Happy New Year

Happy New Year family & friends...
The past year brought a lot of loss and sadness in our lives.  I pray 2010 will be peacefull and happy for all. 

     Our Thanksgiving was interesting and quiet. I mixed up cookie batches - biscotti, eggless chocolate chip and Grammie's German Chcolate for the better part of the morning. Walt was sleeping off a cold. Abt 1ish our friends Dave & Donna called and said "How about dinner at 3:30 up at Silver Fork"? Score! to think I was thinking of Golden Corral! I managed to get one batch of cookies made before we had to head out. The weather was very cooperative. SUNNY - and 44F.

    The Silver Fork Lodge's special was all you can eat Turkey dinner.   We considered it a treat to ourselves. Their daughter Julia was home from school in Boulder, CO and came along. It was a very relaxing elegant place in a rustic lodge up near one of the ski resorts in the mountains with a fireplace burning real wood. Good food and good company made it for a great evening. Only problem, Walt had DayQuiled up to keep his cold symptoms at bay and then enjoyed a Rum & Coke and a glass of wine before eating. Hmmmm that ended up in the bathroom. Needless to say... we brought his dinner home with us. He was feeling better by the time we got home 4 hrs later. So, with some of the ham we brought home, we made him a sandwich which stayed down. Leftovers are always a good thing to have..      Today, Happy Friday (I am happy I could stay home) I mixed up and baked somemore cookies... Oatmeal raisin, more Grammie's German Chocolate and some shortbread. I had a pot of water with some spices in it simmering on the stove which made for some really homey smells. Walt watched some old movies and the dogs just hung out -Louie inside and KC outside. Louie is struggling with arthritis and OLD age related issues but still hanging in there.

     Our area hasn't had but a couple of feet of snow in the mtns which makes for tough going for ski resorts, but good going for those of us who drive around alot for our job and for contractors who are trying to get as much outdoor work as they can done. But it puts the water district on edge for next year. Our luck, all of a sudden it'll start snowing and won't quit. Hmmm Dammed if you do and dammed if you don't.

     Here's wishing you a very happy moment and a smile for your face :)

Seems it is the time to update the blogs. I used to be so much better at this. My Auntie is visiting us again for a short visit. I just love her. The leaves are cluttering the yard. The grass isn't growing as fast and I am sad that there isn't as much light in the day.
I haven't been going out of town as much lately and that bothers me too. I love traveling.
My blogs aren't as exciting when there isn't much happening. And lately there just hasn't been much going on.
Sad thing though..... My brother in law passed away in Sept after a long 10 year battle with prostate cancer. RIP Gene O! You will definately be missed. Your laughter still rings in my head when I look at a picture of a time when you were laughing. Walt is doing ok, but going to St. George won't be the same for us. Blessings on his family as they miss him too.
Sometimes someone close to you develops an attitude that descends on everyone around them. Please send good wishes Walt's way as he's wishing he could be someplace warmer than here. I love it here - and he hates it. Too bad we can't find someplace in the middle.
Till the next time - when I hope the post is a happier one. ..:)

Changing Web sites

I can't believe how fast it is to change websites now with my NEW laptop. Thank you friends and family for all the gift cards that made it all possible. I can actually have more than one website open at a time and still look at pictures. LOVE it.

Best Buys

I usually don't ask for things for my birthday, but this year I am asking for BestBuy gift cards. I am shooting for a new laptop and have been collecting GC's toward the purchase. Help!

Celebration of Life

This past week end we enjoyed the company of Walt's brother, our niece, nephews and their children. We celebrated Gene's 77th birthday at Pete & Kim's. What a great day it was too. There was great food, lots of laughter, everyone getting along and children playing everywhere. It was a goal of Gene's to live to this day and it was fulfilled. See, Gene has been battling prostate cancer since 1998 and is, unfortunatly on the loosing end of the battle. Even though his end will be sooner than others, he still plans on living till Jul 10 in time for Kate's family reunion. it's good to have goals.

Life Lessons

Here is a list of 26 life lessons I have learned thus far ....

I pass this list on to you with the simple hope that it makes you think. Sometimes thinking about your life and sorting out what you have learned is just as important as tackling a new venture.
1. Being an adult can be fun when you are acting like a child.
2. Love has nothing to do with looks, but everything to do with time, trust, and interest.
3. Laughing, crying, joy and anger… All are a vital. All make us human.
4. The greatest truths in life are uncovered with simple, steady awareness.
5. Greed will bury even the lucky eventually.
6. Bad things do happen to good people.
7. Paving your own road is intelligent only if nobody has gone exactly where you are going.
8. Uncertainty is caused by a lack of knowledge. Hesitation is the product of fear.
9.Time heals all wounds… regardless of how you feel right now.
10. Most of the time what you are looking for is right in front of you.
11. Your health is your life.
12. Chance is a gift, so act on chance when given the opportunity.
13. Kindness and hard work will take you further than intelligence.
14. People deserve a second chance, but not a third.
15. Marry your best friend.
16. Take lots of pictures. Someday you’ll be really glad you did.
17. Money makes life easier only when the money is yours free and clear.
18. Carelessness is the root of failure
19. Your actions now create memories you will reminisce and talk about in your elder years.
20. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will put things into perspective from an angle you can’t grasp now.
21. Motivation comes in short bursts. Act while it’s hot.
22. Purposely ignoring the obvious is like walking backwards toward the enemy.
23. Taking ownership of failure builds the foundation for success.
24. First impressions are completely worthless 50% of the time.
25. Personal glory lasts forever.
26. If you never act, you will never know for sure.

Pondering

Things to ponder over today:
why does grass grow more when you cut it?
why aren't there crickets chirping during the day
why are there allergies

Summer is here - somewhere

• We started the season camping with our Arco family/friends at Magic Reservoir, ID. So many different age groups were there and it was amazing how we all got along. There was enough food to feed all our group and even the group across the way. Of course, it being in May when we went the weather was iffy, but it was all good. One of the activities of the weekend was seeing how many yard sales we could get to before they shut down for the day (around 1ish). We scored quite a bit of merchandise before hitting the local SPRING FEST in Hailey, ID for lunch at a local vendors booth.
• The next part of summer is the yard as it springs to life. The sweet peas that I planted are up and running to the wires. I just love sweet peas. This year I made sure they are the fragrent ones.
• Dining out on a patio at a favorite restaurant with friends is another looked forward to occasion for summer. Thanks Donna & Dave for sharing those moments with us.
• And thunderstorms popping up.

O Happy Days

I love :
the smell of fresh cut grass
newly edged lawns
raw cookie dough
dogs with shorter hair cuts for the summer
new things on the menu
calls from siblings
new websites to browse
FarmTown
all my family and friends
brealfast, lunch, dinner and dessert
sunshine - breezes - new flowers and birds flying around

Love Mother

I love my Mom. I consider myself so lucky to have her in my life and to teach me so much. I only feel love from her. Even if I was in trouble, she would always go about things in such a loving way, and I know my siblings feel the same. She has a way about making us each feel so important, and in fact, I know motherhood is one of the most important things to her. Being a Grandmother is just as rewarding and important. Happy Mother's Day to her and all the Mom's in our lives. You are all the best.

$.31 scoops

Tonights the night at some Baskin Robins that they will be serving small scoops for $.31 to support firefighters. My fave flavor is chocolate peanut butter.

Erin & Colleen fly North

Auntie Erin has arrived in Oregon (the 2nd leg of her summer living). She is doing so much better now. Yeah. Now it's Colleen's turn to fly north. She is going to visit family in Seattle for 3 wks. She'll be helping the folks out organizing their paper work, visiting the sibs, visiting friends and just plain going on a get a way. I'm looking forward to her reports. I had to tell MY people that I couldn't go out of town for the month of May so she could go. I have to stay home and babysit the animals and the MR. hehehe

Auntie Erin visits SLC

My Dad's sister Erin has been spending some time with us as she heads north for the summer. She's been here (SLC) for over 2 1/2 weeks. We have enjoyed her visit and learned lots of things abt our Dad from her perspective. She the bossy older sister now and we love her for it. She's been recouping from a broken rib and her recovery has been speedy. She still suffers from the effects of it, but can easily get up and down out of a chair now. One thing she became aware of on this visit is airplants - Tillandsia by name. She has been photographing them, rearranging them and nurturing them for over a week. I am glad someone else likes them like I do. She leaves for the next leg of her adventure - Springfield, OR to see if Jerome can handle being around her for a length of time. Then it's off to Seattle for the summer. Thanks for the memories.

Coming out of Time Out

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted anything on here. Today was just a horrible day. Tempers were flaring, attitudes were crappy and people were putting themselves in timeout just to be out of the way of unkind, unneccessary ugly words that weren't really meant to be said. Have you ever had a day like that? It all started when it was in the 60's overnight and I didn't get a good night sleep. Then, I got to work toooooo early. When I got there no one knew I should be there. Then the job I was supposed to do didn't go smoothly and took much longer than it should have. The atmosphere is changing and that is part of my problem. Things startled Walt and now he's in time out. I knew something abt how to do something on the computer and didn't think it necessary at the time to tell C and she got pissy abt that and ran off the deal with that. Louie is having troubles with his legs and it's hard for him to get around. And to top it off, Jay Leno isn't going to be on tonight - it's going to be a rerun. I guess he couldn't help it that he got food poisoning and doesn't feel well. It is amazing how things and attitudes can change in an instant. So, to all my friends and family... I love you and I am thankful we are all made the same - with emotions and thought - good and not so good.
Thanks for being there for me when I need you.

2 Dad's in Poland

l-r Ruggy (Daniel's Dad & Bob (My Dad)

They are in Poland watching the USA Garmin-Chipotle team race on an indoor track for the World Championships. Daniel raced with Colby Pearce in a Madison that they took 8th in. Congrats to both and the whole team for all their hard work.

Hollywood goes to Poland

Daniel "Hollywood" is in Poland this week racing with his dad my Dad watching. It is an opportunity of a life time for all of them to betogether for this event. I am sure they weren't expecting SNOW but several days it has either snowed or rained. Good thing the racing is indoors. Go Daniel Go.

Things to love

Things to LOVE this week:
GREEN things - new tulips growing, grass growing, spinach
Sisters with birthdays
good food - Tammie's
Travel Plans
Telephones to keep in touch with those you love
Friends who go out to dinner with you
The washer and dryer that are available when you are
White capped mountains
Animals = dogs, fish and birdies

Track Cycling World Championships

Daniel, his Dad and my Dad are going to Poland. Ruggy & my Dad are going to watch Daniel race his heart out. He doesn't have a butt to speak of so he can't pedal his a-- off. This is a very exciting time for all. These are world class riders and it'll be tough for Daniel "Hollywood" but a memorable moment for all his family and fans. They leave on 22 Mar. How fun it would be to be a fly on my Dad's shoulder to watch what he does and sees. As the commercial says "he's too excited to sleep". Good luck Daniel.

Daniel = world class track racer

My nephew Daniel has been selected to represent the US at the World track cycling championships in Poland. His dad and my Dad are planning their trip to go along to see the action live and in person. Also representing us will be his friends Colby and Shelley, along with Taylor Phinney. Shelley is the only women selected to represent the US. The track site is all a twitter with the news. www.usacyclingnews.org

Feeling the Air

The fresh high desert air of Arco has helped me to feel better, breath better and relax. LOVE IT. Our friends always cook the best food which helps Walt fatten up a bit. Dave & Keri & Walt & I share the same anniversary date. So tonight we went out to dinner at Ken's Club in Mackay, ID. The place even thru in the dessert cause we were celebrating. LOVED it. Cheese cake.
Afterwards, everyone but Walt relaxed the the hot tub scoping out the evening stars. Go figure, I even saw lots. LOVED it.

1st time in 2 years

How do you comfort yourself when you have a sore throat:
eat chocolate
eat steamed rice
eat sweet/salty things
drink lots of water (I even like plain hotish water)
take a nap
thank your job for giving you the day off
visualize your Mom hugging you (if you are not near enough for a physical one)
Cold Eze or other great cough drop

it's been 2 years since I had a cold or other illness. Darn, I thought I was immune:(

Dejavu in the snow

This week I am in Winnemucca, NV working... We drove thru a snowstorm to get there. It was dejavu of our trip to Seattle. We made it safely though. The next day is to Elko. We ate at the Martin Hotel which is a Basque resturant - LOVEd the food. Chuck & Kalyn you would have liked it. I know you would have. Happy Valentines everyone. love you

Things to LOVE this Week

Debbie Macomber

Family to Facebook with/over

Smells of the city

Drives to the country

Waiting at a train crossing & counting the cars as it chugs along

Having a tail wind

Cracker Barell's Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

& of course CHOCOLATE - put the chocolate in the bag and no one gets hurt

The travelers are back

This past week Walt went one way to visit friends and I went the other way to work. Luckily this time the weather was more cooperative. Judy and Lynn's daughter Kandy needed some help with the drive to Walla Walla so Walt offered to help out. They were gone for a week and while he was gone, I spent a couple of days in Kanab, UT working. I just love the views of the red rocks that are there esp in the morning when the sun first strikes them.

Words to LIVE by

This is a great attitude to have abt anything and everything.

Another group of words I want to try to live by:

LETS

DO

IT!

Things to LOVE this week

chicken divan

snow falling while the sun is shinning

a packed suitcase

scrapbooking Christmas photos

a full dishwasher

historical moments in time

clean clothes

family & friend

a sister who sends me books from a favorite author

I Got this from Alicia E's blog...just copy and paste....then select the ones you have done by making them bold....

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (it's a mental health day)

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping (in the neighbors pool when they were off camping)

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (many times!)

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (mine was in Germany)

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (money what's that?)

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke(thats where my solo comes in..lol)

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain (duh, I lived in Seattle for a number of years)

53. Played in the mud (see the previous note)

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Camp Fire Mints

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (see where in q. #34)

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt (for my sisters)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person

101. Learned to play an instrument

Pinkie

You gotta love a guy who shops with girls who know his secret... Donna do you like the new updated ver?

Anola visits family in Seattle

My niece Anola visits her Great Aunt Yvonne (my Mom's sister) - sad to say Yvonne passed away the day after this visit. I believe it was the passing of the baton from one generation to another. We are so thankful that the two were able to meet before Yvonne went off to enjoy life with Our Lord. She went on to report that it was going to be ok now that Anola was around.

Denise & Bob with 6 of their 9 grandchildren (back row l-r Shaun, Riley middle l-r Dalton, Denise, Bob Anola & David front l-r Delaney & Dawson)

Anola is happy to be a part of a big family...

Bob & Denise with their signature look...

Anola with her new hubby David, her Dad Jim and her Grandparents Bob & Denise

What a wonderful day was had by all enjoying Anola & David's visit. Welcome to the 2 of you....