Bloggidity, blog, blog

deb & johanna: after an eve of cooking and lounging

Why do I blog?  I was thinking about this as I was mulling a blog post.  I really don't know.  I do it for me, mostly.  There was a time when there were a few folks who followed this moose and my meandering mind, I learned from their blogs and we bantered.  It is a nice benefit, a good part of blogging.

I think, I've discovered, why I enjoy blogging is it is just a tiny little well for the outpouring of the ideas or thoughts or puns or silly stories or whatever I dump out onto these blog 'pages'.  

I journal.  I scrapbook. I keep the family history (not as well as I should).  I enjoy these things as well.  

Blogging is different.   I can pop up a window and whip out a blog post in five to fifteen minutes depending on the length/content.  No supplies or effort, just pull some photos out of iPhoto let the words flow out the grey and go.  

Photo with Johanna was after we made pizzas, had some Mike's and chat the evening away.  She is ah-mazing!  The evening was just what I needed.  God knows sometimes--exactly what will fill me up!  It was much more than the pizza and drink---talking about the sermon, how He is moving in our CGs, other communities, lives and everything!  Good times!

Now, I am tired.  Very tired.  G'night.

01 January 2010

So, it's the first day of another year. Funny thing, it feels just like any other day. Everyone is all on about resolutions, black eyed peas & corn bread and how everything is going to be super great because, get this: It's a New Year.

Wow.

Now, I'm not all cynical here, don't get the wrong idea. I'm the same chick who wants to believe wishes come true, magic exists and dreams become realities. But seriously!! At least in my fantasy world there is some catalyst to create wondrous things...not that they just happen because the date has changed.

Whew. Now that THAT is out of my system...I thought it might be nice to post an update.

Firstly, I've been hearing comments about how few I've made in recent months (and not so

recent months). And...I just uploaded photos :)

So WAY back in September Dede and I went to see Wicked at the Paramount. Def up

there on my list of musicals---costumes are amazing, story is good and the music stellar!!

September also held a brilliant

musical adventure to see Flogging Molly with James and Brenda-Boo. Yah, it was AMAZING!!!

We took along a wee picnic and saw some

interesting opening bands...and then the main event.

Yah, good times!

So then October rolled around which means Walt Disney World!!! The trip was awesome (as always). I really love EPCOT and this year they've added this AWESOME new game based upon KIM POSSIBLE!!!!

I had a great time doing a couple of the adventures in the afternoon and then Grant

joined in the fun a few days later. TOTALLY GREAT!!!

Even playing two afternoons we didn't get to do all of the adventures. Guess that leaves more fun for next time!!!

Immediately following Florida I went to California for a fun

weekend of soccer, Disneyland and seeing good friends from far

away! Ildiko and Bela were in town, all the way from Hungary! (YAY) and we met up at The Olive Garden. Sadly, Bela wasn't able to stay with us due to a tree emergency...but Ildiko and I enjoyed a meal and lots of chatting.

In November I took another trip to the Peninsula and stayed on the beach. I had a rough go being

ill through the month and the weekend was a perfect way to chill and get some rest. There was

a raging storm, brewed coffee, bacon, leftovers, lots of bubbles and avoiding tourists. I made the mistake of going over the weekend New Moon

was released, which meant silly twi-hards all around. I stayed out of town and had a blissful weekend.

And then it was December.

I love December...I live for Christmastime...I L-O-V-E Christmastime. The twinkle lights...the

carols...the food...the baking...Jesus. I always say...there would be no Easter if there wasn't Christmas. What a miracle...a choice that God made--for us. WOW

Of course the month started of with the annual

trip to Disneyland. Santa was pretty cool. Caught up with him over at the DLH--nice.

My way cool friend Tara and sis Tiffany threw a

great Christmas party the weekend following my return from SoCal.

We sang carols ate snacks and watched Harry Potter.

Seriously.

It was rad. Yah. Rad.

The following weekend was Christmas Supper

Party at my place. Oodles of fun with some good friends, good food, Christmas crackers and a white elephant exchange.

Good times!

Christmas was bliss...Boo came over on the Eve and we cooked and churched and saw lights...and

Christmas Day was full of gifts, film, friends and games :)

We even carried the celebration on to the following day! Good times!

This photo is us with Kat over at her place for a bit of an Irish Christmas Dinner...YUM!

Yah...so it's a brief look into the end of the year...but there it is.

Now it's a New Year. As you may have gathered from the intro here...I'm not into resolutions or thinking that "this year will be so much better than the last". Just like every season...I look at where I'm at and where I'm headed. I'll get my bearings and see if I'm on course.

I'll try to keep you posted.

So, what are your thoughts on this whole "New Year" business???

Good times!

I've been away...  :)  On 19 June I flew down to SoCal for a loooo-o-o-ong weekend at Disneyland!!  



I happened to come down with a nasty bronchial infection before I left--which was simply yucky! Thankfully I was able to see Dr. Chaput before I left and she set me up for healing.



When I arrived, I landed in a major heat wave!  The temps the first three days were in the 100s and it was nearly unbearable.  The absolute best time of day was after supper.  The temperatures would drop down and the crowds left during the heat leaving the Park for us to really enjoy!  



As you can see from this photo...the sun was blazing!  My poor feet were blistered and thankfully, with some Solarcaine and SPF 60 they didn't really hurt and healed up super great.  Looks like I'll have Chaco feet for the rest of the summer :)



You may have noticed in the first photo the poster under the welcome sign to the Parks is a notice for the brand new attraction:  Toy Story Mania at DCA--yeowzers!  I think it is GREAT!!!  I coerced Ma to wait in line four times in a row one day...only about 45 minutes at a time...not too bad since the line was up to over three hours at Park opening!!  

 As you can see...we ran into a little trouble exploring the Temple of the Forbidden Eye...Thank goodness Dr. Indiana Jones was there to help us out!  







Ma kinda froze, we had to unwrap her from around that giant boulder!  

We met up with friends one day and hit a few attractions (including Splash Mountain!!) before meeting up with some other friends for a very, very tasty supper at the Blue Bayou.  











This was my first time back since the big menu change...prices are definitely higher--but the food was excellent!  Plus, not much can beat the atmosphere of eating inside Pirates of the Caribbean!!  





All in all Disneyland was lots of fun!  I didn't get photos of all the Indiana Jones clues...because I forgot.  I did get lots of other photos, though.  I'm sure I'll post more eventually.  



Now, to lok forward to Walt Disney World this fall!!!

Chelan-07-09 May

Here are some photos from a little trip I took to Chelan at the beginning of the month. I attended a conference, which was full of lots of great info and I had a chance to hang out with some great folks from all over the state!



Here are a couple of shots on my way over. It was cool that day and a little overcast, but nice on my side of the mountains.








I go over Steven's Pass to get to Chelan, here is a shot near the summit. There was still quite a bit of snow--even at road level.










Once over the top, things were quite sunny!








We took a boat ride one evening up and around the lake. It was beautiful! The weather was quite nice. As the sun fell behind some clouds and evening came it cooled off quite quickly. None-the-less, I thought it was a fun ride!








Before heading back on Friday I stopped for lunch at a little drive in for a burger and onion rings...yummers! I sat out at one of the seats overlooking the lake...you can see it in the background there behind those giant onion rings!!I waited on a milkshake and stopped later in my journey at a place called The Alpen in Startup, WA. I indulged there with some fried mushrooms too. No photo from there...though I should have, it is the cutest little place you just walk or drive up to!


I love road trips and adventures. So many fun things to see and do, and always an excuse to eat something absolutely yummy I would otherwise refrain from! Special thanks to my friend Karen...if it hadn't been for her, I wouldn't have had a chance to participate in the conference. THANKS!!

Final Day inAZ

After a warm and friendly week in Arizona...it was almost time to depart. First I went to church with the Degrado family.

Then Shan and I stopped at In-N-Out for some lunch before heading to Gammage to see Sweeny Todd on stage. I am so happy we decided on this little burger joint for lunch....SO YUMMY!!!!! I really hope to stop by there when I'm in Cali next...nuthin' compares!!







We had to do a little auto switcharoo before the show, but we arrived with time to spare. The show was good. I wasn't sure what to expect...and hope I have an opportunity to see it again with the original staging. It also seems like some of the songs were cut short...but all in all it was a lot of fun!









My final shot of the trip is of Shan and I after the show.






Sadly, I didn't take any photos with the girls or my auntie Lois during this trip. Ah well, I attempted to capture the trip as much as I could...which I enjoy doing. Lots of happy memories!

I had lots of fun eating lots of food I can't have while in Washington...lots more fun catching up with friends and family. Whew!

Hope to see some of you guys this summer!!!

Temperature: Mid-eighties
Average speed: Seventy
Overall I drove 517 miles on this trip...funny how easy the miles rack up!

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

Arizona: Day 01

Well...here I am in Arizona. It has been quite hot...but a nice day. I arrived last night (though I intended to arrive tonight...I'm really not very bright sometimes). I arrived at SeaTac and was checked in by about 1545. I decided to check out Waji's in the Alaska terminal. The sell teriyaki--I had the chicken.

Interestingly enough, I sat down to eat and pulled out the book I'm reading (Order of the Phoenix...I took a detour on my reading schedule). Next to me was a pilot--seemed to be in his mid-late forties...also reading. As we both had a lull in our eating, I asked if he was reading anything interesting. He looks over rather sheepishly...and flips the cover over to show me Eldest. I immediately asked how he liked it and found it. He said his son's favorite book is Eragon (the first in the Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini) and after they watched the movie together and his son informed him how awful it was...he decided he wanted to check it out. This book is the second in the series.


After eating...I traipsed back over to the Southwest Terminal and continued reading until it was time to board my flight...well, mostly...I did realise I forgot my auto confirmation and made a few calls about that--in the end, it didn't matter at all. Off to Phoenix I flew.




It is always fun to see people reading! I came across a blog that is all about people reading...I like to check in once a week to see she's found...I've found a few reads to add to my list! If you want to check it out it's a blogger called People Reading.



So...my first day (the unexpected one) in Phoenix was nice. I changed a couple of meetings up with people...and rested that morning--I was pooped! I went to WHATABURGER! for early lunch had a little pool picnic with Maggie, that little Malti-poo in the photo here. If anyone in AZ has a Maltese...this little lady would love to have some pups!





It was pretty hot. I got into the pool. The pool was rather chilly--but nice when I'm super hot from the sun0the pool feels GREAT!




I did see friends in the afternoon, Tammy and Dave met me at Starbucks for a nice afternoon chat over some Pelligrino :) It is always so difficult coming to Arizona...I lived here a very long time and it is impossible to see everyone on a trip. Having felt unwell for so many weeks prior to coming...I'm really trying to take it easy.




On my way home I stopped at Claim Jumper to eat with Lauren. It seems we always seem to stuff ourselves...and thoroughly enjoy it! It seems like the portion size for the chicken fried steak meal is a bit smaller. This is a good thing--I couldn't eat as much.


I was back in the house before eight...and ready for bed. Already feeling puffy and exhausted, I was ready for a good night of sleep. The last thing I want is to feel rotten while away from home...


First day in the Valley of the Sun was very mellow...which was just perfect.
Temperature: low nineties and there was a breeze. A bit warm...but not too bad in the shade.
Average rate of speed on the roads: 70mph.