Showmethesale--Not your average 'mom blog'

Girls just wanna have fun. . . Part 2 (in Seaside, OR)

2011-10-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

I just can't stand it if I'm not traveling sometime, somewhere, with someone. . . so in mid August, a couple of gal pals and I decided to hit the road and take off to Cannon Beach and Seaside Oregon.

(Thanks Frank, for the use of your sweet lil' beach house) where one of us got a bit wet and cranky:

While some of us managed to stay cool, calm, and collected. . . (as well as dry)

We had such a great time relaxing and beach combing and even found a baby seal to suntan with:

And what road trip can be complete without pigging out on sundry delectables as well as over-sized elephant ears:

You just can't go to Seaside without visiting the Promenade indoor mall and find crazy stuff in the store to justify silly photo ops:

Thanks to my crazy gal pals who always are up for living it up, laughing, and loafing at any ole' time.

Until next time. . . .

Girls just wanna have fun. . .

2011-08-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

I've figured out something recently. . . no matter where I go--there I am. And it's kinda fun to just up and leave your cares behind and get out on the road with the girls.

This past May we decided to head through Sisters and Bend, Oregon and have a rip-roaring, relaxing time. (if there is such a thing)

Well, what do you know? In Sisters, we just had to stop and partake of the specialties after seeing that sign--I mean, it had our name right on it! Fabulous people? What, are you kidding?

Then it was on to shopping along the way to Bend to find the 'perfect thing':

We stayed at this amazing resort right on the river and had a blast hitting balls on the driving range, working out at the Fitness Center and dancing in the club until 2:00 a.m. Of course there was some 'nature stuff' to hike around and take in as well. . .

Even though we climbed rocks and forded streams--there was always an opportunity for a good photo op. . . you know, posing moment:

Thanks to my gal pals for having the no-common sense, no-holds-barred, ready on a moment's notice to just 'up n' go' and take to the road for some fun and frolic. . . .

And a big thanks to the beautiful northwest and mother nature for creating some fabulous weather and beautiful scenes for us to peruse and enjoy. . .

Frolicking on the 4th. . .

2011-07-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

This past 4th of July was AWESOME for me and my lil' family.

My oldest son flew in from Utah to join in the merriment. . .

--and middle son and his wife drove up from Utah as well.

Since my daughter and her family already live here, the only one that was missing was my youngest son who is currently serving a church mission in the Philippines.

We started the day off with a trip to Horning's Hideout in North Plains, Oregon. It's an amazing place with a lake and trails and peacocks running around everywhere--not to mention 54 holes of disc golf:

Then it was on to a Fourth of July Parade at the coast where the only thing I managed to capture (besides the tons of candy thrown by the folks on the floats) was a photo of men in skirts. I know what my priorities are and nothing says 'TIME TO FILM' like a bunch of bagpipe marching men wearing kilts. . .

(although dear daughter managed to capture many moments quite nicely with her camera)

Then it was fun and frolic at the coast until a bonfire could be built, s'mores made, and fireworks set off. . . Fun and frolic included lots of ridiculous posing:

Beach-combing and taking in the ocean itself:

and checking out the lighthouse at Cape Mears:

And getting in a 'photo op' with the Octopus Tree:

Stopping at a local arcade just made one of the brothers glad and one of the brothers mad. . . see if you can figure out which was which from the photo:

I loved having everyone home together--and the fact that we got to eat like pigs and blow stuff up in honor of the holiday made it especially exciting.

Ahhhh. . . I almost forgot (sneaking a peek at daughter-in-law's blog reminded me) These brothers get a bit weird/sentimental at times:

(Please note: I'm sure there will be more photos to add to this posting--as I need to snag a few from my daughter-in-law and daughter. There were so many photographers and so little that were blog worthy--at least from my camera Go figure!)

Until then. . . we'll all have to wait with bated breath for the ending of this posting. . . it could be like the song that never ends. . . maybe I should at least say:

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Wait no longer! Now I can finally add the actual frolic:

And the fireworks!

Now I can finally say it was a very:

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

And this last picture I will post (taken by my lovely daughter) sums it up quite nicely:

Impromptu road trips are the best. . .

2011-06-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Now that spring is finally starting to show some signs around our neck of the woods (as well as occasional sun breaks and warmer weather) hubby decided we would take a weekend road trip and check out the Oregon Caves at Cave Junction--as well as traversing down to his old stomping grounds in Yreka, California.

Well. . . you don't have to tie me down and beat me with a mallet to get me to:
a) take a trip
b) eat something fatty and delicious
c) avoid working altogether

but I digress. . .

So in May on lucky Friday the 13th, dear hubby drags me out of the house, stuffs me and a ton of luggage and non-essentials in the car and we go traipsing down the road and head south to find fun and adventure. . . . and of course, food.

First stop is Bigfoot Cavern where I swear they have a HUGE map on the wall of all the bigfoot sightings--as well as table shuffle board, billiards, and some very good barbecue.

After fueling up with food (and beating hubby at table shuffle board) it was time to head on down the highway--until we found this unique place to stop and shop:

This place was called: "It's a Burl Gallery" and it's located in Kerby, Oregon. The wood carvings were fantastic--as well as the owner/proprietor himself:

And, by the way--he's holding the wooden bowl that I absolutely couldn't do without.

It was an amazingly cool place and hubby dragged me outta there before I decided to buy more and second mortgage the house. . .

I mean, how can you leave without buying a wooden likeness of the ole 'Burlyman' himself?

Although hubby tells me I can just take his living likeness home with me anytime. . . so I pull him off the cool wooden tree swing and tell him to stop with the come-ons, and I'll stop my shopping fest. . . for now. . .

Next it was on to Cave Junction and the Oregon Caves. The caves were phenomenal. And we actually got to see a white bat flying around while in the caves. So cool!

There was this very rustic and pretty Chateau and Lodge at the Oregon Caves:

There were some very nice hiking trails as well. The one we took was 'No Name' trail and it came complete with scenic streams and waterfalls (but apparently no name):

When it came time to sleep, did we stay at the beautiful Chateau with an amazing view of the lush surroundings? Of course not! My husband will spend an inordinate amount of money on ~~dumb and useless~~ cool and amazing stuff that you just gotta have---but sleeping accommodations must be as dirt cheap as possible. And I had a grand time trying to find the cheapest place we could possibly stay on such short notice. I think I came up with a beaut! It was so inexpensive that it brought tears to my hubby's eyes when he saw the price. (a whopping 34.95!)

It also brought tears to my eyes--when I saw the place. See if you don't agree.

I'm thinking the doorplate room number should be a bit foretelling of what awaits:

And here is the room itself in all its splendor:

Notice the fine detail on the cinder-block walls. And if you look in the very center of the back wall behind the bed, you will see a tiny rectangle which was a very amazing and modern thermostat:

The terribly mysterious thing about this thermostat was that it was connected to absolutely nothing. We searched the room for some type of heater or radiator--but there were no vents anywhere to be found. However, when we turned the dial up in the evening--the room somehow managed to get warm.

We also rested assured that should the room become somehow hot--this trusty air-conditioning wall unit would certainly do the trick when needed:

I always enjoy a room with a view and this one did not disappoint. The parking lot and empty warehouse across the street were lovely in the moonlight and the window treatments and comfy table and chairs were also a delight:

Needless to say I became too emotional to take anymore pictures so I will spare you the bathroom accommodations. (I've decided in the future that hubby and I may have to sleep in separate hotels)

Next morning after the sleeping pills wore off (to drown out the party going on in the ~~seedy bar~~ lounge just a few paces away from where we were staying) we headed out to Yreka, California where my hubby spent his childhood and broke his collarbone in a baseball game at the local park. I got him to retell the story in full detail:

Then, we had to find a place to eat with 'local color'--and what could be better than 'Grandma's House'?

Grandma did not disappoint. Her old fashioned cookin' was speedily scarfed down by us--and she had all her recipes right there on the table in the menu! (too bad I left my copy machine at home)

Last stop before home and hearth was Ashland, where we toured around, shopped, and of course ~~pigged out~~ ate some more. We toured Lithia Park with its beautiful gardens:

Yes, I have to admit impromptu getaways are pretty sweet. . . thanks hubby for a fun little road trip.

My love affair with the Oregon coast

2011-04-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true! I am having an unabashedly shameful affair with the Oregon coast. I simply cannot get enough of the wonder and beauty. . .

Case in point--early in March (during the Tsunami in Japan to be exact, although we didn't know about it at the time) a gal pal and I decided to make a get-away to the central Oregon coast.

Our trip started and ended with an all-out-gorge-fest at the Otis Cafe:

And then the gorging--got a bit out of hand:

Note that the brownies were 'evil'. . . but I must state for the record that evil never tasted so good!

Even frolicking on the beach late at night in the wind and rain is fun:

Beach combing brings it's inherent risks and surprise--I mean--just look at what can wash up out of the water:

It was easy to find the old 'Sea Hag':

Yep! Right where I left her:

Meeting new friends is always fun:

And so is shopping for just the right beach look. . .

It was hard to ride off into the sunset after such a great trip. . . but I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be back. . .

Do you hear what I hear?

2011-04-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

We recently enjoyed some family bonding moments with our youngest grandson and found that he really loves to be 'outside'.

However his version of the word 'outside' left me puzzled as to what he is hearing (and learning) in the big world of adults that he lives with--namely his parents:

Correct me if I'm wrong--but as Ricky Ricardo would say to Lucy: "Hey, daughter, and son-in-law! You've got some 'splaining' to do!"

Out of the mouth of babes comes the real story. . . excuse me while I go 'outside'. . .

The crying game. . .

2011-03-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

I was perusing through my daughter's blog when I came upon this adorable photo of my youngest grandson:

Apparently the 'kitty whisker' photo shoot was in total meltdown and he was getting pretty upset by the entire ordeal.

Which reminded me of a long ago photo shoot with his mommy (my dear daughter) and her major meltdown during her 'cute spring dress' photo shoot:

This was the time during the photo shoot where the dress was pulled off in disgust and her 'feelings' were visibly displayed.

Just so you know--there WAS a good shot:

Just as there was a good shot of my baby bunchkin grandson as well:

What struck me about that first photo of 'the blessed precious' was how much he looks like his parental unit. It's like I'm having my baby girl all over again (just in male form now). Well, what goes around comes around. . .so they say. And I am pleased to know that the cuteness of crying by my daughter at a young age is manifesting itself in the next generation as well. . .

You might have read this somewhere. . .

2011-03-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

Portlandia, the new show that's making a huge hit (as well as making fun of where I live) is now showing off their newest, highly competitive sport:

I actually haven't seen it myself--but I read about it somewhere. . .

Oh, and here's another goody I found:

Winter Wonderland. . .

2011-03-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my spousal unit took me to Odell Lake Lodge in Oregon for some winter adventures--which included snow-shoeing, skiing, and just plain winter time fun. It was amazingly beautiful and the conditions were fantastic to frolic in the snow. . .

After all the fun and frolic. . . it was sure nice to get back to the cozy lodge to warm up and hunker down until the next day's adventures.

It was also an opportunity for me to wear this 'must-have-winter-fashion' hat:

It's not every day that I get to sport a look like that. . . thanks, hubby! That was some kinda fun!

I think I'll end with a proverbial long walk off a frozen pier shot. . . . . .

Drum roll please. . . .

2011-03-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

My friend sent me think link in an e-mail, and all I got to say about it is:

"Dear Santa,

If I'm really really SUPER good this year--could you please wrap up this little guy and give him to me for Christmas? Complete with drum set, of course."

This kid is FOUR YEARS old and absolutely amazing. Note the expressions on his little cherub face--especially towards the end when he spots his parents. Can they bottle this talent and sell it, cuz I'm buyin'!

Ya know, the Redwood forests in California have some really BIG trees

2011-02-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

I have some friends who have been bugging me to post this trip we took together since LAST YEAR!

I mean, I don't know why they even bother with me. . . I'm soooo BAD at 'getting right on it'. Good thing I don't work for the government. . . I mean, can you even imagine how long things would take? Oh, wait? Maybe they already DO have folks like me working for them. . . but I digress. . .

So this amazing trip to the 'land of the really big trees' happened the day after Thanksgiving last year. (really NOT so long ago) And I am going to be posting pictures of some. . . wait for it. . . really big trees! And lush forests! And beautiful coastlines!

It really was FABULOUS. . . cold, a bit rainy at times. . . but very beautiful.

We visited Brookings, and Bandon Oregon--Crescent City, and some of the Redwood National Forests in California--and on the way back, Oregon Caves National Monument.

And Hey! It wasn't just the TREES that were impressive and oh, so large--but everything seemed to be bigger. First off. . . did I mention there were really BIG trees?

And really big, lush forests?

Not only were the trees big. . . but so were the mushrooms:

And the slugs:

And the eagle made of out recycled trash washed up on the beach:

And the cute white sea lion cub we spotted:

Yep! Everything was bigger and better!

Except, perhaps, the place we stayed. Not everything was 'all there' if you catch my drift:

Because instead of getting a sauna and jacuzzi (as was promised) We ended up with only Auna and Cuzzi--who were quite plain and overly cranky.

We also had a very heated debate about whether the wooden carving in the lobby was a mountain lion or a bear:

We finally gave up the debate and just decided that it was a bearcat--because it seemed to have the face of a bear and the tail of a mountain lion. We figured that since the owners scrimped on the actual 'auna' and 'cuzzi'--perhaps they saved money by having two wood carvings made into one confusing animal. . . Our friend whom we will dub 'Duane' promptly decided to decorate it for the upcoming holiday:

And then he and his wife decided to celebrate by attempting to fit into the 'cuzzi':

After getting a local wrecking crew to extract them from the hot tub, we managed to wend our way back to home and hearth just in time to stop at an amazing evening garden light show. (hubby will have to remind me exactly where we were as my mind has gone fuzzy remembering the horrifying 'cuzzi' experience)

The evening was magical with the gardens all decked out in all kinds of holiday lights--and even the visitor center (which was the old caretaker's home) was all done up for the holidays:

After seeing the beautiful redwoods, I discovered bigger is better and even though I could have killed one of the members of our lively party for playing bagpipe music for several hours on the car ride back home. . . I'm fully recovered and none too worse for the wear. (Though I wonder if the nightmares and the ringing in my ears will ever go away?)

GOOD TIMES!

I don't remember why. . . but. . . .

2011-02-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

Well, here's the problem. . . . My computer monitor is out for repair and so I am borrowing a son's laptop--which is why I haven't been able to post any absolutely FABULOUS photos and stories for a while. (at least that's the story I'm sticking to) For many of my readers this is probably a blessing. . .

But I did receive an e-mail from a friend today which made me smile and exclaim with shame: "Hey! I resemble that remark!"

I'd giver him or her credit, but for the life of me I can't remember who it was. . .

Thank goodness I can still remember how to post a Youtube video:

So please enjoy this short swan song while I'm trying to remember why I am posting this in the first place:

Nothing says hail to the new year like a little Star Wars Fun

2011-01-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

OK--so I was backed into a corner and had a bit of fun with cartooning some of my family in this make-shift 'Star Wars' Movie clip.

And since not only my kids but even my grandkids love Star Wars, I couldn't resist.

You may laugh---but hey! I don't care. . . the force is with me. . .

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The Force at Christmas time

2011-01-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

First of all, let me just say that in this new year of 2011 I will NOT be making any earth-shattering resolutions--I just hope to keep up with my life and not seriously injure anyone in the process.

That being said--I need to backtrack a bit and add some fun events which I had not yet opined on in late 2010--the most recent of which was this past Christmas.

It was a holly jolly one to be sure. Full of wonder and love and mirth. . and this year especially the presence of THE FORCE was in full effect.

Thanks to my dear daughter's MUCH better camera (Santa, are you listening for next year perhaps??) I am 'borrowing' a few of her photos as well. Now to show how this intergalactic event took place in my not-so-futuristic home.

Just the very idea that CHRISTMAS was ACTUALLY here, had my two older grandsons in hyper-drive:

And just about everyone had their game face on for the Christmas meal as you can see in the slide show. (the only one 'grinchy' was G-Pa who was trying his best to look upset about carving the 'roast beast')

Everyone seemed to be in the holiday spirit (namely, in a good mood):

And Nana knew just what to get the munchins this year as they desperately wanted a 'Star Wars' Christmas:

After receiving my 'snuggle' from my oldest son--I had to admit, it made me feel a bit like a Jedi:

And speaking of oldest son--he was definitely quite proud of his 'uber-cool pacemaker thingy'--just like Iron Man:

G-Pa is always stylin' in what the kids give him to wear. This year a new fishing hat and a Fantasy Football League Champion t-shirt:

May the wonder and beauty of Christmas (and the power of the force, of course) be with you through this new year. . . .

I'm glad I don't have this much swagger. . .

2010-12-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

Seriously. . . I remember those days with 4 kids and a mini van and a house decorated in Fisher-Price with a touch of Lego for that special ambiance.

Now I get to sit back, relax and watch my daughter styling with her own offpring. . . only she's much more 'tricked out' that I was. Yep! She has her own 'swagger wagon'.

So dear daughter--I'm dedicating this video to you and your whole pimpin' parenting generation. . . because, well, you're cooler than me. . . .

A most difficult Spelling Bee

2010-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Spelling Bees can be agonizingly stressful events. Sometimes months, nay years of preparation are required before you can enter a contest such as this and expect a scintilla of success.

Thus, you might well imagine my surprise when an impromptu Spelling Bee was called for by two of my grandsons the other evening when the old 'G-Pa' and I were visiting. Those guilty of such a malicious pop quiz were no older than 6 (and 4).

The six year old decided to go at it with G-Pa, while the supposedly innocent and unassuming 4 year old ran amok on 'Nana'. (me)

This is the 6 year old--and don't think his offering of a delectable peach is an act of kindness. Nope! It's meant to distract you and take you off your game.

This is the wicked, nasty, mean four-year-old and don't let that charming countenance or exuberant smile deceive you. He was all business and competition when it came to the 'Spelling Bee'.

You can judge for yourself whether I had a right to complain or not. Here is only part of the humiliation I suffered that evening:

4 year old: Spell Balcano, Nana.

Me: You mean volcano don't you?

4 year old: No--it's BALcano--now spell it.

Oh what to do--what to do? Apparently I just squeaked by with my rendition. Then here is what came up next:

4 year old: Now spell befeated.

Me: BEfeated?

4 year old: Yep! That's what I said.

Me: Could you please use it in a sentence?

4 year old: I befeated you at this Spelling Bee.

(and for the record--he most certainly did.) I think I'll just stick with youngest grandson for a while. I may have a chance against him. . . . . for now.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the final countdown to the Holiday of the year! And so I give you this little gem for your entertainment pleasure.

And please note: You better be on your best behavior. . . Santa's Elves are watching you know.

Must everything be literal?

2010-12-11T00:22:00.000-08:00

I have this friend. . . no wait. . . maybe she will want to be referred to as just a passing acquaintance after this--so let's just say this 'person I know' called me up to make sure I was still on for our scheduled appointment for that afternoon.

We had secret plans and secret meetings that we had to attend to. (not really, but it sounds more interesting that way)

Anyway, the conversation went something like this:

Person I know: Are you still on for this afternoon?

Me: Yes--but I need to meet with a blind lady first.

Person I know: Really? I didn't know you were meeting a blind lady.

Me: Yes, she's coming to my house around 3:00 in the afternoon--and it should only take an hour.

Person I know: (Seemingly curious--but not quite willing to ask) Well, do you want to call me after you are through with your meeting and then I can pick you up?

Me: Sounds good--she should be done with the measurements by 4 or 4:30 at the latest.

Person I know: (rather incredulous) Why are you having a blind lady taking measurements? And of WHAT? Are you having a deaf man come to do a sound check next?

Me: (Can't talk very well due to hysterical laughing) She's not actually blind. I'm having new blinds installed in the windows of my house. She's coming over to measure them. I call her the blind lady--because she's selling me blinds.

Person I know: Ahhhh. Got it. (sounds of relief in her voice)

Me: But that gives me an idea.

Person I know: What?

Me: I'm thinking I do need a sound check on my surround system. I think I"ll look into it.

Person I know: Well, just remember. . .

Me: (interrupting) I think folks are way too literal.

Person I know: You mean, taking everything you say at face value--and believing literally everything you say?

Me: SHUT UP! That's exactly what I'm talking about. Folks are taking everything literally when they should be more open and relaxed. At least that's what the experts tell us, right?

Person I know: (silence)

Me: Right?

Person I know: (silence)

Me; RIGHT?

Person I know: (silence)

Me: Are you there?

Person I know: Of course I'm here.

Me: Why didn't you answer?

Person I know: You told me to 'shut up'--so I did.

Me: I didn't literally mean shut up. You know, it's just an expression. Like 'sick' or 'talk to the hand' or.'off the hook' or . .

Person I know: (interrupting) We're on the phone so I can't see your hand.

Me: Oh 'just get off the phone' I know that!

Person I know: (click)

Ummmm. . . I hope she's still gonna pick me up. . . .

The more things change. . . . well, you know. . .

2010-11-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

Remember that old saying, "The more things change. . . the more things stay the same."???

Well these two pictures of my cute little grandsons definitely illustrate that in spades.

Here is a picture of Halloween past:

And now here is one from Halloween present: (which would be just last month)

Which just goes to show you--that although the 'cutesy let's dress just alike as giraffe' costumes disappear, the 'brothers gotta hug even if we are now super heroes' never changes.

Ahhhh. . . don't you just love the innocence of little kiddlies?

I keep telling my dear daughter to just wait for middle school. Somehow I get the feeling that she wants to wait a good long time. . . .

Emptying the nest. . .

2010-11-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh. . . you either dread this moment or you look forward to this moment. . . but just like death and taxes the 'empty nest' phase of your life will certainly happen.

The 'old man' and I cleared out the roost, so to speak, this past August--when we dropped our youngest birdling off at the Missionary Training Center in Utah--where he would be embarking on a 2 year stint of service in the Philippines.

We were of mixed minds about this next phase of our lives. . .We would miss our youngest son terribly. . . and we would come back to an empty house. Hmmmmmm. . . missing youngest son was bad. . . . but having an entire house to ourselves was. . . GOOD! No responsibilities! No worries! This wasn't going to be so bad after all. . . (shhhhh! Don't want our kids to think we don't like them or something)

Getting together with middle son and his wife who lived in Utah was great fun:

As well as oldest son who lived there too:

Middle son's wife even made a cake to mark the occasion for the departure of youngest son:

Visiting Bridal Veil Falls and other scenic places was on our to do list:

We took a hike at one point (of course I don't remember where--but there was a flat rock place where folks built all kinds of 'talismans' to mark their territory. You know, like 'Elroy was here' However--since our family is quite competitive--we had to build the tallest one. (as well as the coolest):

And when in Rome. . . . well, the next stop off speaks for itself:

Since youngest son was going to be giving selfless service for the next two years--we figured we best get all the 'debauchery' in while we could.

It was early August--so it was HOT as all get out--but the flora and fauna were AMAZING:

Getting youngest son ready for the 'drop-off' was quite the event. And last photo ops with our son were a MUST HAVE. After all--we will not see this great young man for two years! Oh my!

The ole' man and I were quite sad to see our youngest child go:

While middle son and his wife look pretty pleased with themselves:

This is it! We are at the Missionary training center and actually dropping our son off:

And this is the final picture I got of my youngest baby waving goodbye as he took off into the sunset. (Or maybe into a big honking campus building)

That's right before I threw down the camera and embraced him and plastered him with hugs and kisses and embarrassed the crap out of him.

Then I picked up the camera. . . and made the trip back to home and hearth with my hubby (sans son)

We do miss that funny guy around the place. It is a lot quieter. . . but we're leaving a light on for him, raiding his room, and eating everything in the fridge ourselves. Don't worry about us J-Man. . . we'll scrape by until you return and regale us with all your adventures. And I AM enjoying your laptop! As well as all the 'toys' you left behind. . .

For now. . . we are justing going to have to figure out how to play in our empty nest. . .

Stuck on the roof. . .

2010-11-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

I could just have easily have entitled this post: 'Why I am like a cat'. . . but I'm not really a big cat fan and I really don't feel I have much in common with cats--with this one exception.

I totally get how a cat can get stuck up in a tree. And after my latest episode--my husband finally gets it too.

Here's the story. Hubby decides it's time to clean out the rain gutters and overhangs up on our two-story home roof--before the winter storms start coming and dumping more rain, leaves, and snow up there.

And since none of our little kiddlets live at home any more (we've recently become 'empty nesters' but more on that later) he calls upon ME to go up on the roof with him to hold the ladder. (This is for the roof top UP ON TOP of the roof top)

Now everyone in my family knows that I am a bit 'phobic' about heights. Especially when I am out in the open and dealing with vertical challenges. Flying in an airborne contraption is fine, looking out of tall building widows, or standing on mountain tops where my feel are on solid ground is fine--going it alone up a rock face, tree top, or roof is a bit more than I can handle---something about EDGES and falling off makes me a bit FREAKED OUT. . . .

And as both my husband and I learned--it's not the going UP that's the problem. . . it's the coming DOWN!

Soooooo I asked this man who has known me for over 32 years---Why in the world would I want to go up on the roof?

He makes this ridiculous statement: 'Because you've done it before.'

Me: What are you talking about? In what life did I ever go up on the roof with you?

Him: Oh--just a few years back, we did the same thing. You went up on the roof with me and held the ladder while I cleaned out the rain gutters.

Me: No dear, you are wrong. You've always had one of the kids go up there with you.

Him: Nope! Not one of the kids. It was a woman--it was you.

So now I'm thinking what a clever man. Who the heck was he having a tryst with up on the roof? (after all, it's the one place in the house I would never go) This bozo has got some explaining to do.

He is absolutely reassuring me that I will be just fine--that I've done this before. And I guess in my bewildered state--and the fact that there was no one else to go up with him--I climb up on to the roof with him and hold the ladder while he goes up on the second roof.

I think it only took 15 minutes or so for him to do whatever the heck he was doing--but by the time he came back down all smiles and pronounced: 'All done' I was thoroughly panicked. I think I may have started hissing and spitting like a cat.

In any case, I was NOT about to come down the extension ladder that I came up on. It was not going to happen. I figured armed with a sleeping bag, a tarp, and the phone number to Domino's Pizza, I could live out the rest of my days up here.

That's when it dawned on my husband that quite possibly his wife had in reality NEVER BEEN UP ON THE ROOF BEFORE and by all that is holy, how the snot was he supposed to get her down?

He was apologizing profusely and coaxing me with all kinds of things like opened cans of tuna and fresh caught fish (which had worked on the neighborhood cats) to get me down from the roof. But it wasn't working. In fact even access to every one of his investments and IRA accounts (which I already had) was also a 'no go.'

I calmly asked him to just go ahead and call the fire department and get one of those well built men to come in one of their big honkin' trucks with the little 'bucket thingys' and I would consider coming down by that route.

In retrospect my husband was using every trick known to man on how to get a 'mad-as-all-get-out cat down from the tree' ploy. Here are the guidelines in detail:

· 1

Avoid mass panic. Given time and privacy, the cat will likely find a way down on her own. (Exceptions are if the cat is injured or if she has a leash wrapped around her neck; go to step 4 in those instances.)

Hubby did manage to avoid mass panic--but had I HAD a leash--it would have been wrapped around HIS neck upon coming down and he darn well knew it.

· 2

If several hours have passed, try to lure the cat down by opening a can of her favorite food underneath the tree. Call out her name in a calm, reassuring voice.

Fortunately it didn't take hours and the food piling up on the back porch was getting ridiculous. Besides I was getting quite embarrassed of neighbors possibly learning every pet name this man could think to call me.

· 3

Lean a wooden ladder up against the tree near the cat so she can climb down. Leave her alone with the ladder for at least 15 minutes so she can climb down on her own.

Well, folks the ladder was already leaning up against the roof. That's how I got up there in the first place. And truth be told, I think my husband was afraid of leaving me alone in my sorry state. I don't know what he thought would be worse. Leaving me up on the roof--or getting me down from the roof with access to his neck and other soft tissue.

· 4

If the cat is too freaked out to use the ladder, put on work gloves and a thick coat to protect yourself and climb up the ladder to retrieve her. Make sure the ladder is stable before you climb it.

This had already been done, since we were working in cold, windy weather conditions. But my husband managed to don a pair of work goggles --just so I couldn't spit in his eyes.

· 5

Grab the cat by the nape of the neck to reduce your chances of getting scratched and to induce calmness in the cat.

When my husband came back up the ladder to grab my hands (or the nape of my neck) and try and use gentle coaxing to get me to come back down--he knew this trick would not work either. One look at my face told him that he might want to keep his hands to himself unless he was willing to lose body parts.

· 6

If your efforts only send the cat farther up the tree, call an animal shelter. A professional animal handler can rescue the cat quite quickly.

This was actually considered--but then I somewhat came back to my senses and realized that I did NOT want my 15 minutes of fame to be splayed on the local 6 o'clock news as 'Weird Women Rescued Off Own Roof'. I also realized that the chances of the 'animal shelter rescue man' resembling Antonio Banderas or any hunky, good looking stud-muffin were slim to none. . . so I needed to get down from the roof and fantasize indoors where it was warmer.

After what seemed like an eternity--I ever so slowly and shakily came down the ladder--OF MY OWN FREE WILL and made it back to solid ground. And yes, my husband is still alive as well--if that's what you were wondering.

But I don't think he will be inviting me up on the roof with him anytime soon. . .

Wedding of the Century!

2010-11-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well. . . OK. . . maybe not to everyone. . . but since I took such a long time to post about it--I figured I could at least make up for it in the title.

This past May (the 29th to be exact) my middle son hitched his wagon to a star, tied the proverbial knot, and. . . .GOT MARRIED!

Beautiful bride, handsome groom--and the pictures will speak for themselves.

Here's the REAL story of how middle son looked when he told us the happy news of his impending marriage:

Here's how older brother looked when HE heard the news:

And here's how youngest brother took the glad tidings:

Older sister and her hubby were more pragmatic about it:

And even the 'happy couple' themselves weren't quite sure what to think:

However everyone seemed to take the news and enjoy the event JUST FINE!

And I got to dance with my handsome son:

And the 'old man' and I managed to clean up and behave ourselves:

We even manged to capture some 'special sibling' moments. . . like the brothers doing some male bonding:

And may I just point out here--that even if your kids are GROWN UP--they STILL won't behave themselves in front of camera to capture that 'family shot':

Thank goodness we now have photoshop--so I could clean that mess up:

Note to my dear daughter: The occasion was FORMAL, hon. So dress appropriately next time, please!

Congratulations Middle Son! And a HUGE welcome to my new daughter. . . I mean, it's exciting to get some more WOMEN around this place. We seem to be infested by a plethora of men. (not that I mind or anything. . . I'm just sayin')

And truth be told. . . . I think they are going to be quite happy. . . .

Once upon a time in Mexico. . .

2010-10-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

OK--I know it's been forever and a day since I've posted in this blog. . . but now that the weather is nasty and rainy and I am stuck at home, miserable with a cold. . . I decided it was finally time to write about much happier (and sunnier) days. . .

Hence THIS post.

A long, long time ago in a country far, far way. . . the time being early May of 2010 (Cinco de Mayo to be exact) and the country being Mexico. . . my gal pal and I and her daughter and a friend decided to take a Mexican Rivera Cruise. . . because after all, there's no reason not to when you crave natural Vitamin D as badly as I do. (and when your friend calls you up and twists your arm until it breaks off and asks you if you'd like to go on a cruise with her and her daughter to celebrate the daughter's high school graduation)

That's the kind of friend I am. I'll hop on board a luxurious ship and go to far away places and be fed FABULOUS food and see amazing sights and tour exotic places and shop for just about anything and be entertained and pampered all because I was asked to by a friend. It just doesn't get much better than that.

We started out on a fabulous road trip down to sunny Los Angeles, California and stayed with my gal pal's parents before we boarded our Princess Cruise ship.

There's nothing like taking a cruise ship where they treat you like a Princess. The food, the entertainment, the amenities and staff were incredible.

OK, so I might be a little fixated on the desserts--but the rest of the food was fabulous too! In fact, when I was eating my morning pasty for breakfast I got a little plastic baby inside. (kind of like a Mardi Gras King Cake) However the only 'prize' I got for my effort was a puzzled look from the staff. . .

And since this was a 'Princess Cruise' there was a night where we had to dress up and look the part--so of course gal pal and I were going over our 'dos'

Being pampered and waited on every single night was kind of addicting. I never get the same attention at home like I did from our wait staff: David, Elvis and Zane. (Zane is the gal pictured below) You can figure out which one you think is Elvis and David from the two other gentemen in the following pictures;

Making new friends is also a ton of fun too. (and these guys will be SHOCKED I finally found a picture of us together where we didn't have our mouths full of food!)

OK---now to the good stuff! First stop was Puerto Vallarta:

My most favorite thing about cruising is coming into the ports and seeing the cities by sea. There is nothing quite like it. Of course--TOURING the cities and going on adventures are pretty darn fun too. . .

This bird couldn't resist a kiss. . .

Now I have a new BFF. . . I wonder if dear hubby will let me keep him. . .

We snorkeled, swam, kayaked, dined and even had a finishing massage at this little Hideaway at Callitas.

Then it was on to Mazatlan and shopping. . . and I mean SERIOUS shopping:

So serious that we had to see some local talent do death-defying performances and dress up as deer and dance in colorful costumes--just so we could have the strength to make it throughout all the markets and stores:

One of those dancers looked vaguely familiar (like gal pal's daughter who had to join in) but I digress. . .

The thing you must remember about shopping in Mexico is the proverbial caveat: 'What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.' So it was a must to 'make nice' with the shop owners:

Shopping is hard work--so you need to take frequent beaks or siestas:

And finally--what you must be sure to do is make 'friends' with anyone who went shopping with you (like gal pal's daughter) so that you can swear them to secrecy for any future fallout. . . .

Our final destination was the beautiful Cabo San Lucas where we swam and snorkeled and had a beachy good time:

I had a blast and it was TOTALLY a Vitamin D overload of fun. . .sand, surf, sun and if my friends ever wanna twist my arm to go again. . . I will most likely do it --because, like I sad before--that's just the kinda friend I am.

'NUFF SAID!

The art of 'the crouch'

2010-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Probably the most famous 'crouch' is Michelangelo's 'Crouching Boy'. . . and then the next famous crouch is the one my man does when berry picking.

On any given day--and at any given time he will gladly give you a demo of his much perfected crouching technique:

And he was able to use it quite a bit this spring and summer as we did our share of berry picking with various members of the family. . .

each had their own unique style:

OK--admittedly--my daughter is only crouching to take photos--but rest assured she did her own share of crouching--even if it was to keep this guy from devouring everything in sight:

My job, of course was to make sure 'the crouchers' were doing their job:

And to pick the most absolute PERFECT berries when they could be found::

So we could end up with something like this:

Thanks to my man for taking me wild blackberry picking, blueberry picking, huckleberry picking, strawberry picking, and to my awesome daughter and her family for allowing us to tag along on their various berry picking quests (and for taking such amazing photos)

Hope your summer was as full of berry goodness as ours was and by all means, work on your crouch. You'll never know when it may come in handy. . . .

Beach Dance Getaway Part Deux!

2010-09-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Holy Crapatoli! Where the SNOT have I been for these past few months? Not to worry--I'm gonna tell you what's been going on (most likely in no particular order) but suffice it to say this past spring and summer has been like the lines from Charles Dickens: "A Tale Of Two Cities' . . . it was the best of times. . . it was the worst of times. . . .

Let me start with the most recent and one of those 'best of times'. . . .

Last weekend my 'bling pals' and I decided to get together for ROUND TWO of getting away to the Oregon Coast for some fabulous beach dancing, fun and frolicking, eating and partying, and of course--shopping for 'the necklace' number TWO!

The weather was ABSOLUTELY PERFECTO! It was sunny and clear and warm and wonderful for hanging out at the beach.

Here we are trying our best to look 'sultry':

Don't ask. . .

First off we got down to the SHOPPING. And I mean there was some SERIOUS shopping. Even I couldn't believe the fabulous sales--so I documented the deals with my handy-dandy camera.

Here are some examples:

70% of sounds pretty darn good, right?

How about 80%? That's even better!

What about 90%? Are you thinking, "Oh WOW! Slap my wallet and pull out my charge card!"

Well, so was I until I saw this 95% off sign.

Then I got to thinking, maybe I should hold out until I see a sign that says:

100% OFF and we'll throw in a cat!

Well, they didn't actually have a sign like that--but they did have THIS one (which was just as good):

Now I don't know about you, but I get all 'tingly' when I see signs like this and my purse starts to quiver and pretty soon I am nearly convulsing and in another dimension all together. . . Needless to say the shopping was FABULOUS and my 'necklace buds' and I agreed that this particular weekend the planets, and zodiac signs, and shopping Gods had all converged to make this beach trip THE BEST EVER!

We found another gem of a necklace to add to last year's 'Amoeba Guy' in a gallery shop in Seaside:

This necklace we all loved equally (and I hope the gals who couldn't make it this time love it too) We dubbed her: 'Pearl':

And she came with matching earrings--and of course I just had to wear it out of the store--but I gave it up later on that night to another gal who gets to have it first. (the lucky SNOT)

So here's the first get together of 'Amoeba Guy' and 'Pearl':

Since the first day was devoted to shopping and eating. . .

the second day was all about dancing (and eating). . . and weird taxi rides.

I wish I had some photos of us 'doing our thang' but I was too busy dancing and frolicking in the ocean. It was really AWESOME. Cannon beach is so beautiful. And Lisa our instructor is absolutely amazing. (if you are reading this Lisa, here's a 'shout out' to you!)

Some of the gals had to scoot on home Saturday--but then there were the die-hards that stayed on until Sunday afternoon. (when we had to be dragged out by our ears and forced into the car to head back home) We ended up dancing Saturday night too doing some 'Wild Waltzing' in Manzanita. Thankfully, I didn't have the camera with me--so I can spare you the pictures of that rockin' good time! There were some very uninformed folk there that thought we were a professional dance group--and hey! we went with it. It worked for us!

On the way back, 'Eva Diva' and 'Hedi Ho' and I made some new friends at the Camp 18 Restaurant where we ~~pigged out~~ dined.

Oh--and to my son-in-law. . . thanks for the tip about the Lumberyard Restaurant in Cannon Beach. It was FABULOUS! Thanks to my 'bling gals' and 'beach dance' buds' What a GREAT way to end the summer!

Why my dental hygienist is a terrorist

2010-06-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

For the love of PETE! As if I didn't already have enough to be freaked out about--now I have to worry about those pesky twice yearly 'dental cleanings'.

I got up at the crack of 'too early to be thinking clearly, let alone get out of bed and let loose on the world' this morning so I could get my dental visit over with.

I have about as much love for going to the dentist as I do a tax audit. But since I do like teeth that still stick to my gums and that minty-fresh overly white smile that says 'you just paid a fortune to have your teeth whitened' look--I made my semi-annual trek down to the dentist's office to have a 'cleaning.'

I actually thought this might be my lucky day as my dentist had hired a new, very young hygienist who looked all of about 14. So I figured she would be through with me quickly and painlessly since she looked like she could barely lift a rinse cup. Besides she looked so sweet and innocent and talked in a baby soft voice.

Boy was I in for a surprise!

She asked if I had ever had a cleaning with the new water/pick drill method. I didn't think so--but then, everything in a dental office either has water, picks, or drills to go with it.

That's when the madness began. Holy Mother of Agua!. . . this was the most tortuous fun I can ever remember having to date.

Dental Terrorist: Put on these goggles for protection. Oh, and this might be a little noisy.

Me: Uh, OK.

Then the sound a room full of hyped up school teachers running their fingers down a massive chalk board assaulted my ears--followed by the sound of a harrier jet engine revving up.

Me: Holy crap, what is that noise?

Dental Terrorist: That's just the water drill warming up. Here we go. . . you will most likely get a bit wet. But think of it as a facial mist at a spa or something.

That's when she shot cold water into my mouth at the speed of light with a pressure that ripped my upper palate right off. The 'pick' would drill into my gums and the water jet would rinse everything off and erupt out of my mouth and all over my face and hair and goggles (if she wasn't too quick with that 'suction-thingy'--which she sometimes wasn't)

Now, I am not an expert on water-boarding--nor am I claiming that I have actually been to Gitmo--BUT, I'm thinking that had I been interrogated during any point of this of 'water-drilling' event, I would have given up my deepest, darkest secrets and even made up stuff--just to get this woman from the nether regions of Hell to JUST PLEASE STOP!

After being given a towel and several tissues to wipe up and dry off, the lady terrorist had the chutzpa to ask me how I liked it.

Me: Hopefully that was a one time deal.

Dental terrorist: We will be using this a lot--since it really does a deep down cleaning for gums and teeth.

Me: Seriously, next time if I promise to be really good and floss hourly, can you just go back to using the scrapers and picks that make my gums bleed?

Dental terrorist: Oh, you are a funny one, aren't you? The dentist will be in to follow up with you shortly. You may want to reapply your make-up.

She hands me a mirror so that I can take a gander at my face which shows my mascara and make-up dripping down my chin. While I'm trying to salvage my self-respect and tissue-dry my ruined face--in walks Dr. Perfect, my handsome dentist.

Dentist: What? No shouting or whining today? I thought you had the 'water-drill' cleaning.

Me: I couldn't say a thing--I was drowning.

Dentist: Well, here's a little goody bag for you then--since you were such a good girl your first time.

Me: What do the other patients do? (maybe I could get some tips)

Dentist: Never mind. Is there anything you need to ask me?

Me: Do you have a hair dryer?

Dentist: You are a funny one, aren't you? We'll see you in a few months.

(the heck you will!)

I'm not sure what they are teaching in 'dental hygiene' school these days--but I'm thinking that maybe some of the wrong 'methods' have found their way into the tomes of dental care.

All I know is, that I now have to buy a wetsuit and mask for before my next appointment.

San Diego, Palm Springs and SUNSHINE!

2010-04-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

You might be sitting there, asking yourself, 'Where the SNOT have you been and what have you been up to lately? And why is there a picture of a GIANT SUN on your post?'

Or you may not really care at all and have somehow just inadvertently stumbled onto this blog. (I have a sneaking suspicion that's how most folks manage to find themselves here)

Anyway--I will tell you that I have been on a 'Vitamin D' quest for the past few months (since the northwestern part of the United States gets so doggone rainy and gray and GLOOMY over the winter months). I was getting a bit sun-deprived by mid march and decided to head out to San Diego and Palm Springs for some fun in the sun. . . and I was not disappointed.

The sun and the weather cooperated beautifully and I took in huge mega-doses of Vitamin D--hopefully enough to last me until spring and summer fully hit my neck of the woods. . .

I met up with my mother in law--and we stayed with some friends of hers there. These folks were FABULOUS--very gracious and fun and had an amazing view from up in those beautiful San Diego hills where they lived:

There was plenty of sunshine! So much so that they had flowers growing all over the place--even indoors in the window sill!

I also got a bit of an education on the hobby of 'backyard trains' while I was there. These folks built the most amazing train along a rock face by the side of their pool. (My little grandsons would have gone NUTS over this):

Apparently there was a mishap right before I got there--and the train had jumped the track and took a swan dive into the pool. Since the engine was out for repair, I didn't get to see it running it's course this time around--but I was assured of an amazing show if I ever return. (These folks didn't know any better to tempt me like that)

We also spent some time in Palm Springs to see 'The Follies' and take the Aerial Tramway up the San Jacinto Mountain.

The Follies show was amazing! When I consider the average age of these women is around 68 years old--and they are still dancing and singing and performing and wearing outrageous costumes--it makes me want to schedule a session with a plastic surgeon right now! For the love of Pete--some of these women (and men) were still high-stepping in their 80's!

Rita Coolidge was the headliner performing during the time I was there. . . and wow! She's still got it! (not bad for 65, huh?)

One of the perks of going to a show like that for me was the fact that I felt so YOUNG. . . and I didn't have to shuffle out of my seat and stumble around till I found the exit or take the stairs sideways, one at a time, like most of the 'seasoned folks' that attended!

The next day was a fun-filled adventure on the big gondola up the mountain. This was the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs--and I'm going to post a little LINKY-POO RIGHT HERE so you can click on it and read all about it.

The ride was breathtaking and the day was sunny but cool and there was lots of SNOW! Simply beautiful!

It was SOME KINDA SCARY looking down and going all the way up to the tippy top. The ride took about 10 minutes to climb 8,000 plus feet. The gondola floor turns--so you get a total 360 degree 'look-see' (since the outer shell is entirely glass) And your ears keep popping and it's a REAL THRILL passing over the towers where the cable jerks you forward a bit and you pick up more speed. WHEW! We actually made it and no one in our gondola peed their pants. (as far as I could tell)

At the top we found snow, and sun, and trees, and trails. . . (and a bathroom)

I was able to soak up MASSIVE doses of vitamin D and meet some new friends and eat delicious food and see amazing places and I even got serenaded while I shopped!

I'm giving a shout-out of thanks to my mother in law who is always 'Johhny-On-The-Spot' and willing to do zany things at the last minute. . . and another thanks to Ted and Dorothy and their friends who put up with us and were such gracious hosts. I think I absorbed quite a bit of Vitamin D. . . at least enough to last me on the plane ride back home, planning for the next adventure.

Ode to Spring. . .

2010-04-13T01:47:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here in the great northwest. . . and in spite of some chill and rain that seems to keep coming at random intervals, my back yard is in bloom! YEA!

YEP! I'm lovin' it!

I just adore the Oregon Coast. . .

2010-04-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

Back in January dear hubby and I took a much needed 'weekend getaway' to the Oregon coast. We traveled down to Newport and stayed at a cool little 'Coast Gardens' place overlooking Newport Bay.

A huge storm came blowing in that evening and it was WAY COOL to see the humongous storm surge that brought a ton of water and HUGE crashing waves in the next day as we traversed some of the beaches.

Kinda cold--and misty--but VERY beautiful!

Devil's Churn is absolutely one of my most favorite places to visit along the Oregon Coast--and there was plenty of exciting waves crashing along the cliffs and sounding like booming cannons as it went back into the caves. . .

We managed to get some shopping in and take in some of the 'Better Establishments':

We stayed in the coolest little room right over the bay and had some noisy sea lions for neighbors--but with the use of a wave machine, floor fan, and ear plugs--we managed to get through the nights just fine!

Such a great trip--even in the cold, wintry time of year. . . now I gotta play 'catch up' with all my other adventures. . .

Not your average drill team. . .

2010-02-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

A good friend sent me this YouTube video and it cracked me up! I will never admit it openly or anything--but I think I might be starting to get old. (shhhhhh! you didn't hear that from me)

And apparently so is this men's drill team. They've still got what it takes. . . just a whole lot more of it!

I'm aghast and agog at their precision and execution. This is a minute and half of performance that I'm sure you won't soon forget if you decide to take a peak.

Now I think I'm going to find a chair and sit a spell. . .

Blogging is cheaper than therapy. . . and keeps me 'regular'

2010-02-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

I've heard tell that all bloggers go to Heaven. . . no, that wasn't it. . . I think it was blogging is not for the weak and simple-minded.

Wait a minute--if that were true, the blogosphere would be a huge giant void.

Perhaps it was blogging makes you go blind. Yeah, that sounds about right. I'm sure there are various and sundry reason why folks 'blog'. . . For me--it keeps me from doing a lot of laundry and ironing. Not to mention, it also saves me from having to call a shrink every now and again. . . (of course Zoloft will do the same thing)

But I digress. . .

Apparently I have some folks now who are taking my 'blogging temperature' by how frequently I blog and if I am 'regular'. . . When I fail to blog as often as 'normal', then I must be backed up. (which is not a good thing) And I really don't want to find out what a blogging enema would do.

If I blog too much, then I am said to be binging and purging and that can lead to becoming a blogging bolemic. (again not a good thing)

It's a very fine line that one must tread to find just the RIGHT amount of blogging space to take up at any one time. I'm sure I've made some serious blogging faux pas.

And not to be distracted--but my heck! Isn't BLOGGING a funny word? I mean, who came up with that one? (actually I think it was shortened back in '99 or something from 'weblog'. Instead of folks saying 'I'm writing a web log' it was much easier to say 'blog'.

Just like instead of saying, 'Could you be so kind as to please pass the creole gumbo casserole.' most family members will say, 'Uh, give stuff!'

OK! Back to the topic!

I want to reassure all my little blogger fans out there that I am totally fine (as far as the incredible world of blogging goes) and have a plunger in hand and will do the virtual 'swishy' as needed to keep the blog posts flowing freely.

But what I don't put out in quantity--I make up for in quality. (yeah, that's the ticket!) Which is why my postings may tend to ramble, not make any sense, and tend to appear randomly and for no apparent reason.

So don't be alarmed when and if you see me post something. . . or NOT posting something.. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the fact that you are only reading about my ridiculous life. . . be thankful you are not actually living inside my poor, addled brain.

Wait! Maybe you ARE living in there--and that's why I have to do all this blogging in the first place. . .

Funny, sweaty furnace repairman. . . and the re-education of my husband. . .

2010-02-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

I suppose my life just wouldn't be complete if I couldn't spend some part of my existence with a repairman of some sort. Car mechanics, electricians, plumbers, computer geeks, sewage specialists, tree surgeons, roofers, grounders, rounders, looters and renegades of every kind. .

You name it--I've done some time with them. (and what quality time that has been) And right smack dab in the middle of winter, with college son coming home for a week for some 'quality time' with the family--of course the furnace goes out.

So naturally dear hubby is ever ready and helpful with a list of furnace repairmen of every shape and sort and wants to set me up on a play date with one of them right away. As I'm looking through the list between several layers of clothing and blankets and trying to unthaw my eyelids so they will open properly--I made a mental note to just deal with the first guy that will actually respond and come to the house.

This is how I got to meet Fred, the furnace repairman. Somehow I managed to move my frozen fingers enough to be able to punch in the phone number and Fred, who has a voice loud enough to set off a 3-alarm fire bell, responded that he could come over that VERY day. Right NOW in fact. Just needed to slip his pants and tool belt on and he'd be over before I could say arctic ice cap.

At this point--I was just thrilled we might get some HEAT! Fred's voice and presence could warm up a vast amount of the frozen Alaskan tundra--and since we had been without a heater for 2 days and looked like ticks ready to pop with all the clothing and down jackets we were wearing--I was ready to put up with ANYTHING to get the heat back on again.

I mean, it's kinda weird when friends run into you at the store and see you putting on snow pants and goggles and mittens and scarves and boots and thermals and wool caps and ask if you are going skiing for the day or something--and you have to explain that no, you are merely getting ready to go back into your house.

Fred comes over and he is everything that a stereotypical furnace repair guy should be. . . and more. He weighed nearly 300 pounds and of course his pants didn't fit right. He began by yelling and cussing at the furnace to try and get it to work (which is nothing new since dear hubby usually goes through the same ritual on a nightly basis) I left him to his pounding and shouting and pretty soon the furnace was up and running.

He called me to come in and witness the miracle. He then asks me what my husband usually did to get our gas furnace to turn on. . . so of course I show him. Fred, grabs my arm and stops me in my tracks with a look that would have withered a wild grizzly about to feast on a troop of boy scouts.

Fred: EGADS, woman! You can't start the furnace that way. You don't stand there, turning the gas on with a scripto lighter. What are you insane? Do you want to end up in the hospital like my last 3 clients who dialed me up with their nubby burnt off fingers?

Me: That's what my husband does. He's been doing it for years that way.

Fred: Has he ever been in the hospital?

Me: Well, now that you mention it. . .

Fred: We're gonna have to re-educate him. But first, let me show you how it's supposed to work. Does the motor make a loud noise when it's on?

Me: No. (of course I don't tell him that I'm used to the grinding, clanking, retching sound that it makes when it's running so I no longer notice it)

Fred goes back to work and then calls me in again.

Fred: What would be a loud noise to you, m'am?

Me: (I give a blood curdling shout that knocks my youngest son out of bed upstairs and kills 2 of the neighborhood cats) ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGH! Now, that would be a loud noise to me.

Fred: (picking up his false teeth off the floor) I'll give ya that. But your furnace is not supposed to sound like this. This sound is too loud for a furnace. He goes back to work.

Pretty soon he calls me back in again.

Fred: Do you hear that?

Me: Hear what?

Fred: EXACTLY! That's what your furnace is supposed to sound like.

Me: Wow! Is it working?

Fred: No, but it will be.

He asks me who does the regular maintenance on the furnace--and I have to admit that it's the man of my dreams who does all the fix-it and maintenance projects around the house. (well, not really--it's my husband--but you get the point)

Fred: (who obviously is not impressed with my husband's furnace skills) When was the last time your husband cleaned out the burners and oiled the motor bearings?

Me: Do you want a specific date or will the nearest decade do?

Fred: That's what I thought. Here. . . watch this.

He then brings in this contraption that makes a shop vac look like a moped on a moto cross track.

Fred: This is an industrial blower. Don't try this at home.

Me: But we ARE in my home!

Fred: Hold on to something and watch.

Me: Do I have to?

Fred fires up the 'blower/vac' and we are immediately enveloped in a sea of gray dust and debri.

Fred: That was inside your furnace--not good. It needs to be cleaned out every year.

Me: (coughing and covering my nose and face with one of my innumerable blankets) Yeah, but maybe we should tent the room first.

Fred: And the motor bearings need to oiled once a year. That's what that God-Awful noise was coming outta the motor--the bearings were drier than my Aunt Agnes's chicken roast. It should purr like a kitten being let in the back door of a tuna factory.

Me: (listening to the nice little hum of the working motor) You do have a point there.

But OH MY GOSH! The house was now starting to warm up--and the heater was WORKING! I was crying like a girl who never got asked to the prom.

Fred: Well, my work is complete. Please tell your husband to call ME if he needs this worked on again. Because apparently he doesn't know anything about furnaces and you guys could end up on the front page of the news.

Me: (kind of excited) Really?

Fred: Well, yeah. For having your house go up in a ball of flames.

I was so doggone happy, I didn't even care. I was just ready to pay this dude and take all these darn layers of clothing off. I was getting a bit overheated.

Fred: Now before I go, I'm gonna write my phone number on the door of your furnace so you can remember to call me when you have a problem.

Me: OK

Fred: (writing and talking) And you don't need to take the door off to call.

Me: I wasn't planning on it.

Fred: Well, a lot of my customers don't have mobile phones like you do--and they just unscrew the door and take it with them to the phone.

Me: They can't remember a 7 digit number?

Fred: Nope. For some people that's hard.

Me: Well, they can't write it down on a piece of paper then?

Fred: Ya know, I think I will have to share that information with them. That's a good idea. It will save me the trouble of having to put all those doors back on when I get there.

That's when I realize that it's not only repairmen who are dolts. . .

Fred was a genius in most respects. . . and oh! The joys of having central heating back on in the house.

So that night, after dear hubby got home and realized that he no longer had to build a camp fire in the living room--I began his furnace re-education project. Not sure if he's gonna graduate or not--but for now we have HEAT!

Dear Hubby fights back!

2010-01-30T23:19:00.000-08:00

Well, a funny thing happened on the way to my blog.

Dear hubby caught my last post about 'Antonio Banderas (and those water photos)

So he decided that since I seem to like 'men in water shots', he e-mailed me a couple of his own--so that I could have them to drool over. . .

What a guy!

And, he just happened to mention that if I wanted to put them up on my blog---he wouldn't mind at all. That way other women who like men in the water could be happy too. You know, he's just so humanitarian in that regard, it astounds me.

So ladies, this is for your enjoyment as well as mine:

You know, I'd say something here--but then, I'm sure dear hubby would read it and fight back all over again. I think the studly man in the water pose says it all, don't you?

No, I am not obsessed with Antonio Banderes. . . well, maybe a little.

2010-01-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

Now I have been accused of mentioning this guy on occasion. You know, at parties, gatherings, a few conversations with friends, and maybe mumbling in my sleep. . .

I have no earthly idea why. I mean--just look at this guy! What on earth would there be to like?

I mean--he can't help how he looks. . . or talks. . . or moves through water. . .

I'm sure he had nothing to do with it. He can blame his perfections on genetics or being incredibly lucky enough to find an amazingly talented plastic surgeon. . . or both.

But whatever it is---it certainly works for him!

I admit to watching The Legend Of Zoro on more than one occasion (and even the bomb, Zoro II) as well as Once Upon A Time In Mexico and even the crappy Spy Kids movies.just to get my lil' Antonio fix.

The Shrek movies were fun and featured Antonio's voice as the pussycat.

I mean--here you can even see Shrek giving him a BIG SQUEEZE because, well, he's just so doggone cute.

(although Shrek's opinion of cuteness is circumspect--as he is hugging the ugly donkey too--but you get the point)

I don't know. . . there is just something about him that makes me go. . . hmmmmm. . . or maybe it's yummmm! Anyway--I am clearing up the matter once and for all for my hubby, family and blogger friends that NO, I am not having an affair with Antonio. (well, truth be told, he hasn't asked yet) And I am NOT obsessed with him. I just think he's hunky and adorably cute in a manly, better than chocolate way.

And a girl's entitled to her opinions, isn't she? I mean I feel so sorry for the poor guy. All that walking around looking like something that can't even be printed on my blog because there might be children present. . .

Antonio, don't bother calling, hon--because I'd just have to turn you down. . . and for Pete's sake--can you just grab a towel and stay out of the water???

What Dennis Quaid wants, Dennis Quaid gets!

2010-01-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

I admit, that I find this actor pretty down to earth, humble and doggone good looking. And when a friend sent me a youtube clip featuring a prank he pulled on the Ellen DeGeneres show, I was enchanted all over again!

Pretty funny---and I totally agree that whatever Dennis Quaid wants--he gets!

I need to start speaking of myself in the third person. Maybe it will work for me too?

Two friends, a necklace, and the Grand Canyon. . .

2010-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

What happens when two totally insane friends decide that they MUST get away from the harsh winter weather of the great northwest. . . and travel a bit further south to the sunnier climes of Arizona for some R&R, SUN, and ADVENTURES?

Well. . . . you're about to find out.

My gal pal--whom I refer to as 'Heidi' (because that's what she likes me to call her) and I decided to take a trip this past November and see that great ball of burning gasses in the sky (known to some as 'the sun'):

and to shop and play:

and visit friends and some of the members of my family:

Note that Heidi is letting my mother in law wear the necklace for the day. We almost had to pry it out of her cold, dead hands before we could get it back after it was clasped around her neck. She LOVED it! We ended up going into her bedroom, ransacking the place, finding it, and taking it back before heading back home again.

My sister will probably KILL ME for putting this photo of her up on my blog. But hey! What are sisters for? (and besides, I live 2,000 miles away--so I'm not too worried about it)

We really had a grand time--soaking in TONS of vitamin D and basking in the warmer weather. We took in a musical comedy show called: 'Church Basement Ladies"

And took in some of the local southwestern scenery:

We visited the Mesa Temple and toured the grounds:

One of the fun little adventures we had was to take a drive up to Jerome (the old ghost town) taking that HAIRBALL highway that goes up Mingus Mountain with about a BAJILLION twists and turns and NO GUARDRAIL, for the love of Pete! WHEW! But I managed to not drive the car off the cliff like Thelma and Louise and get to the top:

We ate at an old hospital--now converted into a 'Grand Hotel' with a restaurant located up on the top floor called 'The Asylum' which was aptly named by the guy who greeted us upon entering:

Of course 'the necklace' was with us at this event--so we had to commemorate the occasion and leave a lasting reminder. (until the waiter tore the paper tablecloth off):

We also went to Sedona and took an amazing 'Pink Jeep Tour' that allowed us to four wheel through the canyons and see some of the most amazing desert vistas at sunset:

And what trip to Arizona could be complete without touring the Grand Canyon? Certainly not this one:

So of course, this is where Heidi decides that 'the necklace' should have it's own 'death-defying' experience and nearly drops the poor thing off the south rim:

Now you see it:

Now you don't:

Oops!

Just kidding! The necklace (as well as Heidi and I) made it back to our native home and hearth safe and sound minus a few bucks, some sleep, and missed therapy appointments--which thanks to the trip--we won't need after all!

GOOD TIMES!

Holy Smokes! My life got in the way of my blog!

2010-01-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ya know, some will say it just couldn't be helped. Some will scoff and say I got rather lazy. Some will smile and say: "I told you so". . . and some will be just fine because they don't read my blog anyway. . . and then there are those few precious souls who won't care a whit because they are just so doggone glad I am FINALLY POSTING AGAIN!

Woohoo! I found a moment to breathe and man, oh man! do I have a lot to catch up on!

Let me see. . . . maybe I should start in reverse order. Today I will give you 'The Necklace' updates. (since that's the most recent thing I can think of at the moment.

Here are the lovely recipients so far of this rare gem: (and if you've been following with wild abandon, I posted about this back in Sept/Oct of 2009)

First it went to Karen the staunch and stalwart: (when she reads this, I will get an earful about why I chose those descriptions for her)

Next it went to Heidi the reckless and recalcitrant: (who nearly lost it at the Grand Canyon on our trip to sunny Arizona)

Then it went to ME, the sparkly and showy: (I ended up wearing it to my big singing debut, which now puts me on the path to rivaling Brittany Spears)

And now it is on the neck of Elaine the giddy and gleeful: (she was just so doggone excited to get the necklace she could barely contain herself)

Yes--there are AMAZING and simply RIVETING stories that go along with these women and their adventures with the necklace. . . but I will have to add those details in future posts. .

For now--just want to wish my blogger fans a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR of 2010. And please don't get snarky about my lateness in posting. . . because well. . . it just so happens that I've already broken a few new year's resolutions already--one of which was to try and not tick so many people off anymore. But I kind of ticked myself off when making that resolution--so naturally I broke it.

And hopefully you had a wonderful Christmas celebration with your family and friends. We had quite the time ourselves at the 'Showmethesale Chateau': But the ultimate moment was when my oldest grandson, Sam, opened his BIG, HUMONGOUS present from the old man and me and declared with a triumphant jumping dance of joy:

YES! YES! YES! I've been waiting for this my whole life! (score one for 'Nana' and 'G-Pa'!)

There was also an unpredicted snowstorm that left us with a blanket of snow (and mayhem for the drivers and those trying to just get around town)

And while my middle grandson will be the first to tell you that: 'Crimmus is over now'. . .it's still kind of fun to look back and smile over the memories. Thanks to oldest son and Grandma Carol for coming and spending the holidays with us. . . 2009 was quite the crazy, fun, unpredictable year. . . can't wait to see what 2010 has in store!

For the love of Pete! It's December already!

2009-12-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. . . the month of November completely slipped by me! (well actually I was so doggone busy that I forgot to blog--so I didn't completely blank out the month of November)

There was the exchanging of 'THE NECKLACE' which I will definitely make mention in some future post, and my 'need for Vitamin D get-away' to Arizona with a friend and parties and Thanksgiving and. . . OK I'll stop boring you with the details (until later of course!)

I will be back to blogging soon enough---but since November was CRAZY with activities and whatnot--and this month is proving to outdo the last one. . . I think I will share a cute little video that you can squeeze your little ones on your lap and watch on your monitors to get you in the spirit of things:

Merry Merry Christmas to all my wonderful blogger fans out there!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Cuddly Halloween greetings from Sam and Max. . .

And a cute Halloween greeting, from the Lord Of Cuteness himself: Des!

Scary Faces!

And Happy Faces!

The anticipation is palpable!

It's pumpkin carving time (which is serious work)

The finished products!

The boys approve!

My hubby is 'Da Man'! (The Husband Song)

2009-10-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, today is dear hubby's birthday--so I decided to dedicate this post to him and found a song that I'm SURE he'll 100% agree with. . . after all, he's DA MAN!

Enjoy sweetie--this one's for you (and all the other manly hubbies out there)

Happy birthday Dear Hubby!

There's Parkour. . . and then there's 'Office Parkour'

2009-10-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Unless you've been living under a rock or perhaps only visit this planet on occasion, you've heard of 'Parkour'.

The Frenchy French thought this one up. It simply means the art of moving. And what a way to move, eh?

The participant runs along a route and tries to navigate obstacles in the most ~~effecient~~ totally cool way possible by jumping, spinning, tumbling, leaping, flying, defying gravity and the laws of physics in every way possible.

I am a die hard fan of the sport--and am currently trying to get my body in shape just to navigate the coffee table and couch in my living room without breaking my toes. (which, alas, I have done TWICE before)

And just as there are 437, 984 coffee combinations at Starbucks--there are many subtle and not so subtle rankings of Parkour. . . from the novice to the not so novice. (I'm still working up to the novice level)

Just to give you an example--here is a guy whom I will dub 'The King Of Parkour' His name is Damien Walters. This is on the 'Hardcore Parkour level':

And then there is the 'Office Hardcore Parkour' which is in a category by itself and should not be attempted without an 'idiot meter' present:

I'm not going to say 'don't try this at home'--because face it, you can try it ANYWHERE. Just be sure you look really cool doing it and either give the 'thumbs up sign' when you've mastered a particular tricky move--or shout 'HARDCORE PARKOUR' for effect when you look like a total moron. That way, everyone will totally understand and think you're amazing.

I will be attempting to hurtle from my parked car into a shopping cart and careen one-legged all the way up to the sidewalk, whereupon I will leap through the automatic doors into the Target store this morning. Wish me luck. . . .