cup butter or margarine
1	cup all-purpose flour
4	eggs
Fluff Filling
2	cups whipping cream
1/4	cup granulated or powdered sugar
1	teaspoon Vallette’s Vanilla extract

	Heat oven to 400ºF. In 2 1/2-quart saucepan, heat water and butter to rolling boil. Stir in flour; reduce heat to low. Stir vigorously over low heat about 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball; remove from heat. Beat in eggs, all at once; continue beating until smooth.
	On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls about 3 inches apart. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool away from draft, about 30 minutes.
	Fluff Filling: In large bowl, beat whipping cream, sugar and vanilla; beat on high speed 1 to 2 minutes or until soft peaks form. Fill puffs. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 hours. Cut off top third of each puff and pull out any strands of soft dough. Fill puffs with filling; replace tops. Sprinkle with powdered sugar*. Cover; refrigerate until serving. Store covered in refrigerator. I whipped the cream a little longer and it thickened up nicely into more of a custard or ice cream texture. I didn’t remove any of the insides, the puffs puffed nicely. *I topped with a chocolate sauce, made of semisweet chocolate chips and chocolate syrup

Beans

2009-04-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

I was able to move the green beans out of the window and back under the lights, they are producing quite nicely and they are wonderfully sweet. The pods are not as tough as the pea pods, but the taste is similar. I am thinking will start some more plants just to make sure I continue to get beans throughout the summer. Maybe I will get enough so I can pickle some.

2009-04-19T08:59:00.004-08:00

This is our old entertainment center, It's been sitting in the garage for a few years now. It's been customized a few times to accommodate TV upgrades. I didn't think I would get much for it on Alaska's List, and since I am no longer permitted to even see the website, I decided to reuse the wood.

What I thought was Oak, turned out to be oak veneer over particle board. It was not cheap construction, and I bet whoever bought it first paid a pretty penny for it. But, since it was particle board my plans had to change significantly. I decided not to completely take it apart and re-cut to my design, instead I just moved parts around.
I needed the side panels to become shelve to accommodate the length of the lights. The lights also needed to be close to the plants to keep them from getting "leggy". I have it designed so three flats can go on the floor, that light (24"x24") is mounted on chains so it can be lowered/raised. It is also closest to the heater, which helps keeps the moisture evaporating. I will use this area for seedlings. The middle shelf is set up with a 4' light with 2 bulbs. I will use this to area for the second stage of growth. These two lights are wired together so its a plug and play kind of thing. The top shelf is just below the window, which I will place the more mature plants, will help when it comes time to harden the plants. That light is also hanging and can be easily adjusted.

Now I have WAY more room for my plants, and when the shelf is not growing plants, I have a nice laundry/ project table (which has been a want since we moved here) that it just the right height for me to stand at; and you know? I bet I have enough parts left to make some a few shelf units for the cabin.

Buddy if you need some plants....

2009-03-29T09:24:00.005-08:00

This is my growing operation, I ran out of room and had to expand to two lights. Mounting one under the table worked wonderfully! What a space saver!

My beans don't look like they need a longer growing season, I probably should have waited to plant them. They are thriving on the regular daylight though, if I can just keep them alive.

My mutant Cucumber, I had to move it out from under the lights because it was blocking the light from the rest of the plants. It's five time the size of its siblings. By moving it I think I shocked it into blooming. Maybe we will have fresh cucumbers by Memorial Day!

Happy St. Parick's Day!

2009-03-17T11:16:00.004-08:00

For those who would rather Watch then Read.... History of St. Patrick's Day.

Wasteful Spending

2009-03-11T13:11:00.003-08:00

Daily when I drop my youngest of at school, I see a city or state employee blowing snow off of the sidewalks. This has been going on for more then two weeks, and we haven't had that much snow. Last I saw him there wasn't any snow to move. I do appreciate that the city is now keeping the side walks clear, but usually when I see him he is stopped, reading, I assume he stops for the safety of the children walking to school. Why am I paying him to sit there, he could just start work after nine. I've come to terms with that... maybe I don't know something, they do.

BUT today I saw the sidewalk plow, was FOLLOWING the sander.... come on folks I am paying the sand guy and buying the sand just so the plow guy can blow it all in to the berm, so the land maintenance guys can come sweep and rake it out of the grass come spring!!!

Imagine of we ran our households that way??

Full Circle Farms

2009-03-09T21:46:00.009-08:00

We joined the co-op thingy, you receive a box of organic produce weekly or bi-monthly flown in from Washington. They ship you produce that is currently being harvested; working with other farms, so you will get fruits even when they aren't in season. It's fresh, with dirt and all, organic certified. You can also order eggs and other organic food items.

Full Circle Farms doesn't use any chemicals to grow their produce and because they fly it up ethylene isn't used ***. Ethylene diminishes the nutrient value and the taste, that is why the produce at the local stores in Alaska are bland and so many of us need vitamin supplements.

The week before, you can see what they are shipping and can add more and substitute items you may not want. When the product comes into Anchorage, it is distributed to various pick up spots, I go to Kaladi on the corner, closer then the grocery store.

We received our first box, last Thursday. It was two days late, but they kept me informed the whole time. I was worried what the produce would look like being late and all, but it was in great shape. I had the BIGGEST head of red leaf lettuce, a leek, 3 zucchinis, celery, peas, broccoli, red chard, kiwis, Clementine's, Fuji apples, and oranges. I have never had an apple like that.

A small box, the size of one those cardboard file folder box, cost me $40.00 and I can stop shipments anytime, or put a hold on my box if I am away for the week. They say a small box would feed a couple (that's two) for a week. My family of five is still eating it. Someday, I will compare their price to Carrs and Costco, just to see how it compares cost wise.

I will continue getting my bi-monthly delivery's but I am thinking we may be ordering weekly, if we are as happy with the next few boxes. My favorite part... it is so much fun to play with produce I wouldn't normally buy.

Tonight I made a Stir Fry.

*** I just got this back from Full Circle Farms

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for the e-mail. We use nothing but good old fashioned timeliness and refrigeration to get our produce to Alaska in the best shape possible. We pride ourselves on being 100% organic and as sustainable as we know how from field to table. Thanks for joining!

Regards,

CSA Team

I Lost my Header

2009-02-26T18:53:00.003-09:00

Blogger keeps erasing the link for my header???
Why blogger why???
I didn't even tinker in this HTML, what did I do??

"C" is for cookie...

2009-02-24T08:09:00.001-09:00

Question of the day....

How many boxes of Girl Scout cookies will fit into a Town and Country Mini Van?

Up $2.00 a day!

2009-02-22T13:32:00.002-09:00

My electric bill came in the mail and I am paying $2.00 more a day, compared to last year, for power. If Only I could get my hands on something like this, Byrd could power my whole house!

Happy Birthday Shane!

2009-02-07T08:52:00.008-09:00

Roses are Red,

Violets are Blue,
Happy Birthday Big Brother.
can' quit thinking about you!
I am feeling a bit sad,
What should I do?

What would you be doing,
To celebrate and play?
A ride to Lake?
or just a lazy day?
What kind of goodies,
do you want us to make?

So many questions,
things I should know.
You not seeing forty,
is quite a big blow.
I'm wanting to celebrate,
but feel a bit too low.

I wish you were here,
to say it to your face.
I am needing,
just one more embrace.
You mean so much,
you I cannot replace.

I poet I am not,
In creativity I'd get a zero,
but I'd hug you, and tell you,
You are my hero!

2009-02-07T07:00:00.002-09:00

Making Tracks

2009-02-04T08:59:00.003-09:00

What would you think if you had come across these hoof prints?

2009-01-17T23:10:00.002-09:00

I just now, at 11pm, let the dogs out and noticed lights dancing in the neighbors yard. I stepped out to get a closer look, what I saw was two males, equipped with head lamps and a long handled tree trimmers. The neighbor was on the deck and I asked, why so late at night?? He said the electric company is just now getting to trimming the trees hanging over the power line. I didn't notice any storm related damage over there this morning, is the call out call storm related? I didn't ask, I was to busy wondering how much those linemen are being paid and what they are going to do with the overtime pay.

2009-01-16T08:58:00.002-09:00

I would write here, but there is not much to write. I have been playing too many video games, there's a half finished puzzle on my dinning room table, an on going painting project, and miscellaneous deep cleaning projects on my list. I am just putt-zing around and enjoying the icy rainy windy NO school days. I love January, I can just snuggle down in my warm little house, listen to the wind, and watch the neighbors try to get out of the neighborhood.... I am such a putz!

Looking Back

2009-01-04T13:43:00.004-09:00

I had to remove the music due to copyright laws....blpppphhhh ;)'

I'M DONE!!

2008-12-21T18:08:00.002-09:00

....and now I have time to do Sarah's MEME.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper with ribbons and bows, FOR SURE!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial but if I could afford it, id buy a real one...me too Sarah!

3. When do you put up the tree? After the 8th, Byrd's Birthday.

4. When do you take the tree down? After the New Year

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, with Grog!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Taffy the Teddy Bear, a gift from Shane, the year Heath was born.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Tay

8. Easiest person to buy for? Rose

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, John made it for me.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of one.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolf

The Bronze

2008-12-17T22:11:00.006-09:00

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.

A Simple Tree

2008-12-16T08:56:00.000-09:00

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.

Advice for the Man Shopper

2008-12-09T12:41:00.005-09:00

Stay Out of the Dog House

OMG...disaster...devastation....

2008-12-07T18:22:00.002-09:00

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!

Me Me

2008-11-15T09:35:00.003-09:00

The Simple Woman Me Me...from Klondike Kate.

Outside My Window...

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.

A picture to share...

Shane taught me...

2008-11-12T13:07:00.003-09:00

.. there is not a left sock nor a right sock...
they are just socks.
(hanging off his feet)

Vote the Right Way Vote McLay!

2008-10-22T15:27:00.002-08:00

Where has Governor Palin gone?

2008-10-20T07:34:00.001-08:00

I am a Palin fan! I am, or was. When Governor Murkowski picked his daughter to replace his senate seat, I understood. When Governor Murkowski bought 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 Montigain has 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 of books, 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 a difference 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!

What's new?

2008-10-17T08:42:00.003-08:00

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?

Deck Work

2008-10-02T09:43:00.005-08:00

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!

Puberty Stinks!

2008-09-23T10:13:00.003-08:00

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!

That's my theory and I am sticking to it!

I'm Jammin'

2008-09-13T09:14:00.004-08:00

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.

Labor Day... Here we come!

2008-08-29T15:15:00.006-08:00

We are patiently awaiting for the return of the girls from school, so we can depart for the three day weekend. If you would like to join us we have an extra seat !

PS~ did I tell you "Alaskan Gals Kick ASS"

GO SARAH!

It's going to be a great berry year!

2008-08-21T08:27:00.005-08:00

I picked the first batch of Raspberries yesterday and for every red one I picked, there were 10 green ones that I will have to go back for. I was going to start digging some of the plants up to give away, but by the time I harvest all the berries it may be frozen.

My very small Strawberry patch also is producing. I got 8 yesterday and there may be 8 more if I get to them before the slugs.

It seems as if it were yesterday...

2008-08-20T08:36:00.002-08:00

... I was going through High School and now my baby is starting the adventure.

No fish for the rest of you!

2008-08-18T08:02:00.004-08:00

Three for the Wolf Clan, out doing the rest! Byrd, John and I participated in the family derby this year (for once we were able to attend), we each took a fish, and they each weighed 10.5 pounds. Dads was a monster weighing in at 16.5, he won of course taking the biggest fish title away from the Bear. I think there should be a prize for the clan who brings in the most! It was great having the other fisherman walk by seeing our 7 fish (two for the Bear,two for the Eagle and one each for the Wolves) on the bank, and telling us no one else was catching. The Harrington's OWN the river, give up!We had friends from the past join us in the middle of the week. I believe the fish treated them well, between the swimming lessons. It's great to hear life has treated them well, I sure hope it isn't another 18 years befor we see them again.(left to right- Opie aka Larry, Jim, John, Me, Kyle, Dad)

We couldn't get our guests to sheet the roof of the cabin, but we got her done. Thanks Rodney!!! Next weekend, or the weekend after will be spent laying the roofing material. I had a blast figuring out how to frame the windows and putting up rafters is not as hard as it appears as long as you remember which marks NOT to use on the ridge beam and the birds beaks are laid out correctly. I was hoping to learn a little about wiring but the Bear may get to it before me. THANKS!!!!

Hopefully we will have a Rocking (Sheet) party on labor day!!!

2008-08-13T18:14:00.003-08:00

Between fishing we are getting something done, in the rain.

My Garden

2008-08-06T09:29:00.015-08:00

I have been busy with the yard this last week. I trimmed all the trees in both yards, with my new loppers (I can't believe I have lived without them for so long). I spent 6 to 8 hours lopping the branches into burnable sizes and burning it. It made a nice hot fire so I greased down (seasoned) the fit pit, I love cast Iron, it is no longer rusty but a beautiful black. I left the burning for an evening chore, so I could sit and enjoy a productive days work with a glass of wine and quietness.
While mowing the lawn Saturday the, the mower (the beast) was giving me fits mowing what little grass/clover growing in the front lawn, so I spent Sunday ripping it apart. I took apart the carborator and cleaned it, flushed the gas tank, changed the oil, replaced the air filter (I guess it hasn't had one for years) and replaced the blade. The mower now turns over with just a few pulls, the sputtering and dieing has ceased, and it now turns off when I release the automatic shut off handle. Next chore is to rip apart the transmission, cleaning the dog hair out of the wheels wasn't enough.
I poisoned the weeds in the yard again, and weeded the garden. I am pleased with just how well the plants are doing. I also moved some plants in to the newly built hot house... I had to share.

I bought one Hot Pepper Plant this spring, most of the summer is was outside, since it has moved into the hot house it has developed a flower that just won't bloom.

My tomatoes were stunted from the lack of sunshine and heat, a few day after I moved them into the hot house John was all excited to show me one of the tomato plants. It was three times the size of the others and had 20 flowers ready to bloom. He told me he fertilized the plants with his "Secret Military Growing Liquid Fertilizer" (that he bought at the local plant store), he had me going for a while. As it turns out the neighbor Joe is in Australia for the month and gave us one of his plants. The flowers are plentiful and hopefully the season will be long enough to get something out of this plant.

The red lettuce likes it new home, but is still a little bitter. Maybe I can bribe into a sweeter mood with many of doses of little amounts of water?

The begonias are doing wonderfully now that they are inside, now if I can figure out how to winter them.

My yard plants are surviving the cold cloudy summer. Early this year I was feeling like a loser because my Bleeding Hearts did not return. They tend to be very hardy and hard to kill off, perfect for me. I am almost positive the plant cam from John's mom and I was bummed I killed it. BUT.... Dicentra Spectabilis -

AKA- Bleeding Hearts - Dutchman's Trousers

I am pleased to announce I did not loose my Bleeding Hearts, the came up again, the were just REALLY late and REALLY small. There are a couple more shoots appearing about a foot away from the main plant , so to keep myself from getting over zelious with the weed whacker I planted some Mother-In-Law Tongues around it.Next year it should look nice. (I looked it up and now I don't think that is what they are, I think they may be Hosta Bressingham Blue).

John's Apple Tree may produce some smaller fruit this year, unless we get some sun.
The Raspberries are coming in nicely it should be a good crop this year. I have the garden blocked nicely so Barely cannot comb his hair with the bushes anymore. There is nothing like dog hair in the fresh Raspberry jam. This fall I will most likely dig the majority of the plants up and try to get some nice rows going, instead of the forest we have going now.

I have expanded the strawberry beds, Hopefully they will make lots of runners so next year I can add a Strawberry Tower (maybe a little simpler maybe one to two pipes) to the green house.

This isn't really my rose bush but I have been working for years pulling the branches through the fence from the neighbors yard, trying to make it look like I have some luck with roses.

This is another plant we took from the neighbors, after many hours of research I found out it is a Centaurea Montana or a mountain corn flower. I LOVE the way it photographs.

The Wolf Den

2008-08-05T08:38:00.005-08:00

John spent Sunday working on my den (the one on the right), I am looking forward to a Christmas or two in the "woods".

Birthday King

2008-08-02T09:41:00.004-08:00

Did I ever tell about that time I caught the biggest King Salmon of the year? You gotta Love it! In fact if I remember correctly this has happened before... remember that beautiful White King Salmon I brought in (May 2007)?

Beach Combing

2008-07-22T19:24:00.002-08:00

There are many more... not BEAR on the roof shots, but this I had to share.....

I want a TV this BIG!

The Nickel Project

2008-07-18T10:36:00.004-08:00

My niece collects nickels, so I save my nickels to give them to her for her Birthdays and Christmas. She turned 16 on on the 16th, her lucky years is also her Sweet 16th, I just so happened to collect 16 rolls of nickels since I last gave her nickels.With collecting something like Nickels, I hope she will have a nice bit of money saved for when she is ready to be on her own.

In the past we have packaged them creatively. For Christmas we made a rain stick out of a wrapping paper tube and popsicle sticks. For her birthday last year we melted a coin slot in a large hollow chocolate easter egg (she was a little disappointed she got easter candy in July). This year I didn't have a big enough easter bunny to fit them all, so we decided to sculpt them.....

640 nickels, 6.5 tubes of super glue, and I may try it again, once I get my fingers unstuck.

2008-07-17T17:47:00.004-08:00

I got a BIG hammer,
I been practiced,
I Be Ready!

Quick Look at Our Fourth

2008-07-08T19:10:00.009-08:00

Picture of the week!
(You got to click it to appreciate it)

What I didn't take a picture of the catch of the week!
My 8 pound dolly I caught while trolling for Kings.
Which was way bigger then the Halibut Tad snagged!

Really... I meant to focus on the rock...curse it all!

Heathers find.

This shot was requested, the truck belonged to an old man from Oklahoma. I wonder why his ball is upside down?

Beach run.

He looks like he has seen this done.
(don't worry an intense gun safety class was attended by all)

Watch it, Granny's got a gun!

Are you Smarter Then My 5th Grader?

2008-06-22T10:26:00.008-08:00

You have 3 tigers, 1 leopard, 4 lions, 2 jaguars, and 2 cheetahs, how cats with spots?

Is a yellow Jacket is a Wasp or a Bee?
Do you hold a recorder like a flute or an oboe?
Which lasted longer the Revolutionary War or the Civil War?

She tried, two Saturdays in a row, but when the questions are spoken to you, you have only a minute to answer, and you are answering in front of a panel of judges, things are much harder. Her little heart was a little broken that we weren't going to be spending June 28th in the real LA, but nothing a breakfast at IHOP couldn't fix.

We had Barley's Moley-Mole, removed, he is still a little shy about the scar, but you can tell he is feeling better about his appearance.

I finally am cleaning out the garage, I am finally (or making John) figuring out what to do with some of the junk he brings home. Things will be very different from my drawing, we decide the drawing would be to small to grow anything in. OHH I can't wait till next spring!

Don't ask me to baby sit

2008-06-12T11:48:00.003-08:00

On my way home from the store today, driving up Patterson, I saw a strange site, a Magpie chasing a squirrel across the road. The Magpie was ascending from the squirrels back, while I was just trying to grasp what exactly I was seeing, I forgot I was driving and I ran over the squirrel. I don't think I have ever killed any animal (maybe a fish or two) until this week.

I miss all the good stuff

2008-06-09T10:13:00.004-08:00

The story around the hood goes... This Mama moose dropped two calves, in the neighbors yard (the BIG HOUSE) while we were away at the Hole in The Wall. One of the calves was stillborn and mama hung out for a few days protecting it. The neighbor called the Troopers and Fish and Game for them to come take care of the body of the calf. He was told they would only come out if the moose was alive and causing problems, a dead moose was his problem. So he bagged it and left it out front for the garbage man. Here's his question... a silencer? Fresh meat? really it just died there.

The Wolf Den

2008-06-08T15:28:00.004-08:00

I found Google SketchUp, how cool is this?

I can even, if I tried hard enough put the Wolf Den into Goolge Earth, or visa versa, how cool is that? Also, while online searching for sized of various objects I ran into this, I think the other Clans may want to check it out!

2008-06-02T11:20:00.003-08:00

We made it safely home, despite the monsters we encountered.

2008-05-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

2008-04-30T21:59:00.004-08:00

Let me give you some background information, in Girl Scouts, girls "Bridge" up to the next age level of scouting. It's a big thing, a ceremony involving 30 to 50 girls, and times that amount by three for the guest list. There are awards and symbolic tokens presented to each girl. Afterward, we do a little reception serving food. It is a very traditional event and crucial in keeping enrollment numbers up, the girls enjoy being acknowledged in their accomplishments, and they should be. And we do all of this with a $85 dollar budget.

I have sat on the Bridging committee for 7 years only missing one last year. We have sent out the same information to leaders about supplies, awards, RSVP forms, and Bridging requirements, NEVER have I had so many stupid questions or lack of follow through.

Dumb bitch has coming out of my mouth way to much this last week, not a very Girl Scout thing to say, but come on people!

Who does not know where to buy tissue paper? Umm ...what mother has never been in the gift bag isle at the grocery store? Or get creative and go to Michael's!
Who does not know how to make tissue paper flowers? Come on folks we learned that in elementary school?
Who does not know what "paper products for food service" is? Huh, let's see, maybee, anything you don't wipe your nose or butt with.
Who does not know it is NOT okay to RSVP 30 or more guests 24 hours before the event? Huh, you can come, but you can't eat!
Who does not know if you plan on Bridging you cannot let the produce/ director/ emcee/ program layout artist know the night before? The program has been printed, the emcee has the Script, and if you didn't have 12 girls that would be disappointed I would tell you where to take your RSVP!

I am so retiring!!

2008-04-19T08:32:00.003-08:00

I am now gainfully, unemployed, for the first time ever the state will be paying my paycheck. I have never collected unemployment, and couldn't imagine it would be so easy, five minutes online and I am good to go! So much easier then finding a job! My plans for the future is to milk unemployment for as long as possible and play spring away, I can't wait to do some yard work, get the house organized, and NOT GO TO WORK!

Photo, Courtesy of Crystal, Riley playing in the a mud puddle!

Work is like sitting in a waiting room...

2008-04-17T21:14:00.002-08:00

Phew...tax season is done, I am so exhausted, I mean really, actually working, MAYBE 1.5 of the 8 hours I had to worked this week. For instance, today, I made one journal entry (billing postage, for all the tax extensions filed), part of a crossword, made four 6 page print outs, did two Sudoku puzzles, read three chapters in my book, answered ONE phone call, listened in on a phone call about what kinds of nasty things people do financially to each other during divorce, and worked on a cross stitch I started last May.

Our Henry? Maybe not...

2008-04-07T06:52:00.006-08:00

Doing some more research, I now believe I was wrong in my last post, I believe the man I mistook for my Grandfather, was Henry Hathaway (AKA Henri Leonard de Fiennes) , one of the film directors of "How The West Was Won" along with "True Grit" and many other amazing movies. The resemblance in the clip from from the trailer was just amazing, I wish I had found some missing family history.

Then, again, I look at this... and say how could you doubt?

What a Find!

2008-04-06T15:08:00.004-08:00

I watched "How The West Was Won" although the movie was awesome, I should be posting my review, but I saw something else while watching the trailer... the fever is gone... I don't think I am seeing things...John saw what I did... now you tell me...

Beware of the Bendy Straw!

2008-04-06T10:37:00.003-08:00

If you are reading through Blogs and find a post regarding bendy straws , I warn you it is a trick, do not read, navigate from the page for your own safety, for she has found a way to rid herself of her germs, by passing them to innocent readers across the world. I hope I had a chance to return the favor.

My fever* broke yesterday evening and I was able to enjoy some of the pampering my husband was giving, with my bendy straw, chicken noodle soup, and 7-up, I was able to watch another western movie, this time it was "True Grit". My favorite part was when John Wayne was riding across an open field shooting at four outlaws, the way he twirled that riffle, amazing!
If my memory is correct, there are scenes in the movie that were filmed on my Uncle Don's property in Colorado and some of the horses were my Grandfather's. A few years ago, when driving through Colorado, my father and I stopped at a park (I don't remember which town), that looked like a town square, I believe it was the same town square where the hangings occurred in the beginning of "True Grit", it hadn't changed much. Sitting in the parking lot of that park, I was told a funny story about a gun trade, that happened during the filming of the movie... I would like to hear it again.

*If this post is incomprehensible it is due to the fact that I am still lying in my death bed, and the bendy straws my husband brought me are helping very little. I am trying to process the information my eyes and ears are taking in but it just takes so much of my strength, I would just rather lie down in my own self pity, don't talk and don't expect me to listen unless it pertains to just how BAD I feel, it is just too much work to do anything but lay around wallowing in my own misery.

The good ol' sound of a record

2008-03-27T19:55:00.004-08:00

I didn't realize Doris Day sang this... maybe Tay will add a little of this to her Sinatra collection. I am enjoying listening to the older music she is finding, where the recordings are flat, the scratches are heard, the musicians are actually playing, and it is meant to be played at a decibel that won't make you go deaf.
The other day, on the way to drop the kids at school, I had the pleasure of listening to this versions of "You Are My Sunshine". I was in tears within the first few seconds, I am finding as the girls get older and they are hating me and more, I find myself searching for the little rays of light that show me, I just might be doing something right. I saw my sunshine, that morning, a glimpse of hope, the emotions of the memories, connections the song made, the words she said right before it played. I just could hold it, I bawled like a big fat baby!
You see "The Mustard"* song is Tay and my's song, I am not sure many will understand I am not sure she will ever understand just what it means to me, but all those quiet nights in the NICU, I would sing it to her, over and over, but I wasn't really singing it to her, I was praying.

*I only knew the words to the part they sung on the mustard commercial, sad huh?

Along another note, I am enjoying getting to know Newt Call and HellBitch. I accidentally bought the "Lonesome Dove - Mini Series" instead of the "Lonesome Dove" the movie but it was both TV seasons for $18 bucks. It turned out alright because "Comanche Moon" really left me with a feeling of urgent need to find out what happens to little Newt. I know I am watching things in weird order, but I can't stop now I am feeding my immediate need. So far Newt is turning out to be everything William Call wasn't in "Comanche Moon", I am in LOVE, he can marry my daughter anytime!

Anyhow... its 8:15 ... Johns at Cold Stone now... and I can fit 3 more episodes in!

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T15:30:00.004-08:00

Did you hear the leprechaun
DID beat up the Easter Bunny...

he didn't like sharing his month.

Who knew...

2008-03-13T19:03:00.004-08:00

...nicotine was a dietary supplement?
Think its like the oxen bile found in most energy drinks?

Sunday Project

2008-03-02T21:21:00.005-09:00

2008-02-24T21:19:00.003-09:00

I found the first pussy willow!

2008-02-16T20:34:00.007-09:00

Dear John,

Thank you for the lovely gift, it was a nice surprise to see after a long day of grocery shopping, baking, cooking your dinner; not to mention the long month of dealing with a cranky night working husband and PMS'ing "pre"-teens. I can take a hint, I understand that I have been a bit grumpy, but I am sure mad is much to strong of a word. Sure maybe hostile, quarrelsome, resisting; or maybe antisocial, cold, cool, disagreeable, disapproving, distant, frigid, or icy; but mad? Maybe you meant crazy mad, but really you and me switch spots and we will see who is the grounded one.

I apologize for making you feel disregarded, forgotten, ignored, or overlooked; but promise that as soon as your socks and underwear are folded, the cat box is clean and the the summer toys are washed I will be feeling a bit more like my self; maybe a bit more caring, compassionate, considerate, cordial, doting, forgiving, friendly, kind, warmhearted; and if you are really lucky ardent, fervent, passionate, warm; amatory, amorous, erotic; enamored, infatuated, lovesick; mushy, romantic, and sentimental.

Your loving housewife?
Heidi

PS- please, I am not quite sure I am feeling it. Please send another bottle (or two) and the rest of dirty laundry...and don't forget to feed the cat.

***

2008-02-06T21:07:00.001-09:00

A real mother daughter heart to heart...

Byrd says:

How do you spell Expessually?

Byrd says:

The real way!!!!!!

¥Ħëįďí¥ says:

especially Its a special because it has a "E" at the beginning

¥Ħëįďí¥ says:

hey its bed time!!!

Byrd says:

One minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

¥Ħëįďí¥ says:

NO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and don't use !!!!!!!!!!!!! with me young lady!!!

Parenting through instant messaging!

***I was going to tile this post "Parenting in the 90's" but it is not the 90's anymore (took me 8 years to figure it out), I must have blinked. I didn't know what to replace 90's with ....what is it? the millennium? in the 10's? I am so confused now....

Pretty Amazing

2008-02-04T08:34:00.000-09:00

We, JD and I, have been wanting to get our girls interested in trying this, hence this project, but the task seemed too great and we were lacking the play dough that particular lazy Sunday. An old Homer buddy of ours had the time and motivation and play dough to do the project with his girls and they created a pretty amazing piece of work! Maybe someday, we will try.....

2008-02-01T08:46:00.000-09:00

Now I wasn't there or anything but doesn't THIS seem a bit excessive?

It's the little things...

2008-01-31T15:03:00.001-09:00

Thank god, it is tax time, I actually have worked every hour that I have been to work, in fact there is one project I have been trying to get to all week but have been too busy, it's vacuuming but still it counts!
Thank god, for sore throats, cause they sure keep the noise down around here.
Thank god, for John Lennon, who, in under three minutes, can fix any boy troubles and restore the faith in man kind.
Thank god, for the easy questions kids ask..."Why Mr. McFeely is named Mr. McFeely? and he sure had a lot of little kid friends" and not some silly nonsense about periods or something.
Thank god, I am the grown up and can pick my fights, cause it would have ruined a perfectly good day if I had chose to pick this morning fight.
Thank god, for the freezing cold sunshine, at least it looks like spring.
Thank god, I didn't have to go to the principles office in regards to a child not talking talking nicely to the boys. Who would have known you couldn't say "your just jealous cause gay guys like me!" at school?

Rippen' Russian Jack

2008-01-29T07:25:00.000-09:00

A few weekends ago, Rosey taught Valette how to snowboard, Valette ended up catching on real quick like. She Ripped Russian Jack like a crazy mad woman.

Poor Stupid Eagles

2008-01-12T09:18:00.000-09:00

Eagles aren't so smart you know... but they are proud, can you see how humiliated they are?

Poor Stupid Kitty

2008-01-10T09:27:00.000-09:00

Sitting in bed this morning, sipping on the hot cup of coffee, left for me on the nightstand, I hear the jingling of dog tags in the living room, and then a howl coming from the cat. Not comprehending what was happening, because the dogs were still with me. I leap out of bed and over our big dog, which sleeps with his head under my side of the bed making it difficult to exit without hurting him. With no time to grab a robe, I run upstairs to find the cat had somehow gotten his head stuck between the rungs on the back of a dinning room chair. His tail was all puffy, he was howling as if he were dieing.
We have had little kids get their hands stuck in the rungs; the rungs are larger at the top then narrow towards the seat. They tend to slip their tiny hands in at the top, and then get off the chair. Their little arms slide down to the narrow space, they find they cannot remove them. With one hand stuck it the chair, they cannot climb back up on the chair to reach the wider area to remove their hand. Ricky was in the same position, he was still on the seat but found with his head stuck he could not stand up again to reach the larger opening.
The dogs heard the commotion and came running, freaking the cat out even more. Grabbing Ricky, holding his legs tight so he does not tear into my skin with his claws, I lift him so his head would fit out the bigger space at the top of the chair. The wiener dogs are jumping and nipping at Ricky’s tail. Ricky is pulling and tugging and still cannot free his head, the dogs are making it worse. Getting a hand free so I can twist his head so it can squeeze out of the larger opening towards the top, he twists it on his own and it pops free.
He is okay, it took and hour for his tail to loose its poof, he has left piles of hair everywhere he goes (from the stress) and he is still slinking around, I think, a little humiliated. I am still giggling over his embarrassment, wondering how he got himself into the situation and wishing I had gotten my camera out before freeing him. I am also a little worried that if it had happened while we were all gone what the dogs would have done to him. Poor stupid kitty.

2008-01-07T19:29:00.000-09:00

So Tetris is the theme today.... Check this game show out!

2008-01-05T09:29:00.000-09:00

Will Smith, you know the Fresh prince, I never really like him, I liked his song that went with his show, but never him as an actor. He always seemed to play the same roll, in all of his rolls, no matter how different from the Fresh Prince the part was written, I never thought he could play anything different....until last night!

The girls and I went to see I am legend.... I was amazed!!! Will Smith was one of very FEW actors in the movie and he pulled the part off (and he is very sexy with the graying of his hair)!!! A GREAT movie!!! I enjoy scary suspenseful movies, zombie movies, vampires, ET movies, science fiction!!! I also enjoy a really good tear jerker, the ones the leave you feeling hollow from a good cry! This movie had it all... I have never felt so many emotions during a zombie movie! GO SEE IT!!!

Our Year 2007

2007-12-31T10:29:00.000-09:00

With every photo I see here, I see blessings, a year that held many changes.
A year of moving towards the future, a year of self-reflection and growth.

A year that I am thankful, I got to see.
A year I am thankful you shared with me!

Here's to seeing those changes bringing only the best to all of us!

Christmas Clean Up

2007-12-30T10:58:00.000-09:00

As, usual at this time of year, I am cleaning up the ol'computer system. John got me a MyBook for Christmas and it has done WONDERS for the speed of my computer. All of my photo's and music (and Johns crap that is twice the size of mine)it stored there now, between that and the memory Valette gave us, I am ZIPPY. I can't believe the difference. I still have this quirk on start up, I think I partitioned my drive or something. It needs to see a professional...

Anyway, what I really wanted to say is I am now able to finish some video projects that I found (the slow computer is not holding me back anymore)....While sorting and backing up photo's early this year I found these....

This one was taken with the "Gateway" camera in 2003, we had 30sec of sound option and it had to be recorded separately from the video. I don't know how I was going to get her the message but...with time... I think it will finally get there.

Closed captioning brought to you by...ME!!

"We love and miss you Grandma Jeanette...oh, you messed it up"

Here is baby Lou ...also taken in 2003.

2007-12-24T23:59:00.000-09:00

Some low life scum stole my baby Jesus, right out of the manger, and on Christmas Eve! What is this world coming to?

Joyous Holiday Cheer

2007-12-24T10:37:00.000-09:00

The gifts are wrapped, still searching for bows,
A day full of cooking,we watch as it snows.
Visions of Christmas dancing in my head,
keeping me up, keeping me from bed.

Childlike anticipation, like a little girl,
dreaming of bows and the ribbon's curl.
it's time to enjoy, slowing the pace,
each surprise, the look on their face.

The spirit I see, seeping in rather thick,
not of getting, but giving, that is Santa's trick.
He reminds us of sacrifice, like the one on the cross.
to spend his days thinking of nothing but us.

The giving, the caring, lets reminisce,
the thought of people we will miss.
with egg nog-n-grog, I raise to the new the year,
wishing you all, the most Joyous Holiday Cheer.

2007-12-22T10:54:00.000-09:00

I took my younger GS Troop to Bean's Cafe, yesterday, we volunteered to help cook Christmas dinner. It was a success and I couldn't be prouder of my girls. They were respectful and helpful. Even with so many of us there, it was not a circus, even with the staff having to dance around us.
I was impressed with Bean's new kitchen and office space, from United Way. We learned that Bean's Cafe only employees 6 people (some are past clients), everyone else is volunteers or is a person they serve, a Beany. They serve breakfast and lunch, and they act as a day shelter. If a Beanie (what they call their clients) helps in the kitchen they receive a "Beanie Bag" filled with snacks. They serve an average of 600 meals a day, use 50 rolls of toilet paper and 12 pounds of coffee in a day. I didn't realize but Bean's was named after a little girl, her and her mom started Bean's in the '70's.

We were the last of the groups of volunteers for the day, for a total of 63 outside volunteers, so Christmas dinner was already done. We helped clean up the kitchen, Midnight (the cook) was thankful he would be able to go home a little early.

Because there were so many of us, we were assigned to different tasks, we cleaned the serving area, I noticed several eyes getting good looks at the dining area and seeing how many people were eating (we were not allowed to go out front), I should have asked what the girls were thinking. We cleaned the bread carts, with the nicest lady who taught them to speak pig Latin, she could even do it in Spanish. I cleaned those carts, last spring, not an easy task.

We also got to stuff the "Beanie Bags" full of sweets and yummy goodies... yogurt, chocolate muffins, sandwiches, chocolate bars, life savors, rice crispy bars, gum....everything a kid could want. Before we left we were offered some goodies, some girls accepted, some girl felt someone else needed it more...I did encourage the girls to take the "unhealthy stuff", figuring the protein and good carbs should be left to the Beany's.

Here we are with out hairnets.

On the trip home I heard many girls wanting to go back, Thank You BEAN'S for such a great experience.

When John got home that afternoon, he took on the rest of the Girls Scout waiting to go home and I got to get my sister out of the house alone. I have decided the best place to shop is the 5th avenue mall. Here's what you do....You swing into Sullivan's and order a $10 Martini, then head up stairs for food from every place in the food court, when you are over stuffed, you wander around EVERY shop pretending you are the only one there. I got little shopping done.

Yesterday, I also found something I never realized I missed, reading to young kids. I read Melissa and Warren their "bed time" stories...the excitement over a book they probably have read millions of times....I LOVE IT!! It's those little things that make life worth it!!

LOVE LIFE, LIVE IT WELL, and BE THANKFUL for EVERYTHING!!

Christmas Card

2007-12-19T21:32:00.000-09:00

Well, some should have gotten our Christmas card, if not it will be coming (or I don't have an address and its sitting on my desk), I am sorry if I am ruining it for any of you but I feel like I should have explained in the card.

I wanted the project done, so I set my girls out to get the photo for the card, I needed some inspiration, and they needed a project. All I asked was they take lots of photo's, they all three need to be in it, and I get one traditional photo in front of the tree. Well they used the tree....

Charlie's Angles

Real Life

Speak-Hear-See no evil
(note the Manson shirt purposely worn)

Sending you our love,
Merry Christmas

Have you ever peeked?

2007-12-17T09:00:00.000-09:00

I was 10 or 11 it was Christmas and the presents were stacking up under the tree. One day the prettiest box showed up and it had my name on it. It was a small box, bigger then a jewelry box but smaller then a shirt box. It was wrapped in bright paper, yellow maybe, with lots of colors. The most beautiful bow was attached. The package was hidden in the back of the tree, but at that time packages were inventoried daily, so of coarse it couldn't stay hidden for long. I looked at that package for what seemed like weeks, shaking it. It didn't make a lot of noise just kind of a swish, it was light and airy. It left me wondering.
Day after day of shaking led me to (subconsciously) plan a way to open it without anyone knowing. By the time I made up my mind to open it, it was already strategically planned out. It had to be, for I had very sneaky parents. I just new the had memorized what tape they used and just how many pieces and god forbid if a ripped something they would for sure know if I had to re-wrapped it.
I knew the fist step would be making sure the tape detached itself perfectly from just the lower layer of paper, so I would be able to use the original piece of tape to repackage it once it was open; and making sure it did not attach it self elsewhere.
The next step would depend greatly on the "wrapper" if the wrapper taped the paper to the box then the I would have to be very careful to peel the tape off both ends of the box and the back where the paper meets. This day I was lucky in that way, I had peeled the first piece is tape so slowly it probably took me hours. When the tape was finally loose, I was able to slide the box out of the paper that was holding it.
I had a plain white miniature shirt box in my hands, the package was soft and filled with tissue paper. I knew tis was going to be good, like jewelry, the stuff that costs some mayor money. Then it came to me, how will I react when I really open it on Christmas day? or how could I handle putting something so great back under the tree once I knew it was there? But I would live with my actions and I moved forward. I pulled the top away to confirm my instincts, the box was full of tissue paper. I knew something expensive was nestled in all that tissue paper, for tissue paper was reserved for special gifts only. As I peeled the tissue back I started to see colors, many colors, rainbow colors. When the gift was finally revealed, I found the box was full of rainbow colored ribbons, attached to a ...
hair clip. It was a filler gift. One of those ones when you childrens number of presents do not total the same.
When Christmas day came, I acted surprised told my mother I loved it, and I probably would have meant it if I had not spent that one afternoon peeking. I never did wear that hair clip.

The moral of this story....My Ladies...I learned from my mother....the good stuff doesn't come out until Christmas Day.

3000 pounds...

2007-12-15T00:55:00.000-09:00

of frozen corn on the cob.
Tonight or Friday night I took my older troop to the Food Bank of Alaska for some good doing. They really have a great operation going. To simplify it it is just a big network. The food bank warehouses the food for the 100 to 200 different churches, soup kitchen, and distribution centers all around the state. They also act as a middle man with a Federal program.Who also pays the shipping costs to the bush, for the distribution centers there.
The food comes from the fed's, state grants, cash donations, local business, food drives, and just personal food donations. .The manufactures give large donations or cuts on cost on food with out dated promotional packaging. We were show several pallet's of canned pears, the pallet's were damaged on the barged coming up to Alaska. The whole pallet was going to be thrown away because a few cans had popped open damaging the packaging. How wasteful.
When deciding to do this project the girls wanted to help the homeless, you know those people one the corner. We learned something tonight, the homeless is very small percent of people that are using the program. The largest demographic profile is our seniors. If you know of anyone out there that is going hungry there is food out there.
In the case of the mass amounts of corn it was a trade somewhere in the lower 48, a state had too much corn and we had to much salmon, so we did an even trade. Fruit, Veggies and Protein (peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken) are alway a big need and Alaskans can only do so much salmon.
Tonight we were handed two pallet's of frozen corn. Our goal was to package it into produce bags, in family size portions. With 15 kids we packaging 3000 pounds of corn. They each packed an average of two hundred pounds of corn. I am still amazed at the team work, the problem solving, and the speed of the act.

Finding the Spirit

2007-12-13T07:27:00.000-09:00

I have been trying to absorb the Christmas spirit in me since the 3rd of December, I have been subjecting my self to the carols, in hopes that the process would start to seep into my veins.
Life outside the home has tried to pry the spirit into me.... spending the week decorating the office; it's kind of hard to tell but our (her) tree is decorated with pencils, pens, 3.5in disks, tax software CD's, and tax documents folded into swans and cranes. Very creative, but only makes the need for the spirit stronger.
I tried to find it by shopping around for the perfect gift for Johns party, attending the party, and feeling the first anticipation of opening my first gift, the Christmas CD of the "red green show" and then I sadly watched it get taken
from me to open a...

Elmer Fudd Chiah Pet which thankfully was taken from me
after Joe opened his gift which I was able to take.

None of this helped me soak up the Christmas Spirit, I now believe you cannot steal a Christmas Spirit and still feel good about it.
I tried the liquid form of the Christmas spirit, but I think the bartender was against me, 4 sunrise's, three comicazi's, and a who knows how much wine, left me feeling sober by midnight.
I searched under the house for some spirit, and felt the start of the osmosis process as I decorated with a cup of eggnog and my mommy. But by the time we were done I was to exhausted from the emotions of the the day and the previous day, to sit and enjoy. Watching someone leave state is never easy and reminds all of my family of what we have lost when the younger's leave state to find themselves. We are sending lots of prayers, be safe!
Maybe if I get some Christmas cards done I would feel ready to start shopping for the Christmas Spirit, maybe, if I figure out what I am shopping for I will find the Spirit, maybe if I start cooking I would find the Spirit.....
....maybe if I would just RELAX and enjoy my family and friends, the Spirit will find me.

2007-12-07T17:43:00.000-09:00

I'm running and not getting anywhere, splitting my day up in some many small periods of commitments is making me feel my wheels are spinning. Especially when a big block of time is spent sitting and waiting for the clock. Yesterday at least I got to sit in the company of people who actually talk, the waiting room at the dentist.
It was quit the active day, first thing in the morning I was on-line buying a birthday present for my youngest birthday party, that night, lucky for me they emailed it to me. Saved me an hour trip downtown. After, two of the girls set out for school, Rosey and I hit the stores in search of the perfect company Christmas party gift. We found some thing but for other people, I am not ready to do my Christmas shopping.
We then headed to Party World where we picked up a few more odds and ends; it all could turn into something right?
We then dart across town to the dentist and we wait a half hour for them to get Rose, later she tells me the doctor didn't see her until an hour after the appointment time. Like I don't have better things to do, we would have come back!
As I sit waiting for her to be one, an Older man strikes up a conversation. Turns out, he was a blast from the past, I spent many Saturdays with him working on little adjustment in the developing some spectacular prints of photography. I learn an awful lot from this man...so much I have forgotten most of it.
He had cleaned up quiet a bit and even looked sober, that is why I didn't recognize him. We had a nice little talk about the people I worked with, and what he was doing now. We even talked a bit about a few more photographers that we both know now, dead and alive. It is truly a small world.
He was there selling some photographs to the staff at the dental office, I got to check out some of his new work, which is still amazing. We had just gotten started on an amazing discussion about digital vs film, and the fact that film photography is going to be a dieing art, when Roseys doctor came for him, now I know why I sat in the waiting room for so long...the doc was shopping for art.
I would link you up and introduce him but he is one of the only photographers, that I knew/know, that is still doing things the way he always has...with an old school SLR, a pocket full of film, trading film developing for product, and surviving by selling photos out of the back of his van down by the river in Somewhere, Alaska! It kind of makes me wonder what ever happened to the other Furgi not Fergi?

After Gene left, I sat and knitted, when an older women asked me what I was knitting. In a very nice, helpful, and interested way told me she has never seen anyone knit the way I was. I guess I am doing it backwards, upside down,inside out, or something. I had to explain I was self taught, with a little help from a left handed knitter, and a Learn to Knit Book. I may have to do some research!

After we left the dentist we finished put shopping for Byrd's birthday, nothing like the last minute to get things done. Picked up another kids and rushed home to clean for the party. Which was a success....many kids (girls and boys), lot's of dancing (girls), video games (boys), and eating (all). She had a great 10th party!

After the last guest was BROUGHT home at 11pm, John and I sat down to figure out this gag gift thing.... check it out!! John Christmas party is to night I better finish up so I can get sexy!

Today, I found the Christmas spirit...just had to get past the Birthday's. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I am alive...

2007-12-07T07:15:00.000-09:00

...I am doing it...life...that is, hanging out going through the motions...need details ...try the archives, I am sure I am doing the same things.

A few new artist...

2007-12-01T02:30:00.000-09:00

...a few of you might enjoy!

Live show Sampler NEW!

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Housewives On Prozac....check out some of their other stuff.

I am liking this

2007-11-30T08:35:00.000-09:00

I am liking this everyone leaves the house at a different time. One gets up and gets ready, as I wish her a good day and send her out the door, another appears from her den and proceeds out straight out the door, when that one is gone the last of the crew awakes and gets up and lazes around until she finally leaves, I have a half an hour of me time before I must leave. It repeats itself in the afternoon adding John to the list. It gives me quality time in the morning and the afternoon with each one! Best of all....NO MORE MORNING FIGHTS!

Speaking of mornings, I have found that the Chicken crows every morning at 8am, this Chicken will someday turn into a Rooster and I am wondering why he is calling my Byrd so early.

I saw Santa today at the mall, he was parking his SUV in a handicap parking spot, I think he was starting his shopping also. He was going to pick me up that sleek black leather jacket I have wanted for years, that I got but just wasn't right. I started my Christmas shopping … HAAHA ….I make me laugh!

Home sick...

2007-11-26T08:48:00.000-09:00

...after a four day weekend, I feel really bad, really, for having to call in sick, but my youngest partied way to much this weekend and has a tummy ache. So it is now a five day weekend, and after farting around with Blog layouts yesterday, I really need the extra day to catch up.
Laying out the new layout was quiet easy, using the templates (link at the bottom of page), and Blogger has made it REALLY easy to add those cool things to make it your own. I would like to play with another project but a domain name is holding me back. Why is naming a web site so much harder then a child?
Okay back to work...already spent to much time here!

2007-11-24T11:12:00.000-09:00

I hope todays anti-smoking ads have the same effect as these past tobacco ads did on past generations....

Adopting Illusions

2007-11-16T07:47:00.000-09:00

Discussing the trials of raising preteen girls, with a friend, she replies.... "Lord help me, are these girls 18 yet so all I have to worry about is where we are going to go for lunch?". I think I will adopt this illusion.

2007-11-15T18:53:00.001-09:00

This is to good...I couldn't wait to post until tomorrow...so today you get TWO posts.

Check this out...Totally beats the Diet Coke and Mento's trick...and Valette stay off the DEW!

Thanks TAB!

2007-11-15T08:53:00.000-09:00

Thanks to Steveo, I now have a new mission in life, I am jumping on the band wagon, I might be leading the band wagon....but I vow to SAVE the CHICKS.

...maybe I can fit it in sometime late January

2007-11-09T07:58:00.000-09:00

I could write a novel here, it has been a hell of a week. Half days of school, parent teacher conferences, working longer hours (so I could take time off to go to PT conferences), Girl Scout re dedication ceremonies, Girl Scout Service Project events, birthday party prep, clean up after last weekend project, and the loss of Rosey's classmate.

Conference have gone great so far, Slow down and turn in your class work are the only complains the girls teachers have...so all is well there. Two honor roll students, lets see if they maintain, as school gets boring. I am debating the whole special Ed thing again, now that Tay's IEP is due, the the teachers are struggling to keep her in the program. Who know what tomorrow brings...is all I can say.

My house is being swallowed by pile of recyclables, mostly it is my box Christmas box collection (don't tell mom). My crawl space was full of nothing but junk, with John replacing the boiler it was a perfect time to clean out the crawl space, now it is headed to the central land fill. With many doubts that is.... Monday I set an 8 foot stack of fiber glass ceiling tiles out for the garbage man. As soon as he pulled away I kicked myself for throwing them out; they would have insulated the garage door wonderfully. Now I am having doubts throwing any of it out. I mean how could I ever part with the box from Nordstrom's that Grandpa Epperson used to get his Christmas socks in... well that one was easy it is only 25 years old and smelled like mildew, but my point is those are MEMORIES.
I set my girls up with a project, shredding old financial documents, three small boxes, that were from before John and I married up until Byrd was born, those three small boxes were turn into 5 or 6 garbage bags of (and still shredding)... MEMORIES...

This was for the flowers at our wedding, I think they cost more then our wedding rings!
This one was from when we first came back to Alaska, we had more money then I had ever seen and a bedroom set was a great first investment for a newly engaged couple. We only have the bed frame and bed side table left, we passed the mattress to Heath (and have since replace our bed the second time), and Sarah has the head board. Many GREAT years for a measly $1200.00.

Speaking of which....today is Rosey's 12th birthday... right about now, back in 1995, I was getting my water popped at 7:30 am, while waiting for John to get to Anchorage. We all thought it would be a quick labor so John was hauling tail, to make it. Rosey had other plans and refused to come until ER came on television, 9:09 at night. I was probably a little pissy that I missed my TV show, when I sent John to go get dinner from Arby's; a craving I had all week and because I was tied to a hospital for the last five weeks, I could not get to it, by the time things had settled after her birth, Arby's had closed and John returned with all wrong things. The poor boy. Rosey was healthy, I was irritable, and John couldn't win. Today, we are celebrating with pizza, roller skating, and sleepover.

Along with a normally the busy week, Rosey and her classmates lost a friend on Monday. Cameron had gone to school with her since 2nd grade, his little sister is friends of Byrd's, and their Mom worked at the elementary School, until recently (she started got a job with another friend of ours). Cameron had some serious allergies, milk being one of them. There have been a lot of rumors going on, but the one piece that has been constant is that he drank pink lemonade that what fortified with protein, a milk based protein, he had breathing complications, and his brain wouldn't work any more.
I feel for these parents, and these kids. We have had a house full of kids all week, making t-shirts, posters, and banners. The girls that new him are taking it very hard, I can't imagine what the boys are doing dealing with it.
Death is nothing new to most of these kids, our local elementary school has lost a student or a teacher every year around this time for the last three years. Morning the loss of a loved one, sound like we should add it to our curriculum. It is just to much.

With dealing with the dis-organized house (which seems like all the time now) and the active social lives of the children, I am struggling with being a grown up about this job. I love the extra money, and I love getting out out of the house (I wish this job gave me more opportunity to meet new people), and I want a job, and my family is dealing with it, and I know I need to work....but I HATE THIS JOB. I did in the beginning, right after the interview, and I took the job anyway. I thought I was just resenting giving up my days. I am trying to positive, open minded, to remember that it will look great on a resume, and that it is easier to get a job when you have one. BUT...I am having communication problems with my boss which I am sure leads her to believe I am totally inapt to do the job, but she keeps contradicting herself and when I try to explain the contradiction she denies the previsions conversation. I can deal with that to some point, but sitting around for 4 hours to answer 3 phone calls, that I am not allowed to do anything but transfer....WHAT IS THE POINT... there's a thing call voice mail. Out of the 16 hours I put in I work maybe 4 of them. You would think it would be a dream job, but I call it BOREDOM! Maybe she will fire me...have I put enough into unemployment yet?

It has been an emotional, stressfull week. And I need a weekend in bed with a good book...maybe I can fit it in sometime late January.

2007-11-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

What a warm Halloween, I never remember Trick-or Treating with mud on the ground. Along with the warm weather came a little extra evening daylight, due to the new federal law. I am not sure why Alaska participates, I would rather have extra daylight in the evening when I can enjoy it. Why do we switch? Just leave me on summer hours!

I was realizing, that this may be our last traditional Trick-or-Treating Halloween. This year Rose went out with her friends, Tay wanted to stay home and eat our candy, and Byrd was excited to take the babies out. The costumes aren't cute or scary anymore, unless you count how scary it is that my girls are looking a little too old and watch to much top model.

No photo of Tay... due to the fact she was not dressed for the occasion and refused to be photographed.

We found it living under Shana's stairs.

This the the crew from Jojo's Circus...the dog is supposed to be a Tater???

Spider webs are bad for Byrd's.

WE had company for dinner, last night. This was Rosey's pumpkin' ...hers was not the only one that ended up dinner.The only survivor was Tay's...
I guess anarchy is something moose aren't into.

Cleaning out the camera...

2007-10-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

I was just cleaning out my camera and found these....Some child was playing!

Rose tells me "We need one of these installed on Byrd."

Helping out

Work in progress

Dr. Brittany Icky ('cause they rhyme)

I think she wanted to take picture also.

My kids were baby sitting... I think Babysitting 101 is in order.

Top left to right - Shana's, Heidi's, Buddy's, Rose's, Taylor's
Bottom left to right - Kymber's, John's, Fake, Dr. Icky's

2007-10-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

There is a mutant running around my house. I have seen him once, but he was faster then light. An inch if not bigger. I can hear him, his voice echoing, louder and louder everyday. I hear him in the walls as I sit to pee, is he in the bathroom? the furnace room? or the laundry? a tunnel through the walls? There's no one there to answer, there no answer when seeked. It's been days, it gets louder, angrier, thirstier, hungrier...will it eat me in my sleep? or just drive me nuts?

Speaking of bugs, did you know one pound of worms eats one pound of garbage in one day? I heard it on talk radio.

It's just me and the frog at work, he say hi every time I walk by, I think he has a crush.

It snowed and then it rained and then it snowed and the roads were slick and there were rollovers all over the Glenn Highway, and I had a nip of anxiety when I arrived at work. Not like the anger the bus driver felt for having to do 60 miles an hour with the rest of traffic all the way to Eagle River. Or the angry bus driver that tried to pull out onto Northern Lights in front of me at 8am with roads so shiny you could watch the sunrise, in another hour. What is it with me and buses? Is it time for them to get revenge? Isn't there a statute of limitation on Karma?

Dang cricket is driving me nuts! I wish Matilda the frog knew how to retrieve.

We are getting ready for the Holidays!

2007-10-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

Weinerfly

She Devil

One-eyed Unicorn

The dog that ate that man.

2007-10-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

All, caught up, at work...I am liking it better. I have a four day weekend, the boss has ran out of things for me and she is concentrating on getting any tax extension returns out and quarterly taxes paid. Which means, for me anyway, that next week I can start cleaning out the 1999 tax documents. YEAH! My big project yesterday was, playing on the internet...I got to research "How to remove photo's from the sticky paged photo albums." If anyone has any idea, I would sure like to know an easier way then Microwaving them.

The household is holding up, Byrd has asks often if I am still working. So no, the world did not fall apart when mom went back to work, it is not effecting the family at all. The house is still in okay shape, but I am not going to clean it. That will be up to the whole family this weekend.

The house has been a little odd lately, it must be the freezing temperatures, the kids and John are in bed by 8 and asleep by 9, the girls have even been taking naps after school. I think their metabolism's are slowing down and we are going to have a long winter. It probably doesn't help that everyone is home by 4pm and that makes the evening long.

I am glad that it is October, just for the fact that good TV is back, who has been watching Hero's?

My goal this year was to get my ALL photo's organized so I can get them in scrapbooks. I have always said it was nice to store them on CD's but with the new Windows VISTA, I am afraid I will be able to access any of it in 5 or 10 years. So I am spend god awful amounts of money on reprinting any old photos, that were lost or missplaces or used for school projects. I want them in books so they will last for years. I am feeling accomplished, for it is only October, and I have my photo's in order (or on order) and have started scrap booking our 2007 year. Rose has joined me in this hobby and Tay is developing the want; but the "is it worth the time" question is popping up. She showed real interest when she saw that I was printing off some old Blogs and putting them in the scrapbooks. I even added your comments you left. In the years to come I think they all will appreciate the work. My next goal is to pull out the memorabilia so that can be added... 5th grade graduation, camp letters...that sort of thing. With my parents traveling, it makes me want to dig out our photo's, of our trip down the Alcan. Maybe I should start scrap booking the old day in stead of 2007?

2007-10-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Somebody educate me...Why did they wait so long to pursue this matter them selves? Why haven't they questioned the rest of the legislature yet? Am I just missing something? or should of an internal investigation already been in the works?

September is Over?

2007-09-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

I think every photo I have of her this last year is here at the computer listening to music. She has explored the music of every generation since the 50's. I have learned a lot with our music apperication times, thanks Tay!

OHSA would be proud.
Deep thoughts, Rosey?

Yesterday was National Public Lands Day, my older Girl Scouts went to help out. I thought it was going to disaster. Last year we participated and we heard nothing but wine! This year all my chaperone's ditched the night before too late to round up new ones. I really needed two adults in case of emergency but that is not what worried me. I was afraid would not be able to motivate them. We worked the Goose Lake Trail system thinning the wooded area 15 feet on either side of the trail and learned why... to allow ventilation through the woods, to keep bugs down. Pedestrian safety; so the trail users couldn't be surprises by animals and other dangers. Fire hazards; in case of a fire they wanted to prevent a canopy fire. If you enlarge the photo you can see piles of small spruce that
was cut and hauled to the trail, the trees are waiting to be chipped
and put right back to were we took them from.

This year I did not hear much wine, but had a few girls just standing around and one pouted the whole time. But all in all we had a great time! We ended up leaving a little early trying to find a restroom, and got "lost" in the woods. It was a blast playing the situation up, one girl (the pouter) even called her mom (without my knowledge, darn cell phones) because she really thought we were lost (I can't wait to hear from that mom). Once we were found we had to stop and enjoy the view of Goose Lake in the fall. While we enjoyed the view we did a "Glamor Shoot" and decided that a photography badge and a photo shoot were in need!These poses remind me of the Tyra's "Top Model" show, what posers.
I know there is only 7 girls here, my pouter was sitting by herself 15 feet up the trail.

After our morning of work, we head for pizza and scrap booking. Me with 8 moody girls, it was a fun but exhausting time. I would do again and again!

On another note....

I saw this car on Northern Lights Blvd and couldn't help to wonder... WTF? What are you trying to say? why does the world need to know? and I hope they don't have kids. I find it very dis-tasteful.

And

Driving down Minnesota, I found what happens to our "City of Flowers"...

and it hadn't even frosted yet... and the plants still look to be in full bloom? I am sure they could have been harvested and the flowers would have made someones day! Like a "shut in" or "the old folks home" or someone in the long term care unit. Wasteful! That is what that is.