HOOTY HOOT!

As The Stomach Turns...

2012-01-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

In tonights episode.... 2 neighbors have complained today about Emmy's barking.
I told Bob I was going to give her to one of the guys I work with.
Bob said, "Don't give her away yet. Let me take her for a while, until you decide what you're doing."

But what Bob really means is, "I've been wanting to get a 2nd corgie. I like having 2 dogs. I want to take Emmy, but don't want to admit it."

So he's taking her for a while so that later he can say, "Well, Emmy and Maggie have become good friends, I can't separate them. I guess I'll have to keep the little shit."

So, starting tomorrow, Emmy is going to Bob's. Part of me is glad. Part of me is sad. I'm glad she's going to Bob. But I'm sad that now I have nobody to cuddle with.. I'm going to miss her. But I guess I'm just not meant to have a dog. :o(

Tune in next time, when we hear Linda say,... "How much is that canoe on the wall over there?"

Ok, I am NOT loving life in Lala Land.

2012-01-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

I am so fucking sick of being me. I try to do what's right. I try to make wise decisions. I try to be nice to people. I try to be a good friend, mother, daughter, sister, employee, etc. But life bites me in the ass every frickin time I turn around. Frankly, I'm tired of it.

I'm sick and tired of being me. I'm tired of being alone. I'm tired of being lonely. I'm tired of pretending that I'm happy. I'm sick and tired of making bad desions. I'm sick of worring. I'm tired of working my ass off and never getting anywhere. I'm tired of being broke. I'm sick of not being able to pay my bills. I don't spend on ANYTHING other than food, gas and bills. I'm tired of unexpected expenses. I'm tired of stress at work. I'm sick and tired of bullshit I can't control. I'm tired of being a burden. I'm tire of not being able to help. I'm tired of worring about everything I say and do. I'm tired of feeling like shit. I'm tired of self medicating. I'm sick and tired of pretending I give a shit. I'm just fucking tired of everything.

And if it weren't for Andrea and Lisa, I'd go write a bad check to buy a canoe, and I'd plop that sucker in the pacific and head west until a storm or lack of food and water took it's toll. (With my luck, I'd make it all the way to the shores of some 3rd world armpit.)

And ya know what else. I KNOW damn good and well that I should not post this. I know that this is just another bad decision I am making. But what the hell,... I'm on a roll.

Self-fullfilling Prophecies

2011-10-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

With the last 2 men I've dated, I said from the very beginning that it wouldn't last long.

The first one, I said right away that he was too sensitive for a Pogue woman. Sure enough, I hurt his feelings over and over.

The second one, I said almost immediately that I was going to get my heart broken, and by golly if it didn't happen.

Now, what is the common denominator in these 2 failed attempts. Hmmmm, let's think about this.... Oh! I know! It's ME.

Perhaps I'd better sit down and have a little talk with myself about self-fullfilling prophecies, before I go out on another date. Hmm?

Repeating my daughter's words, over and over,....

"my mind, body, and spirit are strong, i am intriguing, i take each day to rejuvenate and recharge, i am independent, i am complex, i breathe in strength and release my fears, i am healthy, i choose to be unstoppable, i am genuine, i am bigger than my concerns andworries, i can do anything, the strength of others inspires me, i trust my intuition, i am a good mother, i am a good friend, and above all, i am a good person."

Girls Weekend coming up!

2011-10-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Getting together with childhood friends and fellow Junior High cheerleaders, Teri and Jewel this weekend. It will be a very dignified and mature weekend, I'm sure. Hopefully there will be no trips to the emergency room,... but I am taking bail money.

I am the luckiest person I know....

2011-09-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful family. My daughters and grandaughter, my Mom and my siblings, their offspring, and THEIR offspring, are all so fun, and cute, and weird, and wonderful. Very few people have as close a family as I do. GROUP HUUUUGGGGG!!!!!

And,... I love my job. At a time when most people are grateful to have ANY kind of job, I have one of the best jobs I've ever had. I'm getting paid to do what I love to do. What could be better? It keeps me challenged, but not really stressed. I love everybody I work with. And my boss is such a sweetie. (But I can't let him know that,... he thinks he's a bad azz. Shhhhh... )

And, I have fantastic friends who are always there for me. Always ready to spend some time and provide a chuckle or two. I've recently found some that I haven't seen in many years. And yet we just seem to pick up where we left off.

There are many more ways in which I have been blessed.

I am so lucky!

Ah, piss on it. You knew I couldh't do it...

2011-09-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

OK, at no time did I ever say that was a picture of MY pie! I said I'd made a pie. And I wanted to put a picture of an apple pie in the post, so I used google images and found a fricken pie. Geez, ... I was lucky to have MADE the damn thing, let alone take pictures of it, and THEN download them onto the computer AND post it to my blog? Hello? It's me! Lala! Am I EVER that organized?
- head shake of disbelief-
Oh! And yes! I was proud that i had cooked something for,... um,... i'll just keep calling him The Harmonica Player. He has cooked 3 big beautiful meals for me, so I wanted to cook him a pie.

You know, only one other time in my whole life have I ever had a beau that made me want to go out of my way and do especially nice things for him. That one guy was unique. But The Harmonica Player makes me want to be a better person too. I don't know if I'm explaining this right, or what the heck it means, but I like the way it makes me feel.
- thumbs in ears, tongue sticking out -

Did I miss anything?

Grrrrr!!!!

2011-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've only been back to blogging for 1 day, and already, I've screwed up my blog. Now I remember why I quit blogging. At least on Facebook, THEY screwed up everything FOR me!

2011-09-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

My goodness, it's been so long since I've posted a blog, I'm not sure I remember how to do it! But I, like so many others, am sick and tired of facebook. So let's see how this works. I don't have many subscribers, so feel free to subscribe. (It just makes me feel good to think people are reading it.)

So much has happened in the past year,...

I'm still working for the same garden center, but I started doing all the buying of trees and shrubs this last spring, and now I'm also the Asst. Manager. Actually, I think my official title is "Junior Assisant Night Manager In Training". :o)

I've recently gotten back into bluegrass music, with a special appreciation for harmonica. (wink!)

And.... if you know me, you'll never believe this,... but I've been COOKING for said harmonica player. Yes, REAL cooking, like in a kitchen, with a stove an' stuff! I made him an apple pie last week, and now I'm roasting a chicken! (I had to touch raw chicken! Eeewww!) Geez, what is happening to me that I want to cook for him? Well, not to worry, I'm sure it won't last long.

My home on the island...

2010-08-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

Maggie, checking out her new hood.

I've had a few people ask me about my crazy decision to buy an RV. I thought this response seemed like a good one to share on my blog.

I've been single for about 5 years now. I've had a couple of relationships, some family issues and job challenges, that have taken me from Boise to Portland, back to Boise again, up to Anacortes, WA, and now I'm back in Portland once more.

Frankly, I'm tired of packing and moving and un packing, and so I've decided that since I can't seem to land in one place,... I'm going to live in a portable house.

I found a wonderful place to park my RV. It's on an island at the confluence of the two large rivers. Almost half the island is preserved bird and wildlife habitate. I'm a bird nerd, they just facinate me, so I feel lucky to be here for peak migration time, too. I'm going to be surrounded by birds. ^_^

The best part about my new little home is that now, if I need to be where my children and grandchildren are, I can go. If I want to move to another town, I can go. If I want to park everything for a few months to travel, I can go. If I don't like my neighbors,... they can go!

Flexibility - that's what it's all about, baby! ;o)

My little sweat shop....

2010-07-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays and Thursdays are my usual days off. On my days off, I try to work in the yard, take Maggie for walks or hikes, and enjoy some relaxation time. But my sewing business seems to be going a little too well, so I'm spending my days off sewing like crazy. The problem is, it's been hovering around 100 degrees, and there is no A/C in Popeye's house.
*** Oops, I better back up for a minute!*** Let me explain something... Because of a blogging 'run in' with a wealthy person with a fitting name, I now change names on my blog. So,the nice man that is letting me stay at his house will now be called Popeye, because he fancies himself a sailor, but never seems to be on a boat. (Ever notice that about Popeye? He's always on land! What's up with that???)

OH! By the way - I did not have a stalker. I found out that - uh,.. I'll call him "Peter Richy" now -was the REAL thing. Silly me! I really did think he was some bored internet creep that was bugging me. But nope! He was the real thing.

Ok, back to sewing,... because there is no A/C in Popeye's house, and it's 100 degrees outside, and my sewing room is upstairs, facing due west, it's 100 degrees in my sewing room. But I have 4 jobs that need done, so escaping the heat is not an option. So I'm literally working in a sweat shop. But,... or should I say, BUTT, ... I turned on a fan, and I'm sewing in the BUFF!!!
EEEwwww! Just TRY to get that visual out of your head!!!

Bwaaa ha ha ha ha!!!!

At least I'm not including pics with this post! But there is that visual that your own mind will make, and it's probably far worse than photos!!! LMAO!!!

Anybody care to play darts?

2010-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Note to Peter and the public at large: This is not a picture of anyone in particular, it's just a random photo I found on the internet. I just needed something to use to practice my dart game, (big tournament coming up.). This photo looked as good as any other, and I'm sure if this person has done anything REALLY stupid in the past day or so, it's merely coincidence.

Actually, I could practice my accuracy by throwing tar balls at it,...yeahhh,...

UH OH.... Somebody's is pissed....

2010-06-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

MONROE, Ohio – A six-story-tall statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm Monday night and burned to the ground, police said.

Man, that's scary, when Jesus is getting hit by lightening! That means NOBODY is safe!

Makes me wonder if Mother Nature just needed to send a little message saying... "I'm still the one calling the shots around here, and don't forget it!"

Why I changed my blog to 'private'....

2010-06-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

For those that don’t know, I had a cyber stalker.
He's some guy from Massachusettes that is pretending to be Peter Richy, the rich guy I wrote about on the Sailing Quest blog. He had the big blue boat that ran into all the little boats during the night.

Well this guy started out just commenting on the Sailing Quest blog saying "This is Peter Richy, and I don't think you should use my name and my boat in your blog." Then he started emailing me. He acted real tough at first, like he was trying to scare me because I blogged about him. But when I didn't respond, he started trying to make friends, saying he's my most avid reader. Then I notice he’d started reading this Hooty Hoot blog. Then he started telling me he wants to be friends and pen pals. So I finally responded, telling him that I knew he was not Peter Richy, but just a bored guy from Lexington, Massachusettes. (I could tell from my site meters, and he was on my blogs ALOT!) He responded with "Good catch!" But I'm still not going away until that post goes away."

The final straw was when I got a call from Sid. He sent Sid a registered letter! Again saying he was Peter Richy and that he wanted his name removed from that particular post. He told Sid that the post could stay, but to just change the names and then we could be friends. Sid was not happy. I told him that I was sure it was not Peter Richy, but I also assured him that I would not only get rid of the post, but the whole blog. I then decided to make all my blogs by invite only.

Seriously, if a rich guy like Peter Richy was really upset about the blog, I would have gotten a letter from his attorney not him!

He would certainly not start with a comment on my blog, then,... send a nasty email, and when I don’t respond, send a nice email trying to be ‘friends’.

And why would a rich guy with 100 foot Italian yacht want to be my 'pen pal'? Yes, he said he wanted to be pen pals!

Just CREEEEPY!

privacy in blogging...

2010-06-12T06:41:00.001-07:00

You know, in the past couple of days, I've had two great subjects to blog about. But it's funny, since I made my blog private, it's just no fun.

Part of the fun of blogging, is putting your thoughts 'out there' for the whole world to see. But with it made private, heck why not just send an email?

So with the beautiful beach art that is what I did, I just sent an email instead of blogging.
- yawn-

And the second subject, one that really gets my dander up:

Abby Sunderland -The 16 year old girl that was trying to sail solo around the world to break the "youngest solo circumnatigation" record.

I was really going to do some serious blogging about the whole fiasco of sending a little girl out on a 40 foot sailboat alone! For gosh sake, that is the size of Quest! That's a big boat, with huge sails. There is a lot of strength required to sail a vessel like that, even if everything on it is electric, it's still a lot for a little girl alone! Sid and I had our hands full a couple of times in some weird weather, and that was still a cake walk considering what was expected of Abby.

Oh and then there is the expense of her rescue, (and who will pay for it?). Will Daddy get the bill???

But the best part,...the fact that her father has stated that "the family will not be elaborating on the problems that lead to the emergency." Gee! REALLY??? That's a shocker! WHY???

1. Could it be because a little girl shouldn't be out there in the first place?

2. Or that she didn't have the strenth to cut away the sails from the broken mast, to keep it from pulling her over or pulling her down?

3. Or that she was out in one of the worst areas on the planet, at the worst time of year, because waiting for a better weather window would have made her miss the 'youngest' record?

4...

5....

6......

GRRRRR!!!

I could go on and on, but I'm not going to... because it's just no fun when I can't share my opions with the world.

It just isn't the same at all. Ol' 'Pete' has taken the fun outta blogging.

Maybe I'll wait a few weeks, give 'Peter' a chance to get bored... and then put it back to public view.... -yawn-

Maggie and Jeri

2010-06-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Maggie loves Bob's old chocolate lab, Jeri.
She wants to be wherever Jeri is.
Fortunately, Jeri is VERY patient with this obnoxious little squirt.

Hanging out with Aunt Jeri, in the back yard.

Playin' Tug o' War with Aunt Jeri!

(Look at the big brown eyeball pleading for help...)

Sewing Projects

2010-06-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have been getting some great sewing jobs.

I am currently working on putting all new isinglass into a boat dodger. (Putting new plastic window material into the canvas windshield and sides.) It's a large job. It's a full enclosure with 4 large pieces that contain 7 'windows'.

This has been a very challenging project. But I'd really like to reach a point to where I can specialize in marine sewing, so this is a fantastic.

You can see the old window material is badly discolored, and also cracked and breaking apart. Removing the old material, while maintaining the correct size and shape of the canvas frame was the most difficult part of the entire project, but I figured out a great trick and it has worked beautifully.

This is the old windshield... you can really see the discoloration on the right side of the picture.

This is the new windshield. Much better!

Old...

New!

I'm not completely finished, but I will get it wrapped up on my day off this week. :o)

These are some cushions and a table cloth that I made for a lady that has an antique patio set which is painted pale blue. She said she also has red flower pots and accents in the area. She asked me to help pick out fabric that would look good, as well as do the sewing. Here's what we did!

She said she'd send me a photo of the cushions ON the set, but I haven't received that yet. (Too wet to put the cushions outside!)

After finishing the boat dodger, I'll be putting a backing on a quilt and making matching pillow shams.

We had a nice day today!

2010-06-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

We had good weather today! It was still overcast, but it was not raining!
So Maggie and I went hiking along Dairy Creek.

We had a great time! It was sooo nice to get OUT! Maggie loved exploring under all the shrubs and through the buttercups, and over the logs. She stayed very close to me the whole time. She's not one to wander too far from safety. That's a good thing. Of course, that may change when she gets older.

When we were done with all of our errands, it was still nice, and we just weren't ready to go home, so we also went for a run in the park too!

What a great day!

I need my Vitamin K & D!

2010-06-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people that needs sunshine. I don't care if I wrinkle up to look like a raisen, I want to get out in the sunshine.

Maggie and I were going to go out to do some hiking today, but it's not just raining, it is POURING. I was also supposed to go out this morning and fertilize and treat for weeds for a customer from the nursery, and that is going to have to wait, too. Curse this rain!!!

Time to put on my grass skirt, get out the incense and the body paint and do my sun dance!!!

But not all is lost,...
I do have this one little ray of sunshine still following me around.

Maggie is growing so fast. She is such fun! I just love her.
I'm thinking that I'm going to have to arm wrestle Bob for her when the time comes to move out. She kind of likes him. But you know ornery ol' Bob, he just hates puppy breath, puppy kisses and those beady little eyes! You can just see the grimace on his face, as he talks to her.

busy, busy...

2010-05-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have so much to write about, and so little time to do it...

The time up in Victoria with my friend Dan, the photograher, was great. I learned a lot, far more than I expected. I'll get some photos up and talk about it soon. It rained the entire time, but it was still great.

It was wonderful to see my friends in Anacortes again. I stayed at Rob and Apryls house on the way up. It was so good to see Rob & Apryl. Apryl gave me a haircut and fixed the mess that other lady made of my hair. I miss Apryl. I saw Sid and Bo too. I wish I could have seen Bill and Gig and the Olsens too. But there just wasn't time. Maybe next time.

My custom sewing is doing well. I have 3 jobs sitting here waiting to be sewn. I'll take photos of those too. (for a portfolio if nothing else.)

Maggie is adorable and fun. I'll get some photos of her up too.

Oh my, now I'm off to work at the nursery. It's been the 2nd wettest May in Portland history. Oh lucky me!!! Looks like June is starting off pretty soggy too! SUNSHINE! I need SUNSHINE!!!

I have to say, I get tired of this one...

2010-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Because, for someone who 'refuses' to put his hand on his heart,
he certainly seems to do it alot.

There are lots more. Shall I post more?

I’m going on an Adventure!

2010-05-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

My friend, Dan Danner, (New Zealand-Martin’s brother), is a wonderful photographer. I’ve told him I’d love to ‘follow’ him around on one of his photography expeditions some day.

Well, how cool is this?
He’s going to Victoria BC and invited me to tag along! So I’m driving up to Vancouver, BC on Tuesday night, where we will meet up to take the ferry over to Victoria early Wednesday morning. I only have two days off, so MY time up there will be short, with a couple of long drives on either end, but it will be so cool to watch this master at work!

He does such amazing things with angles and lighting and textures….

Here are a few of Dan’s photos…

These first two are along the Columbia River near Astoria, OR where Dan lives.

This is Port Townsend, WA

These next two are Yorktown, Virginia, where Dan lived before moving to Astoria last fall.

Note: The down side to this adventure is that Maggie doesn't get to go on this one, because it's 'international' and I don't have a pet passport for her yet. Guess I'm going to need to get her one. But dear sweet Bob, the one who hates puppy kisses, has agreed to take care of her for me. (She's going to be totally spoiled by the time I get back!)

"Dog is my co-pilot."

2010-05-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

When you see that, you're either looking at the bumper sticker of a dyslexic agnostic,...

or,...

Someone just got a new puppy!!!

I made Maggie's little dog bed. Isn't it cute?
(Bob says she's gonna be spoiled. How foolish of him.)

Maggie is 10 weeks old now.

She slept like such a good girl last night. When I first put her in her little kennel, she whinned for about 1 minute, and then was quiet the rest of the night!

This morning, she is just FULL of energy. She has a squeaky fish toy that has quickly become a favorite. She is pouncing on it, shaking it, and really giving it 'what for'!

I LOVE HER!

She's getting those corgi ears!

2010-05-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

The people who are owned by Maggie's momma, just sent me a new picture of Maggie. She is just getting cuter and cuter everyday!

Maggie 8 1/2 weeks.

I think corgis are the only creature on the planet that is actually cuter as an adult than as a baby. Don't get me wrong, corgis are cute babies, but they are even more adorable when they get those big ears, and cute chubby little legs and their funny personalities. Aaaahhhh, I love her!!!

Maggie 6 weeks.

Beautiful in Blue

2010-05-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't she?

My sunshine...

2010-05-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

OH BOY! Only 6 more days, and I get to see the most beautiful girl in the world!

Koby Kae Newhouse!

Does this look like trouble, or what??? LOL!

I love my Koby!

Every now and then...

2010-05-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

My African Gray parrot, Gracie, gets the urge to 'nest'. She's never had a boyfriend, so apparently it's a strong instinct. (If she'd had a boyfriend, she'd loose the urge I'm sure!)

Anyway, when she gets in these moods, she wants to crawl into some small, dark place, shred things, and scoot stuff around with her feet. So I usually try to find a cardboard box for her entertainment.

Here are a few pics of Gracie's most recent 'nest'.

This is one of her more creative nests, as she has made this marvelous 'window' for sticking her head out.

Puppy!!!!!

2010-05-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

This is my little Maggie.
I got to hold her today, and I didn't want to give her back. But she's too little to come home with me right now, so I have to wait until I get back from Boise, May 16th-ish.

I have wanted a dog for 4 years, but I kept waiting until I was more settled. But now I've decided that - like having children - if you wait until you can afford it, and until everything is perfect in your life, it will simply never happen. So now is the time!

After picking her out, I went shopping for 'puppy stuff'. I bought her a collar, leash, dishes, food, treats, and rubber chew toys. It was so fun!

Mom came up with her name. The process was kind of funny...

I've been having a terrible time coming up with a name. I always give my pets 'people' names. I was telling mom about some dumb dog names I heard, and I told her I knew a lady that had two poodles named Black Velvet and Apricot Brandy. (major eye roll!) Being funny, Mom said, "Well, today is Cinco de Mayo, so you should name her Margarita!" And I thought, "Oh my gosh, that's cute, Margarita for Cinco de Mayo, and I'll call her Maggie for short." We both liked it right away! So, Maggie it is!
Thanks Mom!

I am so excited! It will be so nice to have a snuggly little girl.

My furture sweetheart,...

2010-05-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a dog!!! I've decided that it's the right thing to do. I'm getting a corgi, so apartment life wont be a problem. LOTS of apartments accept small dogs.

I'm so excited! Here's a picture of the two puppies I'm considering. I'd REALLY like your input and name suggestions are appreciated too. The pup in the front is a male. He has really pretty markings and she says he seems to be quite mellow. The one in the back is female. I love her little white forehead blaze. I guess she is more outgoing than the male.

They will be ready to take home May 15th, but I'll be in Boise that weekend, so I'll have to pick up the pup when I return.

I honestly don't have a preference between male and female. Which ever I get will be 'fixed' as soon as old enough anyway.

Tell me what you think!

If I don't have this, I might die.

2010-04-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Look at this face! She is 16 weeks old, and she wants to live with me sooooo bad!

How? Tell me how! How can I possibly live without that????

Waaahhhh,.... I want a dog so bad!!!

"I feel pretty!"

2010-04-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Pretty fingernails may not solve all the world’s problems, but they sure help out with mine!

Yesterday I had a pretty rough morning. It was one of those days that everything that could go wrong did go wrong. I was feeling pretty crappy and very down on myself. I HATE feeling that way.

So… I went and got a full set of acrylic nails put on again. I haven’t had acrylic nails since last JULY! That's the longest I've ever gone without them. (I have been trying so hard to conserve money.) But dammit, I needed something to make me feel good. I needed to feel good about myself, and pretty nails always do that. So I splurged and got my eyebrows waxed too! Worked like a charm!

…doing my best Natalie Wood impersonation …

“I feel pretty! Oh so pretty!
I feel pretty, and witty and briiiiight!”

Parental fear is a scary thing!!!

2010-04-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with my friend, Mark. Apparently, Mark’s son, ‘Eric’ is devastated because his girlfriends parents have decided ‘Jill’ can’t go to the Senior Prom with him. These two kids have been dating all through their senior year and are crazy about each other. Going to the Senior Prom is an important date in the lives of teenagers.

But apparently at Jill’s house, foolishness, fear, and oppression reign supreme.

The problem is, Jill’s parents want her to be a virgin when she gets married. Fine. That’s not actually the problem, the problem is how they intent to ensure that happens. Eric and Jill, despite raging hormones, have respected that all year. Both are good kids. They are in sports, have great grades, and thus far have had good respectful relationships with their parents.

But for reasons unknown,… perhaps they’ve heard the term, “Off like a prom dress!”, Jill’s parents are now afraid that if the kids go to prom, the dirty deed will happen. So in their vast wisdom, they have decided no prom. Yep! That’ll fix it!

"While you're at it, why don't you just put her in a burka!"

Am I missing something obvious here? That is the most foolish thing those people could possibly do. Do they think the prom is the only place or time that ever happens? Helloooo???

#1 - If those kids were going to do it, it probably would have happened by now.
#2 – If it was ‘planned’ to happen on prom night, keeping her home from the prom will just delay it. It will just happen the NEXT time the kids are together.
#3 – Telling two teenagers, “We won’t allow you to do this or that,” is the surest way to ensure it does indeed happen. Teenagers are programmed genetically to test their boundaries. Kids will rebel if kept under a thumb.

Eric and Jill have maintained their own discipline throughout their entire Senior year. If the parents think things are getting too cozy, stopping them from going to the prom is not the way to keep Jill ‘safe’. How about sitting the kids down and TALKING to them about these concerns. They could even write up a little contract and have the kids sign it! What it all boils down to, is you can’t tell a teenager “I forbid that.”

If you give kids the tools and the trust to make their own good decisions, it’s amazing how often they will do the right thing.

What a great weight loss program...

2010-04-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have found that being single is certainly good for my 'girlish-figure'. A couple of years ago, while single, I got down to 121 lbs. Wow!

Well, in the 2 weeks that I've been in Portland, I've lost 7 lbs!

It's just an obvious fact that when you're in a relationship, there is a lot of cooking and eating going on all the time. It's such a social thing! But when you're single, wa-la!, no cooking, hence no eating. (Well, a lot less, anyway!)

Yep, I'm wearing a bikini again, and I've also died my hair blonde. I'm telling you, I am HOT now! It's amazing when I walk the beach how many people just stare. It's wonderful being the most photographed woman on the beach!

giggle....

2010-04-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

I have ANOTHER job interview on Wednesday!
And since I already HAVE a job, I'll have the courage to fanagle a bit on pay.

...giggle...

Hootin’ mad!

2010-04-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Oh,…. I’m ticked!
I am ticked off!

I have been butchered!

Wait, let me back up...

A while back, My friend, Apryl, in Anacortes, (Grace Under Fire), gave me the best haircut I’ve ever had.

She cut my hair into a really cute wedge. Long on the top, with a short beveled edge around the back. This cut works great on me because my hair naturally tries to grow straight forward, and the wedge makes that work for me instead of against me. It suited my face and my busy lifestyle. Basically, it was the first, and so far the only, truly wash and wear hairdo I’ve EVER had. I loved it, and I received so many compliments on it.

Well, moving from Anacortes, I knew Apryl would not be able to cut my hair. So I asked a few girlfriends in the Portland area for a good stylist, and went to get my hair cut. I took photos of my cute wedge. Long on the top, with a short beveled edge around the back.

AAAaaaaahhhhhh!!! That nasty bitch apparently had never seen a wedge in her life!!! She just layered it all over like 90% of the short haircuts out there! My wedge is GONE! GONE I tell you! I am so pissed!

That does it! As soon as this cut grows out, (and that's gonna take at least 2 months!!!) I’m driving to Anacortes, and I’m going to have Apryl do it! I don’t care if it costs $500! (Well, ok, maybe I do…)

"Look at me! Look at me! I'm so ticked off,... I'm MOLTING!!! "

~ Iago from Disney's Aladdin

I start tomorrow!

2010-04-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I start my new job at Dennis Seven Dees Garden Center. I will be at the Cedar Hills location. There are actually 5 Seven Dees Nurserys. 3 'Dennis' Seven Dees locations and 2 'Drakes' Seven Dees locations.

They are starting me at a fairly good hourly rate, and the manager said if I live up to the rave reviews that my references, (past employers) gave me, I would probably get a raise soon. Yippee-skippee!

In case you're wondering about the strange name, 'cuz I was curious about it so I asked:

Basically, Dad (back in the 40's and 50's), had seven kids, all their names started with D. So he named his nursery Seven Dee's. Well, Dad retired years ago, and only Drake and Dennis had an interest in the company business, so they took over, but quickly realized they have very different ideas of how the business should be run. So there are both, Dennis Seven Dees and Drake Seven Dees. ODD.

I HAVE A JOB! YES!!!

2010-04-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yipeee! I thought I was too late, but I've been hired at a garden center!

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

I don't know much on details, I just got the message on my phone last night. He wants me to come in this morning and fill out paperwork, and discuss the 'details'.

Sunshine! Butterflies! Birdies! MONEY!!!!!

It's at Dennis 7 Dee's Garden Center. It's a well-known center that has been around since the 50's. It's fairly close too.

Yipeeeee!!!

They say ya gotta spend money to make money....

2010-04-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

Looks like I got to Portland too late to get a job at a garden center. It appears everyone is done hiring for the season. But maybe that's not so bad....

Oddly enough, I’ve found several jobs on craigslist for sewing and seamstress work. My seamstress business was just starting to take off when I left Anacortes, there seemed to be a need for it up there. But there seems to be a need here, too.

The tricky part is, REAL seamstress work requires a second sewing machine, a serger. I have enough money coming back from taxes to buy the serger. I feel like I should do this, buy the 2nd machine, and vigorously seek out sewing jobs.

What the heck, I’ve got a skill that not everyone has. I’ve got the equipment and tools (well, most of it!). And if I find a real job, I can always continue sewing for extra income.

But it’s so very scary trying to be self employed. Especially when you have to make ends meet on your own. I mean, sure I can still continue to try to look for a ‘regular’ job, while I do seamstress work.

I just don't know if I should spend the money. They say you have to spend money to make money. Oh, what to do??? To buy the serger, or not to buy the serger! It's not that expensive, and heaven knows I could use the work. I guess it’s the right thing to do huh?

But according to Kate, since when do I worry about doing the right thing? Butt-head.

It's time,...

2010-04-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

I haven’t posted to this blog since I left Anacortes. I just haven’t had it in me "to explain’… But I want to get back to blogging, so here I go. (Pretty much everybody knows by now anyway.)

I left Anacortes shortly after Sid and I returned from our sailing trip on Quest. Things just didn’t work for us, so I’ve moved to Portland where I have a much better chance of finding work. I will miss Sid, Bo and Anacortes very much.

What amazes me is realizing just how much I will miss Quest. It breaks my heart that I will not see her again. I loved her so much. She is a beautiful, spirited boat. She taught me so much, and she was so patient with me. She and Sid made one of my dreams come true, and for that I will ALWAYS be grateful. I had SUCH a wonderful time writing about our adventure. I’m sure Quest will have a new ‘First Mate’ when she heads out this fall,… Be good to her for me.

Giving Quest a good-bye hug!

Now… on to new things….

Anacortes rocked last night...

2010-04-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Last night, about 12:30 am, I awoke with a start. I heard, and felt, a big exlosion. Something that rocked the whole house.

"Oh my gosh! What was that?"

It took me a minute to get my witts, (Hush, Kate! Not a word from you!), then I ran to our bedroom window to see if the world was still out there. What I saw shocked me. It's one's worst fear when living in Anacortes. I saw a large cloud of black smoke coming from the oil refinery that is just across Padilla Bay, about 5 miles from us.

There are two oil refineries at Anacortes. They are the largest employers in the Skagit County area. At night, they are very well lit, seriously lit - like Disneyland. There are always large soft plumes of white steam coming from the tall stacks. It's hard to believe, but the refineries are actually beautiful at night.

"Sid, I think there was an exposion at the refinery! There's not usually black smoke coming from the refinery,... is there???" As if in answer to my question, alarms and sirens from the refinery quickly filled the air.

We can see the refineries pretty well from our bedroom window. Our house is on a hill, so we can see, (although somewhat blocked by trees), out over the bay. But because of the amount of lights at the refineries, I saw no flames, just pitch black smoke rolling against the golden glow.

Then, amazingly,... after only about an hour or so, the sirens and the smoke both subsided. I returned to bed,... somewhat comforted by the the fact that, clearly, the emergency proceedures they have in place over there are swift, immediate and effective.

Well, sadly, there was indeed an explosion at the Tosoro refinery last night. Three workers were killed. Four were life flighted with serious injuries. They don't know the exact cause yet, except that routine maintence was being done on the naptha.

From the Associate Press: "The blast occurred in the naphtha unit of the refinery. Naphtha is a volatile, flammable liquid derived during the refining process, and the unit had undergone maintenance and was in the process of returning to operation — a "typically dangerous" step of turning up heat and pressure."

Again, I was impressed with how quickly the situation was brought under control. I have a feeling things could have been MUCH worse if not for the quick actions and emergency proceedures that are obviously in place there.

The little town of Anacortes will be buzzing, yet sad and sombre, for quite a while I'm sure.

I'm baaaack..... just in time for TAXES. Yipee-skippy.

2010-04-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the 2 month shakedown cruise of our newly purchased 40 foot Island Packet sailboat. It was great fun and very educational.

So I will again be using this blog to keep you up on all the news that is 'Hoot-worthy".

I am currently trying to file my taxes. It's typically just the simple 1040, but I get to use the first time home buyers tax credit this year, so I'm trying to figure out the easiest and best way to achieve that. It's a special form I have to use. I guess I just have to print the form and mail it to the IRS. Geez, what if I do something wrong? What if it gets lost in the mail? Why does this seem so daunting to me???

I guess anything that says IRS on it can be pretty intimidating.

Check out my new sailing blog!

2010-01-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

On January 11th, 2010, Sid and I will leave for our shake-down cruise aboard our new boat, Quest. I have created a new blog for the journey so that we can keep family and friends up on our travels. We hope to update it every couple of days. You can check our progress and leave greetings, comments, and 'advice' as we go.

Here is the link, save it to your favorites!
http://sailingquest.blogspot.com/

WANTED

2009-12-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

Ah geez, now our dog's gonna have a police record.

Sweet Sid's Silicone Situation

2009-12-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

I really have a wonderful family. Really, I do. But we seem to have this one,… well… genetic flaw. I’m not proud of it. Sometimes, (although rarely), I actually even try to hide it. This was one of those times when I tried my darnedest, albeit unsuccessfully, to hide it...

The other night, I was sitting at my computer checking my email, when my sweetie, Sid, walked in and sat down beside me.

“I think I need your help.” He said nonchalantly, as he handed me a wadded up paper towel. “I think I got some silicone in my hair.” He turned to show me the back of his head.

As I looked at his head, I felt that familiar feeling start deep down in my stomach, that ol’ family flaw…

The back of his head looked like the end result of a full-on sneeze from a bull mastiff. There were big globs that looked like snot, with a fine snotty mist covering the surrounding area. My stomach began to shake as that ol’ feeling grew stronger. I felt my face contort as my eyes squinted and my cheeks tightened. I struggled to control it.

“Um,… yeah, you do have a mess there…” I managed to get out.

My shoulders began to tremble and shake. I was glad he was turned away from me so that he couldn’t see how hard I was fighting this urge – so that he couldn’t see how difficult it was for me to hide this hideous flaw.

“So what gets out silicone?” I snickered. I was loosing the battle…

“Nothing. It’s 50 year silicone!” He sounded a bit put out.

“Nothing?!?”

At this point, my entire body was racked with tremors. I was picking gingerly at the mess in his hair with my fingers. My cheeks ached. I wanted to let fly with the bust-a-gut laugh that I was trying so hard to suppress.

"What about WD-40? Paint thinner? Acetone???” I asked with tears in my eyes, still grateful that his back was turned to me.

“Nothing!” He responded, “It’s silicone for Christ sake. It’s meant to stand up to anything and everything!” His frustration was apparent now. “Can’t you just comb it out or something?”

“Uh,…” *snicker*, “A,… a comb is NOT going through this,…” I giggled, poking at matted blob with my finger. I was trying to leave him some small shred of dignity, but OH GOD, it was hard!

“Well then just CUT it out of there!” He demanded.

I could tell he felt foolish,… poor bastard. *snort!*

The hair/silicone globs were matted and stuck so tight, right to his scalp. There were two different places that were about the size of quarters. I had to peel the plastered mess off his skin before I could even begin to cut it away. He howled in pain as I did so, which didn’t help any in trying to suppress the urge to laugh. I could see it pulling on his skin. *giggle* I’d peel and snip and snicker,… peel, snip, snicker…

“God damn, can’t you be gentle?” He whined. “Am I bleeding???”

“Not yet,…” I tittered. Oh, man, I was sure I was gonna pee my pants.

“Well, I’m glad you get so much enjoyment from my pain, you evil Witch!” He tried to share a little humor.

“Oh, buddy,… you have NO friggin’ idea…” I muttered under my breath.

More peel, snip, snicker… I worked on the mess for about 20 minutes. Peel, snip, snicker. Then I suggested he go take a hot shower to possibly loosen up the remaining silicone. We both needed a break anyway.

So Sweet Sid hit the shower, and I locked myself in the other bathroom and let fly with a fit of laughter that made my stomach hurt. I tried to call my sister, because that’s another part of that little family flaw, the sick-o need to share.

At the end of the cutting, he had two huge bald holes in the back of his head, with an occasional tuft of ragged hair sticking out. He reminded me of my sister’s dog, Daisy, The one that had the serious case of ‘mange’. Eew!

So,... you have to understand something here,… You see, Sid has the most beautiful, black hair I have ever seen. At 56 years old, it is full, thick, and not a gray hair in it. It WAS beautiful. (WAS being the operative word there… *snort!*)

I told him we should do a full haircut, and cut it really short so that everything kind of blended in and the holes wouldn’t be so obvious. But his response was, “Oh don’t worry about it. It’s fine! I can’t see it.”

He's so funny, he truly couldn’t care less.

But the problem is, I CAN still see it, and every single time I do,… I feel that feeling again… it starts in my stomach, then my shoulders begin to shake....

Bwwuuaaaaahhhh HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

P.S. I’ve tried twice to sneak up behind him with a camera, but he keeps catching me!!!

(BAD GIRLFRIEND! BAD!!!) *giggle…*

More police officers killed in Seattle area...

2009-11-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

There hasn't been a law enforcement officer killed in Seattle in almost 4 years. Now, we've had 5 killed in less than a month. And all 5 were targeted cop-killings. No 'accidents' or 'self defense', no 'wrong place at the wrong time'. These were all intentially to kill cops. I feel so bad for the families of the 5 officers that have been killed. But I also feel horrible for all the officers working in this area. It's like someone has declared 'open hunting season' on cops. Oh, this makes me so angry, and soooo sad.

good coverage at this link

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Police-officers-shot-78089882.html

Bojangles

2009-10-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Bo-dacious!

Bo-nafide Aussie

He's got the 'crazy eye' going!!!

Bo-hemian
(all that's missing are the puca shells and gold chains!)

Bojangles,... bein'have.

Our Quest...

2009-10-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is our Quest.

Yep, that's what we named her.

Sid took these photos on his recent trip down there.

She looks HUGE to me! I guess she IS about 8 feet longer than what I've been sailing on up here. And she's 17 feet longer than what Bob and I had. Yikes,... it's a bit intimidating.

These next couple of photos are when they hauled her out of the water to do the 'survey'.

(The survey is kinda like a boat's equivalent of a pap-smear - they raise her up to look at her bottom, check for,... uh, well, you get the idea.)

I'm already working on new lettering for her name.

We will have the new name printed, (a vinyl decal), and we'll take it with us when we go down in early January.

Removing the "Kristina" and getting Quest in it's place will be one of our first priorities once we get there.

Geez, in two and a half months, I'm going to be ON this boat,

OUR boat - on the Atlantic Ocean!

OMG!!!

I still can't believe it's coming true....

Help!

2009-10-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Do you have any great ideas for a boat name??? She's a 40' Island Packet sailboat. She's got green canvas, and green trim on the sails, and a beige hull. We'll be keeping her in the islands of the Bahamas and Caribbean, no plans to bring her to the Pacific Northwest.

The poll at right has a few names we've been kicking around. Please vote, or give us another suggestion. Ask your friends and/or readers to come over and vote too. We could really use some input here.

Thanks!

Oh my Gosh - my dream is coming true!!!

2009-09-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

A little background for those who may not already know it...

For many, many, years, I have dreamed of traveling to beautiful tropical places. (I'm just not much of a winter person.) But for over 20 years, I was married to someone who would not do anything even remotely adventurous. It got far worse as the years when by, and toward the end, he would just barely leave the house to cruise the aisles of the grocery store. (I am NOT exaggerating here.)

My sense of adventure was so stifled for so long, that when I left that situation, I made a vow to myself that I was going to try as many new things as I could. I was going to go out and see this big beautiful world, I was GOING to travel. I didn't exactly know how, but I was determined to make it happen.

Fortunately, I was introduced to sailing, and loved it. Sailing is an wonderful way to travel, because your boat is your accommodations and your transportation. You don't have to spend money to fly from one place to another or pay for hotel rooms. It's all right there below your feet, and - so far anyway - the wind is still free for those who chose to use it.

Sailing is slow, but it is also quiet and unobtrusive, so you tend to see a lot more wildlife. And you're not polluting the air or using a bunch of fossil fuel when under sail. I was fairly sure that sailing was my best shot at travel. I was no longer going to just cruise the aisles of the grocery store, I was ready to cruise the tropical isles! My search began,...

Last January, I found Sid. An electrical contractor, who was also a sailing instructor, and a certified Captain through the Coast Guard. He was looking for a companion to sail with him in the tropics. Hmmm,... (You'd think what he and I were looking for would be easy to find, but it is NOT. People are not comfortable with leaving their safe jobs and comfy houses to get into a small boat and go out on that big scary ocean.) But as luck would have it, and with a little help from match.com,... we found each other.

Now, 8 months later, our joint dreams are coming to fruition.

Yesterday, we made an offer on one of the boats Sid looked at during his boat hunting trip to Florida last week. (I say WE, because I am able to qualify for the "first time home buyers" credit, and this boat will qualify, so I will get to contribute that money to the purchase of this boat. Hooray for stimulating the economy!!!) We made a 'low ball' bid, figuring better to start too low than too high. Well, today, the owners countered, with a figure slightly higher than our bid, but still about 5K lower than we were willing to go. So, we accepted the offer - contingent on an acceptable sea trial and survey. (That means Sid has to go down and actually SAIL it, and then it's pulled out of the water, and a boat expert does a full bow to stern survey on it looking for problems.)

If we are happy with both the sea trial and the survey, we sign the papers and become the owners of this beautiful Island Packet 40!

She is a1994, 40 feet long, with 2 nice cabins and 2 heads, (bathrooms), so that we can have company come visit and they'll be comfortable during their stay! (It can sleep up to 7 people)

The boat has lots of room up above in the cockpit for sitting around having cocktails and enjoying the warm Caribbean sunshine, and plenty of room down below for comfortable seating while visiting and eating.

Again, if all goes well with the sale, and it should,... we will have to move her to the Bahamas within 90 days, to avoid paying 5K in state sales tax. Let's see, that would put us in the Bahamas for Christmas.
Oh, bummer...

I found Cindy Ward!

2009-09-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

My sister, Jodi, recently helped me locate my childhood best friend, Cindy Ward. Cindy and I were very best friends the summer before 1st grade when I met her playin' on the tree swing at Shirly's house, until we moved from Garden Valley at the end of 7th grade. We've not seen each other since.

Well, as luck would have it, Cindy Ward-Suzumura is living in Seattle, about an hour and a half from Anacortes where I am now living! I have thought about Cindy sooooo much over the years, I've wanted to find her for so long, so what a thrill to finally find her, and so close by!

She does not look 50! She still looks just the same I swear!

I'm taking Sid to the airport in Seattle on Tuesday, (He going to FL to find us a boat!), so Cindy and I are meeting for dinner and drinks! Two childhood best friends, meeting again after 37 years.

Oh man do we have some catching up to do!

Three childhood friends from Garden Valley - reunited through Facebook.

Cindy Ward-Suzumura, Linda Pogue-Harrison, Joy McBride-Streight

Hooray for FACEBOOK!

Linda Kay Harrison - Seamstress To The Bikers

2009-09-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

My new gig – Biker Patch Attacher!

She Attaches Patches While U Wait!

Update from Anacortes, WA

2009-09-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Gracie, my african grey parrot, seems to be adjusting nicely to her new home here in Anacortes. But when I first moved to here, Sid and I both had real concerns about Grace’s safety, because one of Sid’s two cats, Scamp, is a ruthless bird killer. (Yeah, the same cat that brought that cute, fuzzy, brown -dead- mole into the bathroom!)

We thought that perhaps it would be a good idea to introduce the two of them to each other in a very controlled setting. So Sid held Scamp securely in his arms and took him over to Grace’s cage so that they could see each other.
Grace looked closely at Scamp. Scamp focused intently on Grace. You could feel the tension. Scamp could tell this was no ordinary bird, and no ordinary pet. “Why does this bird seem different than the ones out in the yard? There IS something different about this bird, but what is it???”

At that moment,… the bird spoke. This bird spoke English, like the humans! And she said,…
“Are you hungry? Want some birdie?”

Oh, that was a cheap shot! As Sid laughed in amazement, Scamp leapt to the floor and sulked off, thinking “GREAT! Not only is there a damn bird living here now, but it's gotta be a smartass too!”

Yes, Gracie has adjusted nicely, and is doing better than she has in quite a while. She’s very happy here, she has grown feathers on her chest again, and…. her red tail has even grown back!

Grace has always been very confident regarding her position in the 'pecking order' of the world around her. That is to say,… it is her belief that she holds, and deservedly so, the position of ‘alpha’ pet. (She basically feels this way about human family members as well.)

I must admit, she has always had a remarkable ability to get large predators that could squash her like a grape, to give her a wide personal space and a tremendous amount of respect. (I’m not sure she deserves that last part!)

Over the years, Grace has lived with 8 different cats, and 6 different dogs, and all of them, regardless of their initial instinct, eventually seem to kowtow to her.

For instance, the other night, Sid and I were sitting on the couch, watching a movie. His australian shepherd, Bo, was laying at our feet chewing on one of his favorite treats, a rawhide chip. For reasons unknow, Gracie climbed down the leg of her cage, walked across the floor from the dining room to the living room, walked up to Bo, TOOK the rawhide chew from his mouth, and headed back to her cage with it!

Bo was a bit taken back at first, then he looked up at us as if to say, “Hey! Can she do that?”

We were both just cracking up laughing about it, so poor Bo knew he was gonna have to take matters into his own paws and go get it himself. So he got up and walked cautiously over to the bird, who was hi-tailing it across the floor with the loot. Bo politely took one side of the chew in his mouth, “I’m sorry birdie, but I believe that is mine,” and they both stubbornly stood there tugging on it for a few seconds. Grace finally let go and casually continued back to her cage thinking, “Ah, the nasty thing smelled like dog breath anyway…”

Meanwhile, in the other room, Scamp is quietly plotting,..."Not to worry, Bo,... Someday..., that bird will be MINE!" Wild fantasies "flutter" through his evil little feline mind....

"Red feather? I don't see no stinking red feather!"

He is so.... NORMAL! I love our President!

2009-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I'm supposed to be updating my 'month in Anacortes' post... but this will only take a minute....

I LOVE that President Obama called Kenye West a "jackass"! When asked what he thought of what Kenye did, he just came out and said, "Ah, the guys a jackass." Just like that,... no 'political bullshit' - he just called it like it was. I LOVE this President!

I'm sure his 'approval rating' just shot through the roof! LOL!!! It did in MY opinion!
(But I already thought he was awesome!)

My first month in Anacortes

2009-09-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

One month ago, I packed my little Kia Rio, with as much as it could possibly hold, and headed for Anacortes.

Believe it or not, I got a large parrot cage and stand, a clothes hamper, a small computer table, my laptop, a box of books, my sewing machine and large chest full of sewing supplies, along with all my clothes, coats, shoes, and my parrot Gracie, all in/on that little car.

So let me tell you about my new roommates. Sid has 2 cats, Scamp and Sarge, (Sergeant Pepper), and a 6 month old Australian Shepherd, named Bo, (Mr. Bojangles). Sarge is a grumpy ol’ fart that has terrible allergies and sneezes cat snot everywhere. Scamp is pretty cool, (for a cat), but is a stealthy hunter which is kinda sad. (He has caught everything from quail to humming birds!) Then you add my prema-donna parrot to that mix, and you have my new home.

With all these animals, there are toys everywhere. So the day I got here, I went into the bathroom to take a pee, and I’m sitting there on the toilet, and I look down and see this cute little toy beside my foot. At first I thought was a mouse, then I realized it was supposed to be a mole because he had those funny little feet and that weird nose that moles have. He was very cute. He looked so real and he had soft looking brown fur. So I reached over and picked him up. He was soft, and very real looking. Well made and obviously still new, he hadn’t been chewed up and mangled yet. I walked past the mole about an hour later, and decide to see if he was a squeaky toy. I picked him up again and squeezed him, no squeak, but he DID feel like he was filled with some sort of ‘gel’ tho, which was creepy feeling, so I dropped him back on the floor and walked off.

Later that evening, Sid came out of the bathroom and said, “Hey, did you see Scamps latest catch?”

“What catch?”

“The mole,… Scamp caught a mole. How do you suppose he got that?”

- stunned silence from me -

“ A real mole? That was a REAL, dead mole???”

“Yea, so you saw it? And you just left it there on the floor?”

“AAaaahhhh!!!!!” I ran to the sink and began washing my hands.

“EEeeewwwww!!! I thought it was a TOY! I even squeezed it to see if it squeaked!!!”

I scrubbed furiously....

I looked at Sid hoping to get concerned sympathy,... but he laughing so hard he almost blew beer out his nose. BUTTHEAD!!!

(I'll do more on my first month later. Gotta run to Costco, got company coming for a week.)

Well Hello Joy!

2009-09-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

A child-hood friend found me on face book, Joy McBride. Yes, the one that drug me off to ‘camp’, where I got so DREADFULLY homesick. LOL!!!
(I swear she looks so much like her mother did.)

It's been fun emailing back and forth, and learning about each other.

Her parents just celebrated their 60th Anniversary and they are both 81! Wow.

Joy lives in Nampa. She has 2 sons and 1 daughter. One son is a Marine over in Afganistan. One is in college at - you guessed it - NNU, and her daughter is a senior in high school.

Facebook is so cool.

Now, if I could only find Cindy Ward. I have been thinking about her for years, and I even have dreams about her.

Sew What!?!

2009-09-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

So I haven't found a job yet,... but I haven't been idle either!

Shortly before I left Boise, I started making a shirt for Sid. I've seen him wear hawaiian shirts, so I figured he might like one that was homemade.

So I started this yellow and green one. I had to finish it after I got here. I put a tag in the collar that says "Specially hand made by Linda". He loved it! But we discovered that in my hurry to complete it, I put the buttons on the wrong side!

Now, 2 of my previous 'significant others' would have rolled their eyes and thought that I had royally screwed up, and they'd refuse to touch it because the buttons were on the 'womens' side. But not Sid, he was so cute. He gave me a big hug and made me feel like a little girl that had just brought him a lovely boquet of dandylions. He said he loved it, and he actually wore it! 3 times over the next week. And he showed everyone the tag in it with my name on it. He never mentioned to anyone that the buttons were put on wrong. And nobody noticed.

Well, since he like that one so much, I decided to make him another one. I also wanted to give him a special 'thank you' for taking me out to see the orcas. (He knew how badly I wanted to see an orca in the wild, and he didn't give up until he found them for me.) I actually found some wonderful, bright blue fabric with cetaceans on it - orcas and dolphins. I knew the blue would really bring out his blue eyes. It was perfect! And I was determined to get the buttons on right on this one! I put another 'made by Linda' tag in the collar. He did indeed love it. He wore it when we went to dinner with his son Sean and girlfriend Diane. He loved telling them I made it.

He took it with him on his current 'charter'. (He is out skippering a boat again for 5 days.) As he was packing it, he said, "I'm gonna wear this on the day I take them out to the 'Straight' looking for the whales."

Isn't he cute!???

OK, so I just started another one for him! His birthday is on Sunday, so I want to have it done by then. (Actually, he gets back from his 'charter' on Friday, so really, I need to have it done by Friday.) This shirt is not the Hawaiian style. This is more of a long sleeved dress shirt. Since I've discovered that blue looks so pretty on him, I found pale blue fabric, with navy blue line drawings of the world map. I'll put a "Linda" tag in this one too. I hope he likes it!

WOW!

2009-08-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

I got overwhelming response to my question about my hair. And everyone basically said it looked better longer. Well shit! I wish I hadn't cut it. It takes so fricken long to grow it all back out to one length again. But, I'm starting today. So in 3 years, I'll look gorgeous again!!! LOL

New look

2009-08-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I got a new look. Actually, it's an old look returned from the dead.

Sid likes short hair, and I've always thought women over 45 or so shouldn't have long hair, so I cut it off. It was supposed to make me look younger. But I think it makes me look older. I don't care for it, but Sid likes it. I don't know if he's just saying that to be nice, or if he really does like it better short. He doesn't strike me as the type to 'blow sunshine up my skirt', so I think he really likes it.
But I SWEAR I look older. Don't you think so???

That look of adoration...

2009-08-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, seriously, have you EVER seen a sweeter face???

Koby gets this look every time she looks at her Momma.
Lisa starts talking to her, and Koby just becomes transfixed. She looks at Lisa like she is the most amazing thing in the world. Her little face just lights up, and it's like she's saying...
"Oh my goo'ness..., are you really mine? To keep forever?"

I will always be amazed at the strenght of the bond between a mother and her child.

Finally - an update!!! 8-09

2009-08-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well, let’s see, it seems I have a little catching up to do. Gee,... where to start…?

Well, first of all, my darling little granddaughter Koby is 4 months old!!!

I love her sooooo much!!!

Ok, so in June, Lisa and I moved from our last apartment in Boise to a new one over by the mall. It was less expensive, except for the jerk we rented from last pulled a whole bunch of stunts that ended up costing me over $1500! Jackass! But I regress….

This nice young man named Chris helped us move to the new apartment. Cute guy, big and strong. A great help! And then,… he just really never left!

He and Lisa hit it off wonderfully. He seemed to love Koby, and hey, he was pretty nice to have around. I must say, we all adored him. So he’s a permanent fixture in the family now. :o)

Lisa got a great job doing website work for a company that is probably the biggest car dealership in Idaho. She worked there all summer and will continue, very part-time, through fall and winter while she’s in school. Lisa is getting very close to completing her degree. Her degree will be in Broadcast Communication. Her intent is to do sports broadcasting. I think she’ll be very good at it. Lisa will be the first one in the family, (except my father), to get a college degree. Go Lisa Go!!!

Lisa is an amazing young woman. So strong, so determined. Such a wonderful mother, daughter and sister. I admire her. And I am soooo proud of her!
Andrea continued to struggle with her depression and anxiety attacks. Her sleeping patterns have been very irregular for long time. She’s had a rough time.

Well it all came to a head in early July. She made an extreme cry for help when she OD’d herself on her medication. She ended up in the psych hospital – a ward of the state. NOT fun for anyone. When the State of Idaho is calling the shots on what happens to your daughter, it’s frightening. Because to them, she is just an inconvenience and an expense. They don’t CARE about getting her the help she needs. It was incredibly frustrating to find that Idaho simply doesn’t HAVE ANYTHING to help people like Andrea. There are NO programs in the entire state for someone like her. See, where Andrea is different is that she is not on drugs, she’s not alcoholic, and she doesn’t have a criminal record. Hell, she doesn’t even have anything tattooed or pierced. She’s just a good kid, with some emotional issues. Idaho doesn’t give a shit about people like that. If you’re not addicted to crack, they don’t have time for you. And I had medical professionals at St. Als, St. Lukes and other private practices ALL confirm that. They all said, “If you really want to help her, you HAVE to get her out of the state.”

The problem is that all the private hostpitals and programs are HIDEOUSLY expensive. $30K to $40K per month! PER MONTH! Geez! How can ANYONE afford that??? Well, now we know why there are so many mentally ill homeless people. Seriously.

With the help of my two wonderful sisters and my amazing mother, we found a place in southern California that we felt could help her, and that we could afford. It’s a great program that Andrea could actually enjoy too. Lots of art and creativity, meditation and yoga, and it’s located right on the beach and she could go down there anytime.

So, gee,… all we had to do was get the state of Idaho to release her from their cold little clutches so that we could get her some real help. You’d think it would be easy, but it took about a week of frustration, phone calls, pleading and coaching, but we managed to get them to let her go. What a ‘cluster’!

Finally, on August 5th, (almost a month later), they released Andrea to go directly to the airport, so that she and I could fly down to S. California and get her enrolled in a program that would give her a new lease on life. (Ken brought her bunny, Pearl, to the airport so that she could say goodbye. )

Things are going well for her down there. She’s been there two weeks, and is doing better. She's been participating in everything, and getting a lot out of the experience. It’s sooo nice to hear her sound upbeat and hopeful! I so proud of her for fighting so hard and being so strong through ALL of this,... because it sure hasn't been easy.

This has been a very shorten version of Andrea’s ‘story’,
but I’ve kept detailed notes of what she went through on the inside of the ‘system’, and what we went through on the ‘outside’. I hope to write an article or two about it, that might get published. If I can save even one parent from going this hell, then it would be worth it.

OK,…. So with Chris fully moved in and taking good care of Lisa and Koby, and Andrea safe and sound in S. California, and my job in Boise dwindling down to almost no hours at all, it seemed it was time for a change.
So on August 10th, I loaded my clothes, my sewing machine, and my little Gracie bird into my Kia Rio, and headed for new dreams in the Pacific Northwest.

Pisces IS the sign of water,… time to go sailing.

Cool video :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xslO6Qi_kGQ

UPDATE - Possible Hostage Situation at the Buffalo Club

2009-05-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Situation Neutralized.
No Shots Fired.

Ok, I heard the bull horn one last time. I grabbed my binocs and ran through the screen door.(literally -I took it right off it's tracks!) I didn't hear what they said, but after a few minutes, cops started leaving their positions, they moved the 'cover car' to a regular parking place, and the swat van left.

I still don't know what was happening, but I'm confident Jodi will find out for us!

Possible Hostage Situation at the Buffalo Club!

2009-05-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

There are very few people in the world that are nosier than I am... but...

When I woke up at 5am this morning to the sound of police bullhorns calling bad guys out of a nearby bar, I knew there was one person I could call at that early hour to share the excitement with! My sister Jodi!

I watched through my binoculars as swat cops took up positions behind cars, mailboxes and buildings at the entry of our apartment complex.

As the hostage negotiator informed the bad guys that they had delivered the 'throw phone' to the back door of the bar, my sister Jodi was on the phone with me giggling with excitement.

It's been over 2 hours, and I still don't know what's going on,... they are still out there, hiding and waiting. I continue to check through my binocs for any new action.

If it's not over before I have to go to work, I am confident that Jodi, with all her sneaky contacts, will have a full report for me by the end of the day.

I love my sister!

More Koby pics

2009-05-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Poor Boo-Boo - Koby's first owie!
Dumb cat fell off the back of the couch, and landed on Koby and scratched her little eye.

Koby and Lisa at the Race for the Cure.

I look yuky, no make up or anything,... but Koby looks cute enough for both of us!

Big Cousin, Anna!

I love getting to choose Koby's outfits!
(Usually when Lisa is not around.)
Koby in her first dress and shoes! Ruffled Capris and pink tennis shoes, I figured Lisa would freak, but she actually liked this outfit!

Auntie Nannie helping out!

Grandma's Pretty Girl.
Look at the pretty flowers on my porch!

(Oh yeah, the pink ones are pretty too.)

OMG! She blogged!!!

2009-05-20T15:44:00.002-07:00

My grandaughter, Koby, is 1 month old today!
It's not that I haven't taken any pictures, hell I''m a grandma, I've taken LOTS of pictures!
I just haven't blogged.

So here are some updates. This group is from 5 days (at right) old to 3 weeks old (near the bottom). I'll get the very newest ones downloaded off my camera and get some of those up tomorrow.

She's Here!!!

2009-04-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Koby Kae Newhouse was born at 12:39 pm
on April 23rd, she weighed 8 lbs 6 oz.

Koby LOVES kisses!

update on Lisa

2009-04-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 3:30 am and we've been timing contractions all night. We're supposed to be at St. Lukes at 5am so they can induce her. But I don't think they are going to need to. Things are clearly happening without it. Contractions are getting stronger, longer and closer together.
:o)

Update on Lisa

2009-04-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lisa went to her Dr. today. She's only dialated to 2, and not her cervix is not thinnned yet. So,... Wednesday at 4pm she goes in to St. Lukes and they are going to use a 'gel' of some sort that is supposed to thin the cervix. Then they will start the pitosin at 5 am Thursday morning. So, we should have a baby by Thursday night. Which means Lisa will miss the Hillbilly party. :o( But she'll have something better than a party to keep her busy. :o)

Stardate 4-19-2009

2009-04-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

Due date has arrived, Koby has not.
Contractions are sporatic, unreliable and inconsistent.
(kinda like most men)
Koby seems to want out, but can't find the door.
We are considering sending in a can opener.
Will keep you all posted,...

Lisa Update...

2009-04-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Lisa had contractions last night, but they stopped, so I'm getting her out hoofin' it today.

There's a yard with a trampoline down the block a ways, we may even stop there and see if they'll let her jump up and down a few times.

(But we may need a fork lift to get her up there.)

he, he, he.... I love you Lisa! !!!

Update on Lisa

2009-04-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Lisa has been feeling little contractions, but nothing significant or 'timeable'. She said Koby has slowed down and is not as active. (I think that's a sign too.) She said she feels like it could be in the next few days...
Well, here's hoping!

Now THIS is TALENT!

2009-04-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Jodi, yours was cool, but mine is better!

Lisa Update

2009-04-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

Lisa went to the Dr. yesterday. She is dialated to 1.5 but not thinned. She asked to be induced if she goes over her due date of the 19th. The Dr. said she'd take a look at her on the 20th, and if it looks favorable, she'll induce on Wed. the 22rd. So that's all the news that's fit to print! :o)

Family Easter

2009-04-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful sunny day,
and the family festivities were great!

Lisa with a week to go...

Silly girls

(Ruth pointed out that Tim has a "chip on his shoulder")

What a fun day!

update on stuff...

2009-04-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

No change in Lisa... she's large, very uncomfortable, and getting justifiably grumpy. Poor mine boo boo.

But I got a 2nd job. I'll be working at Franz Witte Nursery (the flamingo place) on weekends. So I'm gonna be a busy girl.

I borrowed Adams bicycle for the summer. (The one he doesn't use.) I got the seat set at the right height, aired up the tires, straped on my helmet, and went for a short ride yesterday. It took me a while to figure out how to shift gears, it's different then they used to be. I rode about 4 miles, had a great time, and actually felt it in my legs this morning. I LOVE having a bike! I'm gonna get gorgeous legs! Look out world!

Lisa and I are going to move the end of May. We are going to get a smaller and less expensive apartment. We found one not too far from here, it's by St. Als. It should be a better fit for us financially.

Thats all for now.

Baby Update

2009-04-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Lisa went to her Doctor today. Without getting too graphic, basically, she is "thinning" but not 'dialating'. Her doctor predicted that she'd go over her due date. Gee, I guess she's got a 50/50 chance of being right.

Well, through the wonders of the internet, I'll try to keep you all posted so that she doesn't get hounded by "Haven't you had that baby yet?" questions. I'll try to blog every other day or so with progress reports. I've been lax on my blogging lately, I know, but I'm gonna try to do better, at least through this upcoming blessed event! (Excited grin!)

2009-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

Look at that countdown clock!!!

Wooohooooo!!!

It's almost Koby Day!!!!

(jumping up and down and doing the happy dance)

(... reality setting in...)

Oh shit! I'm scared!

Cuz Mom said so,... that's why.

2009-04-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mom said I HAD to change the picture on my blog,
cuz that flat fat bungie jumper
made her want to barf. So, I'm changing it.

These pictures are much cuter.

Lisa is still getting calls from photographers to do modeling sessions.

(These are "trade -not paid", for both parties portfolios.)
Here's a couple from her latest professional shoot last week.

She already has photographers wanting to do shoots with her and newborn Koby.

Warning - Politically incorrect content....

2009-03-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Why fat people should not participate in naked bungee jumping...

I need your opinion....

2009-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

I have a job interview at the Idaho Botanical Gardens next Thursday. The position is 'Garden Teacher'. Teaching classes (mostly to school children) and giving tours. It would be VERY part time, so I'd have to keep the job at Christopher & Banks. Any way, I have to do a 5 to 10 minute presentation as part of the interview, and I can't decide what to talk about. I need your input!

I've done so many classes and talks on so many subjects over the years. I probably should do something plant related. I can use visual aids and props if I want, so I could do an actual demonstration on something.

I could do "How to get an orchid to Re-bloom." or "Ikebana - Japanese Flower Arranging". I could do "Elements of Landscape Design", "Growing Roses", or "Attracting Birds to Your Yard". I could do something from one of my articles, like, "Inside Out with Houseplants" or "Improving Indoor Air Quality with Houseplants."

I thought about doing something for kids, since it will usually be kids that I'm teaching. But the classes I've done most for kids was "Personal Safety" and "Planting a Flower Pot for Mom". I will be giving this presentation to adults, so maybe a kid thing is not the best idea. Any ideas??? What do you think? I really want this job, so what's gonna WoW them?

I love the ocean during the off season.

2009-02-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

When my sister, Kate, lived on the Oregon Coast, my favorite time to go visit her was during the winter months, when the tourists are all warm and snug at home.

So it made sense that February, (and also my 50th birthday), would be a wonderful time to go cruise around the San Juan Islands.

Roche Harbor

The actual lime kilns from the late 1800's at Roche Harbor, (which is now a tourist resort).

A very old building (which has been preserved in a state park), shows the age of the use of these islands.

What a great way to celebrate the big 5-0!

My 50's are gonna be good.

"If we were meant to be naked, we’d have been born that way!"

2009-02-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

I’ve had some questions about a previous post in which I mention being a member at a nudist resort a couple of years ago. People are always curious about nudism. Their first thought is usually, “Why would anybody want to do that?” So, I’d like to take the opportunity here to talk a little bit about nude recreation. (Sorry Mom.)

My adventure “up on the mountain” was a great experience, but I also discovered that it is the most misunderstood hobby, recreation form, or lifestyle in the world. I will try to explain, over the course of a few posts, why I was willing to try it, what I liked and disliked about it. I’ll also talk about why I think this form of recreation is healthy, natural, and even innocent and pure.

First a little background:

I got divorced a few years ago after almost 21 years of marriage. He was a great guy, but zero sense of adventure. I, on the other hand am very adventurous, so as time wore on, I felt more and more trapped, bored, and smothered. Once single, I vowed I was going to try as many new adventures as I possibly could.

So when I began dating a rather adventurous geologist named Bob, he asked me if I would be willing to try going up to a nudist resort with him. My first and immediate response was NO,(Actually, I think it was "Hell NO!"), then I thought, “ Wait, you wanted to try new things… at least consider it!”

So after a few months of gentle coaxing, (Bob never tried to force the issue), I agreed to try it one time, and only for a brief amount of time. Bob reassured me that the resort was ‘clothing optional’ so if I didn’t want to disrobe, I didn’t have to. That helped. He also explained that the area is private and fenced, and no PDA’s are allowed. (Public Displays of Affection) Couples can hold hands but that’s about it, pretty much any other touching is prohibited. They also do a background check on everyone who goes up there, to ensure that no 'creepy’ people join. And everyone carries a towel ALL the time, to sit on, or cover up with. So I felt comfortable that it was a very secure and safe environment. Plus I was with Bob, and I’ve never felt safer in my entire life, than when I was with Bob. So up the mountain to the Idaho Bare Backers resort we went! http://www.bareidaho.com/

I don’t mind saying I was nervous, but more so because I was afraid I’d do something really stupid like laugh at some of the naked bodies! As some of you know, I tend to have a bad habit of laughing at in-opportune times. But I didn’t laugh, because everyone I met was so kind, genuine and polite. And everyone always made good eye contact. It was AMAZING how quickly I felt comfortable. I never would have guessed it.

What a beautiful place! The resort sits among huge pine trees. It’s all very well kept. There’s a nice pool and sun deck. It has a cute little clubhouse, a dance floor, and a hot tub. There is volleyball, and horseshoe pits, a community fire pit and beautiful lawn and BBQ area. (And yes, they ALWAYS wear aprons when BBQing or frying bacon. …grin,…) They also have camping spots for tents and trailers.

Over the course of the summer, Bob and I went up there almost every weekend. (There was no AC at our little shack on the hill, so that pool was darned nice!) I met some wonderful people, who I know will be lifelong friends. But the best thing I got out of this new experience, (besides the great tan!), was that I learned that I can be comfortable in my own skin. Real beauty truly does indeed come from within.

(For more info see AANR, the American Association for Nude Recreation. http://www.aanr.com/top_experience.html )

My Koby Baby...

2009-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Throughout my daughter Lisa's pregnancy, she and I have both noticed that it's difficult to find dolls, icons, pictures, etc. of babies "with brown faces", as we call them. (That's what Lisa called her first African American playmate, "that little girl with the brown face.") But at Babies R Us , she got a package of samples when she registered, and it came in a box that had a picture of a baby "with a brown face on it". Lisa grinned and said, "My Koby is gonna be this cute!" She's hung on to the box, mostly because of the picture on it.

Well, a few weeks ago she came home with some tiny little overalls, and she fussed over how cute they were. So the first chance I got, I went in, and laid them out on her bed with a cute little shirt under it. I added some little pink shoes from Lisa's collection, and then realized my little manequin needed a face, so I grabbed the little box, and added a hat to it. Suddenly, I'd created Koby! When Lisa saw "my Koby baby" on her bed, she burst out laughing, and absolutely LOVED it. She took a picture which she emailed to several of her friends.

So how cute is our little Koby!!!

Well, if it works to get a reaction once, it will work twice, right? So a few days later, I dug into Lisa's clothing collection again, and made another Koby baby. I got a little more creative this time, adding props and a pose.
This Koby received a great squeal of glee and more giggles and laughter.

So a couple of days ago, I made this Koby for Lisa.
Notice how she's holding the frog around his neck, just the way a little kid really would.

Isn't our little Koby baby gonna be adorable????
I think Lisa now just WAITS to find the next Koby baby on her bed.
We do manage to entertain each other and have fun together!

I can't wait for Koby to come!!!

Remaking America – Paying it Forward

2009-02-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

A Little Brunette Angel named Tiffany.

Paying it forward can work both ways… and the other day at work, someone did something very sweet for me.

I’ve had this cold from hell for the past two weeks, and last Saturday at work, as the day wore on, I was really feeling yuky, and my voice was shot. I had a 21 year old girl named Tiffany working with me. Tiffany is your typical bubbly, Christian girl. She even has the ponytail that sways from side to side because of her enthusiastic walk. She’s just too cute. Well, for some strange reason, she really likes me and enjoys working during my shifts. So when she realized how awful I felt, she looked at me with genuine concern, and asked if she could pray for me. Well, I was sort of caught off guard, because I don’t exactly hear that every day. So I said “Uh, sure, if you’d like to. That would be nice.” I figured she'd wander off and pray for me, but no, instead she came over and stood behind my chair and put her hands on my shoulders, and said a very nice little prayer. Basically, she asked her "Heavenly Father" to touch my body and give it strength. She said a few other things about liking me, and wanting me to feel better and me being a good person. Then she said “Amen”, and bee-bopped out onto the sales floor, her brunette ponytail swaying as she went.

I wouldn’t dream of telling her that I’m a Darwinian, and that I don’t believe any of the same things she does. But regardless of what I do or do not believe,… I believe that was one of the sweetest, - purest – gestures anyone has made toward me in a long, long time.
And as we walked out to our cars together after work, I told her so.

P.S. (If I had awakened the next day, cured,.. I might have been a changed woman! LOL!)

Remaking America – Paying it Forward

2009-02-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

The other day, I was at the doctors office sitting in the waiting room. A man in his 50’s wheeled in a very frail looking elderly lady, and parked her wheel-chair across the room from me. He took her coat off and laid it in her lap. He spoke loudly into her ear and told her the nurse would be out to get her in a few minutes. He then walked out the door and left in his vehicle.

I looked at her. She looked so tiny and helpless in that wheel-chair. She just stared down into her lap. I have no idea how old she was, probably in her 80’s or 90’s. She was dressed nicely and her hair was done. Her purse hung off the back handle of the wheel-chair. I went back to reading my magazine.

After a short while, a slight movement caught my eye. I looked up and the tiny lady was tugging at the coat that lay across her lap. It probably weighed as much as she did. I could tell she was trying to pull it up for warmth, but she was so weak she was not able to do so.

I walked over and kind of squatted down in front of her so that I would be at eye level for her. I asked her if I could help her with her coat. She clearly couldn’t hear me, so I stood up, and spoke clearly and slowly into her ear. I asked again if I could help her. She nodded slowly but didn’t speak. I asked her if she wanted to put her coat on. She nodded again. I took her coat and slipped her tiny hand into the sleeve, passed the coat around her back and helped her get her other hand into the other sleeve. I smoothed the coat down behind her back so that it wasn’t lumpy. I pulled it together in front, and asked if she wanted it buttoned. She slowly shook her head to mean no. I smiled at her, and then went back to my seat and my magazine.

I couldn’t help but wonder why that man had left her there alone, why could he have not stayed with her? It was only a few minutes later when the nurse came out to collect her. As the nurse started to wheel her away, she turned her little head toward me and gave me a fragile smile and nod. I beamed.

My birthday is coming, time to take a look at my bucket list...

2009-02-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am about to turn 50 years old. Half a century. WOW!
But I am totally cool with it, because, I have gotten to do sooo much in the past few years that I never dreamed I would. I now know that I CAN do such things, and my bucket list is entirely possible.

These things on my bucket list I have not yet done, but below that is another list...

My Bucket List:

1. I am going to visit at least one country that is NOT on this continent.
2. I am going to fly, meaning sky diving or hang gliding - or AT LEAST para-sailing.
3. I am going to scuba dive.
4. I'm going to attempt to summit at least one glaciated mountain peak.
5. I'm going to South or Cental America to photograph humming birds.
(This one was actually on Dad's list, but I'm gonna do it for him.)
6. I am going to sail a sailboat on the ocean.
7. I'm going to see an orca in the 'wild'.

Now, here is the second list.
These things were not on my bucket list, they are just a list of things that I have gotten to do in the last 3 years that, just 4 years ago, I would have never dreamed I’d ever do. But I've done 'em!

1. Sail a sailboat on the Columbia River.
2. Live in Portland, OR.
3. Be a member at a nudist resort – it was great, and I learned that I can be comfortable in my own skin.
4. Go to a live NFL football game.
5. Date a millionaire.
6. Eat lamb, duck, tomato soup, asparagus, cous cous, eggplant, salmon, and lots of other foods that I have never touched.
7. Own my own motorcycle.
8. Eat dinner on the roof of a building while watching the sun set on the Oregon Coast.
9. Drink wine that cost $200 per bottle – it was pretty good.
10. Live in a place without power or running water - I LOVED it!
11. Feel my granddaughter kick and squirm inside my daughters round tummy.
12. Eat dinner on a high-rise balcony over looking downtown Portland.
13. Sit in a remote and beautiful hot springs on a cold snowy day, enjoying wine, cheese and crackers.
14. Be flown to southern California for a mini vacation.
15. Become a liberal nature-hugging recycle natzi. (Kemit was wrong, really, "it is easy being green.")
16. Actually put my hand on a Greek relic that was over 3,000 years old.
17. Cross country ski.

Not bad for 3 short years. Just imagine what that list will look like 3 years from now!

Life is goooood.

It's February!

2009-02-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

January is gone for another whole year!!!

The lost generation....

2009-01-29T22:49:00.000-08:00

A wonderful friend sent this to me. This is good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

Just another brain cluster...

2009-01-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

I am so ready for January to be over! Come on Spring!!

I work at a women's clothing store right now. (Until I can get on with a Nursery/Garden Center.) Anyway, the new spring colors are coming in, and I swear seeing all the pink, white, and lime is just so refreshing. (sigh...)

It also looks like the nautical look is gonna be big this year. We have it, Coldwater Creek has it, Anne Taylor and Macy's have it too. Man, just what I need constant sailing reminders all around me. Oh, I want to sail again so bad!

"Ahoy, mate! Weigh anchor and hoist the main sail! Set course for the coast of Belize!

(I think I'm gonna have to go visit Bob this summer to get a sailing fix.)

"And how's that working for ya?" - Dr Phil

2009-01-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

January and February can be long dreary months. The lack of sunlight, strong inversions, and cold weather can take its toll on anybody’s temperament. I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I believe my case of SAD is a fairly strong one.

My typical approach to January is simply to crawl under my bed and hide until March. But I’ve recently decided to try staying out from under the furniture, and actually try dealing with my problem. Not typical of me, but what I was doing wasn’t working. As Dr. Phil says, "And how's that working for ya?" Well, it ain't! So let’s try something different! So if there is anyone else out there that is feeling a bit SAD, here’s what I’ve done, … and perhaps you should try it too.

I bought some new houseplants!

I know, you're thinking - "Boy, doesn't take much to launch her boat, does it?" Well, the reality is, houseplants can do more for our mood than meets the eye. For instance, we’ve known for quite a while that plants remove toxins from the air, but did you know that they can also reduce stress, lower illness rates, and even improve your concentration? According to a study done by the Norway University of Agriculture, indoor plants not only remove toxins, but they can reduce fatigue and many cold-related illnesses by increasing humidity levels and removing dust from the air. These same tests also showed that attentiveness and memory increase, and mood swings decrease, considerably due to the added oxygen put into the air by houseplants.

But my best reason to buy some new houseplants was that I know that even a slight change in my daily ‘scenery’ is welcomed this time of year. And what better way to create change than with beautiful, living, and oxygen-giving, greenery! There is little that brings more cheer to a room than a living plant. You don’t have to buy big plants, or very many either. I got 4 of those little 4” pots. (I already have some nice houseplants.) I also bought a couple that bloom, to really brighten my spirit!

Ah, and we mustn’t forget the flower pot! A bright colored pot can do even more for your mood, and it also creates a great opportunity to have some fun! I think I’ll paint some of my old pots a bright accent color. If you do this, be sure the paint is waterproof – acrylic doesn’t work! (Sound like the voice of experience?)

To take this idea a step further,… we already know that a good night’s sleep can reduce stress and improve your mental & physical health, so in addition to using the above plants in areas of daytime use, try bromeliads, orchids and succulents in your bedroom. These plants exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide at night rather than during the day like most other plants. This is a great way to freshen the air you breathe during sleep, and wake up feeling more alert and healthy!

House plants are great for brightening a room, but it’s wonderful that they can actually brighten our winter too!

If you’d like a list of the best plants for cleaning indoor air and increasing oxygen, just ask, I’d be happy to email a list to you.

More snow???

2009-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

That's it! Hooty's going back to sleep 'til July!
(or until next time I have something brilliant to say!)

Oh, wait! First I have to tell you my first installment of my sister Jodi's "Remaking America" challenge,...
Yesterday, I had a customer come in who had a jacket on hold for several days. She called daily and asked if it were on sale yet, and then would ask me to hold it 1 more day. Finally she came in to get it. She was disappointed that it hadn't gone on sale, but she loved it so much and it was warm and snuggly. I could tell that the money was an issue, so I pulled out a used coupon, and told her I was giving her $20 off her coat. Oddly, she turned and walked away for several seconds... then came back. I could tell she was trying to hide tears. She thanked me profusely and said, "You have no idea what we've been through lately, but this means so much. Thank you." She didn't go into any details, she simply let me know that the gesture was appreciated. It made me feel really good.

2009-01-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am feeling more hopeful today than I have in long, long time.

I am so grateful that my children will be a part of a new generation, a generation of change, much needed change in our country.

I am so grateful that my granddaughter is coming into a world of hope, hope that things just might get better around the world.

Change is coming, and I am grateful that I am here to see it, to appreciate it, and most of all, that I was able to be a part of helping to make it happen.

HAPPY DAY!!!

My Facebook comments, as I watched the inaguration...

2009-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Linda is watching history in the making! I am so damn excited about this inauguration! 9:14am

Linda is so glad that my granddaughter is coming into a world where finally she may be judged by the content of her character, not the color of her skin. 9:16am -

Linda is enthusiastically waving bu-bye to G-dub!!! Wooohoo!!! 9:36am -

Linda is is jumping up and down! There he is!!! Obama! You be da' man!!! Yeeeehaww. 9:44am -

Linda is wondering who the HELL chose Aritha Franklins hat??? 9:56am -

Linda says,... It's official!!! Yeeehawww!!!! Happy Day! Happy Day!!! 10:07am -

OK, I gotta go... I want to hear every word of his speech.

HAPPY DAY!!!

Things I learned from my Mother....

2009-01-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Both my sisters posted a list of things they had learned from our mom, so,... here is my list.

She taught me how to sew when I was just 7 years old.

She taught me how to knit.

She taught me how to dress "snitzy".

She taught me how to dance funny.

She taught me age is only a number, and it's possible to stay young and healthy.

She taught me to sit and stand up straight.

She taught me to eat with my mouth closed.

She taught me that being a good mother is the hardest job I'll ever love.

She taught me that a good parent is never really an empty nester, because kids NEVER really go away!!!

She taught me to enjoy singing and that singing equals happy.

But above all else, she always taught me by example,... wonderful, silly, beautiful, (and usually dignified,...) example.

I love you, Mom!

Is January gone yet???

2009-01-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well,... somebody wake me when it's February....

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Oops, I guess owls sleep during the day, not at night.

2009-01-06T00:51:00.000-08:00

My mistake.

I have nothing to blog about right now,...

2009-01-04T20:21:00.001-08:00

So I am putting Hooty to bed for a while.

Shhhhhhhh....

The three "G's" of January....

2009-01-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

GRUMP!
GROUCH!

GLOOM!

To 2009!

2008-12-26T16:51:00.000-08:00

Leap!

2008-12-23T09:13:00.001-08:00

Why I love having a man in my life...

2008-12-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

Reason #23...

I just love this guy!

My near death experience...

2008-12-21T20:56:00.001-08:00

I got caught speeding today!

I'll NEVER speed again, I swear!!!

I'm a changed woman!!!

(LMAO! I LOVE this photo!)