Living the Alaska Dream

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

2012-01-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

I have tried a few new recipes so far this year!
This one was really good and I added enough pizza seasoning instead of italian seasoning that it had plenty of zip for me.

photo courtesy of Pinterest

3/4 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (I used a pizza seasoning grinder instead)

pinch of salt (optional)

pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

3/4 cup milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated paremsan cheese

1 cup cubed pepperoni

1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt and red pepper flakes (if using); whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes.

Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through. Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes: I must have added too much extra pepperoni, it didn't fit into the 24 mini muffin pans. I had to make more than that. The recipe I have said she made the extra into a full size muffin, I didn't. I might try just making the full size ones next time.

I'm thinking this would be a great finger food for a game night with a bunch of teen girls!

No excuses today!

2012-01-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

How is that we find so many excuses to work?
So many reasons why we shouldn't run out and play for a while.
The laundry. Helllloooo? It hasn't stopped yet and it isn't going to stop anytime soon. So what if it waits a while today.
The yardwork. One can just get busy with life's things and let that piece of life slide. But if you're planning, or even thinking, about something that might involve fun ... all of a sudden it is of the utmost importance to get it done. Go figure.
We guilt ourselves into not enjoying things.
Other times, to be perfectly frank, I come up with excuses.
It is too cold. Now, how do you like that one?!
We watched parades in Palmer in the freezing of winter, but it was too cold and rainy on the evenings around Christmas when we wanted to go to Glendale and see the Christmas lights.
Perhaps it borders on the lazy. Whatever the excuse is, today we ignored all of them.
I did have one daughter who wasn't so hip on the idea of going, but she went and I think she'll be the first one in the car next time. She has learned well. Stay with Mom at the mall. Don't run off with the girls!

Today we went to the other side of the valley.
I intended to stop at a Teen Resale shop and see if they would take some clothes. They weren't open yet and we know someone who could use them, so they stayed in the trunk.
Off to Ross Dress for Less.
Alyx is heading back to Alaska on Friday .... and it will be a while before she sees that store again, so time to stock up on some good deals.
I even found some glue runner tape things for scrapbooking. 5 of them for the price of 1. Sweet!
Then to Arrowhead Mall where I've never been before. I might be back there again. Very likely.
The girls got to use up some gift cards ... and more stores for Alyx that she won't see in a while.

We finally made it to downtown Glendale. I wish we had been there several hours earlier or could have stayed several hours longer, but so it goes. We made it for a while.

We ate. We laughed. Mom played paparazzi while her subjects totally humored her! Even if their comments went something like, "mom .... why do you want pictures of me?!"
Quite simply, because I'm a mom.

These stolen moments, my friends, are forever treasures.

Too much time?

2012-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

Do I have too much time on my hands?
Perhaps I do and I am thoroughly loving it.
To those of you who have very busy lives with little ones right now, I know this may seem like a utopia. Crafting, running and living what looks to be the life of leisure. In actuality, it sort of feels like it somedays.
Remember, though, that we all have our own challenges at each stage and phase of our lives. Perhaps they are phases or places that we've just come through and this is our respite for a moment.
Whatever it is .... right now I am most appreciative.

One evening this week Jari ran out to dream at Barrett Jackson with Randy.
We moms and wives know what that means ... we play.
I really have been working on that New Years Non Resolution. A little at a time. Completing a page here and a page there. That evening it was quite a few pages! It feels downright fine.
This piece is the easy part and it goes pretty fast. Just adding journaling, names and whatnots to pages that already have photos on them.

I am a sentimental soul. From the very inside.
I collect things. I love old things. I love handmade and handwritten things.
I love pieces that I can tuck away and forever cherish because they will always speak to me.
In the handwriting is a voice. A smile. A laugh. A memory.
This one is currently hanging on my fridge ....

while inside ... Jari's treat is sitting.

I may have put too many lemons and not enough sugar into the concoction according to Jari.

I will never know. That is for certain!

Birthday Celebrations Galore

2012-01-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

We started our past weekend's celebration of Jari's birthday with dinner at the Rock Springs Cafe with Juha & Annette. No people pictures, sorry. We've met there often over the years. To pick up, trade, visit, whatever the case was at the time. Super fun to be able to do it again! If you're ever driving by here on the way in or out of Phoenix, it is really worth a stop. They are renowned for their pie ... which I never manage to save enough room for!

Grilled salmon dinner on Saturday and then birthday cake and coffee over at Randy & Renee's.

Jari and Randy share the same birthday ... although they might just be a few years apart. :)

We haven't had the occasion to do this for a while.

Randy has been in Spokanne while we've been in Alaska.

Now we're all back home again.

Renee made their family's traditional must have. I don't know if it is Blitz or Blintz Torte.

Either way .... absolutely delicious.

They are some goofballs. I'm telling you.

I even got to sample a piece of Trenary Toast.

Growing up in Minnesota, rather than Michigan, we called ours Korppu.

Ours didn't come in a brown bag, rather a white box.

Either way ... it all tastes the same.

Jari's mom use to make it out of pulla.

If anyone has any hints/tips/recipes/ideas of how to do that ...

I'd love to hear them.

As if we hadn't had enough of gorging ourselves, we went back to Claim Jumper

with Frans & Jenny and Ronda.

The food was delicious. Don't get me wrong.

There was just way too much of it.

I'm still feeling the effects of it.

We did have a fun evening of visiting and even a game of Settlers.

I won. Not that I'm tooting my own horn or crowing. I WON!!! I WON!!! I WON!!!

No more eating like that.

Even Jari, who can manage to put away serious amounts of food, said enough is enough.

He might even be happy to eat spaghetti!

Happy Birthday to Jari and special thanks to everyone for all the get togethers over the weekend!

I even managed to forget all about the Home Show!

Monday afternoon.

2012-01-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining.
The breeze is blowing.
It is absolutely divine outdoors!
I am home from working a few hours today.
Freezer jam is in the fridge or freezer.
And the biggest thing of all .... I actually have my hands on the computer!!
Expect miracles. :)

So .... my pondering this Monday leads me to something incredibly trivial.
We all spend time in the car. Some a whole lot more than others.
Lately, it seems like I have days where I could just move into the car with my night clothes and wake up there in the morning.
What do you do when you drive the freeways?
Do you visit on your cell phone? (I'm talking talking, not texting.)
Does an audio book play to pass the time?
Are your ears glued to the radio?
Does it depend on who is in the car with you?
It does for me.
If I'm alone .... I'm either chatting it up or totally absorbed in a book.
On the other hand, if I have kids in the car with me ... we're slugging each other.
We haven't stopped playing games. Ones that make you laugh.
We smack each other at every yellow car you see. Not just Slug Bugs.
At times it can become a wee bit distracting when you're eyeing the Target parking lot you're zooming past at 70 mph.
So far so good.

Last Thursday Brock and I were the ones riding up the freeway. They've put in medians that are too tall to adequately see over unless we're in the truck ... and we weren't. I started doing things like seeing a yellow ladder on top of a truck that wasn't yellow and figuring it was fair game. Not really fair. So we moved on to the next game.

The alphabet game is one we have played since the kids were wee ones. Search for the letters of the alphabet in order on signs, license plates, billboards, wherever you can. Inside your own car doesn't count. They always try that. It may seem juvenile. However, it lends to some good healthy competition. Now that we live in a metropolis again ... the alphabet is everywhere. We were sort of on Round #2 of our alphabet thing and getting close to home. Without a Q in sight. How do you stop at a Q when you know there is one just down the road a ways? You don't.

We got our Q's ... and Brock got us all some marvelous tasting chocolate shakes.

Even after all the times I smacked him for those yellow ladders.

Ain't he a good kid?

Banana Crumb Muffins

2012-01-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

I do love the internet at my fingertips for finding recipes. Occasionally I'll even try a new one! Alyx is working at Circle K and they sometimes have oodles of bananas they need to get rid of. Banana mashing was going on here big time!

This recipe was a new one for me and is certain to delight!

Banana Crumb Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.

In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another owl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.

Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

*** My additional tidbit of advice:
Change clothing into loose fitting britches before beginning the eating. They are divine.

Wednesdays Wild Wingings

2012-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Wednesday started with the moon this morning. I've been wanting moon pictures lately. Probably helps that it is full and in the evening as it rises over the horizon I just keep seeing endless possibilities! This morning I saw it heading over the other end of the horizon. I really should have gotten a picture of myself trying to get a picture of the moon. It was quite hilarious. Maybe I'm more limber than I give myself credit for. I was also quite thankful that the sprinklers start on the opposite side of the yard from where I was doing some sort of yoga position with a camera.

While I was doing my calesthenics out in the backyard the sky was looking all shades of fun sunrise colors to the other horizon. I was giving Tia a lift to school and then headed out a short hop down the raod to try and catch the sunrise. Apparently, I should have been out there a wee bit earlier. Maybe tomorrow morning instead. As it was, the mountains still look beautiful against the pastel of the sky.

Moon sets and sun rises sure weren't happening inside the microwave! What the dickens! I'll bet if I asked how this happened, I'd find out "I Don't Know" has moved back into the house again. Ugh. My only consolation somedays is that they will someday live in their own homes. Let's hope they either have a maid or figure it out by then! My favorite ever household cleaner is Thieves. It makes short work of even this disaster. I love the smell of it in the house .....

so borrowing another idea from Pinterest ... I used Thieves essential oil inside these canning jars rather than lavender. I don't know why, but I'm just not a great fan of lavender.

These are just plain ol' cheap WalMart brand canning jars.

Filled about 1/4 of the way with baking soda, to which I added 6 to 7 drops of essential oils. The heart shapes were pounded into the lids, with holes large enough to be able to shake out the baking soda as a carpet deoderizer if so desired. I'm not crazy about the gold colored tops these had on them, so I did my spray paint routine. I'm still not out of black ... yippee!! I used up some ribbon that has been sitting here much too long too dress the jars up a bit. One on the piano and one in the master bedroom ... both lightly scenting the air.

I did have a very productive day today.

The bathrooms are scoured, the tubs/showers cleaned with my second favorite bathroom cleaner.

The dust bunnies were all moved out of the laundry room and it was reorganized a tad bit.

The laundry is all done.

A little crafty to soothe the aches of scouring.

A stop at Goodwill where I found more treasures which I'll share another day.

All those make for a good day!

As good as the day can be, it just isn't ever complete without giggles and laughs from these two.

Occasionally they have a tussle. Not often.

I'm one lucky mom.

Memories and Friendship

2012-01-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Isn't it just a miracle when the memory department clicks somedays?

The pastry brush.

Finally!

I ran into Smart & Final today for a few things on my way home from work and, lo and behold,

I actually remembered to pick one up. I've looked at a few here and there, but am a bit on the picky

side when it comes to some things.

Another thing we use in this house is a lint roller.

I don't know why, but we do. The same store actually stocks them next to the chocolate

bars at the registers. A store that seems to know what my household needs.

Check this out! This would be a disaster in the making.

It is Amish Friendship Bread starter.

I made so much of this in Alaska it started being a serious precurser to Weight Watchers meetings

in my house. It has to be nearly the best thing since sliced bread.

Some unkind soul brought it to work and I promptly grabbed a bag.

The memory might have worked today, the willpower isn't doing so good.

If ayone in Phoenix (I'm not shipping this .. my sympathies!) wants a starter, let me know.

I should have plenty of it before too long.

For that matter, I might just be dropping off Friendship Bread Muffins on your doorstep to boot!

Tonight we started Monday School here in Phoenix. To try maximize space with a very large Sunday School, 6th through 9th grades have moved to Monday nights instead. It won't be every week, rather 2 hours every other week. I'll be curious to hear from some of the teachers and the people in charge how they thought it went tonight. From a teens point of view, it seemed to go well. The ~~mom~~ driver will have to find something to do for several hours. I did run through WalMart for a while and picked up a few things I needed and then went to the church and gabbed with other moms who were waiting for kids. I'd run for coffee or something, but too much evening coffee on a night before an early work morning just doesn't do much for the state of my eyeballs come morning.

Off to the pillow.
Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Planting season has sprung!

2012-01-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Probably more like the itch has sprung.
I needed some things from Home Depot yesterday and then took a detour through the gardening section with Alyx.
The bug bit. Big time.
Murphy's Law declares that now when I have the time to be playing with gardening, I don't have my own yard to play in.

We did start with a few flowers and will see if I can keep those things alive.

I used any container I could find being as my piles of pots got left behind. Now I have a serious reason to be yard sale hopping. When you're to the point of raiding kitchen cupboards for planting containers ... it's time to hit a thrift store or something.

I also started some peas. Not many, but a few. I have no clue where I'll get them to climb. I do know that I have a houseful that eat them nonstop off the vine. Duke doesn't know how to pick them, but even he loves to eat them!

I really did work on those photo albums yesterday before I started this project. I went through 4 years of scrapbook album pages and post it noted the pages that need completion. I even attempted to buy my favorite journaling pens at Office Max yesterday and they didn't sell them. I figured that counted for trying.

This shelf has been lounging around waiting for a yard sale. It arrived looking less than desirable, the back of it so bad that I would never have let it in the house. The back came off and then I started scrubbing and sanding, quickly deciding that the sanding was a waste of time. Home Depot is right down the street ... thank goodness. Spray paint that is primer and paint together, sticks to anything and covers well was the trick. I did roll some different black on it as well on the large spaces. A poly spray when I was done ... and it came into the house today. At least one can of spray paint and nearly another of poly, half of which were probably inhaled by me, had me winging yesterday. Yuck! Probably should have stayed outside one more day to air out. Today it went in our bedroom that doubles as an office. No more totes in that room! 3 totes went out to the garage ... and the shelf is fulfilling its purpose. Sweet! I do need a few more organization things and somewhere to land a printer or two. Why do we always have 2 printers?!

The scroll things on the top are a bit ridiculous, but I figured if I tried to get rid of them the entire shelf might turn out worthless. My hubby does have some interesting "Anita got loose with the skil saw" stories he could share with you. I do still have all my limbs ... might be a good idea to keep them.

Someday I'd like to back the shelf with white bead board.

Being as I was productive yesterday ... today I am being a total slug. Just might get that book read and take a nap!

Onward down the dirt road ...

2012-01-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

These were the only 3 bikes we saw on the miles of dirt.

Brave folks they are!

On to beautiful views of Apache Lake.

It has been a long time since I've seen this lake!

Onward to the Lake Roosevelt Dam ....

and the lake itself.

The Lake Roosevelt Bridge is the longest two-lane, single-span,

steel-arch bridge in North America and was painted blue to

blend in with the water and sky.

It is a beauty ....

as is the lake it spans.

I'm thinking we should take some sailing lessons.

That just looks so peaceful.

Being as returning to Phoenix was not the order of the day ...

2012-01-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

Someday I'd like to go back and do some more exploring around the Superstition Mountains. Maybe make that an all day type of thing instead of a drive by. Might be a great place to bring some visitors at the same time. I put it on the agenda for February.
Note to Mom & Dad: If you haven't been here yet ... we're going when you come down here.

I have a great fascination with old white churches. If I was to go inside, it might be sporting some beautiful stained glass and for sure the church pews wouldn't be padded. Perhaps it is a childhood memory thing. Makes me wonder if the ceiling is made of tin squares.

Canyon Lake looked very inviting as well. The temp was in the mid 60's so we didn't feel the need for a serious dip or anything like that. The beauty of water in the middle of the arid desert. Aaaah.

We did feel a need for one of these! Unfortunately, it wasn't very accomodating.

Tortilla Flats. Pretty much a stopping spot for dining, drinks and souvenier shopping.

Probably has some great hiking trails as well. I'm likely to never know.

That isn't negative thinking, just reality based.

On down the Apache Trail we went. I only yelped once. There are some places that you just need to experience. Photography (at least mine) do it no justice. There is no way to share the enormity of the canyons and cliff walls, just as I could never capture the majesty of Alaska's mountains when driving right next to them.

They mean it when they post signs here. Is this one meant as a heads up kind of thing for the driver coming up the road? I sure hope it isn't meant for the driver once he hits this curve ... 'cuz it's too late by then!

Maybe because this is the Old West, I always imagine some beautiful person in full head dress standing tall and proud on top of those rocks. Perhaps they were watching some unsuspecting wagon trail that was attempting to traverse the landscape below. I sort of like the world I live in today. Air conditioned 4 wheel drive sort of beats the dickens out of a wagon rolling along.

Another sign ... in case a person hadn't noticed that for the last 10 miles or so the road was doing this number. Maybe their eyes were closed and they had no clue. Perhaps it is for the passenger in the car!

Now that would make more sense!

Where, oh where, is that next lake?

A day spent toodling around together.

2012-01-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since we took a day and just spent it discovering

(or rediscovering as the case was today) something or some place.

Today we sort of ran away for the day.

We started out at Saguaro Lake where we toured a 3 level houseboat on the lake.

Yes, I could be rocked to sleep every night of my life.

Hmmm. Could give one some serious ideas about that retirement thing.

So many empty slips at the marina indicative of the economy.

We have no problem taking turns off the main road.

You never know where it will lead you.

We found a ranch that is rentable. That doesn't make sense.

The entire place can be reserved, as can individual cabins or rooms.

A bit too pricey for my Motel 6 travel budget, but it sure looked wonderful!

Another turn off a road led us to what I called the Nightmare.

I shuddered looking at these cacti and there were hoards of them!

They're tall as well. These weren't short, rather much taller than I am.

I was just having these horrible visions of being lost in this mess in the dark.

I'm still shuddering.

Being as the sign on the mountain seemed to say Phoenix is over thata way ...

we took the other fork in the road.

More later.

It is the New Year. Oh. My.

2012-01-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

Does that mean that I should join the rest of the world in the Making New Years Resolutions Frenzy?
Should I even bother?

I don't think I will.

So. There.

I will plan on doing a few things this year.
Resolving involves coming to definite or earnest decision about something.
The things I plan on tackling this year don't need to be definite and aren't anything near earnest.
Some may enhance my life in some way or another.
Others include just plain fun.

1. Our home needs more people visiting in it, so (borrowing this one from Gloria today) once a month I am scheduling entertaining. Lunch, dinner, dessert .... something.

2. At least every other month I want to see something new in Arizona. We have lived here a long time, though segmented now, and there are many things I have never seen or done here. Hopefully, the outing will include someone besides my lone self. My hubby and the more of my children the better.

3. Debt Free Living, or at least a few steps closer to it. Maybe I should be resolving because this one doesn't sound like too much fun.

4. Photos. This year they will move from photo boxes into some album or another.

5. Kids' Scrapbooks and photo albums will be caught up this year.

6. I won't do more than one new craft project a week until I at least spend some time on the Photos and Kids' Scrapbooks ... at least a minute or two.

7. Cookbooks abound in this house. I'm not a collector, but there are enough of them here to certainly cook one new meal every week for the next year. I'll try and share it with you and rate it. Our rating system goes something like "Should I make this once a week or once a year?" Being as my preference is for sweet stuff .... you might just see more of that than anything else.

8. Travel. This should also be in the resolution department as this falls in the earnest decision category. I'm not going far away, as in needing a passport or anything like that, but far enough to see bunches of family.

There.
That should do it.
Except for the money thing and the cooking thing, the rest just look like a whole lot of fun.

I think I can handle it.

"I think I'm going to tuck you in .....

2011-12-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

to a nursing home!"

It has been a long several weeks of work for these 2 guys, and especially for Jari whose days have been very long. He usually comes home and heads for bed after a shower and short minutes of hellos.

So for a whopping Friday Nite over here ....
the young husband of mine snoozing in the recliner, tucked under a blanket by his son.
The young man's bride sitting on a heating pad on the reclining couch ... under a blanket ... with a laptop and audio book keeping her company.

This week:

A few crafting projects got done
We got to spend Monday visiting with Juha & Annette
Tia's room still isn't touched and her pink rosette kissing balls still aren't done
New yummy treat recipes found on Pinterest (recipes that do NOT include any post Christmas dieting)
The last of the Thanksgiving cream cheese icing covered carrot bars just went down the hatch
Scheme A got finished
We celebrated 26 years of wedding bliss this week!
Christmas decorations went away this morning and the tree went out to the back yard
The year's expenses are all in Quick Books and except for a final perusal and quick fixes, they are ready for the tax man ... all papers filed or shredded
The e-mail box got emptied and/or filed into appropriate file folders this evening .. all 400 or so of them
I have been drinking way too much coffee and not nearly enough water ... I'm thirsty!
While eating the carrot bars, I realized why I did so much Christmas baking ... I'll be eating it at Easter
I learned today that rubbing alcohol works to get rid of tree sap on clothing and hands
My living room looks a whole lot bigger this afternoon
I wonder what I could do with that tree before it hits a tree collection pile somewhere
I saw more pallets today on a semi trailer and wondered when I'll be ready to go hunt some down
Do I really have to go back to work on Tuesday?!
My goal was to read one book during this Christmas break and I still haven't managed it
The treadmill was uncovered today ... not sure what that means for me!
I got to visit a friend in the hospital today
I may not have read, but I have listened to at least half a dozen audio books since the last day I was at work
I need one of those pallets to make me a blanket "basket" on wheels ... I do love blankets
We don't have any plans for New Years ... do we really need any plans?
Tomorrow morning I get to taxi Alyx to her last day of work at her caregiving job
We could really use one more car around here
I took a loooong nap this late afternoon
Tomorrow morning while I'm driving to the other side of town at 6:30 a.m. ... I may regret today's nap
Have a safe New Years Eve!

Todays Wordless Walk Through the Seasons

2011-12-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

The best laid schemes o' mice an' men

2011-12-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

today should really sound more like The best laid schemes o' moms.
I had a plan this morning.
I made it as far as Goodwill and was browsing through the store when my phone rang.
Hubby: Are you awake? Are you busy? Can you come pick up Brock ... he's busy running to the bathroom with the squirts.
Um. Sure.
Scheme gone out the window in the space a simple minute's phone call.
Brock was nowhere near where I was planning on heading.
It all worked out well.

On my way down there, I just happened to drive by the Pavillions where I've noticed a Hobby Lobby on previous pass bys.
No one would notice a slight detour, would they?

I did get a phone call as I was leaving the store. Busted!

Being as Scheme A was out of the picture ... I moved on to Scheme B. Mind you, I'm suppose to be working on Quick Books this week instead of playing with spray paint and sewing machines.

But what on earth is a girl suppose to do when she has these things within her reach?!
The metal basket was my find at Goodwill this morning. Sweet!

She decides that Quick Books really isn't that vital on this day of her life and she hauls out the trusty $20 yard sale sewing machine. I only had to mutter at it once today.

Someday I hope to have a crafting space again and maybe it will actually include a serger.

Today I french seamed because these had to be washing machine safe.

Anna got some black and white bedding for Christmas. Some polka dots and floral prints included with just plain black and white. She needed one more set of pillow cases and it was just too much fun to make these instead of buying some cheapie ones.

I wonder what the music is for and what kind sounds it would evoke if

piano keys were convinced to plunk out its tune.

Next we were on to Tia's room. It is getting some rearranging on Friday ... in pink and black.

We spray painted things today.

These became black and I spent hours making more of those tissue paper flowers.

Pink ones this time.

We'll show you when it's done.

Picture frames went pink and black.

It is going to look cute!

Tomorrow ... Scheme A.

And, okay, Quick Books.

Then again, it is our 26th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow.

Maybe I should go for a massage instead!

Warm Christmas Wishes to you and yours.

2011-12-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

Problematic Pinterest

2011-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

I have started spending time on Pinterest.

I probably shouldn't have started.

It really isn't the time consumption thing.

I am not taking away from anything else that I should really be doing,

it's the ideas that I keep finding!

Today is December 22. We have 2 days until Christmas Eve.

I still don't have any Christmas Dinner supplies in the house, although the freezer probably has

enough sugar stocked in it for a while.

The last gifts were wrapped this morning, bright and early, and everything is under the tree.

I've sort of had a problem with the limitation department this year. Ugh.

Bearing that all in mind ... I'm working on Pinterest Projects???!!!!

I went to the 99cent Store yesterday and found a double pack of crepe paper for 99cents.

Last evening (while the laundry was spinning and the kids were running) I started making crepe paper flowers. Each piece of crepe paper was cut into 24 inch strips.

Each strip of crepe paper was wrapped into a flower. I tried several ways of doing it and finally managed to find a system that worked relatively quickly.

Excuse this photo ... too much red for my camera.

After making one roll of crepe paper into rosettes, I cut a circle shape out of extra cardboard boxes that were stored in the garage. This one is double thickness, glued together.

Then the task of gluing on the flowers. My trusty glue gun is small and has been with me forever.

The makers of toasters and coffee pots could take a lesson from the glue gun manufacturer!

More rosette making ... and more gluing.

BTW, the house was still sleeping and I've got a great book going on my iphone. :)

Finally the last flowers were glued in place.

The wreath completely full.

The wreath hangs on the white paneled coat closet door which is right inside the front door.

I planned to hang it on a wreath hanger that was missing for several years and is finally found.

I prefer the fishing line look instead.

I'm not crazy about the gold ribbon either, but for now it's what I had on hand.

I do like.

Whether indoors or outdoors.

I haven't linked the idea as I'm on the wrong computer.

I'll add it later if you want to give this one a try yourself.

Next on the list .... upper case letters with fun colors or kissing balls.

But first ... maybe I should go buy a ham and some potatoes.

****************

The link as promised.

The tutorial is for a Kissing Ball and I just adapted to make this instead.

Ham and potatoes are in the house ....

maybe I should make some dinner.

One evening at a time ....

2011-12-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

we get closer to Christmas Eve.

The tree lights are shining brightly most evenings ... at least if I remember to plug them in.

The floor is still safe from needles, although I don't know how.

I do about as good at remembering to water the tree as I do at many other things.

The excitement of packages under the tree continues to grow.

Snowmen meet citrus that I found on sale at Albertson's this week.

And best of all ... all of our children are in Phoenix right now.

I didn't think we'd have them all home for Christmas, but through a miracle ... we will!

I have someone in the kitchen now who eats leftovers.

He still doesn't want his picture taken, but he is willing to give Mom a shoulder rub here and there.

Apple pie smells fill the house this evening.

I was quite sure the apples were not going to survive until Wednesday and

didn't check them until after the pie crust was thawed.

They would have survived, but by then it was too late.

Christmas pies are baked!

And ... the coffee beans.

I have taken to grinding a bunch of beans at a time.

This evening was coffee bean grinding time if I want any java at 4:00 in the morning.

That isn't a case of want ...

it's a downright must!

We made our last trip to the post office this afternoon. Kind of late, but so it goes.

I have a post office here that I absolutely love.

The line is never long.

Until today.

Today Tia and I ran to the post office and I started laughing.

It looked like I was at the Palmer post office.

Seriously.

And then I really laughed ... with gratitude to Ship and Click.

My stuff was stamped with postage and all I needed to do was drop it off.

Ooohhh ... I love it!

Two gifts left to wrap before Saturday.

Final baking slated for Wednesday.

Costco trip for ham and dinner fixin's on the schedule.

Somewhere we need to fit in a Birthday evening for Tia who turned 15 on Sunday.

Happy Birthday Sunshine!

For the past 3 years we have had a houseful of visitors following the Sunday School Program

to celebrate her special day.

This year we couldn't do that and the schedules between Christmas parties and work

schedules are just a bit challenging somedays.

And a plan to enjoy a few sights of the Christmas season the end of the week.

My goal is probably lofty, but a goal it is!

... and share a cup of Christmas Tea ...

Fantabulous Friday

2011-12-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

Back in October, I saw this board at John C. Lincoln Hospital and had this idea for my wall.

We all know how those ideas go.

In the brain, swirl around a bit, sometimes get filed never to be seen again.

Not this time!

Jenny had some frames sitting in the garage that she was willing to let go.

Much as I adore this little gem posing for us .... she sat out in the garage and was a constant reminder of the plan.

It worked.

I had everything I needed at home which meant that I could craft something without leaving the house ... at all.

Especially my kind of crafting day.

First the paint.

A day or two before I had gone through all the junk mail fliers and thrown them away.

They were not retrievable ... trust me on this one.

Grocery ads are available online. So, while sparing my kitchen counter (which I'm sure the landlord greatly appreciates!) I set to painting the frame black ... after removing precious picture and glass.

I strolled through photos on my computer and picked some that I liked, printed them in color

and inked the edges up a bit.

I started with brown inking and decided I didn't like it so added black on top of brown.

Using the glass from the frame, I cut a white poster board to size.

My new thing is splashes of red.

I don't have much of it. In fact, I just glanced around my living area (the size that I can glance around) and really don't have nearly any red!

Red felt I do have.

It actually came down from Alaska with me in a Sterlite dresser that was just plumb full of fabric stuffs.

I cut out some circles and then added some black stitching to the edges of them.

After attaching the photos and flowers where I wanted them, next came the lines. My goal was to make a blank calendar grid on the poster board. Thanks to cutting boards with loooong lines and a sharpie ... it worked. I didn't want to have my lines go through the photos entirely and completely destroy the images, so I made lines to hopefully make hints of date spaces in some places.

Voila! The finished project!

Complete with my pops of red.

I just noticed that the bottom right corner of this photo shows that the glass has a break in it.

Now that I've pointed it out ... you'll notice!

Now to hang it on the wall.
I am not a good job list maker. At all. I have lamented this maaaannnnnyyyy times and I really don't need to make much of a list.
I'm pretty good at winging things ... I've had plenty of practice.
This does what I need it to and I really like the way it turned out.
You write on the glass with a dry erase maker and start filling in things.
Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and go for it again!

If I were to schedule my entire life on this thing, it would need to be much larger.
As the outside frame size measures about 21"x27", the squares don't allow for including everyone's work schedules so we can nagivate through the week.
That would be handy.
I wouldn't need to be asking a hundred times, "what day do you work?" "where do you work today" "now how are we all getting to where we need to be tomorrow!??".
If I was to use the entire board and fill every day, I would also lighten up the photos so they are nearly hints of photos rather than full live living color. Then you could write over them and actually see what you are writing.
And .... you could color code your writing. Different colors for different children, types of activities, or whatever your little heart desires.

For now ... it works.
Should I happen to find a larger frame at a yard sale someday ... it just might change!

Dirty dishes.

2011-12-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

lots. of. them.
oodles.
and i will gladly wash them.

because they mean that today i got to spend the day in the kitchen.
i do love the kitchen.
especially when it involves things like butter and flour ... and sugar. lots of sugar.
an apron made by my dear niece amber keeping the rest of me from being dusted with flour.
a very good audio book playing in my ears.

baking sheets that have seen many years of use.
and will continue to see many more.

pieces of christmas surround the sugar.
treasured gifts.
treasured memories.

i even managed to squeak in a haircut today.

one where i actually sat down and had someone do it FOR me.

that's a biggie over here.

now a few moments to enjoy the heating pad relaxing some muscles that are in serious need of a massage.

and time for a run to the grocer for something else i forgot today and must have for tomorrow.

my memory is just a bit short these days.

Light of the season.

2011-12-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

In the middle of a city filled with the hustle and bustle of the season

we find quiet moments of peace.

The mission for today ....

2011-12-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

was to find us a Christmas tree.
There are tree lots everywhere here in Phoenix, however, we have grown to love the ones we pick ourselves. The hunt for the not so perfect tree.
We had planned on going up north on Saturday but due to the weather we postponed it.
Today was Tree Day.

Tia went with us and we headed out of town, planning to meet Annette with kids and Dave & Miranda with kids along the way.
The drive up toward our meeting spot was looking a little like we might just have a cactus in our living room ... and then maybe nothing at all!

The views of snow either left from last weekend or newly sprinkled brightened our day!
The tree situation was not looking any better.
Maybe we'll do table top trees this year? We could probably do many, but the permit only allows for one per family.

I have to tell you that Costco is only a few miles away. They sell, I'm sure, beautiful trees.
As do WalMart, Target and nearly every store around.
Between my house and all those lovely convenient tree shopping experiences are only a "few" stoplights. Not any of this absolutely beautiful scenery that we were witness to today.

And then ... what to my wonderful eyes should appear! A tree ... or two!

With enough snow to make snowballs and sunshine to warm the day to a beautiful 25 degrees.

We tromped through snow, found our perfect trees, and headed back for a bonfire complete with hotdogs, marshmallows and hot cocoa. And visiting. Oh, but I do love visiting. Juha wasn't able to join us as he is off toodling across the country. His kids were seriously missing him today. They got to cut the tree, drag the tree .... all that good stuff that dad must usually do.

The license plates are from the three rigs that went today. Fun, hey?

After a beautiful afternoon enjoying fresh air and sunshine, we all headed home with our trees secured to our rigs ... through all those same beautiful vistas again. Lucky ducks we are.

The smell of fresh cut pine is wafting through the house tonite.
Maybe tomorrow we'll work on getting it decorated.

I believe we have started a new tradition in our family.
Now we'll just wait and see how many of the munchkins want to join us next year!

Today's Learning Lesson

2011-12-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

In case you don't know how many hours of sleep your body requires ....
today I learned to start with 7.5 hours.
From there you apparently adjust up or down depending on how you feel?

That would mean that if I need to be up at 4:30 tomorrow morning, and if my math skills are up to date, I should really be laying my head on my pillow at 9pm.

Hmmm.

I don't think, unless I've been so sick I couldn't see straight anymore, I've ever been to bed that early.

How on earth have I survived this long?

There was something else I was dangerously close to learning today.

(This is what happens when patients are listening to "educational" daytime tv while recovering.)

It had something to do with thread count of sheets.

I quit listening.

Advent Program

2011-12-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you.

As still as I tried to keep a camera .... these kids just don't stand still enough!

This would be about 1/3 of the Sunday School.

The numbers have certainly grown.

I didn't manage a picture of the Kindergarten class at all.

I certainly tried.

They were pure darling!

This would be the 9th grade class.

Seems like only yesterday that my littlest one was starting Sunday School.

Tonight she sang in her last Sunday School Program.

Mary was amazed to hear

tidings from an angel:

"You shall bear the Son of God,

Christ, the Lord and Savior!"

'Tis the season ...

2011-12-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

of festivities and life as busy as you can possibly make it!
I know what I did this week and it was full.
Very full.
Christmas came to our house with the exception of the tree.
I've baked my first double batch of sugar cut out cookies and decorated with blue. I'm hoping no on thinks they are Hanukkah cookies. I asked one of the girls and they said "what??" I think I'm safe.

We were suppose to be at the Grand Canyon today getting a Christmas tree. This sounds just a bit ridiculous, doesn't it? We've sort of fallen in love with the Charlie Brown trees we've had the last several years and aren't quite ready to go back to the fake tree or the tree lot buy. We picked up a permit to cut our own (and drive 4 1/2 hours for the privilege) and hopefully this week we'll have one in the house. I have no clue where it is going to fit, but we'll find a place I'm sure. Tree hunting didn't work today as the north country was getting plenty of snow. Does that bother us? It sounds like it, but really it doesn't. Driving in it with folks who aren't use to it does bother us. Icy roads under snow bother us. We decided that risking our lives for a tree probably isn't worth it ... at least not today.

Not getting a tree freed up all kinds of other possibilities for the day and evening. Alyx and I ran and did a wee bit of shopping. I delivered gifts to the US Postal Service so they could deliver them to whomever they were addressed to. :) Done! Cards went out earlier this week. Check that one off the list. I'm sure I'm missing folks on my list ... if you're expecting one in your mailbox and it doesn't show up, it has more to do with my malfunctioning brain cells than pure neglect.

I had several places I would have liked to be this evening. Several outdoor activities and a church service as well. The outdoor activities were nixed because I decided it was too cold. Too cold?!! Yes. The wind was blowing, the rain falling intermittently, the clouds black and nasty. I stayed home and took a nap instead. I'm going to regret it later I know. But for tonite ... it feels awesome to sit here and relax.

Last evening, after knowing we weren't headed north today, I spent some time online trying to figure out how to take night shots with my camera with the plan to be places this evening that would give me the opportunity to practice a bit. My brain just can't keep all this stuff in it and remember everything else as well. It would probably help if I used the camera a bit more and worked at learning those camera settings. It quite obviously isn't important enough to me. My brain starts to glaze over when I try to comprehend photography related things. I set up the niftiest looking tripod you've ever seen last night. Bar stool with books piled on top variety and started taking shots around the living room minus the trusty flash that I detest.

( A very special gift from my godparents, Audrey & Harry, for our 25th wedding anniversary.

We were married in Faith United Lutheran Church, making this very fitting.)

(Another treasure ... a nativity set made by my mom complete with the manger made by my dad.)

Tomorrow evening we celebrate Advent with the Advent Program. The Sunday School is too large to accomodate one Christmas Program so there are 3 programs: Advent, Christmas and Easter. Tia is in the Advent program. It could almost make me weepy and nostalgic. This will be the last year of Sunday School programs for us as she gets confirmed this summer. Oh, but time just seems to have wings somedays.

Special Thanks on this Thanksgiving weekend.

2011-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

I have pondered how to best share this story and feel that I must share it with you.It is quite a miracle and a great way to celebrate a Thanksgiving weekend.

This story began a long time ago.

Jari's family moved here from Finland when he was but a year old. They were assisted in coming to America by his maternal aunt, Martta. Martta was always a large piece of their lives and passed away from cancer several years ago. Even most of my side of the family has met Martta as she had been to visit in our home numerous times.

Jari had a cousin, Martta's son, who had passed away as well and his children were lost to this side of the family. About six years ago, I spend a lot of time trying to find them and every road came to a dead end. It was just not meant to be at that time in our lives.

In the past several weeks the family has been contacted by a gentlemen named Bob. He is no relation to the family at all, but was looking for his boyhood friend ... who happened to be Jari's first cousin. Bob has the great fortune of living on the east coast, where they all lived at one time, and has access to resources that are difficult for us to touch being so far away.

In his journey to find his friend, who he found was deceased, he made an astounding discovery. Martta also had another son. We may never know all the pieces of this story and why things went the way they did but the second son, Geoff, was placed for adoption at birth. He was raised by a very loving family for whom we are extremely grateful and thankful. I can't imagine what a person goes through when they start the journey to find their "birth" family. Adoption records were sealed and although he spent much in the way of time and energy, he was unable to discover anything to help him in his quest. Until recently. Bob, through some chance of fate, shares the same last name as Geoff's birth mother did although they are no relation. Bob shared the same last name as his best friend when they were growing up together, something they often marveled over. At some point Geoff learned the name of his birth mother, knew he had a brother and just recently contacted Bob in hopes that he was finding his brother. What he found instead was a gentlemen who was willing to help him find the links he had been searching for. For Bob had already been talking to the rest of the "birth family" in the past several weeks.

This past weekend we received an e-mail that gave the Marjanen family a nephew. Gave them a cousin. Telephone calls were made back and forth while we waited to see a picture of our newly found cousin. We now have a face to put with a name and are most anxious to meet him someday soon. He is anxious to meet his kin as well. Facebook has allowed us to share pictures of his birth mother. Someday, over a cup of coffee, we hope to share the pieces of her life that we knew with the son who was never able to meet her.

Along the way we have also found one of those cousins for whom I searched 6 years ago. We are hopeful that at some point we can meet them as well.

Over the weekend while we were quickly learning all sorts of new things, I had to really marvel at what a miracle it all is. Quite often I have to say I've been a member of the Instant Gratification Society in my life. Just as often I have heard, "All in God's time." This weekend was His time. For it didn't matter how much one would have wanted it before, it was not meant to be. The treasure was waiting for when the time was right. We are thrilled.

I am quite confident that we will meet Geoff before too long. I hope we can also meet Bob someday. Several weeks ago he was a complete stranger, unknown to any of us. He set out to find a friend ... and then to help one. He has brought so much joy to so many lives.

We can simply give thanks.

A Thanksiving full of reasons to be thankful.

2011-11-24T22:42:00.000-08:00

Dining outdoors.

Delicous goodies.

Palm fronds swaying in the breeze under skies that shifted between clouds and sunshine.

Bare feet in green grass.

Hands that can play a game.

Family to play with.

Newborn smells and snuggles.

Duke ... our crumb cleaner ... who loves to eat ice.

Jenny who had Sonic ice ... not intended for Duke!

Brian who adds a touch of wit to our days.

Kierstyn who has a bit of a competitve spirit.

Trina who was content to just sit and watch.

Taryn who is just all around sweet.

Natasha, whose immediate family is not close by, but who now lives close to us.

Funny moments that make us laugh.

Thankful that we were able to enjoy the company of four of our children today.

We missed Brock, who is in Minnesota, but were able to chat many times by phone today.

Thankful for daughters who are also sisters.

Thankful for my wonderful husband.

God has richly blessed our lives.

Motivation Monday

2011-11-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Mighty nice to have the ~~day~~ week off!

Saturday Salmon Success

2011-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

I found a WalMart! One I can find things in. One that has things. Like good canning jars.
I am over the moon. (Maybe that is a slight exaggeration ... but I'm nearly there.)
Saturday activity over here included this new little gadget that enables us to can things outside.
Perfect!
It will also allow us to deep fry things outdoors.
Maybe we'll finally try deep frying some halibut.
I have deep fried absolutely nothing inside my house for years.
Donuts?

We hauled down a little less than 50 pounds of salmon with us. The good stuff. :)

Much of the salmon was frozen in the Ziploc variety of vacuum seal bags.

Last year I really don't remember a problem with them. This year we have a problem.

Maybe we've moved the fish too many times and handled the bags a little more than they liked.

Either way, some of the fish needed to be canned before it was no good anymore.

We got it done while enjoying the beautiful 70 degree day outside today. Pure delightful especially when you hear temps from places in Alaska ... like Fairbanks. Yoikers but it is downright chilly there.

Then we moved on to juicing green stuff.

We tried 1 bunch of kale, 4 stalks of celery, 2 cucumbers and 2 granny smith apples.

Then I made sure it was equally divided.

If I'm going to drink this .... so is Jari.

No cheating going on here!

It was downright nasty.

The kind where you are sorely tempted to plug your nose and gulp it down.

I skipped the nose plugging and tried the chugging.

Even that didn't do it!

It went down the hatch .... barely.

To be perfectly honest, if I had to live on it I would undoubtedly develop a taste for it.

The thought of living on it makes me have pangs of starvation.

The resulting full stomach was nothing like the fruit drink.

This one had me inhaling a bowl of potato chips an hour later.

So much for that idea!

I'll do it again tomorrow tho'. What else am I going to do with all that kale in the fridge?

The apples ... a pie would work right fine.

The cucumbers ... maybe on a sandwich or just plain.

The kale? I'm going to be juicing ... and drinking.

After having Dean & Keilah with family over this late afternoon, and dinner, they headed on to the next house. Super fun to have them over. I took a video on my phone of the activity going on over here and forgot to stop recording at the length where I could still send it off the phone. Went too long and now I can't. It was good giggles.

After they left I realized what day today is.

Yes, I know it is Saturday.

The date?

The 19th.

Crud.

That means tomorrow is the 20th and there is a bake sale at church.

And I signed up to bring something.

And I forgot.

Until 7pm Saturday night when I'm down to 1 cup of sugar in the house.

I'm baking .....

Turning new leaves ...

2011-11-18T23:01:00.000-08:00

or maybe we're just trying to find spring in what seems like fall.I'm talking about the act of aging.
We aren't getting any younger around here.
Neither are you and it makes me feel a wee bit better. (grins)
What is it that makes a person start to take notice of life and the way they feel?
Makes one want to have a little more energy in their day? Feel a little better?
I'm not ready to make a lifestyle change that won't be with me forever.
I'm not really intersted in fad food changes or life changes that come and go. I hope that won't be me.
In the past few weeks, Jari and I have been on sort of journey of health exploration.
We all know what is "suppose to" be good for us. That basic food group thing. Everything in moderation. Exercise. Yadada.
I'm not good at any of it. Especially the exercise category. I am not going to be a fitness guru. Ever. Should that unlikely thing happen ... do something like slap me. I'm serious.
We are going to try some new things around here. I'm not sure the kids will be on board with it ...
but you never know!
The beginning of this week I ordered a juicer. Last night when I came home it was sitting in that beautiful Amazon[dot]com box outside the door. I went with a less expensive juicer than the one I saw being used on the highly motivating Fat Sick and Nearly Dead that we were led to. (Absolutely fascinating by the way!) This one was rated well wherever I looked and will do the job. Should this end up being a passing fancy .... at least I won't have spent oodles of money. It did lie about one thing. An apple does not fit in the chute unless you're using little things you picked off your own tree.

This morning I juiced fruit. I am not crazy about eating fruit and vegies. I like some of them, but to sit down and eat a bowl or plate of fruit for me is near torture. Anything laced with or coated in sugar? Bring it on! Not fruit. Today I tried. 2 good size apples, 2 pears and probably 2 cups of red grapes went through the juicer. Then I proceeded to drink all of it ... and felt like I had just downed Thanksgiving dinner. Full to the point of needing a nap and taking one out in the sun! Full for HOURS ... most of the day. I won't do that again! Tomorrow I'm sharing with Jari and we can both be stuffed.

Tomorrow I'm also going green vegie shopping. I have never eaten a piece of kale in my life. I'm telling you .... I'm a little selective in my vegie eating. I thought I was doing good with craving green beans several years ago. I'm still not ready for beets. Maybe I'll drink them instead.

I am cooking dinner tomorrow. I'll continue doing that. Otherwise, we're juicing breakfast and lunch.

Don't let that scare you away from visiting us. I still have eggs and bacon in the fridge. And .... I'll still make you the world's greatest pancakes topped with fruit, syrup and whipping cream.

I might just drink my fruit while you eat the rest.

Thanks to my friend Ronda, who was willing to join me this morning, we took a "stroll" up a wee little hill. In the scheme of mountain hikes, it is a stroll. For me who doesn't do any wee mountain strolling, it was a great accomplishment to 1) get shoes on feet, 2) get out the door and 3) walk outdoors and enjoy it! I've been getting a little frustrated with myself. The weather is beautiful. The wind isn't howling. I don't need hat/mitts/boots. Why is it so hard to get into a routine of just getting out there?! I'm planning on this becoming a routine as well, although it might involve some serious self talk ... or a like minded person who is motivating.

All in all ... it was a grand day.

This evening we had visitors!

We were blessed with a new nephew on Wednesday. Dustyn Ray is a first boy in a family that has 6 girls. God figured they were ready for a boy and blessed Frans & Jenny with a strapping healthy one.

This picture was taken at the hospital Thursday evening.

Photo courtes of i-phone.

Tonight he came over to visit with part of his family.

I hope salmon chowder doesn't make him cranky and he lets his mommy sleep tonite.

In other exciting news ....

Alyx got 2 jobs today!

She will be doing in home care 2 days a week and working at a convenience store up the street the other 5 days. She's going to be a mighty busy girl for a while! Congratulations!!

I mowed the lawn today and wondered why I couldn't just shove all that wet grass through my juicer. I could drink for a week! We sort of overseeded and have a barely cuttable hay field growing. I have to figure out how to change the sprinklers so they quit watering it twice a day. Looks good though!

It is getting downright close to being Saturday morning.
The girls are off and running, Jari has gone to sleep and the house is nice and quiet (because the klunky dryer finished its thing). The windows are open and I'm hoping the temp in here is below 70 in the morning. A sweatshirt would feel kinda good!

Have a safe and happy weekend!

oh. my. gosh.
Duke just started up some little barking in his sleep. I wonder what he is dreaming about.
Fred? Dog bones? Moose? Oreo?
His barks sound like little puppy yelps.

I tell you ... it's a wonderful week!

2011-11-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

... and it's only Tuesday!

Monday I was working in Tempe and spied this view on my way home.

I don't dare haul a camera with me to work anymore, but I couldn't believe my eyes!

I've never seen corn growing on the reservation.

Ever.

I'm back to work. I secured a prn/pool position and was looking at working 2 days a week.

However, knowing how those things work ... there is never a guarantee.

You're the first to be axed off the schedule if the census plummets or the "normal" folks

arent' taking time off. Today I was offered a benefited part time position!! Yippee!!

I'm doing okay with the early mornings and managing to get to work on time.

I also found something fun today. I can do my phone chats to other places on my drive home.

Catches people at a decent time of the day .. perfect!

For now my life looks like it will involve working three days a week ... some shorter than others.

Still time to refinish furniture and maybe try my hand at that crochet hook again.

Maybe I'll even remember my own glasses on Thursday and won't have to wear the Target dollar cheaters that I found in the car.

Thank goodness they were there ... I'd not have seen a thing today!

Alyx has an interview tomorrow ... send up a little prayer for her and cross your fingers!

In with some ... out with others

2011-11-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

I managed it! My eyeballs were open at shortly after 4:00 a.m. Friday. I would have never thought it possible. That is a totally unacceptable hour to be getting up for work ... unless you consider the traffic at that hour. It is absolutely delightful. As in nearly non existent. I got to work nice and early, having the opportunity to sit in the parking lot for about 30 minutes. Back in Alaska, I spent many of my short morning drives to work doing a 10 minute phone chat with someone. Time zones worked well for that. Not anymore. I can't call anyone in Alaska at 3:30 in the morning. Well, I suppose I could. They probably wouldn't appreciate it. Minnesota is nearly the same thing. So it goes. I sat in the dark car with a well lit cell phone finding something to do. Kind of makes you feel like you're sitting in a fish bowl ... in a bowl of piranhas. Not the most comfortable feeling in the world. As I was assured many times during orientation by security and others, the hospital is not exactly in a great part of town. The day went well and I'm looking foward to next week!

Jari and Alyx went up to Colorado Thursday morning and came home Friday evening. One of those flying (in the truck) trips and on a mission. They helped move the rest of Juha and Annette's to Prescott! Thursday evening I cleaned the garage. It doesn't really matter how much a person tries to pare down their worldly goods ... they still exist and get shuffled all the time.

There really was an ulterior motive for getting this done. I really wasn't bored or anything. I cleared a spot for a treadmill that was coming home in the load from Colorado. Today it is in its spot and I am hopeful that it gets as much walking time as everyone thinks it will!

Friday morning I hit this dresser. No, I really didn't hit it. The girls were busy cleaning out their bedrooms. I actually have bags of clothes for donation!! Yippee!! This dresser is going in Anna's room and it needed a little facelift. This is one of those pieces that Jari brought home right before we moved. Not a sturdy thing, but functional with some fun looking form.

It is now shiny black. The drawer pulls on the dresser aren't the metal they appear to be. They're cheap plastic stuff. Now I'm trying to find new handles. Must need a trip to Ikea, because finding 4 inch drawer pulls isn't as easy as I thought it would be.

After this one is in place, I think (as far as I can remember) I have two pieces left to do. Smaller projects and super fun. Good thing I know where that sander is!

Scored at a few yard sales this morning. Scrubs from one of them and Western garb at another. I've been wearing surgical department scrubs for the past 4 years. Gosh, I miss those things. Peel them off and toss them in the laundry basket when you leave for the day. Show up in the morning and pick a pair. Depending on how much you ate the nite/week/month before, you chose a larger size. Mighty convenient. That convenience has gone out the window ... and I now get to launder (and purchase) my own. Today's find helped out a bit in that area!

Tonight we are attending a Western Dinner Fundraiser ... in western dress. Those not dressed in western garb will be penalized. I think we're good to go. It promises to be a super fun evening!

Nearly a week?! An entire week?!

2011-11-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

What on earth have I been doing????
Well ... I tried crocheting some more foot things and ended up starting a scarf instead.
I'll wait on the slippers for some other time in my life.

I've wrapped Christmas gifts. Wrapped! (That means that first I had to create.) Anna walked into my closet today and found my stash. Ooh La La. I've been having fun. I'm not done, but the big things are done and wrapped. Tags ... ribbon and all. I might be done by Thanksgiving for the first time ever in my life.

Today Jari is doing much better. I really need to get copies of medical files from different places and have a file cabinet for them. He had two massages last week and saw the chiropractor twice. Our guess is stress. Stress can do such unseemly things to a person. So many physiological symptoms that can get to the point of totally debilitating (sp?). Through the miracle of Young Living's Essential Oils and a combination of other things ... I think we're on the road to being back to the normal energy levels and feeling well. Thank God. Now I could really use a massage ...

The weekend brought a houseful of giggling girls to celebrate Anna's birthday.

(We're msising one in this picture. She was probably doing her hair or something like that.)

Oh, I love it. The giggling and laughter. Let it always be that way. Anna turned 17 last week. I can't hardly believe it myself. How can that be? Where has the time gone and what have we done with all of it?

She's already got the itch to be out on her own in a place filled with friends. I'm probably not going to have her laughing in my house for too many more sleeps. I'll enjoy them while I can.

Then again .... once she moves out I may have this back again.

We sold the Tahoe when we left Alaska. Jari found a screaming deal on this Chevy Classic. I'm not a fan of riding so low to the ground, but I'm getting use to it. I also love the way it whips a u-ball in the middle of nearly anywhere. And that is saying nothing of the gas mileage. Not so hot in town with the air conditioner running, but we manage to put on mega miles. 30 mpg on the trip to Flagstaff when we went. Not bad! I'll ride the pavement for that! We've added a few things like new brakes, rotars, tires and tint. I'm hoping it lasts long enough so I don't have share another vehicle with my offspring.

After a very refreshing weekend at Bible Camp, we started our Monday.

It has been 2 months since I worked. To be perfectly honest, last week I was ready to head back to work. I have projects. I have LOTS and LOTS of projects. They aren't all done, but when I can spend several hours in the morning doing digital scrapbooking ... it might be time to add a little work to my week. I had days where I felt like I got nothing done. I should have run to visit somewhere, but I'm a creature of homebody habit. Not always a good thing, but I did get some scrapbooking done!

Today I started orientation at St Lukes. I've been down there, downtown, several times and at the most, it has taken me 20 minutes to get there. I left in what I thought was plenty of time today, 45 minutes early. And then I ran into a nasty bit of traffic.

I could have screeched! Then, I'm nearly to the hospital and I get to wait for a school bus that looked to be picking up an entire busload of kids at one stop.

Stress? I was getting there. Even worse was the fact that I was missing the breakfast they were offering of cheese danishes and coffee. That was enough to get my blood pressure up. I made it. I survived the day of hospital policies and one corporate plan after another for one thing or another. In nursing school I learned to sleep with my eyes open. I tried that today, but it has been too long. Either I've forgotten how, or my eyelids have aged and won't stay up there on their own. 3 1/2 more days of this torture this week. Next week I get to start the fun stuff .... and have days off to play.

I came home to our eldest daughter sleeping in the extra bedroom. She made it! It was a table full of giggling girls at dinner ... each voice outdoing the other. Now she gets to start the job hunt that is so much fun!

We've had a decent amount of rain over the weekend. Enough to make the block fences wet by morning.

The weather has cooled off to the point where I actually closed a few of the windows for the night. Getting up the 67 degrees in the house on Sunday morning did that one.

I hauled out a pile of blankets for when we gather out on the patio in the evenings ... dodging sprinklers and watching the grass grow.

I think I like it.

Easy Dinner Nite

2011-11-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

This was one of those clipped out of a magazine recipes. I wasn't sure I'd ever use it, but tonite I tried it. I'll recommend it as a once in a while as long as you doctor it up a bit.

Beef Taco Skillet

1 lb ground beef (or whichever critter is filling your freezer)
1 can (10-3/4 oz) Campbells Condensed Tomato Soup
1/2 cup Pace Chunky Salsa
1/2 cup watter
6 flour tortillas (6"), cut into 1" pieces
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook beef in skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to seaparate meat. Pour off fat.
Stir in soup, salsa, water and tortillas in skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 min. Stir. Top with cheese.

Cooks note: I added black beans to the mix and then topped it all with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. It isn't spicey at all, so if you need some zip to your food .... find something to add. Wish I had guacamole in the fridge today as that would have been a good addition. While this isn't a dish that I would make once a week, it'll work for a real quick dinner. Make it real fast by having your meat already browned and frozen in the freezer. (I'm not adhering to the nutritional loss of precooked and frozen meat. I just go for convenience.)

Happy dining!

First and most important ....

2011-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

My hubby is home. He's still not feeling good. Still having the same symptoms, just not nearly as bad as before. This is a great puzzle over here.He did drive today and was out for a bit.
Progress.
It may take a while, but a little better every day is a fabulous thing.

On Saturday while he was taking one of his many naps, this came to live with us.

My plan was to refinish it black. Shiny black. I've changed my mind. Apparently, refinishing a piano and getting it shiny black is not the easiest thing in the world to do. Will probably take me more than an hour or two .... and maybe I like it just the way it is. Either way, I am thrilled.

The three gals in this house have been missing the ability to sit and plunk out a tune or two. I do want some piano lessons for the girls. At least give it a try and see how it goes. Maybe someday I'll take some more myself. The only problem with this one is that there is no cover for the keys. I guess we'll have to take up dusting.

I've been trying a few different things lately. I tried felting slippers out of wool roving and they promptly went in the dipsy dumpster. I really should have taken a photo of them before I pitched them. Oh. My. They were quite interesting.

Then I moved on to crocheting slippers and felting them. I haven't crocheted anything for years. I started with these slippers. The crocheting went well, at least I thought so. Today they went into the washing machine for felting. They need a little fuzz patrol to clean them up. But worse than that .....

I really don't know what the dickens they need. I don't know what happened here.

Sort of looks like it was an orthopedic surgeon who designed this pattern. You think? I'll be flapping and tripping all over the place. Maybe I'll try and do some cutting and sewing to see if something can be salvaged out of this project. So far .... my projects are better left to digital scrapbooking!

Digital. Scrapbooking. I mentioned the loss of scrapbook pages before? While Jari was in Minnesota, our BIL Joe gave him a suggestion toward restoring our computer that had bit the dust. Voila! I could have done a jig but that would mean exercise. I could have done a cartwheel but that would have involved the aforementioned orthopedic surgeon. I could have burst into song ... need I say more. My pages got moved from the scrapbook program and ALL of them are now safely on the external hard drive. I could have redone them. I would have. I'd already started on that. However, there are days when some pictures come together just the way you want them to and recreating the whole thing just doesn't do the trick. I have massive printing to get done ... sometime after I get a paycheck or two.

I'm sure there are tomatoes that are better for drying than the ones that are one sale at Fry's this week, but I hauled home a bunch of them. The dehydrator is going gangbusters and Jari has new snack food.

He's a wee bit strange about some things. He's not eating my pulla faster than I can make it. He's emptying this container of any dried fruit or vegie that I put in it.

Next on my list ... beef jerky.

If you've made jerky before, which cut of meat is best to use? I can have the butcher slice it for me, but does anyone have any suggestions? Let me know!

Garsh. I need a nap.

Thankful

2011-10-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Thankful that we didn't need to use the blue button.

Jari has not been feeling well for the past several weeks.

He has traveled anyway and got home yesterday afternoon.

Last evening we went to run an errand and then planned to

visit a dear elderly friend at the hospital.

The errand was aborted and the visit to hospital ended up being

to the ER instead, with a level of discomfort that gave

the blue button a new meaning.

(I know a place that could use these lovely covers to prevent the accidental "code".)

Thankful for the wonderful care in the Emergency Room at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley.

We were able to enjoy the comforts of the emergency room until nearly

one o'clock in the morning when they moved him to a room in the

Cardiac Care Unit for the night.

By the time he was moved he didn't have a clue what time it was

and was slumbering nicely, thanks to the miracle of pharmaceuticals.

I do have to say that I was beyond exhausted and while looking at

the thermometer on the wall that fluctuated between 68 and 69 degrees,

I remembered that at that temperature I wear socks ... not flip flops.

The socks were at home.

(I grab ideas wherever I go ... I saw this board and deicded that I need one!)

Thankful for the wonderful care of doctors, nurses, and all the others.

Who never, at least obviously, raised an eyebrow

when the answer to "Where are you employed?"

was followed by "I'm not."

The answer to "Do you have inurance?"

was answered by "I don't."

In fact, special thanks to the doctors

who made sure tests were run today so it

would all be included in the same visit.

Thankful for negative test results.

I've been on the other end of this equation many times.

It is frustrating to not be given some concrete reason for your problems.

On the bright side, the only part of his anatomy that hasn't been studied

is his heart.

Today it was.

The EKG showed no damage.

The lab results showed no problems.

In fact, his cholesterol is low enough that I rescinded my threat of

"no more butter or bacon".

He had an echo done right before he was discharged to home.

That result will come in the next day or two.

It was on to a dinner of hospital prime rib

and then on home.

I'm thankful he's crashed in the recliner chair, snuggled in a warm sweatshirt and a blanket.

Later we'll deal with the rest of it.

For now, last night was a short one and tonight could probably

be a wee bit longer.

Thankful for the elders who touch our lives.

While Jari was off having a stress test today, I ran up a floor to visit Florence,

making up for last night when we never made it.

I hope she doesn't mind my sharing a picture of her.

I love her smile.

It is absolutely beautiful.

I know she has grandchildren who would love to be sitting at her side and can't be.

This is for them.

While living in a rain forest has never been ....

2011-10-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

on my list of wants in this life,

having one in your own backyard isn't half bad.

The winter grass seed is planted and growing ...

and when I took these pictures last week ... it was still growing.

Maybe in patches, but growing.

This week it is even longer and I haven't been able to start the lawn mower.

Today ... my lawn mowing hubby rolled into town!

He's home after being gone on a long jaunt around the midwest.

So glad to have him home!

Today I also acquired another badge to add to my pile.

Assuming that my background check doesn't turn up anything untoward,

I start orientation at St Luke's in several weeks.

I'm looking forward to a whole new experience.

I was told that a patient stated, "It's like watching M*A*S*H here!", which means it is going to be a fun working environment. Good. I need that.

In my humble view, many times life is about trade offs.

We can't have our cake and eat it too, much as we'd like to.

Part of the icing on this cake is that, for now, I'll be working two days a week ..

during the week with no weekends, holidays or nights.

To me ... that's a great big bonus. At some point in the near future I'll cross train for another unit as well and then be able to add some more hours.

At any rate, it's icing.

The not so icing part is that it is a pool/prn position without benefits.

So benefit shopping comes next.

Gosh. I just ran to Paradise Valley Community College to pick up a course catalog for Anna. They don't have them. This is the first semester that they aren't printing them ... they need to accessed online. I'm not sure I like that. Flipping through a course catalog is kind of like Christmas Wish List dreaming through the Sears catalog as a child. I love flipping pages and adding post it notes, tearing out pages or dog earing the corners. I'm a paper gal.

Off to switch laundry and hang them out to dry on the drying rack.

A beautiful 80 degrees with sunshine and a fabulous light breeze.

The benches went from brown to red.

2011-10-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

First.

Let me preface this post.

I have 2 teenage kids living at home, not a bunch of toddlers, and they are in public school during the day.

I am not working at the moment.

My husband is on his way home from his travels, but he isn't here.

I have time to play at the moment.

If my life was in it's normal state of chaos, I wouldn't be getting this stuff done.

Whew! Done with that.

These are the cute little benches that I picked up on Saturday.

One of them is probably a One Butt Bench.

The other a Two Skinny Butt Bench.

Probably more appropriate for an extra seat outside while visiting, or holding a flower pot.

Cute regardless.

I did that Home Depot run today and I found the sander in the garage. It was a really good day. I even found sanding discs out there. Right next to the sander. Somedays life is just amazing. I didn't sand them bare, but there were plenty of paint peeling spots so I scrubbed those clean (as in with an electric whirling device) and roughly sanded the rest of the bench.

For years I have been a fan of plain old craft paint that you buy at the local craft store or WalMart. I pitched all mine when we packed (I'm telling you ... we pitched big time.) so I have nothing other than water color paints around here. Home Depot does sell these little test paint jars. Have them tinted to whatever color you choose and for $2.94 I had a little jar of Roasted Pepper tinted paint.

On to painting the benches. The day was cloudy to start with so felt downright nice. By this point, the sun was getting a wee bit toasty. At least the sweat indicator was broadly hinting at heat.

There is something about this warm and dry climate. Paint dries lickety split. Wasn't long and I was on to sanding and roughing up the paint. Makes little sense if you really think about it, but it's what I did.

I also found a little can of stain in the garage. Hubby has been working on projects as well and is accumulating things. I rubbed some stain on the benches.

Then on to polyurethane. This time I tried something different. I don't know if I like it or not yet, but I bought a spray can of poly. I was ready to pass out by the time I was done, but they got sprayed. I think it was faster than brushing or sponging it on ... and my work area was rather well ventilated. Being as Waste Not Want ~~Anyway~~ Not is my motto, I'll use up the spray can. Not sure I'll buy another one.

The benches are still sitting outside this evening. They stink. Big Time. I think one of them will live out there all the time and the other is coming inside. I'll see what I find to perch on top of it.

Now, just so you know.
Had I not gone to that yard sale on Saturday, I would have survived just fine.
I would have occasionally gone to look at a wood crafting website and dreamed of making something like these. (I still would like longer benches suitable for maybe Three Butts.)
Then I would have moved on to something else.
Ten years from now I'd still be doing the same thing.
It really wouldn't have made a difference in my life.
However, I did go that sale ... and I think the benches turned out rather cute!

And ... I got a job today so this precious play time of mine is going to be dwindling real soon. Makes them even cuter!

While my beloved is still tootling around the north country ...

2011-10-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

I think he's secretly hoping it cools off here before he gets home.

While he's been gone, I've been busy doing "catch up" on 4 years of piles.

Piles of Christmas cards are now put into books.

I save the photo cards and add them to my albums.
Right now they're out in the living room, but I typically haul them out at Christmas and we ooh and aah over how everyone's families have grown and people have changed.

I've misplaced the 2008 cards, but I'll find them somewhere. I'm quite certain they're safe.

I wish I had taken a photo on Thursday.
I ran to Joanne's for Sewing with the ladies.
I thought I was running late as the crew was very small when I got there.
Joanne, Esther Forstie and myself. It grew rapidly.

Fun visiting and I have to say that I was the youngster in the bunch!

My handwork was actually my laptop ... with photos loaded from January of 2011 and ready for scrapping.

Friday I hit some super duper sale at Joann Fabrics and hauled home enough stuff that the gal at the checkout said something like, "You have a lot of different interests!"

Yes, I do.

And as I'm finally over the anxiety of my present employment status and on to the enjoyment of it, I'm adding more interests.

Anna headed to Youth Camp at Kamp Kipa on Friday.

I still haven't made it up there after being back. Soon. I will.

This is the first camp being held up there. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Tia headed off to a sleepover birthday party and I hauled out the sewing machine for a while.

Frans & Jenny visited in the evening and we managed a rousing game of Aggravation. Perfect game if you want to get riled up without thinking.

Jenny showed me her Pinterest site. Someday I'm going to take a gander around that whole world.

For now, I'll enjoy my magazine clippings and 3 ring binders, old school that I am.

I did move over to Ana-White's site at about midnight and started dreaming of building headboards and cute little benches before hitting the pillow.

Saturday morning I did a moment or two of hemming and hawing about hitting a few yard sales.
At 8:30 I decided to give it $20 and an hour. The mission took both, including 2 stops at one sale. This Sunday morning while I'm home with a sleeping teen, I have a serious itch to go back for the 3rd time. I won't. I did find one of these which I have really needed. I've really had nothing covered to haul a salad anywhere for a long time.

I was sort of on a mission to find black bookshelves, a black dresser and just the right picture frames.

I did find this one. I've been wanting to add tin to a frame and then magnetic hooks to hang jewelry. The frame is certainly in the rustic category and might work.

On a whim, I picked this up as well. While I was loading it into the car, I was imagining hanging it outside or somewhere. Kind of cute for $3. Meanwhile, the backseat is getting quite full and I'm reminded of a blog I found to share with you about Simplifying Life. Huh!

As I was heading out to the back patio to find somewhere to place this little lovely, I looked at the tag on the back. Tin. TIn? TIN! I ran for a magnet. Sure enough. It stuck like glue. I could have done a jig I was so thrilled. I had a slight detour for the afternoon and on my way home from hanging out with 6 beautiful young ladies, I stopped at Home Depot. Picked up one drawer pull knob and a bag of magnets, just to try it out and see if it worked. Magnet and drawer pull both met the glue gun and voila!

Being the impatient person that I am regarding these types of things, I couldn't just hang it and wait for more drawer pulls. That simply wouldn't do. Nor was I going to run to Home Depot and spend a fortune on drawer knobs. I aim to hunt Goodwill/Savers/yard sales and the like to find some antiquated glass knobs or other things that would work. I went on a hunt for anything I could find that could be attached to a magnet and become a hanging device. Necessity, after all, is the mother of invention. There is a great advantage to having a minimal jewelry collection.

Then again, maybe I'll just add some cute glass beads to cover the screw holes on some of the hooks. Maybe some spray paint to change some of them.

If you do something like this, I would recommend a magnet that is a size larger than the one I got.

I used the 3/4" magnet. It fits well behind the hooks, but it really doesn't have as much staying power as I'd like. Meaning, you can't load the hooks with oodles of jewels. Should I ever get around to fixing or replacing those hooks, I'll share.

Next on the project list .... earlier I mentioned those cute benches from Ana-White.

I found 2 of those at the same yard sale yesterday.

Maybe now you can understand the itch to go back.

I know the sander is out in the garage somewhere, I just have to try find it.

Another trip to Home Depot coming up.

I forgot to pack the polyurethane with the pepper and paprika.

Southwest Meatballs and A1 Steak Sauce

2011-10-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

I know that my cookbook stash is nothing compared to some of you.

Some of you are serious collectors.

I quit collecting too much in the book department when I couldn't move them with me.

Or maybe it was when I finally accepted that the fact that I'll probably never have my own library.

The Joy of Rhubarb?

Yes, I kept it. Maybe I'll live in rhubarb growing country again some day.

There is one cookbook that will never leave.

It may get it's own 3-ring binder one day ....

because it is a serious mess.

Using this book takes a little fortitude.

Kind of like new math ... you just never know which number is coming next!

I did spend hours on the other cookbook today.

My lifeline cookbook.

It could still use another days worth of work,

but for now, I quit.

I can find the marinade recipes.

I can find the favorite salads.

I can even find the desserts.

All is good.

Even better yet, I can read them.

The sheet protectors are new.

The typing of many pages is fresh.

Ahhh ... it looks readable!

While the recipe is sitting on the counter, I'm off to make Jenny's Southwest Meatballs.

This time I'm going to try not wrecking my muffin tins. Last time I burnt them beyond repair.

Anna is having a hankering for some baked potatoes ....

with A1 Sauce.

They didn't inherit those taste buds from me!

It goes on everything around here lately.

*********************************************

Now that hubby has made his presence known ...

he is in Cokato today making a surprise visit to his parents.

I've seen video of snow on his trek through Colorado,

I've guessed his location down to the restaurant he's sitting in

with the wonder of satellite "tracking".

It does give me a concern or two. This tracking business.

It was a bit of a hoot to tell him which establishment's table he was sitting at tho'.

Surprised him a bit!

Being as I can't get the lawn mower started ... I'm off to make meatballs!

I have been finding things to fill my time.

2011-10-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

First there is the job thing.

Then I move on to other things.

My recipes are a disaster.

I do have a 3 ring binder of favorites to which I've added scraps of recipes cut from magazines

and anywhere else something has caught my eye.

My recipes seem to revolve around the sweet stuff. Shucks anyway!

I decided to tackle the recipe piles.

I'm not done yet, but getting there.

Some of them I'm typing out and will add to the binder, that way when I'm looking for the favorite

recipe for Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes it won't be buried under a ton of paper.

One of these days I should probably try all the things I've put in that binder

so I can either keep them or pitch them.

Other recipes I've just decided to pitch.

With the internet at our fingertips all the time, it is mighty easy to find something delicious.

Today I found a recipe for a gluten free coffee cake.

We aren't a gluten free house, so I used regular flour .... but I know many of you are.

I do like to test things on unsuspecting folks who come to visit.

This one tested well this evening.

Great recipe for fall ... delicious served warm with ice cream.

penny's apple-brown sugar coffee cake

1 cup plus 2 tsp gluten-free all-purpose flour, divided

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, divided

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 tsp cinnamon

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 large apples - cored, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. pieces

Preheat the oven to 375. Lightly grease a 9-in round baking or springform pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 2 tsp flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, chocolate chips, walnuts and cinnamon.

In another small bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined. Pour half the batter into prepared pan, top with half the apples and half the crumb mixture; repeat with the remaining batter, apples and crumb mixture. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.

Editors Note: Read all ingredient labels for possible gluten and dairy content prior to use.
Bakers Note: Next time I'll make 2 of these at a time and freeze one for convenient and handy dessert.

My girls think I do nothing all day.

2011-10-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Really. They do.

They don't know that I finally quit 5 hours of open employment selection and application submitting at about noon.

I think they are under the impression that I'm eating bonbons and reading something other than the fineprint of job descriptions.

Which, by the way, are incredibly vague.

The legal department probably recommended that, but I'm telling you it shouldn't be that hard. Really.

I'm just a plain and simple gal. (Unless you ask my hubby, he may have a different opinion.)

I am going to ramble on about the job thing for a minute.

I'm use to working. I'm not use to this not working thing.

I have time to run around and go shopping.

Me?

I don't care for that much.

Run and scarf up deals at the grocer would be more like my kind of thing.

I do have an interview this afternoon.

I could probably use some practice at that sort of thing as it has been awhile.

Anyway, I feel like I NEED to be working.

Which then makes a person, namely myself, a bit too restless to even focus on sewing.

We are now among the nations uninsured.

Which, on the bright side, means we are now probably in the majority.

A whole different perspective.

So, I should find a job with healthcare benefits.

Should.

Ach. I don't like should.

Yesterday I told you my hands would look like prunes?

They didn't.

I'm really bummed out that I didn't buy more of the pears the other day.

I'll have to watch for another humdinger sale and hope there is one being as I'm definately not going to make it to an orchard.

At least not as long as I have bonbons to take care of!

Because, just like the tomatoes and carrots, my dear hubby eats pears straight out of the dehydrator.

Sometimes saving a minute just isn't worth it.

2011-10-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have become a digital scrapper.

I still scrapbook some things in the paper fashion, but prefer the ease of digital when it comes to our photos and recording our lives.

I can hit the save button on my computer and (hopefully) things are just tucked away until I'm ready to return to them again.

The night before Jari took our computers apart in Alaska, I made sure that the photos were all on the external hard drive. I moved my photos, kids' photos ... all that good stuff.

I think I moved all photos with the exception of any scrapbook pages that I had finished that were not yet printed.

Then the computer didn't survive.

It isn't worth crying about. I still have the photos.

My program didn't survive either.

It was a sometimes frustrating and very inexpensive program, but I was accustomed to it's foibles.

My fun fonts are all gone but I know where to get them again as well.

This morning I got me a new scrapping program and downloaded it.

I'm not into a lot of doodads. I really prefer telling stories instead.

Before I started my day today, I decided to give something a whirl and see what happened.

I'm thinking it is going to be fast once I figure it all out.

Maybe this time I'll copy to external hard drive ... and print them!

Happy Birthday to my Dear Dad today.

Today is also my dear SIL Tarja's birthday. Happy Birthday to you Tarja!

Just think of all the parties we could crash if we were in Minnesota!

Being as I'm not in Minnesota today, the outside temp is a delicious 73 degrees and the pears are looking near ripe ... I'm going to end up with prune looking hands from peeling pears!

Sunday we went for a drive ...

2011-10-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

and my camera sat in the car nearly the entire time.
Sad, hey? Thank goodness the phone takes up the slack.
The four of us headed up the hill to Flagstaff for the day.
Our northern place of choice use to be the Mogollon Rim, not Flagstaff, and I'm guessing it was because we lived on the other side of the city.
It may become Flagstaff now.
Other than the driving thing, we have special people to see in Flagstaff.
I'm not a downhill skiier, but they do live right next to the ski hill and the nordic center. Hmmmm.
And they do have the cutest littles ever.
Brand new littles that beg to have their toes uncovered ... just so Anna can count them.

Keilah is in a state of delirium and we probably didn't help. I should have sent her for a nap during the afternoon. I'm going to go back and do that. Soon.

Then we had the most delightful bit of news. Babies are certainly delightful enough. This was just more icing on the cake of life. My SIL Annette has moved back to Arizona from Colorado. Sorry for the kids she left behind, not sorry for me. Hopefully her hubby will be able to get down here soon. For now, it is work where there is work. I haven't driven this road in 4 long years. It felt so good to travel down it .... and have a warm cup of coffee with a warm visit at the end.

While we were running around northern parts of the state yesterday, Alyx was having a barbeque (and birthday celebration unbeknownst to her) with the family up in Alaska. I'm glad she had a good day. Today is officially her special day. The day when teen years ended yesterday and life's path lays ahead ....
Happy Birthday to my dear daughter!

Today I picked up (as in grocer not orchard) 16 pounds of Barlett pears. They're still a bit green so I have a day or two to find some canning jars. Then I'm going to do the forbidden. I am going to use the glass top stove and the pressure cooker ... together. I'll let you know what happens!

**************************************************************************************

Monkey Bread

2 large cans refrigerated biscuits
3/4 c sugar
4 tsp cinnamon

Cut biscuits in 6 pieces each. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll biscuit sections in sugar mixture. Spray Bundt pan with Pam. Arrange 1/2 biscuits in pan and 1/2 of mixture below over them. Arrange final 1/2 of biscuits, covered with final 1/2 of mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Carmel mixture:
Melt together in sauce pan and bring to boil.
1/2 c butter
1 c brown sugar
1 c light karo syrup

*** Note: I googled Monkey Bread and adapted this to what I do from Cooks[dot]com. If you don't have access to refrigerator biscuits, there are other options avabailable such as frozen bread dough or fresh home made doughs. Have fun!

The weather is absolutely heavenly!

2011-10-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it started.

The season of No Air Conditioning Needed.

It's a whole separate season, all in itself, if you enjoy this climate.

Especially if you've spent the past 4 years without any air conditioning in your world,

excepting for your car.

The neighbors must have their themostat a bit lower than ours.

Theirs is running around the clock, kicks on and off.

I've got the windows open and the ceiling fans twirling.

Oh. By the way.

The sun is shining ...

on cactus in the front yard ....

and my beloved mesquite trees in the back.

I've been in flip flops for the past month.

To the point where my feet have certainly gone right back to

Desert Feet. Disgusting to be sure.

I've had several occasions in the past week to make some Monkey Bread.

Supremely easy to make.

Not one bit light on the calories.

Need a reason other than just my taste buds to put this pile of sugar together.

In the last week we've been having some partying goin' on.

A 60th birthday, a 40th birthday ...

and to top it off a It's a Boy After All Those Girls Party!

Frans & Jenny are expecting a bundle of blue

after many years of solid pink and lace.

The throng of young girls is always so much fun.

I've also been spending my week doing this.

This would be hunting for work.

I could probably find enough scrapping, sewing and other fun things to do

to keep me busy for many months.

However, all that busy still does nothing in the health insurance department.

I don't even know what the cost of continuing healthcare coverage is with Cobra,

but can take a rough guesstimate and it makes me shudder.

So I'm looking for something.

Many hours a day of looking. It can be a bit all consuming.

For now, it's all put away and the weekend looms ahead.

I don't know what we're going to do.

Anna just headed out the door with keys to my car in her hand.

Tia is heading out later.

I'm going to take a wee little nap ...

and then I'll decide what to do!

... and they're off!

2011-10-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is what happens on the first day of school over here.

They're walking. And the mom has to sneak out with a camera to get the backside view because they'll think I'm just too wierd if I ask them to pose for a minute. The walking. First of all, let's call that a miracle. I've been driving kids to school for so many years I can't begin to count them. It might help if I tell you that the oldest of them is 24 years old. This year the cherubs are walking. I can't believe it. I did consent to driving them. Only it comes with some serious consideration on their part. I'd ride a bike (thought an adult trike would be even better!) and pull a wagon with a child in each. Being as they're a little too big to fit two in one. We'd sort of make a train out of the whole thing. Then pipe in some ice cream truck music and sing (to a tune of my making) something like The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round. I thought it was a fabulous idea. I was nearly running out for the curlers and a good lookin' gown for the whole event!

They opted to walk. Party poopers that they are.

And better yet ... they had a good first day.

We had a good first evening of homework. I'm making new promises for the rest of the school year. I am going to be on top of this game. I am. I. Really. Am.

I'm probably not going to share the entire inside of my home with you, but I had to share one part of the dining room wall. Only because I'm nuts enough to hang brooms next to the table. Makes it convenient when I feel the need for a ride around the neighborhood. I was online looking for vinyl lettering but couldn't find anything appropriate for broom riding mothers. If you happen to have a fabulous quote, I happen to be looking for one.

The thermometer is reading 80 degrees inside and 66 degrees outside.

We had rain this evening! Good Arizona rain. Complete with thunder and lightning. It started while Tia and I were at Office Max picking up some school supplies. She was thinking the garage door opener's novelty was wearing off as we were headed to the store. She was loving it on the way home. Amazing how quickly our list of I'm Thankful For can change!

Back to the pencils!

2011-10-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing that tomorrow evening will find me at Office Max with a list 3 miles long.
The girls are finally starting school tomorrow!
They are just as excited as I am.
Vacation is over.

They're really excited to get life moving along here.
I was less than thrilled to meet the Assistant Prinicpal today.
I finally got a call from the school this morning that we had a meeting scheduled at 2:15 this afternoon.
Fine and dandy.
I was serving lunch following a funeral but it worked out just fine.
The Assistant Prinicpal got my blood pressure up.
I finally had to ask him if he didn't have room in his school or just didn't want the girls there.
Talk about an arrogant jerk.
Let's hope I don't have to meet with him too often.
We will not get along unless he has an attitude adjustment.
Just who does he think he is anyway?! I do pay a itty bitty bit of his paycheck. He certainly isn't paying mine.
The counselor was a pure gem. She squeezed us in and did her best to get the girls teachers that she really likes and thinks will be good with them. I'm going to introduce her to pulla. The other ... maybe I'll make some prickly pear jelly or something.

We have had girls running to and fro. Girls coming and girls going.
It is so much fun to have giggles in the house.
I'm also doing some of the driving again.
Run this one here. Pick up that one there.
It is what I asked for ... and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity.

Enjoy your day! Ours is suppose to be cooling off a bit this week.
Not quite enough to equal the temps we had when I shot these about a month ago, but cooling nonetheless!

I am back in business!

2011-09-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have a computer.
Forget that. I have a few computers.
I now have one that I am comfortable using and familiar with.
One that can go with me anywhere I go.
I have loaded the software I like that is easy and familiar.
Note that I do not like too many new things at a time.
Somethings, like photo software, just can't join us at the same time or it will send me for a serious loop.

We've spent another week at home with the girls.
No, they still aren't in school.
The administrator was at a conference Monday thru Wednesday.
School is in recess for whatever reason on Thursday and Friday.
That's why they start so bloomin' early here. They never go to school!
He should be back on Monday.
Maybe they'll start on Tuesday??

I've started applying for work.
Now that is stressful.
That would involve writing a resume and I don't like doing those. At. All.
I did what I could the other evening and whipped off 2 applications.
Here's hoping it doesn't take too terribly long to get hired somewhere.

It is hot.
You know it's hot when after the sun goes down and it's still 86 degrees you think it's comfortable.
By the time it really cools off, I'll be wearing all those winter duds for sure.
Anna was just lamenting today that she has too many winter clothes.
Maybe not.
Following an afternoon run to Target for still more stuff, I had a certain yen for a little of this ...

... at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks.

Cool weather will be coming soon to the desert ... I'm sure of it!

I keep trying. Really I do.

2011-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

We're here and in our house. I still have boxes out in the garage. In fact, I still have dressers out in the garage. They'll make their way in here sometime before long. I think.
We've signed a years lease on this house and there's no telling what we'll be doing before or after that.
In the meantime, one set of china is in the cupboard and another still out in a tote.

The girls still aren't in school.

Thursday I was too sick to even try going to the school. I went to the doctor instead and am on antibiotics which are helping. I'm still coughing, but at least it doesn't feel like my spleen is about to be expelled every three minutes. I'm guessing that it has something to do with air conditioning blowing all the time and the dry weather. Let's hope this body adjusts sometime soon.

Back to school. Friday we went and attempted registration. Let's just say that I hope the rest of the school has it together more than the lady at the front desk.
Now we're waiting for a call from the administrator, with whom we have to meet, in order to get into the school. Hello??? They really need to get in and get started. Now!

My computer (I have a favorite one that I like to upload photos to and create on) did not survive the move. I think it must have been the heat of sitting in the trailer baking for a week. Can't imagine it was the shaking or jolting as everything else has come out in one piece. Hence, I don't know where to upload pictures from the camera. This is a serious dilemna causing me much angst. The Mac won't even read my external hard drive. Nor will my new IPad. New computer coming soon to a desk near me I hope.

Speaking of desks, we did a wee bit of shopping on Friday and Saturday. I don't move things like mops and brooms across the country. Nor do I move broken irons that you've been using just because you're not going to go buy another if it still works. I didn't move drinking glasses that I could buy for 59cents at Ikea.

We didn't have a desk or any number of other things. So we shopped.

It was Jari's first trip to Ikea. I probably won't get him back in that store too often, I'm guessing.

To be truthful, I rarely went to Ikea when we lived

here before. I probably won't live there much now either. There is one store that I am so happy to have nice and close. Office Max. We've been there 4 times in 4 days and didn't have to drive 45 minutes. Costco is another one. Not a great lover of the store, but I might frequent it more when it is within 5 minutes from the house. There are advantages to this big city living thing.

One of those advantages might be Craigs List and a much larger shopping base. I'm hoping to find one of these to replace the one I left behind.

(great piano moving company that comes highly recommended)

I haven't decided what to do with this blog. Somewhere on my camera I still have fun pictures from our last days of Alaska Exploring. I really want to share them with you and I will. I just have to figure out how. Electronics stuff is not my forte. I'd rather bake. I'd also like to continue sharing our lives and the places we manage to stumble across. There is much to do, see, create and enjoy in this life. So very much to appreciate.

Until next time ... enjoy that sweatshirt if you're wearing one somewhere in this world.

Our travels are finished.

2011-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

This morning is the first that I woke in my own bed, my bedroom, my home. It feels quite wonderful.
Last Friday morning we signed our lease agreement on our house and headed straight for the airport. The girls and I have spent the past 5 days in Minnesota. We did a lot of driving, much visiting and topped it all off with a beautiful wedding. Last night we made it home and now begin the process of settling in. The girls need to get into school and the job searching will begin.
For now .... a cup of coffee while watching the palms sway in the breeze sounds like a good way to start the day.

93 and sunshine!

2011-09-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today feels a little on the warm side.
I'm fibbing. It feels hot.
Enough to dip into the pool and cool off a bit.
Jari even joined Tia and I out there! That never happens!

The guys were back here with the trailer and dog on Tuesday afternoon shortly after 4 pm.
Exactly 4 days after they left Alaska .. nearly to the minute.
I'm not sure they slept much.
They prayed mightily that the truck would make the last legs of hills.
It's here and doing fine.
Duke has had some adjusting.
I wish I could get him on a scale.
I think he's lost a few kilos during this upheaval.
By today, Thursday, he's adjusted and is doing well.

Had lunch today at Jeanette's.
Benny & Jeanette always called us their "Arizona Kids".
Life has changed a lot in the last 5 years with the loss of Ben ... for many of us.
Yet it feels like coming home.

Tomorrow morning the girls and I are heading to Minnesota for 5 days.
They really should be tucked in school with their pencils and paper instead of galavanting all over creation.
For now we galavant.
Then we'll come home and start the busy of school and work.

In the meantime ... 6 energetic young girls are keeping Tia very busy at the moment.
Kenai Red Salmon is on the grille for dinner.

Wow! A comment from Sweden!
Time passes quickly and before we realize it, decades have gone by.
It has been 28 years since I visited you in Sweden!

Serious case of delinquency going on here.

2011-09-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

The last post we were in Fairbanks.

This one we're in Phoenix.

After last rounds of visiting and those nasty good bye things, 3 of us caught a flight to Phoenix on Tuesday night .... of last week.

We arrived in the land of heat and sunshine with our precious cargo intact.

Us gals sort of ended up being the transporters of things that couldn't travel in the trailer.

Weapons.

Fish.

I'm telling you. We have our priorities right.

The china got to ride.

Since getting here we've done some heat adjusting.

I will admit to several of us being nauseated the first day.

It's getting better and I don't think it has hit 100 today.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we have a house to rent this week.

It is a bit more pricey than I would have wanted. I am on the serious cheap. Really bad.

It does have a few amenities tho'.

The crystal clear pool being under the heading of "Really really want but not necessary".

Maybe necessary.

Over the weekend I was able to attend Mother's Camp in Prescott.

If memory serves me correctly, I've only missed the past 3 years.

It felt oh so good to be back there.

Next year the camp will be held at our own Kamp Kipa!! Can't wait!!

My computer was somewhere in Montana this morning.

We've had problems with credit and debit cards along the way through Canada.

Rule No. 1: Notify banks and credit card companies when you are traveling.

In case there was any hint of Jari's blood pressure crashing ... it's been held right up there!

I'm guessing that we'll have the guys back here tomorrow sometime!

In the meantime, wherever you are in the world, have a great day!

I'm working on a wee bit of sun to long unexposed parts.

Sadly those parts include feet and legs.

It has been a while!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Friday I finished my last day of work at Mat-Su Regional.
A lot of mixed emotions going on over that one.
I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know a fabulous group of people.
Oh, the things I have learned.
The Alaskan Spirit I have been witness to.
I have been truly blessed.

We enjoyed the Alaska State Fair on Friday evening.
Garsh. I love that fair. It is like several county fairs (or maybe just one) rolled up together.
Good greasy eatin'!

Saturday we headed up toward Fairbanks and North Pole for the weekend!
We made it!!
Right now I'm sitting on Charisse's couch and hooked to the internet.
Got the bills paid. Whew!
Last evening we ran to the Santa Claus House. What a fun place. I imagine it is just a humming at Christmas time. I'm a nonspender but it sure was fun to look around. We did give in to some scrumptious fudge.

An evening of hot tubbing and snoozing in the luxury camper parked in the yard.
Today we've got some places to explore over here and then we head back down toward Wasilla tomorrow.
Hoping for nice views of Denali and some photo ops of the gold and red colors around that area.
It was stunning on the way up here!

Blueberry mufins are making my stomach growl ... more updates later!

It is sort of like being in vacation.

2011-08-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm half way through my last week at work.
Have a box and bag here and there to finish organizing and packing, but the complete chaos of the last week is over.
It seriously feels like I am on vacation.
The leaves are quickly changing on the trees, a sign that winter is around the corner.
From the back deck here I listen to the neighing of the neighbor horses.
Makes me wish for some myself. Tia has been riding this week and thoroughly enjoying herself. It may have to become a part of our lives ... this horse thing.
Today is Anna's last day of work.
I have two more left for myself.
I have had the pleasure of working with such a great group of people for the past four years.
They may not believe me but I am going to miss them.
Time for a quickie nap.

Tuesday and life is a changin'

2011-08-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here I sit borrowing free internet access and trying to update.
We locked the doors on our home behind us last night.
It was getting dangerously close to 10pm by the time we were done.
I edited some photos late Sunday evening with the intent if uploading them in the morning.
Jari beat me to the computer. It was dismantled before I could get there.
Our trailer is plumb full.
Our world is littered with miscellaneous boxes and bags of leftovers.
The dump got several loadsof goodies and not so goodies.
Presently we've taken over Fred's house.
My Egg drop soup just showed up at the table.
More later.

Wednesday

2011-08-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

Closing was planned for Tuesday afternoon.
We didn't close.
Today (at least in my time zone for the next 23 minutes) I was off and had a list 3 miles long of things to accomplish.
House closing completed or not ... we're packing.
Then we had a surprise visit from these folks this morning.

I have an entire post worth of ideas about lenders and their requirements today.
I also have some serious opinions about which lender I'll agree to use in the future.
However, they started surveying property lines and property pieces.
Remeasure the house yadayada.
We were inside chuckling when they headed for the greenhouse.
GREENHOUSE??!?!?!?!
Movable structures that will now be included on the As Built.

The chuckling turned to near hilarity when she went to the chicken coop.
I couldn't contain myself.
The first picture ended up fuzzed ... I went back out for a second one.
Then Jari and I had to go talk to the other guy and find out what the dickens was going on.
I just don't get it.
Can you tell I'd be no good whatsoever working for a government agency?
It was almost as good as our Pictionary game last week!

Dear Duke also had an outing today.
For the first time ever he went to the groomer.
We thought he needed a haircut before he hits the heat of Phoenix.
He didn't get cut (might get sunburnt ya know) but he looks fabulous.
I swear he was smiling in that bathtub!

Alyx spent a good part of the day over here helping out.
She delivered a set of bunk beds to its new owner.
We moved her bed back to her apartment .....

and we did some serious wrapping.
I'm not kidding when I say it was starting to feel a bit like the paper busy of Christmas!

We packed ... we sorted for another sale on Friday ...

and we pitched. Dried flowers aren't suppose to be good in a home according to something or another. I happen to love them. I'll just have to accumulate some more!

Rooms are emptying and box piles are growing.
Except for the living room photo, all these were taken this (Wednesday) morning.

I was also a bit crazy. Maybe more than a little bit.
Two batches of pulla dough came out of the bread machine today, making me feel that I can now pack that away.
Three batches of strawberry rhubarb something or another (actually one batch of jam and two of intended ice cream topping) went through the water bath today.
A trip to WalMart for another stack of totes and to replace the wrong lids we picked up the other day.
A trip to Target for antibiotics for Tia.
Several trips to Palmer to drop off and pick up Anna from work.
At one point I ran a stop light and decided it was nap time ... got that in as well!

Now it is time for bed ... 9 minutes to pumpkin hour.
Vivian is coming to play with us for the day tomorrow.
Duke is going to the vet to get his required immunizations and a health card that enables him to travel.
Anna has an appointment in the morning for impacted wisdom teeth extraction. I'm quite anxious to sit there and read my book for several hours.
Then .... we have a yard sale to put together and two more rooms to empty!

We are not making it to Fairbanks. I'm starting to wonder if I'll even make it fishing! Fry bread at the fair?

I'll be there.

Getting closer to camping!

2011-08-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

I am packing many smaller totes with heavier things.

Maybe Jari was right ... we do have a lot of books.

Now to go exchange the lids.

I picked up the wrong lids for the totes.

Go figure.

Garage sale success!

2011-08-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

We had it all set up Thursday evening and I went to work on Friday.

Absolutely perfect if you ask me.

Don't tell them I said that!

A huge tarp got stretched to cover a nice space outside what we call the "tarp garage".

This little bugger came in quite handy!

There weren't many rain drops, but it did keep out the few that showed up!

Then there were the other visitors .... leaving little tidbits for the shoppers.

Free range. Free garage sale. Whatever.

My season of canning is probably over.

I saved a few jars to make some jelly in the next week

and we are canning salmon.

The rest ... they went away.

We were entertained by these little munchkins.

Naomi spent the day chasing chickens while Nolan spent a moment trying to feed them.

There is always time for play.

We're taking a few things with us.

This would happen to be one of them.

Not the flowers, rather the patio heater.

If you come to visit me at my next abode in the chill of the evening ...

I'll serve you coffee under the heater.

Outside.

I could almost get giddy thinking about it!

By the way ... we had so much fun we're doing it again next Friday!

Once in a while ....

2011-08-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

my brain just has to take a detour.

I was going to share garage sale days with you.

I do not usually photograph people, preferring snow covered mailboxes and things like that.

Until today.

Amber and Noami sharing some moments after several long days of yard sale work.

Amber is our niece and godchild.

Her daughter, Naomi, is our youngest daughter's godchild.

And just in case you're still with me ... that makes Naomi my great niece and my daughter's cousin once removed as well as godchild.

They. Are. Beautiful.

Naomi doesn't understand yet.

She will soon enough.

She is about to share her world with a younger brother or sister.

Lucky girl.

Oh, so lucky mom.

I just can't manage it anymore.

2011-08-18T00:26:00.001-07:00

Can't seem to get up early enough in the morning to get on here before work.
Can't seem to find enough hours in a day. Period.
Can't seem to update here more than infrequently.

So.

Sunday evening my hubby made it home! Yippee! Job got accomplished at Kamp Kipa and he made it home. Super big thanks to Markus.

I've worked the first three days of this week.
Ran my buns off today and am very thankful for the day off tomorrow.

School started today.
Anna started school today ... Tia didn't.
I have to call and see if the school I want her in is having a 9th grade class or not this year.
It was still up in the air last week.
Budget cuts are just so much fun.
I really don't care if she doesn't start.
We should be in a new school district within .... WHAAAAT .... 3 weeks or so?!

House deal.
Closing still hasn't happened.
The projects on the buyers' wish list are done.
Closing is scheduled for next week.
The fingers are starting to feel arthiritic from all the crossing.
I gave my "official" notice at work on Monday morning.
My last day of work is September 2nd.
The application for a renewed Arizona nursing license hit the mailbox on Monday morning as well.

I've been cleaning out nooks and crannies.
Where, oh where, does this stuff come from?
We're having a yard sale this weekend.
Alyx helped me price oodles of stuff this evening and I feel like I've got a handle on it.
Jari got the "tarp garage" cleaned out today and strung out a good size tarp next to it.
You see ... it is raining buckets and we need a dry place for all the goodies.
Come rain or shine we're having a multi family sale this weekend.
And then ... any of the bargains not scooped up ... are heading straight to some charity somewhere.
They are not coming back in here. (Except maybe a bookshelf or two.)
And I'm working Friday.
Jari and Tia will be holding down the fort with a few extras!
Remember my yard sale luck?
Maybe I'll make enough to spring for a pizza.

Tomorrow promises to be busy.
If we're really lucky the sun will peak out for at least a minute or two.
Or perhaps we'll see it somewhere between the rain drops!

Paper ... I think I love it.

2011-08-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

For a part of my life I was a bookkeeper.

I really do like paper.

I like it organized and labeled.

I like order.

This isn't order.

This is complete chaos.

Where does it come from and what does one do with it all?

After spending hours in a corner of my bedroom yesterday,

it is organized. It is filed. It is packed away in a a box if it needs to be.

I wonder where my 2010 income tax return is, I couldn't find that one!

Somewhere safe ... I'm sure.

The bottom right hand corner of this photo is a pile of radiology exams.
CT scans, MRIs, xrays.
I think there may be serious advantages to parking your life in one spot and leaving it there, although then again ....

In another part of my closet (who needs room for clothes anyway?) I have stored another box.
One of those cute ones you can find at Ross, JoAnns or wherever.
It has been with me for a while.
Had I thought of it, I would have started one when we first got married.
It came to me empty.

This box has gotten quite full over the years.
It holds cards and letters I've recieved.
Some are from my children.
Some are from my friends.
There are postcards from my traveling parents.
Some I have added dates to.
Many are in the envelopes they arrived in.

Someday when the kids are grown and gone.

When my husband is off fishing or golfing and I'm at home with fingers that aren't willing to craft or create.

On a day when I make sure I have a full tissue box at my side ....

maybe I'll just take a journey through time.

And look through this very special box.

Jari has been at Kamp Kipa for the past few days working on the bath houses. He has been gone from Alaska for over a week already and will, hopefully, be home again in the next several days. I can't wait to get up to the camp ... it has been a long time. A dream is an idea that just needs some motivation behind it, right? I really want to spend a good part of my summers high up in the mountains above Prescott. Just have to figure out how to make it happen!

********************************

Zucchini Bread Recipe

Grate squash to get 2 cups and let drain while adding other ingredients.

3 eggs

1 c oil

2 c sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

3 c flour

1/2 c nuts (optional)

2 c grated zucchini

Bake 45 to 60 minutes at 350.

We grew up on this very special bread. It is so moist and absolutely scrumptious.

I prefer to bake it in the mini loaf pans rather than regular size ones, and works well in muffin tins as well. A great use for frozen zucchini!

.... we're rolling .....

2011-08-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

The final inspection was done yesterday.

A phone call yesterday evening assured me that I could start packing.

That means disassembling a life,

as well as catching up on "assembling" other little pieces.

Grandma K makes graduation quilts for all the grandkids.

Someday I must showcase them for you. At least the ones that I have in my house.

Alyx's needed the tag attached.

It has been sitting on my dresser for a looong time.

Last night I finally took 5 minutes and attached it!

These little things just seem to be my undoing!

Oreo finds any spot of fabric she can ... always.

It doesn't matter what I'm working on. If there is an available surface ... she perches.

I sorted pages that I've been collecting into my Ideas & Dreams binder.

I'm all about 3 ring binders. Let's just say I have many of them.

I've even gotten so bad as to put grown kids' income tax returns into labeled binders.

This one happens to be my dream book.

I love flipping through magazines and ripping out pages.

Some of those pages eventually get tossed because I've moved past the idea.

Other times ... they hang around ....

and I continue to dream.

Today was my day off and we started the obvious work.

It is one thing to start emptying pantries and cupboards that no one sees.

At least in my mind, it is a different thing to move things that make my house a home.

Another one of my children who is afraid of heights, yet scaled the ladder perched on top of the kitchen benches to take down my forest from up there.

Yikes! It really is up there a bit! Empty and scrubbed.

Vivian spent the day with us today. I think I said many times today that having her here for an entire day is a whole lot different from several hours. Without her mom here, I even got called "mom" and we were able to catch a full day of her action. She's quite the little helper girl!

On to the collection of white glass. I have been spoiled with my collecting.

They're clean, wrapped, packed and the box is taped shut.

The zucchini is cleaned out of the freezer ...

and formed into loaves.

Has to be my favorite bread ever.

If you want the recipe, jot me a note and I'll share.

I picked up Mariah today and she spent the afternoon over here.

Girl time out in the sunshine.

We had rain again today, but we also had sun.

It's amazing how at 50 and raining, I'm ready for boots and jacket.

At 50 and sunshine ... it's tank top (well, almost) and flip flops.

I got both today.

We also managed a dentist appointment today with Anna.

By the end of the month we're scheduled for wisdom teeth extraction for Anna.

Root canal for myself.

Good times, hey?

In between that, we'll pack.

We'll pick berries.

We'll make jelly.

We'll can salmon.

Oh yeah .... and we have Silver Salmon fishing to do!

It's a downright wet Tuesday.

2011-08-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to drown.
It is raining ... raining ... raining.
I'm sure it's a good thing.

I tried to get some pictures off my phone this morning to add on here and couldn't.
I slept last night which seemed to be a miracle.
Maybe because my front steps were completed yesterday.
The buyer of this house wanted some wood rot fixed on the stairs and it just took a little longer to get done than I anticipated, but it is complete.
Another inspection (dare I say this is the 3rd one!) this morning and then we should be moving forward.
Jari is in Arizona and heading to Kamp Kipa today to look at a project he's down there to work on. He's hitting the golf course bright and early in Prescott this morning. Probably at a tee box as I type ...

Once today is over I think I can start packing in earnest.
Then maybe I should even apply to reinstate a lapsed Arizona nursing license.
Might be handy to have a job once I get where I'm aiming to go!

In the meantime .... I might go find me one of these for my ark.

Friday and Saturday ... of last week

2011-08-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

G & G did some touristy things during the week.

They went to the Transportation Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Tsunami Warning Center, got the oil changed in the car and never managed the haircut.

Friday evening we took several cars and headed south. The gals several hours behind the guys. The guys hit the Kenai River and started fishing. We didn't get there until after midnight. After they were done fishing, we drove to Ninilchik to set up a tent or two and sleep for a few hours. G & G slept in the vehicles, I have never been so glad to stretch out in a tent. Couldn't quite believe it myself.

In the morning 4 of the group left for a halibut charter, my car load plus Jari headed to spend the afternoon in Homer.

Breakfast at the Caribou Family Restaurant ....

and then on to Ulmer's.

I didn't realize that the store front would have signs for all the things this "hardware" store holds. The back corner is chalk full of fabric. Yummy fabric. In towns where Walmarts and Targets don't exist, the hardware store is one stop shopping for everything.

On down to the Homer Spit.

Anna S was with us for the excursion. Super fun to have her along.

Artwork galore with plenty of shops to browse through ...

and a great coffee shop when you're ready to just sit a spell.

Down to the waters edge to see if we could score a starfish ... which we did!

I was plumb out of starfish and needed another one.

We found many rocks for Grandma's Grandchildren Rock Garden.

This bell tolls for all the souls set free upon the sea.

It was a breezy day in Homer, but the sun was shining and the weather warm.

We didn't have time to get everything in.

Some of it must wait for the next trip to Homer.

Fred texted us that they were on their way in from fishing and we sort of

flew down there with the hope of seeing them come in.

We made it!

The halibut were small, but they got some!

Amber probably won't appreciate this photo, but she knows it exists. :)

Someday this child will tell his/her siblings that he/she got to go on a halibut charter!

At least if he/she is anything like my own!

The filleting of delicious fish!

Jari spent the afternoon with us in Homer. He sat in the car and tied hooks so we

could head out fishing again after the halibut charter was over.

Good guy, eh?

After the fish was in the cooler, it was back to the Kenai River again.

For those of you who don't live here and have no clue what kind of travel I'm talking about ....

4 hours from my house to the Kenai River.

45 minutes further driving to Ninilchik where we slept and the charter left from.

45 minutes further driving to Homer.

We drive a lot here.

Fishing season means sitting on your tookus in the car seat.

We did hit the Kenai River and my camera stayed in the car.

I caught salmon.

That would be a major accomplishment for this gal.

I don't catch fish ... as a general rule.

Amber was my fish netter and I learned something Saturday.

I love the net.

It sure beats the dickens out of backing up on shore, slipping and sliding on slippery

rocks ... just knowing you're about to plop down sitting.

Unless your helper is wearing shorty rubber boots and then she's soaked!

The laughing was worth nearly peeing our pants.

We fished for several hours and then headed home.

Made it home about midnight Saturday night!

Is it any wonder Mom didn't feel good on Sunday?!

***************************

Today I am finding it hard to believe that this excursion was only a week ago.
Jari went to Phoenix last night.
He's sweltering and I'm thinking about putting on a sweatshirt at the moment.
The sun of the morning has gone into hiding this afternoon and
the porch is a whopping 63F.
Blanket weather to be sure!

Thursday evening at Jim's Creek.

2011-08-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

I am quite certain that I am right.

My mom will never consent to that drive again.

The one into Jim's Creek.

I think we told her it was a bit bumpy.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I should have had the camcorder on while we drove in.

I did video the drive out. The drive in would have been priceless.

I hope she agrees with me that all the bouncing is worth it.

Shane, Liz and family with more family joined us out there.

Aaron with Kedric, Liz with Koltar, Tia

Jade helping Daddy fish.

She enjoyed being out there, even if her brothers were a little less than impressed.

My friend Kelsey.

Someone managed to have a four wheeling accident while we were out there

and were flown out by chopper.

(Tia and the boys went to look. Not me.)

The transport rig is a bit interesting, hey?

Grandma wasn't doing any fishing.

She worked on her handwork in the truck and bopped out to snap a few photos.

Grandpa had that line in the water ....

his son-in-law looked for fish ripples ....

his daughter fished.

Hmph. This fishing thing. It gives us pictures of our backsides and not much else!

In any event, I could stand out there just tossing a fishing line until the embers are nearly gone ....

and sunlight has left the water.

So beautiful is this nature that God has created for us.

Maybe the drive isn't so bad.

Grandma made it out with a full bladder after all.

Watching the salmon run.

2011-08-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

Monday evening Jari led us down to Fish Creek to watch the salmon run.

It is just one of so many streams in Alaska running with salmon at this time of year.

We attempted dipnetting here as a family several years ago, but I've never seen the fish running up the stream.

We are easily entertained!

Continuous splashes coming up and we counted ... over and over again.

That evening, I think something like 14,000 salmon went up the creek.

We were seriously wishing for that bale counter thing!

Hi there hon!

After a trip down to the creek bank, climbing over guard rails was a bit challenging,

new knee or not!

It was worth the trip. Some very red salmon ... hoards of them!

Monday evening we went without Grandpa's camcorder.

Tuesday evening we went back again.

This time the fish were lower down the stream.

Grandma & I stayed with the car while the others tromped down to catch video.

Back to the bridge again ....

Fireweed in full bloom.

Evidence of bears' recent fishing as well.

I think we got enough photos and video to last a while!

**********************

Tuesday also included a trip to the hospital for an MRA for Jari.

He had been having some serious headaches, fuzzy vision and symptoms that sounded

to me like impending stroke.

A doctors visit on Monday got us an order for what we needed.

Grandpa brought Jari for the exam which turned out just fine.

Might have been musculature in nature.

Maybe too much fishing? Either way, we're quite relieved.

Blood supply is flowing freely to the brain.

In the meantime, I managed to print off Durable Medical Power of Attorneys for both of us and Living Wills. They are half done. We need to complete them and get them notarized. Doesn't hurt to have them done in any event.

I tried to make it a family activity and have all of us do them.

That didn't work out very well.

Eye exam next on the list for Jari.

*************

Thursday evening update on the house sale.
I'm starting to feel like I'm writing a time warp novel.
At least this is only from week to week not year to year!
We were suppose to close on the house this week.
We didn't.
It is now scheduled for the 23rd of August.
Looks like we're back to the Wing It Plan.
Am trying real hard to remember that
Man plans and God decides.

It has been a very busy week.

2011-08-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

Mom and Dad left this morning.

We probably did a little too much running and little resting.

Mom has a way of catching little lung bugs easily and ended up feeling

very punky on Saturday and Sunday of this past weekend.

A visit to the clinic yesterday morning, some antibiotics, another day of rest ....

and today they are off to Skagway and then working their way back home.

Sure was fun to have them!

I didn't take a camera absolutely everywhere we went and I did work 40 hours last week, so they went places without me as well.

It will take a few days, it will be photo heavy but I'll share!

A visit to the old Matanuska Townsite on Monday.

" .... and over there ...."

Note the hospital visible in the background.

Buildings long ignored and forgotten. I wonder who lived in them and what kind stories those walls could tell.

An eagle perches over the stream.

Our cameras weren't nearly fast enough. We saw several beautiful males in addition to these younger ones.

I thought that maybe some sort of whirlwind had blown by and dropped some gold colored leaves in my yard. None of the trees seemed to be changing, yet I had loose leaves under the clothesline. Monday brought evidence of the coming of fall.

Autumn is most definately around the corner.

*************************

We were hoping to close on our house today,

instead we're still waiting on the appraisal.

The nerves are just short of shot.