It was fun to get together with our grandchildren! The boys, Hap, Hunter and Cash found fun in even 1 1/2 inch of snow! We had to give the timely reminder about yellow snow, of course. And, Madison and grandpa had fun playing on the beach at Soap Lake, even with the mushy ice, and much deeper snow. They were trying to build a snow fort, and that's Madison peeking out of the ice, there. Grandpa was too chicken to go inside the fort, but Madison thought it was cozy. We hope to see our granddaughter Taylor, today. Her other grandparents have custody of her. We'll see if Forest can bring her with him. I miss her bunches!!! Forest will be here for dinner, since we haven't seen him since the Friday before Christmas.

The coming week is going to seem like a boring long one, since we have no activities packed in it! But, we wish you all a happy new year, and pray it brings you much happiness. More later, t

This is our house Christmas morning! It was a good time, Heather and the boys were here for Christmas eve, as well as Ryan (Matt's son) and his wife, Morgan, and their two kids. Madison had a great time with the boys, and the "big girl" who played with her! (Seems that's the name all of the granddaughters are giving Heather. No offense, I'm sure!)

Christmas day we had dinner with Matt's folks, and his uncle and brother. Seems like this whole season has been one big dinner or another! Forest has yet to show. He's been moving, and digging people out of the ditch. He's supposed to be here tomorrow with his daughter, Taylor. Madison got to meet Mo today, as I went to Mo's to drop off her Christmas gift. Margi, you will be getting yours in the mail. It was the first time I remember Madison ever not having anything to say. I've been a mystery to her for years, and now she discovers I not have my own daughter, but my own sisters, too! Matt and my present to each other was finishing the bathroom. You can see part of it, above. Anyway, I hope that everyone had a good Christmas, and a safe one, too. Love to you all, t

Christmas at Trudy's

We went to Matt & Trudy's last Friday night to celebrate Christmas with them. They have a separate room that worked quite well for our brood! Here's our hosts:

This is a picture of Kharsyn and Kesiah "reading". Melyssa, Kharsyn's mom and Brady's girlfriend, babysits Kesiah, so they spend a lot of time together. Kharsyn was a hoot - chasing Kesiah around. and around. and around....

This is Forest - Trudy's son. It was his idea for all of us to get together at Christmas, like the old days. We used to all meet on Christmas Eve, but ran out of space. So Forest got his wish for Christmas!

I wish Heather (Trudy's daughter) was there - her three boys came, and they are all so big! Hap grew 10 INCHES this year! He is now a young man. Boy, does time fly.

I'm getting ready for Christmas Eve and have been cooking all week. I'm making a rib roast and cornish game hens - I DO NOT LIKE touching those creepy things, they have parts that flop all over and they look like mutant chickens. No more cornish game hens for me! YUK!! Give me a chunk of beef that looks you straight in the eye and says MOO! any day.

Hope everyone is keeping warm - there's lots and lots of snow. I've shoveled my driveway four times, the neighbor came by and did it once, and it is due again. It's not really shoveling, it's more like shoving - shoving the snow to the side. Not too hard work, but my berms are piling up. And I DO have a 98 foot driveway.... Forget the sidewalks, there's not much foot traffic in my neighborhood except for the Injuns (don't you have injuns in your neighborhood - little tykes that run around yelling woo! woo! woo!). The injuns can tough it out this winter. The dogs are keeping warm with lots of straw (thank you Quincy!) Spooky likes sitting on the straw bale on top of his house - surveying his kingdom.

My biggest wish is to make a snow alien - like Calvin's.

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas! and remember the reason for the season.

Matt sent a good email - A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season, overwhelming pressure ..... Finally the elevator doors opened, and there was already a crowd in the elevator. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids in with her and all the shopping bags. When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot." From the back, everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry. We already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the one who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think how different this whole world would be.

Love to all - Mo

If you are wondering what we are doing....

Christmas is a big time for my sisters and myself. Tomorrow we travel to Soap Lake to have Christmas with Matt, Trudy, Forest and the rest of Trudy's family. I haven't seen the boys since Thanksgiving a few years ago. So I am anxiously awaiting to see how big they all are.

Thank you Lord for my sons, who make this journey with me.... They all kind of hang their head when Mom says we need to show up.....but they do it anyway!

I am truly blessed , not only with my sons, but their wives and children. How many blessings can YOU count...let's see - for me, it is my health, my children't health, the strong marriages my boys have made (with little example from me!), jobs that challange our minds, homes to return to at the end of a day, cars to drive, friends to talk to and share my life with, gosh, I guess I have a lot of blessings - I hope you do also. Much love during this special time - Mo

Yes, No, Maybe So....

How about I start with the Maybe So.....people have been asking if the current financial crisis at the state level will affect my job. All I can say at this point is - Maybe So. The current request to cut over $370K from this year's budget is being met by reducing or eliminating travel and not filling open positions. Equipment purchases have to be approved by the VP. But, the college has been asked to prepare a plan to cut 20% from their current budget - a whopping $2.3 million. That's a whole lot of money. Wenatchee Valley College cut 90 classes from their winter quarter, which is a great hardship for students trying to complete a degree or certification.

Yes - this is a great time to be fundraising! Many people are so generous, especially during difficult times. We have to reach out to people and educate them of the importance of community colleges during hard economic times. It's a well-known fact - when unemployment is high, enrollment is high also. So it will be hard to balance the possibility of cutting services to students at a time when those services are needed more than ever.

No - I don't have a plan for where I might land. All I can do is dust off my resume, and hope for the best. My financial position isn't bad, as I do have funds in savings, so I'm better off than a lot of people. And not having little ones (or even big ones) to feed is a plus!

The news of a new business at the Grant County International Airport did get my blood pounding for a while - I did SO love my job there (I cried every night for two months after I started my current job)! I really am a people person - and enjoyed each and every person who walked into the door at the airport. But, what will be, will be. There are other industries new to Moses Lake, and maybe a job somewhere else will be in my future.

I do pray my boys and their spouses keep their jobs, and we all keep our good health. I feel this is only the start of a hard financial situation for everyone. Sometimes I wonder about the people who lose their homes, and how they feel when they pack up their possessions and leave their dreams behind. It must be heartbreaking - and I feel they are stronger than me. I can only hope I have the same inner strength as they do if I myself face difficulties. Pray for an economic miracle - that is what we will need to stave off deep job losses in our future. God does listen to us - I know THAT for a fact! Love to all - Mo

Here's one of the pictures we took during Hunters birthday party. Chad and Heather are sitting on either side of Hunter. Happy is next to me, Cash right behind Heather. This was Dec. 1, 2008. Hunter's best birthday, ever! See you guys latter, will post more latter! t

Thanksgiving in Moses Lake

I celebrated Thanksgiving this year at Deb & Wes Marchmonte's house. I have spent just a bit of time over there - what a great new house they have! Here's a picture of the house and shop - I had to back waaaay down the driveway to get it all in:Their house is only a few years old - gosh I've wanted to build a house for 35 years, and never got close, but that's life!

When they had just poured the foundation, Myriah and I went out to take a peek, and swore up and down they made a mistake. Seems like the foundation LOOKS much smaller than when the walls go up.

Anyway, it's a beautiful house on 6 acres - all fully landscaped of course. They make me feel like the slovenly cousin - maybe because I am. I only have an acre, and it STILL isn't covered in grass.....

Wes doesn't favor turkey, but here he is doing his manly duty of carving (actually, the turkey just kind of fell apart under his direction - kind of like some women in his past):

Mr. Turkey, dressing, rolls (from scratch - yea! second time worked well), broccoli & corn dish, plus graving makings made their way from my house to theirs - I have some experience doing that from living on Kiefer and taking the turkey to Canterbury (where Chris & Deena live). Cover the pan in foil, put it on a large cutting board, and wrap everything in a towel and off you go!

Here are Deb & Wes in the dining room - did I mention we had loads of food? Made me feel a little guilty.....

I did find a great combination - sweet potatoes & cranberries. Boy I could eat a ton of that! I found out how to roast sweet potatoes (400 degrees for about 20 minutes, then 350 for another 20 minutes). They are very sweet without any added sugar. I boiled some cheap-o wine with cloves and cinnamon, added it to half a can of cranberries, and mixed everything together. It was quite tasty!

The turkey was delicious - as I mentioned in a previous post, I soaked him overnight in a bottle of champagne (Andre of course!), added a stick of butter underneath his skin, salt, pepper, garlic over the top, pre-warmed the stuffing (because there is nothing on our earth better than stuffing cooked in the bird), stuffed his appropriate cavity, then put him in a cooking bag (with flour) and poured a bottle of sparkling apple cider over the top.

If you are wondering why I'm giving all these directions, it is only because I have to nag another blogger about not sharing a recipe for Jack Daniels turkey.

All in all - a great meal shared with great friends! Hope everyone reading our blog had a tremendous Thanksgiving also! Love to all - Mo

We had a lovely thanksgiving; Hunter and Cash came Wednesday after school, and Forest came the next day. We had lots of stuff, our families K salad, and of course sausage stuffing which is Spuds favorite, and Matt's too, now! They went home Friday evening, and Happy came over and spent the week-end with us; needless to say, I did not cook again until Monday. Monday is Hunters 11th birthday, so I made bean soup (a favorite), and chili. Also made a German chocolate cake and homemade ice cream; corn bread and dinner rolls. whew, I was buzzing all day! Did get to visit with Margi on the phone for about 1 hour, also; had to hang up when my voice started going. She is doing well, Mo, just super busy! So, Hunter, Cash, Heather, Happy and Chad came over for Hunters birthday party, and it was so good to see everyone together! We had a nice time, and Hunter secretly told me it was his best birthday he'd ever had!! Success!
I tried to reach Ryan, both numbers, one was disconnected, the other went straight to voice mail with no personal message. So, I left a message that he needed to get a hold of us, or I would call the sheriff, which I guess I will do today! Will let you know what they tell me.
That's all for now, hope you had a good weekend!
Oh, that dreaded Christmas thing...shopping. ugh. I was not surprised to hear people actually lost their life's on black Friday! Matt, Hap, and I went to Wenatchee Saturday, and did our shopping, and pretty much managed to knock that list into the finished pile! Yeah!!! What a weight that is off of your shoulders, to have that accomplished!
Oh, and the Friday dinner, before Christmas: I was thinking soups, salads and rolls of different assortments. of course dessert, too. What do you think??? Let me know! Love you both, t

Thanksgivings past and present

Hope everyone is ready for a great Thanksgiving! My refrigerator is stuffed, my dishwasher is about to give up, and I'm looking forward to spending some time with friends, not only today but over the long weekend. Hooray for long weekends!

Last year, Brady insisted I cook Thanksgiving dinner for him. Seems Melyssa's side of the family served instant mashed potatoes - Brady didn't even know there was such a thing! He was pretty outraged. This year, Brady, Melyssa, Rhyan, Kharsyn and Melyssa's mom have rented a cabin at Mardon, so they should have lots of fun. But I can tell you - Brady will be coming through the door about 9:00 tomorrow morning looking for leftovers.

I'm cooking for Deb and Wes. It should be a nice quiet day. I soaked mr. turkey overnight in champagne - he's looking a little wobbly right now, but should be quite tasty.

Also, I'm making two types of stuffing; our traditional sausage stuffing and also rice stuffing. Wes really likes rice, so I thought I would try out a new recipe on him. Lots of sausage and mushroom have been blending flavors in the refrigerator for a few days, then you mix up cooked rice and bread cubs and let it sit overnight.

Families always think their stuffing recipes is the tops, don't they? Faye told me one time she had Thanksgiving at a boyfriends house where they served stuffing that included raisins and chestnuts. Hmmm.....she did "stuff" it down, but didn't ask for seconds.

My favorite turkey memory from when the boys were little was one time my turkey hadn't quite thawed out. I was wrestling the turkey neck from the appropriate cavity. Chris and Quincy came in the kitchen (they were about 9 and 4 then), and asked me what I was doing. About that time, the turkey neck popped out - and it was a BIG ONE! I don't know how any turkey could have held his head up with a neck that long. The boys' eyes got really big, and they asked me "what is THAT??". Being the type of mother that likes to torture small boys (because they were little hellions and moms have to get back at them once in a while!!), I told them it was the turkey.......hmmm....... not sure how to say this.....okay, I told them it was the turkey pecker. "NO WAY MOM!! What are you going to do with that?"

I told them I would make soup from it. They started gagging and said they wouldn't eat it. Did I mention I liked to torture young boys? I told them they ate it all the time. If you have never seen two young boys throw a FIT.....well, I had to 'fess up! Eventually.

I hope you have a special Thanksgiving today. Love to all - Mo

Japan Airlines 40th Anniversary

I had the privilege of attending the Japan Airlines 40th Anniversary dinner a few weekends ago. I volunteered to do the Power Point presentation during the dinner, and also helped with guest check-in.

Don't tell anyone, but I have never created a Power Point for public viewing! But I have friends who have, and they were a tremendous help! (Thanks BGF Kate & Albert!) They offered great advice on the timing of the slides, and even spelling. At the last minute, I discovered I misspelled sake (as saki) and had to change not just one presentation, but 24! Only because I had this great idea to save the presentation on thumb drives to give to people who have been involved with JAL during the last 40 years. And because many people do not have Office 2007, I saved the file in the 2003 version also.

It was an emotional experience going through all the photograph albums with their executive assistant Brenda. Many of the good people involved in the beginning days of JAL coming to Moses Lake have passed on.

I scanned over 100 pictures for the presentation - my $75 Wal Mart scanner, printer, copier worked just fine. But I had a huge headache for over a week - I think it was the red background of the slides.

Here's a picture of the sake ceremony - they hit the sake barrel with wooden mallets to break the lid. Then the sake is served in square wood cups (you have to be careful drinking it - drink from the corner!)

The dinner was a bitter-sweet one, because in February 2009 Japan Airlines will close their crew training center in Moses Lake. They have been an important contributor not only to the local economy, but culturally also. It will be a sad day when the last Boeing 747 flies away.....

Margi?? Where are you??

Domestic Diva!

Two weekends ago, I had a chance to try out an Artisan bread recipe I found in the Seattle Times - I loved their Pacific Northwest Magazine!

Off to the store I went to buy ingredients. I forgot my list at home, I don't know why I always do that! I am very careful checking off all the ingredients I need, then leave it on the kitchen counter.

I came home with a six pound sack of flour, and carefully measured, mixed and floured the kitchen. Including the floor of course, it wouldn't be much fun if I didn't have flour over half the house.

The bad thing about bread is you have to wait for it. Two hours sitting on the counter, then FIVE WHOLE HOURS in the refrigerator.

This is my first loaf:
Okay, I know, it looks like a plucked chicken. The color is pretty good, but the inside wasn't quite done. The crust WAS very crunchy. I'd give it a 2.5 on a scale of 5.

Consulting with my Domestic Diva partner Best Girlfriend Kate, she gave me some pointers. I threw the rest of the dough in the oven, and came out with a bigger loaf. This one looked like a heart. Sweet. Still doughy in the middle - not that I let that stop me from eating a rather large portion of it.

Next came Beer Cheese Bread - that was great!

Sad news - I got on the scale, and cut up all my bread to use for stuffing.

I also made some beef jerky:

This is it hanging in the oven drying. They are suspended by little toothpicks. I didn't use a 10-pound roast, (learning my lessons here!), but I have a nice supply.

I decided to try my hand at home-made soy sauce. I looked up the recipe - sounded kind of dangerous. Do you know soy sauce is made from moldy soy beans. Hmmm - think of that next time you grab a bottle to enhance your chicken fried rice. So I'm not sure if I'll make that or not. Actually I wanted to make homemade Worcheshire Sauce - but the recipe Christopher found included - yikes!! Did you know Worcheshire sauce has anchovies in it? Well, enquiring minds need to know these things. That's all for tonight - this diva needs to turn out the lights. Love to all - Mo

Lunch with the Girls

I had lunch with the girls - all former classmates (MLHS Class of 1971). Shown above are BGF Faye, Denise (DC), Deb and Jolene. DC lives in Caldwell, Idaho - the rest of the group all live in Moses Lake.

DC was in town because her Papa Joe had a stroke last week. I had "Papa Joe" duty about a year ago after Papa had his cataract surgery. His family had to be gone from Moses Lake for different reasons, so DC called and asked if I would be available to take Papa to the hospital if an emergency arose.

So I was quite concerned when I returned from dinner with Deb & Wes a few nights ago to see Papa's telephone number on my caller id (friends know I don't listen to messages - I have too many of those so just run them all when I'm in the tub, then delete them) but I do look through my caller id.

I called Papa's number, and DC answered the phone, told me about Papa, and we all made plans for lunch.

It was nice to see everyone - they are all great women and great friends!

I feel like it's been ages since I've posted here! Not that I've been super busy! I had my yearly checkup a couple of weeks ago, and my new PAC freaked out when he saw my labs. My cholesterol and triglycerides were both a bit high; 261 and 417. So, it became time to dust off the treadmill, again, for my daily walks, and make some dietary changes that I am not real crazy about! Also, using supplements. So, that was fun. Then the excitement of the elections, and I became crazy proud to be an American, again. What amazing times we live in!!! History is being made and we are there!

Also, have been trying to imagine how I can fit a big crowd into the house for Forest's dream of a big family Christmas eve. This has me moving furniture from room to room, trying to make the space that will be required. I need you, Mo, to come over and help me figure this out! I think that we can do this in the rec room, it's big enough. So, put on your home deco hat and come give us ideas, please!

Then, of course, my kids (seen in picture attached), needed a hair trim very, very much and that is pretty much a 4 hour chore with each dog. We got Shadow done last night, and his beard had to go because he has stored so much food there, and so now he has a handle bar mustache. He thinks he's very handsome, but he hasn't seen himself yet!

And then there's the rain. And more rain. and some more rain. I'm getting tired of this, but I guess it's good for the farmers, and my garden. I haven't really had a chance to go winterize the whole yard, just bits and pieces of it (that's why I'm down sizing next year). Yesterday I did get to get some leaves raked up, and that's sad when you think a garbage can full of leaves is about all you can do for one day!!!

Everyone is doing well, at least I have not heard anything to make me believe otherwise! Did Heidi get moved, Margi?? What's going on there?

Our new baby got blessed this last Sunday, and I wasn't able to be there for health reasons, I'm sure it was beautiful, though. Well, more latter! t

Giving....

I work with some wonderful people! One of the men I work with is Lupe. Lupe is a one-man mission. He is part of the Men's Ministry of the Assembly of God Church here in Moses Lake.

Lupe is a connector. He connects people with needs to people who may be able to help them.

Once Lupe came to my office wondering if I knew someone who could help a cancer victim with enough gas to get him to his treatment in Wenatchee. I emailed someone I knew who was in the gas business, and he donated twenty gallons.

At Thanksgiving a few years ago, Lupe asked if I knew anyone who could sponsor two Thanksgiving dinners. I collected funds through the foundation office, and with the help of a great Thanksgiving special at Food Pavilion, we were able to put together two complete turkey dinners, with rolls, butter and milk. Lupe told me later when he dropped off the dinner at one of the homes, the family was eating boiled potatoes. Potatoes ... that was it. They did graciously invite him to dinner.

Another time, I can't remember what Lupe needed, but I gave him $20. A few days later, he wanted to return the $20 to me, as he found what he was looking for. I told him to keep it for gas. He gave me a funny look, asked me if I was sure, then walked off.

A few days later, he told me he was out of gas, it was several days before payday, and he didn't know where he would get money to put gas in his truck. Lupe is a very strong Christian, and prayed for money for gas. God does answer our prayers!

Several organizations and individuals are strong supporters of Lupe. One man offers free rental on a storage unit, so Lupe can collect items and store them. Another man had a trailer Lupe was trying to raise funds for, and the man decided to give him the trailer.

I have given Lupe items left from my rentals. Sometimes you look at a piece of carpet and think no way will someone appreciate this, but Lupe comes back saying the family he gave the carpet to were sleeping on a cold concrete floor.

This is difficult times for many. But remember, you may be eating this:


But another family may be eating this:
I wonder who is the most thankful? We remember to feed our pets, but do we wonder if our neighbors are hungry?

Remember to give thanks for all things - ever our challenges - they make us strong and introspective, and can ultimately change our lives for the better. Also, be thoughtful, kind and generous with others. You never know when something that is trivial to you can improve a person's life.

Love to all - Mo

Fall Fun!

Well, I promised myself I wouldn't, but I did it anyway.

WHAT??

I ordered some more plants.....

You see, if you have an ACRE of ground, you have lots of space to plant new flowers, grasses, bulbs and groundcovers. Last year, I ordered a bunch of stuff. It came very late, and most of it died. So this year I promised myself I would control the urge to dig, get dirt under my fingernails, break those fingernails, stumble into the house exhausted, take a shower to get the dirt off, clean the tub, take a hot bath, and fall asleep in the tub because did I mention I was exhausted... oh well, the life of a gardener!

For some reason, I'm into irises. Not those blowsy flowers mom used to love, although I have my share of those that survived the time the grounds were not kept up.

I loved my white siberian iris so much - although I have LOTS of divisions for everyone - I thought I might get into some more esoteric varieties.

So far, I planted:
This is called Louisiana "Bold Pretender". I'm not sure what it's pretending to be, but looks like a nice iris to me. I only planted three of them - did I mention the fact when irises take root into a happy area, they reproduce? and reproduce, and reproduce....

Another iris I planted is:

This is the blue Delft iris. Pretty isn't it? Looks like the little dutch boy / girl stuff I had when I was younger. I wonder how pretty 40 of these will look next spring?

The champion iris I planted is:

This is the red Shogun Japanese iris. It's a beauty, isn't it? I only planted three of these because did I mention these reproduce like mad when they are happy?

I planted these next to the area where we have barbeques, and I have lots and lots of potted plants. I planted my pots late this year because most of use know why, but it should brighten up the area when I look out the kitchen window.

I have these crazy curves in the grass I am straightening out, because you can NOT do curves in a riding lawn mower on high - at least not without some engineering I refuse to perform because I only want a 30 - no 40 - ok 45 minute lawn mowing job! And I always spill my beverage of choice when I try to back up, go forward, back up, etc., etc. So I have cardboard laying on the lawn to kill the grass I didn't water very well, and will move more plants from the big flowerbed next spring to this area.

I did move some red poppies to this area, and planted purple poppies into the big bed. And did I say I had some goldenrod to give away? These plants are lovely in the fall, but get quite large. I have been giving them away with a contract saying those same people will not come back to me complaining in a few years.

But maybe......I can fund my retirement by selling pots and pots of these happy plants. Oh well, a fun Sunday all in all! Thanks for reading our post - hopefully the other two sisters will surface soon - love to all - Mo.

The Eagle Weeps...

Let me be the first one to say, and of course this is MY opinion only (sharing this blog with my sisters), that I am sure the symbol of our country, the bald eagle, weeps tonight.

Ghosts, Goblins & Spirits, Oh My!

Happily, I work in a creative environment, where holidays are celebrated! Halloween is always a difficult holiday, due to the witchcraft and devil thoughts among some people. But, not to put thoughts of God, Christianity or right aside, sometimes you just enjoy the flow...

Here is a picture of co-workers:

This is a picture of Kesiah (witch) and friends:

Lastly, here is Kharsyn, who is a frog this year.... wonder why? If you look at the foot at the left of the picture, Brady is working on his truck in the driveway, and Kharsyn is helping. He cried when Melyssa put him in the car.
So to Ghost, Goblins and Spirits - Oh My!

Snohomish Pumpkin Fest

As promised in an earlier blog, last Saturday I took Kharsyn across the street to a small pumpkin fest at Snohomish. Kharsyn is such a good two-year old, but needed to run a bit after the long drive.

There were lots of people in costumes, and we enjoyed people watching. Here Kharsyn looks like he's quite concerned about the health of the green monster - but he really just wants to snatch the pumpkin the monster is holding:

This is a picture of a cute little princess:

Here's some hippies - thought I was at Haight for just a moment:

Okay, not really, but you have to enter into the spirit of the season! Even the dog had a little costume.

Lastly, this picture shows aliens taking a break and enjoying the nice weather:

Kharsyn would NOT stand next to them to get his picture taken! Notice the little dog - I guess Snohomish is dog-friendly.

It was a fun day! More to come later... love to all Mo

We got to visit with Kaylee, Matt's youngest daughter, and her boyfriend Braydon, as well as with Coree, Matt's niece. We took them out for lunch, and then visited some more. Coree is confined to a wheel chair, and she has raised her bird from 4 days old. Kaylee is currently working 2 jobs, both part time, and trying to safe money for school. It was a fun day, until we tried to go to the costco, which has moved, and we spent an hour trying to find the new one! Didn't get much accomplished in the yard on Saturday, as I was pooped! Matt did get some stuff done, though, and it's wrapping up nicely. We also got to visit with new addition Jack Ryan Black, Matt's new grandson. There are entirely too many Ryan's in my life, Pat's son, Matt's son, and Matt's son in law are all Ryan's. Using abbreviations doesn't work as Matt's son in law is a RW, too! But, it was fun to get to see them all! More latter, t

Daytripping!

Brady, Kharsyn and I traveled to Snohomish on Saturday to attend the wedding reception of Brady's best friend Travis Watson. Brady and Travis have been friends since they were smaller than Kharsyn is now.

As you can see, Kharsyn is quite the seasoned traveler:

When Kharsyn isn't busy relaxing, he is fully absorbed with the latest Auto Trader:

Should I mention this is a Cook kid?

Here's a picture of Brady and Travis:

They have both grown a bit since they went to the same babysitter 24 odd years ago! Travis is a pipefitter. It has been fun to reconnect with him, his family, and now his wife Allison.

We had a good time, but all too short. Brady was driving (his first time driving in Seattle), and although he did quite well, he was ready to get home! I DO so need to get out of town more often!

They had a great pumpkinfest in Snohomish, so watch for those pictures soon (see Kate - pictures!) Love - Mo

Margi & Dennis's New Home

Sister Margi and her husband Dennis sold their family home of many memories to purchase a new home last year. It was a whirlwind affair - Margi found a house she liked, and after a brief discussion with Dennis, made an offer, sold their house in less than a week, and off they went to Pasco!

Their new home is just a few blocks from the river, where they run (as in exercise) regularly. (Uncle Dennis has been known to run a 10 minute mile in Bloomsday - not bad for an elderly-type gentleman!) It's a beautiful home, with tall ceilings (important in this family of 6+ footers!), great tile work, and a small yard.

This is a cute "shed" they had built in the backyard. It is based on the summer houses of our cousins in Germany. All it needs are some hollyhocks growing on the side - so I gave Margi some seeds for next year.

Their triple-car garage works well as a party-room, although as usual, most people ate inside standing around the kitchen. What is it about that custom?

I had to include this picture of the house across the street - lively colors for this time of year!

Fall Cleanup

Matt and I also visited with our grandsons Hunter and Cash, Saturday, before picking up Mo and heading to the Tri-Cities. Cash had his 9th birthday on the 16th, and we had to drop off his birthday present. We got him and Erector-set, with over 300 pieces (to step on in the middle of the night)! He was thrilled, and promptly left the room to go build something! They both are getting so big, Hunter is almost as tall as me!!! Then, wow! What a crowd at Margi's house!! It's a good thing she has a huge house to entertain in! It was great catching up with her kids. When I first met Casey he was 3 and looked just exactly like his son does now (except Casey had beautiful long curly hair that his sister loved to play with). It's like a rare reproduction! And Jake's son is the spitting image of Jason, too. Such a polite, lovely young man! (this was my first meeting with him). He is very poised! Matt had a very good time, and wants to do it more often! (Hear that girls???)

Tomorrow we are going to meet Kaylee (Matt's youngest daughter) in Spokane to catch up with her. We haven't been able to spend a lot of time with her this year, for one reason or another. We are looking forward to seeing her. Then, Saturday is (ta-da) yard clean up day. So , if you are pining for some plants to add to your garden get yourself over here! Everything is getting cleaned up and out! Let me know so I can expect you, if you are going to join us!

Haven't heard from Heather, but see she has updated her blog. I miss her so much! Miss all of my kids! More latter, t

Jason comes to town!

My nephew Jason Hughes and his son Quentin came to the Tri-Cities for that annual blood-letting sport known as hunting Bambi. Sister Trudy, her husband Matt and I traveled to Margi's yesterday to visit with everyone.
This picture shows nephews Casey (left) and Jason (right). They are brothers - can you tell? Casey is actually 1 inch taller than Jason, at 6'8" and 6'7" they are both pretty big boys.

Jason received a full-ride football scholarship from WSU - which he gave up to follow his wife Kara to South Carolina. Jason graduated from Clemson University with a degree in engineering, and now works for Fluor rebuilding a water treatment plant in Jamaica.

This picture shows Jason with his son Quentin, and what Trudy and I swore was Quincy - but actually is a friend of Jason's.

Casey, Jason and Brady used to look so alike - it was funny when we would attend football games at WSU and those three would walk down the street! People would stare at them ..... they must BE somebody! And they are - three great men we love!

Jason now lives in Greenville, South Carolina when he isn't twirling his dreadlocks in Jamaica. We had a nice visit with Margi, Dennis, Dennis's sister Vonda and her husband Mike, Margi's daughter Julie, husband Brian and children Colleen and Jacob, and also Casey's wife Jennifwa (this is how Matt and Trudy remember her name from their wedding), and their children Keeley and Bryer.

This is a picture of Bryer - need I mention he does NOT like to have his picture taken? Bryer is my special little buddy - for some reason, he really likes his Aunt Mo. We seem to have really bonded - Jen, we should spend more time together!

Came home late last night all tuckered out! Love to all - Mo

Yea! We're blogging now!

Thanks Trudy for sharing the pictures of your garden - and the great descriptions at no additional charge!

It's wonderful to be able to peek at your life without leaving the comfort of my own home! I do so look forward to seeing Jason this Saturday in Pasco - what time was that dear sister Marge?

I can't believe Forest is getting so grown up - I don't remember his birth, but do very much remember Heather's birth - walking outside the hospital and running into John & Ruth - Heather was the MOST BEAUTIFUL baby I had ever seen!

I'm thinking of putting a glass pocket door between the family room and the living room so I can have everyone over for Christmas Eve - like Forest would like, and it would be so wonderful! I do wish I had a bigger house - or a bigger great room, but that will probably occur in another life......

But I have plenty - sisters, friends, sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren - and let's not forget my health! (Thank you God, and the HSP!!)

I AM thinking of adopting Kate as an official sister - I think you would love her as much as I do! (Check out her soup recipe at 3anklebiters.blogspot.com - one of our friends). I will see her on Friday evening - a few girls from work and myself will take a road trip to Spokane to have dinner with her.

So this is a ramble blog....but forgive me for my happiness and enthusiasm!

Oh - the back fence project will commence this week - look for pictures next week! I'm excited, as best girl-dog Molli is a "barker" - she does have a bark collar, but is brave enough to bear the pain and express her sentiments none-the-less! Molli barks at everything - the neighbors, the rabbit who adopted us, the gophers, the quail that grace my yard - probably even barks at the leaves showing such bravery for falling from her favorite tree! Spook is such a gentleman - I love them so - but wish I could just visit them from time to time.... Did I mention I'm not a dog person? Oh well, dogs, goldfish, quail, rabbits, the neighbors cat, a skunk once in a while - I'm living in the freaking Wild Kingdom some days!

Marge - expect some 4Th of July goldenrod, some of the beautiful white iris I blogged about very early on, and some of my favorite Echinops Rhitro! (I LOVE their fuzzy blue flat tops when they start to bloom!). Trudy - I will have some of the white iris and the yellow yarrow you long for. Anything else?

Did I mention I love you all - thanks for reading our blog - we are three sisters who once were four, with a zest and love for life! Love to all - Mo

Here's a pic of one of my fall gardens. I have a dove that likes to sit under the maple or birch trees and catch some sun and snooze. It is more than past time to drain the pond and put the fish into a winter tank. My grasses are really colorful right now. Every day the colors are deeper and more striking.

We have a problem with feral cats, so a couple of times a day I let the dogs out into the front yard to scare them up and out. It's good exercise for them, and they just really enjoy it. Shadow is over his back problems. Latter, t

Here is a picture of the beautiful quilt my mother in law, Betty, made for me. It has taken her all spring, summer, and fall to make this, and I cannot count the times she has taken it apart and pieced it back together again. She gave me this on the condition that when she makes a better one I will return this. Look at all those tiny, tiny pieces of fabric!! I think it's beautiful, it reminds me of my garden!

My baby boy turned 24 this past Saturday, and he and Taylor came over to have lunch with me on Sunday. He wanted bean soup and corn bread, so that is what he got! The soup was soooo good!!! But, I turned all over to him to eat through out the week. I think that is one thing dad gave me that I truly appreciate, delicious soups! I never had the privilege of eating one of Pats soups, although I did hear plenty about them! That's when I realize that fall is here, when I start pining for soups, stews, etc. I have been on a crazy fruit binge the last month of so, eating cantaloupe, grapes and apples like crazy!

Out in the garden just now, could hear the trilling of the cranes on their way south. The garden just got frosted Sunday night, so no more fresh tomato's! I could of picked a fresh flower bouquet for Forests dinner, this year. The garden is definitely tucking itself away! I have not felt well enough to go tuck the beds in for winter, yet, though. My hands are loudly complaining the presence of cold weather! Manipulating scissors or garden shears is forbidden right now. Maybe I can get Matt to help!

No news on Heather. But, we are looking forward to seeing Margi's family on Saturday, just wonder what time. More latter, t

Fall Cleanup!

Doesn't fall come just in time? About this time of the year, I start looking for a house in "town" on a normal lot....I can see me taking a flame thrower to the flower beds as I drive off to a house that has a lot only 80 X 100, instead of 240 x 180!

I think I have to bite the bullet and just hire someone to clean up the other lot - need some weedwacking done, and a couple trips to the dump wouldn't hurt either! I have about seven contractor bags full of weeds I've pulled this season. I bought some stuff similar to Caseron, but it's based on a corn by-product, so it is environmentally friendly - because we are on well water here, I worry about that type of stuff!

The lawn in the back I thought I had to reseed (for the third time) emerged after two douses of weed'n'feed! That made me happy! I am impressed with the grass seed I used on the lawn, although it took about three years to get firmly established. It is a tall fescue with drought resistance. It's a nice dark green, except for the west side where there's alot of sun. This year I used some 16-16-16 on the west side, and it looked really nice!

Today I took the day off to get some final watering in - it froze so hard Friday night it blew the back out of two of my timers! Washed down the porches, cleaned the dog kennel again, packed more stuff to go up in the attic.

I did have some good news, the renters behind me will put up a wood fence if I pay for the materials. That will really make the back flower bed pop!

Deb and I had a quick trip to the Tri-Cities on Saturday - called Marge up and she met us for lunch (Red Lobster of course!). Marge has dropped another size, so I have to catch up!

I am looking forward to seeing Jason this weekend! Trudy - how is Heather doing?

Take care & love you! Mo

Sister Pat's Soups

In my last blog, I mentioned our sister Pat's soups .... Trudy do you remember them? I remember in our house in Seattle in the early 70's, Pat made ox bone soup ..... yikes, I remember going through the soup looking for the little ABC noodles!

Of course there was always her barley soups .... does anyone know what a barley is? They look kind of like oatmeal. Oatmeal in soup?

How about split pea - if there ever was a soup I would not let touch my lips, this is the one! Kind of a cammo green with lumps throughout, oh if you could hear the retching sounds I'm making!

Anymore, I don't like processed foods or soups, so I've been making what I proudly call refrigerator soup - put some left over pot roast in the crock pot with mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots, zucchini from Lexi's garden, add some onions and other spices and actually it was quite tasty! I took a batch to Deb's mom Arlene, who is terminal with Fibrosis. I did tell her it was refrigerator soup, but it seems she enjoyed it.

I made chicken and noodles for Arlene and myself last weekend, boy was it good! I take Arlene the bulk of my soup because I get bored with it, and don't have much freezer space.

This week it was chicken and rice (man I hate chicken, it has all these veins and nasty things going through it!), and a mild chili.

Growing up, if we didn't have to eat Bambi or Thumper, it was fish (remember dad used to boil a fish, a potato and an onion together? How did we survive?), or MRE's. How I loved the pound cake and peach ones, you could combine them for a nice dessert!

I also quite enjoyed ABC vegetable soup with peanut butter and jam, and there's nothing quite like grilled cheese and cream of tomato. It took me quite some time to eat Bean with Bacon (I'm not a salty fan), but it was good also. All soups are properly eaten with half a package of crackers of course, you have to soak up the liquid with those!

So tell me - when you think comfort food from your childhood, what are you thinking of?

Love to all - Mo

Market Woes Part II

Well, as sister Pat would say, no one could argue the fact our stock market has experienced a "Bad MoJo" this week!

Two weeks ago, I told my boss I thought the market would drop to 8800 - he just looked at me like I was crazy. Woe is me - the market passed 8800 like a rocket!

Scary times - I hope SOMEONE took my advise to move stocks, etc., into cash. I took my own advice - I was up 13% in my state retirement, and now I am even. I spent hours moving my asset allocation into their money market two weeks ago. I still have some stocks left, and they got beat up (you can only make a certain number of adjustments in your account per quarter).

I lost almost $10K in my ExxonMobil stock - I have been happily waiting for it to split so I could diversify - but I know that stock will be one of the first to bounce back. My favorite stock (which paid for my driveway last year) BHP - well I bought a few shares at $63 (great price), and now it is down to $38. Actually I'm thinking about buying more....

Our economy is based on buying - if you can't afford it put it on your credit card, and if you can't afford that refinance your house. For now, this is a part of the past.

We can only hope our employers have credit available to them to keep the paychecks coming in this downturn. I read where WalMart shoppers are only buying staples. It's a good thing gas prices are down, but so are commodities (wheat, corn, etc.).

Many people will be hurt - and third quarter earnings haven't been posted yet.

My advice is to keep the expenses to a minimum. I wonder if we could get tax credits for saving? Interesting thought - but saving doesn't equal jobs either. I never thought I would see the day where I am looking over the (grocery) shopping ads to find the best values for my small grocery list - and I am not bad off at all. I have discovered Grocery Outlet, buying in bulk, and soups! (Remember Pat's soups.....oh my gosh!) The good thing about soups is you can always make enough to share - I've been taking the bulk of mine over to Deb's mom, who is terminally ill.

It will be interesting to see the long-term effect this has on people and their spending / living habits. I think no more cell phones for 9-year olds!

Lastly, it wouldn't hurt any of us to pray for stability in our economy and jobs. There IS power in prayer!

Love to all - Mo

I'm a Jammin!

Funny you should ask Trudy - I've been a jammin fool this last week. No plubarb though - can you believe no one had rhubarb? And I haven't seen it in any stores. I have some plums saved though in case I find some.

James I made:

• Plum & Peach compote (for the pork roast we have on Christmas Eve). I didn't actually have a recipe - we domestic goddess's know a recipe is just a SUGGESTION ..... from those highly overpaid chefs and all. Anyway, plums, peaches, cinnamon, ginger, soy sauce and a touch of chipolte will make a great cover for pork roast!


• Strawberry Pineapple, with a touch of cinnamon & vanilla.


• Grape and left-over pineapple, also with a touch of cinnamon.


• Plum peach jam - this didn't quite set up as well as I would have liked, but it's a good thing I love pork!


• Red plum and vanilla - this seemed awful sweet, so might have to save it for french toast and pancakes!

Here's a picture - not all of my jars are shown, but aren't they pretty?

Empty next syndrome....

This last week I have had time to think about my family, from the one I grew up with to the one I created. For example, my mother never, not once, offered to help me move, or clean a house I have moved from. Never. The only adult milestones my mother came out for were the birth of my two beautiful babies. I don't know if she just didn't care about the rest, or if it was just too much for her, to overwhelming or something. The amazing thing about my mother is that even after 20 + years after her death, I am still angry at her for her selfishness. For abandoning us. I wonder if I will ever get over it.
But, anyway, this last week Heather moved to Yakima, and yes, I did help her. There isn't a lot I can do, but I can wash windows (darn it!). She and Rob worked until 2 in the morning Tuesday and Wednesday, and Heather's first day at her new office was Thursday. My daughter is an amazing woman, strong and healthy, but even she needs sleep. So, Thursday morning, when I couldn't reach her, I just lost it and started crying. I could just picture her wrecked on the Yakima hiway!
I will miss her being so close that I can almost touch her; miss her stupid dog Daisy and her crazy love for puppy babies (which to her is any dog smaller than her--she so wants to be a mommy!). I miss my grandsons waltzing into my house whenever they wanted or needed something. Cash coming in and saying he was going to watch his programs in the rec room, and play legos. Hunter coming over to grab a bite to eat before dinner. Having that refuge to go to when things were getting too strange at home. I miss you baby girl. So, yes, I cried like a baby Thursday morning, and I know that sounds stupid, but there you have it. Surprised even me!
I wish her well. She's starting a new life in a new town with her new husband, and I hope everything falls into place for her. You never stop praying for your children, no matter what, and I still pray that Heather finds her joy! All of our kids! I hope they all find their joy!
So, now I guess I will go clean the pond or something. Fall is reaching farther into my yard every day, all my grasses are an amazing color, and the leaves are beginning to drop from the trees. Another year, tucked away. I am not looking forward to being cold, again. And we still don't have an insert in our fireplace, and probably will use mostly furnace heat this year. (I love the way a fire makes me feel!) The garden is still pretty, no hard frost yet, but it's definitely throwing in the towel!
Hey, Mo, how did your plum rhubarb jam turn out??? t

Myriah at 13!

This is a picture of Kesiah and Myriah at the Lake Bowl last Sunday. They are both so beautiful, it takes your breath away!

I can't believe it, but my oldest granddaughter Myriah is 13! Gosh, it seems like yesterday she was sitting in the car seat next to me, bee bopping to the tunes on the radio!

Myriah is getting to be so grown up now - if you can believe it, she wears eyeshadow! And Christopher choked when she only wore lip gloss. Just wait Chris, until her first date. It will surely make the "first date" scene in Bad Boys II look like church boys!

In case you haven't seen that scene, you can see it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3NQaU7awPI


Riley and I once had to rewind it about four times to watch it, we were laughing so hard we were crying! First dates for Myriah, Rhyan and Kesiah LeeLee - look out! Chris is the only person I know who can use profanities 32 times in one sentence! And wait until the poor guy gets a look at Brady! Well, that's what brothers are for, so I am told!

Myriah had a great party at the Lake Bowl - except grandma drove straight to Chico's first.....felt kind of dumb getting back into my car. Lots of great friends and some kick-stuff bowling by the kids. Kesiah was really getting into the bowling bit.

On another note, the shuttle launch has been delayed until maybe February. I am still so looking forward to it! I was talking to my friend Tim (see class reunion photos), and he was all excited just imaging the noise!

And yes Kate you are BGF #1!! I miss you so much!

I had a class tonight - so I'm tuckered. Catch everyone later! Love you all -

t's world, revisited...

Number one son called to tell me that his dad wants me to come and get my green house. I think he's joking so I call his dad, and his first question to me is "When are you coming to get your greenhouse?" . Hmmmm. So, I called my best friend and asked her and her husband to go with me and Matt to look at it to see if we could tackle this job. When we get there, my husband starts shaking his head. "I don't think so", says he. Now, remember, my green house soars some into the air. It's huge! I remember when we put the roof on, thinking that Don and Forest were going to go flying on it; it was a windy day, and the roof is slanted so much that it just picks up breezes like a shovel picks up dirt! So, we wander around it going hmmm, hmmm, and I think it finally comes down to we won't be able to do it, and put it into some semblance of order when we do. I have asked Deb if she would take it for me (put it onto her property), but she has such a huge dislike for #1 ex that it would prevent her from doing the job justice. So, we will wait and see. I am told that I have until he finishes the kitchen to move it (a job that has been going on for 10 years now). So, I don't know.
No, I am not going anywhere to watch the any space shuttle take off. I will be lucky if I catch it on the 'net. Spending my days getting used to it being cooler, and the days being so short. I am the type of person that when the sun goes down my body says it's time to go to bed. When the clock moves back one hour, I will be going to bed at 6:00! For awhile, anyway.
I am so pleased that mo is able to go do stuff like this! She is so into planes and stuff! And, I think it's amazing that we have that opportunity at all! We have sure come a long way, baby! t

Semi-Official Announcement

Well, it's NOT QUITE official, but it appears I will attend the launch of the shuttle Atlantis next month at Kennedy Space Center in Florida! WooHoo! I am SO EXCITED! Kate, her husband Rick and I were invited a few months ago. We've been waiting on launch dates because of Hurricane Ike (Ike landed near Houston, where Johnson Space Center is located. JSC controls the mission after the launch).

I got to know the shuttle pilot, Greg Johnson (Ray J), when BBCC PIO Kate Holestine contacted him to come to BBCC for the opening ceremony of the newly remodeled aviation building. Ray J is a graduate (class of 1972) of the BBCC aviation program, and knew a friend of mine, Greg Thompson, who was killed in an airplane crash over Stevens Pass many years ago. Greg Thompson was Ray J's CFI, and they flew together at Kenmore Air.

When I found out Ray J knew Greg Thompson, I contacted a friend of mine who had traveled a lot with Greg and had some great pictures of him. I had them color-copied and had copies waiting for Ray J when he came to Moses Lake. (It's the little things, you know.)

We have stayed in contact with semi-annual emails. Ray J was scheduled for a launch that got scrubbed after 9/11.

We plan on flying into Orlando, renting a car and driving to Titusville. There is a reception hosted by Ray J's wife, Nanette Faget, who is a NASA engineer. (find out more about her father Max, who was a long-time NASA engineer here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxime_Faget - he has his own wiki!).

You can follow the official launch details at this site: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/sts125/.

The mission is to repair the Hubble telescope. It is exciting, and the crew is working very hard. There are plans in place for an evacuation of the Atlantis crew by the shuttle Endeavor if there is damage to Atlantis. Lots of hard work on behalf of many, many people!

So I am doing the official NASA dance, using the YMCA music! (Someone told me I was a dork, but hey at least I'm a happy dork!!) I called Kate and told her Rick (who is a teacher) had an official assignment, to come up with appropriate hand-signals for our new dance. Maybe I will video-tape them and you can vote on his version vs. mine.

Life is very good - I have SO MANY blessings; great health, great kids, great grandkids, super great friends, a house I love, a garden I love, dogs I like, a car that runs, a job, some fish and even a rabbit!

I am thinking about taking a laptop or something to report along the way, so check back for more details. Launch is October 14, 2008. WOOHOO! KSC here I come!

A day in the life of....

Well, my sisters lead a more interesting life than I do, so therefore it seems logical they would post more. My life is pretty much in a huge rut. Since I no longer work, my time isn't compressed into just after work, and weekends. I get to spread the same-ness through 7 long days! For example, the biggest decision I had yesterday was what kind of toothbrush to buy! (Really, this was important, guys! I brush so hard I have to replace my toothbrush every month or so. So, I sort of needed a cast iron toothbrush. In case you are wondering, ended up wtih a Oral-B cross action power max toothbrush. BBBSSSSTTTTHHHHTTTT!) Today, so far, the most important decision was weather or not to take my male schnauzer to the vet or not. He tried to jump on the bed, and ended up on his back on the floor screaming bloody murder! After consulting with my better half, it was decided I would take him to the vet, but call Matt back if anything expensive came up (like bowel resection, or disc decompression surgery). Turns out that Shadow just blew a disc in his lower back (where, please, is the lower back on a schnauzer?) Just taking anti-inflamatories for a week should make him good as new. I hope I never have to hear him scream like a girl again! Whew!
So, this is why I almost never post. I can not imagine my sisters wanting to hear about the great toothbrush debate that took place at our local Walmart last night. Or, even, to hear about the monetary value I put on my dog as compaired to the monetary value my spouse puts on my dogs. Let's face it, there are bigger fish to fry, and I never get to go out and see them!
I anticipate more weighty decisions coming up for the rest of the week. For example, should I or should I not cover my tomato's in case of early frost. (it was a mute point yesterday, as the 30 mile an hour winds would of made confetti out of anything I tried to protect them with). But, I can see from the coolness of the days that this decision will have to be made, and made sooner than I am prepared for. (Really, screw the tomato's! Who cares???)
Also, coming up is dealing with my daughter moving away to Yakima. She will no longer be within shouting distance of me, and the thought of that makes me sad. Even if we didn't see her everyday, it was a comfort knowing that she was just 3 houses down if I needed her! And, my grandsons? When will I see those little buggers???
So, I will keep you posted on my day to day occurrences, if that will make you happy, Mo. But, I am more interested in reading about you, and some interesting choices you make each week. What happened to bad mo-joe??? Hmmmm?
More latter, t

Funny book I'm reading...

I have to tell you all about the book I've been reading once in a while. It's pretty funny - BGF Linda brought it over for me to read after a guy hurt my feelings this summer. The name of the book is "It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken". It is hilarious! I feel good because I'm not nuts like these girls are.....

Gals have written in about their breakup with their companions, breaking into emails, voice mails, IM's, on and on and on. Amber writes in, and they reply "Amber Waves of Pain", Misty writes in and she is "Misty Water Colored Memories", Janet writes in and she's "Janet from a Sad Planet"... you get the drift!

One funny chapter is called "There are no new messages", and it says "What did heartbroken people do before phones - stand and stare at the mailbox? Stand in their driveway and wait for the stagecoach? Run to the Western Union and see if anyone had Morse Coded them?" You gotta wonder about that.....

My problem was, as usual, being a little bit too nice. If I had recognized the number on the Caller ID, would I have answered it? Who knows, but I didn't, and I did answer the phone, and there I went galloping right down the road to the Heartbreak Hotel.

You can't stay at the HH forever! Time to look for a guy who is honest and kind, and above all - totally into me!

Quiet Weekend

I had a nice, quiet weekend. WooHoo! I shouldn't slow down, as winter is coming right around the corner, but I got alot of stuff done.

I had Kharsyn Saturday. He wasn't feeling well. He is the most polite child in the world. You ask him if he wants to eat "yes". You ask him if he went potty "yes". If he is done eating what you feed him, he simply pushes your hand away. Much different from the little boy who, taking a bite of cantelope, threw it on the floor and stomped on it earlier this year!

You can see he isn't feeling very well! He looks alot like Riley did when Riley was his age.

I picked plums, mowed the lawn, and put up my summer clothing and brought out winter stuff. I always change the colors in my living room - turquoise and silver in summer, red and brass in the winter. So up and down the attic steps I went several times! Now I have blankets, pillows, books and pictures out - kind of that homey look that keeps you warm in the winter!

Here is a picture of the 4th of July Goldenrod I have to separate this fall. I have about three of them. They get about 4' tall - I also have to move this one to the back of the border.

This is purple basil - a great plant! It is huge! I was thinking about this for your front bed Marge - it is a beautiful bi-color plant. This is two years old and about three foot across.

This coral rose is enjoying the cooler weather!

That's it for now! Love you all - Mo