Secrets in the Forest

Nothin like a pretty fungus to cheer you on a forest hike.
You have to have your fungus eyes on or you'll walk right by...
So we were told of a big tree "Big Bertha". Can't tell you where it is, cause it's a secret. We found it after walking past it looking for maybe a bigger tree. On second glance we decided this one was quite big enough.
The little stream was full because of all the recent rain. Sorry it's sideways...
My walking buddy, Jenny. It wasn't a long walk but it was so quiet, the trail soft with ages of needles and at times mud puddles. It sure seems like spring?

Some Artwork is Edible

French Dip??
This was such a whirlwind shopping trip. Thank Goodness we had the good sense to stop and fuel up before hitting the streets again. Bargain hunting is not for the faint of heart. Thank you Kathy and Ronna for spearheading this Mom's group outing. We loved it.
Meredith's Chili
Oh my, doesn't that look drippy and good.
This chili and chip combo was sure yummy.
When are we going again??

Happy New Year 2010

Wow, that number (2010) sounds so futuristic. I graduated high school in 1975, gotta love those easy numbers to count by 5's. I think I thought I wouldn't live to see this year. Now it's here. Thirty five years later. My life has had so many twists and turns. I am grateful for each one of them. They have made me who I am. Which leads me to the dreaded New Year's resolutions.
This past year has been personally challenging and rewarding. I had a check up that left me needing to address high blood pressure and general issues related to being overweight. I had to decide to choose to be proactive or face the music with medication. I joined Weight Watchers 2/5 and have worked through the slow process of re learning how to care for myself, how to eat and what to change. Exercise is also key. So in the new year I would like to continue this journey for myself as well as for those I love. I want to exercise more regularly.
Balance will be my aim this year. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, time management, work,family and friends.
Thank you for all the love and support you have shown me this year and I may still get a Christmas picture and letter sent? Who knows!
God bless you all.

Merry Christmas

This is a couple of pictures of the quilt I made for Lou and Susan. Angie helped me sew on some of the buttons and some binding since I was racing against the clock.
I get so sentimental about some things. This quilt contains some of the fabric from my mother's stash as well as fabric from mine. I wanted this to be a blend of our fabrics so that Lou and Susan would feel they had a gift from us both. I know my mom Dorothy had wanted to make quilts for all her kids. Being a quilt purist who only hand pieced and hand quilted, there was not enough time to complete her wishes. Pictured above are her own small scissors that helped me while I sewed on the buttons.
All done with love... Merry Christmas.

Catching Up

This is the life! Being home from school and having the chance to nap and love on a kitty is what Joe has been missing. His first semester went very well and he is enjoying school, though it's been really cold there.
Katie bug is enjoying her Thanksgiving dinner. It looks a little different than mine? She is the newest member of the family (born into it)
Matt and Julie are also students relaxing on their Thanksgiving break. They just passed their first anniversary this summer!
Bird's eye view of one table at the feast...
Yet another table at the feast.
Angie and Grandma. We just enjoyed our time together so much this year.
I love this picture of Mom getting ready for the big dinner.
Dad taking a picture. I can't stand these, but it works.
The adult table at the dinner.From left is Ginger, Pat, Terri, Uncle Bob, Kathy, Rick.
The cutest person in the room, Katie with mom, Kristi.
This is just a quick catch up of some photos. More to come.

Stormy Weather

This has been a very stormy week. We have had four official storms and the one due on Sat. came early this evening. There was thunder and lightening and then rain like Noah must have seen. Come to think of it... I haven't seen a rainbow for quite a while. Do you think God went back on his promise? NAW, but it sure feels like it. We had a power outage, lost a most beloved Weeping Willow tree, had chimney trouble with our bricks and a steel plate. It feels like the middle of winter and it's just barely begun. I hope this too will pass, and in time for safe travel over the pass for Thanksgiving.We look forward to seeing almost all our extended family on Rick's side for Thanksgiving. We will miss seeing the California Bouchers, but know how hard it is to be two places at one time. May we all be blessed with good visiting, safe travels and many memories and relationships deepened. Love to all of you!

Rub a Dub Dub, Two Men and a Tub

Interesting shot of Gator and Rick taking out mirrors and the tub. The tub that will soon (sure, right) be installed into our bathroom... that is as soon as we figure out how it will fit in the best. Oh, and then actually do the work.
They are so strong! It just looks so easy.
This is a sweet soaker tub that is so pretty and it was being neglected by friends that only enjoy showers... So we will give it a new home. One that appreciates it. We do appreciate it. Thanks to Pam and Mike!!