Jam-o, Bers & bug eyes; McPhee 2011

Monday Musings

Currently eating pan fried mushroom ravioli.
I do need to try my hand at some hand done ravioli.
I have two more three day weekends coming up-I may need to work that into my schedule.

I just put two loaves of zucchini bread in the oven and will clean up that mess to make another with the cream cheese frosting--YUM-M!

What you see next to this text is a photo from last summer.  We were at McPhee reservoir with Mom & Poppie--there was a storm rolling in.  Jamie is the best.  He just hangs out with us and is fun.  I miss Colorado and really hope to make it back this summer.  Jamie will still be in Europe--I wish I could make it over there to spend a few weeks traveling.  That would be amazing fun!

Amber takes great photos with that camera around her neck.  I think she should send me some photos from that trip.  I'd like to see them.  Hopefully she'll be able to make it up to CO if I'm able to go so we can hang out and see old stuff.  There is GREAT old stuff to be seen in Colorado.

Tomorrow is the 100th year anniversary of Arizona's statehood.  That is pretty rad.  They moved the dates of Gold Rush Days this year to next weekend.  I wonder if it had anything to do with the statehood business?

…in other news I bought Scooby Snacks to take to work with me this week.  am I excited???  Yes! Of course I am, sillies!!

Don't they look just amazing??? I haven't tried them yet, but how can one go wrong with cinnamon graham SCOOBY SNACKS?

I also bought a box of Nilla wafers.  Seriously, Nilla wafers and Nutella--yup, that sounds good too.

Oh, and the bug-eye glasses in the photo above--casualty of the TSA.  They ransacked my bags on my last Cali trip and broke the glasses and did some other screwy things in there.  UGH

Lastly…as I was finishing up in the kitchen I received these:

Thanks Poppie!  These are great :)

Arizona: Day 04 & 05

These two days were the main reason for which I went to AZ...Chrissy's wedding prep and ACTUAL WEDDING!!!

Friday morning my friend Shan (with whom I've been staying) had a trade show to attend and I went along to help keep track of the kiddo-s. On our way home we stopped for some lunch at yummy Sonic! Of course my cherry Dr. Pepper was the highlight of my meal!!! Mmm-mm-good!


After this it was back to the west side of town to meet up with the girls before the rehearsal for Christine's wedding. We had an interesting experience at Cheesecake Factory...and no photos :( Then we stopped over at Chrissy's place before our journey to the wedding site. Here are a couple of photos from the rehearsal:




Here is one of my nieces playing with petals :)






Here is one of the Bride To Be and her Groom with the pastor :)





After the rehearsal we all went to Bucca for family style supper. Here are a couple of shots of folks a the restaurant!



Cole and the little girls--waiting for some grub!






Here's one of the matron of honor and her hubby!






All in all it was a festive day. We all tucked in for a fine meal...then onto sleep for the big day!



The wedding was full of friends and family...and the photos I have are from the reception primarily...here are a few of the ones I particularly like!



This one is Chrissy and Poppie dancing--verra nice!







There was a lot of dancing going on! Everyone was twisting and turning...boogie-ing the night away!








Ma and Poppie did a little swing...







Before the evening was through I even had a whirl with Poppie!










Chrissy and Jake spun around merrily...and soon the evening came to a close and we said good luck to the new Mr & Mrs Pemberton!!!






A couple of fine days in AZ
Temperatures: Mid-eighties
Average Speed: Seventy...and a bit of carpooling!

I have a number of other photos...some turned out pretty nice, others are more for memory value only--if you know what I mean! If anyone is interested in other shots...let me know and I can send some your way!

Arizona: Day 03

Gosh...time flies--the sun keeps shining down--and the gas just disappears!

Today was spent in my hometown, Wickenburg. I did not go up there on my last trip so this time I planned to drive up for the afternoon.


On my way out of town I stopped to meet my friend Karyn for coffee. We didn't have a chance to meet up last time either. It was really nice sitting outside in the morning sun...it was MUCH cooler and there was a cool breeze. It was a brief get together...but great to catch up none-the-less!


Soon I was speeding down the road to Wickenburg. I was more than a little appalled at the growth that has occurred since I last drove up there. It seems a little ridiculous to continue to spread out into the desert when there are tons of houses already built that want occupants. I know that is oversimplified...it is just a little odd to know how bad the economy is and that homes aren't really selling and to see the continued building.

Anyway...it was fun to be on familiar country roads zipping along as fast as the road would allow!

When I arrived the card table went up and Ma, A.L. & I played cards.
We had to play Skip-Bo since Ma couldn't find her Phase Ten cards anywhere. We solved that problem when we popped into town for a minute by stopping at ALCO :)


I had a chance to stop by and visit my doctor. I started seeing him soooooo long ago. His office found out I'd be in town and asked Ma if she could pop me by. It was a very quick visit--but a good one! Sadly I forgot to do a self-portrait with Doc :( I'm very sad about this fact.




For supper we went to Anita's for supper. YUM!!! It was fabulous! Lots and lots of chips and salsa were eaten as well as a deep fried bean and cheese burrito AND fried ice cream. We celebrated my aunt's birthday and mine as well. Funny since neither of us were born in April!

Again...I failed to take a shot of me and the fam...or a new one with Poppit in it! Ah well...the weekend isn't over yet and I'll see everyone on Saturday at the wedding!

Another fine day.
Temperature: Upper seventies-low eighties, light breeze (whew!)
Average Speed: Seventy (due to following a blast motor home from Idaho for too many miles!)

Arizona: Day 02

After a good rest I was ready for another day.

I must here interject a great tragedy I've discovered on this trip:

This was the sight that filled my eyes at two, yes two, of locations I frequent whilst in the Vallley. I had already checked the website and the only location shown on the map is located at 40th St. & Camelback. The one above is located right across from the Starbucks I was at yesterday (photo taken then). Typically, this would be where I would want to meet...and if it had been open we would have immediately gone there. The second is at Tatum and Bell in the Basha's plaza. Word on the street all these locations are being re-done in some new way and will reopen a couple of months. Little good this is to satisfy my Dunkin' Donut Desire.

Today...I was headed to Buckeye. I figured 'on the way' I'd stop over at the 40th Street location for some Munchikins and a dozen donuts (I have a coupon--thanks Shan!). Much to my dismay...this is what awaited me:
Oh, the sorrow!

Next trip--Donuts every day!!!

To ease my sadness I went through the Fazoli's Drive through next door and bought four garlic sticks and a small soda. Definitely not donuts...but, the garlicy goodness was wonderful! These are no ordinary breadsticks...they are garlic heaven! Dipped in parmesan cheese--YUM!

Then off I drove to Buckeye. It's really not that far--it just feels like I'm halfway to Disneyland sometimes ;) I happily munched my sticks of garlic heaven and played with the radio.

Radio...a novel concept in autos, no?? I'm sure no one else thinks this way, yet me and my AM only back home found it completely enthralling to have so many listening options!

Soon I was with Amber and Megan doing a lot of not much. It is great to just hang out. Having eaten bread for lunch...by afternoon I felt I needed a bit more to make it thru until supper. Thank goodness Amber had bacon! She kindly cooked it up crispy and wonderful and we snacked.

At this point I'm sure those of you who do not know of my unique dining habits...well, you're catching on. I do, on the whole, eat a well balanced diet. I'm pretty good at moderation in general. There are some wonderful exceptions...like when I travel!

We chat and Megan showed me lots of books and some fun wooden toys she has. Sadly, I forgot to take a self portrait of the three of us. :( I also was hoping for a better shot of the compass. I've ever seen anyone quite as enthralled with this wonderful device. Well, beside me when I'm lost--seriously, how many people keep a compass on them at almost all times!


Early afternoon I began my trek back across the valley. I went the northern route as to catch a couple of folks on my way.

First I stopped at an old haunt...the Coldstone on 83rd Ave and Bell. I enjoyed a Like It chocolate with strawberries while having a lovely chat with Miss Talitha, my traveling companion from my Hungary trip last summer. This is the first time we have had an opportunity to catch up since we parted company in July of last year. All I can say...is I can hardly wait to plan our next trip!!! This photo looks very much like many we took all over HU. Good times...no crushed ice.

To end the day was a quick bite to eat with Chrissy. We met up at Texas Roadhouse. It was good to miss the crowds...and we sat at a very high table. Why this is of note, I'm not sure. We did find it noteworthy at the time, however. The main purpose of this trip is a wedding. Chrissy's to be precise! So this was our bit of hang out time before the festivities begin! It was a good time! (still no crushed ice) This is the second shot I took-after running across the parking lot for I'd forgotten while we were at the restaurant. It is pretty average. I took two because when I snapped the other I had just realised that this was our last girls supper with Chrissy being a single lass! We laughed after the first one...and then looked very happy in this one.

Here is the first one--rather silly on my part, reckon?



Again a nice day. I was pleased to be feeling pretty well--very tired, but well. As mentioned above...it is difficult for me sometimes...knowing there are many folks I really want to see....
Temperature: low-mid eighties with increasing winds. When I post general AZ photos, I have a couple trying to catch the force of these dust stirring events!
Average speed on the roads: 75

...here...

Here I am in Woodinville...in my little condo...getting a little dozey...thinking about being 'here'.

This photo is of my (very) adorable niece, Megan. It was taken when I was last visiting Arizona. She rather liked this little hooded floaty thing--as long as it was not floating! Here, she is firmly planted on the steps, laughing at either her mamma or one of her aunties, I'm not sure! ;)

I guess I wonder sometimes about how it all works out.

I'm here...and most everyone I care about is somewhere else. How I longed to be far from the desert and the blazing sun that resides there. How happy I am to be in the PacNW, where the sun is frequently tucked in with some wonderful clouds; creating not an oven-like scenario, but one of muted warmth that I enjoy quite a lot.

I went to Portland, OR for the first time this weekend and enjoyed it there very much! I was also reminded of how I love a roadtrip. As I drove about admiring the countryside, I had a chance to think about being 'here' and feeling 'far'. I think I am actually quite blessed. I live somewhere I enjoy. I am able to travel more and more. I love to have guests...so many sites to see and unique things here in the Puget Sound.

Though it's tough to say goodbye to friends and family, in many ways I have the best of many things. How I love that God's plans are bigger than mine--resting in Him...and trusting--that is a fantastic adventure. How I am grateful for our God...sovereign and good!