Back in WW, WA

After a few days away from Walla Walla we are now back there and it's amazing how much of the snow has melted. I will be posting pictures from Christmas in Seattle and Mom's birthday in the next day or so. But for now I'm decompressing for a bit.

Winter Wonderland of Walla Walla

After some pretty nerve racking driving conditions

Walt & I arrived in Walla Walla to visit our friends Lynn & Judy. It was snowing when we arrived and it snowed most of the night. We had to shovel out in the morning so the snow plow could clear the street.

It is very cold here but the snow has stopped for the time being. Who was it that asked for a White Christmas? hmmm Oh, yeah, it was me! Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night.

We are driving away...

YEAH - the time is here. Time for visiting family & friends. Time for winter driving conditions. Time for LIVEing, LOVEing and EATing. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone and be safe and careful.

Chain up?

This afternoon we laid out the 2 sets of chains we have to make sure they were in working order and we remembered how to use them. Not that we want to, but just in case, we are ready for anything. Oh sure, now that I am writing this I think " oh we could have had a V8". No really, I should of gotten the camera out so have picture of the scene. Oh well. Hopefully, we won't even have to put them on.
Less than 36 hours to go. EEEEE gads. It's creaping up on me faster and faster. I AM READY though and still breathing just fine.

Seattle Crippled

Oh NO - SNOW cripples Seattle. I pray that the roads are at least clear by the time we need to drive on them. I can handle cold and snow, but not snow on the roads. Only 1 1/2 days till take off and I'm more anxious than ever abt the traveling part.

I dream of a White Christmas

Yeah, so many storms. Ugh - in rush hour traffic isn't the best time for them though. 3 days till take off.

I need a brown paper bag

I can hardly breath right thinking abt my up coming trip. Just 4 more lays before we head out. We are staying at the Poole's Palace for the first couple of days - thanks veryone for the chance to stay there. I am even more excited that my niece and her husband (the newly weds) are coming from LA to Sea to be a part of the occasion. Yeah.

The countdown begins

Only 5 days till take off to see my family and friends.... We are packing cold weather gear as well as wet weather gear - including chains. We have gifts, pics, food and memories to share. I can't even breath sometimes thinking abt it all.

Time for sharing

Tis the season to share:

Our Christmas tree with you... complete with flocking, lights and bows.

our food with the locals.... the road way with our neighbors and the gate to our hearts.

We are so thankful for the moisture our latest snowstorm brings. With the snow comes COLD temps, but our hearts are warm and that is what counts. Happy Holidays to all.

Thanks

Things to be thankful for:
SNOW on the ground (but not on the streets)
Cookies baking
Fingers to lick
Lower gas prices for our long distant travels
Family who are looking forward to our visit
Freedom to worship if you choose
Light displays to OOOh and Awwww over
Beautiful voices to celebrate the season thru song
And a job. Happy Holidays to every one.

I spent the day making cookies to take to Seattle with me. If only we can stay away from them till we get where we are going. We are making a stop in Walla Walla, WA to visit our long time friends Lynn & Judy and of course leave some cookies there. We all used to live in Sandy and would spend the holidays making and baking special moments to share with family and friends. I miss those days. But this year I do it with Judy in my heart and look forward to our visit in just 1 wk.

One cookie I won't get to this year is the family fave of Springerle. We normally make these as they were something Walt's Mom made religiously when she was alive. We continued the tradition but this year I have been working so much that I just made some that were less labor intensive.

Getting Ready

Getting ready to leave town is fun, confusing, exciting, harried, exhausting and I can hardly wait till we are on the road. We are going to visit family in WA for Christmas and a huge wonderful event (Mom turns 80). Christmas can't get any better than being together with those that you love and have fun with. We are loading up the sleigh and fueling the reindeer for the drive north. As the commercial says "I'm too excited to sleep".

Let it snow

I was so confused.. I had 2 backgrounds on top of each other and couldn't figure out how to get rid of the old FALL one. I wanted to change to the snowflakes or any other I chose but didn't want the confusion to continue. So I reverted back to the very ORIG and now will start over. Ugh. Sometimes it's best to get back to the root of a problem.

We Give Thanks

The table was abundant The family was together And Jason & Allan played some some Chinese piano background music for ambiance. There were plenty of leftovers and lots of laughs. Thanks to Bill & Jennifer the food was delicious. Let the holidays begin.

Tis the Season

Some people are of the opinion that all things Christmas (music, decorations, etc) should wait until after Thanksgiving. But I've always felt that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year all melt into one long lovely holiday season, making it perfectly acceptable to trim the Christmas tree and listen to favorite Christmas albums even before Thanksgiving dinner is done and over. For my friends in England Christmas is in full swing already and they are loving every minute of it. I am with them. I could have a room just for Christmas decos all year round and enjoy every minute of it.

Don't click until you are sure

I am so sad when I hit a wrong button. I lost all of my side gadgets when I hit a button that I didn't want. Now I have to start over recreating my site. ugh.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to all - here's a pumpkin pie baking just for you..

Only One Word

Answer the questions using only ONE word - it's harder than you think...

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket

2. Your significant other? Sleeping

3. Your hair? Colored

4. Your mother? Kind

5. Your father? Busy

6. Your favorite thing? Family

7. Your dream last night? None

8. Your favorite drink? Cocoa

9. Your dream/goal? Happy

10. The room you're in? Office

11. Your fear? Lonely

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Secure

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. What you're not? Awake

15. Muffins? Sure

16. One of your wish list items? Trip

17. Where you grew up? Seattle

18. The last thing you did? Work

19. What are you wearing? Bathrobe

20. Your TV? Off

21. MISSING! Mom

22. Your computer? SLOW

23. Your life? Awesome

24. Your mood? OK

25. Missing someone? Patty

26. Your car? Awesome

27. Something you're not wearing? Shoes

28. MISSING! daylight

29. Your summer? Busy!

30. Your favorite color? Purple

31. When is the last time you laughed? Yeserday

32. Last time you cried? Yesterday

33. Who will/would re-post this? Nobody

Be sure to pass this on to everyone who reads this!!

Giving Thanks

Things to be thankful for this week:
Leaf fairies
Wood burning in fireplaces
Clear view of snow on mountain peaks
The love of my family
Cleaned up horses
Cousins who are musically inclined
Their parents who are proud enough to show their pics on a family website
Cars that run when you need them to
A job that I like
Chiropracters
The telephone

Birds of a Feather

As the birds are flying everywhere in our neighborhood looking for food (I guess I see them better with out leaves on the trees) this video is very intriguing to me...

My Aunt was visiting recently and she captured her perspective of the birds also.

57 YEARS of LOVE

11-03-51 was that date for a very special couple - my MOM & DAD... Happy Anniversary to you both. I love you so much and hope I can look as great as you when I am your age. Keep smiling as it is contagious. Hugs to you both, Karen

Tagged

I was tagged by Katrina to post the 4th picture from the 4th file on my computer....
Walt was checking out a role of wire his son Bill was going to use in the remodel of his new house. It just so happened to be down a flight of rickety stairs.


Now I tag Connie, Rachel and Angie

Thelma & Louise

AKA - the Golden Girls aka Mom & Auntie Erin - have arrived. It took them two days to drive to our place and they enjoyed the trip and each others company. We have been having way too much fun. Mom will be 80 this yr and Auntie Erin is 83 but they are real "go"ers. They have been a blast. Never a dull moment. Pics soon, but for now trust me. FUN is our word for the day.

Saturday doings

I can hardly wait. My Mom & my Aunt are expected to arrive in SLC either Sun or Monday. They are going to be here for a few days. We have been spiffing up the place somewhat for their visit. Walt & C spent the better part of the day working on a cover on the south side of the house (it covers the south window and the dog door). C also planted a Kousa Dogwood tree in the back yard. I cleaned inside and of course, supervised outside. hehehe

Fall Tasks

Fall has been keeping us busy this year. When checking on Connie's place, I found some rolls of sod that had been left behind after a construction project was completed. I snagged 5 rolls and C was able to fill in a spot in the yard that needed some help.

One of Walt's TO DO's is make sure all of the vehicles are ready for winter.. He checked the oil, the washer fluids and the antifreeze. Filled those that needed anything and in general just did what a lot of guys do - just look at the engine cause he thinks it's the manly thing to do. Besides, anymore, it's the only thing you can do - LOOK. Some of them are so complicated work on even if you can find what it is you need to fix.
We've been blessed with HUGE tomatoes in the past month. Only problem, we can't eat enough and this size don't last long just sitting around. I have made lots of sauce with some and we've had lots of tomato sandwiches. YUM. But I'm affraid with all the FREEZING temps we've had in the past couple of days, we are at the end of the toms. Till next year....
I can't believe that there are still sweet peas growing in the yard. They are one of my favorites as well as my Dad's and my sister-in-law Brenda's. If only our computer had scratch and sniff. They smell so good.

This past week the Mr. came home with BIG fish tales from Flaming Gorge. He then went to our property South of Fruitland - both trips with his son and his wife Jennifer. I stayed home to work but had a great time doing what I wanted to do. Remember I am knitting a sweater and so I didn't have any interruptions when I was knitting. I also am reading a genealogy mystery book and was able to read with out interruptions. I was able to dead head some that flowers that have been able to hang on. I'm sure the killer frost will do a lot of them in before their time.
Today I worked some on my family genealogy, did some knitting, made some spaghetti sauce from the few remaining tomatoes we were able to rescue before the killer frost, made some fudge, hung out seasonal garden flags, made some dog cookies and had lunch with Jay & Walt. Whew, I am tired just thinking abt all that I accomplished today. Walt took turns holding down the couch and the bed. He is VERY sluggish when a low pressure storm approaches. I usually am too, but I was too busy doing all the things I did today.

Things to Love

Things to love this week:
Rain lurking on the horizon
Husband getting the opportunity to go fishing with his son
Staying home with my sister and eating Tuna Casserole
Being able to keep in touch by cell phones when love ones are far away
Having parents that are alive & well enough to still do the things they love to do
Being able to go to the grocery store and having to choose between many brands of Albacore Tuna
Dog sitting

Moving along

We are back online after helping Connie move some of her bulkier things.

To this cute farm house. She's added a few touches to make it look like someone is living there. When she first started moving in , things had been neglected for a time....After helping things started to look loved again. On of the jobs was to get the sprinkling system to the flowers and trees up and running again.
Even across the street were trees that need trimming so you could see beyond the corner..

IT's nice to be able to help friends out. We love helping.

Out of cybertouch

We have been helping our friend Connie move to Rigby, Idaho so we've been gone lots this past month. Also, last week I was working in Rangely, Co and the motel didn't have a computer. I hate not being able to keep in cyber touch, but I managed to get thru it.

45 Things about Me!

Here is a tag a few of you have done.
1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Love it if it's done right! It's my very favorite.
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Are you kidding me, not on anyones life.
3. Do you own a gun? Well sort of, Walt has lots that are both of ours
4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks? I don't go to Starbucks. I don't like coffee of any kind.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No not really
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love them. Esp those that are steamed
7. Favorite Christmas song? I dreaming of a White Christmas
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I prefer hot chocolate with mini marshmellows but any kind will be just fine.
9. Can you do push ups? I might be able to do one if I really tried
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? I love my wedding ring.
11. Favorite hobby? Genealogy and Family History
12. Do you have A.D.D.? Every so often, but not always
13. What's one trait that you like about yourself? I am happy and upbeat most of the time.
14. Middle name? Alexis
15.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Water, hot chocolate and Pepsi.
17. Current worry right now? That Walt will be able to have a good time in Seattle over Christmas. Rain and cold are a bother for him.
18. Current hate right now? I don't really have a hate, except maybe a strong dislike for making dinner on a work night when everything is frozen.
19. Favorite place to be? Anywhere there is sun and a breeze. One of my faves is in the mountains on a clear day. Or the beach is another favorite.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? This past year I was sleeping.
21. Do you like to travel? LOVE IT! I do as much as I can afford.
22 Name three people who will complete this: Hmmm Kalyn, Melissa and Lisa (L hurt yourself and try)
23. Do you own slippers? I have 3 pairs - one for outside, one for inside and one for traveling.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Black - I look good in black.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No - too cold and slippery.. I have flannel sheets on the bed in the house and the trailer all year round.
26. Can you whistle? Absolutely!
27. Favorite color? Purple. I also like black, pink and red.
28. Would you be a pirate? No
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I never sing in the shower. I only sing in the car.
30. Favorite girl's name? I don't have a favorite
31. Favorite boy's name? Todd
32. What's in your pocket right now? Burt's Bees chapstick, phone, coins and car keys
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Sending a picture of my bruised arm to my boss as a joke.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't remember bed sheets - they were just plain and simple ones.
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I had a metal horn rim from an old car go thru my bottom lip which broke off a tooth in a car accident
36. Do you love where you live? Yes, I love Salt Lake
37. How many TV's do you have in the house? We have 3.
38. Who is your loudest friend? ChrisTEENa WarTEENa
39. How many pets do you have? We have 2 dogs and 5 fish
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of
41. What is your favorite book? Yes, a notebook to keep track of things I need to remember.
42. What is your favorite candy? Anything chocolate.
43. Favorite Sports Team? I'm not much of a sports fan.
44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Are you kidding me? I was sleeping
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I wonder if I need to be to work at 7 or 8 today?

Velvety Smooth

My cousin Velvet recently married Nathanial Heaps. They had a simple wedding in Magnolia Park with lots of family to support them in their newest journey.

Things to Love

ads for sales
green grass just mowed
weddings x 2= excitement (Anola & David - Velvet & Nan)
cereal with berries or peaches on top
fall weather (i'm an early transitioner)
Colleen FIXIN anything
Cousins Less than Dozens gatherings
candy corn!

Wedding Smiles for Anola & David

Anola makes a beautiful bride with her mile wide smile...
David & Anola in finery....The loving couple at the wedding table....
12 tables all decked out with party favors and all...
every guest had a name card telling them which table to sit at....
Anola dancing with her Dad - my brother Jim....

Family Members in Attendance:

Mr and Mrs David Blumbergl-r Dalia (David's Mom), James (the brides brother), Denise (the brides paternal Grandma)
l-r Jim (the brides Dad), David (The Groom) and James
l-r Patty (Jim's sister)and Bob (Paternal Grandpa)

Here comes the Bride...

My niece ANOLA is getting married tomorrow to David Blumberg in Somis, CA. I am sad that I wasnt' able to afford the trip but sent my best wishes. My folks and one of my younger sister's is there representing our family. It sure be a beautiful day there for all.

Tour of Utah

Friday night Colleen & I took the Trax downtown to watch the crit stage of the Tour of Utah. Amazing how many people showed up. They were lined up for blocks around the race course. Daniel wasn't racing in this even - he's in Chicago racing. But we were able to meet up with some of the guys from his his Team - Garmin-Chipotle. We met a Eric (operations manager for the team)
and Best Young Rider: Peter Stetina, Garmin/Chipotle.
I never have seen so many riders riding so close so fast before. It was a bit unnerving wondering if there would be a crash, but luckily there wasn't one. There were many people from out of the country both watching and competing. It was very interesting how the announcer "wow"ed the crouds telling everyone the ins and outs of the race and how each rider was doing both in the current race and in the season over all.
After the race we thought we'd missed the trax train by a nanosecond so we started to walk the few blocks to State St. to catch a bus heading south. We encountered an unusual n'oreaster wind that hindered our treck uphill to State street. Good thing it was a warm wind. We stopped at the Shilo Inn for change to ride the bus and to get out of the wind. Not too fond of it esp in the dark. We headed out again reaching Main street just as the Trax was pulling into the station. YEAH! We ran and boarded just as it was abt to pull out. Whew. We were able to catch the bus that drops us off 2 blocks from the house. Perfect timing after all.

Babies R US

This week I was invited to a baby shower for Katrina's son Lane & his girlfriend Darcel. Now I haven't been to a baby shower for YEARS. Not being around babies much anymore I didn't know what to get someone I don't know. Hmmmm So I asked around and got a suggestion of a Parents Survival Kit. It was a hit. I also picked up a book that you can make note of the moods and the latest actions of the baby. It comes complete with stickers. That might be fun for Darcel's daughter to use. Some pics of the event can be seen here. Aunt Stacy made best cake. She decorated it to match the Rain Forest bedding in the crib that Katrina and Brian gave Lane & Darcel. The two layers of the cake were of different flavors - the big layer was Raspberry Lemonade and the little layer was german chocolate. Of course, I had to have a piece of both. YUMMMM There were chicken salad rolls, deviled eggs and a bavarian molded salad. Also, there was HOMEMADE lemonade. I never tasted anything as good. Thanks ladies. I enjoyed myself lots.
If you didn't want to pay the price or just wanted to use your own creativity to make a survival kit, here is a suggestion of items to use.

Daniel in Elk Grove

Daniel is now in a new uniform with a PRO cycling team (Garmin-Chipotle). He placed 39th in his first Pro race in Elk Grove, IL this weekend. We are so proud of him and look forward to his next race in southern CA.

Twenty Wishes

My latest read is Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber. One is encouraged to write twenty wishes down to make you feel better in life. Have you ever thought abt that? Could you come up with twenty wishes? I challenge you to try? They don't have to be big or have monetary value, they just have to make your life better for you.

The longest fish tale

Walt's first fish in years.... caught at Magic Reservoir, Idaho. His beat out our friend David Garner's by a fraction of the tail. David had to stretch his to come close. Chris cooked it up and it was so very delicious.
This bull trout caught in the Big Smokey Creek was on the "can not keep" list so it had to be thrown back. But he had a great time catching it on Dusty's fly rod that almost was confiscated by Walt. Since his fly rod isn't capable of catching any fish, maybe Dusty's is the ticket. Only problem, Dusty thinks so too. hehehe

Daniel turns Pro

Daniel just signed up with Team Garmin-Chipotle as a pro-cyclist. His is thinking abt doing the Tour of Utah cycle race Aug 13th thru Aug 17th along the Wasatch Front. We are all so proud of him. His Mom, my sister Patty, is contemplating coming out from CA to watch some of the races. I would be so overjoyed if she does.

5=Fine

5 things that make me fine this week so far are:
Being loved by my family
Having a job
A car that works
The freedom to pray

Tastey Treat in Tremonton

On our way to Idaho we stopped at a local diner in Tremonton, UT for a bite to eat. It was suggested that we try their cinnamon rolls. They are their claim to fame. They are big enough to fill a 9" dinner plate. Walt & I had to split one and even then couldn't finish it all. YUMMM

Birthday BBQ

Since I was enjoying my actual bday in the country, Keri thru a birthday bash when we got back. The loggers were back in town for the weekend as was Chris. Many friends were there, Mel & Shouanna

Keri's Mom & Dad - Gay & Walt Fisher

The Cabin Crew from Twin Falls

Kids enjoying themselves

of course, that same good looking STUD MUFFIN cooking again....

This time there was a cake, singing and laughter... What more could you ask for!?!! I had it all..

LIVEing LOVEing and EATing