Hmmm… and other thoughts

Carl & Carrie-Redhook

Well, things have felt busy.  Likely because work is chaotically, out of control busy.  So, when I'm not there, I'm tuckered out.  Plum tuckered out!

So…let's not think about yucky work.  I'm super grateful to have a job & know my bills are paid, but for now---no work!!

Let's see…. hmmmmmm, Carrie came up to Seattle with Carl a few weekends back to look at the area and see about property.  They so perfectly forgot I lived SO CLOSE!  So, we made plans after they arrived to meet up at Redhook.  We had some food and fun.  They LOVE my town (of course) and found a few areas over here that are livable! YAY!

 Silly Faces!

This silly faced photo is not as silly as some, but still one of our little 'breaks in the courthouse day' photos.  I think we had gone out to the mexican place
that was a taco truck and is now in an old KFC building--MM-GOOD!  Look at that crazy spacing!  I bet this post is going to look mighty funny!

Perhaps then, I should come to a close and just do wee posts with only a photo at the top and bottom until I figure this  silliness out--which will not be tonight.  Maybe, just maybe, I'll even get all ambitious and post some of my road trip planning.  We'll see.

I'm just tired after the chaos.  It must not be chaos forever.

Right?

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.

Wilkeson

Mars Hill Men

This is how I spent my Saturday: In the forest with quite a few guns, snow, a machete, more snow & five then six Mars Hill dudes.  I was the sole chick-which I don't mind, but I always think the guys think I'm weird.  Maybe I am.

I had quite a fine time.  I shot the AK, the AR my .38 . . . hmmm . . . I think that was it for this trip.

It is just very nice to be away.  To be out doing anything in the forest.  The snow was a totally great surprise.  Plus, if it was going to be wet all day, to have snow a lot of the time is better than rain!  It was cold, but I dressed prepared (well, I did have to borrow a sweatshirt since my wool sweater didn't make into my box that morning).  I found out my $20 TNF hiking pants are waterproof--ummm, super great steal!  I also found a clearance OR shell--goretex as always, life saver!

There really was fire!! 

Any-way--the dudes were cool.  They did dude things like I would expect:  cigar smoking and target finding galore all day.  As the afternoon progressed another dude decided to come and a few others had to pick him up at Wal-mart.  Westin (Wesley? me & names--horrific!) decided to start a fire so it would be going when the other guys brought the wood back-he had a knife and a magnesium (I'm pretty sure of that) survival fire starter.  He went to it and made fire!  It kept up for a good half hour before a crazy bit of snow/rain got the best of it.  Sure was fun to see him get it going.



So-all in all lots of fun for this moose.  I saw the men blow up a few targets-yay!  We did have fire with dry wood to warm up to--My jacket is still airing out from the smoke.  There is a downed tree that allegedly has three or four bullets in it--they have yet to be machete'd out ;)

I love to go to the cinema, I love to go to the shows.  I love to dress up, eat out, sit down and just chill on the couch with films and snacks.  I also love to get out and be out do the outdoor thing.  I still struggle with the "weekend warrior" bit that is the Pacific Northwest. . . but it is what it is.  This isn't Lake City or Colter Bay or Bozeman or Durango where you can just arrive home change the togs and drive out to the trail and be out in an hour's turn around.  I haven't adapted yet and I'm more out of shape now than possibly ever before in my life.  I need to rectify that bit at least.  I'm looking forward to some hiking, more shooting and hopefully some camping as the subject came up this weekend as well.

I am in an unfamiliar land.  So much so that adaption hasn't occurred.  Scientifically, this is anomolous and should be rectified--yet without reference, it is difficult.

Below you'll see how the evening started to come to a close.  Burritos were made, the girls came over for games and it was a relaxing evening.  A very full day, jam packed with all the things this moose enjoys!

Burrito time!

Choices

Argh...choices. Always want them...not so great when I get them. I really hate when I have to choose between great things.

Here I am.

I have a wonderful once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to England and meet up with a friend. One of my nicest, most fun and fellow Potter loving friends who really loves Jesus!

If I choose this option it will delay the Grand Disneyland trip ma has been wanting to go on for years.

It will mean I have to stop taking classes at the rate I have been (possibly all year).

It will mean no using vacay days for other things, like acting jobs-which I LOVE.

It will also require me to save lots of money...money that would typically go toward paying off things, saving for an auto, improvements about my place...

What do I want? England. With Tara. Wicked fun. Wonderful experiences. Potter love.

Now, to just get to it and figure out the things that are on hold so that they happen as soon as possible as well.

Argh. Prayers. Please??

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???

Things I'm Grateful for #9

Firstly: I'm not ungrateful or lazy. Ok, sometimes I am rather lazy...and I guess I've been known to be a bit selfish now and then...but not in this circumstance.

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed, however. This fact has definitely had an impact on my blogging.

Secondly: I have lots of things I want to blog...so if things slow down there may be an onslaught of posting.

Thirdly: What I am actually grateful for: friends! I haven't actually kept track of the things I've stated I'm grateful for and I know I've mentioned the weather on more than one occasion. I am still very grateful for rainfall and the abundance of it we've been having.

Point being: I might be grateful for the same thing or something similar in more than one post. It just means that thing means a lot to me :)

(and it's my blog, I can do that!)

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of spending time with my friend Brenda. She is also one of my friends who I've been to the peninsula with...photos not yet posted :) Brenda is a friend I always have great fun with...even if we're not doing much of anything. On this occasion, however, we went to the outlet mall.

We had a fun day of looking for bargains and strolling about the rather empty mall. After our shopping trip we lounged at my place for a bit before going for pie on pi day.

Can you guess what the date was when this adventure occurred???



This first photo is of Brenda and me being tough.
We are very tough, trust me.
You would be quite fearful coming upon us in a dark alley.
Really, it is true.
I'm sure you're frightened just seeing this photo.

Ok, it could be the multiple chins I've created with that tuck--but it is frightening, no???





OK.
Perhaps not.
We did try.
This look, however is much more likely to be seen when we are hanging out.
The shirt I'm wearing was $5.00.
It says: "Hangnin' with my gnomies".
It is quite wonderful.



I've been having some good times with friends...and I'm quite thankful.

Anything you've been particularly grateful for this week???

Things I'm Grateful For #6

Being away last weekend, I didn't realise I missed a week of 'grateful' posting.

Ah well...there was much to be thankful for on my peninsula adventure. Between my friend and me, we took over 500 photos. I've been going through them when I've had some spare minutes through the week--sadly fewer free minutes than I'd like! Hopefully I'll have a few shots together to post later today

In the interim, I thought I'd post a scan of the collage I made to give my friend Maya from our trip to the Peninsula in January. I've been very blessed throughout my life with good friends. I continue to be blessed as I now have friends all over the world to keep in touch with and enjoy.

I know the quality is rather poor. The actual .pdf didn't load through Blogger...ah well.


I'm quite fond of traveling & adventuring on my own. Recently, my adventures have been with friends. Though a different experience, I've found that it is as much-if not more fun when traveling with someone of like mind and adventuring skill!

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable weekend! The rain has returned here and I'm more than thrilled (of course). I think I've mentioned before that this does not mean the sun is nowhere to be found. It has been shining around the clouds for about an hour and a half...but the smell of wet ground and pine fills the air...another thing to be grateful for!

What are you grateful for today??

Two Thunbs Up

Yesterday morning I went to see Inkheart.

I enjoyed it quite a lot. The story drew me in, the effects were great, the setting for the film was perfect and it was a wonderful escape from the things that weigh on the mind here in the 'real world'.

Since it came out, I've been trying to make time to see it. I think it all worked out that Saturday was the day for a reason. You see, this movie stars Brendan Fraser. Though a decent actor, he doesn't really stand out to me at all. He does however for my sis Chrissy. How does this tie in, you may ask. Well, it's simple. Yesterday was Chrissy's birthday. She was at Disneyland...I was at the movies and I did think of her often :)

The movie is adapted from the book of the same name. I have not yet read it. Upon the advice of my dear friend E who is (I feel really old now) DRIVING, I saw the movie first.

Her exact quote was: "I've read Inkheart, and I really liked it.You should see it first. Then when you read it, you won't be disappointed when a part you liked in the book isn't in the movie, or if they mess something up. That's how I've been with the Harry Potter movies. I actually hurts me to watch them now..."

I love that she is a book lover...and that she's on Facebook -when she pops up, it makes my afternoons a little (o.k.--a lot) brighter :)

Have I mentioned that I :heart: $5 Flicks??? I guess officially they're called A.M.Cinema. Get it...AMC---A.M.Cinema. They're brilliant! Anyway, I love that they have this special...I get to see a movie for less than it costs to eat out and I still get points on my MovieWatcher card .

Have you seen any good movies lately??

Things I'm Grateful For #4

Another week has passed. Actually, another month... Time flies!

I am still a bit overwhelmed with how much work I have to accomplish to be even close to up to date with things. Just when I feel I'm on track something comes along to completely derail me. Ah well. As many have said, and I'm sure I will say again, I'm happy and thankful I have work.

January was the first of four months this year I am mandated to take a furlough day. Yes, I have to remember I'm just thankful to have work... In light of the budgetary constraints I've been looking around for things to do locally that are inexpensive or free. I'm lucky to live in an area with many things that fit the bill!

Last weekend my friend Julie and I decided to attend one of the free seminars from Rick Steve's Travel Center. We went up to Edmonds and learned more about Vienna, Prague, Berlin and many small towns in those areas. Though I'd much rather be out traveling...this is a great way to learn about places I'd like to go, then when traveling is back on, I'll be able to make more informed travel decisions. Plus, the photos are beautiful!

The day we went was very crisp and clear. I could see all the way into the Olympics across the water to the West, the Cascades were towering up from the East and Mt. Baker was standing tall in the North. I went down to the waterfront and snapped a few photos. As much as I love my Canon point and shoot...the one thing it doesn't do well is landscape. I still like this shot of the bay. The blue in the distance is merely the opposite shore, near Kingston. What isn't visible in the photo is the white caps of the Olympics. If you close your eyes, you can imagine them there :)

I've never lived near the ocean or any other great body of water. It is kind of nice.

This is a self shot of Julie and I outside the Travel Center. I'm sure we'll be over for another class sometime soon. I think I'm registered for one this week to learn about Travel Journaling.

Yay for free, fun things to do close to home! ...and friends to share them with!

Hangin'with friends...

So, I've been home today. My auto was towed to the shoppe and is now running. Tomorrow the final part will be installed and hopefully I'll be golden for a bit in the auto department. I guess one way or the other the fixes are done anyway, I'm outta cash!

I took down my Christmas decorations today, a little later than I typically do. Other things have come up and seemed more pressing. Plus, I love Christmas and I didn't mind having them up :)

I went over my budget through the end of the month-a little ominous, but do-able. I often feel bad stressing about my situation when I live in the States and am seriously blessed. Most of my troubles, I've brought upon myself.

I was going through some photos earlier...made a collage for a friend and started thinking ahead to adventures I'm looking forward to.

I'm absolutely looking forward to a girls weekend in April with Cari over on the Olympic Peninsula. It's going to be a good time.

Here is a photo of Cari and I from our last trip to Walt Disney World. I do believe it was taken by Cadence...age four.


As I was flipping through the album & I came across a shot I have with some of my 'other' friends :)

This was taken in the England Pavilion.


Good times, good memories. The sun was out today and the temps were up (50's F). Rain is predicted to return Thursday night. I'm reading Pride & Prejudice which is new for me. I added a gadget that shows which Vampire I'd be in Twilight. Alice...my favorite!
I know, I am truly a geek.

So, that's what's up with me today. Hope all of you had a great day.

Levaquin-Magic-Three Books-A Motherboard-An Aspirin & Ice

I've been away...a lot can happen in 21 days.

As noted a few posts previous to this--I was ill. Nasty-scurvy-sick...at one point fearing pneumonia sick. Yes, the green caterpillars did show up, unwelcome guests that they are. Thankfully, Levaquin again lived up to it's killer reputation and rid my meek self of all the nasty germies! Woo-hoo!

This could lead easily to a rant (again) about antibiotic resistant germs and how I feel every single person ever is responsible to help to prevent them...but, I will refrain.

OK, that's not wholly true. I will not rant. I will however copy the 3Ds of antibiotic use. Read them, know them, abide by them.
"Remember the 3 Ds of appropriate antibiotic use:

1. The right Drug. Use only the antibiotic that your healthcare professional prescribed for your condition, and not one used by another person or for another illness.
2. The right Dose. Take the prescribed amount of your drug at the correct times.
3. The right Duration. Even if you start to feel better, continue taking your drug for the full course (the prescribed number of days) to ensure that no bacteria can survive." -www.levaquin.com

   

Thankfully...I was up and (almost) running as I headed to Walt Disney World for a much needed and much enjoyed holiday with a some of my best friends in the world! The weather was great & there weren't really any crowds. We ate lots of yummy things and visited lots of exciting attractions. There were wild animals and scary monsters...water slides and pool chairs to relax & read in! I started and finished three books--THREE!! Having long flights helped this endeavor...but seriously, I love to read! Overall--a vacation so good I forgot what day it was...brilliant!

I guess this means I should catch up on book reviews...I have a little collection I have failed to post :) tee-hee Procrastination!

When I arrived home I found that yet again I had to call Dell XPS support due to the failure of the absolute piece of junk computer I bought from them. When it works it works...I just live in anticipation for the next failure (yes-over a year of struggles with the machine and the company). Thankfully with some prodding the motherboard was replaced within the week....and for the moment I have a computer. Errgh...don't let it's shiny appearance fool you. XPS 1330--junk.

Senor Normie-norm spent a couple of nights at the kennel and then with his puppy friends at his sitter's place whilst I was away...he loves the other pups. Sadly, prior to my departure I was beginning to notice him falling a lot more and beginning to struggle getting up off his puppy bed.

Upon my return he continues to struggle. He shows no real signs of pain, though lots of frustration. He has his vitamins and we're looking into something from the veterinarian. For now an occasional aspirin, a little heat and his cushy puppy bed are keeping him happy. He sleeps lots...and seems to have an aversion to my Canon. This is the best shot I've gotten this week-poor, I know.

Which brings me to the final word in my lengthy title: ice. Here in the Pacific Northwest, fall is here. The leaves are turning (photos to come), the air is crisp and invigorating. It is wonderful. Why do I stay here? The weather. Yup, I love the rain and the seasons! This however is not a post about the + & - of living here...it is about the current season I am experiencing.

Yesterday as I started my auto to leave for work I was a little surprised to see my first icy windshield (windscreen for those across the way) of the season. Today, it was fully coated in a nice sheet of the stuff. Time to start defrosting early! This photo however, is not of my windshield ...and it's not a great shot overall...but it is the frost lingering on the grasses about 1030 this morning.

So, there's my update. Now back to my regularly scheduled life, I hope! Now for you...what's the weather like? ...any fall holidays you're looking forward to? ...what are you reading (or trying to read)?? Fill me in, update me all of internetland!~

Happy weekend!

: )

Monday Musings

Well, I haven't been very prompt in posting these days. I wish I had some brilliant reason...however, there is none. I've been quite busy at work and little things associated with said work as well as keeping up with the things I do in the time that is life! :)

The first photo of this post is of something I have been thoroughly enjoying...though I don't believe it can truly be seen in the picture: RAIN!!! It had been pouring rain when I thought to take a photo and by the time I returned to the porch it had begun to let up a bit. For me this is a welcome change. I have survived another summer...fall is on it's way!

Norman has been taking a bit more time, but I don't mind. He has required two baths a week with a special shampoo to cure the skin/hair loss he's been experiencing. Here is a photo of Norman preparing for a wash. Isn't he cute?? I should add here that Normie has been happy as a clam. He is however, moving like an old, old man. He has troubles backing up and turning around in small spaces. He chooses not to walk much anymore, just going out to do his business and smell the rocks, grass, trees and mud. He still squeaks his toys for a minute and asks for lots of cuddles.

Yesterday evening I had a bit of a kitchen tragedy. After washing a sinkful of dishes and setting them on the rack to dry, I heard a crash. It was one of those crashes...I immediately knew something I adored in my kitchen was now woefully unusable. What you see in the photo is how my three quart le Crueset cast iron pot now looks. Rather horrifying, don't you think? I am pleased to report I found a 2.75 le Crueset, cast iron, cobalt casserole with lid for the price of my extra snowball payment. (yes, I know I deserve a scolding for using my snowball payment for a pot but really, how am I to cook without a pot that can go from stove top to oven seamlessly??) It should be noted here that any donations to the Fine Kitchen Supply Fund can be directed this way :)

Today was a Monday. Hence the title of the post--pretty clever, eh??? It was one of those Mondays where my entire morning was spent at court. Mostly, waiting to go into court...court that ran over into the noon hour. Then of course there is the mail checking, phone call returning and outlook going through that needed to be completed before attending a late afternoon appointment. Thankfully, I had a wonderful coffee date planned for after work with my friend Amy. She is here in this photo holding the yummy mocha she made for me at Ladro, Bothell. It was a wonderful end to my rather busy day. I look forward to many more of these meetings...as well as some fine encounters with 'that flighty temptress, adventure'!!

So much for my Monday Musings...how about you? Are Mondays any different than any other day of the week for you?

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!!!

Birch Bay

I was able to spend the weekend in Birch Bay. My friend Ruth has a time share and invited me up with a couple of other girls. It was a good time! The photo above is picture from our balcony at sunset one night.

We walked a lot. This is a photo of the girls: Megan, Ruth and Robin. Here we are walking along the tidal flat. The sand was really soft and silty. There was lots of slimy stuff, too.

This is a photo of the sand.
I like it :)

Here are just a few photos of the area...We walked up and down the beach in the mornings and did things at the resort through the days as well as exploring around the little beach town. Sunday night we went to Birch Bay State Park for the sunset...and took a little walk around there before it started to sprinkle little raindrops. The photo of what looks like a small river is from a footbridge there.

Lots and lots of water!!!

Overall...it was a beautiful weekend. I love that through creation God reminds me of his majesty...that through the vastness of the ocean...the beauty of the sunsets...all the pretty flowers...the power of changing weather--I know God is bigger than I can fathom.
He is sovereign.
My life is His...may I trust Him.

It's a Mickey cake!

I have been making cakes this year to celebrate the birthdays in our office. This cake is for Stacy--even though her birthday was last month :) It was a bit harder than I expected and I made the frosting a wee bit thin...but I think it still looks like Mickey. I'll try to take a better photo tomorrow at the office. The lighting in here at night isn't the best.

I made a cake last week at the Wilton I class I'm in. I took it to the office as well. Ron has been a great help with coupons from the Sunday paper so that I can afford the class--tons of 'hidden costs'. The "Thanks" is to him!

Here's a shot of that cake. It had a pudding filling! Yummers!!

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 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