So long, fair well .........

Last night Nicole and I were watching my favorite movie "The Sound of Music" and I remembered the part of the movie where the children were leaving the party and singing the song - so long, fair well...... Like all good parties they all have to end.
As our children have grown up and are having lives of their own we don't get together very often.
Rayme and I were blessed enough that both Nicole & Michelle were able to come home for Christmas in spite of the extreme weather conditions and flight delays.
We usually go to Rayme's side of the family for Christmas Eve, but with our weather being frightful, his parents didn't want anyone to venture out on the roads. Therefore, we had an unexpected time together with just the four of us. We had a wonderful time together and getting the last few details wrapped up (no pun intended).
We kept expecting the rain to come, but it never came just snow and more snow and more snow! Poor Nicole her blood apparently has thinned out and was having a hard time keeping warm, but still loved the white Christmas. My family and some good friends came over to enjoy our Christmas dinner. It was such a wonderful Christmas.
Now comes the time when the party has to end and we have to say to Nicole & Michelle - so long, fair well ........see you soon.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

The temperature here has certainly taken on the feel of winter. Usually we don't have this kind of cold weather until January. Our temperatures here have dipped into the teens and with windchill factors sometimes below zero.
This morning when I left for work I got into my car that is parked in the garage, so I really didn't have to brave the weather to much, but when I got to work and had to walk from the parking lot to the building - whoa baby - I had to look down to make sure that I actually put my pants on (and I had)- it was so cold and wind whipping it felt like I didn't have any on.
As I watch the doppler radar, satellite images, and weather forecast it looks like we have this cold winter weather for a couple of weeks.
How is the weather in your neck of the woods?

New Christmas Shopping Experience

It is time to update my blog! Can you believe that I haven't updated for over a month? Can you believe we are in December? Can you believe that I have 22 days of shopping before Christmas - OK really 21 days since this day is slipping away quickly and if you subtract Christmas eve it is like 20 days. Yikes! But I have made a new discovery to help out with my lack of planning.
Online Shopping!!! Yes, I have ordered things online before, but never for Christmas shopping.
I can't tell you what I bought because the recipient reads my blog. So let me tell you what I think of online Christmas shopping - I love it!!! You can't believe that there is so many things that I have on my list and I can do it all in the comfort of my own home in my PJ's.
The other good reasons for online shopping. No parking issues, the store doesn't close, I am a little bit better at not impulse buying, did I mention that I can shop in my PJ's.
Have you shopped more online this Christmas? What great deals have you found online?

Fall Fun in Arizona

Our vacations include planning different destinations and of course food! One of our first stops on the way to the Grand Canyon was a little cafe with great pies!

This is Dan (as in Daniel Boone), Lloyd and Rayme sporting their coon skin caps getting ready for our adventures at the Grand Canyon. It was rather chilly that morning we were at the Grand Canyon, but it did warm up to a balmy 50 degrees (as long as we were in the sun it seemed warmer).
The first time I visited the Grand Canyon I was in awe, and couldn't believe how beautiful and the creation of it was an overwhelming feeling. It still makes me feel a bit of disbelief of it magnificent wonder.

Another thought, I wonder when the first pioneers came west and came upon this natural creation what they thought?

Cheryle, Dan, Dawn, Lloyd, Donna & Rayme at the Grand Canyon (not to close to the edge).

Dan & Rayme close to the edge. (A little to close for Cheryle and mine comfort.)

The next stop on our vacation was Sedona, and we took a Jeep Tour in the back country. I love gnarly looking trees, and I wasn't disappointed because I was able to take quite a few pictures of the unique looking trees.

I am not sure if you can detect the color of the jeep, but it is Pink! I highly recommend the Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona. We had a great driver - Kristen! No, we didn't let the guys drive!


Definitely a wild ride!

I love taking pictures of the scenery in Arizona.

Earlier I said we like to eat and here is one of our stops - gotta love Texas Roadhouse.

Breakfast outside on the patio in the middle of October!
A vacation wouldn't be complete without a friendly game of Hand & Foot!

And a daily midnight swim in the 97 degree pool. Dawn likes her pool warm, the rest of the us think of it as a big bathtub.

I had a great time with great friends and lots of fun!

It isn't the destination it's the journey. I can't wait until our next journey.

Dutch Oven Delight

Friday night, Rayme & I hosted a Ward Adult Dutch Oven Cookout/Potluck. It was a fun and learning evening. It was to help teach how to use their dutch oven especially under an emergency circumstance, and enjoy the wonderful food.
Being that this is an outdoor event, and the briquette's are used (meaning the use of fire). Weather is a factor, important issue to consider! Yes, again I was watching the weather to try and predict the weather and the forecast wasn't looking favorable. Being in the the great Pacific NW - yep you guess it - rain! As you may understand rain can have several definitions here. When Rayme started the briquette and it wasn't raining yet, and then it started sprinkling after the coals were started and about the time everyone showed up it started pouring rain. Since this event was taking place on your patio (no cover), Rayme fashioned an awning with tarps to cover our guests.
In spite of the rain, we enjoyed some fabulous food, such cowboy type of beans, a couple of different kinds of stews, Carmel apple crisp, and peach cobbler, ribs. Mmmm - good.
Some of the people wanted to know if we were going to cancel the event because of the rain. Rayme's response - No way! If we really had an emergency chances are it is going to be raining.
I would have to say all in all it was a successful night.

New Adventures

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have opportunities to serve in different positions (callings). Since our ministry isn't paid, we all help out. Let me make it clear we don't have a sign up sheet asking for help in Sunday School or working with the youth,etc. Callings are issued with great thought and prayer and are inspired. (Sometimes I think maybe desperation, but I know better.)
Well, I have a new calling - Stake Young Women's Secretary!
Previously I have held callings within the Young Women's organization since my girls where little, and even in the Stake YW. But it has been about 10 years since I have worked with the young women. I have forgotten how busy the youth are. I think in the week or so, I have been to about 3-4 different events, and about that many more are planned for the next week.
If you remember a previous post about being in my PJ's by 6:00 - no more! Maybe we can plan an activity including wearing your favorite PJ's??!!
I am excited about this new calling, and the wonderful women that I will get to serve with. My observation is that people that serve with the youth tend to be more young at heart too. Do you think this is my way of not growing up?

Sickness - NOT fun!

You know Fall is here when everyone seems to know someone that it is sick.
I don't like being sick! OK - that was kind of dumb statement, I really haven't heard anyone say that they love being sick.
Have you ever noticed that being sick always comes at the worst time? It is extremely busy at work, and really can't afford taking time off because of the deadlines are getting closer and the piles are not getting any smaller. Yikes!
But this bug came fast and furious, starting with a little tickle in my throat in the morning and by 2:00 I was down and out. In bed by 3:00 and didn't get up until the next afternoon. Got up just because I needed a new position, and the recliner seemed like a good idea. Thank goodness Dr. Rayme had the day off and keep me supplied with all the needed cold medicine.
Some people need their coffee to get started, well I need my shower (don't drink coffee). You know I am ill when I don't care if I had a shower. That happened twice this week.
The good news I am feeling better today, just don't have much energy. I did have to go to town for the Treasury of Memories big sale, and get a gift card for a bridal shower that I won't be going to because now I have the cough of death. You know the kind, sounds like I've been smoking 10 packs a day for last couple decades.
I think I am rambling, maybe I should lay off the colds meds. :)
Hope the Fall crud doesn't come to your home.

Wonderful Weekend Getaway

A wonderful weekend that started out with a 1 night cruise from Seattle to Vancouver. That evolved into an additional night in Seattle to include a train ride, sightseeing in Seattle (a wild taxi ride, Space Needle, a monorail ride, Pike St. Market, and attending the performance of Phantom of the Opera.)

We had a great time on the train, enjoying the company of good friends and conversation with fun and laughs. Then at the end of our train ride, the passenger that sat behind us informed us that we were the most rude and inconsiderate people he had ever met. And he said all this with a smile on his face. It was the weirdest thing. I kept thinking he was going to say he was joking and tell us to have a good weekend. Nope. The funny thing about this little story is that we were already in our seats before he got on the train, and the train was relatively empty. It just makes you wonder.

There was a few "firsts" that were included in our weekend. One of them was eating at the Space Needle. I was told that it was very expensive to eat at the Space Needle. Let me share with you a little tip - eat lunch. The price of the meal includes your $12 ride up to top of the needle. So the $25 minimum entree subtract the cost of the elevator ride makes it a more reasonable meal price. Right?? It was a little overcast, but it was still fun to see the skyline, and the float planes landing on the lake.

After lunch it was a ride on the monorail to Pike Street Market. This was a first for Rayme, he had never been to market before, and it had been years since I had been.

That night we attended "Phantom of the Opera". I should say most of the guys weren't totally thrilled with the idea of dressing up in their suits and going to the theater, but were good sports and surprisingly they enjoyed themselves. The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants, and what better way to top off a great day then to stop off and have a piece of wonderful cheesecake. Decisions, decisions - I decided on the lemon raspberry cheesecake. Mmmmm.....

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, it was off to the pier to catch our cruise ship to our final destination - Vancouver.

More fun was to be had on the cruise ship!! Food, playing cards, a Band on the Run Show that included the fun songs from the 70's, did I mention good food. Can you guess how many desserts Lloyd had at lunch?? I do have the pictures to prove it.

It was a wonderful memory making weekend.

Update

Ok - I can't believe that I haven't posted anything for so long.

Last week was a busy one for me. Since I usually come home from work and maybe if it moves me I might do a chore or two, and can be found in my PJ's in the early evening. Once the kids moved out I found that the house pretty much stays the same way I left it.

Needless to say, when I have something booked every night and have to stay in real clothes until my later it is a stretch. This last week went something like this-

Went to a REI dutch oven cooking class.

I had 2 scrapbooks to make for some co-workers that are retiring.

Then I had to prepare for Close To My Heart Stamp Club that takes me 1 night to prepare, another night to have the club. I don't know why I do this but I had another club - my scrapbook club the next night.

Go out with friends to celebrate Beth's birthday - fun, fun, fun.

Prepare for my Sunday Relief Society lesson.

I have found that painting my toe nails is something I am not good at - at all! When I went to the mall I found myself at the nail place getting a pedicure and manicure. The pedicure is so nice to look at my toes and have them perfectly painted. But than on Monday when I came home from work I noticed my manicure is not holding up at all. I can't stand chipped nail polish, I proceed to take off the polish. To my surprise it won't come off, nope, nada, no way. Yes, it chips off - but I can't seem to get the rest of it off. Now what do I do to get this nail polish off? And I am a bit disappointed that it didn't last more than 2 days.

I almost forgot the most important thing I did this last week - I sent my first text message on my cell phone. I did it all by myself!

One other thing - the weather has been absolutely gorgeous. Lovin' it!! I have been a little consumed with the weather, not only locally, but with all the hurricanes. Maybe I missed my call of being meteorologist??!! Did I spell it right - that might be a problem.

Weather Update

Just wanted to update you on the weather in my little corner of the world. I am happy to report that yes we had a sunny weekend! OK - I should inform you that it was sunny, but as far as warm - not so much. The picnics & BB Q's we attended over the weekend were definitely benefited from the sunshine. Rayme informed me that he used his "powers" so that we could enjoy the sunshine, and that I needed to thank him for the sunshine success. Thank you! Then he informed me that he could only use his "powers" for good not evil.
Just a side note about attending one of our BBQ, I think I shook peoples hands just so that I could steal some their body heat.

Just 2 more weeks of Summer - Please??!!

Being that I am a proud native Pacific Northwestern(er) you would think I can take the rain in stride.

Let's me give you a weather update for this past week.

Sunday I woke to the sound of wind driven rain on our windows. Followed by more rain after getting up and then dodging big raindrops going to church and more rain on the way home from church. Going to sleep with the sound of more rain. I don't think it stopped raining on Sunday at all. Only to be followed the rest of the week with (you guessed it) more rain. Not always a down pour, but sprinkles, rain showers, etc. Let's put it this way, only in the Pacific NW can you have different words to mean, it is raining.

Fall is definitely in the air here!

Really I want just another week or maybe even two weeks of glorious sunshine! I'm not asking for to much, am I? My tomatoes need a bit more sunshine (they are still green, green , green), so a little sunshine would help them too. I think I need just a little more vitamin D to get me through the winter. After all, it's Labor Day weekend with people having their last Summer BBQ & picnic, and sunshine is a great ingredient for a successful, fun time.

Well, I suppose I will check the weather forecast to see if I need to pack an umbrella for any outings for the weekend. Wait, do I own a umbrella? You know I am from the Pacific Northwest.

Embrace the liquid sunshine (that means rain)! Yes, embrace it because I will have the rain until late Spring. Unless I get my way of a week or two more of sunshine.

Rain = Green

Friends Celebration Weekend

My weekend actually started on Thursday.

The reason I traveled to the eastside of the mountains was to attend a funeral of one of my scrapbooking friends, and to attend a play. (I blogged about her in an earlier blog.) Since the funeral service was early Friday, I decided that I would drive over on Thursday to visit with some of my eastside friends. I am always greeted by Deb with open arms and on this visit it wasn't anything different. Deb is one of my friends that I can confide in and always know that it won't go any further and it doesn't change her feelings toward me. Thank you Deb for everything. Then it is off to see my friend Kim that recently moved over to the eastside - I really miss her!


I finally get to see my dear friend Jane, she is so positive and creative. I love our chats. She makes me feel so special! Thank you for letting me stay with you, and a special thank you to Ande for sacrificing her bedroom me.

After the funeral our scrap book retreat friends got together for lunch. It was so nice together and enjoy each others company. I wish we could get together more often, because I really enjoy being around my friends. It wasn't the same without Darla, she wasn't feeling well so she couldn't make it. Hope you are feeling better!

At Cynthia's funeral her friends & husband spoke about how much fun Cynthia was, and her husband started his remarks with all of us reaching underneath the pew in front us for an envelop. It contained a gift certificate for Cynthia's favorite restaurant. When I called home I relayed that I loved that idea, and wanted that to be included at my funeral. When I was asked which restaurant was my favorite, I told them I would have to get back to them. Anyway, the funeral service was good and reminded us of the good qualities that Cynthia represented and celebrated. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Next I am onto Leavenworth to meet up with my friends - Sandy, Sonja & Harriet (Sandy's Mom). We had planned on this trip to attend the play "The Sound of Music". It was wonderful, I would encourage anyone that likes "The Sound of Music" to attend. It is located on the ski hills of Leavenworth, it seemed like we were actually in the Austria Alps. When Maria comes out singing from the actual hills -it was awesome. It was under the stars on a beautiful evening, at one point the frogs & crickets were singing so loud that I thought if they get much louder they would have to turn up the microphones. Needless to say, the frogs & crickets did settle down. I think it made it even more endearing. It was so much fun to be with Sonja, Sandy & Harriet!

I got home just in time to attend a Wedding Open House. And of course more friends and celebrations!

I feel so blessed and thankful that I have such wonderful friends.

National S'more Day

Did you know that Sunday, August 10th was National S'mores Day? Ok - I don't know if it was National S'mores Day or if is was just S'more Day. It just sounded better with National in front of it to me.

Sandy informed us of this day, and Sonja & I thought that was a great reason to get together for Smores. Which ended up being our families getting together to include a BBQ too. And if Sonja's involved with food it always proves to be a delicious event, and I loved the pretzel salad Sandy brought too. Yummy!

It was fun to have a National S'more Day!

What do you think - do we need to start a new S'mores Day tradition??

Victoria Weekend

A couple weekends ago we went to Victoria with our friends, and had a great time! Whenever I go on a ferry I think I pretend it is a cruise ship (even though the only similiarities are they are usally going somewhere fun and they float). As we were on our way we played a friendly guys against the girls "Hand & Foot" card game. It is one of my favorite card games, but you really need to have at least 6 - 8 people to really have fun.

We started in Victoria by checking out Victoria's inner harbor area. Here is Dan, Cheryle, Lloyd, Dawn & Rayme. I didn't know that Victoria is known for being the Garden City, and after our weekend I can see why. Then we were off to Butchart Gardens to see the beautiful flowers and gardens. I haven't been to the gardens since I was a kid, and I am sure that I didn't have the appreciation I do now. I took tons of pictures! Even the trash cans were beautiful with flowers.

We managed to get the guys to pose for this picture!

Enjoyed some celtic music at the gardens too. We discovered that with this band when it gets closer to the end of the song tempo goes faster and faster. Tried to give the guys some cultural.

What would a trip be to Victoria if you didn't go to The Empress Hotel? We visited the Parliment Building, and it has so many stained glass windows and very ornamental detail woodwork. We took a double decker bus tour around the city and stopped by Craigdarroch Castle. So much to see!

Charles and Beth - another couple was suppose to join us, but couldn't at the last minute.

They were missed!

Another trip on less than a tank of gas, and alot of fun!

Celebrations!

Ok - I know I am late on getting this on my blog, but one of my sayings is "it is better late than never".

Nicole my oldest daughter was able to come home to celebrate her 25th Birthday!

• You know you are going to have a great day if it starts out going to IHOP for birthday breakfast (I love IHOP - especially restaurant pancakes.)
• Off to find the perfect birthday present - Nicole we hope you liked your present??!!
• What would be a birthday without cake? Gotta have cake!!
• Then top it off with getting together at Treasury of Memories for our East meets West Crop. Loads of fun, food & friends - what a great combination!!!
• Nicole scaring Darla with her surprise greetings.

Nicole I hope you had a good time, I know your Dad & I enjoyed your visit!

The Fair!

I promised Nicole that I would post some pictures of this years NW Washington Fair.

Some of my highlights of the fair include

• Showing Animals - we got to the fair just in time to watch my niece show her horse. She won a ribbon for that show.
  
• Fair Food - you have to have curly fries & king size batter dipped corn dog, and until last year I never had a funnel cake. I really wanted to get a funnel cake and was informed that there was a Carmel & Chocolate, but the weather was so hot I didn't feel like eating. There is always next year.
• Entertainment - This year we enjoyed the "Higgins" family band from Delta, BC and they were very good, in fact I bought their CD. That night we went to see the band "Chicago". Talk about a blast from your past - all the songs I remembered. I bought the tickets last December and they sold out shortly after they went on sale.
• Friends - I love going to the fair, just to see friends I haven't seen for a long time.

Life Lessons

This is when I wish that I was an eloquent writer, but since I am not I will do my best.

Last week I gave a lesson in Relief Society and the lesson title was “Words of Hope and Consolation at the Time of Death”. Little did I know that I would be reviewing this lesson so soon after giving it.

It was with sadness that I received news that my scrapbook retreat buddy Cynthia passed away suddenly.

Cynthia was always the leader at our retreats completing the most pages. She was always willing to share tips and her friendship with us. Cynthia will surely be missed at our retreats, but she will always be remembered in our fond memories.

I know that we shared the same belief that when we die, we have great comfort in knowing that we will meet again in the world to come. This gives me hope!

My thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family.