Home on Pine Creek

Finding Sunshine!! Road Trip!!

2012-02-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

The winter is cold and dark in Eastern Washington...so we went for a little road trip to find some sunshine...First stop was my Little Sunshine Emma Jean.
Our little snuggle bunny all swaddled up...such a sweetheart.

Then we took off for the Oregon Coast..getting warmer.

View from our room in Brookings, Oregon.

Our motel in the background

Next the Redwoods...Magnificent!

Of course we had to drive thru the tree!

In Fort Bragg, Ca we went to a unique beach called Glass Beach...These are all small pieces of washed and worn glass. Funny thing the glass is from an old garbage dump, they used to just dump the trash into the ocean. You can find some pretty pieces of glass though that have been worn smooth by the ocean.

Northern California coastline

Going over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco....$6 toll please. Our motel was on Lombard Street...just a short walk up the hill to the famous crooked block of Lombard street. The houses in this area are so crammed together...but so beautiful. What a different way of life.

Next was a visit to Alcatraz

The cells

Stacked 3 high and much narrower than I'd imagined. Now we need to watch all of the old Alcatraz movies again.

We found our sunshine!! Pier 39 in San Francisco..chowder and fish & chips for lunch...then of coarse waffle cones.

We walked it off along the waterfront. Lots of interesting people there, this is only one of them.

Painted Ladies

The next day we went to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose... what an interesting house and story behind it, plus another beautiful day!

And the 'Door to Nowhere'

My brother Bruce and his wife Wanda live in Rancho Cordova, near Sacramento...we had never been to their home so went over for a visit. What wonderful hosts they were! It was fun to see their family of 8 cats, a rottweiler(Birdie) and a grey parrot (Einstein).

What a great place to live...picking lemons off of your own lemon tree in February!! The weather is so nice I can see why they live there.

We saw a lot of things that we wanted to just taking our time driving along and yes...we did find our Sunshine!

( unfortunately we are back in our icebox back home again...)

♥ Grammy & Gramps ♥

2012-01-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

I think Grandpa is telling Emma Jean he will get her a pony when she gets a little bigger...or a motorcycle. I'm sure she will have him twisted around her little finger.

I am enjoying a little Emma time...they stay tiny for just a heartbeat. She is a snugglebug!

I wonder what color her hair will be?? Sometimes it looks blonde...sometimes brown..I'm saying blonde. Eyes???

Grammy & Gramps Love you Emma Jean!!

♥ Emma Jean ♥

2012-01-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

Emma Jean born January 19th at 12:55am. 7lbs 7oz 20"long

She is my brand new sweet granddaughter!

What a precious little angel...

Grammy Loves You!!

HaPpY BiRThDaY JeSSiE!!

2012-01-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

I am proud of the man you have become....

but...

You will always be my Little Boy!!

Love You!!

It Won't be Long Now!!

2011-12-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

Isn't she the cutest!! Definitely has the 'glow'. I am so happy to have her be part of our family! Becky's due in a short 2 1/2 weeks....I don't know if she will make it that long. She is still working her 12 hr shifts at the hospital. It was so nice to have her and Jessie up Christmas Day...the last time as a couple...the next time there will be 3 ♥

I Can Hardly Wait!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

♥ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ♥

Makes me SmiLe♥

2011-12-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

We sure did enjoy this little one last week!!

Mom's Memorial

2011-11-20T19:10:00.001-08:00

Mom died Tuesday morning, November 15, 2011.

I am so glad that at last she will be at peace and whole again. I thought I would be ready...but I guess you are never really ready.

We will have her Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Saturday, November 26, 2pm at the Tonasket Senior Center

I hope Mom is having a good visit with Susan and Grandma!

HaPpy BirThDaY JimmY!

2011-11-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe you are 25!!

You were the best present for your Grandma and Grandpa being born on their 18th wedding anniversary.

Emma's Nursery

2011-11-07T21:09:00.001-08:00

I love that they chose the name Emma...it was Becky's Great Grandma's name and Jessie's Great Grandma's middle name as well as his Great Great Grandma's name....how cool is that!!

The nursery is coming along great!! It is so sweet in purples and pinks and butterflies. The mobile that Kelly and I made goes perfectly with their decor. I love the crib they chose, and the bedding will be here soon. We brought down Emma's car seat and baby swing that Sophia was using while she was visiting us.

Just look at that closet full of clothes...this little girl will be one well dressed baby!! I can hardly wait!

Sale Booty!!

2011-11-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Wow!! 90% off sale at Craft Warehouse.....You can't get any better than that!!

Pumpkin Update

2011-11-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

These are the pumpkins that are left by the road this morning. I sold alot then I put up a 'free' sign. If nobody picks them up they will go into the compost pile soon.

Rita and Dixie this morning waiting for a little breakfast.

Pumpkins..

2011-10-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

This morning I hauled all of my extra pumpkins out to the road to try and sell. It is all on the honor system...I left a container for the pumpkin money to go in. It will be fun to see how this goes! I checked the container tonight and I had $9.00!!

Just trying to Remember

2011-10-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can't even remember how mom used to be...the sound of her voice and her laughter.

Today when I went to see her I don't even think she knew who I was, I am not seeing that spark of recognition anymore. She can't feed herself and can barely hold a glass when it is given to her, her foods are pureed so she can swallow them. She is eating and drinking less. The sores on her feet are not healing...the infection is gone..but in her condition they will probably never heal. She can't walk, nor sit in a regular wheelchair. Her body is shutting down, little by little. She is off all medications...just tylenol occasionally for discomfort, which is a hard call too since you just have to read the look on her face. For the most part she is comfortable and being well taken care of. It is getting harder and harder for me to see her in this state but I feel like I need to be there for her, to make sure she is 'okay'. Sometimes she is awake when I go see her, so I sit with her and visit, other times she is sleeping so I just tell her I love her and leave.

Summer's End

2011-10-14T14:29:00.001-07:00

It has been a summer to remember...we have been enjoying Kelly, Ryan and Sophia as well as their pups Nevaeh, Kyisha and Daisy. What fun it has been!!

We took a little trip down the Oregon Coast...as you can see Sophia is quite the traveler.

She is a computer whiz as well!!

♥ Too stinkin Cute ♥

Helping Grampa pick out ice cream at Tillamook

(back) Roy, Bill, Willy, Jimmy (front) Sarah, Mike, Kelly and Sophie

Uncle Jimmy and Sophia

One last hug before you go home to Portage la Prairie....We are going to miss you sweetie!

Afternoon in Winthrop

2011-09-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

We took a little drive up to Winthrop for lunch and a little browsing and shopping. Grandpa and Sophia hung out together while Kelly and I checked out the shops. They had a pretty good time.

All of that shopping and sunshine tuckered little Sophia out...we had ice cream and let little sweetie take a nap.

I have never had a tattoo and thought maybe it was time to take the plunge....you don't think it is too much do you?

Sophia takes a Ride

2011-09-08T20:51:00.001-07:00

Grandpa is giving Sophia her first lawnmower ride (no the blades aren't going so it isn't loud).

She thinks this is pretty fun stuff!

Another Update on Mom

2011-09-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

It has been one of those weeks. Bill was here over the weekend taking care of Mom and visiting Dad, they always enjoy him. It has been getting harder to get Mom moved from place to place, she seems to not have much strength in her legs at all, plus she had developed a huge blister on the heel of one of her feet. Bill was great dealing with all of the new challenges though, and did a great job while he was here!

After he left her blister was not getting any better, one morning it ripped open when she put weight on her foot...DANG!! It looked soo nasty and painful! Later that afternoon while her feet were elevated I noticed another big blister forming on the other heel. I called the Dr to see what was going on and got an appointment for the next morning. I don't want to deal with infections and gangrene.

She was admitted into the hospital where they could take care of the skin ulcerations before any infections developed. Mom can't have any weight on her feet and has to be turned from side to side every couple of hours. She will probably be admitted into Extended Care ( the nursing home)next week. I just don't feel like I can give her the care she needs and deserves at this point. Things are continuing to go downhill at an alarming rate.

Dad is holding up okay. It isn't easy.

We're having a Baby Girl! ♥

2011-08-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Our newest little granddaughter!

♥ I am going to have so much fun with two little girls ♥

Mini Trip to Cashmere

2011-08-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

This past week we took the Bounder for a little trip to Wenatchee, Sophia enjoys traveling in it. Ryan stayed home with their dogs, and looked after Mom & Dad. I wouldn't have been able to go if he wouldn't have helped...I really appreciate him! He made sure Mom got into her wheelchair and ate, then got her back in her easy chair. He brought them yummy dinners too...one was from Rancho Chico...it used to be Mom & Dad's favorite place to eat.

Jessie and Becky had a barbecue at their house, which was delicious! Becky had invited her Mom, Dad, Sister and her sisters boyfriend, it was nice to meet her family. They all were really nice! I'm sure we will all be seeing more of each other with the little one on the way! ♥

Jessie does so well with little Sophia, he and Becky are going to be great parents!

Jessie was able to take the next day off and hang around with us, Becky had to work :( .

It was a fun mini trip!!

Grandma's Lil' Cowgirl

2011-08-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

♥I Love You Little Sophia♥

Missing Sophia!!

2011-08-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Sophia has been visiting her Nana and other family in Kelowna with her Momma and Daddy....it has been a week and we miss her!! It is going to be tough when she actually heads back to Manitoba to go home!!

Bonaparte Lake

2011-08-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Jessie and Becky went camping at Bonaparte Lake with Chopper and Reggie. They did a little fishing and we came up to take them to lunch at the resort a short walk way.

Becky's baby bump is starting to show!! She is around 4+ months...she looks so cute!! On the 30th we get to find out if they are having a boy or a girl....so excited!!

Mike is relaxing after his Hill Billy burger, a hamburger with cheese, a fried egg and all of the fixins & hand cut fries. Jessie had a BS burger, cheese, thick ham slice with all the fixins & curly fries. Becky had a cheeseburger w/salad and I had a hamburger w/salad. All of the burgers were 1/3 lb...HUGE!! Very good. Should have brought my camera.

Heading back down to the lake to do some more fishing...we walked down to the lake with them then headed home.

Good Luck ...Hope you catch some fish!!

Sophia Meets her Uncles

2011-08-09T20:06:00.001-07:00

Uncle Jimmy with little Miss Sophia... she is gonna LOVE him!!

Sophia meets her Uncle Jessie...I think they like each other!

She thinks Chopper is pretty fun too!

Jessie, Kelly and Sophia(in Kelly's arms) take Chopper and Reggie for a swim in Aeneas Lake

Mom & Dad

2011-07-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Bill came over to visit and stay with Mom & Dad this weekend. It is such a big help!! I don't have to worry about their well being while he is there so it is a wonderful break. He came over a few weeks ago too. I truly do appreciate it and I know they do too!

Thanks Bill!!

Great Grandma Beryl and Sophia....they are both taking a little snooze.

Mom has slowed down a lot over the last couple of weeks. She still walks, but now she is confined to going out the front door and staying in the front yard...(for her own safety). Her walk is more like a slow shuffle and she does get 'stuck' while walking or sitting sometimes, kind of like how she did before the shunt was put in. She will sit down in her chair and take rests or occasional naps (she has sure got alot of use out of her elevator chair) Mom isn't so interested in going for drives, nor does she eat as much as she used to. Roy used to be the slow eater, now he seems like a speed eater.Roy is tired most of the time, but he tries to get out and take a short walk with Mom most days. He does enjoy his Friday morning breakfasts with a few of his old friends.

Life is full of mysteries...the brain is a huge one.

Sophia comes to Visit!

2011-07-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

We picked Kelly and Sophia up at the Kelowna Airport last Wednesday night...we were so happy to see them!!

Love that Face ♥

What a Little Sweetheart!!

Just enjoying the sunshine

The 1st of many Happy visits to Grammy & Grampy's house...We Love it!!

I am so excited because next summer I will have 2 Grandbabies!!! Jessie and Becky are having a little one in January...the 13 is the due date.

♥ I am Jumping for Joy♥

Happy 30th Birthday!!

2011-07-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

Today...may you know the Joy & Love you gave me 3o years ago at your Birth as you enjoy your own Precious new daughter. Wishing you all the HaPPineSS that a Daughter brings into your life.

♥ Happy Birthday Sweetie ♥

Sophia & Grammy

2011-06-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

These pix were taken in Sophia's Nursery...isn't that mural on the wall so sweet!

I am so loving being a grandma!

Sophia will be 3 wks old tomorrow night...today she is back up to her birth weight (almost), she weighed 8lbs today at the Drs.

Sophia Arianna

2011-05-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

♥ I Love Her to Pieces ♥

I'm a GRANDMA!! ♥ !! ♥

2011-05-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Kelly had our little angle a few days early...so this new Grandma had to really scramble to get by their side from Washington state to Manitoba Canada. I did miss the birth by about an hour and a half...but what a wonderful surprise when I went into the hospital room and found out I had brand new granddaughter waiting for me. What a thrill!! I'm on cloud 9! ♥
Our new bundle of joy arrived on May 26 at 9:17pm in Portage la Prairie, MB. Her name is Sophia Arianna...8 lbs.09 oz. and 20 inches long. She has a head of black hair and is perfect!! Momma and Daddy are doing fine. I'll post a picture soon!!

New Plan

2011-05-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

I tried to get enough coverage for Mom to stay home while I was gone but it just wasn't working out. On Monday afternoon I found out that there were 3 extra beds in the Nursing Home and that they would do respite care while I was gone. Since it was going to be a long holiday weekend and her Dr. would be gone on Thursday they wanted to admit her today. Probably just as well that we didn't have to think about it too long....I think it was the best choice for us all. Dad feels bad, but I'm sure it is a relief for him as she was getting more and more agitated in the evenings when they were home alone.
I just told her she would be staying there while I was gone, she helped put her clothes in the dresser and wanted to go look around. We got there around 9:45am and we walked around the halls and through the outside courtyard. She has a wrist monitor on to keep track of her if she tries to wander where she shouldn't.
Her room mate is Jean Curtis, Roy's deceased cousin Bill's wife. I don't think Mom remembers her. Her Aunt Marge came over to sit with her at lunch and visit...but, Mom isn't much on visiting and she got up to go take a walk. It was sweet of Marge though.
I left a bit after lunch to get some more of her things, when I came back a couple of hours later they had assigned her with a one on one aid. She was content holding their hand and walking all over with them. She did insist I come along though. I stayed about an hour more then told her I had to go..I gave her a hug..told I loved her and I'd be back tomorrow. She turned around with her aid and walked off.
I can tell she is confused and she is upset with me...but what do you expect. I would be annoyed too I guess. We are planning on bringing her back home when I get back, but she will have to have some one to stay with them in the evenings, and good help is hard to find.

Sweet Spring Weather....Finally!

2011-05-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

It was about 72 degrees here today....nice! My little crab apple trees are in bloom...so pretty and they smell wonderful.

This is going to be my first strawberry harvest, just look at all the blooms on those plants..I can hardly wait!

Strawberry jam..strawberry shortcake..strawberry ice cream...strawberry smoothies...and fresh from the garden, dripping sweetness strawberries!!

These are the baby flowering trees I got from the Arbor Day Society..10 sad looking sticks...I am not a bit impressed. Inside the wire cage are 3 baby burning bush plants I dug up from work last fall. They made it through the winter and are leafing out.

Mom

On another note Mom had a Dr appointment today..her blood work was all great. The Dr. was really surprised at how quickly she has deteriorated since our last visit 3 months ago. She is unable to verbalize ... just a few words here and there that can be understood, she talks a lot of gibberish. So sad. She can pretty much understand everything though. The Dr sent us for a CT scan right then to see if the shunt was working properly. Mom had a hard time staying still for the scan..she had to have her head and arms strapped down....and finally I put on the lead apron and held her hand to keep her still enough to get a scan. Not like mom at all! She has always been perfectly still. Well it ended up the shunt seems to be working fine....so her symptoms are not related and will continue to get worse. Poor Dad was so disappointed...again.Not what we wanted to hear. About the only time she is still and relaxed is when we go driving. We drive up Pine Creek, to Loomis and Palmer Lake, to Oroville, Aeneas, Havillah, up Siwash Creek, on old 97, to Omak, over Talkire Lake Road and down McLaughlins Canyon. Lots of drives planned for this summer...we all enjoy our drives. I feel so fortunate that we have found a sweet lady to help care for her while I am gone to Portage la Prairie. She drives the senior bus that delivers their meals 3 days a week so she isn't a stranger to them.

Life goes On

Mothers Day Weekend

2011-05-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Mike had rented a little excavator and was digging his drain field ditches and irrigation water lines. Jimmy and Jessie were helping. We had sunshine, wind, thunder and rain and then sunshine again. I made chicken enchiladas and Spanish rice for dinner along with margaritas. No complaints.

What sweet kids I have ♥ This hanging planter from Jessie...beautiful, ♥ a Sweet Post from Kelly on her blog @ http://www.rustypuppies.blogspot.com/ , and a ♥ lovely Copper accented bird feeder for my increasingly growing flock of goldfinches from Jimmy.

We had lunch with Mom & Dad for Mothers Day. Mom had got a few beautiful bouquets of flowers for Mothers Day...They are all so pretty and really cheer the house up.

She took Chopper for a little walk...he was very polite with her.

After lunch we got an added surprise of my cousin, Wendy, stopping by with her kids to visit. I hadn't seen them for years...she is still the same sweet girl, I mean Lady. Here they are with their Aunt Beryl and Chopper. Bob and Sharon(Wendy's dad and his wife), had came up last Saturday for a visit. Roy and I really do appreciate them all for coming, and I'm sure Mom does too. I am glad I got to see them!

It was a fun and busy weekend.

Goldfinches

2011-04-29T21:32:00.001-07:00

I love these bright colored little birds!! They sure do go through a lot of seed ... But they are worth it.

Today is Easter...

2011-04-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hope yours was Happy

We feasted on baked ham, potato salad, asparagus and rolls with strawberry shortcake and coconut cream pie(courtesy of Jimmy) for dessert.

It was a beautiful afternoon...so we went on a drive through the Okanogan Highlands to Molson down through Oroville and back home.

Yep I got the very back seat...lots of room back there and I could see everything! A really nice drive.

Buddies!

2011-04-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Jessie & Chopper

Thor keeping an eye on things..

Love the Granite Island!

2011-03-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

We found a beautiful slab of granite for the island in the kitchen, it is 4' x 8'. It really goes well with the wood floors and ceiling as well as the antique white cabinets, kind of pulls it all together.

The back splash is 4"x4" slate tiles

Inside the pantry...lots of room for all kinds of goodies!

One for Jessie this morning

2011-03-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Zip for Mike...

3 more. . .

2011-03-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

A Good Morning Fishing

2011-03-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

4 steelhead from the Similkameen...he got his limit

Steelhead

2011-03-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Mike caught these two nice steelhead from the Similkameen River this morning.

Pizza Night with Chopper!

2011-03-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Jessie, Becky, their dogs and cats came for a visit last weekend. Jessie and Mike did a little fishing but didn't get a bite, so...we had pizza for dinner.

Hey Buddy...that pizza looks mighty tasty...

I can almost taste it...

What do you say I get the next bite.

Don't feel too bad for Chopper - The picture I missed - Jimmy gave him a bite off the fork!!
Yummy!!

That is a TALL dog!!

Family from across the Prairies

2011-03-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Ryan, Kelly and the grand dogs came out for a visit last week. The driving was terrible for them(cold & snowy) and to top it off a deer ran into their car soon after they crossed the boarder near Curlew. Thankfully no one was hurt and their car was still drivable, but it still made for much added stress. We were so happy to see them though!! The dogs all remembered each other and the first thing Kyisha did was run into my bedroom and look in my closet to see if Lucy's puppies were still there like they had been last summer.

Kelly is so cute with her little bump showing(and growing)...I even got to feel the baby moving around...I think he/she was telling Grammy, "I'm here!!...It won't be too much longer until you can hold and cuddle me too!"

The due date is June 1st, we won't know if it is a he or a she until it is born...we love surprises!!

She has that glow!!

Ryan, Kelly, the dogs and I took a hike one afternoon up to the top of the hill by our house. What a workout for this old woman!! But fun and totally worth the view! The 4 houses on the left of the picture are the one's Mike has built.

Kelly and I spent an afternoon shopping around in Omak, we found a few things for the baby, but not a whole lot is available there. It was fun though.

We went for a drive with Mom & Dad one afternoon then Kelly made us a spaghetti & meatball dinner at their place. It was nice!

Mom & Dad enjoyed their visits too!

To soon they had to leave for Kelowna to visit Ryan's family too. I know they love to have them too. Mike and I always miss them when they leave and the house seems so empty. We are going up to see them one more time before they leave for Manitoba next week.

Week 3....

2011-02-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

Week 3 started out kinda rough. Mom gets bored easily and has a hard time expressing herself with her limited speech. We went for a drive on Tuesday to the north end of Palmer Lake. We saw a few deer and Dad saw a bald eagle. It was windy and cold but there were 3 lone ice fishermen out fishing on the lake.
Mom's brother and wife came to visit one afternoon, when I got there she told me they had come and how nice it was to see them. I know it is hard to visit with her, but I appreciate people stopping by and making the effort even though it can be uncomfortable for them. Her cousin had stopped by the week before, as well as Dad's brother.
She had a Dr appointment in town so I was able to talk with him about some of my concerns, now I think we have a good handle on her meds...
On Friday Mom and I went to Omak to go shopping at Penney's and Walmart. Dad opted to stay home with Kozi. Things went okay.
All in all the week was not one of her best. Hopefully things will be better this coming week.
Dad seems to be on an even keel...he is tired and plays alot of solitare on his computer. He has things he checks regularly online and for the most part is doing well. He and Mom both enjoy going on drives so we will be doing that. If you get a chance...drop Mom & Dad a card or postcard...she still enjoys mail!

Happy Valentines Day!!

2011-02-14T19:11:00.001-08:00

Hope it was sweet!!

Enloe Dam

2011-02-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today we took a drive with Jessie up to the Enloe Dam on the Similkameen River. The road down is treacherous, but the water flowing over the dam is beautiful! This is a popular steelhead fishing spot, and there were a few fishermen below the dam.

Roy lived here when he was a schoolboy and his dad worked at the dam. He has told us many a story of his adventures while living here. What an awful place to have kids!! It is so dangerous!

There is a cool walking path a couple of miles down from the dam, that winds around a vineyard and over the Similkameen River. We walked down it a ways today, but would like to come back and walk further up it. Maybe when Kelly, Ryan and the dogs come out.

Chopper is still growing!! He has settled down quite a bit, but he is still such a puppy!!

We brought pizza's and salad over to Mom & Dad's last night. Jessie, Jimmy and Chopper came too. By the time we left Chopper and Kozi were getting along pretty well. Mom and Dad get a kick out of seeing how much Chopper is growing too!

Update on Master Bath!!

2011-02-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

Mike got all of the tiling done in the Master Bath and it sure turned out Nice! Duel shower heads and a rain shower head...

The river rock pebble shower floor...

The shower is 5 1/2' X 5' . I think the picture makes it look smaller than it actually is.

Ta Dah!!

Just when I thought Winter was over!

2011-02-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a beautiful springlike day.....and today we woke up to

this!!

Most all of our snow was gone...now we have about 4inches and it is still snowing...I guess I'll have to wait a little longer for spring.

Time to get SeRious!

2011-01-23T09:36:00.001-08:00

Too bad we put it together in the livingroom...now it won't fit through the bedroom door!

My Last Week!!

2011-01-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

This is my last week at work! Kinda hard to believe...but I am ready. Since the lady helping out at Mom and Dad's is not going to be doing it any more..I will be taking her place. It will be a nice change for all of us I think. I am glad I will be able to be around them and help out where I can at this stage of their lives. I'm sure it will be bittersweet. The goal is to allow them to stay in their own home as long as possible and have a good quality of life.

I got to see the first picture of my grandbaby and I am smitten! I have never seen a cuter baby...and this was an ultrasound picture!! Kelly, Ryan and granddogs will be coming home the first part of March...can hardly wait!

32 YeaRs!!.....Tell me it isn't So!!!

2011-01-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jessie!!

Less than a month old and wearing a flannel gown made and embroidered by your Great Grandma Zabreznik.

So Sweet!!!

Master Bath....Looking Good!!

2011-01-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

Mike has been tiling in the master bathroom since Christmas. It's alot of work, but it is sure pretty! This is the shower it is about 5x6. He will finish tiling all the way up to the ceiling. Of course this hasn't been grouted yet...a work in progress.

The tub surround and the floor are done and grouted, he still needs to do under the windows behind the bathtub.

Pepi is checking it out.

I really like the way this is all coming together! Very pretty!

He put this mosaic in front of the double vanity.

I still need to get the faucets and mirror for the vanity.

These are the stone tiles that will be on the floor of the shower. Cool...huh!!

Love it!!

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday! Happy New Year!! Happy Birthday!

2011-01-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!

We had an enjoyable day with the family...minus our Manitoba kids. Next year I am expecting the three of them to join us too!

My birthday is right after Christmas, the 28th, then New Years and DH's birthday on the 2nd. I made Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls for Mike's birthday...instead of a Cake.

These are so gooey and yummy with cream cheese frosting...you can tell a couple are missing before I got my picture!

To celebrate his birthday we went up to Osoyoos for Root beer Floats.....Wow! Just look at the size of them!! And they are GooD!

The First Day of Winter!!

2010-12-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

New Floors & Lights

2010-12-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

The new house project is coming along quite well...the floors look great! They are reclaimed clear fir, from old houses...door and window jams, etc. The ceilings are tongue and groove knotty pine.

This is the chandelier in the foyer....

The Living Room...

The Kitchen...I love the schoolhouse light pendents over the island!!

Here is a picture of Mom out walking...

Mom and Dad are both quite healthy...they have good days and not so good days. Jimmy put up some Christmas lights outside of their house...Mom seems to really like them. I don't really think she can comprehend alot of things anymore. She kinda of knows it is Christmas time...but no longer even considers cards, decorations or gifts. Pretty sad situation :( .

Another Doctor Day

2010-12-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

It must have been about the worst day we have had yet this winter, but after waiting 6 months for these Dr appointments ..we really didn't want to have to reschedule. Well the roads weren't really all that bad, it we left at 8am and got to Wenatchee at about 10:50. We met Jessie on the way up to the neurology dept. He hung out with us throughout the morning. First Dad had his appointment. His Parkinson's is progressing slowly, no restrictions on him at this time and no changes in his meds. He needs to come back in about 6 months. Dad doesn't think these appointments are of much use...but 2x a year isn't too much.

Next on to the CT scan...which is done in about 5 minutes tops. Since it is about 45 minutes until Moms appt we go grab a bit of lunch at an A&W/KFC.( Canada is really big on A&W's, and they have really good burgers etc. This one didn't hold a candle to the Canadian ones...it was good but not great) Jessie left us at the Clinic to go home, he had been up working since 2 am and was getting tired.Mom was pretty agitated in the waiting room before her appointment. She said she didn't want to see the Doctor...she didn't like him and she wanted to go home. I took a couple of short walks with here up the hall and back. A complete contrast to her behavior just 6 months ago. She was good as gold when we got called in though. The neurosurgeon said Moms' CT scan looked good, the brain's ventricles were a good size showing the pressure was where it should be. We asked about an adjustment to help here with her cognitive skills. The Dr. said they couldn't adjust it down anymore for that and that she had quite a bit of atrophy of her brain cells already. What a bummer...Mom won't get better mentally. She will have good days and bad days. She has no further appointments with the neurologist or neurosurgeon at this time. This part of life is kinda by the seat of your pants..no cut and dry program to follow. Now we need to find out how best to help Mom and Dad have a good quality and safe life, so I will be getting in contact with the State Aging council to try and get some guidelines. We headed straight home...the roads were somewhat better and we made it home by 5pm. A long day for us all.

The saga go on.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

2010-11-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

We had a nice Thanksgiving. Jessie, Jimmy, Mom and Dad joined Mike and Me along with all the sweet little pups. Things were a little loud at first...lots of barking!

Chip, Jimmy's little Chi is 6wks younger than Chopper, Jessie's Great Dane. What a difference in size! Chopper would love to play with everyone....but they aren't having any of it.

Chopper having a seat beside Dad.

We had a nice traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. I enjoyed having everyone one home, but missed Kelly and Ryan. :( They are just to far to make it home.

On Tuesday Mom and Dad both have Dr. appointments in Wenatchee with their specialists, weather permitting. Roy seems to be hanging in there, still he is fighting with tiredness. Mom spends most of her day walking. She walks down the road, over to Jimmy's, around her house, and then does it all over again. She can't seem to sit still for long. She is having an increasingly hard time with her speech, and thought processes. We are growing more concerned about her ventures as the weather gets worse. Life is Tough sometimes.

PJ gets a New HoMe!!

2010-11-02T20:30:00.001-07:00

On Halloween I got a call from someone interested in PJ. I sent them this picture of him along with a couple more and they said they loved him and wanted him. It was a 4-5 hour drive to get to my place, but they made it the next morning to come and get him. I am so happy that he found someone to love him so much!

I'm kinda missin him......

Color on the Walls

2010-10-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

When we got back from Manitoba the sheetrock was done and ready for the last coat of primer then ready to paint. Mike got right to work on it. The first picture is the kitchen/dining room. Mike and Jimmy have been putting up the pine tongue & groove boards on the ceiling...very labor intensive but boy are they pretty!!

The kitchen again, it looks kind of green in this picture, but is blue like in the one above.

The Master Bedroom. The back wall is Pumpkin Spice. The jury is still out on that choice but we are going to see how we like it with the pine ceilings and wood floor. I think it is growing on me though.

Master Bathroom...this is a deeper grayer blue than the kitchen.

The dormers in the Living Room the walls are Navajo White. I am loving the pine boards on the ceilings!

The guest bathroom is a nice medium green...kind of hard to see in these pictures.

There is still the seemingly never ending touch ups to the paint that need done...but for the most part it is done.

A Wonderful Thanksgiving Surprise....I'm going to be a Gramma!!!

2010-10-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

We decided to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with Kelly and Ryan, so we packed up the dogs and set off across the Rockies and the Prairies to their home unaware of the wonderful surprise they had waiting for us. Amid the toasts of Thanksgiving, Kelly shared that she was going to have our first Grandbaby!! A happier moment I cannot recall!! A Baby! ..in May!

Life gets no better than this!

Kelly made a beautiful feast of turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, turnips & carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy and all the trimmings....I must admit I could hardly taste my food, so full were my thoughts of the upcoming event!

Their new harvest table and chairs arrived just in time for the first of many holiday and family dinners around it. She had it beautifully set...as usual.

A huge turkey...roasted to perfection...

and 3 delicious pies...Ryan's apple, pumpkin and coconut cream.

Their Front Door...Love the little Crow on the pumpkin!

A walk along the endless beach of Lake Manitoba.

Chopper comes to Visit

2010-09-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Jessie had plans for the weekend that didn't include Chopper, so he asked if we would babysit (or puppysit). Of course we would...we love our Granddogs(its all we got). He is a Great Dane puppy a little over 4mos old...he just keeps growing! A real contrast to the Chihuahuas that we have.

He is helping out with the watering here.

I came into the living room this afternoon and this is how I found them...Chopper on one end and Pepi on the other.

I don't think Chopper thinks he is any bigger than a Chi.

And Pepi thinks he rules the roost!

Wheww!! I'm glad everybody is finally taking a nap!

The Last Pup

2010-09-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

All of his brothers have found good homes. He has the sweetest personality!! I hope he finds a good home soon too.

Puppies!!

2010-09-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

I still have 3 little sweeties for sale!!

A Family Visit

2010-09-15T11:25:00.001-07:00

This is my pretty niece Sarah and her handsome husband, Miles. They came to visit Grandma and Grandpa a few days ago and we got to see them too! They rode the 4-wheelers and went canoeing at Aeneas Lake to keep themselves from total boredom.

Miles, Sarah, Grandma, Grandpa and of course Kozy.

I sent them home with some country-farm goodness from the garden. Corn, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers and spaghetti squash.

It was a short visit, but nice to see them both!

Summer Garden

2010-08-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

Corn

Red Pepper

Pablano Peppers

View from the back deck

flowers in the garden

and of course a puppy!

Chopper

2010-08-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Chopper and Jessie came up this weekend. Chopper is 3 months old and soo playful, my little dogs don't want much to do with him though, and he is WAY to big for the chi pups to be playing with.

It was hot on Sunday so we took the dogs over to Aeneas Lake to cool off.

Then we had Mom and Dad up for dinner. B-B-Q ribs, apple sausages, chili rellenos, rice and beans, and Greek salad. Margaritas and Pina Coladas.

An Armful of Puppies!!

2010-08-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

It is hard to get a good picture of all the puppies together so I asked DH hold them for me so I could get a semi-good one. They will be 6 weeks old on Thursday so I need to get serious about trying to sell them...But they are so darn stinkin' cute!

They are AKC chihuahuas...all males. This will be Lucy's last litter, I am having her spade soon and Pepi has been neutered.

Spike(Jimmy's dog) is keeping an eye on them.

July....Come and Gone...

2010-08-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful visit with Ryan and Kelly in July. Ryan helped me pick out a canoe at the local 2nd hand store. I have been out in it about 4 times, it is alot of fun. One afternoon before Kelly had to go home we went up to Bonaparte Lake to canoe around. What a pretty spot! Mike and I plan to go back with the Bounder. These sweet baby ducks came swimming right over whenever people came around. I think they have been getting lots of duckling treats!

We took a little walk to look at these Big Trees near Lost Lake, they are said to be over 900 years old!

Mom and Dad enjoyed their visits with Kelly and Ryan too! They look so good in this picture!

Jimmy's dog Spike sure does enjoy the new water bowl I got for him!

I got it in Kelowna at Rona on sale!! I have been looking for something just right...and this fit the bill pretty good. A good size for my deck too.

Happy Birthday Kelly!!

2010-07-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

My Baby Girl turns 29....so many happy memories!!

We are so proud of the woman you have become!!

May your day be filled with joy and happiness!!

Looking forward to seeing you next week.

Chi Pups - So Sweet!

2010-07-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Little Ms Lucy had her puppies this morning...in the laundry basket. She had four pups and I think they are all boys. Not a one of them is the same color as from her last litter!

Mother and babies are all doing well.

2010-06-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

I hope summer has decided to stay around awhile. The garden is doing well, (all the rain we've been having) it seems to have drawn the attention of a new visitor. She is happy to just stay out in the garden and watch it grow! The potatoes and peas are blooming and I have little tomatoes growing...I am so ready for garden veggies!

The chicks are growing and have taken over the chicken house since the 3 old hens can't seem to be nice to them. The old hens don't really care though because they get to free range and they love it, the only problem being it can be like an Easter egg hunt to find where they have layed their eggs.

Lucy is about to have a litter of pups, this will be her 2nd and last. I think she will have them in the next week or so.

Since I had this week off of work, we decided to take a little trip. We drove over to Seattle to visit Mike's old neighborhood. We drove by his old school, then went to Lincoln Park to see the saltwater pool he used to swim in. What a pretty park, right on the sound. Next we went to Alki Beach, then over to Ivar's for fish & chips and chowder. BTW Garmin's are a wonderful thing!!

Vacation!!

2010-05-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Last week Mike and I drove back to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba to visit Kelly and Ryan in their new home. It is a nice drive about 21 hrs. We spent our 1st night in Medicine Hat, Alberta then got to Kelly and Ryan's at around 3pm the next day. Their home is beautiful!! They have only been there a little over a month but they are getting it very homey. Kelly does a wonderful job in that department! The weather was great while we were there, they took us to Lake Manitoba one afternoon....nice sandy beaches.

There is even lots of seating available

The grand-dogs love it too!

One evening they took us into Winnipeg where we enjoyed an East Indian buffet....Delicious! There were all kinds of foods to try!! Then we went to the Imax and watched Avitar w/ 3D glasses. What fun!

On another evening Ryan took us to where he works ( he is a flight instructor in the Canadian military). He even gave a lesson in the flight simulator that pilots actually practice in, that was soo cool...just like being in a real plane!

It wasn't all play while we were there, we did want to help them out some too. Since their new appliances arrived while we were there Mike was able to install their dishwasher and range hood. He and Ryan installed the garage door opener too. Okay, I mostly did play...I shopped, walked the dogs with Kelly, shopped some more, ate to much good food and had a totally fun time with my daughter.

It is always bittersweet to have to go home..But we will be back and can't wait to see all the progress they will have made outside at their home.

The Roof & Dormers

2010-05-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

The weather finally gave the guys a break and they were able to get the sheathing up on the roof. These two dormers go into the living room and foyer, there will be a third that is faux. This house is about 2100 sq ft.

My new to me car...Pearl...an '08 Pt Cruiser. I LOVE IT!! It is so fun to drive. We are driving it over to Manitoba next week to visit Kelly and Ryan. This is the first car I have ever had that is what I wanted.

The Walls are Up!!

2010-04-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

I love this part of seeing a house built...it feels like things are really beginning to happen! The next two pictures are of the front of the house.

The living room is on the right with the big windows, the two windows on the left are the two secondary bedrooms, and the entry door into the foyer is in the middle.

This is the back of the house (picture below)

Looking into what will be the dining room and kitchen (below)

In this shot you can see where the two sliding glass doors will be in the living room, the laundry room door and the sliding glass door into the dining room (below)

Mike has mountains of dirt and rock to move and more back filling to do but the tractor has broke down. Hopefully the mechanic will get it fixed next week.

House # 4...off to a Good Start!

2010-04-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

It has been an eventful last few weeks...the work continues on house #4. Here Jimmy is getting ready for the cement to be poured into the foundation walls, I guess that contraption he is carrying is to to get rid of any evil spirits in the concrete...ghost buster style(lol)

Kelly, always ready to help out!

The pour went well,

Next the floor joists...

Then the floor.

Now for the back filling.

All was going well...then the hydraulics went out on the tractor, so now waiting for it to be repaired.

Here are a few pix of Easter...Kelly and Mike coloring eggs..

Easter Dinner

Kelly and I hiked up to the top of the hill behind our house, you can see our home and home site below. What a wonderful view!! That is a walk I need to take a lot more often.

Lucy and Nevaeh on a walk..

All tuckered out with Daisey.

What intelligent grandpups I have!!

Mike playing favorites

We have had a wonderful spring with Kelly home for a visit! On Monday she loaded up her puppies and took off for her new home in Manitoba. We miss her, but are looking forward to visiting her and Ryan and seeing their new home next month.

What Fun!

2010-03-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Don't you just Love that the days are getting longer!! It has been a great week...we are totally enjoying having Kelly home for a while. Her 3 big dogs and my 2 little dogs are getting along great.

They all love their walks

The new home site was excavated last week then Jimmy and Mike made the footing forms, on Thursday Jessie came up and helped them with the concrete pour. They will start on the foundation forms soon, then it all seems to go so fast!! Mike drew up his own blueprints for this house and he did a terrific job!

I'll keep you posted on the progress!!

Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Home

2010-03-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan (Kelly's Hubby) has been posted in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba so they have sold their house in Nova Scotia and moved. After much searching they found a home to buy, but it is still under construction and won't be ready for them for a few weeks, so Kelly and the grand dogs decided to come out West and visit us! Yippee!! I decided to drive out with Kelly on the last leg since Ryan won't be making the trip. So, last Sunday Mike drove me up to the airport in Kelowna, BC to to catch my flight to Regina, MB. Kelly met me at the airport after driving about 5 hours from Portage. We stayed in Regina that night.

The pups are all snuggled down for the evening.Nevaeh(at the head) Daisy (in the middle) and Kyisha, a bed full! I don't know where I'm supposed to sleep!

Monday morning we were off across the prairies.

Pretty flat country, definitely different than what I'm used to.

As we drove through western Alberta we saw several windmill farms. They are on the horizon, those are the Rocky Mountains in the background.

We drove about 8 1/2 hours on Monday and spent the night in Sparwood, BC , it is a little mining town nestled in the mountains.

It is home to the 'Worlds Largest Truck'. I think we passed its tires while driving across the Prairies.

Here the dogs are all loaded up and ready for their last day of travel for awhile. They have been on the road for about 12 days! They are good travelers.

What a cool tunnel! It was such a pretty drive through the mountains.

Christina Lake in BC

For lunch we stopped in Grand Forks a town famous for its Russian Food. We ate at the Grand Forks Hotel a quaint little spot. We both had Borscht with wheat bread....

I had a potato & cheese perogie and a pirozhki filled w/cottage cheese.

Kelly had the perogie, pirozhki filled w/sauerkraut and a goluptsi(cabbage roll)

Very yummy!!

Then it was across the boarder and home in a little over an hour. Boy were the the dogs glad to get out and run around in our back yard!! Today we drove about 7 hrs. It was such a nice drive and one I am sure we will be making several times going to visit Kelly and Ryan.

Update on Mom

2010-02-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday morning we drove to Wenatchee to Moms Dr appointments. She had to be there by 9:30 for her CT scan. Then we saw her neurologist and neurosurgeon. They were both pleased with the outcome of her last surgery and her resiliency after them. Her motor skills are still doing great..cognitive can take longer, up to 4-6 months to see if there is any improvement. They didn't make any adjustments at this time on the pump since she is doing well as it is. She doesn't have to go back until about April or May for another follow up, as long as things are going okay. She does still have some eye pain, which her neurologist said was probably headaches. In March Mom has an eye appointment with her eye specialist so he can check her eyes further. We were out by about 10:45 am.
We met up with Uncle Clyde and Aunt Lana at their house for a nice little visit, then on home.
It is always a long day for Mom and Dad with so much traveling, but they are Happy Campers!!

Sweet Surprise in the Mail

2010-02-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Look at this sweet Valentine surprise my Penelope sent me( I mean us) in the mail!! All kinds of goodies...my favorite chocolates too!! The cute little tea towel has an applique heart on it but I didn't get that side in my picture(oops). I love the red window clings...what fun!!

She and her husband sold their house in Nova Scotia and are moving closer to home. Well, it is still quite a ways...south central Manitoba....but it is much closer than Nova Scotia.

Happy Valentines Day!!

2010-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Mixing it up.....

Onto the hot griddle.....

A bit too much batter...oh well,

Golden brown and piping hot.....

Perfection!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

My Walk

2010-02-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

These are the trees I pass on my daily walk. Can you guess what kind of tree this is? It is an apple tree that has been eaten by the deer year after year. That is why most all of the orchardists put up 8 foot deer fence around their orchards trying to keep the deer out so their whole orchards don't look like this.

This all used to be orchard about 30 years ago. Now just a few scattered scabby fruit trees and a bunch of elm trees. It is a great spot for the area deer and other wildlife to hang out. I usually see a few deer here when I'm walking or riding my horse.

Sale!!

2010-02-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would share some of the goodies I got at Craft Warehouse and Pier One at their after Christmas sales. This was all about 10 bucks!! 90% off...how cool is that!

I thought these little birds were soo cute...only 4 left though.

I got these whimsical Santa pillows at Pier One...75% off. They are a good size too, about 18 inches square.

We are headed to the Home Show in Wenatchee tomorrow, we went last year and it was alot of fun. Pepi and Lucy are going to visit Spike while we are gone.

Mom got her staples out yesterday with her Dr. here in town. It has only been a week since her surgery and she seems to be doing pretty well. Still pain in her neck though. Hopefully it will heal for her soon. But Mom is certainly not one to complain, sometimes I wish she would though.

Mom and Kozi

2010-01-29T17:38:00.001-08:00

Mom had to have another brain shunt surgery yesterday due to the blood pooling in her brain from the earlier surgery. Surgery is always a scary thing, and when it is involving the brain even more so. She came through wonderfully though, not nearly as groggy and disoriented as the previous surgery, and she doesn't seem to be in as much pain either. Her throat is terribly sore from the tube put down it during surgery(about 1 1/2 hrs). We are hopeful she will continue to progressively improve in all areas. Of course she was ready to go this morning and this time we did have to wait on the staff to get her all signed out.
Here is a picture of her with her little Kozi today when we got home from the hospital in Wenatchee. She looks pretty good for everything she has been through!! And she sure did miss her fuzzy little pup.

I forgot to mention that Mom's birthday was on Tuesday.....

Happy 77th Birthday Mom!!

Not so Good News..

2010-01-23T16:55:00.000-08:00

I got a call from Mom's neurosurgeon's nurse on Thursday...and we have to go back to Wenatchee to see him on Tuesday. Her CT scan is at 8:30am and Dr appt at 9:20am. She is already scheduled for surgery on Thursday to reinsert the shunt tube. We will know more on Tuesday, but after examining the CT scan further, I guess they decided it couldn't wait. I found out her eyes have been hurting her a lot lately too. I don't know if it is related to the bleeding or not. Mom is not looking forward to this...and I can't say I blame her.

Mom's Day at the Dr.

2010-01-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

We got an early start this morning since Mom's CT scan was at 10:20 am, then at 11 with her neurologist. On checking in we found out her appt with the neurosurgeon at 1 pm would have to be rescheduled due to an emergency surgery he had. Her neurologist was happy with her progress so far, but the CT scan showed there was some bleeding in the brain in the shunt placement site. With the fluid being drained and the pressure reduced from the brain some of the brain membrane was torn away, at least that is how I understood it. She will need to go in for a CT scan weekly so they can monitor the bleeding(her neurologist & neurosurgeon). At least that can be done here in town. We met with Uncle Clyde and Aunt Lana for lunch and catching up, then we were homeward bound.

Puddles, Puddles, Puddles

2010-01-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

It rained all night last night, but we woke up to a beautiful sunny day. With all the moisture and unseasonably warm weather we have been left with huge puddles and ponds such as we have never seen here before in the fields. The weather forecast calls for more of the same for the rest of the week.

While out in the yard today I took a picture of this little nest, I noticed it a couple of weeks ago...do you think it could be a hummingbird nest? I'm going to keep an eye on it this spring and see what kind of bird it belongs to.

Little Lucy was out enjoying the sunshine today too..it got up to 49 degrees! I don't think my lawn is really as green as it looks in the picture.

It was so nice that I took Rita (my horse)out for a ride and we slopped around on the muddy ground and through the puddles. She was full of it too, 1st ride of the year you know. What fun!!

January Blahhhs

2010-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

We had a nice holiday now come the doldrums of January...at least it is half over. Yesterday was a beautiful day, sunny and mild, it felt like spring was on its way. Today on the other hand is foggy, slushy, drizzly and clammy. I guess winter is here for a while longer. All the melting and raining have left us with big puddles in the low spots. It's a mess. Oh well, on the bright side the days are slowly getting longer...yeah!!

The alfalfa field is trying to soak it all in (above) and my garden is a mud pit (below).

Last night we took Mom, Dad and Jimmy out to Rancho Chico for dinner..that is always good eats!!

Mike has been insulating and hanging sheet rock in the new garage this week. It is going to look really good when he gets it done.

This was a three day weekend for me so I think I will get supplies to make a heart wreath and pillow covers when I go to Omak this afternoon.

On Wednesday, we have Mom's doctors appointments in Wenatchee. We have to be there at 10:30 for the first one. She is showing marked improvement in her motor skills and doesn't seem to have that distracted look about her as much. She is looking good and is healing nicely. Her hair isn't growing back as fast as she would like, but it looks fine from the front. Her thinking still short circuits(for lack of a better term), but maybe that will improve later. Anyway, think of us on Wednesday. Dad is doing well, he is so good with mom, although he does get tired(the Parkinson's) plus he has been doing most of the household chores. I try to help out, but they are doing okay. I am encouraging them to start going to Senior Citizens for meals a couple days a week since cooking is a real chore for them, the socializing would be good too.

I think I will have a nice hot cuppa something.....coffee or tea...

I went for the chai tea...delicious!! Perfect on a day like today.

Mike got this Keurig for his birthday...it is Great!!

Christmas Pups!

2009-12-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

Pepi and Lucy in their Christmas collars waiting for Santa Paws.

Spike is joining in on the fun, their Christmas collars are so cute! They have little jingle-bells on them. It drove Spike crazy at first but he got used to it before long.

Mom, Dad and Jimmy were up this evening for Oyster Stew and goodies. We opened an early Christmas gift from Jimmy, it was the DVD game Scene It, the Seinfeld edition. We played a couple of games it was alot of fun!

Mom's Surgery - Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

2009-12-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

I guess I haven't posted in quite awhile. It has been a busy month though. On Dec 16th, I took Mom and Dad to Wenatchee for Moms brain shunt surgery the next day. Mike went down ahead of us to get Jessie's house warmed up and plow the driveway. We stayed at Jessie's house since we had to be at the hospital by 5:30 am and had to get up at 4am. Mom went into surgery around 7:45 am. Mike, Dad, Bill, Carl S and I waited for the Dr to let us know how things went. After a couple of hours he came out and told us thing had gone smoothly and she would be in recovery for a couple of hours. We went down to the cafeteria for breakfast then went up to watch for her to be wheeled to her room. Although she was tired and disoriented she was doing okay. They had her up walking before too long. She wasn't feeling very good and really wanted to leave. Clyde and Lana came up to visit her in the afternoon. In fact Clyde came by a few times that day. She seemed to be doing a little better by evening and had eaten dinner, so we decided it was time for us all to go and let her rest as well as us. I'm afraid she probably had a very confusing night but the staff at the Central Washington Hospital was wonderful, and took very good care of her. When we arrived in the morning we were expecting her to maybe be released that afternoon. We met her nurse in the hallway and she said she was going to be released that morning. I said in a hour or so? But surprisingly she said in about 10 min. Mom was sitting up in the room when we got there, she had had her CAT scan, seen the Dr. and had eaten breakfast. Bill was there, it was about 8:30 am. I had brought her clothes in so the CNA helped her get dressed and before you knew it we were out of there! Mom didn't want to ride out in the wheel chair ...so she walked. I know she was sooo glad to be leaving. Bill followed us up to Jessie's in Cashmere to stay and visit with them while Mike and I ran into town to do a little shopping at Costco. We got our things together and left Cashmere by 1:30. We drove straight home...making one stop at KFC for chicken for dinner, then we picked up her pain meds at the drug store. Mom was in some discomfort on the way home, she had staples in her scalp and stitches in her abdomen. She was using her walker and cane the first couple of days at home but yesterday when I got there she was up and walking quite well on her own. Wonderful!! Other symptoms...not much change. She is feeling better...less pain. All we can do is take one day at a time.

1st Snow!!

2009-11-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

It happened...it snowed yesterday morning. It covered the ground in a clean white blanket of cold wet snow. I guess winter is here early. I think it made everyone just want to hibernate..work was pretty slow this afternoon too.

All the puppies have found homes. The lady that wanted Peanut flaked out on me...but he found a home the same day with a man who had lost his chi and desperately wanted Peanut. I miss all the babies, but I'm so glad they found good homes. It was a fun experience..nothing can put a smile on your face faster than a puppy.

Happy Birthday !!

2009-11-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Jimmy's 23rd birthday and Mom and Dads 41st wedding anniversary on Thursday with pizza and this huge yummy All American Chocolate Cake!! Notice the thick chocolate shavings on the sides, it was four layers of chocolate lovers heaven. I wish I could say I made it...but Costco gets the credit for this one.

It is pretty cool that Jimmy's birthday is on his G & G's anniversary. Notice the little munchkins under the table. They gather at Mom's feet hoping she will give them a treat (because she does). If you look close you can see Lucy, Spike and Kozi. Dad is telling me I should turn the light out (yes, I still am getting advice from him).

Mike and Jimmy had worked all day getting the shingles up on the garage since it was supposed to snow in the morning.

Spike & Doodle Bug (AKA Peanut)

2009-11-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

This is Jimmy's pup Spike with the last pup. The people that are buying him wants me to start calling him Doodle Bug, as it will be his new name, but it is hard since he has been Peanut for so long.

What a handsome fellow!!

I think I may let Lucy have another litter next year. The puppies have been a lot of fun!!

Up goes the Garage

2009-11-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

The 3 car garage is going up at the new building site. The PUD got the power in this week, so the guys don't have to use the motor home and generator anymore. We have been having all kinds of weather the last few weeks, rain, snow, sunshine and wind. Nice & Nasty!

You can see our green house and garage in the picture diagonally behind where the new home site is. To the right is the house we sold this last summer.

New Leather Smells Great!

2009-10-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

We are still getting settled back into our house. Our furniture came last week and we LOVE it!! I still have end tables that are coming. We went with leather this time..we haven't had leather furniture before and we are really liking it. This is the mission style recliner that Mike is claiming, and a sectional. The leather smells sooo good!

The chickens have a home again! Mike made them a deluxe house this time, it is twice the size of their old house which stayed with the house we sold. It still needs to be painted, but the hens are very happy!

On Monday Dad and I took Mom to see a neurologist, he wanted us to come back the next day to do a procedure on her, a spinal tap. We came back and she had it done and it seemed to be successful, so the next step will to see a neurosurgeon..hopefully before to long. The Dr. believes she has excess fluid causing pressure on her brain that is causing some of her problems with mobility, cognitive skills and other symptoms shes been having. ... A bit of hope.

Barter Faire!!

2009-10-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

We took some time off from moving and cleaning the garage out yesterday afternoon to go the Barter Faire. It had been a couple of years since we had gone, so we wanted to check it out. Jimmy came with us. There are upwards of 10,000 people that go.....so very interesting in our little neck of the woods. When we started up the hill to the faire we noticed LOTS of cars parked along the highway and at the bottom of the hill and people walking up. It is quite a walk uphill, about 3+ miles. About halfway up the hill we discovered why, the road was bumper to bumper. Up the hill ....

And down.

We finally made it in though..and we found our favorite spot to eat! Mike had a chicken broccoli crepe and I had an apple cinnamon. Yummy!

Mike and Jimmy trying to stay warm. It was clear and cold.

I thought they were going to buy a hula hoop....

This girl was quite tricky with hers.

We walked up and down the rows of venders...produce..soaps..junk...jewelry...pipes...clothes...hats....food...card reading...pelts...campfires..insence..rocks..pictures...junk...

Up on the hill there are tents set up all over and people sitting in small groups...it didn't show up in my picture much though.

The shadows were getting long, we had made our way Thu the fair and it was starting to get colder, so we started our walk back to the pickup to go home.

We were parked in the very last row of cars....way back in the right hand corner of the picture. We got a good walk in.

This was my lone purchase at the faire, a batter bowl...it is a match to the bowl I picked up at the faire a few years back. I was so happy to find it...it is soo cute!

Happy Fall !!

2009-10-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just so sweet!! Kelly sent us this "Happy Fall" surprise. She knew I was looking for a tart warmer while we were out on our visit...but I couldn't find just the right one. But leave it to Kelly she found one for me that is absolutely perfect!! It is folksy, country and rustic all in one and I love birds! It also has cute little star cut outs that glow when the tea light is lit. Included in her package were 3 wax tarts in wonderful autumn scents, and a cute wooden heart w/wire hanger. Thanks Kelly, I will think of you whenever I light my tart warmer!!

I found this little guy in Wenatchee yesterday at Lowe's, I thought he needed a home with me too. I have just the perfect spot for him in my Kitchen.

It has been a windy day today. I cut down my cornstalks in the garden, picked up my pumpkins, and pulled out the vines. I bought a bag of about 90 tulip bulbs at Costco yesterday and now I need to get them planted, probably not today though.

Our renters are moving out of the house today so it won't be much longer until we move back in, probably sometime this week. They were nice renters and we will miss their 3 little boys.

Then there were Three

2009-09-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last night Big Girl went to her new home. I think she will be very happy there ... she has 3 little girls to love and play with her.

Now these 3 little sweeties are left. Aren't they too cute!

Mike and Jimmy have been working on putting in the chain link fence. It is sure alot more work than I ever thought it would be, but it is going to be so nice to have. I won't have to worry about the dogs being outside anymore

Rustic Pear Tart

2009-09-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

I had a few Red Bartlett pears that were getting very ripe, so thought I'd try this recipe out on my family coming to dinner tonight.

So easy...now ready to pop in the oven.

Oops, I didn't get my picture before a few pieces were gone. We had it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Yummy!

Jessie's Place

2009-09-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning we drove down to Cashmere to see Jessie before he left on his next job. His place is really looking nice. His lawn is doing well since he has been able to give it a little TLC.

He got his garage painted and stairs on the back deck.

He made a nice little bridge across a dry creek on his property

We went to a Flea Market in Apple Annie's parking lot and found some great treasures. I got a couple of small ladders, a pet carrier, a painted wooden flag, and a Starbucks mug. Mike even found some stuff, a couple of Starbucks mugs and some wire thingamajig with plug ins. Lots of fun stuff there.

Puppies are doing great...they like to go outside to run, dig and play. Here they are all tuckered out and napping in the sunshine. They are going to the vet in the morning to get their 1st puppy shots.

Farewell to Summer...

2009-09-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

I guess summer is officially over. The Labor Day weekend was chilly and damp, we were hoping to work outside but the weather didn't cooperate. We did go get our steer on Monday. He was greeted by our other cows.

The puppies are 6 wks old now, and such a riot to watch! They all come for dinner time, a bunch of little piggy's...too cute!

Peanut (male)

Spike (male)

Big Girl (female)

Spotty Dotty (female)

Yeller (male)

Aren't they sweet!