La Casa (Home)

Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-09T15:43:00.001-08:00

2011-12-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

Self portraits... make you less self conscious...so they say, lol. I think it is because I am old and I just don't care anymore of what others might think of how I look like... I am what I am!

Car Girls 2011

2011-12-12T09:07:00.001-08:00

My Babies

2011-11-26T07:15:00.001-08:00

I captured this off fb... I love it.

They are my babies and I love how they are enjoying each other in this moment...

Sewing a Sock

2011-11-25T14:55:00.001-08:00

Today, while Mom fought crowds and got her adrenaline rush from Black Friday, and Dad went to Vernal and fixed his knobs, we made socks!

O P was the first to get hers done...

Chevy designed and sewed hers totally by herself! Wow, she is growing up!

Lulu likes the new left handed scissors I found for her... i on the other hand now understand how frustrated left handers must be having to use right handed scissors... her scissors hurt my fingers!

A lovely design for a cute girl... ooops, we need a re-take!

Ahhhh... thats better!

And patient Lulu finally got her's completed... and it is really cute!

Little Turkeys

2011-11-25T07:38:00.001-08:00

Middle and Littlest Car Girls making cookie and candy turkeys...

Thanks to my generous one and only daughter who watches out for creative ideas too I bought stuff to make cookie and candy turkeys...

The littlest

And the middle car girls walked up the hill

so we played with all the cookies and candies and frosting, had lots of fun, laughed at the turkeys and each other...

made enough turkeys for all to have one...

They were lots of fun!

Chev and Lex

2011-11-07T17:15:00.001-08:00

This is a cute picture of the car girls!

Altered Sweatshirt

2011-11-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Here is an altered sweatshirt. I am going to be making some more. These are fun and so easy to do!

GM Trunk Show

2011-10-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have been busy playing with my art. What's new, hun? I did a few Saturday mornings at the Farmer's Market in Roosevelt, and then a Saturday at Junky Funky Gypsy Mamas one year anniversary yard sale...I like to call them trunk sales as you load up a trunk full of stuff and go try to sell it. I did pretty well over all at both places, selling my creations. Whew. Here I am at GMs blow out...

I guess I am a hand talker and I am only just finding that out! He he.

Wanna Hear the Best Part?

2011-10-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

HRH is so enthralled at the moment with a TV commercial, the ad is about getting some sort of tv reception and has these good ole boys in hats and mustaches talking about the great deals...this is his version of it.

Workers need safety equipment...

2011-10-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, a mask was needed for the job at hand

The job was cleaning the fridge and area. Behind the fridge was disgusting!

But after blowing all the dust out from under it, and a good washing inside and out...

The job is done!

How The Car Girls Influence Me~

2011-09-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

The two oldest car girls spent Sunday with us. We decided to make cakes. The decorations were graves. HRH and Lulu went to town to pick out stuff for the cake. Candy corns were involved. They make lovely teeth, don't you think?

Blueberry

2011-08-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

Another Rock Hound in the Making

2011-08-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Rock garden in progress.

2011-07-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

DAMIEN!

The Bean

2011-07-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

NUMBER 4!

Yep, Kolby and Daniel had a baby boy and it makes four Great Grandbabies for me. WOW!

He is so cute.

Pink Eye

2011-06-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

After our trip, the yard demanded attention. I mowed all kinds of things out there: buffalo and other grasses expecially the cheat grass, sage, morman tea, rabbit brush... you name it. The next day, I had a sore eye... I guess I got something in it. It progressed to the point of needing mediacal attention. This is what it looked like. I am so happy it is better now!

California Trip

2011-06-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

The flowers at Mesquite started our trip off with lovely smells...

Waiting for Vegas bus experiences...

Riding bus or waiting?

Upper level bus ride...

Bus fun for all...

Grandpa giving a running description of sights....

Looking like true tourists...

Second try better... lol

At the fountain show...

The pirate experience...

More pirate...

More pirate

Oh, yeah... these girls loved the pirate!

Eating ribs in California...

Grandpa never knew I was taking pictures...

Food was sooo good...

Interesting flowers behind the Fingerhut Gallery in Laguna Beach...

On the Longbeach Beach...

Playing With Photo Booth

2011-06-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

What does your hair look like after wearing a hat all day?

Art Showing!

2011-03-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

60 Degree Weather

2011-03-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

While we were in Denver over last week end, on Saturday we went to an art museum. LOved the exhibit we viewed. When we left we drove around through Denver and people were out enjoying the 60 degrees and sunshine! It was awesome. Then we had to come home over another set of snow packed roads. On the way over the roads were snow packed most of the way and we went over Vail pass there. On the way back the roads were good but HRH decided to go over Berthoud pass and it was majorally snow packed. But the trip was fun. We saw a long horned sheep right next to the road, and a wreck on the continental divide. I think we all had a good trip.

Middle of February

2011-02-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining on me in my chair at the moment and it feels so good. I used to suffer from SAD and would be sad at times. I think living in my house with so many windows and getting sun when ever it shines has changed that. I hardly ever get depressed any more, which is a good thing. HRH seems to be getting spring fever and is talking about doing some yard stuff already. I hope he decides to paint the inside of the house soon, or he won't want to be inside.

Here are a couple of portraits I worked on this week:

Winter, Still!

2011-01-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

It has been so cold, brrrr. I don't even want to go outside! Good thing HRH likes to go to town. At first at his retirement he went everyday. I am working on slowing that down, lol. Traveling 7 mi. to and 7 mi. back plus driving around town equals at least 15 miles. At the cost of gas that means that he has to subtract at least fifteen dollars from our budget. Then, what he buys. One day he bought a room heater, which I don't think we needed, just because he had a $20 coupon and burned to spend it, lol. Well, I am okay with all the stuff he buys in town, mostly I benfit from it. My bitch, if you want to call it that is his penny pinching habit, where he has not wanted to buy things cuz we don't need it or it costs too much. Mostly it was just because he didn't want it. So, I decided to pinch him back. Everytime he goes to town, I buy something on the net. I wish I would have thought of this sooner as his trips are slowing down to like two days a week, grrrr. So far I have a new bedspread, some new down pillows and a box of white ink pens, lol. I like this new system!

I don't have many photos of DJ but I plucked this one off the net.

What a handsome looking guy!

BIG MOUTH

2011-01-16T11:05:00.001-08:00

For OP

2011-01-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

See my new OP hair do! Hehe

I think this is going to make my head ache!

But HRH got a giggle out of it!

Rats Away Project-Step 1

2011-01-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

Step 1!

Looks and smells better, lol!

Winter Snow!

2010-12-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, about 15 inches of snow, and very wet. We like the new roof. The snow just comes right off. Sometimes it hangs and curls too. The lacy look from my studio window is pretty. This has been quite the winter snow.

The cedars look pretty with their white dress!

The chimanea has a new necklace.

The snow/ice hanging off the roof as seen from my studio window.

This one above is looking up from inside the window...

From the front porch.

A closer look. These are interesting and very pretty. The snow makes a weird sound as it slides off the new metal roof. A sort of grinding noise. A bit eery.

After having to bail out of the truck coming up the hill Monday evening after the girls dance show, I have stayed right here in my warm safe house! HRH got stuck on the road on Tuesday, trying to plow the road. Today he was able to move lots of snow around. Chains on the snow plow makes quite a difference! Looks like more coming tonight perhaps.

Turkeys!

2010-12-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

Turkeys!

2010-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

A Blessing and a Curse

2010-12-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

The little cooper hawk, who has adopted our premises as his "happy hunting grounds" has been fun to watch, a blessing, as he was very entertaining. However, now, he presence is so here and often, none of the other birds come. Grrrrr.... we talked of firecrackers.... he he.

And, here is a photo of my new hair cut. Okay, so it was a trim. But anything makes one feel a bit better, when it comes to hair. I usually just throw the hair up into a twist and a clip, never really wear it down. So, I was wondering the other day, "why have I let my hair grow?" As I thought about it, I decided that the answer is because I can. I can without anyone saying I look like Darlene, or woe be gone, or un stylish, or any of many other negative comments I used to receive. I grow it because I have the freedom to do so! Yeah!

New House Paint

2010-10-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

On my "vision" board I have had this little house shape with the saying Happy New Painted House for over a year! The idea has finally come true for the outside of the house! Yay!

The old color we loved when we first lived here...Sage0! and cream. I started disliking the colors when I realized it rather glowed when viewed from HWY 4!

The house painting is mostly finished... a couple of spots still need painted. I wonder if they will ever get their faces lifted. It seems like once we move on to something else, it is hard to go back to the smaller details of the previous project. We are happy with our color that blends into the hills better, and does not glow in the sunlight as viewed from highway 40, lol

Burnt sienna with chocolate roof and trim with white on windows and doors. We are happy with it!

Now to somehow get the interior painted!

A Guess What Video

2010-09-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

What Ever

2010-09-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Or Is It Uploading?

2010-09-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Downloading Videos 3

2010-09-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Downloading Videos 2

2010-09-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Learning to Download Videos

2010-09-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Larry's Mom's Family

2010-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Keith, who lives in Texas sends me things about the McCrary clan every once in a while. Here are his latest sends.

This one was taken in Clovis, New Mexico when Larry (the littlest one) looks like he is about 3.

Damon is a sister-in-law to Jinks

I am not sure why he is referring to Sissy's son as Sam, his name is Robert Mark.

Lulu and Me

2010-08-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Trying to Post Vacation Pictures-Wish Me Luck!

2010-08-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Personalize your own digital slideshow

Trip-Day 4 Report

2010-07-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

On day 4 we left the Riversedge RV park at 10:40 am. , entered the very close freeway and headed to Coeur d'Alene. We reached the rv park where we have resv. at about 1:40. Freeway driving is what it is...no stops, no views, nothing much to tell about. We did stop at a truck stop in Hagen MT for fuel where we discovered they had a big free parking rv spot... boon docking only, in the pines behind the stop. We visited with a man feuling up in a really big bus camper that had been there the night before. He travels between Lake Havasue and Washington and knew about the free place. When we drove away we could see bookoo giant sized motorhomes back there... looked like a park for the rich, if not the famous, lol. When we got to the park, HRH, of course, hit a pine tree pulling into the parking spot. It scraped the canvas on the awning a bit, knocked down a sign that was hung on the tree, and he ran over a big plastic flower pot, which I pulled out from the tires once he allowed me to get out and help direct him. Nothing major, but certainly cause concern at the moment. We have noisy neighbors with lots of kids, 8>{{. I think they are going to the amusement park today.

Here is some pictures I found from Whiterocks too.

Oops, I think this is Rock Creek..

Rock Creek again...

More Rock Creek

Quakie spot at Rock Creek

Finally, White Rocks

I love to see the coffee pot and dutch ovens around the fire!

Men doing manly things..

Pine cones have interesting lives...

Ahhhh... resting

Trip-Day 3 Report

2010-07-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

We puttered around Livingston this morning, found a few yard sales, nothing fabulous, bought diesil and groceries then headed towards Coeur d'Alene, leaving Livingston about 12:30. Mostly just traveled without incident until we reached the Riversedge RV park on the west side of a small place called Alberson. The RV park is very nice indeed, with a lovely view of the river, a resteraunt where we had a nice meal. We wallked around the park, a very small walk, then HRH played on the poker machines which is what the casino is all about.

Here are many of my newest photos:

HRH enjoying his visit with Bill

Second try..."look at the camera you two!"

Entering Yellowstone via East Gate

Yellowstone lake is huge!

One buffalo....

A quick shot

Looking down down down down down......

The edge is very unstable so had notices all along it for idiots who would step over the rock fence..

Elk at Mammoth springs... they are everywhere, everywhere!

Trip-Day 2 Report

2010-07-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

We left Riverton at 9 am. OUt side of there someplace we passed through 3 short tunnels through the rock mountains as we headed towards Cody, then Thermopolus. HRH put on his new oxygen machine for first time, on the road. Nice quiet running machine. At 12:20 we deisiled up in Cody, then sped through the town, quick quick quick, for fear of seeing someplace we might want to stop and look around, looked like a fun town to visit sometime when our foot was not so hot for the gas pedal. We passed through the short tunnels in the Wind River Canyon after we left Shoshoee, then when we left Cody-three more tunnels, the last one so long it caused my claustrophobia to kick in! Hated that! 2:00pm we entered the east entrance of yellowstone at which point another "see how fast we can get through this" mode turned on. We arrived at the north exit of yellowstone at 4:42 inspite of getting stopped by a herd of buffalo which we think numbered abour 200 or more and they seemed to be having fun runniing from one side of the road to the other at random so the traffic was stopped for about 15 min. until the park police made everyone move on. We also had sightings of pelicans, eagles or hawks, geese, ducks, a wolf with people stopped along the road and a grizzly which had people stopped along the road, but we managed to buzz right on by both without being slowed down hardly at all. The buffalo sounded so mean as they sort of bellowed in a low grumpy sound. At 6 pm we fueled up at Emigrant and kept on trucking hoping we would find a place to stay. I had given up hope by this late, but in Livingston, the first place we tried had some spots. We finally made it to a restuarant about ten min. to 9. The food and the service was pitsy. HRH has promised to stop earlier today! We are heading towards Great Falls today.

Trip-Post #1

2010-07-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

We left our house about 9 AM Thursday morning. Driving over the Gorge was beautiful as usual but more so, as the day before they had a major storm and the wetness brought out the reds and greens more vibrant than usual. We got diesel in Rock Springs, bought a burger and continued on to Riverton, arriving about 3 pm. We found a rv site, lucky us! HRH called Cavenaugh, whose back yard actually borders the rv property, lol. We went to his house, met his new lady Jackie, visited for a couple of hours then they led us to one of four indian casinos here in this town where we had a food court burger again and played slots for a couple of hours. Together, HRH and I come out ahead about $50. This morning we are heading around the town to see if there are any yard sales, then will start moseying to Cody, up through Yellowstone to Gardner or Livingston. Cavenaugh's lady said there have been lots of bear problems in the park this year so to be very careful. PS I love my new air card now that I have actually figured out how to connect to it!

Rocking With Sir Paul!

2010-07-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, this was lots of fun! The pictures compliment of a stranger who sent them to me via email. What a fun thing is the internet! The weather was perfect-not too hot, not too cool.

The side jumbo views made it easy to watch along with the smaller screen on back of stage with very interesting videos of young Beatles.

He changed guitars on every song and sang continously for over 3 hours! We arrived at the stadium at 5:30, got to our seats around a bit after six, watched people for over an hour until the concert started, then left about 11:15 and he was still singing! He sang us right out of the parking lot and out to State Street, lol. Leaving early let us miss the traffic jam, TG!

A song with fireworks... was so awesome! I love this!

It was a great outing and I am so glad we got to go!!

And fire works! Fabulous!

Sketching At Rock Creek

2010-07-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

I spent a few minutes drawing while camping. This is the result. Had lots of fun playing with the car girls over the week end. What a lively bunch!

Beamer

2010-06-13T11:43:00.001-07:00

This invitation personalized with Smilebox

Roses

2010-06-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Create your own free digital scrapbooking design

What Are Girls To Do When Camping?

2010-06-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well.... a swim and their hair of course!

Week End

2010-05-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

It was nice weather over the week end. HRH worked on our blown away roof. We are getting a new metal roof soon, the contractor has measured and the metal is on order. In about six weeks I guess we will have a roof the wind will slide right over... if not, well I don't even want to go there! Today and last night it is rainy so I am glad that HRH and Jack got shingles back over the hole in the roof... thank you Jack and family for your help!

And here is a picture of my cute little GREEN vintage 1952 sewing machine, lol.

Soooooooooooo cute!

April Showers

2010-04-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Bring May flowers????

Goodbye Best Friend Bubba

2010-04-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we took Bubba to the Vets so he could be in peace. No more blindness, deafness, sickness for him. We will miss him terribly. He has been my companion and friend and company for many years, and especially since I retired. I am sad to have him go, but know it is best for him. I have cried all day about his going. I loved him and I know I will miss him terribly!

Vegas Pictures

2010-03-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here is what HRH wanted to bring home...

And the new bridge they are building over the hoover dam... wow... it is awesome. It will be a four lane high way across this when they finish... in about two more years.

We were at a view area below the dam here.

We were climbing up out from the dam here...

Almost to the top of the climb here....

And here is some of the work I did while in classes....

One of two journals made from copper and glass and nuts and bolts...

A two completed of five paintings I started in class....

Entertaining One's Self

2010-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

From not being able to move around hardly at all, so using the camera in photo booth to....

Painting on things for my art retreat, and I also journaled on a pair of wide leg jeans which I was able to put my big feet through the leg openings, about my foot operation, then on to...

Sewing. Actually making an altered artwear skirt with pockets for my art retreat fashion show. I think this is cute. It is from a size 4 pair of jeans. Who in the world could fit into a size 4???? It would maybe fit one of my legs. Maybe I will make another one for th e other leg when I get back from retreat, lol.

2010-02-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Playing with iphoto

Lulu and OP loves this ap.

Car Girl Crafts

2010-01-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

OP had a cat cut out of fabric that we did some drawing on.

Lulu had the same cat as OP but she sewed two of them together, stuffed it and had a cute one!

Chevy picked out all the fabrics and I helped her make a wrist cuff. So cute!

A little hawk caught a bird and decided to eat it on the chimenea.

I took pictures out the window. Isn't he amazing?

Zoomed in on him.

He picked the feathers almost one by one with his beak, letting them float down into the snow. Taking a bit sometimes too.

My Fur Babies

2010-01-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

For some reason Bubba decided to sleep where Blueberry usually sleeps and Blueberry decided to take my art lessons into her own hand... er paws.

Hawk

2009-12-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

A hawk is hanging out in the apricot tree. I noticed him a week or so ago. I tried to take a picture but that is rather had through the window. But, he has been returning, and the other day I say he was eating another bird of some sort. He just sat there in the apricot tree pulling feathers off the little bird he held in his claw. Saturday morning we watched him try to catch another bird. It managed to get lost in the cherry bushes. He perched in the aspen tree and I got a much better picture of him. I guess because we have so many birds around the bird feeders, he thinks it's okay to eat around here too. lol. He is such an exciting bird to have hanging around. I believe he is a red tail. Quite large about a foot long I would guess. Also, we have had a big fat looking flicker hanging around too. He sometimes raps around on the eaves. The little birds are wrens, and sparrows and the junkos have finally shown up.

And here is what my feet look like now the swelling has gone down.

Dr. Visit-

2009-12-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

Today I head for the Drs. I think he will be taking stitches out of my toes and the heel. The nail looking pins have to stay for six weeks, I think. Walking is getting a bit easier. I am not on pain pills anymore. I read, and play on the computer to pass the time. I think about things too. I look out at the snow and think a beach in mexico would be nice right now, lol. The birds thump on the windows now and then to keep me alert. The village is encased in what looks like fog so I seem to be floating on a great white something up here. The little hawk that has been hanging around here was not in the apricot tree yesterday, so I don't know if he will be back. I had a flicker pecking around on the dining room yesterday. It makes blueberry go crazy. I had thought I might work on a quilt, but the pins in my toes probably will keep me from crawling around on the floor to pin it together. I am going to try to machine quilt it if I ever get so I can work on it. I hope my feet will be in great shape by end of Feb. for my las vegas escape.

2009-12-17T08:29:00.001-08:00

Feet in the Air and Snow

2009-12-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

Today, as I sit with my feet propped up, watching more snow, and it is lots of snow for us to have at one time looking close to a foot at this time and still falling, watching the birds quarrel over the seeds in the bird feeder, I wish I could go out and play in the great white stuff too. It seems like the extra hard winter is here early and that it is going to be a long one. The little birds are about the only thing lively in or about our area. Bubba is really not into the snow, nor is Blueberry. I the sub zero weather is not very pleasant for anyone! Maybe the sun will come out soon and the sleigh riding and snow man making will be fun for the young ones.

Journal Page

2009-11-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

AT the hospital, one of the guys was kind enough to print off one of the Xrays of OP's hand. I put it in one of my journals. Here is a scan of it.

Cookies and Bread

2009-10-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

On Monday the littlest car girl and I made cookies. We had lots of fun!

Last week I made cinnamon buns. Tuesday I made bread. If I don't watch out, I might become some kind of cook! Then what would the chief cook and bottle washer do to entertain himself?

Today, the wind and cold were fierce. I spent the day making a mobile and some crows.

For My Artsy Kids/Grandkids

2009-10-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you who love art and who likes spooky things, here is a couple of this month's art efforts.

Today, I had three flickers, a blue bird and the wax wings visiting. I set the cactus out with seeds so we could watch them from our chairs. So far... not one bird has found the seeds. I guess they will eventually. The birds are very cagey up here, and suspicious too. I saw a lonely squirrel on the rock wall and even he was staying away. I have decided that the cactus looks somewhat like an upright human with big arms upraised so maybe that is why they are not visiting it yet.

Gone

2009-10-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Most of the birds have headed to the land of warmer airs, I guess. Only one blue scrub jay hands out here and a few sparrows. The group of robins seem to have gleaned everything they found delicious in the garden and about. No hawks, either, flying by the windows. I did get a glimpse of a lone magpie this morning, that's about it. Now, I don't know if I am slow or what, but I just moved the cactus over to the west so I could see the birds feeding in the bowls on it's tips and now they are all mostly gone. Cheez! Maybe some new ones will find us and I will have a new model for another painting, like the Flicker above.

Sticky Flies!

2009-10-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

The flies get obnoxious this time of year! I keep a fly swatter glued to my hand as I cannot bear to have them flying around me or landing on me! I have done this like forever! This year I have run into a problem, grrrrrrrrr. I seem to have lost a bit of my coordination... I don't know what it is but I have been quarreling with the same fly for two days! I keep the flyswatter where can grab it easily, and when he lands, SLAM, I swat him a good one. But, unfortunately I miss him. I am really getting agravated-with him and my self! At least he is not as big as the fly I took a picture of last summer when I was walking along the rock wall, lol. That one was an inch long!

More Bird Art

2009-10-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is mostly just a doodle... but it was fun. One of those things I do while watching boring TV!

Birds

2009-10-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today, first thing this morning, a flicker, or what I have always called a wood pecker, was hanging around (this is not the first time either) the house. All at once it lit on the bar of the big window and stayed there for me to view him for a minute. He has an orangy undertail, but the rest of him is black and white. Then he flew to the other side of the house and lit on the bird feeder hanger and pecked at the metal bird there. Later, I saw him, and one of the scrub jays out by the pines have a few cross words with each other. Evidently, what he had to say won, as the scrub jay left. We also have had a flock of young robins here for a week or so. They are pretty busy. We always have the sparrows too. And the big mouthed blue jays have a big mouthed friend, a magpie, that hangs with them. I see and hear him almost daily.

I have been doing some wood batiks of the birds I see here, I like the batiking and the bird theme. Funny, the little hawk lit on the bird feeder and pecked at the metal bird too a while back. How odd is that? Perhaps the shape of the bird entices them?

Sunday Morning Breakfasts

2009-10-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

In thinking about breakfast Sundays, DH and I were talking about pancakes. I bought a package of pancake mix to take to camp but that did not happen so now we have to use it for Sundays which is the only day we ever cook breakfast. We delightfully remembered the applesauce pancakes and the corn pancakes we used to make when our kids were small. They liked them! We thought we should try that again this winter. I spent some time looking for the corn pancake recipe in Granny's old cook book. The applesauce pancake recipe just came about through evolution. Some one gave me some apples, I made applesauce that no one wanted to eat, so I started using it in the pancake batter one time when I was a bit short on milk and the batter needed a bit more moisture. We all liked the pancakes and it was a great way to use the applesauce.

We like to have Sunday breakfast with any of the willing to eat family members. Jack's family, for instance, just comes up whenever they can and we all pitch in and help-the men cooking, the women waiting patiently, lol. The menu is usually whatever we have on hand. I think the idea is not so much what we eat, as it is a way of getting together as an extended family.

Anniversary Time

2009-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

This time of year I really think lots about anniversaries. J&D in July, D&M Oct 1 (TODAY and Happy Happy One I hope) mine and DH Nov 1, and my Mom and Dad's was Nov 2. I remember how we had a big combination anniversary and pheasant hunt years ago. All the families would group at Granny's house and the men would go pheasant hunting and the women would play and cook. Usually after dinner we would play cards. The kids would play underfoot somewhere. Those were fun times for the most part and good memories. Sometimes I would go pheasant hunting with the guys. I used to like to do that, hunt. And doves too. Now, that I have learned that doves mate for life, I couldn't shoot one. And pheasants I think are pretty much a thing of the past as far as public lands go. But it is nice to have sweet memories, don't you think? Maybe I should stick a pheasant in my drawing above... just for old times sake!

Hawk Bath

2009-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I went to the door to let Bubs out. As I glanced out the door, I saw one of the little hawks sitting on the edge of a big flat bowl we have sitting by the BarBQ for the animals to drink out of. I immediately froze and stood there to watch him. He was about the size of a pigeon but chunkier. Suddenly, he hopped right into the middle of the bowl and began an entertaining ritual of bathing! I fluffed out his feathers and wings and splashed and wallered in the water for several awe inspiring moments. I noticed the feathers on the back of his head actually give the impression of two big owl looking eyeballs. He was kind of a grey and white almost checkered over all. He also had a friendly magpie with him that strutted around cawing and generally watching him too. Finally, he and his friend magpie flew off into the sky. I felt lucky to have the chance to view this guy from about seven feet, as he bathed and enjoyed himself! I believe he is the same young and inexperienced hawk that has sat on the humming bird brackets in the kitchen window, in the ash tree, and on the bird house just off the deck. I hope this is not the last I will see of him!

Here's Some Fun Mac Shots

2009-09-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

Mac Photo Play

2009-09-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

Hide Out

2009-09-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

The cat likes to hide here... ???

Deer Photos

2009-09-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

Deer Visitors

2009-09-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

This morning DH woke me to come see the deer! Ten or so, in the immediate area, wandering, it seemed, aimlessly. Two or three got into the garden area where the turnips are, and had a taste. The nibbled on the cherry bushes then went on across the road to the orchard where they tried the grapes and the apricot trees. One was right up to the water tub by the fausett. What a fun group of visitors to watch. Eventually, they went south out of sight. I wonder where they hid out for the day?

Another couple of visitors in the pictures too!

Snap Shots to Share

2009-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Had the card reader out and downloaded the new pics so thought I would share them here! More to come soon!

Usual Friday Activities

2009-09-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

I went off the hill to hit the yard sales. Wow, I was surprised at how many there were today! I did not bring much home as I don't really need anything anymore. Little surprises for the car girl visits and I usually buy little pieces of ephemera I can use in my art is all.
Our Monkey cat is missing! Larry locked her out when he came up to the mountain, and I guess something happened to her. :>((
Yesterday I made scalloped potatoes (trying to keep a bland diet still.) They tasted yummy.
I have been trying to wear shoes all the time. A very difficult task! The shoes make the bottoms of my feet sweat and kinda burn, but I guess wearing them does make the heel a bit less painful. What a fun choice, Grrrrrrrr! I hate being old!

Home Again Home Again

2009-09-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

The camp out with family was such an enjoyable activity. My guts have been reminding me of it since coming home. An attack of diverticulitis. I looked it up on the net, and guess what? A person with diverticulitis should not eat fried foods, no spicy meats, no spicy foods, nothing with nuts or seeds, (remember all those yummy dutch oven fried potatoes, eggs, sausage, bacon, enchilada's, boston baked bean candy, chips, doughnuts, well, the camp food in general) because they irritated the divers. I think under normal circumstances, all this good food would not have bothered me, but just a month ago, after taking some drugs which caused me to have the divers, I had a major attack. So, guess the ole bowels were already sensitive and the food was just too good. I have been on a bland diet since coming home to counter act the feeding frenzy I was on at camp. Today, I am not quite as sore in my abdomen so guess laying off eating much is good, lol.
We are going to sell the camper. (At least I think we are, since I am never sure about what DH will do.) He is talking seriously about a better one. I don't think he will ever buy another one though, but we will have to see.

Interesting Article

2009-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Gifts

2009-09-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

There are many kinds of gifts. I get gifts everyday from mother nature. The special visitors we get here are gifts too. We have a couple of loud mouthed large sized blue birds that have been here for a week or two. They caw rather like a crow. They are a very pretty blue and rather entertaining. The gentle doves are fun to watch too, they behave rather like chickens. And the bright colored yellow birds that hang up side down on the sun flowers are fun to see too. A flock of crows have been hanging out north of the house everyday. Interesting birds. There are so many other things that are gifts, like good health, having enough food, a nice home, love of your family, sharing time with your family, etc. This week end DH and I have been gifted with the opportunity to spend time with the car girls and parents. What could be better?

Just A Reminder

2009-09-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Is October Breast Cancer Awareness month...? Seems to me like it is. They do that so everyone will remember to get their mammograms. Have you had yours for this year? If you are one of my descendants you need to do this. Cancer runs in families and since my Mom had it, and all of her kids have had some form of cancer, I assume that running in families is a truth. Well, even if you are not a descendant do it! It is not that hard to be checked. And if something develops the sooner you find it the better and easier it is to treat! Make your appointments ladies!

Hawk Pictures

2009-09-02T12:32:00.001-07:00

I thought I posted these once, but guess not. How awesome is this?

Sunday

2009-08-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

The middle car girl walked up and she and I spent an hour or so revamping a cute little denim jacket with new buttons and some lace. She was happy with it and took it home with her. It is fun to have grandkids visit.

DH picked another half bushel of tomatoes today, so tomorrow I will be doing something with them tomorrow. I just have to decide what. Let me see, I could can them, make chili sauce, make salsa, make spaghetti sauce, make stuffed tomatoes, dry some.... well, none of those really flap my dress up. Oh, well, I will figure something out. It is hard to cook for just two people. Sometimes I think we have a handle on it and then boom, we eat leftovers for a week after something. We really did cut back on how many tomatoes we planted but the tomatoes are being very generous. Something will come of them!

Blasts from the Past

2009-08-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Today, as I was scalding tomatoes and cutting them up for the crock pot spaghetti sauce, I was listening to the radio. "Rain drops keep falling on my head" played, and it made me remember how my DD loved that song when she was little. She would sing it lots. I think she had a music box that played it too. Then right after that song they played the "I wanna be just like you" which was another song she liked from the Jungle Book movie. When that movie first came out, she and I and her cousins all went to the movie house in Kearns to watch it. We all fell in love with the songs and the movie. We still like them! I wonder, does she still like the Raindrops song?

Campfire Games

2009-08-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

I was thinking this morning about campfire games. They are so for the little ones and OP really got into the categories game. She was hollering and clapping and would say something when it was her turn. She got after Papa for not clapping. She was so cute and funny. Lulu really liked them too. Chev on the other hand is no longer a little one as she stayed in and read the first night then did come play the second night and actually, once she got going, she enjoyed them too.

I remember my Mom towards the end liked the games too, and she especially liked the washer game. The one with a washer on a string and everyone put their hands together that out to the other people on each side. And someone was it and had to guess where the washer is. I will have to throw some string and a washer into my camp box and try it on the girls if and when we camp again.

Missed One!

2009-08-25T15:26:00.001-07:00

Poor Chevy... although she was a good sport about the bug...

Pictures from Camp

2009-08-25T15:10:00.001-07:00

Lulu... having a happy time.

OP during one of her happy times.

Jack and OP eating cake! Yum.

Lulu and her marshmellow stick.

Shawna contemplating life in general.

Jack attemping a life changing activity...

An act of bravery by all...

Papa having one of his happy moments...

Jack... lecturing on the fine art of roasting marsh mellows as family tries to follow his thinking...

Hawk Pictures

2009-08-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the pictures I took of one of the red tailed hawks in our elm tree.

Arial Entertainment!

2009-08-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had three red tailed hawks and a couple of magpies giving us quite a show out the window, playing on the wind currents, diving, flying very close to our windows, landing on the peak of the porch roof and the rock wall and the elm tree. The hawks are like miniature eagles. I am not sure what the magpies were doing hanging out with the hawks, but they acted like they were all together. They stayed here for nearly an hour just flying about. Very entertaining for us old people!

Food

2009-08-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

As I have been making some salads and cleaning veggies and doing the stuff you do after grocery shopping, I was thinking about recipes. Family type recipes. My sisters and my Mom were very good cooks and I still use recipes from them, if and when I cook that is. Today I made a fruit salad from BY, and a dip from MJ. They all loved to cook. I don't. At least not too often. I do have a few favorite recipes that I make maybe once a year per recipe, lol. Now days it is easier to buy stuff pre prepared. Especially when you are cooking just for two. Here is a list of some of my favorite recipes:

Enchaladas-mine

Chicken and Dumplings-Granny

Fruit Salad-BY

Clam Dip-Mj

Saurkrout and Ribs-mine

Spagetti Sauce-BY

Candied Yams-BY

Corned Beef & Cabbage-mine

Frickashayed (sp???) pheasant-Granny

Salad Dressing-Granny

Fruit Dip-mine

Bean burritoes-mine

Brown beans-DH

Well, that was fun, lol. Made me hungry so guess I'll go see what's for lunch!

Squirrely

2009-08-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

We have maybe three long tailed grey squirrels hanging around up here. They bite the produce! And we think they are what is leaving all the poopies on the walks and around the house. Grrrr!

It seems the summer is starting to wind down. The car girls go back to school in just a couple of weeks. They are looking forward to it. And so is their Mom, I think.

A Thank You

2009-08-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

Got a card from Marcy and Roe (to us and family) saying thanks for the wedding present. So, if you didn't get one, you were probably included in this one, if you are part of my family.

Not much going on up here on the hill. My desert four oclock is growing so big and has so many blooms on it, it is amazing. I don't know if they keep growing bigger each year or what. I should take a picture of it, yes. I actually have been thinking of doing that, but haven't yet. I have been pulling weeds, we have been invaded by morning glory the wild kind, what a pain. I have worked lots out in the yard and it looks pretty good. Mostly, it is good excercise for me... the only kind that makes sense really. I hate just walking or something for the excercise, but when I do something, like moving rocks, or pulling weeds, that lets me see an improvement, then the exercise is worth it to me.

DH's heart and stress test showed no problems, which we were glad to hear. He still struggles with breathing, and probably needs to be on oxygen more, but is only on it at night. He groomed the road up the hill yesterday, and smoothed some spots up here so I don't get stuck on my yard tractor as I tootle around on it. It doesn't take much of a hole to get me stuck, lol.

Memories

2009-08-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

I was thinking the other day about moving back to my home town from the city. As a typical teen, I could not wait to "get out of town" and find a "real" life. Little did I know....

I was twenty eight when I moved back home. My Mother was sixty two when I moved next door to her. We became a blended family. She was part of almost everything we did from then on out. The kids ran back and forth from her house to ours almost at will. Jack fell on her step and made a huge lump in the middle of his forehead when he went to Granny's, I think before he could walk. If I went to the store she went with me. If she wanted to go to town in the evening for a coke and people watching, me and the kids rode along. She went with us to pick asparagrass, to the drive in theater, camping, fishing, for rides, everywhere it seems like now. We kept her company when she had things she wanted to do too. I think myself and my kids are better off for having lived next door to her. I know I had a better life after I moved back to the town than I did before then.

In the end, the next door situation became hard to cope with. It was hard to try to take care of two houses and contradicting demands on me from people whom I loved and wanted to help and do for. I wanted to move away. But, my Mom reacted so adversely to that, we changed our minds and stayed next door to her. I am glad now, in retrospect, that we stayed and I had her friendship for so long.

I have been vigilant to not be a burden to my kids. I hope I have succeeded. I am sometimes sad that we are not as close as me and my Mom were, but on the other hand, am glad they are independent adults with lives of their own. A two edged sword, really... I sometimes have an overwhelming desire to be with them and see them and talk to them. I think about being age sixty five, and the down hill quality of life that is left for me and wonder what will happen when life gets beyond my control. I still miss my Mom... who was my best friend forever for so long.

Finished!

2009-07-29T06:41:00.001-07:00

Arting

2009-07-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a little cupboard I am fixing up so keep my ATCs in and little bench I have started to decorate for the littlest car girl.

I find things for the car girls, well have always done so for all the GKs and Kids, at yard sales. How can one resist when you can pick something up for 25 or 60 cents? My finds have been pretty good lately... sometimes the pickins are far between.

For my DL a designer jacket, that is made of off white canvas, and has about a kazillion zippered pockets and is brand new, which I thought she would like to wear on her scooter.

For self, cupboard, art supplies, old linens to paint on, fabulous fabrics, organizing shelfs for art spaces, much other...

For two biggest car girls, lava lamps and light ropes for their rooms, high fashion socks, some halloween lights for the porch, , piggy bank and bench, and a basket, for littlest.

The kids always love the yard sale stuff when they get it, I think, lol.

Bored Blogs

2009-07-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

I guess blogs with pics are just bored (or boring.) Maybe there are some who like to read, but I prefer to SEE something. But, I don't have a whole lot of pics to share. Like how many times can I post a pic of Bub... who is mainly my only companion. He follows me from room to room and around the yard by smell. Sometimes it takes him ten minutes to realize I am not out side so he comes to the door and hollers. Sometimes, he hollers, and by the time I get to the door he is walking away looking for me somewhere else. I can't get him to come back cuz he can't hear me.

We have been curiously watching activity north and west of us, over behind the hill just below Aumillers, where people used to drive up into there to dump garbage. They have made quite a nice road, and put up a gate that locks. DH and groupies drove around today trying to find out what they are doing. Looks, like a pond, some RV s parked, other oddities. We will be looking forward to solving this mystery. They truck stuff in and out daily and even over the whole week end.

I have been playing with the rocks around the yard again! I am trying to make it easier to drive the riding lawn mower around the immediate yard. Rocks are not so good on my mower blades, if you know what I mean, lol. The improvements are nice. A change is sometimes all it takes. I sometimes think rocks are good therapy. I remember my DAd watching me and DH move rocks around the yard every spring, wondering what was wrong with us that we were moving the rocks again. We finally put most of them on the house and in the front rock garden, but that was after about a zillion other efforts of doing something fun with them.

DH bought a box of sea shells at a yard sale last week end. He went out and sprinkled them all around the rocks, so the car girls can have a "shell hunt" when they come up. I guess the oldest car girl still collects shells?

We have another mystery too. Every morning there are little poopies around the house and yard. Smaller than the dog and cats type. I don't know if it is squrrel, prairie dogs, snake, what else?

Big trucks and crows have been waking me up in the early mornings. Trucks are noisy, I would rather have the crows, at least they are natural, lol.

The weather has been livable. Typically, don't we get major thunder and rain storms around the 24th? Wonder if that will happen this year?

EEEEEeeeeeeeeeKKK

2009-07-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Last evening as we finished dinner and was watch TV, just as it got dark, Bubba went bazerk! He was all fuzzed up on his back like I have not seen him do like forever. He jumped up from in front of the sofa, fuzzed up and started barking in the direction of the back door. He finally ran over to the door and was raising such a fuss DH got up to let him out. DH went outside with him as we thought perhaps a stray dog was about and we didn't want Bubs hurt since he can't hear or see. Nothing out there that DH could see so he left Bubs out there barking and raising cain and sort of going farther and farther out towards the orchard area. I thought, "geez, he must of had a night mare or something." He stayed out quite a while and finally come back. Just as DH let him in the house, a car drove up to the front of the house and someone knocked on the door. DH went to the door and someone greeted him as if they knew him. He stepped outside to talk to them. When he came back in he said it was two US Marshalls (or something like that.) They wanted to set up an observation station here as "they were looking for a bad man" (their words.) DH told them to go ahead so they drove over to the edge of the hill towards McMullins and stayed there we don't know how long. Bubs kept stirring and barking for sometime that evening. The only thing I can think of is that he navigates and lives his life through his sense of smell, as I have noticed lately, and that he smelled something amiss. I have to wonder if the bad man wasn't here, around the house and Bubs smelled him? I guess we will never know, but it was/is an eeeerie feeling. They say the bark of a dog is the best discouragement against in home crimes. I have always felt very safe up here on this hill and I hope I hear on the radio soon that they captured whomever they were after.

Just Another Saturday

2009-07-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

This morning as a do my usual cup of tea and internet session, a young bird who is just trying to learn to fly keeps trying to land on the window bar. I am relieved that the cat is in and can't catch it. I am not sure what kind of bird it is, but hope it learns about windows soon.

I look across the valley and see the little mountain we always called Flat Iron glowing white in sort of a gray partially cloudy day. My father took me hiking on Flat Iron once when I was small and long before some company bought it to put towers on it. We hunted for what Dad described as dinosaur eggs. Round egg shaped rocks about five inches long and four inches around. I think now they have decided they might be croc or alla gotor eggs as some fossils of such were found to the south and west of Flat Iron. My parents used to have four or five of those eggs in a bowl shaped rock around the property. I wonder what ever happened to them. There were photos of them too.

I planted some pennyroyal seeds in the cracks of the bricks I layed in the back for a small patio/step. We discovered pennyroyal when we stayed at Turtle Rock. It was in the grass and when you walked about, you could smell the most marvelous minty smell, thanks to the pennyroyal. I hope it grows! It is what is called a walkable herb.

I am so excited-I signed up for an artist retreat in Los Vegas for next February. Staying at Bally's. The workshops will be in Ballys or the Paris. I will be taking a sculpture class, a book binding class and a mixed media class... three days. Something to look forward to!

Our garden plants are huge. The tomatoes are just starting to make tomatoes. We have had radishes, beet greens, squash, and turnip greens so far. As usual, mother nature also planted. We have several large squash looking plants growing in between where we planted. We just let them grow to see what they are... hope it something we like, lol.

Well, I guess I better go see if I can help the dumb bird find a better perch than the window bars, lol.

Officially Summer

2009-06-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today, the late afternoon heat invades my house, so that I want to turn on the AC. The problem with that is getting it ready to be turned on. I did get it moved to the window in hopes that my "fairy god mother" will make sure all is in working order so I can attach the water inlet and plug that sucker in.

I have been laying bricks by the back door/back fausett. My house in town had a lovely brick patio in front. I love the looks of the bricks and another benefit is if you wet them down, they stay cool for quite a while, helping to cool you down if you are out side. I really don't spend much time where these are going, but mornings might just happen out there, now that I have a place to go. Tea on a hand layed brick patio... cool mornings, lovely view... yep I think I am beginning to see a reason I am working so hard. Too bad my fat doesn't cooperate and just disappear with the hard work. lol