6 Days of no corn

Well, it has been six days since having corn of any kind. Mom and Dennis have been great in finding foods to eat that dont' contain corn and we are constantly amazed at what products do have corn. I thought I would give you all a very short list of what we've discovered so far in the corn product department. Really, the best thing to do to avoid corn would be to eat fruit, veggies, and meat. The problem is I'm not a huge fan of vegetables and there are only so many meals you want to eat with just 3 different veggies, a variety of fruit available this time of year, and meat.

Things with corn:
Baking powder
Chocolate
Ice Cream
Pop
Most things with bread
Cereal
Gum
Syrup
Margarine
Potato Chips
Peanuts in a jar
Dark chocolate covered pomegranates
BBQ sauce
Hot chocolate mixes

Surprising things without corn:
Pepsi throwback (made with real sugar)
Sugarless gum (not nearly as good as the real stuff, but it works)
Ghirardelli 60% cocoa chocolate bar (made with real sugar)
Maple syrup
Rice & Wheat Chex cereal
Butter
Milk chocolate covered cherries

The Little Joys in Life

Yesterday was a 1/2 day at school, in which the kids watched a play performance, a video made by students and a music concert. As my coworkers and I were sitting around in between making or students get caught up we had the opportunity for some great laughs. The best one came when the school newspaper was delivered. Inside were ten pickup lines that people could/could not use if they wanted. I would love to share some of them with you. (No, I will not be trying these out for myself!) A student wrote these so I'm not guaranteeing anything.
1. Hi, can I flirt with you?
2. Hi, I need help! My mom says that if I don't get a date by tomorrow she's putting me up for adoption.
3. Are you going to kiss me or do I have to lie to my diary?
4. If this were a meat market you would be prime rib.
5. Hey, kitten. How about spending some of your nine lives with me?

Last night I got the chance to go babysit Elyse (5) and Jackson (3). Jackson said that Santa was bringing his presents to put under the tree. Elyse pointed out that there were presents under the tree from her, but she wasn't telling because she is a very good "secret keeper." After I put Jackson to bed for the second time, he remembered that I should look at the "nutcracker with the jewels." I asked him where it was and told him I would look when I went downstairs. He said, "Look with your eyes, don't touch. The mouth cracks open nuts, but we don't have any nuts."
The joy of kids.

Food Update

Well friends and family, it's time for another food update. I would hate for you all to be left out of the loop of my wonderful dieting experience. I went to the osteopath yesterday and was explaining that I'm just not feeling up to par. I feel tired, sluggish, my hair is falling out etc. Then I casually mention a phenomenon that I had noticed. When I eat popcorn, I get a headache. The first time it happened, I shrugged it off. The second time it happened, I started to wonder. Last Friday when it happened, I was paying attention. At this, the doctor got excited and said, "I think you have a sensitivity to popcorn." I thought OK. I can avoid popcorn, not a big deal. I asked if there was a test to take to discover if I was sensitive. He said, "No, you just eliminate that product from your diet and then you'll know. But we're not just talking popcorn. Popcorn comes from corn, so you need to avoid corn." I thought to myself, "No big deal." Three seconds later I hear, "Corn, as in everything made with corn...IE...corn syrup." At these tiny two words I sensed a huge problem. Are you aware of what is made with corn/corn syrup? The Dr. sent me a link to a website that lists a few foods to be aware of that have hidden dangers of corn. Now, keep in mind that this avoidance of corn also comes on top of: no processed foods, no white flour, no sugar, no bananas, and no potatoes.

If any of you would like to join me in this endeavor please call: 1-444-4NO-CORN. This diet is a guaranteed way to LOSE WEIGHT or YOUR MIND. Money Back Guarantee if you haven't lost weight or lost your mind in the next 30 days. But wait there's more. If you call in the next 10 minutes you can have the pleasure of experiencing this diet during the Christmas and New Year's Holiday! So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and dial. 1-444-4NO-CORN.

BBRRRRRRRRRR

Okay, it is officially cold here. Monday night it was -6. Tuesday it got to about 13. Yesterday was more of the same. Today, we might be having a heat wave, as it is 18 outside. I was not made for cold weather. I've decided that I'm a fair-weathered creature. Having to go to work in layers is a little challenging. On the top I wear: tank top, long johns, long sleeved shirt, and sweater. On the bottom I wear tights beneath my pants and put socks on to keep my feet warmer. This is just to work inside. Reminded me to not live where it gets really cold. I'm grateful for my electric blanket at night. One night I woke up and thought my room was warm. Well, come to find out, I just had my head completely under the covers so it was warm. As soon as I poked my head out I discovered out cold it really was.

My Nativity

Here is my cute little nativity. Mom and Dennis made the main part of it in 98. However, it was sadly missing some sheperds. So I asked, begged, and pleaded for some sheperds. Mom told me there weren't any in the book. After asking for 9 years, Mom opened up the book and there they were. Sheperds! I got them and now my nativity is almost complete. Look at the top of the nativity. There is no angel to announce the birth of a King. How sad. Now I realize that there won't be an angel for the nativity this year, but I'm hoping that when I put out my cute little set next year there will be an angel at the top declaring Christ's birth.

My apartment

Dining/Sewing Room
Living Room
Bedroom

I promised you pictures awhile ago and here they are.

Some Days

Okay, today started out fairly normal. I crawled out of bed a little early and thought I would have extra time this morning. Somehow that didn't happen. Maybe I lost time trying to open my bedroom window to let the condensation on my windows disappear. The windows were frozen shut and took some work to open. Then, I must have dawdalled in the shower because when I got out it was the normal time instead of being early. After that I tried to figure out what shirt to wear. I knew I was going to wear my long johns to school because it was so cold and the shirts didn't look right or fit properly over the top of the long johns. After changing about 4 times, I finally had an outfit and started on making lunch. I quickly decided I wasn't going to have time to make a sandwhich so I threw in microwave popcorn, apple, cheese stick, and an orange. I also threw in peanut butter crackers because I was meeting a friend at 4:30.
I got to work and my supervisor was wired. She must have had 10 cups of coffee before 7:30. She proceed to spout off all the info she had typed up for us today because she was leaving for training. :-) In 1st period I tried to confince one of our students to not throw out his unused lunch pass as it might come in handy. I also suspected his homework wasn't finished and he would be needing it in about 3 hrs. I looked at his homework, incomplete, and told him to use his pass to come up at lunch. He told me he had ripped it up. I gave him a new one and he said no. Second period was a challenge and I gave out another lunch pass. This student also said no, he wouldn't be coming up. During break, I ate 1/2 the apple. Fourth period came and I gave out 2 lunch passes. One student accepted his and the other one said I'm not coming. Since when do students get the right/priviledge to tell an adult no? For lunch I finshed the apple, popcorn, yogurt, and cheese. The periods after lunch were better and I was all set to celebrate when the last period was a little wierd. A student was in class who shouldn't have been there. That got straighten out, but whatever. Then as a coworker and I are walking down the fire escape I notice it's moving quite a bit. The coworker said it had been moving all week and the reason was the bolts that hook it to the wall are coming out!! I run into the office to report this and leave hoping that the chaos for the day is over.
My visit with Grammie and AJ was good. I went to the craft store with my friend, but didn't find what I wanted. Then my friend came to my house to have hot chocolate and chocolate covered pomegranates. I left the apartment around 5:50 to head to the Art Musuem. Since it is First Thursday I was meeting some friends to look at the quilts. At this time I hadn't had dinner and didn't have time to grab any, so I got out my peanut butter crackers to eat on the way to the museum. I needed gas in my car and I really like to fill up at Costco, but that was out of the picture so I pulled in the Chevron on the way. There was one car at the pump ahead of me and my car. I started the nozzle and the numbers on the pumped moved s.l.o.w.l.y. I thought maybe it was my imagination, so I got into my car to fill out my checkbook. The numbers still weren't moving fast. When I got out the woman said her numbers were moving slowly as well. About this time, another car pulled in and his pump wasn't really working. I ran in to tell the attendant and she said we all needed to release our nozzles out the same time and then restart them. We tried this about 4 times. Finally, my pump rolled over to $2. I decided that would get me to work and back tomorrow. I got back into the car and noticed that it took 5 minutes. to get $2 worth of gas. UGH! Well, at least I have some.
I got to the museum in time and the quilts were still beautiful. It was also wonderful to see Julia and Alexa. I got home at 7:45 and got to make dinner. Now, I'm going to crawl into bed and sleep. :-)

Black Friday

The sound of the alarm at 4:00 AM this morning was enough to make me want to wonder why I had decided to go shopping this morning. But, I got up, showered and was at Target by 4:45. The line for Target wound around the front of the building, down the side, and continued around the back. Luckily, I was at the back corner. :-) After waiting in line for 15 minutes to get in, my faithful sidekick Rachel showed up. We hustled inside and found what we were looking for: pajamas, vest, and a game. Then we headed for the checkout. Little did we know that we would stand in line for the checkout for the next hour 1/2. Oh yes, you read that correctly. For some weird reason there were three lines and we happened to stand in the non-moving one. After Target Rachel went home and I went over to Jo-Ann's. They had flannel on sale for $1.60 yd. I got enough to make 5 pillowcases. Jo-Ann's only took 1 hour and 15 min. because they had an express line for cuts if you had 3 or less. Luckily I did because I would have left due to the fact that they called number 28 when I pulled 98 out of the machine. :-) After Jo-Ann's I ran into Barnes and Nobles and was in and out in 15 min. All of this shopping and I deserved breakfast. So, I got breakfast and was home by 8:45. Four hours of shopping and 7 people are crossed off my list. I think it's time for a nap.

Alphabet of Blessings

I have decided that since it's Thanksgiving I would write out the things I'm thankful for. I challenge you to do the same.

A-Audie, Ashley
B- Black family
C- Chaffee family, Church family
D- Dad, Dennis
E- Elijah
F- Friends, food
G- Grandparents (all four sets), God
H- Health, house
I- Insurance
J- Job, Janice, Jessica
K- kids at school who make me laugh
L- Laughter
M- Mom, Misti, Maritza
N- Nick
O- Opportunities
P- Parents, Phillips family
Q- Quilts made with love
R- Rachel
S- Smith family, Spencer, sleep without meds
T- Teed family
U- Unconditional love
V- very skilled doctors who have helped me along my journey
W- Ward family (Jack, Michelle, Grandma Fran) W. family (Koleen, Brad, Elyse, Jackson)
X- eXellent people in my life
Y- Yards of fabric to make my quilts
Z- Zarbnisky family (Julia, Darin, Alexa)

Grammie's good day

Grammie was in such a wonderful mood yesterday. After not really talking for almost 2 weeks, I was afraid I wasn't going to hear much from her again. However, yesterday she was as perky as could be. As soon as I walked in she said, "Your father is precious. He reminds me of my father." Now, I have to say that precious is not a word I use often when describing my dad, but I'm glad Grammie was glad to see him. I sat down to do the crossword, but it soon became obvious that it was too hard. So I said, "Why aren't we doing yesterday's puzzle since we have the answers?" That got a grin and an agreement. I got Tuesday's puzzle and we started right away. I read a clue about Veteran's Day and that reminded me to wish Grammie a Happy Veteran's Day. When I did she said, "Oh, I get the day off, don't I! By golly, I remember!" As if she hasn't had the last 18 months off. Oh well, she was estatic. I read a clue about John Steinbeck and asked about the title of one of his novels. Grammie knew the answer and then said, "Mother opened the kitchen stove and chucked them in." (Her mom had recieved two of Steinbeck's novels and "They were trashy"). Now I know where some of Grammie's attitude comes from. At this point I just read the clues to myself because Grammie was in her own world. She said that AJ had told her a funny story about Uncle Rich and his boot being blown over by the wind. Grammie kept laughing and laughing, but I never could get the whole story. After AJ came back she did tell the story and then it did make sense and I could see the humor. I did comment on the fact that next week I would be getting a new Almanac since the one we are using is 4 years old. Grammie was so excited. I told her it would be her birthday present and she thought that sounded fine. Then I was looking in the Almanac for a river in Scotland. It wasn't printed on the map, but I ran across the Thames River in England. (pronounced Times) I pronounced it and asked if I had said it correctly. Grammie said yes and I said good because I had been trying for a year and 1/2 to had pronounced it correctly. She said, "Why a year and 1/2." I said, "Well, that's how long I've been doing these crossword puzzles." She seemed satisfied by that. As I was getting ready to leave I wished Pa a Happy Veteran's Day. He said, "You know, Mom is too." I told him I had already wished her a Happy Vet's Day and that she said she was going to take the day off. He just laughed and laughed.

crazy things

Okay, things have been a little crazy around here. I don't know why, but maybe it's just me. :-) I did laundry last Mon. night and when I went to put my socks away I was missing a tan sock. This made me sad because I like these socks and I knew I had checked both the washer and the dryer before leaving the laundromat. So, I put the lonely sock on top of my dresser hoping it's mate would show up in the sheets or something. When I folded the sheets, no sock. So there my little sock sat. Then I was watching football on Sun. and I look to the left of my TV. There is one box still left in my room and what was on top of that box? My sock! I had put it there to dry after the laundry. What a marvelous find.
Now, my alarm clock is a different story. No, I haven't lost it. Monday thru Friday the alarm is set for 5:30 AM. Last Fri. I didn't have school, so I set it for 7:00 to meet a friend. Guess what happened? The alarm went off at 5:30. On Sunday I set the alarm for 7:30 and it went off at 5:30. Now, I'm beginning to think this alarm is possessed. Doesn't it realize that not everyday is a 5:30 day.

Note to self: do not open a pomegranate when you are in a hurry or not wearing an apron. For those of you who have never opened a pomegranate it is an amazing experience. First, you cut off the top and juice flies everywhere (I mean it: there was some on the walls) Then you cut it into sections like an orange and pull the seeds out. (Now there is juice all over the counter and you) Last, enjoy!

Oh yes, why is it when you are not allowed to eat a certain food that is the only food commercials that are on TV? I mean really, what is up with the pizza commercials lately? So, after craving pizza for like the 8th week, I finally solved the problem. I found Rhodes bread dough in wheat and thawed them all day. Then tonight I topped them with sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Definitely not as good as your average pizza, but they'll have to do for now.

Time to talk about Thanksgiving

Grammie always said that talk of Thanksgiving had to wait until after Halloween. Well, Halloween was last Saturday, so when I went to the house on Monday I was ready to talk about turkey. I told Grammie that Halloween had past and now that we were in November it was time to talk about Thanksgiving. First, I asked her if she was cooking the turkey. Her eyes got really big, but she didn't say anything. From the side chair, AJ reminded me that Uncle Jeff cooks the turkey. Then I told Grammie that she made really good orange rolls and we would let her just make those. Her eyes were still big, but she still didn't say anything. I reminded her that when Carmen and I made the rolls they didn't turn out nearly as well as her's. AJ said that Carmen wasn't going to be cooking rolls this year and I just looked at her. This wasn't the point of the conversation. Then, I told Grammie she could just make mashed potatoes, but I really preferred scalloped potatoes instead. At this point Grammie just closed her eyes and turned her head to signal the conversation was over. Well, at least I tried and she knows that Thanksgiving is coming. I'll keep talking to her about it.

Today I went over to Grammie and Pa's. Pa had a cold, so he was sitting at the kitchen table reading a book with a box of kleenex near him. Grammie and I attempted the puzzle, but after awhile Grammie said I should get AJ because she would know the answers. Grammie did remember that the Wizard of Oz had come out while she was in high school. She was so excited about that and that she remember it.

fun foods

Okay, you may get sick of hearing about the foods I find, but you don't have to read the posts. :-) On Tuesday I ate a pomegranate for the first time. It was good. I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect the tangy/tart flavor. That is going to be my fruit for Nov. and Dec. now that I know I like them. Yesterday I saw at Costco that they are selling dark chocolate covered pomegranates. I think I'll have to go back and get a back for a wonderful treat! Today I really wanted fish and I found a fish breaded with whole wheat at Winco. I was so excited. I also discovered that Costco's organic animal crackers are made with whole wheat. Having to watch everything I eat and read labels has really made me appreciate people that have serious food allergies. I can't image not being able to eat any wheat. I'm very grateful my body allows the consumption of whole wheat.

Books I've read lately:
Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder is about a young man who escapes the genocide of Burundi and comes to New York city with $200 in his pocket. This amazing book looks at the young man's life here in America and back in Burundi and Rawanda.

good news

The diet seems to be working. My stomach no longer growls! I can't believe what a difference it makes to cut out white flour. On another note, I'm going to tell you a little story about my meds. Last Monday, I called to have my sleeping pill refilled. For some weird reason last month there were only 16 pills instead of 30, but that's an entirely different story. Last Thursday, I figured they had been filled and called to check to see if they were ready to pick up. I was told that the insurance wouldn't cover the prescription. Now, I go round and round with the insurance about this particular medicine and every 6 months they need a new doctors note saying I still need the drug in order to sleep/function. I knew that the last time a note had been written I had been approved for 12 months instead of 6, so I didn't see what the problem was. I called the doctor's office and they agreed to fax a new letter. Then I decided to call the insurance company to figure out the problem. Well, the problem was I had already fill the prescription this month. Even though it was only 16 pills the computer said filled and wasn't going to allow me to fill again until the end of the month. The lady at the insurance company was wonderful and agreed to change the computer to allow me to fill the meds. Then she wanted to tell me how much they would cost. She said it would be about $70 for the month. I asked her if that was correct and she said yes it was and she checked all the other meds for me as well. Now, since my medical insurance starts Sept. 1st. the new prices had kicked in and all the meds had gone up quite a bit. In fact some of them had even doubled. So I said OK and she told me she would call the pharmacy to fill the meds. Then about 15 min. later she called back and said she had lied to me. The price of the meds was really $80 instead of $70. At this point I knew it wasn't going to work. In the past two months that meant my meds had doubled every month. So, I told myself I was going to go home and sleep without the prescription meds. Guess what? God provided a night free of nightmares! I didn't sleep great because I was having some withdrawals, but I can say that last night was night 5 without prescription meds. I have been using over the counter meds and they are doing a great job. Last night I fell asleep and slept until the alarm went off. Praise the Lord!!!

Random stuff

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in awhile. Things have been crazy around here. I got the cold/mild flu and was sick for a week. I finally got my appetite back yesterday after 2 weeks. Having to rethink my eating choices has also caused some slight issues, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. I have discovered through trial and error that my body hates white flour, so I've gone to whole wheat foods. It's a grand time in the grocery store, let me tell you. I'm going to hang the last of my pictures on the walls today and then I'll be able to post pictures of the apartment. I am also going to set up my sewing machine and maybe sew today. I have a quilt pattern in my head that just needs to get out, so I think I'll work on it.

Books I have finished:
A Promise for Spring by Kim Vogel Sawyer is about a woman who travels to America from England to marry a man she was promised to 5 years earlier. When she finally sees him again she wonders if she can really marry him.

I have also been reading the Heir of Arcadia series by T. Davis Bunn and Isabella Bunn. This series takes place in England and the Colonies after the Revolutionary War. This is a great historical fiction series. There are five books in the series and they need to be read in order.

Food choices

So after spending an hour at Winco on Friday reading food labels I found some foods to eat. Did you know that Triscuits are made with whole wheat? That's good news for me. So Sunday, I had an apple, some cheese, and Triscuits for lunch. When I found out about my new dietary plan my first thought was, no way! Then, I thought again and wondered, could God change my food palate? I prayed that He would, although it did seem trival at the time. That same night, two weeks ago, the ladies at my Bible Study prayed that my palate would change towards the new food. I have been working at trying to replace foods a little at a time, instead of switching everything over at once. So, yesterday, I was at Grammie and Pa's. The cookie jar is always full of Oreos particulary for me. I was standing in the kitchen talking to AJ as she made her lunch and she pulled some baby carrots out of the fridge. Then I heard this voice saying, "May I have some?" Oh wait, that was me. I chose carrots over Oreos. What is wrong with me. The carrots tasted delicious. Then, just for kicks, I ate an Oreo. It was too sweet. It didn't even taste right. Augh...the food palate is changing!! This just shows that prayer does work, even on the small things.
P.S. I made cookies last night. There were designed just for me (or so I hope). I'll post more on them later.

My new diagnosis

So last week, my osteopathic doctor decided that I have adrenal fatigue. In short, this means that my adrenal glands are no longer working like they should. After have been stressed for too long the adrenal glands have used up the adrenaline in my body. The good news is that this is fixable and it requires no medication. The bad news is that it requires a year of hard work on my part. Now, you all know that I'm not opposed to hard work in most situations, but this may be a definite challenge on some levels. One of the things I'm supposed to do is rest. If I feel like sitting in my apartment all weekend long and not doing anything, then that is what I'm suppose to do. The doctor said that after awhile I should be able to sit quietly and then I'll want to get up and see people or do something, but that it may take awhile to get to that point. The other thing I'm suppose to do is set boundaries. Oh, this is a little tougher. I'm working on this one. The last thing that is part of recovery will be the hardest. I'm going to get to change my eating habits. Now, I don't have to start right away because I'm supposed to be concentrating on resting, but as soon as the doctor started telling what I could and couldn't eat I started obsessing. Here's what I know at the moment: bananas are out, so are potatoes in any form [glad I live in Idaho :-)]. Eventually, I will cut out all sugar and most flour. I have discovered this week that my body doesn't like white flour, so I'm working on having only whole wheat flour for the moment. I'm supposed to eat lots of fruit, vegetables (yes, you read that correctly), and meat. Oh yeah, and processed food will be out as well. So, since I have the day off I looked up recipes on allrecipes.com. I was looking for foods that had whole wheat flour and no sugar. I got a couple of recipes and will let you know how they turned out. I did have to laugh as there were a lot of recipes for dog biscuits. I mean really, can't people have a dog recipe website instead!!
So, I have decided to offer up a thought. Anyone who would like, is welcome to join me on this wonderful journey of eating differently. I will try to let you know if I come across a fabulous recipe and you could let me know how it's working for you.

Books I have finished:
Deadline by Chris Crutcher is about a boy who is starting his senior year of high school and finds out he only has a year to live. It is such a great concept, but I don't recommend it due to the language and some of the explicit content.
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell is about a teenage after WWII whose father comes home and decides to take his family to Florida for vacation. This girl grows up very quickly as she realizes that the family isn't down there just for fun.

My scarecrow moment

Have you ever had a moment when you felt like the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz? You know the fellow, the one who is well padded, but missing a brain. Well, I had one of those moments after moving into my new place. I had to find out the best route to work and after consulting with Dad I figured it out. I drove the route on Mon. and didn't noticed anything. Tues., as I was driving to work something seemed familiar, but since I've lived in this town for almost 30 years I figured it would seem familiar. As I drove home on Tues. I started looking at the things around me and realized it was a very familiar street. This was the same route I had driven for 4 years when I lived at Grammie and Pa's house and worked at Franklin. The difference was I was driving a little further down the road to my place and I was going the opposite direction for the commute. So, for now on when I have one of these moments I will just say it was my "scarecrow moment."

My Car...

...finally got washed. It was starting to look brown, and I had a hard time seeing out the side windows. So, after work, I went to the car wash and then vacuumed it out. Now my car is clean and I feel much better looking at it. It really is quite amazing how much your morale can improve when the things in your life are clean. Since I was cleaning the car, I did decide to bring in all the stuff that's been sitting in it. Here's the list: one pair of clean socks, my tennis shoes, my Birkenstocks, a clean pizza box that's humongous (for my quilt projects), one gallon of apple juice, and 5 brown paper bags for recycling. But wait there's more, this list doesn't include the things I left in the car. I took a trunk full of boxes and one brown bag to recycling, then there's the hardhat that stays in the car, 2 pairs of winter gloves, ice scraper, can of antibacterial wipes, box of kleenex, trash bag, sunglasses, roadmap, and a stack of napkins. After typing this list I am very grateful I have a decent size car. Now, don't start laughing at me because I challenge you to clean your cars and see what you have in them!

Books I have finished:
I finished books 8 & 9 of the Pendragon series. I am now waiting for the 10th book, but it might be awhile, because a lot of people want to read it.
I also read the book of John in the Bible this weekend. We are going to go through the book for Bible Study and the first week we were challenged to read the entire book. I didn't know if I would or not, but once I started I kept at it. I read it over 2 days and can't wait to do an in depth study.
I reread The Chosen by Chaim Potok this weekend. This is an excellent book about two Jewish boys growing up together in the US during World War II. Each boy is part of a different Jewish sect so they don't know each other until they are 15.

Aye Matey

Today is pirate day. This is the day where it is okay to dress like a pirate and talk like a pirate. I have decided that my rum will come in handy as I sit and drink it while celebrating pirate day.

Walmart

I decided to go to Walmart this morning to return the silverware I thought I needed-but didn't- and to buy some things for the apartment. After hunting around for the receipt I was out the door. I got halfway to the store when I realized I didn't have the gift card. So, I turned around and searched the apartment for the card. I had put it in a safe place; it was there, but I thought it wasn't the one I was looking for. After 15 min. of searching, I called the number on the back of the card to verify the balance and it was the card I was looking for. Oh the joy of moving. I got to Walmart and remembered that this is the store I try to avoid on Sat. due to the amount of people and chaos that reigns within. Oh well, I was there and on a mission. I grabbed a cart, cleaned it with sanitizer and headed for the return line. Standing in line in front of me was a man with a gun on his belt. I truly hope it was unloaded, but that is not the point. People like that scare me. Why on earth would someone want to carry a gun around on their belt? After that shock, I had to rearrange my brain for shopping. The first item on the list was a toaster oven. I found the cutest one and it even shows that I could put a chicken in it to cook. Well, maybe it's a Cornish game hen, but we'll pretend it's a big chicken. Then I wandered the aisles and found the floor mats. I got a blue one to put inside the front door and found the cutest rug to put in the kitchen. For half a second I thought about sewing/knitting one and then I said to myself, "Kate, for $3.95 you can buy the rug and save the time and effort." I tried to find a S hook for my kitchen towels, but I'll have to go to Home Depot or Lowe's. Then I went in search of a bathroom scale. I wandered through all the aisles of the home department and finally had to ask for help. It was in hardware. I mean come on!! Who looks in hardware for a bathroom scale? Shouldn't it be next to the linens? After spending quite awhile on this side of the store, I wandered to the food section and found some food to buy for later this week and this weekend. I came home and promptly put my rugs into place. They look adorable.

Moved

I have been in my new place for a week. It is absolutely wonderful. The complex is fairly quiet and I can't hear my neighbors unless their dog barks. The unpacking is slow going, but seeing as how I've only been home two nights this week I'm okay with that. Carmen came over Wed. night and helped me hang pictures. For that I was extremely grateful as it feels more like home with pictures on the walls. I have also been able to purge some more stuff and that feels good. Carmen took most of it and I was glad to help her out. The best part was finding my graduation gowns from both high school and college. Since Melanie is graduating this spring and will need either a silver or black gown she now has one and won't have to buy it. My being a pack rat helped someone else, but I really do need to get rid of this stuff. I'll post pictures of the cute place when the boxes are unpacked a little more, hopefully next weekend.

Morbid Part II

top of the casket

Grammie's casket

Pa's casket

On Saturday Dad called and let me know that Uncle Jim had made in into town and he had brought the caskets with him. Dad had gone down to see them and was really pleased. The inside of each one is lined with a Navy blanket and I guess Pas has approved of them. Dad also thought I might like to lie down in one of them to make sure that I fit. (I told him it would only happen over his dead body. Think of all the years of therapy that would cost. That would add at least another 3 years to what I already have.)
Then Dad told me he was digging Bullet's (the dog's) grave. I said, "Bullet died? Why did you call me?" Dad said, "Oh, he hasn't died yet. I'm just digging the grave so I'm ready." Then I kid you not. In the next breath he said, "I have your furniture here at the house. It's sitting on my back patio. Do you think it will be ok for the next week?" Now, how is it, that the dog who is dying, has a grave already dug for him, but my wood furniture for my new house is sitting on his back patio and not in his basement out of the elements??? I can see that I rank below the dog in this matter.
Since I knew I would be heading over to school yester after school, I had been preparing myself all day to see those caskets. I took my camera to school because I wanted to be able to take some pictures since I had been told they were so beatuful. At 4:00, Uncle Jim said to me, "I have something I want to show you." We went down into the basement and there, lying on the floor between the pooltable and the wall with the windows were the two caskets. They ar two simple boxes that are absolutely gorgeous. As I stopped to look at the, Uncle Jim told me that the man who makes them goes into the forest, cuts down the trees, makes the caskets, and even makes all his own hardware in his blacksmith shop. The only thing th eman doesn't make is the nails. Then Uncle Jim says, "Here are the nails that we'll put into the top of the casket to seal it up. The holesa re already predrilled. It really is a shame to cover such beautiful wood with dirt." I was thinking, "Not only are we covering up some gorgeous wood with dirt, we are going to be burying our loved ones. They will be in that box!!!" Then he turns to me and says, "There might be left over nails if you want one for a souvenir." I thought to myself, "He didn't really just say that!!!!" I didn't answer and just took pictures of each of the caskets.
This afternoon I went over to Grammie and Pa's. I asked Pa how he was doing and he said that he was still here. I then asked what would happen if I walked in one day and he wasn't there. He said, "Well, my casket is already downstairs." I looked at him and said, "Pa, that is morbid." He just laughed and laughed. Then he said, "Well, I am that kind of person." I'm glad to know that Pa is happy with the caskets and that he doesn't mind the fact that they are in the basement.

Books I have finished:
Due to a request I will start telling a little bit about each book. :-) (Thanks Glo)
I have finished books 5,6, & 7 of the Pendragon series. I told you earlier that it was a science fiction series. This series is about a teenage boy who has been chosen to help save the different worlds from evil. The first book is a little challenging to get involved in, but after I was into it I was hooked.

P.S. Rachel said that instead of getting a nail from the coffin I should get a t-shirt that says, "I went to my grandparents funeral and all I got was the t-shirt."

moving, boxes

I have to say that moving should only be reserved for those who are desperate. No really, I have discovered that moving is a good way to dust/clean, recycle, and purge all items not necessary for everyday life. I once heard of a radio promo where people could pack up their entire house just to see how much their stuff weighed. I mean really, do they not have enough to do with their time??? The problem with this packing is that every time I turn around I am missing something. When I ask my very helpful roommate, Rachel, where it is; I hear, "It's in a box." I don't want to hear that phrase again for a very long time. As I was eating dinner last night I realized how challenging it was to eat at home when all the stuff is packed. I was finishing up my taco salad and I was eating it off of a paper plate with a plastic fork. Let me tell you, trying to stab a chip with a plastic fork on a paper plate is quite a challenge. And I do have to say, that eating Raisin Bran with a plastic spoon just doesn't have the correct taste.
P.S. I think I'm allergic to cardboard or maybe it's the cardboard box that's been lovingly contaminated with cat fur.
Note to self-when moving it is helpful to visit the local recycling center for boxes. The adventure of dumpster diving cannot be replaced. Either the bin is overflowing and it takes some talent/teamwork to remove that box that is 3 feet under or the box is at the bottom of a perfectly empty bin and that requires some long arms and some not so squeamish stomachs. :-)

Grammie

Last Friday I was keeping up my running one sided conversation with Grammie and I grabbed a Starburst candy out of my backpack. After eating it, I mention that a sign of a good kisser is being able to take the wrapper off of the candy with your tongue. Grammie just gave me the look. I quickly assured her that it applied to anyone under 80 and she just laughed and laughed. I decided to take the wrapper and make a paper airplane out of it for the fun of it. After I made this minute plan I showed it to Grammie and she decided to hold it. She can barely hold it due to it being so small, but it is now hers. I went to get her and Ensure to drink and shen I came back, Monk- the monkey- was in the right hand and the little yellow plane was in the left. After some coaxing I was able to place both things aside to have the hands free for holding the Ensure bottle.
Today when I arrived Grammie was sleeping, but Uncle Jim told me that Grammie had informed him, "Katie is coming this afternoon." I sat down next to her so she would see me when she woke up. After she did wake up I was adjusting the blankets and saw the little plane hidden in the sheet. When I commented on it Uncle Jim told me that it had been lost a few times this weekend, but luckily it had been found. Grammie has somehow hung onto it for days. I got the Ensure today and asked her for Monk and the plane. She said, "Don't lose that (the plane)." I assured her I would put it next to her water glass, but if it did get lost that I could make her a new one. Bless her heart.

Long Day

I'm not even going to go into detail about my day because, well...it would take too long. But, I do have a question.
I wonder if I can pray and ask God for something, but put a clause into the prayer? You know, praying for something, but asking that it not be too hard or take too long. I did pray for patience once. That was a mistake, because it was definitely given to me and it's not an easy one to learn. I also prayed for a stronger faith. That one was an incredible learning experience as I was sick for over a year and continue to struggle with headaches. So, at the moment, I know I should pray to love a co-worker, but I would like to put a clause into the prayer because I am slightly apprehensive about the results of loving a co-worker.
On that note, remember to pray for what you what, but know that the learning curve is steep.

Morbid

Okay, I have been thinking about this since last night and I've been slightly creeped out, so I thought I'd share with you all and see what your thoughts were. I talked to Dad last night and I asked if Uncle Jim was coming to town next weekend. Dad assured me he was and I asked if he was going to stay for longer than the weekend, but Dad didn't know. He did know this. Uncle Jim is bringing over coffins. Yes, you read that right. He is bringing coffins. I guess there is a guy in John Day that makes coffins and he has made one for each Grammie and Pa. He is bringing the coffins over and storing them in the basement!! I think this is morbid. Who wants their coffin to be stored in their house? I for one will not be entering the basement anytime soon! It's a good thing I moved out.

Manners

Yesterday I was able to leave work at 11:30 so I went to Grammie and Pa's. Pa had just gotten up and Grammie was still sleeping. It had been a rough night at their house. AJ said she needed a break and decided we should go out for lunch. Pa said he hadn't eaten, so after AJ made him a sandwhich we set off for our "outing." We walked over to the Smokey Mountain Pizza and Pasta place that's on State St. We sat outside on the patio and had a delightful lunch and visit. When we got back to the house Grammie was awake and so I found the crossword puzzle. We worked on it a little bit before AJ came and joined us. As we were working on the puzzle there were loud noises coming from the kitchen. Finally it hit me. Pa was burping! After about the third burp I just looked at AJ and we started laughing. Grammie couldn't hear Pa burping and she didn't know what we were laughing about so she just looked at me. I finally turned to her and said, "Pa is belching!" Grammie just laughed and laughed. Then I said, "And this comes from the man who made me read Tiffany's Book of Table Manners, twice because he didn't think I had enough manners. I had to sit on the brown couch and read that book." Grammie said, "I remember that." I mean really!! We were never allowed to act like that. Why is it OK for him? At least we got a good laugh out of the whole thing.

Books I have finished:
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
-This is the first book for this author, but I do hope she continues to write.

White & Yellow

White and yellow are two very important colors. Think about it. Where in your world do you see these two colors the most often? Now follow me for a minute on this because I'm serious. Seeing as how we have just come through summer, this seems to be important. Think about what your Highway District has done this summer. If it's anything like ours they have been hard at work building/repairing roads or as they do here- chip sealing the roads to make them last longer. This chip sealing requires a layer of loose gravel to be spread on top of the existing road. Then it is up to the cars to compact the rocks down as they drive over the road. This requires skill and boldness on the part of the driver as they have to drive on roads that don't have the lanes marked and they have to be willing to accept a chipped windshield in the event that a rock comes flying up from the car in front of you. Enough of that. The next part of chip sealing involves a black gooey substance poured over the compressed rock. This requires that you wash your car afterward as the car and wheels will be covered in goo. But, back to my original sentence. White and yellow play a huge part in our lives are they guide us down the road toward our destination. Having been in the car for the better part of 300 miles since I got home two weeks ago I have started to appreciate those lines that are seamlessly part of the road.

Now for a totally different topic. I have decided to share with you the books that I read. At the end of each blog I will try to post which books I have recently finished. Since school is starting I expect that a good portion of my reading will be devoted to Young Adult literature. However, I have discovered that some of the Young Adult literature is better than the adult literature. So stay tuned to see what is next to by bed.

Books I have finished:
I am working on the Pendragon series. I just finished book 4. (Great Science Fiction series)
I am working on the Elm Creek Quilt series. I finished book 9.

My New Apartment

Yes it is practically finalized. I will be moving into my new apartment on September 10th. But first, I'm going to give you a list of things I have heard from people when I tell them which apartment I'm moving into. The first phrase is, "Do you know that's right next to Intermountain Mental Hospital?" Well, I do now! The second phrase, "That's close to juvenile hall." My response, "yes it is." The third phrase, "I know some refugees who live there." Now the first two people groups I can deal with because they are behind bars and have people monitoring them. The refugees however can get a little hairy. It's a good thing I just got renter's insurance. No seriously. At least two of the refugees are affiliated with Dad and that's not such a wonderful thing.
I really can't win. I thought I was finding a place with major issues and look what I got. Oh well, at least these neighbors have to be better than the ants I've been living with for the past two years. :-)

Random things

Sorry I haven't written before now, but life has been a little hectic between looking for apartments and trying to pack. I wrote last time that I would share something wierd with you and here it is. As I was looking for an affordable apartment I saw some pretty creepy places. Last Wed. would have to be the topper though. I was going to look at an apartment downtown that would be very near to work and in my price range. I had been told over the phone that this apartment was "so cute." When I walked into this apartment the first thing I saw was this sink/stove. The kitchen/living rm/dining rm area was so small I could almost touch all four walls by standing in one place. The bathroom wasn't much better. I was assured that it came furnished (table and bed). I walked into the bedroom and it was a big as a twin bed. I quickly went back to the "main room." The agent (whose head was practically touching the ceiling) said, "let me show you this, it's so cute." He then leaned over and opened what I thought was the cupboard under the sink, oh no, it was the fridge. That fridge wouldn't have even held a gallon of milk. I quickly decided this wasn't the place for me. After driving home and a few tears, I finally found a place near the mall. At the moment I'm waiting for some paperwork and then I can move in on Sept. 10!
Second mini drama. Last Fri, I decided it was time to finish my monochromatic quilt. I have batting all over my room and just knew that I had a piece big enough for this quilt. I got out my stashes after having taped my backing to the floor and got ready to begin. There was only a slight problem. None of my pieces were long enough! There were short by 6" or more. So, after telling the cat to stay off the fabric that was on the floor I drove to the quilt shop that's a block away and I bought batting. I came home and managed to have it quilted by the next day.
Third mini drama. This Mon, I went to Albertsons for food. They were having an amazing sale where if you bough $25 of Kraft food products you got a $5 refund for the next trip and $20 mail in rebate. Not only that, but Kellog's was offering a refund of $10 if you bought 10 items-around $20. I was ecstatic. I could get a lot of food and spend about $10. So, I went in armed with the ad and started shopping. Not until I was finished and out to my car did I realize that I need two originial receipts to mail in to 2 different companies. I ran back into the store and quickly apollogized to the person in charge. Bless her heart, she rang up a separate receipt for me and now all I need to do is mail them in and wait 4-6 weeks for my money. Next time I'll remember to put them on different tabs! :-)
As I said before since I'm moving I have the joy of packing up a place that I've lived in for 2 years. I also decided it was a wonderful time to go through all my bins in storage and purge like mad. I have made it through 6 storage bins and have 5 more to go. It has felt wonderful to get rid of stuff that I knew I had, but didn't know exactly what it was. Some of the stuff dates back to college and some goes back even farther. I figure that if I haven't lived with it in over 7 years, there is no need to start now.

Trying to Recycle

OK, as I am going to be moving apartments in the near future I thought I would take a moment and figure out how to get rid of my old VHS tapes. I have a few of them that were originally blank that I used for taping shows during the week. I figured that throwing them into the trash wasn't the wisest idea so I got online to see where/how to donate the old tapes. I found the craziest idea. Someone has suggested knitting/crocheting a purse out of the actual tape part. There was an entire website to show a person how to take the cover off, then put two of the wheels side by side so that there would be a double thickness to work with. It was also recommended that some yarn or string be used as decoration. Now come on! As if I don't have enough to do at the moment. I need to quilt my monochromatic quilt, start my quilt challenge, pack up an apartment, move, clean an apartment, and oh yeah, start work. Not to mention the fact that having a knitted purse from VHS tape might deter any guy that might want to ask me out. I can just image that conversation. (Where did you get the purse? Oh I just sat down and knitted it right up using the tape from the VHS') :-)
P.S. The previous part of my day was just as weird, but I'll write more about that later.

Dagan

Dagan had climbed up next to Papa and was playing with his new train.

Dagan has just turned 23 months old and is a lot of fun. He does have his grumpy days and when I say that I mean grumpy. If you even look at him he goes running and screaming for his mom (Misti.) He had learned to say my name when I met him at Memorial Day and he still remembered me. He was so excited to see "Aunt Tatie" The "k" is hard for him to pronounce so that is what it sounded like. The first afternoon he wanted me to read his frog book to him, but he wasn't going to sit next to me. I had to read the book as he stood on the far side of the room and looked across at the pictures. It took awhile for him to warm up to me, but then he couldn't' get enough. The first couple of nights we ate dinner it did disturb him that I was sitting in his brother's chair, but he quickly got over that. He knows all of his colors (except black and brown), all of his numbers to 10, and all of his "c b c's" (A B C's) .
One of his favorite things to do is "steal" someone's chair. When a person gets up out of their chair, Dagan runs over to it and climbs in. Then he looks at you and says, "Ha, ha, ha, Papa's chair or Gramma's chair." If someone leaves the room, he waits for them to come back before he climbs into it so he knows you're watching.
One morning I was coming up out of the basement, he heard me and was standing at the top of the stairs. He opened the door, laughed at me, then closed the door in my face. He wouldn't let me come out because he was just standing there opening and closing the door.
One of the rules Mom and Dennis have is he can't go outside without putting shoes on. One night Dennis was grilling chicken and Dagan was standing at the door to go out. Mom told him to grab put shoes on so he could go out. He ran over and put shoes on and then stood by the door. When Mom looked down she discovered he had put on my tennis shoes and then declared he had shoes. I laughed so hard. I did go find his shoes so that he could go out with Grandma and Papa. Another night we had Mom's friend Margo over and he played with her pink shoes. It just so happened that his favorite color of the week was pink. As Margo was getting ready to leave Mom asked Dagan to kiss her goodbye. He shook his head and said, "Daddy kiss Margo. " We all laughed and asked Dagan again, but he still insisted his Dad ought to be the one to kiss Margo. Needless to say no kisses for Margo. :-(
I taught him to say thank you while I was there. He knew please, but thank you hadn't been learned. He quickly learned that he wouldn't get anything from me unless he said both "please and thank you." One day I was making him a quesedilla and I asked him what he needed to say. He stood in the kitchen, rocked from one foot to another and chanted, "please and thank you, please and thank you." Then he looked at me and said, "dilla." I told him that I understood and I was making it. He then looked at me and said, "Please and thank you, dilla." I thanked him for his manners and pointed out that I needed to cook his "dilla." He wasn't very happy and ran screaming for Misti. He couldn't' understand why he didn't instantly receive his "dilla" after using his manners.

Home away from home

My dresser and clothes rack

My bed and table

My parents (Mom and Dennis) did a wonderful job of fixing a place for me at their house for the three weeks I was there. Since Misti, Mike, and Dagan are living in the extra rooms upstairs I was given the basement. Dennis moved all of his woodworking equipment over and hung up the silver tarp you see in the picture on the left. Mom found the dresser and bed at a garage sale. The bed is actually part of a bunk bed, but I just needed the bottom part. There was also a chair and little fridge that I had to use. The whole thing was quite cozy. In the top drawer of the dresser Mom had placed three pillowcases she had sewn and a Sudoku puzzle book.
Thanks for all your hard work.

Durango, Colorado

Train to Silverton

Drive from Ouray

Mesa Verde

Last week, Mom, Dennis, and I went down to Durango, CO for a week long camping trip. We left Denver on Saturday about 9 AM and got to the campsite around 5 PM. It was a beautiful drive along a highway. We saw lots of little towns that if you blinked while driving through you would miss them. We also saw lots of farms and ranches in the middle of nowhere. I'm glad I'm not them. The scenery was gorgeous as 1/2 of the drive was through mountains with lots of trees. When we go to town we decided to go to the grocery store to pick up food and ice. Pulling up to the campground we discovered that NO Fires were allowed. Mom and I hoped that was temporary, but oh no, it was not. Wood burning was NOT allowed. What a bummer. Well, we would just have to make do with charcoal. We found our campsite that was nicely shaded and tucked back off the beaten path which was wonderful. It took us about 2 hours to unload everything and get comfortable and we decided to have sandwiches and chips for dinner. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that we had to watch out for bears as well. The sign was posted on the bathroom building reminding campers the rules for bears: keep food in your car not your tent, don't wear perfume, don't sleep in the clothes you cook in, etc. I wasn't amused!

Sunday-We decided to go into town and walk around. First, we went to the quilt shop and wandered through there. It was a cute little shop and Dennis was impressed with the pool table they had for the husbands. :-) Then we went into town to look around and find T-shirts. Dennis really wanted to get one for the grandkids that said, "My grandparents went to Durango and all I got was this lousy shirt." They used to be really popular back when I was little, but after looking at all the T-shirt shops in the area we decided they no long make them. We headed back to camp and relaxed for the rest of the day because we knew that Monday was going to be long.

Monday- We got up and drove over to Mesa Verde. This is an old Indian Artifact Reservation which was so cool. The Ute's had built their homes into the mountainside and had lived there around 1000 years ago. We bought tickets to walk through one of the villages with a guide, but there was also a village to walk through by ourselves. We did that first and by the time we were finished it was hot and Mom's leg hurt so we decided to forgo the other tour. Instead we walked through the museum and watched a short film on the Ute's life. Then we drove through part of Mesa Verda and looked at different houses they had made. It was really hot and after we ate our picnic lunch we decided to head to Four Corners. On the way to Four Corners we drove through Cortez, which had a quilt store. We had to stop and browse and then we grabbed a milkshake before driving down to Four Corners. Now this is where Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona meet. I was expecting a slab of concrete on the side of the road with a little sign. Oh no, we paid to get in and there was this big slab of concrete that had the states shown so people could stand in four places at once. The funny thing is the spot isn't even in the correct location. It's miles away from where it should be, but oh well.

Tuesday- We got up early for our train ride into Silverton. This train is one of the last that still runs on steam. They use coal and water to operate the engine. I was pretty excited since I hadn't ridden a train before. The train wound it's way through town and then started up the mountain. We stopped to pick up some people who we would later drop off so they could float down the river. I was really glad I wasn't with them. The river was incredible and the mountains were gorgeous. We were able to see a good portion of land that had been burned by fire in 2002. The man on the train told us that before the fire the forest was a pine forest. The aspen tree was there, but it wasn't able to grow because the pine took all the sun and killed them off, but when the fire came through and destroyed the pines the aspen would grow because they had been dormat. So, what was once a pine tree forest would become an aspen tree forest. I thought that was really cool. Dennis got some amazing pictures on his camera. There were times when we were barely on the mountain. When you looked over the edge, there was nothing there. After 3 1/2 hours we reached the town of Silverton. The town got it's names from the amount of silver that used to be mined there, "Silver by the ton." The town was a quaint little town. Most of the buildings had been used for prostition houses back in the 1800's. We ate in a restrauant that was the last prostitution house to close. After walking through the town for a couple of hours it was time to board the bus to go back to Durango. What a great time for a nap.

Wednesday- We were tired from getting up early so we slept in and had a lazy day around camp. We wandered back into town to look at some of the stores we had missed and then we went back to camp. It was a dreary day that threatened rain. Dennis and I read and Mom sewed.

Thursday- We woke up and decided to drive up to Silverton and then onto Ouray (Yur-ay). When we got to Silverton it was really raining and I was grateful it hadn't rained on Tuesday. After eating lunch in Silverton we drove up to Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway. This road got it's name because back in the 1800's when it was built, it cost one million dollars for every mile they laid. The road was winding and on a steep mountain. The highest elevation sign I saw was 10,000 feet. The view was incredible. The mountains were jagged and the rocks were all different colors. At one point we saw a lone house built into the mountainside. Crazy! The town of Ouray was about 6 times bigger than Silverton. We wandered through most of the shops and took some pictures before heading back to our little campsite. That night it decided to storm and I do mean storm. We had rain, lightning, and some hail for about 2 hours. At some point the lightning was about 2 miles from camp. At this point I have discovered that I am a Holiday Inn camper!

Friday- We decided to head for the lake so that Dennis could get some fishing in. Just about the time we got to the lake it decided to rain and the clouds continued to build behind the current storm. So we decided to just drive around. We ended up driving around Valleticio Reseviour. It was huge and pretty. We headed back to camp and decided we would make peach cake for dessert. We invited our neighbors over and they brought ice cream. Tommy and Diane are from Birmingham, AL, are wonderful Christian people. We had so much fun talking to them. We had decided to head home on Saturday so that Mom and Dennis would have a day to rest before work.

Saturday- We got up and packed up the camper. That is a lot of work. We had way more stuff to bring back then we did to take down and that made packing a little bit of a challenge. We finally did it though and then we were on the road. As we came home we got to see a Bison farm. I wish I could have taken a picture. Those animals are huge. It was good to be back and Dagan was thrilled we had all come home.

Oh, the energy of a two year old

My neighbor from upstairs has a 2 1/2 yr. old boy. Every night they come down and sit outside so the little one can run around and get some energy out. I try to go out and play with them, since Noah asks if I'm coming out. Last night, I decided to teach Erica how to knit. Wow, that was funny, since I haven't knitted in awhile. Noah picked out the color of yarn and the lesson went well. This afternoon I got home from Grammie and Pa's and decided a short nap was in order. I stretched out on the couch and promptly fell asleep. I was awakened by a pounding at the door. Erica was standing there with the yarn in one hand, needles in the other, and Noah by her side. She had torn out her stitches three times and had forgotten how to start again. I had to laugh. How many times had a done this? Too many to count. We soon fixed the situation and decided to meet outside after dinner. I have to say that seeing someone knit inspired me to start knitting again. Like I don't have enough to do, but what's another UFO (UnFinished Object).
As we were playing outside after dinner Noah asked me to chase him around on the sidewalk. The sidewalk is in the shape of a U with a big crack right in front of our window. When he got to the crack he said, "I jumped really hard and I broke the sidewalk." I asked him if he was going to fix it and he said, "I don't got some tape." Well, after watching him run around and roll around down our "hill" it makes me wonder if I could bottle that energy and become rich. Maybe someday.

quilting

I am almost finished with a baby quilt. I was just getting ready to roll over the binding from the back when I noticed the sides said, "not suitable for children's sleepwear." There went the rollover binding. I now need to make a biding and sew it to the front and back. The side should have said, "Not suitable for rollover binding." Oh well, it's almost finished and that's what really matters. My monochromatic quilt is coming along nicely. I have one more strip to sew to the blocks and then the blocks are finished. I was sewing last Tuesday on a very productive day. When I was driving to a birthday party I realized I had sewed 18 of the 28 pieces right to left instead of left to right. That meant I got to tear out 153" of thread in order to continue with the blocks. Good thing I'm collecting thread for my art piece. :-)

I have now decided it is time to clean out my storage unit. After having it for 6 years and really not knowing what's in it I'm going to tackle the project. Things I want to get rid of will go to a good home, some things I can sell, and the rest I need to use. I did look inside and discover that I have about 7+ boxes of books. I know that doesn't come as a surprise to you, but I was semi-surprised I had that many stashed away. I have always wanted a library in my house and it looks like I'm going to get one. I had hoped to clean out the unit before I went to Denver, but alas that isn't going to happen. I think I'll wait till September when it's a little cooler.

Summer school is almost over and I can't wait. This also means that I'll head to Denver for 3 weeks. I am taking as much quilting fabric as I am clothes and one week we'll even be camping. Don't worry, some of the fabric is just to cut out so that Mom can help.

I had the privilege of babysitting twice last week and that was fantastic. On Wednesday the kids and I were rough housing and the youngest one was getting a little too rough. I stopped and reminded him he needed to be kind. Remembering he's only 2 1/2, I asked him if he knew what kind meant. He said yes and as his lip hung down and he started to cry he said it meant being, "reverent." I said that was close enough and the playing continued. I was asked to bring over Pete's Dragon when I came back on Friday. I did and they were both so excited. The only problem was that the oldest one didn't want her parents to go, so after the 4th time of needing hugs, she stood on the stairs and continued to cry. The younger one came over, put his hands on his hips and just rolled his eyes at his sister. It was adorable. We then watched the movie. Listening to the 2 yr. old say the same things his sister did when she watched it at that age was so cute.

What a great idea

This event is one that I'm sorry I'm missing. I'm posting the entire ad off the library site so you can see that I'm not making this up. I would be there if not for the fact that I'll be 800 miles away in Denver.

Book a Date @ the Library! - A Literary Speed Dating Event

Friday, July 31, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

The Library! at Hillcrest invites singles to Book a Date @ the Library! Join us for the library’s inaugural speed-dating-with-books event on Friday, July 31, at 7 p.m.

Bring a book you love, hate, have recently read or just want to talk about, and enjoy an evening of book discussion and mingling. The free hour-and-a-half event is suitable for single men and women, 21+, who love to read. Refreshments will be provided.

Boring

I haven't written lately because, well, life has been boring. I don't do well with lots of time on my hands. Yes, I have plenty of quilts to sew and books to read, but there is only so much you can read and sew in a day. My stack of books that have been read continues to grow. Thank goodness for libraries. I will tell you though that last week I was very excited to sew. I spent the time setting up my sewing table, getting all my supplies out, and setting up the machine only to find out the sewing machine didn't want to sew. It was having an attitude!! So I decided that it was time to have it serviced. Seeing as I've had it two years and haven't taken it in, I carried it into the store the next day and told the man it needed "an attitude adjustment." He didn't even laugh or smile. He did promise I would have it back by the long weekend for which I was grateful.

Thursday, Carmen and I took the kids and went to the local art museum. The featured artist is using spools of thread to make pictures of people. The cool thing was all the pictures are upside down. As we walked through the museum most of what her little one would say is, "This is a strange place." After the museum we ran up to get my sewing machine back. I sat down on Friday to sew and it worked beautifully. For $79.95 you too can have an attitude adjustment. If only it were that easy.

Friday was Grammie and Pa's 63rd wedding anniversary so I went and got flowers and an apple pie. Grammie loved the flowers and Pa was happy for the pie and banana bread that I had made earlier that morning. I told Grammie that it was too hot to back so I made Joe Albertson do the work. She just laughed. [Earlier in the week, I had asked Grammie how to make an apple pie. She didn't know and we agreed apple pie for the Fourth is kind of wierd since apples aren't in season. We thought maybe strawberries or cherrrie pie would be better. I told her I would bring her some apple pie because I didn't need to eat the whole thing seeing as I'm delicate. She just laughed and said, "Yep, you're a Black and you're mine." It couldn't have been said better.]

Saturday, I sewed like mad on a quilt and when I got most of it finished I discovered that I had sewed the rows upside down. I sat down and thought I was going to have to tear out about 160" of thread, but then I discovered that I only had to tear out 40" and redo the original pattern. Good thinking on my part. I love that fact that all the thread goes into my little thread container and I'm slowly filling the bottom. Now I just need to use a color other than white. :-)

Sunday, I drove to the airport to pick up Rachel. As I was driving on the freeway I saw the funniest thing. There was a pickup truck with a camper on the truck bed. Not too abnormal you would say. Then on the front, there was a moped. Just like a bike rack except it was a moped rack? A little dangerous for viewing the road if I do say so.

Well, that's all for my adventures. I should probably get back to sewing a quilt since I leave for Colorado in 1 1/2 weeks. I have enough quilts to work on while I'm down there that I'm not taking my monochramatic one with me and I need to have it finished before I leave.

My DIY show

Rachel's curtains are hung

I've decided that since I do such a wonderful job of "whipping up" projects that I should start a show. You know, like the ones you see on TV of people sewing, crafting, woodworking, etc. My show would be a conglomerate of different projects and it would look something like this. [which by the way was my Tuesday night]

Start sewing your curtains at 4 in the afternoon after a good nap. It's important to be well rested when working with machinery. I had all the fabric precut so all that was left to do on the project was hem three sides and put in the top sleeve for the curtain rod. Since I had two curtains it was double the work, but very easy to accomplish in 1 night. I laid out the blackout fabric on the floor and covered it with the fabric making sure that each piece was facing the correct way. Then I measured the sides lengthwise and pinned like mad so the fabric wouldn't slip. Make sure that after you pin both sides you hold it up to see if it hangs properly. Looks like I didn't pull the blackout fabric tight enough, so I would recommend laying your fabric down first and then putting the blackout fabric on top. Now that all is pinned in place, make sure the setting on your machine is correct because tearing out stitches in the blackout fabric is a nightmare. As you are about two inches from the end of the stitch your needle will break. This will cause a slight delay because you have to put in a new needle, rethread the machine and make sure you have all the pieces. While you are at it you might as well check the bobbin holder and make sure the tip isn't visible. This will require a screwdriver and some patience. When you're finished with the sides of both curtains then sew the top. I folded the edge down a little and then made my whole for the curtain rod. Make sure that after it is pinned, but before you sew you check to make sure the curtain rod goes through. Oh yes, while you're doing this you might realize that because you bought an oval curtain rod you will need a screwdriver, measuring tape, and some time just to hang the rod. So please, read all instructions carefully before hanging. Now that you have the tops complete you may hem the bottom of the curtain. I recommend holding the curtain in front of the window to see how much of a hem should be made. This might be less then previously thought, but don't be concerned; just monitor and adjust. Excellent, now one curtain is complete. Let's move on to the next one. One problem, the thread has just broke and you've discovered that the needle is cracked. Simple fix; there are 3 more needles in the case that are brand new. Except, upon closer examination you notice that all the needles have a slight slip alongside the eye hole. Well, it's 9 PM and you can continue tomorrow. I now realize that is not just a 30 min. show, but don't worry we can continue all week.

Now since a new mattress is arriving on Wednesday, now would be a good time to tidy up the bedroom. This involves hanging pictures of Eli and Spencer's graduation. At this point it is a good idea to gather up all the photos that have been printed so you have a good idea of what to work with. At this point you will remember that your 4x6 photos are slightly too big to fit into the 4x6 photo frames. So, dig through all your scrapbooking things and look for your paper cutter. If you can't find that in a timely matter; say, 3 min. then improvise. Your seam gauge that you use for sewing will work and the pair of scissors that are used for everything might cut through the pictures. When cutting make sure you cut off the bottom of the photo and not the heads. Now that all the pictures are in the frames it is time to lay out the frames on the floor so you can get a feel for the look. After deciding which layout is best you will need to find your hammer and some nails. I recommend that when you open the nail container that the nails don't spill all over the floor. This tends to be difficult to pick up. OK, hold the picture frame against the wall to decide where to put the nail. Since the frame is in your left hand, the nail is being held in your teeth and the hammer is in your right hand, things can get a little tricky. After setting the frame aside, gently pound the nail into the wall and position the frame to hang straight. Now comes the fun part. You have to hang the other frames with equal space so they look right. Make sure the nail will fit into the slot. Oh wait, my nails are too big and I don't have any that are smaller. Well folks, I guess we only hang one frame tonight. The good news is: we have one finished curtain and one hung frame. Don't worry about the other curtain and the other two frames. That will take care of itself another day.

P.S. For all who are wondering. I got the mattress today. Of course I had to get it on the hottest day of the summer. Do all new mattress smell? If any of you are wondering about my sewing needles, wonder no more. I went to the quilt store to ask them and discovered I had bought quick threading needles so they're suppose to have a little slit. I never knew. I also bought needles especially for sewing the curtains. Maybe I'll have better luck.

Busy weekend

Wow, it was a busy weekend. I'll try to give all of you a fairly decent rundown of what happened.

Thursday-
I went to Quilter's Quild and signed up to volunteer at the Boise quilt show. This way I get to get in for free and I'll meet some new people. The presentation of the night was a slide show of people's sewing rooms. Let me tell you that some people have amazing spaces in which to work with their quilts. My favorite spot was a lady who quilts in her RV. We got to see pictures of inside the RV before and after she gets ready to quilt. It was very impressive and made me grateful for all my space. She sits in her passenger seat facing the rear of the vehicle and sets up a folding table. Then she uses the top of her dog crate for her ironing board. :-) [I loved that part.] When we saw pictures of people who had tons of room to work in, we also saw their fabric stash. I thought I had a lot of fabric. Let me tell you. My two bins of fabric that hold about 100 yards don't even come close to the amount I saw in the pictures. One lady had all her fabric cataloged so that she could find the fabric in her 100's of boxes.

Friday-
Carmen and I took her kids up to Emmett to see the quilt show. We left town about 1:00 after we had eaten lunch. It got a little hairy as Carmen was sure she knew the way to Emmett, but then kept telling me she didn't recognize the road. The truth was houses have just been built out that way and it's been a while since Carmen has been out there. :-) The quilt show was amazing. I was glad I hadn't entered any of my quilts in the show. They don't even compare to the quality of work I saw at the show. My favorite quilt was one done of teapots. Each teapot was a different theme. I fell in love with it and wish I could tell you each teapot there was. When we left the quilt show we headed for the festival. What we didn't know was that there aren't any cherries up there any more, so their festival is really the town fair. We were very disappointed. In order to calm Alanna who was starting to throw a fit we decided to go get ice cream. But first, we had to drive through town as Carmen was feeling nostalgic. As we passed through town we discovered some antique shops that just had to be looked at. At this point Carmen has told me all about her recent finds for cheap and she is determined to see what Emmett has to offer. Of course, it has to fit in the car, but that wont' deter Carmen. We find a parking space and unload the kids. Alanna goes into the stroller because she's tired and Ronan goes into the backpack. The first store we went into was great. I found a fantastic quilt book that has all sorts of quilts people have made over the years. It was more like an art book, but it also had patterns in the back. I bought it and we wandered out the store and down the street. The third store we went into was also interesting. Here I found a piece of furniture I would actually buy. It was a large round coffee table with a huge clock in the top of it. I didn't buy it because there wasn't room in Carmen's car. [I have since priced out new ones and that one is a steal. Problem is I don't know the store name to call and tell them I would buy it. :-( ] Anyway, after awhile we decided it was time to get ice cream. I had seen a Sonic when we drove into town and thought we could go there and sit in the car. When we got there, we decided to order dinner since it was 5:00 and we were hungry. Alanna stayed in the back so she could sit in her seat and Ronan joined us up front. At one point Carmen asked Alanna where her hamburger was and she replied that it was in her hamburger holder. With a look on my face I turned to Carmen for an answer. Carmen just laughed and said, "You didn't know our car came with hamburger holders?" I soon found out that the door handle holds any hamburger quite well.
We got back into town about 6:30 and went to Jo-ann's for some fabric. I need to make a blanket and had some coupons, so I invited Carmen along. I quickly found fabric and we wandered through the store. I also found a cool puzzle that has a lot of quilts on it. Carmen and I will work on it one night when the kids go to Grandma's. Then I found some cool square glassware. I told Carmen about something I had seen at the quilt quild. One of the ladies used a fishbowl and put all her cut thread into it. That way she didn't have to pick up the strings and it actually became art. I found a cube that I like then we spotted some bottles. I immediately picked up a short, fat one and declared it my container for string. I can't wait to fill it.

Saturday-
I worked on Rachel's blackout curtains for her room. All the fabric is cut and now I need to sew the "cute, fun fabric" to the boring blackout fabric.

Sunday-
I went to church and then came home to take a nap since I didn't feel well. In the afternoon I went up and saw Dad for Father's Day. On the way home from Dad's I went to Albertson's and bought a quart of ice cream. :-) It was so cold here though I didn't eat any of it. Instead I made some hot chocolate and warmed up with an extra blanket on my bed. :-)

Monday (Today)-
After summer school I went down to Grammie and Pa's for about 1 1/2 hours. AJ, Grammie, and I attempted the crossword puzzle, but didn't get very far. AJ had found some lemon, blackberry muffins and we split one. I had brought two plums, so we each had one. The funny thing is; AJ's was white inside and mine was deep purple. They were delicious. As I was getting ready to leave via the backyard AJ asked Grammie to show me "Monk." Monk is the sock monkey that Uncle Dan gave Grammie and that she hasn't let go of for months. Grammie showed me Monk and he was missing his entire red hat (pompom). I asked what happened and Grammie looked at me with big eyes and said, "Well, he almost got decapitated." I guess that answered that. I started laughing and asked how it had happened. Grammie just looked at me and wouldn't answer. I asked again and at this point Grammie turned to AJ and said, "Are you going to help me out here or are you going to just stand there and laugh?" When AJ caught her breath, she explained that Monk had been left in bed and Grammie had sat on him. AJ pulled on Monk's body to free him and his hat came off. Poor Monk. I told Grammie that at least it was winter and he wouldn't be too cold without his hat. I just got "the look." At this point I decided it would be a good time to take my leave and go see Dr. Peine (the head doctor).
I finally decided it was time to buy a new mattress. First I went to RC Wiley and then I went to a little Mom and Pop place that Dr. Peine told me about. After much debate and a lot of lying down I pick out a mattress. The cool thing is they make the mattresses right there in the store. I get to go and pick it up on Wednesday. I can't wait.
Besides my TV and some bookcases this is the first furniture purchase I've made. It was intimidating, but it felt good. Since I was driving by the Chaffee's house I stopped in for a visit. That lasted for 1 1/2 hours. I got home around 7 tonight and made dinner; watermelon and a cheese quesedilla. I just finished my bowl of ice cream and am also trying to chat with Eli while I finish this blog. Since I've spent the last 1 1/2 writing this lovely post I'll say good night and talk to Eli. I'll keep you updated on the mattress.

Rain, rain, more rain

If I didn't know any better I would think I live in Seattle with the amount of rain we have gotten. It has rained for the last week. On Saturday alone we had about 1". Then every night I watch the sprinklers come on outside our apartment. Yeah for timers. Oh well, it should let up soon and it is good for ground.

Summer School is going well. Today I had a problem with a child and someone who knows him just laughed and said yep that's him. Fantastic, I'm sure we'll work it out.

I've been working on my monochromatic quilt. It is the most complicated pattern I've done. Note to self: read the directions before starting; the cooler it looks the more complicated the pattern. The quilt is coming along slowing, but I hope to have it done on time. I also need to put my curtains together as it will get hot sometime soon and it will be nice to have them.

Grammie and Pa's house is getting painted. The people have been there all week scraping off the old paint and applying primer. It is quite a job and they have a long way to go. The guys are really nice and when they get kind of bored they throw the ball for Gus (Uncle Jim's dog).

I've been reading a couple of fantastic books. One is a children's book that is just cute. I would read the whole thing in one day, but I'm trying to stretch it out a little bit. :-) The other one is non-fiction and it is about the foster care system is New York. I can only read a chapter or so at a time because the material is so heavy and the wording is semi-laborious, but it's a good book.

Eli made it to Tucson, but I haven't personally heard from him. I hear he found a place to live and I hope it works.