Stuffs

Screwtape Letters

I'm up.  It's been rainy, rainy and love-ly!  I love that at some points it has been POURING rain!  Sad thing is I have a tummy ache :(  I'm sort of ready for sleeps and watching a show while I'm hoping for a tummy settlement.  I thought I'd pop on here and see what I've been up to and not been posting-hee hee hee.

Things have been super busy with work-lots to do in limited time.  Still grateful to have work and I love my weekends!

I went to see Screwtape Letters at the Paramount and Johanna and Jessica went with.  The play was a good rendering of the book.  It got my brain moving and was convicting on a few different levels.  Good stuff :)

Enchilada Time

We had a grand adventure day making mexican food, celebrating James birthday & rebuilding renaissance cities-overtaking each other in the land of Carcossone!!

New Snowshoeing Hat for the Birthday!!

Good times!  Why do my photos create so much white (grey-whatever!) space???

Isn't this hat AMAZING??? Oh yah!I can hardly wait to see the photos from it being worn in the snow.  I know there has been some snowshoeing going on!!  :)

Carcassone!!

We'd been missing our adventures so we decided to dive in at home with a game day.  Of course it was down to the wire….and farmland didn't win the game!  Next time we're cooking again, have a film picked out and if the weather is opportune will partake in some kite flying :)

Snow!!!

Targets

This is what it looked like as we walked up to where Josh and Nick have found to go shooting.  It was brills!  A couple of inches of snow scrunching under my boots---so lovely!!

It was fun setting up the targets with the snow!

Our group

There were only five of us and we had some good fun.  It mostly snowed so it wasn't too wet and it was beautiful!  There was fog out in the valleys and  it didn't lift for quite some time--so pre-e-e-tty!!

After shooting, a few of us made a wee trek to the shooter's supply and then to Cabella's where we came upon this lovely moose just waiting to have his photo taken :)

I hope everyone else is enjoying the change of seasons.  I don't think I will ever stop being amazed at how the buds pop out and the blooms peek up right on time-every year.  WOW!  I haven't sent out the new link to everyone, guess I should.  Leave a comment if you'd like, let me know what's going on with you as spring gets going!

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!

...a huge reason I left Arizona

In Arizona...these don't pop up. Oh, how I love a good storm!

Read on...

I'm sure you all are thrilled, really, try to hold back the enthusiasm there folks! ...or, just come visit and we'll revel in the glorious weather together!!!

: )

(copied directly from NOAA)

"Special Weather Statement

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA
529 PM PST FRI MAR 6 2009

WAZ001-503>519-071230-
SAN JUAN COUNTY-WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY-SOUTHWEST INTERIOR-
EAST PUGET SOUND LOWLANDS-WESTERN SKAGIT COUNTY-EVERETT AND VICINITY-
SEATTLE/BREMERTON AREA-TACOMA AREA-ADMIRALTY INLET AREA-
HOOD CANAL AREA-LOWER CHEHALIS VALLEY AREA-OLYMPICS-
EASTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-WESTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-
NORTH COAST-CENTRAL COAST-WEST SLOPES NORTHERN CASCADES AND PASSES-
WEST SLOPES CENTRAL CASCADES AND PASSES-
529 PM PST FRI MAR 6 2009

...LOWLAND SNOW SHOWERS LIKELY THIS WEEKEND...

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL PASS THROUGH WESTERN WASHINGTON ON
SATURDAY BRINING COOL AND UNSTABLE CONDITIONS TO THE REGION.
ONSHORE FLOW WILL INCREASE BEHIND THE COLD FRONT WITH SHOWERS
EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY.

SNOW LEVELS WILL PLUMMET ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON TO NEAR SEA LEVEL
AS COLDER AIR FILTERS INTO THE REGION. THE HEAVIEST ACCUMULATIONS
WILL LIKELY OCCUR WHERE A PUGET SOUND CONVERGENCE ZONE SETS UP
SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...ESPECIALLY FOR CASCADE FOOTHILLS.

DUE TO THE UNCERTAIN NATURE OF THIS EVENT...ALL AREAS SHOULD BE
PREPARED FOR PERIODS OF SNOW SHOWERS THIS WEEKEND WITH THE POTENTIAL
FOR ACCUMULATION OF AN INCH OR TWO.

COLD WEATHER WITH STAY IN PLACE THROUGH MONDAY...WITH HIGH
TEMPERATURES STRUGGLING TO REACH 40 DEGREES AND LOW TEMPERATURES
REGULARLY FALLING BELOW FREEZING.

BE SURE TO LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE WEATHER
NEWS SOURCE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING WINTER
WEATHER EVENT FOR THIS WEEKEND.

$$

DD

---

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA
517 PM PST FRI MAR 6 2009

...HEAVY SNOW FOR THE CASCADES AND LOWLAND SNOW POSSIBLE FOR THIS
WEEKEND...

.A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL PASS THROUGH WESTERN WASHINGTON ON
SATURDAY BRINGING COOL...WET AND UNSTABLE CONDITIONS TO THE
REGION. WESTERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE ALOFT WITH SHOWERS FOCUSING
ALONG THE WESTERN SLOPES OF THE NORTH AND CENTRAL CASCADES. COLDER
AIR WILL BEGIN TO FILTER IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON...BRINGING AN
INCREASED CHANCE OF LOWLAND SNOW THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.

WAZ503-505-506-515-516-071215-
/O.NEW.KSEW.WW.Y.0012.090307T1800Z-090308T1200Z/
WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY-EAST PUGET SOUND LOWLANDS-
WESTERN SKAGIT COUNTY-WESTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-NORTH COAST-
517 PM PST FRI MAR 6 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM PST SATURDAY TO
5 AM PDT SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SEATTLE HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOWFALL...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM PST
SATURDAY TO 5 AM PDT SUNDAY.

A STRONG FRONT WILL CROSS THE AREA SATURDAY MORNING. A COLD AND
UNSTABLE AIRMASS WILL REMAIN OVERHEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND. RAIN AND
SNOW SHOWERS WILL TURN TO ALL SNOW AS COLDER AIR FILTERS IN DURING
THE DAY ON SATURDAY.

HIGHEST TOTALS FOR THE STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA AND THE NORTHERN
WASHINGTON COAST WILL OCCUR AWAY FROM THE WATER AND ON ELEVATED
TERRAIN. SNOWFALL TOTALS OF 2 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY SUNDAY
MORNING.

THE HIGHEST TOTALS FOR WESTERN WHATCOM AND WESTERN SKAGIT
COUNTIES...AND THE EAST PUGET SOUND LOWLANDS...WILL OCCUR NEAREST
THE CASCADES. TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS OF 2 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. A PUGET SOUND CONVERGENCE ZONE MAY LEAD TO
LOCALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL AMOUNTS FOR THE EAST PUGET SOUND LOWLANDS
SATURDAY EVENING AND NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING."

Things I'm Grateful For #2

I guess I've really not been any more frequent in blogging. For some reason things have continued to be rather busy. Not really in a bad way, as can oft be said when I spend innumerable hours in traffic but rather, just pleasantly full.

This week there was no rain to speak of. We have had, however some incredible fog.


As you can see in this photo, even without the rain the sun didn't make much of an appearance. For this I am quite thankful :)
It should also be noted that this photo attests to traffic being on the lighter side at least a couple of days this week. Another thing to be grateful for.

I am currently without auto. It was being repaired on Friday and not yet finished. The fellow at the auto shop put things back in order so I would have the auto for transport this weekend. I made it home just fine...however this morning it would not start properly.

I am now trying to figure out how to return the auto to the repair shoppe. I do not currently have AAA since they have been hasty to refuse service these past winters. I am now thinking I should have renewed.

100

Here I am. My 100th post.

I've seen many fellow bloggers reach this landmark with much fanfare. I've seen folks give things away, create fun lists of 100 things and other creative stuff.

I've known it was coming...watching the numbers tick higher. I even asked my sister what, if anything, I should do.

Today it hit me like a hundred bricks.

I walked into the auto parts store and asked for a new set of snow chains (my previous set is long gone and wouldn't fit my current auto anyway).

BAM!



$100!!
(ok, so it was really $91.40, but seriously---that's a hundred bucks!)

***hmmm...perhaps this is a sign I need to move to Denali or back to Lake City where I'll really get my money out of these little guys?? ;) ***


So, I drove across to my bank. They have a nice, flat back lot that is usually pretty empty. I opened the box and noticed that they did seem easier to put on than the old ones. Some consolation! I stepped out with my bare hands and went to work. It really wasn't too difficult. Too bad the joints in my fingers were beginning to solidify. UGH! You'd think I'd remember gloves in winter--oh, yah, I NEVER remember gloves!

There was another guy heaving out his rugged truck chains and I meekly went over and asked for assistance. I hate looking like a helpless girl.

HATE IT

Thankfully he was one of the nicest folks I've met in this state. Typically strangers are polite, but they (really) like to keep their distance.

He came over, made a suggestion and wha-la! - chains fully installed.


I managed to equip the snow chains with their bungee thingy to take up the slack. I was grateful my hands were rather frozen as I kept whacking them with the yellow grippy things.

Off I went knowing I'd be able to make it back to my parking space when it was time to return home.

Apparently this storm is to last through the week. Supposedly the wind is to return and we are to expect power outages. I did pick up some extra logs...but it's a little disconcerting knowing temps have remained in the 20s outside...I'm not sure Duraflame will keep it near sixty as it did during the last big outage.

Ah well. At least I have control of my front wheel drive!



Did I mention that I've really missed winter. I'm loving the snow and the cold. It's beautiful and wonderful!!


edit: DANG! Do I look fatty in that photo or what! ICK-A-NAST!
: )

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!

: )

Some things never change...

This evening while I was cooking up some supper I decided to open up the house for some air since it has finally cooled off a bit!

As I was puttering about I heard one of my favorite things: THUNDER!!!

I went out to the porch...and soaked in the energy. There wasn't really much rain involved and the whole thing was rather brief. It was only a little taste of the the storms of the AZ desert and the CO mountains that I love. Though these brief interludes of amazing-ness only whet my longing for the powerful and beautiful storms I miss so much...I cherish them.

It is in these moments, much like when sitting on top of a mountain peak overlooking all creation...that I am so utterly reminded of the beauty and power of our Creator.

Life can seem overly busy-hectic-all encompassing-even important. It is in these interludes that I find myself grounded...utterly mesmerized by what is important--and that isn't me.

What is it that keeps you grounded?

: )

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 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.

For A.L.

I am posting this for A.L. At her request it will be here until I remember to remove it. IT is the same photo you see in my profile (at least it is on this date). It was taken on the Sailing Ship Columbia in December 2007.

This was the VERY FIRST time I sailed on this ship. I was elated. The weather was nice too. There were some pesky pirates, come to think of it. Here are the pirates. Argh!!!


Wha-la! a pirately photo post!

...just a bit...

The sun was shining all day long--bright and welcoming. Yet, every time I popped out for a stroll or to take care of something I was reminded that in the PacNW it is still winter. The temperature felt quite chill. I suppose it reached fifty... Ah well, no complaints here!!

The light in the trees was terrific. I didn't take any photos worth sharing (mostly roots actually). I do find winter sun rather amazing...everything seems to glow!

I have been trying to get outside and walk about town to take care of errands or just walk for the sake of walking :) When schedules work out it has been fun to spend some time with friends.

On my last off Monday I went across the lake with my friend Megan. We went into the mall (yah, the MALL!!) and she was able to find some new things for work. We browsed in one little shop and then made our way to this H-U-G-E Target!

Seriously...this place has two levels!! Megan is displaying our excitement as we arrive to check this place out!

I think Target is just a fun place to look around...and look around we did! I've always said that if I feel like buying something (nothing in particular) I'll just go to Target. If I look around long enough...I realise there is just too much STUFF...and I really don't need any more stuff :) If the urge to purchase hasn't waned...it is also possible to leave Target with a little something fun without giving up much cash.

On this little outing I found TWO pair of mittens for $1.07. What a deal!!! Plus, with it still being winter, mittens come in rather handy in the mornings. Here are two photos...showing one of each pair of mittens. Glorious, don't you think!

I've also pulled out my Nature in the City book and hopefully I'll be able to take some of the walks in coming months...on my own or with friends. There really is a lot here in this city...and the whole region. We'll see what, if anything comes of it!

Cheers! : )

...just plain cold...

My thoughts on the New Year: Just because it is January, I do not believe it is the time to make lofty resolutions and grand goals. Time is time...on and on it goes. I do hope that my aspirations, dreams and intentions intensify, flourish and readjust through time to continue to challenge and inspire me into new adventures :) ::end of that::

This photo was taken at Olive Garden when I met my wonderful Hungarian friends Ildiko and Bela for a brilliant afternoon sharing a meal and lots of stories. I am SO grateful we had the chance to meet up while they were in the states and I look forward to my (eventual) return to Hungary when I will visit them in Toalmas. I enjoyed seeing them more than I can express...and the encouragement and love I felt still lingers. I sure hope the rest of their travels have been great (let me know Ildiko!!).

I love weather (as most everyone knows). I like it all--rain, snow, hail, thunder & lightening--all of it! Please note: wind is not on the list...I don't think wind is weather, it's just irritating. Here in my little neck of the woods we have had lots of fun weather so far this winter. A bit out of the ordinary, there have been a number of days in a row of just sun this week. I don't think I consider sun to be weather either. In my mind sun equates with lack of weather. One thing about sun in the dead of winter...it means COLD! It has been below freezing every night and most mornings all week--in itself a little adventure.

::side note::
I like to talk about the weather. For me, it is not filler conversation. I genuinely care about weather and it usually delights me to see what will happen next and to chat about it.
::end side note::

Alas, my mind seems to draining of thought as it longs for sleep. I do hope to be more consistent in my blogging. I'm not all for putting up my life on the net, but this is a fine place to put up photos or a quick update and if I do muster the motivation to improve things on my googlepages...I can make direction to that from here as well.

Please respond when you stop by...it will keep me motivated and if you bring up anything interesting, it may ignite my brain cells.

mwah!