Things I'm Grateful for #10

Ah...the weekend.

Here in the Puget Sound we have high clouds and sun. The arcadia door is open along with most of the windows in the place. Though I still have that nagging feeling deep down that the sun may come and never go away, allowing the temperatures to creep up and up and up until it is sweltering by 0800...I am enjoying that it is a rather nice day!

Last weekend I was in Portland with a friend. A friend who really loves the Twilight movie. She has been to all the places where it was shot. She had been to Carver Cafe once before and suggested we should eat there for lunch.



We went over a bit early (we were starving) and had some brunch. It is a small place-much smaller than it appears in the movie. We sat down right away and the place was already rather full. Since another two folks had come in with nowhere to sit, the staff asked if we'd mind sharing a table. It was set for six...there was plenty of room...we said "of course not".

I ordered a half size biscuit and gravy with a side of bacon and some coffee. I'm sure this is shocking information-ha ha ha!

All I can say is WOW! The biscuit was amazing and the bacon was just like I remember having up in the high mountains. The gravy was good...not the best, but very tasty none-the-less. This was some seriously good grub!

Of course, as all the small towns up here impacted by Twilight, this place is using the phenomenon to help their business as much as possible in these tough economic times.

Behind the counter is a cut out heart with a polaroid of Waylon Forge that says "R.I.P. Waylon". They have a guest book for Twilight fans and they sell black tees that say "I got a bite at Carver Cafe".

We were informed by the man sharing our table that the establishment has had many owners, but the food now is the best ever (no argument here!). He also let us know that the film crew completely redecorated the place prior to filming. If you're ever in Damascus, OR, I recommend stopping by!


This is what I'm grateful for this week: Great diner food found in cozy little corners of the world!









A special bonus...having the folks you share a table with buy your meal. What a friendly place!

Do you enjoy hitting up little local eateries when you travel about? Any foods you like to try out whilst there??

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!

: )

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!

Stateside...

Well...I'm here in Woodinville, WA, U.S.A. Since my return from Hungary we've been blessed with rainy weather-overcast and cool. I love it!

The photo here to the right is of the castle at Godollo...Queen Erzebet--or Elizabeth--or Sisi as the people commonly referred to her. She was one of the most beloved royals in Hungary.

Hungary is a small country with huge history. I am continually fascinated by the culture that has been formed here with so much influence from others yet with such independence and national pride.
This shot to the left is of 'the yellow castle' at Word of Life Hungary. There is much renovation that needs to be done...but it is an amazing place as well. It is apparently a historical place and renovation will not only be costly...but require going through a lot of red tape.

I also heard tales of WoL Germany...where there are TWO castles and beautiful trees and other examples of creation all about. Someday...someday...

I was bummed not to have more access to the internet while in Budapest...and will be better prepared next go 'round! So many thoughts to share...and photos!

I do pray I'll be able to return to WoL Hungary...and if possible to spend some more time exploring and learning even more of the history and language of this fine country.

Looking to the past, I wonder what the future holds as this place yearns to be fully a part of the European Union...

Honestly so many adventures to tell of...perhaps they will spill out over time. I don't want to bore with silly history lessons or ramble on with my feeble musings :) I did procure some little tid-bits along my journey to assist in learning a bit more of the language...and as always in leaving, I have added at least three things to my "must do in Hungary" list.

Home is nice too.

I've begun publishing some new things on my googlepages. All the Hungary stuff can be navigated from the main Hungary link on my homepage. I'll have to find a new moose to put up front...and I'm still thinking of adding at least one Disney page.

I hope everyone is well...thank you for your prayers. Please keep Word of Life (everywhere, and especially Hungary) in prayer...and the possibility of my return to assist Elet Szava once again. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with everyone soon!

: )

Friday!

Well, I can hardly believe it is Friday!! I'm on a hotel computer since íi decided not to pay for a wireless card. That means no photos this time around either :(

I will update the Goggle pages upon my return with a few more highlights of this wonderful experience.

Our little team went down to Pecs for about a day and a half and then returned to Budapest on Wednesday. We had such wonderful times over the weekend with everyone at Word of Life---I even learned to cook a few things from Szuszanna (YUM!!!)

Our time away has really given me a greater understanding of the history of the country and source of the national pride that just drips around here. It also sadly gives perspective on how the spiritual temperature of this country arrived where it is today.

Alas, it is time for breakfast...Í sure hope everyone is well!!

: )

T-10 and counting...

29 June 2007 is the departure date for our little team headed to help Word of Life Fellowship with their last week of children's summer camp. They are located in Toalmas, Hungary (check out the link for more details on camp and WoL). During the school year this is the location of Word of Life Bible Institute, Hungary. The camp we will be working with offers special instruction in English, Soccer and Disc Golf! We will assist with the English classes as well as have the opportunity to get to know the kids and staff throughout the days and evenings we are there.

The other members of our fine team are Eric Hegybeli & Talitha Obards. They both attend Baruch Hashem in Anthem, Arizona. The photo here is of our meeting in May with Dara (on the end) who has been great in helping us keep organised as we prepare for our journey! Thanks are due to Baruch Hashem for being our 'sponsor' and Eric for heading things up.

I will be flying out of SeaTac at 1100 to meet up with the team at Sky Harbor later in the day. We then head straight over to Heathrow Airport in London where we have a little layover before embarking on our last leg of the journey which lands us at Budapest Ferihegy Airport about 2300 local time. After our week of camp we will spend some time touring about the country. We're planning to visit Budapest, Esztergom and Pecs...

In this fine technological age we have been informed that wireless connectivity will be available at most every stop. Hopefully I'll be able to post some updates, some fun photos (probably more photos in my google pages than here) and I'll share what I am blessed to see the Lord doing in and around us.

In preparation for this wonderful opportunity to return to Hungary, I've been in prayer and scripture as well...God is ever faithful in revealing truth, for which I am grateful. I really do not see this as a "missions trip", but rather a continuation of the ministry we are called to daily-to serve and glorify our Lord. I continue to pray that in all things, word and deed, that I may glorify Christ...and each of the others on the team as well.

Until next time!

: )

...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!