I dont know what is wrong with me lately...all I want to do is crawl into a hole and pull the opening in with me. I am sleeping waaaaay too late in the morning, then getting up and blogwalking for a few hours then napping and then putzing, then Napping again. I dont know if it is the heat or what, but I am NOT normal! I am taking my ZOloft, so im not worried there, I just feel this since of fear, or foreboding, or DREAD! I woke up three nights ago terrified, but of what I wasnt sure, and I layed awake the rest of the night. It is almost 600 pm here and I am ready for bed! I should be at the playhouse, although I am just the producer, so I am not really needed there every night.
I have a tree full of peaches that are ready to can, and I made a batch of pickled peaches yesterday, YUMMY!! and peach Honey, and put up two batches of yellow plum jam. Bob brought over a tub of fresh picked blackberries, and left them in the sink, so I stuck them in the freezer. The pears on the tree next door are almost ready, and I still need to find some tomatoes to can.
I know it sounds like a lot, and why shouldnt I be tired, but I used to do all of this and WORK 12 hrs a day. MAybe I need a job. I am just pooped out! Maybe I need another kitten or puppy to give me something to do.
Maybe I just need a looong road trip somewhere, away from civilization, with my cameras, I havent used my 35mm's in several years, I miss them. I love my Sony Digital though.
YAWN!!!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ oh, guess I had better go do something....
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Jokes
Dublin News Personal ads ????
Heavy drinker, 35, Cork area. Seeks gorgeous sex addict interested in a man who loves his pints, cigarettes, Glasgow Celtic Football Club and starting fights on Patrick Street at three o'clock in the morning.
Bitter, disillusioned Dublin man, lately rejected by long-time fiancee, seeks decent, honest, reliable woman, if such a thing still exists in this cruel world of hatchet-faced bitches.
Ginger-haired Galway man, a trouble-maker, gets slit-eyed and shirty after a few scoops, seeks attractive, wealthy lady for bail purposes, maybe more.
Bad tempered, foul-mouthed old bastard, living in a damp cottage in the arse end of Roscommon, seeks attractive 21-year-old blonde lady, with a lovely chest.
Devil-worshipper, Offaly area, seeks like-minded lady, for wining and dining, good conversation, dancing, romantic walks, and slaughtering cats in cemeteries at midnight under the flinty light of a pale moon.
Limerick man, 27, medium build, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks alibi for the night of February 27 between 8 PM and 11:30 PM.
Optimistic Mayo man, 35, seeks a blonde 20 year old double-jointed supermodel, who owns her own brewery, and has an open-minded twin sister.
Heavy drinker, 35, Cork area. Seeks gorgeous sex addict interested in a man who loves his pints, cigarettes, Glasgow Celtic Football Club and starting fights on Patrick Street at three o'clock in the morning.
Bitter, disillusioned Dublin man, lately rejected by long-time fiancee, seeks decent, honest, reliable woman, if such a thing still exists in this cruel world of hatchet-faced bitches.
Ginger-haired Galway man, a trouble-maker, gets slit-eyed and shirty after a few scoops, seeks attractive, wealthy lady for bail purposes, maybe more.
Bad tempered, foul-mouthed old bastard, living in a damp cottage in the arse end of Roscommon, seeks attractive 21-year-old blonde lady, with a lovely chest.
Devil-worshipper, Offaly area, seeks like-minded lady, for wining and dining, good conversation, dancing, romantic walks, and slaughtering cats in cemeteries at midnight under the flinty light of a pale moon.
Limerick man, 27, medium build, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks alibi for the night of February 27 between 8 PM and 11:30 PM.
Optimistic Mayo man, 35, seeks a blonde 20 year old double-jointed supermodel, who owns her own brewery, and has an open-minded twin sister.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Red Hat Society
When we were at the Concert on Sunday, two ladies came and sat right in front of us. I noticed the first thing about them was that they were dressed exactly alike. Purple tee shirts and red hats, with red and purple scarves.
There is a club for women over 50 called the Red Hat SOciety. You must be over 50 to join, and wear a red hat. If you are under 50 you can be an honorary member, but you must wear either a pink or a purple hat. ( Im not sure which) They go en masse to different functions, all wearing their own unique red Hat.
When I get old I shall wear purple with a red hat! and man they do!!! Gotta Love em!
There is a club for women over 50 called the Red Hat SOciety. You must be over 50 to join, and wear a red hat. If you are under 50 you can be an honorary member, but you must wear either a pink or a purple hat. ( Im not sure which) They go en masse to different functions, all wearing their own unique red Hat.
When I get old I shall wear purple with a red hat! and man they do!!! Gotta Love em!
Here I go again!
I started full time with the Play yesterday, so I will be kinda scarce until September 10, when the Play opens. We took the stage yesterday, and have a ton of work to do to get it ready, but we will get there. The play is THE CEMETERY CLUB the story of three women all widows, who meet every month at Ida's house for tea, before they all go into the cemetery and visit their husband's graves. during one of these visits, Lucille runs into Sam and invites him to join their club. Then the fun begins. It is a very funny but poignant story, and should be a breeze to produce.
It is soooooo HOT here again this week. It was 90 degrees at 900 when I went through town. UN REAL for here. I slept on top of the covers and STILL woke up sweating! All of the fruit is coming ready NOW, so when I get home tonite I have to make a batch of yellow plum jam, and try to do something with all the peaches I had to pick early because the branches were so overloaded the y were breaking off. I lost the top of the tree, and two big main branches. I have 50 pounds of little half ripe peaches on my table right now. I may have lost them, but I am gonna try to make some peach honey, and jelly.
Next will be the pears and apples and tomatoes, and Corn! I plan on making some corn relish if I have the time. But that is not until September.
My FTP still is not working right, I need a guru to help me. It is the remote site side of the screen that is not right. And I have no clue how to fix it. Somehow it has forgotten where galaxynet.com is. I have my IP address and it does not want that either. I hate being so stupid!! I want to know it all NOW!!! show me, dont tell me to read the book, that does not work. Anybody out there smarter than me?
(Hey Carl, I'll let you keep your left nut if you help me fix this mess ;) )
It is soooooo HOT here again this week. It was 90 degrees at 900 when I went through town. UN REAL for here. I slept on top of the covers and STILL woke up sweating! All of the fruit is coming ready NOW, so when I get home tonite I have to make a batch of yellow plum jam, and try to do something with all the peaches I had to pick early because the branches were so overloaded the y were breaking off. I lost the top of the tree, and two big main branches. I have 50 pounds of little half ripe peaches on my table right now. I may have lost them, but I am gonna try to make some peach honey, and jelly.
Next will be the pears and apples and tomatoes, and Corn! I plan on making some corn relish if I have the time. But that is not until September.
My FTP still is not working right, I need a guru to help me. It is the remote site side of the screen that is not right. And I have no clue how to fix it. Somehow it has forgotten where galaxynet.com is. I have my IP address and it does not want that either. I hate being so stupid!! I want to know it all NOW!!! show me, dont tell me to read the book, that does not work. Anybody out there smarter than me?
(Hey Carl, I'll let you keep your left nut if you help me fix this mess ;) )
Sunday, August 08, 2004
SEAFAIR in Seattle
This has been one of the perfect Seattle Days. Mid August, Highs in the 80's a nice cool breeze blowing in from the Strait to cool you down. Seafair was this past week, and continues on through the month. The Hydroplane Races on Lake Washington were held this weekend and the US Navy Blue Angels put their airshow on over the Lake also. Every year since 1950 the Hydroplane Races have been held. They were originally called the Gold Cup Races, and then it evolved into SEAFAIR. Big doin's in town, the Torchlight Parade, Friday Night a week ago, where all the floats are lit with tiny christmas lights. SOOOO PRETTY! Then the Crowning of Miss Seafair, who will go on to represent Seattle in the Miss Washington/Miss America Pageants.
THe Races on the Lake are the High light of the whole shebang. Over 300,000 people all merge on the edge of the Lake to watch these races. The Log Boom is set up along the course so that boats can tie up to it. A giant floating DRUNK!!!! THen during the break between the heats, the Blue Angels put on their fantastic airshow. Until you have seen it in person, you just can not imagine how close and how fast these guys fly!! I am awestruck every time I see them, and I have seen them once a year every year of my life!
We watched some of this on TV then headed down to the park for the Sunday Concerts on the Cove Series. Northern Lights Jazz Orchestra. They were fantastic!
Unfortunately the old fart across the street called the cops on the noise ordinance again, so they had to turn the amps down. Now mind you there were about 200 people there to hear this big band sound, and most of them were waaaay older than Bob and I, and were dancing along the sidelines. 200 old people thoroughly enjoying themselves, and one old fart has to ruin it all for them. It must be sad to be that bitter about life.
I will put more on here about the audience in a bit.
Well Maybe I won't. My FTP site lost the www thingie, and now I cant get in to post pictures! And I dont know how to put the www thingie back....WAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I can get ftp just fine, but when the right side lists everything, it used to list a www line, and I would click on that, and that is where I would transfer my pictures to. It's GONE!!!! HELP!!!
THe Races on the Lake are the High light of the whole shebang. Over 300,000 people all merge on the edge of the Lake to watch these races. The Log Boom is set up along the course so that boats can tie up to it. A giant floating DRUNK!!!! THen during the break between the heats, the Blue Angels put on their fantastic airshow. Until you have seen it in person, you just can not imagine how close and how fast these guys fly!! I am awestruck every time I see them, and I have seen them once a year every year of my life!
We watched some of this on TV then headed down to the park for the Sunday Concerts on the Cove Series. Northern Lights Jazz Orchestra. They were fantastic!
Unfortunately the old fart across the street called the cops on the noise ordinance again, so they had to turn the amps down. Now mind you there were about 200 people there to hear this big band sound, and most of them were waaaay older than Bob and I, and were dancing along the sidelines. 200 old people thoroughly enjoying themselves, and one old fart has to ruin it all for them. It must be sad to be that bitter about life.
I will put more on here about the audience in a bit.
Well Maybe I won't. My FTP site lost the www thingie, and now I cant get in to post pictures! And I dont know how to put the www thingie back....WAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I can get ftp just fine, but when the right side lists everything, it used to list a www line, and I would click on that, and that is where I would transfer my pictures to. It's GONE!!!! HELP!!!
Friday, August 06, 2004
Canada is for Lovers?
I was just over at Leslies place and she was talking about a shop that was needed with a total romance package available. Flowers, destinations, quality chocolates, wines, champagne, "sleep"wear, satin sheets etc, with a few props and toys in the back. These would come with a booklet telling what they are used for and what results may be achieved. Sounds like a superb idea, as long as it is tastefully done. We have a shop in Burlington called LOVERS but it is just lingerie and fun things. Not the whole package. She then asked If we would shop at a place like that.
DUNNO!
In the late 80's my Daughter wanted to go to a RUSH concert in Seattle. Since she did not drive at the time, she asked me to take her, and she bought me dinner and paid my way in to the concert. (she was 20) We lived on the Kitsap peninsula at the time, so parked the car at the Ferry landing and walked on. We got off in Downtown Seattle, and walked the mile up to the Seattle Center for the Concert. On the way past Pike Street and 1st Ave, she detoured into a "shop" It had tons of leather and chains in the window, and I knew what I would find. I THOUGHT!!!
the "LADY" behind the counter was tall, dyed black long straight hair, white lipstick and a leather bustier, with a Spiked Leather DOG COLLAR around her neck. SCARY!!!!
I was very uncomfortable, and was just browsing at the front of the shop and trying not to look so conspicuous. Didn't work, LADY knew I was there, and kept asking me if I needed help. Donna meanwhile was having more fun than was allowed, She knew how nervous I was and worked it!!! I must have been thirty shades of red, and wanted out fast. Finally Donna yells from the back of the Store, MOM! Come look at this!!!! And holds up a vinyl 20" batterypowered Dildo, which she had turned on, It was WIGGLING at me. I was mortified!! Especially when the LADY shrieked laughed loudly and said for the whole world to hear...OHMIGAWD! THAT IS YOUR MOTHER!!!! HOW WAY COOL IS THAT!!!!
I turned around and walked out of the store leaving her and Donna behind laughing like fools. Donna came out with a purchase...I did NOT want to know !!!! There are some things that Mothers' shouldn't know!
She still loves to torment me. Thinks it's funny!! BITCH!
DUNNO!
In the late 80's my Daughter wanted to go to a RUSH concert in Seattle. Since she did not drive at the time, she asked me to take her, and she bought me dinner and paid my way in to the concert. (she was 20) We lived on the Kitsap peninsula at the time, so parked the car at the Ferry landing and walked on. We got off in Downtown Seattle, and walked the mile up to the Seattle Center for the Concert. On the way past Pike Street and 1st Ave, she detoured into a "shop" It had tons of leather and chains in the window, and I knew what I would find. I THOUGHT!!!
the "LADY" behind the counter was tall, dyed black long straight hair, white lipstick and a leather bustier, with a Spiked Leather DOG COLLAR around her neck. SCARY!!!!
I was very uncomfortable, and was just browsing at the front of the shop and trying not to look so conspicuous. Didn't work, LADY knew I was there, and kept asking me if I needed help. Donna meanwhile was having more fun than was allowed, She knew how nervous I was and worked it!!! I must have been thirty shades of red, and wanted out fast. Finally Donna yells from the back of the Store, MOM! Come look at this!!!! And holds up a vinyl 20" batterypowered Dildo, which she had turned on, It was WIGGLING at me. I was mortified!! Especially when the LADY shrieked laughed loudly and said for the whole world to hear...OHMIGAWD! THAT IS YOUR MOTHER!!!! HOW WAY COOL IS THAT!!!!
I turned around and walked out of the store leaving her and Donna behind laughing like fools. Donna came out with a purchase...I did NOT want to know !!!! There are some things that Mothers' shouldn't know!
She still loves to torment me. Thinks it's funny!! BITCH!
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Kitten on Keys....
Oh My this kitten is SOMETHING! He has fully made himself at home!! The older Siamese has too, but not to the extent that Tyler has. He has been playing under the computer desk with (q1) a cord that was not hidden very well, and now has managed to dislodge the power surge protector, and it is now laying on the floor with all the plugs right there where Sadie can chew on them. Then he decided that he was going to come up and play with my fingers as I typed. He then crawled up on my shoulder and purred into my ear like there was no tomorrow. He was purring and turning inside out all on my shoulder. Rubbibg his face all over my chin, and licking my mouth. He is a LOVE.
Tippy is getting along fine with the others but she still does not accept Sadie. And Sadie LOVES to chase and bark at her. They growl at each other and hiss and bark at each other and love to hate each other. It is fun to watch them circle slowly around each other while all the other cats sit on the sofa and just watch. They just ignore Sadie anymore. Soon Tippy will too.
Tippy-canoe and Tyler too. That is their names.
I have my nice clean car back, with nice fresh oil and full window juice containers, and full brake fluid, and a totally detailed interior. Bob did that for me, Because I loaned him my car to take a friend to Seattle to the Hospital on several occaisions. It was not necessary, but it is really appreciated!! Almost looks new again. They gave me a Jetta for a loaner, and I felt like I was driving a skateboard, it was that low to the ground. Driving was no problem, but I almost needed a hoist to get out of the damn thing. I LOVE my SUV!!!
OOPS DOnna is home, gotta go...
Tippy is getting along fine with the others but she still does not accept Sadie. And Sadie LOVES to chase and bark at her. They growl at each other and hiss and bark at each other and love to hate each other. It is fun to watch them circle slowly around each other while all the other cats sit on the sofa and just watch. They just ignore Sadie anymore. Soon Tippy will too.
Tippy-canoe and Tyler too. That is their names.
I have my nice clean car back, with nice fresh oil and full window juice containers, and full brake fluid, and a totally detailed interior. Bob did that for me, Because I loaned him my car to take a friend to Seattle to the Hospital on several occaisions. It was not necessary, but it is really appreciated!! Almost looks new again. They gave me a Jetta for a loaner, and I felt like I was driving a skateboard, it was that low to the ground. Driving was no problem, but I almost needed a hoist to get out of the damn thing. I LOVE my SUV!!!
OOPS DOnna is home, gotta go...
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
All is Well, Safe thee rest...
Whew! I got up at 700 with Donna yelling at the kitten to hush. In case I did not mention it, I am cat sitting two kitties for a friend who is on leave. Last Nov. Her Husband of 50 years died of altzheimers, and the very next week, her Himalayan cat of 17 years died. Dottie was devastated but knew she could not get any more cats until she was through traveling all over the country to see her kids. She had been stuck on this Island because of her husband, so now she is making up for lost time and seeing her kids' kids.
Last week on the WAIF web site, there was a 2 year old kitty a Siamese, and I immediately thought of Dottie. I told her and she said she had seen her, but she was going to go see her son and just couldn't take her. So I volunteered to keep her until she got back. Well she came back from WAIF with two cats. One was a 3 month old black kitten, who the Siamese had adopted as hers. Soooo I have two more animals in this house. Sadie wants at them so bad! They climb right on up me when that happens, so they are in the bathroom when Sadie is in. Last night Sadie went to her pen in my bedroom and the kitties were on my bed. This was not a good thing, as MY 4 cats were not allowed to get on the same bed as they were on. Mama, was spitting and hissing big time. Has them all floored! Sadie layed in her bed and growled all night.
right now Sadie is in and the kitties are in the bathroom, but you oughta hear the conversations going on through that door!! Whoo!!!
After settling the animals down, I blogwalked a little bit drank some coffee and then hit the road. I went to the playhouse and got Janice going on the presentation. She is thrilled with it. WHEW!!
Then it was off to Burlington 45 miles away to SEARS for a Die-hard of my very own. Got that installed, went to Michaels' for some card stock, and then to PETCO to price doggie bark collars. 119.95! OUCH!!! Think I'll try something else for a bit. May have to go the 'spensive route, but I hope not.
Stopped by Dairy Queen and tried their Brownie Batter blizzard. "eh!" it was ok, but not as good as their commercials are funny. Sadie of course begged and pleaded for a doggie dish of soft serve ice cream. So she got her treat.
So now we are home, the presentation works, Sadie is sated, I am sated, the car is happy again with a fully charged DIe hard battery. And it RAINED!!!! Not very much, but it got the windsheid messy, and washed it off!!!
How can it get much better than that? THANK YOU!!!!!!
Last week on the WAIF web site, there was a 2 year old kitty a Siamese, and I immediately thought of Dottie. I told her and she said she had seen her, but she was going to go see her son and just couldn't take her. So I volunteered to keep her until she got back. Well she came back from WAIF with two cats. One was a 3 month old black kitten, who the Siamese had adopted as hers. Soooo I have two more animals in this house. Sadie wants at them so bad! They climb right on up me when that happens, so they are in the bathroom when Sadie is in. Last night Sadie went to her pen in my bedroom and the kitties were on my bed. This was not a good thing, as MY 4 cats were not allowed to get on the same bed as they were on. Mama, was spitting and hissing big time. Has them all floored! Sadie layed in her bed and growled all night.
right now Sadie is in and the kitties are in the bathroom, but you oughta hear the conversations going on through that door!! Whoo!!!
After settling the animals down, I blogwalked a little bit drank some coffee and then hit the road. I went to the playhouse and got Janice going on the presentation. She is thrilled with it. WHEW!!
Then it was off to Burlington 45 miles away to SEARS for a Die-hard of my very own. Got that installed, went to Michaels' for some card stock, and then to PETCO to price doggie bark collars. 119.95! OUCH!!! Think I'll try something else for a bit. May have to go the 'spensive route, but I hope not.
Stopped by Dairy Queen and tried their Brownie Batter blizzard. "eh!" it was ok, but not as good as their commercials are funny. Sadie of course begged and pleaded for a doggie dish of soft serve ice cream. So she got her treat.
So now we are home, the presentation works, Sadie is sated, I am sated, the car is happy again with a fully charged DIe hard battery. And it RAINED!!!! Not very much, but it got the windsheid messy, and washed it off!!!
How can it get much better than that? THANK YOU!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
NOW what.....
This day just totally sucks!!! I woke up later than I planned on, and came in here to look for GODDESS pictures, Because Chemystery says I have to call her the GODDESS now and the EMPRESS of the UNIVERSE, because she got my powerpoint presentation to save to the F drive, which is where my CD burner is.
I got up, checked it out to make sure it worked before I ran all the way into Oak Harbor with it in hand, and IT WONT OPEN!!!!! ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH SO I played for several hours trying to get it to open, but nooooooooo luck at all.
I went out to get in the car and head to the playhouse to show Janice what I could, and my car is deader than a doornail!! Doesn't even click when I turn it over. So I had to call AAA to come out, MEANWHILE, I had attached my presentation to an email and was sending it that way to Janice. (106MB) so I could not use my phone. (dial up , only one line) Out I go to the car to get the cell phone which I leave in the car, and Janice was laughing and saying what else can go wrong, and the phone died!!
SO I come back inside, dig out the charger, plug it into the wall, and then into the phone, and try it that way. NO SIGNAL!! So I am hanging my head out the kitchen window trying to get a signal, so I could tell AAA where I live, Janice that I would be running late, and DOttie to see me when she saw me. ( I am cat sitting her two cats)
AAA came, got the car started, the phone was charged, I got the cats, went to the playhouse, Janice was gone, but I checked the email, nope, wasn't there yet. I sat there for three hours and still no email. I got home hit the space bar and it was still sending. Only it was not sending it was just hanging there.
I give up! It is only volunteer anyways right? I don't have to do this right? Hell yes I do, I said I would, and I never go back on my word, knowingly.
the cats are in the hall bathroom, 2 inside, and 4 cats and a dog on the hall side, all talking to each other under the door. Sadie is soooooo territorial!! Her house, no one else's!
I am going to finish working on this presentation, and tomorrow at 300 John from the computer clinic is gonna come show me what the hell I am doing wrong. It may be the burner, not me.
I wish I had some Drambuie, I'd have a nice cup of coffee and some drambuie on the rocks. And Just Reeeeee-laaaaaax!
yeah, right!
I got up, checked it out to make sure it worked before I ran all the way into Oak Harbor with it in hand, and IT WONT OPEN!!!!! ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH SO I played for several hours trying to get it to open, but nooooooooo luck at all.
I went out to get in the car and head to the playhouse to show Janice what I could, and my car is deader than a doornail!! Doesn't even click when I turn it over. So I had to call AAA to come out, MEANWHILE, I had attached my presentation to an email and was sending it that way to Janice. (106MB) so I could not use my phone. (dial up , only one line) Out I go to the car to get the cell phone which I leave in the car, and Janice was laughing and saying what else can go wrong, and the phone died!!
SO I come back inside, dig out the charger, plug it into the wall, and then into the phone, and try it that way. NO SIGNAL!! So I am hanging my head out the kitchen window trying to get a signal, so I could tell AAA where I live, Janice that I would be running late, and DOttie to see me when she saw me. ( I am cat sitting her two cats)
AAA came, got the car started, the phone was charged, I got the cats, went to the playhouse, Janice was gone, but I checked the email, nope, wasn't there yet. I sat there for three hours and still no email. I got home hit the space bar and it was still sending. Only it was not sending it was just hanging there.
I give up! It is only volunteer anyways right? I don't have to do this right? Hell yes I do, I said I would, and I never go back on my word, knowingly.
the cats are in the hall bathroom, 2 inside, and 4 cats and a dog on the hall side, all talking to each other under the door. Sadie is soooooo territorial!! Her house, no one else's!
I am going to finish working on this presentation, and tomorrow at 300 John from the computer clinic is gonna come show me what the hell I am doing wrong. It may be the burner, not me.
I wish I had some Drambuie, I'd have a nice cup of coffee and some drambuie on the rocks. And Just Reeeeee-laaaaaax!
yeah, right!
Monday, August 02, 2004
Brain Droppings...Chandler style
No I am no where near as funny as George Carlin, But then I'm not as Nasty as he is either! But I do like to watch his better years, and laugh. He was so irreverent. And sick! I Love sick humor. My sister and I are the Queens of sick humor much to our SIL's dismay. It's the way we handle things. Everything is funny, somehow. Now we don't make fun of PEOPLE. We may laugh WITH them. But never at them. We do not find humor in derogatory remarks or making fun of disabilities, (unless of course they are our own!) Just about anything else is fair game. We laugh at Death, we laugh at each other crying at sad movies, we laugh at our bodies, and the problems that have arisen since we both got old and fat.
I have said before, that Phyllis will get hers one of these days, as she is the practical joker of practical jokers. She LOVES it. Gum that turns your mouth blue, candy that is laced with hot pepper, Fart machines, whoopee cushions, kidnapping frogs, etc. The whole Island is looking for a way to get back at her.
We get this from our Dad. He was the sick one in the family. Hair creme in the toothpaste tube, pepper in the salt shaker, tops resting on the bottom of the salt shaker which is upside down. Scaring us at night. He did it all. Mike is not quite the joker the rest of us are, but He has a pretty good sense of humor too. Subtle in his case. Poor Sherry was a sweet young southern girl from Virginia when she met Mike, and she did not know how to take us! They have been married for 27 years now, and she is just starting to spit back!!
Needless to say our family get togethers are a hoot. It is time for a BBQ again, which will bring most of us together, Mike, Phyllis, Sherry, Galen, Donna and me. I would love to have Tim home but that is never going to happen.
I think I will plan one for August 15, that is Donna and Sherry's birthday week, and we should have everyone home. It is also The Coupeville Festival, a sidewalk arts and crafts fair, over 250 booths and all kinds of stuff on sale. Yep, that would be a perfect weekend for it. We can shop the booths on Saturday, and eat on Sunday!
Ya'll come!!! Be most proud to have you!
I have said before, that Phyllis will get hers one of these days, as she is the practical joker of practical jokers. She LOVES it. Gum that turns your mouth blue, candy that is laced with hot pepper, Fart machines, whoopee cushions, kidnapping frogs, etc. The whole Island is looking for a way to get back at her.
We get this from our Dad. He was the sick one in the family. Hair creme in the toothpaste tube, pepper in the salt shaker, tops resting on the bottom of the salt shaker which is upside down. Scaring us at night. He did it all. Mike is not quite the joker the rest of us are, but He has a pretty good sense of humor too. Subtle in his case. Poor Sherry was a sweet young southern girl from Virginia when she met Mike, and she did not know how to take us! They have been married for 27 years now, and she is just starting to spit back!!
Needless to say our family get togethers are a hoot. It is time for a BBQ again, which will bring most of us together, Mike, Phyllis, Sherry, Galen, Donna and me. I would love to have Tim home but that is never going to happen.
I think I will plan one for August 15, that is Donna and Sherry's birthday week, and we should have everyone home. It is also The Coupeville Festival, a sidewalk arts and crafts fair, over 250 booths and all kinds of stuff on sale. Yep, that would be a perfect weekend for it. We can shop the booths on Saturday, and eat on Sunday!
Ya'll come!!! Be most proud to have you!
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Latest Fashion?
This is what the latest fashion says the well decked out guy will be wearing this summer.....hmmmmmmm....
and heres the back of it!! (ouch)
and heres the back of it!! (ouch)
Friday, July 30, 2004
OK OK OK I'll POST !!!!
Well MICHELLE!! I had a chance to work this week, and no chance to get on the computer and blog. I needed the money to offset my retirement. You do understand WORK RIGHT? ;) I too have no MR C. to take care of me. When I get home from work, I have a few minutes to check me email and my comments and then Donna gets home. She gets the computer from the time she gets home until she goes to bed, because she still has not gotten her own phone line and brought her 'puter over from Ellensburg. (she likes mine better anyway...mines COOL) SOOOOOO I was working! and I earned 24.00!! LOLOLOL
I spent the past three says working at the box office at the playhouse, and I got in trouble last time for blogging at work, so I dont even go on the net at all!!! Not that it really matters, BUT thems the rules, sooooooo...
And I volunteered to put together a powerpoint presentation for an awards ceremony on August 8th. I spent last night scanning the pictures from the scrapbooks into my computer, and then can not get them tranferred on to a CD! I screamed, and yelled, and stomped and cussed at it and I finally went to bed at 2:30 last night with the pictures still in my computer. it keeps telling me to insert a blank cd into drive G and I did !)) times and still could not get it to work. ARRRRRGGGHHHH
I have all weekend to try and figure out why it wont work. You would think that Microsoft would make it really easy for idiots like me. picture icons to drag and drop...drag the picture onto the cdrom drive G Icon and drop it. seems sooo simple to me, and once I fugure it all it prolly is. Unfortunately there is soooo much on this thing, that I never can remember which does what!!!
Ok, I will fill ya in more later, I just wanted to post why I was not on line, in case some of you wanted to report me AWOL. Michelle is the only one who noticed though!!! :(
I spent the past three says working at the box office at the playhouse, and I got in trouble last time for blogging at work, so I dont even go on the net at all!!! Not that it really matters, BUT thems the rules, sooooooo...
And I volunteered to put together a powerpoint presentation for an awards ceremony on August 8th. I spent last night scanning the pictures from the scrapbooks into my computer, and then can not get them tranferred on to a CD! I screamed, and yelled, and stomped and cussed at it and I finally went to bed at 2:30 last night with the pictures still in my computer. it keeps telling me to insert a blank cd into drive G and I did !)) times and still could not get it to work. ARRRRRGGGHHHH
I have all weekend to try and figure out why it wont work. You would think that Microsoft would make it really easy for idiots like me. picture icons to drag and drop...drag the picture onto the cdrom drive G Icon and drop it. seems sooo simple to me, and once I fugure it all it prolly is. Unfortunately there is soooo much on this thing, that I never can remember which does what!!!
Ok, I will fill ya in more later, I just wanted to post why I was not on line, in case some of you wanted to report me AWOL. Michelle is the only one who noticed though!!! :(
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Kinda Loses something in Translation huh?
Signs found:
In a Bangkok temple:
"IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER A WOMAN, EVEN A FOREIGNER, IF DRESSED AS A
MAN."
Cocktail lounge, Norway:
"LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR."
Doctors office, Rome:
"SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.
Dry cleaners, Bangkok:
"DROP YOUR TROUSERS HERE FOR THE BEST RESULTS.
In a Nairobi restaurant:
"CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER."
On an Athi River highway:
"TAKE NOTICE: WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE."
On a poster at Kencom:
"ARE YOU AN ADULT THAT CANNOT READ? IF SO, WE CAN HELP."
In a City restaurant:
"OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND WEEKENDS."
A sign seen on an automatic restroom hand dryer:
"DO NOT ACTIVATE WITH WET HANDS."
In a cemetery:
"PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS FROM ANY BUT THEIR OWN
GRAVES."
Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations:
"GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN
BED."
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
"OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR." (think I've had some of that! lol)
In a Tokyo bar:
"SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH NUTS."
Hotel, Yugoslavia:
"THE FLATTENING OF UNDERWEAR WITH PLEASURE IS THE JOB OF THE
CHAMBERMAID."
Hotel, Japan:
"YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHAMBERMAID."
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox
monastery:
"YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CEMETERY WHERE FAMOUS RUSSIAN AND SOVIET
COMPOSERS, ARTISTS, AND WRITERS ARE BURIED DAILY EXCEPT THURSDAY."
A sign posted in Germany's Black Forest:
"IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN ON OUR BLACK FOREST CAMPING SITE THAT PEOPLE
OF DIFFERENT SEX, FOR INSTANCE, MEN AND WOMEN, LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE TENT
UNLESS THEY ARE MARRIED WITH EACH OTHER FOR THIS PURPOSE."
Hotel, Zurich:
"BECAUSE OF THE IMPROPRIETY OF ENTERTAINING GUESTS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX
IN THE BEDROOM, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LOBBY BE USED FOR THIS
PURPOSE."
Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand:
"WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE ON YOUR OWN ASS?"
The box of a clockwork toy made in Hong Kong:
"GUARANTEED TO WORK THROUGHOUT ITS USEFUL LIFE."
In a Swiss mountain inn:
"SPECIAL TODAY - NO ICE-CREAM."
Airline ticket office, Copenhagen:
"WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS."
A laundry in Rome:
"LADIES, LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES HERE AND SPEND THE AFTERNOON HAVING A GOOD
TIME."
And we wonder why there is a communication problem?
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Sundays.....Ho HUM
AHHHHHHHHH IT is soooooo much cooler today! Actually rather pleasant! It was overcast with fog until about 200 this afternoon, and then it got hot. But it was a cool hot compared to the past few days. Cool Marine Air comes sweeping in from the Pacific and funnels through the Straight of Juan de Fuca and smacks right into Whidbey Islands West Side. Last night the wind was blowing so hard that it broke another branch off of my poor overburdened-half-gone-now peach tree. IT hit the really hot air that was sitting in the Sound and FOG formed! Love that summer Fog!!!
I woke up this morning with the worst back ache, and barely moved all day! I did get out to refill the feeders, trim back the Pussy willow Bush, and prune the roses. I sat in the chair and watered the brown grass and roses. It has been so hot that even my Petunias have sunburned!! BUMMER! I should just give up on this years garden and start over next year!.
I was sitting out on the deck with my Daughter this evening burning a citronella candle and eating grilled hamburgers, and talking about the yard. I want a Garden Gnome. Not one of those really cheap icky ones, but one of the really cute ones that cost about 249.95! Then Donna cracked up and said she had been meaning to google Obscene garden gnomes and see what came up. FUNNY!!!!! There is a site about three sites down that has funny jokes etc on it but no obscene garden gnomes.
So I googled just garden gnomes. Ya know, there are an awfully lot of people out there with not a hell of a lot to do! LOLOLOLOLOL some are legit, but some of these sites are just WRONG! I gave up. I did bookmark some sites though. I think I read somewhere about the Gnome Book which is written like they were real. I will have to look it up.
I still want a Garden Gnome. One like they show on that cheap airline site? About 36 inches tall. Sadie would bark her ass off at it all day long!
I Love kitsch like that tucked away among the plants in the garden. Little plaster pigs, kittens playing with butterflies, mushrooms, gnomes, etc. SO for Mothers Day Donna got me a string of Flamingo Christmas lights to put around the deck. I forgot all about them until just now. I will have to find them and get them hung out there. The neighbors will really know we are cheap white trash then.
I woke up this morning with the worst back ache, and barely moved all day! I did get out to refill the feeders, trim back the Pussy willow Bush, and prune the roses. I sat in the chair and watered the brown grass and roses. It has been so hot that even my Petunias have sunburned!! BUMMER! I should just give up on this years garden and start over next year!.
I was sitting out on the deck with my Daughter this evening burning a citronella candle and eating grilled hamburgers, and talking about the yard. I want a Garden Gnome. Not one of those really cheap icky ones, but one of the really cute ones that cost about 249.95! Then Donna cracked up and said she had been meaning to google Obscene garden gnomes and see what came up. FUNNY!!!!! There is a site about three sites down that has funny jokes etc on it but no obscene garden gnomes.
So I googled just garden gnomes. Ya know, there are an awfully lot of people out there with not a hell of a lot to do! LOLOLOLOLOL some are legit, but some of these sites are just WRONG! I gave up. I did bookmark some sites though. I think I read somewhere about the Gnome Book which is written like they were real. I will have to look it up.
I still want a Garden Gnome. One like they show on that cheap airline site? About 36 inches tall. Sadie would bark her ass off at it all day long!
I Love kitsch like that tucked away among the plants in the garden. Little plaster pigs, kittens playing with butterflies, mushrooms, gnomes, etc. SO for Mothers Day Donna got me a string of Flamingo Christmas lights to put around the deck. I forgot all about them until just now. I will have to find them and get them hung out there. The neighbors will really know we are cheap white trash then.
Saturday, July 24, 2004
JAM!!! Fresh Plum Jam!!!
In all of this HEAT….all of my neighbors plums came ripe TODAY!! RIGHT NOW!!! Won’t keep!!! So in 100-degree heat guess what I am doing? Yep, Making plum Jam/preserves! I am taking a break to cool off, but DAMN it is hot!! The jam is good too!! Last year I got to make it in several days batches, but not this year!!!
My peaches are going to do the same thing in a few weeks. There were so many peaches on the trees this year that the top 1/3 broke right off from the weight, and then broke off a big lower branch too. Unfortunately the peaches were not even CLOSE to ripe; so over three hundred of them got pitched over the fence!! L This has been a fantastic year for fruit! The pears and apples are really prolific too. May not have to drive over to eastern Washington to get them this year.
I did not plant any zucchini this year, and that may have been a big mistake. Neither did Bob. Might have to buy them for my zucchini bread. Too bad ya’ll aren’t closer…I’d send you some.
The wind is picking up tonight. The High Pressure and the Low Pressure systems are evening out, and the wind is coming right off the Pacific and really cooling everything down. We just are not equipped to handle the heat like you guys are. Now a cold snap…is another matter. It actually looks like it might form fog out on the water tonight. I sure hope so. That cools it right down, and makes it very comfortable. Can’t see worth diddly, but it is refreshing. We call it Nature’s air conditioner.
Well time to go turn the jars over and wait for the 6 pop. Pop, pops of the lids sealing.
Great on fresh hot homemade bread and fresh butter, a spoon of fresh plum jam and a cu of tea! UMMMMM UMMMMM GOOD!
My peaches are going to do the same thing in a few weeks. There were so many peaches on the trees this year that the top 1/3 broke right off from the weight, and then broke off a big lower branch too. Unfortunately the peaches were not even CLOSE to ripe; so over three hundred of them got pitched over the fence!! L This has been a fantastic year for fruit! The pears and apples are really prolific too. May not have to drive over to eastern Washington to get them this year.
I did not plant any zucchini this year, and that may have been a big mistake. Neither did Bob. Might have to buy them for my zucchini bread. Too bad ya’ll aren’t closer…I’d send you some.
The wind is picking up tonight. The High Pressure and the Low Pressure systems are evening out, and the wind is coming right off the Pacific and really cooling everything down. We just are not equipped to handle the heat like you guys are. Now a cold snap…is another matter. It actually looks like it might form fog out on the water tonight. I sure hope so. That cools it right down, and makes it very comfortable. Can’t see worth diddly, but it is refreshing. We call it Nature’s air conditioner.
Well time to go turn the jars over and wait for the 6 pop. Pop, pops of the lids sealing.
Great on fresh hot homemade bread and fresh butter, a spoon of fresh plum jam and a cu of tea! UMMMMM UMMMMM GOOD!
Friday, July 23, 2004
Race Week 2004
Oak Harbor Marina hosts a sailboat race every year, and has been doing so for about 20 yrs now. The forst one was fun, but no one expected as many boats to show up as did. 100's of them!!! SO they planned better for the next years, and now it is a world class event, and boats from all over the planet come to race, get drunk and PARTY!!!
Some years it rains, some years it is too windy, some years the is NO wind. This year is just perfect, and they are all in Penn Cove racing their little hulls off. Their SPINACKERS were out and colorful today. (I called them jibs the other day...my bad!)
And right across the cove is the teeny tiny town of Coupeville, where I live now.
and more boats........
It is pushing 100 degrees out there right now, and we dont get this kind of heat. No cooking tonite!!!!
I already told Bob, I could pop a ready to bake pizza in the oven, but we were sitting on the deck to eat it. Too hot in here.
Some years it rains, some years it is too windy, some years the is NO wind. This year is just perfect, and they are all in Penn Cove racing their little hulls off. Their SPINACKERS were out and colorful today. (I called them jibs the other day...my bad!)
And right across the cove is the teeny tiny town of Coupeville, where I live now.
and more boats........
It is pushing 100 degrees out there right now, and we dont get this kind of heat. No cooking tonite!!!!
I already told Bob, I could pop a ready to bake pizza in the oven, but we were sitting on the deck to eat it. Too hot in here.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Penn Cove 1954-55
When we moved out to Penn Cove Park, it was just starting to be a development. The first two or three streets were built up, but that is all. We lived in a little tiny brown house behind the store that was also the resort. They had 5 or 6 little vacation cabins that they rented out every summer. The resort was right across the street from the beach, and we were right behind that. We could play in the woods, run on the beach, build forts out of driftwood, fish, climb the cliffs, dig caves, climb trees and swing as far as we dared from the tippy top. LOVED it. Every day was an adventure. Summer was the best time, because we could ride our bikes everywhere!!
Our bedrooms were up in the lofty type attic. And we each had our OWN ROOM!!!! It was the first time ever that I did not have to share a bed with Phyllis. I could wake up and not be peed on!! I Had my own room and my very own bed!!! the windows opened out like shutters, and the eaves were right there, and you would bang your head on the roof if you stood up to close to the edge.
I felt just like Jo in Little Women!! We did not have TV back then, hardly anyone did, and we had to make our own entertainment when we could not go out because of the weather. I discovered reading. I read all of Nancy Drew, Little Women, Swiss Family Robinson, Misty of Chincoteague, Black Beauty, and I found Laura Ingalls Wilder!!! I was in Heaven!!!
When it got dark, I would take my books and go behind the big huge chair that Mom had, and lay back there snug up against the built in bookcases, and read by the light on the table. I was hidden, and it was my special place. I would also play with my Jennie dolls back there, on the bookcases and listen to the radio. I remember the SHADOW KNOWS, And the LONE RANGER, And THE WHISTLER, and some soap opera that Mom would listen to. It was so special.
One winter it snowed really deep, and we were allowed to go play in it. We did not have a sled or anything so the landlord made us one really fast out of left over wood pieces. We drug that sled up to the hill, and played for hours sliding down that hill. One kid from a few streets over said there was a big huge hill over there, called Butterbaugh hill, and we snuck over to it. It was the HUGEST hill we had ever seen. The traffic was blocked off of it and kids could slide down it safely...EXCEPT you were not to go into Mrs Harringtons Yard. She would yell at you. No one wanted that, so we tried really hard to stay out of her yard. I did slide into it once, and was scared stiff, so I ran home as fast as I could.
This time was only a mere 2 years until we got transferred back to Hawaii, but when I think of childhood and home, that is where I think of. We were free. We were Happy, we were allowed to play like real kids. There were farm kids, and Navy Kids, And the Dutch kids, and the Contractors Kids. (they were just building the rest of the base and the housing area) I made friends with these people and kept in touch with them until we came back. I felt like I was a part of the place, like I was born to be here.
We did not get transferred back until I was a sophomore in High School, and things had really changed. The Park was Grown, and all built up, there was no more rentals in town, We had to live in Housing, (brand spanking new Capehart housing) and the town was a growing and bulging place. Growing so fast, that no one really had a game plan, (and they still don't) so it just became fair game to build anything anywhere. the streets were all paved, and so many people had moved in that it was almost like every other Navy town. The house we lived in was old and worn out, and Butterbaugh Hill was just a tiny little bump!!! the beach was still there but the magic was gone. It was time to move on.
It was a magical time back then, and I thank God that I had the chance to experience it. When I tell people what it was like they just look at me all amazed like I would or COULD remember all of that.
I can though...Just cant remember yesterday!!!
Our bedrooms were up in the lofty type attic. And we each had our OWN ROOM!!!! It was the first time ever that I did not have to share a bed with Phyllis. I could wake up and not be peed on!! I Had my own room and my very own bed!!! the windows opened out like shutters, and the eaves were right there, and you would bang your head on the roof if you stood up to close to the edge.
I felt just like Jo in Little Women!! We did not have TV back then, hardly anyone did, and we had to make our own entertainment when we could not go out because of the weather. I discovered reading. I read all of Nancy Drew, Little Women, Swiss Family Robinson, Misty of Chincoteague, Black Beauty, and I found Laura Ingalls Wilder!!! I was in Heaven!!!
When it got dark, I would take my books and go behind the big huge chair that Mom had, and lay back there snug up against the built in bookcases, and read by the light on the table. I was hidden, and it was my special place. I would also play with my Jennie dolls back there, on the bookcases and listen to the radio. I remember the SHADOW KNOWS, And the LONE RANGER, And THE WHISTLER, and some soap opera that Mom would listen to. It was so special.
One winter it snowed really deep, and we were allowed to go play in it. We did not have a sled or anything so the landlord made us one really fast out of left over wood pieces. We drug that sled up to the hill, and played for hours sliding down that hill. One kid from a few streets over said there was a big huge hill over there, called Butterbaugh hill, and we snuck over to it. It was the HUGEST hill we had ever seen. The traffic was blocked off of it and kids could slide down it safely...EXCEPT you were not to go into Mrs Harringtons Yard. She would yell at you. No one wanted that, so we tried really hard to stay out of her yard. I did slide into it once, and was scared stiff, so I ran home as fast as I could.
This time was only a mere 2 years until we got transferred back to Hawaii, but when I think of childhood and home, that is where I think of. We were free. We were Happy, we were allowed to play like real kids. There were farm kids, and Navy Kids, And the Dutch kids, and the Contractors Kids. (they were just building the rest of the base and the housing area) I made friends with these people and kept in touch with them until we came back. I felt like I was a part of the place, like I was born to be here.
We did not get transferred back until I was a sophomore in High School, and things had really changed. The Park was Grown, and all built up, there was no more rentals in town, We had to live in Housing, (brand spanking new Capehart housing) and the town was a growing and bulging place. Growing so fast, that no one really had a game plan, (and they still don't) so it just became fair game to build anything anywhere. the streets were all paved, and so many people had moved in that it was almost like every other Navy town. The house we lived in was old and worn out, and Butterbaugh Hill was just a tiny little bump!!! the beach was still there but the magic was gone. It was time to move on.
It was a magical time back then, and I thank God that I had the chance to experience it. When I tell people what it was like they just look at me all amazed like I would or COULD remember all of that.
I can though...Just cant remember yesterday!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
!954 on Whidbey
Growing up on Whidbey:
Several of you have expressed interest in knowing what it was like to grow up on an island like Whidbey. First of all let me clear up a misconception. I did not grow up on Whidbey, I came here when I was in the 4th grade, and left the summer between my 5th and 6th grade year. HOWEVER, this was the place that I thought of as home, This was the place that I was allowed to go out of the yard, and not be kidnapped. (My Mom was a worrier.) I was born in San Diego, Calif. And lived there for a year, then to Seattle and then when I was 3 we went to Hawaii and to Guam, then back to San Diego , then back to Hawaii, and THEN to Whidbey.
I was awestruck! There were big Pine trees EVERYwhere. We first moved into a 2 room apt above a garage on Goldie Rd. Back then, there was hardly any housing available for rent, and there was a waiting list for housing. We were lucky to get the apt. It was out in the woods, and I had to walk out to the rd, and catch a school bus to school!! I had never done that before. It took us to the New school Clover Valley, and it was great! I got to look out the cafeteria window at the most wondrous sight I has ever seen!! A Mountain. Sticking up big and snow covered, with no other mtns around it. I Loved that Mountain. I found out it was called Mt. Baker, and was a dormant Volcano! Even back then I was intrigued over geology! I would sit and stare at that Mountain every chance I got!
We then moved into town, into a 2 bedroom house. (actually more, but we were only allowed into the bottom floor. The attic was off limits, and full of the land lords stuff. (yes, We did peek, and there was an old stuffed owl up there looking right down the stairs…scared the crap out of me!!) Our house is now gone, but it used to be right where the new addition to the Playhouse is now. I used to look out the bedroom window, and past the barn to the Old Dutch Reformed Church. Which is now the playhouse!
Midway Blvd was only 2 lanes then, and there were NO stoplights in town. Chimes Corner was the end of town, and that was fairly new too. Then they opened Thriftway, which was in the woods!! (all of this is now down a very busy 4 lane Blvd.)
We then moved out, waaaaay Out in the country. All the way to Libby Rd. which is ½ way to Coupeville. And we were living in a Log Cabin in the woods, heated with a big old fireplace, and it had a loft upstairs where Phyllis and I slept. We thought we had died and gone to heaven!! Dad helped us feel that way, by pointing out all of the wildlife that came out of the woods and walked through our “yard”. Deer, Squirrels, rabbits…all right in our yard!!!
During the weekends, Dad would load Phyllis and I into the station wagon and we would go beach combing down on West Beach, where there was tons of driftwood to be had. There were no mansions there then, and the water would come right over the road, and leave the driftwood right there. We would walk along throwing logs up to the pavement, and then go back to the car and drive along and pick it all up and load it into the back. You can not imagine how much wood a 1954 Ford Station Wagon can hold with the seats down!! (whew) When we got home, we would unload the wood out back, then Phyllis and I would get the two man buck saw and cut the wood into fireplace lengths, and Dad would split it. Work, but fun work, as we had never done this sort of thing before. We lived in the cabin for about 6 months and then moved on to Penn Cove Park, A fairly new development out in the woods.
Tomorrow, Penn Cove
Several of you have expressed interest in knowing what it was like to grow up on an island like Whidbey. First of all let me clear up a misconception. I did not grow up on Whidbey, I came here when I was in the 4th grade, and left the summer between my 5th and 6th grade year. HOWEVER, this was the place that I thought of as home, This was the place that I was allowed to go out of the yard, and not be kidnapped. (My Mom was a worrier.) I was born in San Diego, Calif. And lived there for a year, then to Seattle and then when I was 3 we went to Hawaii and to Guam, then back to San Diego , then back to Hawaii, and THEN to Whidbey.
I was awestruck! There were big Pine trees EVERYwhere. We first moved into a 2 room apt above a garage on Goldie Rd. Back then, there was hardly any housing available for rent, and there was a waiting list for housing. We were lucky to get the apt. It was out in the woods, and I had to walk out to the rd, and catch a school bus to school!! I had never done that before. It took us to the New school Clover Valley, and it was great! I got to look out the cafeteria window at the most wondrous sight I has ever seen!! A Mountain. Sticking up big and snow covered, with no other mtns around it. I Loved that Mountain. I found out it was called Mt. Baker, and was a dormant Volcano! Even back then I was intrigued over geology! I would sit and stare at that Mountain every chance I got!
We then moved into town, into a 2 bedroom house. (actually more, but we were only allowed into the bottom floor. The attic was off limits, and full of the land lords stuff. (yes, We did peek, and there was an old stuffed owl up there looking right down the stairs…scared the crap out of me!!) Our house is now gone, but it used to be right where the new addition to the Playhouse is now. I used to look out the bedroom window, and past the barn to the Old Dutch Reformed Church. Which is now the playhouse!
Midway Blvd was only 2 lanes then, and there were NO stoplights in town. Chimes Corner was the end of town, and that was fairly new too. Then they opened Thriftway, which was in the woods!! (all of this is now down a very busy 4 lane Blvd.)
We then moved out, waaaaay Out in the country. All the way to Libby Rd. which is ½ way to Coupeville. And we were living in a Log Cabin in the woods, heated with a big old fireplace, and it had a loft upstairs where Phyllis and I slept. We thought we had died and gone to heaven!! Dad helped us feel that way, by pointing out all of the wildlife that came out of the woods and walked through our “yard”. Deer, Squirrels, rabbits…all right in our yard!!!
During the weekends, Dad would load Phyllis and I into the station wagon and we would go beach combing down on West Beach, where there was tons of driftwood to be had. There were no mansions there then, and the water would come right over the road, and leave the driftwood right there. We would walk along throwing logs up to the pavement, and then go back to the car and drive along and pick it all up and load it into the back. You can not imagine how much wood a 1954 Ford Station Wagon can hold with the seats down!! (whew) When we got home, we would unload the wood out back, then Phyllis and I would get the two man buck saw and cut the wood into fireplace lengths, and Dad would split it. Work, but fun work, as we had never done this sort of thing before. We lived in the cabin for about 6 months and then moved on to Penn Cove Park, A fairly new development out in the woods.
Tomorrow, Penn Cove
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Smell That Sea air!!!
I was driving home from the Playhouse today, and got stuck behind a stoopid bus that pulled out right in front of me. I knew he would go up the highway, so I took the water route, along twinsty scenic Madrona Way.
The Sailboats from the Race Week at Oak Harbor Marina were in the Cove, so Through the Madronas, I would catch glimpes of the boats with their sails popping as they turned around the bouy and headed back to the Marina. I LOVE to watch the brightly colored Jib pop open in the wind. Unfortunately these weren't bright colored. The wind wasn't right for them so they had on their "Jenny's" (I think those are the little ones) and they were either grey or white. Bummer. As I was driving into Coupeville, they were just past the sewage plant, so I headed down there along front street. Right in front of me was a doe and her twins walking through this ladies yard right up to her rose bushes!! (She is teaching them to eat right)...I of course had to roll down the window and try and get pictures.
It is really hot this week, and I had the a/C on full blast in the car, but I rolled the windows down anyway. THe tide was out and I suddenly got the most wonderful whiff of childhood!! the salty air, heated by the sun and mixed with the humidity and the smell of the tidelands. WONDERFUL!!! Really, Really wonderful! It reminded me of clamming with Dad, and walking on the beach when we were kids, and stomping on the muscles and barnacles that grew there. (Little did we know that the muscles would become world famous :Z)
We spent hours on the beach during the summer, as it was right across the street from where we lived. We collected rocks, and clam shells, and went oyster picking and clam digging, and even fished right off the shore.
I miss those days. The carefree days of summer, when you could walk barefoot and not hurt yourself. Days when you could ride your bike down the country road, up the big hill, then turn around and coast all the way to the bottom with your feet stuck out in front, and your braids blown clear back! You could hear the meadowlarks singing in the fields, and if you were really lucky you could see a big preying mantis or Dragon fly pearched on a piece of grass growing along the fence line.
I could go to the beach and get the same scents, but there is no way I could be safe on a bike right now, too many tourists driving their honking big SUV's down our really narrow country roads. The days of letting the bikes go first are long gone. For that matter so is my innocence, For that matter so are my braids!!!
SIGH!!!
The Sailboats from the Race Week at Oak Harbor Marina were in the Cove, so Through the Madronas, I would catch glimpes of the boats with their sails popping as they turned around the bouy and headed back to the Marina. I LOVE to watch the brightly colored Jib pop open in the wind. Unfortunately these weren't bright colored. The wind wasn't right for them so they had on their "Jenny's" (I think those are the little ones) and they were either grey or white. Bummer. As I was driving into Coupeville, they were just past the sewage plant, so I headed down there along front street. Right in front of me was a doe and her twins walking through this ladies yard right up to her rose bushes!! (She is teaching them to eat right)...I of course had to roll down the window and try and get pictures.
It is really hot this week, and I had the a/C on full blast in the car, but I rolled the windows down anyway. THe tide was out and I suddenly got the most wonderful whiff of childhood!! the salty air, heated by the sun and mixed with the humidity and the smell of the tidelands. WONDERFUL!!! Really, Really wonderful! It reminded me of clamming with Dad, and walking on the beach when we were kids, and stomping on the muscles and barnacles that grew there. (Little did we know that the muscles would become world famous :Z)
We spent hours on the beach during the summer, as it was right across the street from where we lived. We collected rocks, and clam shells, and went oyster picking and clam digging, and even fished right off the shore.
I miss those days. The carefree days of summer, when you could walk barefoot and not hurt yourself. Days when you could ride your bike down the country road, up the big hill, then turn around and coast all the way to the bottom with your feet stuck out in front, and your braids blown clear back! You could hear the meadowlarks singing in the fields, and if you were really lucky you could see a big preying mantis or Dragon fly pearched on a piece of grass growing along the fence line.
I could go to the beach and get the same scents, but there is no way I could be safe on a bike right now, too many tourists driving their honking big SUV's down our really narrow country roads. The days of letting the bikes go first are long gone. For that matter so is my innocence, For that matter so are my braids!!!
SIGH!!!
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Sundays in the Park
One of the very nice things about living in a very small town, is the quality of life that you have. We have been discovered by the aging boomers, and for their retirement years, they have come up and bought all of our old Victorian homes and refurbished them into Bed and Breakfasts. They then joined the town Council and the Various committees were formed. One of them is aThe Concerts On The Cove, Sundays In The Park series. Every Summer from mid July until Mid September, at the town park, bandstand, there are Concerts of all types.
Today's concert was called Cornucopia Band. It was about 25-30 people playing music from the early 1900's-1927. Jerome Kern, John Phillips Sousa, ragtime, Charleston, lindy hops...And such.
The band was not the best in the state, but the music was fun, and the Singers were great. People watching was fantastic. Off to the left was the Cove, and during the concert the first race of the season, was taking place on the water. The Race Week, has started and the cove and the passages will be full of sailboats of all types, racing.
If you look off in the distance you can see down town, and all the trees and Victorians in the city limits.
People watching can be loads of fun when you have couples like this dancing like no one was watching.
The sun beat down on us until just before the end of the concert, and then the clouds came in and cooled everyone down. Next Sunday will be the Philharmonic Wind quintet. Lots of good classical music.
Then the following Sundays have:
Today's concert was called Cornucopia Band. It was about 25-30 people playing music from the early 1900's-1927. Jerome Kern, John Phillips Sousa, ragtime, Charleston, lindy hops...And such.
The band was not the best in the state, but the music was fun, and the Singers were great. People watching was fantastic. Off to the left was the Cove, and during the concert the first race of the season, was taking place on the water. The Race Week, has started and the cove and the passages will be full of sailboats of all types, racing.
If you look off in the distance you can see down town, and all the trees and Victorians in the city limits.
People watching can be loads of fun when you have couples like this dancing like no one was watching.
The sun beat down on us until just before the end of the concert, and then the clouds came in and cooled everyone down. Next Sunday will be the Philharmonic Wind quintet. Lots of good classical music.
Then the following Sundays have:
- All American Boy Choir
- Northern Lights Jazz Band
- Dillingers Clam Bake Old fashioned Barn Dance
- AZUL (????)
- Solid Brass Quintet
- and Skagit Community Band
All of these are wonderful concerts, and they are only 7.00 or 35.00 for a full season. During the winter months, the committee has different groups from around the world come and perform. Quality entertainment where there had been none before.
When We were growing up the only band in town was the old farts during the sheriffs posse BYOB Dances at the community Center. We have come a long way baby!
Sneak peek at Bob coming back from the Pottie!! Yes we do have intermission...Saturday, July 17, 2004
C'mon RAIN!!!
I am sitting out on the deck tonight, after having heated up the house by cooking a brisket. It is hot and muggy right now, and not a breeze is stirring. IT IS HOT!!!!!! I don't do HOT!!! I HATE HOT!!!!! If I had wanted HOT I would've moved down south or someplace that was HOT. I chose the Pacific Northwest because it ISN'T HOT! At least not normally! We have not had a good rain in quite awhile. I forget when the last one was, but we are expecting some tomorrow.
Right now it is 80 degrees F and high humidity. Donna called her Husband in Ellensburg and it was 102F!!! It is 8:30 PM folks! not supposed to be this warm. supposed to cool off down into the 40-50 * range at night.
We are not prepared for this kind of weather, as we all have our jackets at the ready...And no A/C! I took the electric blanket off my bed last week, and washed it, and have not gotten it put back on yet. THANK GOODNESS!!! Even the birds are having a problem with it.
I know, Ya'll think I am whining, and you have it lots hotter, but you'uns are ready for it, and wait for it. We usually only get two or three days of the really hot stuff a year, and that is in August! I can hardly wait!!!
I was watching CBUT out of Vancouver, BC today and they went to Edmonton for some CFL football, and they showed the city and said it was 30* there! Now I can do that unless they really meant Celsius...Which is 90 or close to that. SHUDDER!
When I got my orders to Nevada I cried. It gets 110 there on a regular basis, and I don't do heat well. It got that way for the whole July and august!! But the nice thing about it was it would drop down into the 50's at night. conversely, the winters would fall to -10* F at night and warm up to 50-60 during the day.
there is nothing nicer than a winter in Nevada. Cold and clear, with snow on all the mountain tops, and animals everywhere.
I think I will go in and take a nice cool shower and stretch out on my bed naked under the fan, and just dry that way.
Sadie has successfully chased Lola away for the third time today, so I now have her contained on the deck, so Poor Lola can get to the feeders to eat.
The neighbors plums are ripe! I reached over the fence and stole three of them and they are sooo sweet and juicy! Last year she told me take as many as I needed, so I made plum Preserves. I still have a few jars left, so I may have to go swipe some more.
I hope you all are having a good weekend. I did NOTHING today except cook dinner. Tomorrow I am going to Concert on the Cove series They play in the town park, in the band stand, and it is so cool to take your blankets and a lunch and go sit on the grass and listen to band music. There is an old curmudgeon that lives across the street from the band stand, and every Sunday he gets out and rides his muffler-less riding mower as loud and as long as he can. He will then get arrested and hauled off in hand cuffs for disturbing the peace. Then after the concert, he will be released until the next Sunday when it starts all over again. the City Council offered to pay for his wife and him to go to a nice restaurant during the time that the concerts were on, but he refused. He is the old retired Mayor of Coupeville, that got asked to retire because he was such a shit. He still is. It really is quite funny because he is 78 or 79 and his daughter goes to the concerts, and when she sees him getting out the lawn mower, she runs over and tries to stop him before he gets arrested. It is a hoot!!
Mosquitoes are biting...gotta go...
Right now it is 80 degrees F and high humidity. Donna called her Husband in Ellensburg and it was 102F!!! It is 8:30 PM folks! not supposed to be this warm. supposed to cool off down into the 40-50 * range at night.
We are not prepared for this kind of weather, as we all have our jackets at the ready...And no A/C! I took the electric blanket off my bed last week, and washed it, and have not gotten it put back on yet. THANK GOODNESS!!! Even the birds are having a problem with it.
I know, Ya'll think I am whining, and you have it lots hotter, but you'uns are ready for it, and wait for it. We usually only get two or three days of the really hot stuff a year, and that is in August! I can hardly wait!!!
I was watching CBUT out of Vancouver, BC today and they went to Edmonton for some CFL football, and they showed the city and said it was 30* there! Now I can do that unless they really meant Celsius...Which is 90 or close to that. SHUDDER!
When I got my orders to Nevada I cried. It gets 110 there on a regular basis, and I don't do heat well. It got that way for the whole July and august!! But the nice thing about it was it would drop down into the 50's at night. conversely, the winters would fall to -10* F at night and warm up to 50-60 during the day.
there is nothing nicer than a winter in Nevada. Cold and clear, with snow on all the mountain tops, and animals everywhere.
I think I will go in and take a nice cool shower and stretch out on my bed naked under the fan, and just dry that way.
Sadie has successfully chased Lola away for the third time today, so I now have her contained on the deck, so Poor Lola can get to the feeders to eat.
The neighbors plums are ripe! I reached over the fence and stole three of them and they are sooo sweet and juicy! Last year she told me take as many as I needed, so I made plum Preserves. I still have a few jars left, so I may have to go swipe some more.
I hope you all are having a good weekend. I did NOTHING today except cook dinner. Tomorrow I am going to Concert on the Cove series They play in the town park, in the band stand, and it is so cool to take your blankets and a lunch and go sit on the grass and listen to band music. There is an old curmudgeon that lives across the street from the band stand, and every Sunday he gets out and rides his muffler-less riding mower as loud and as long as he can. He will then get arrested and hauled off in hand cuffs for disturbing the peace. Then after the concert, he will be released until the next Sunday when it starts all over again. the City Council offered to pay for his wife and him to go to a nice restaurant during the time that the concerts were on, but he refused. He is the old retired Mayor of Coupeville, that got asked to retire because he was such a shit. He still is. It really is quite funny because he is 78 or 79 and his daughter goes to the concerts, and when she sees him getting out the lawn mower, she runs over and tries to stop him before he gets arrested. It is a hoot!!
Mosquitoes are biting...gotta go...
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Left-overs
Ok, Before I get started on the next project here are the pictures of my bathroom, and Sadie after her shearing...
The flash isnt working on my camera, I have not figured it out yet, so Sadie's picture is a little weird, but it shows her NAKED...
The color in my Bathroom is a dusky Lavender and it is sooo pretty even though it looks a little PINK in this picture. Why have I not discovered borders before? They save so much time!!!!
(I whacked my finger on something..??? and I broke blood vessel in the middle part, and now it is all black and swollen...Icky)
The flash isnt working on my camera, I have not figured it out yet, so Sadie's picture is a little weird, but it shows her NAKED...
The color in my Bathroom is a dusky Lavender and it is sooo pretty even though it looks a little PINK in this picture. Why have I not discovered borders before? They save so much time!!!!
(I whacked my finger on something..??? and I broke blood vessel in the middle part, and now it is all black and swollen...Icky)
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
WHEW!!!!
Ok, It's get off your fat ass and walk time!!! I went in and sat there for 45 min waiting for the DR. I was then called into the room, and waited another 45 min for him.
The chemical stress test should nothing conclusive. The is a very low risk of Heart failure. There is something in the right Aorta, but nothing to worry about. When I asked what the pains were, he said it was not my heart, and my blood gases were good too.
So basically, Im just getting older!! He actually said other than turn the calendar back....(bastard)
Cholesterol is 97 was sposed to be under 100 until today when they changed the rules, now they want 70!! (evil bastards)
triglicerides are fine, HDL, and LDL right where they should be.
HgA1C (blood glucose) was 7.1 up from 6.9 but he is thrilled.
my BUN number is 17...climbing slowly...will watch that!
So all that work and worry for a good report!!! WHEW! I still will finish my list!!
I promise!
PS got Sadie cut down to a summer cut, no hair except for her ears... She looks so funny!!!
The chemical stress test should nothing conclusive. The is a very low risk of Heart failure. There is something in the right Aorta, but nothing to worry about. When I asked what the pains were, he said it was not my heart, and my blood gases were good too.
So basically, Im just getting older!! He actually said other than turn the calendar back....(bastard)
Cholesterol is 97 was sposed to be under 100 until today when they changed the rules, now they want 70!! (evil bastards)
triglicerides are fine, HDL, and LDL right where they should be.
HgA1C (blood glucose) was 7.1 up from 6.9 but he is thrilled.
my BUN number is 17...climbing slowly...will watch that!
So all that work and worry for a good report!!! WHEW! I still will finish my list!!
I promise!
PS got Sadie cut down to a summer cut, no hair except for her ears... She looks so funny!!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
My Theatrical Career
THE WHIDBEY PLAYHOUSE
In 1994, I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to get involved with The Community Theater. I did it just in passing, not thinking anymore about it. Before you knew it, I was costuming my first show. OLIVER! Priscilla was the Musical Director, and needed someone to costume it. What can that involve I thought, a lot of burlap and some ripped clothes!! Well the cast was HUGE and it was a LOT of burlap, and ripped clothes. (the picture up on top is from that show) I loved it!!!
As the show went on, I wondered what I would do next, so I asked the director of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, if I could costume it. She agreed and I started my second show. This one should have been easy, as I knew the era it was representing. I went out and got the patterns and material for what I wanted, and it was NOT what the Director wanted at all. (now she tells me) She wanted GLITZ!!! LOTS OF GLITZ Well she got it!!! I re did all the costumes and we had GLITZ!
I decided after that one that I wanted to Do something different, so for 1996 I Produced THE SECRET GARDEN and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Now THIS was fun!!! 2 shows a year, and no costumes!!! Right as I was getting into the Theater, I got my Orders to Nevada. So I left!! 3 years later I got orders home again, and was asked if I would like to get back into the theater.
I Then Produced THE INSPECTOR CALLS, and Costumed CHILDREN OF EDEN! OH.My. GOD!!! I almost lost it on that one. I had to come up with unique costumes for this show. The Children were all animals, and had to be dressed in something that would entice imaginations. I had Ocupuses made out of dryer hose vents and skate boards, Giraffes out of paper mache heads and canes, peacocks out of satin and wooden dowels, Aardvarks and Anteaters out of gas masks, and ostriches out of paper mache heads and ballerina tutus. IT was FANTASTIC!!! When the animals all walked in, everybody WOWED!!
The next show was Assistant Director of ON GOLDEN POND. The Producer quit, so I ended up doing that job too. Then on to THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, Abridged! FUNNY!!!!! I produced that one, and met a new friend, RUSTY who was the director.
I then started the long haul of being involved with almost every show. I produced OKLAHOMA, Assistant Directed and Produced I DO I DO!
Produced NUNCRACKERS, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN and RUMORS. I asst Directed ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, and produced THE DOCK BRIEF. Asst Directed OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, and ended up producing that one when our producer walked off. Then on to GODSPELL where I directed.
Right now I am producing THE CEMETERY CLUB, and I will be Producing TEN LITTLE INDIANS in April 2005, and finally will be Assistant Directing and Co-producing A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM.
I set the lights for all of the shows that I work on, and generally do anything the Director wants or needs to be done. Rusty and I are a good team, and I have learned a lot. I need to train another person so I am in the process of mentoring another Producer.
I have always loved the theater, especially Musical theater. I was in music all of my life in school, Doing FLOWER DRUM SONG, SOUTH PACIFIC, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, OUR TOWN and others I cant remember. I studied Voice and Music in College, and had plans to become a Choir Director in High school or Jr High, but those plans all got way-laid by the Vietnam War, and I went to work for the Government. The rest is History! Now my voice is gone, and I never learned how to play the piano, but I still love the musicals, and enjoy working on them and watching them all come together. I am still learning the lights, but I will get them all down pat one of these days. I have to pick the brain of the man who knows the most. He says he wants to train others to do them but he doesn’t give out information easily, you have to ask questions constantly.
There is so much to learn, and I will be doing that until the day I die. If I am not involved I feel like I am doing nothing. My Mother retired from life, and sat in her chair and drank away the day, I don’t want to do that. I have to stay involved, and feel like I am contributing to something useful. I need to feel needed, and Love working with the Theater.
Anybody wanna Audition?
In 1994, I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to get involved with The Community Theater. I did it just in passing, not thinking anymore about it. Before you knew it, I was costuming my first show. OLIVER! Priscilla was the Musical Director, and needed someone to costume it. What can that involve I thought, a lot of burlap and some ripped clothes!! Well the cast was HUGE and it was a LOT of burlap, and ripped clothes. (the picture up on top is from that show) I loved it!!!
As the show went on, I wondered what I would do next, so I asked the director of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, if I could costume it. She agreed and I started my second show. This one should have been easy, as I knew the era it was representing. I went out and got the patterns and material for what I wanted, and it was NOT what the Director wanted at all. (now she tells me) She wanted GLITZ!!! LOTS OF GLITZ Well she got it!!! I re did all the costumes and we had GLITZ!
I decided after that one that I wanted to Do something different, so for 1996 I Produced THE SECRET GARDEN and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Now THIS was fun!!! 2 shows a year, and no costumes!!! Right as I was getting into the Theater, I got my Orders to Nevada. So I left!! 3 years later I got orders home again, and was asked if I would like to get back into the theater.
I Then Produced THE INSPECTOR CALLS, and Costumed CHILDREN OF EDEN! OH.My. GOD!!! I almost lost it on that one. I had to come up with unique costumes for this show. The Children were all animals, and had to be dressed in something that would entice imaginations. I had Ocupuses made out of dryer hose vents and skate boards, Giraffes out of paper mache heads and canes, peacocks out of satin and wooden dowels, Aardvarks and Anteaters out of gas masks, and ostriches out of paper mache heads and ballerina tutus. IT was FANTASTIC!!! When the animals all walked in, everybody WOWED!!
The next show was Assistant Director of ON GOLDEN POND. The Producer quit, so I ended up doing that job too. Then on to THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, Abridged! FUNNY!!!!! I produced that one, and met a new friend, RUSTY who was the director.
I then started the long haul of being involved with almost every show. I produced OKLAHOMA, Assistant Directed and Produced I DO I DO!
Produced NUNCRACKERS, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN and RUMORS. I asst Directed ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, and produced THE DOCK BRIEF. Asst Directed OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, and ended up producing that one when our producer walked off. Then on to GODSPELL where I directed.
Right now I am producing THE CEMETERY CLUB, and I will be Producing TEN LITTLE INDIANS in April 2005, and finally will be Assistant Directing and Co-producing A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM.
I set the lights for all of the shows that I work on, and generally do anything the Director wants or needs to be done. Rusty and I are a good team, and I have learned a lot. I need to train another person so I am in the process of mentoring another Producer.
I have always loved the theater, especially Musical theater. I was in music all of my life in school, Doing FLOWER DRUM SONG, SOUTH PACIFIC, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, OUR TOWN and others I cant remember. I studied Voice and Music in College, and had plans to become a Choir Director in High school or Jr High, but those plans all got way-laid by the Vietnam War, and I went to work for the Government. The rest is History! Now my voice is gone, and I never learned how to play the piano, but I still love the musicals, and enjoy working on them and watching them all come together. I am still learning the lights, but I will get them all down pat one of these days. I have to pick the brain of the man who knows the most. He says he wants to train others to do them but he doesn’t give out information easily, you have to ask questions constantly.
There is so much to learn, and I will be doing that until the day I die. If I am not involved I feel like I am doing nothing. My Mother retired from life, and sat in her chair and drank away the day, I don’t want to do that. I have to stay involved, and feel like I am contributing to something useful. I need to feel needed, and Love working with the Theater.
Anybody wanna Audition?
Monday, July 12, 2004
The office is finished and here are the pics!!!
I painted the first half over a year ago, so I could move in the new office desk that is shaped like an L. The color is called reflecting pool. It is a dark sage green, but as Donna says...it is the color of NOTHING!
I painted this half this weekend, which included removing the bookcase from the wall and moving all the books off of it. I have no curtains planned, as it just looks out into the woods, and I can sit here and watch the birds.
You can see the edge of my Bloggers map on the wall on the right hand side. There are a few of you who still havent sent me your picture to put up on it. HINT HINT
I have to finish putting the border on the bathroom wall, and then I will take pictures of that for you too. It's PUUUURRRRTTTTYYYY!!!!
I took today off of painting as I was in such pain last night that I could not sleep. My back and shoulder were just throbing and my legs were cramping. Not to mention it was HOT and MUGGY!!! We arent used to hot and muggy nights. Our nights are still flannel sheets and PJ's. gets down into the 40-50F range.
I am going to take a hot bath and relax then when Donna gets home I will have her rub some Icy Hot into my shoulder and back, and then sleep well.
I have a DR appointment on Wednesday at 515 PM that is an odd time. They called and the Dr wants to talk to me about the results of my stress tests. ACK!!! must be bad news. That should be the last appointment of the day, and that way he can take his time? This really worries me. That is why I am really pushing to get all my projects done, so if he has BAD news, I can sell the house and really downsize.
I know, I know I am borrowing trouble...ok I'll stop.
I painted this half this weekend, which included removing the bookcase from the wall and moving all the books off of it. I have no curtains planned, as it just looks out into the woods, and I can sit here and watch the birds.
You can see the edge of my Bloggers map on the wall on the right hand side. There are a few of you who still havent sent me your picture to put up on it. HINT HINT
I have to finish putting the border on the bathroom wall, and then I will take pictures of that for you too. It's PUUUURRRRTTTTYYYY!!!!
I took today off of painting as I was in such pain last night that I could not sleep. My back and shoulder were just throbing and my legs were cramping. Not to mention it was HOT and MUGGY!!! We arent used to hot and muggy nights. Our nights are still flannel sheets and PJ's. gets down into the 40-50F range.
I am going to take a hot bath and relax then when Donna gets home I will have her rub some Icy Hot into my shoulder and back, and then sleep well.
I have a DR appointment on Wednesday at 515 PM that is an odd time. They called and the Dr wants to talk to me about the results of my stress tests. ACK!!! must be bad news. That should be the last appointment of the day, and that way he can take his time? This really worries me. That is why I am really pushing to get all my projects done, so if he has BAD news, I can sell the house and really downsize.
I know, I know I am borrowing trouble...ok I'll stop.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
If ONLY!!!
You are a true nature girl!
Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Maybe in my Next life....I soooo wanna be thin and beautiful!
Saturday, July 10, 2004
And another one bites the dust!!!
I got the office all finished, the ceiling is done too, and the furniture is all moved back in. The carpet however is a disaster!!! My renters ruined it when I was in Nevada for 3 years, and it will never come clean. I am gonna try to shampoo it really good,and if it doesn't come clean, it is getting ripped out too, and I will just paint the sub floor. The damn builders now days don't use quality plywood, they use OSB or particle board, and it swells up when it gets wet. If it is good wood under the carpet, I will seal it and paint it or varnish it, until I win the lottery and can afford to finish laying down laminate flooring. I did that in the Big part of the house and it is fantastic. Shows all the dust though, but ten minutes with endust and a dustmop and it is clean again.
I just finished painting the master bathroom, and the ceiling has the final coat on it. As soon as it is thoroughly dry I will put the crown border around it (covers up the paint dribbles) and I will be done with that room.
Tomorrow, I plan on starting on my bedroom, and painting it the same as the bathroom. A dusty Lavender with a white trim and ceiling and a flower border around the top.
I have kept my bedroom un-feminine for 38 years, hoping I could entice a MAN to live in it with me, but since it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon, Feminine it is going to be!!! Lace curtains, Lavender walls, may even paint the furniture white. !!
By next Thursday I should be done with that room, and Bob and I will go to Lowes and get some baseboards and transition strips for the Living/Dining room. Then paint those rooms. A pale Lemon Yellow I think, with a white trim.
I am looking for the perfect chair. I need a good comfy easy chair big enough to curl up in, and still have room for Sadie. I do not care if it reclines or rocks, I just need one that will not eat me. My Sofa right now does. I hate it! I am thinking a nice leather chair and a half with a full size ottoman. A nice comfy afghan thrown over the back. And a really good light to read by.
I'm off to the tub and bed right now...See ya
I just finished painting the master bathroom, and the ceiling has the final coat on it. As soon as it is thoroughly dry I will put the crown border around it (covers up the paint dribbles) and I will be done with that room.
Tomorrow, I plan on starting on my bedroom, and painting it the same as the bathroom. A dusty Lavender with a white trim and ceiling and a flower border around the top.
I have kept my bedroom un-feminine for 38 years, hoping I could entice a MAN to live in it with me, but since it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon, Feminine it is going to be!!! Lace curtains, Lavender walls, may even paint the furniture white. !!
By next Thursday I should be done with that room, and Bob and I will go to Lowes and get some baseboards and transition strips for the Living/Dining room. Then paint those rooms. A pale Lemon Yellow I think, with a white trim.
I am looking for the perfect chair. I need a good comfy easy chair big enough to curl up in, and still have room for Sadie. I do not care if it reclines or rocks, I just need one that will not eat me. My Sofa right now does. I hate it! I am thinking a nice leather chair and a half with a full size ottoman. A nice comfy afghan thrown over the back. And a really good light to read by.
I'm off to the tub and bed right now...See ya
Friday, July 09, 2004
Slim Pickin's
Just a quickie to say that I will be posting erratically this weekend. I am bound and determined to finish a few projects before I start on any more.
1. Finish painting the office started June 03
2. Finish painting the baseboards in the LR started April 01
3. Finish painting the bedroom started June 04
4. Finish painting the gutters started July 01
5. Finish the deck started July 03
6. Paint the LR and DR planned in April 01
This is just the projects for the house...not to mention the scrapbook, and the quilt, and the afghans and producing a play or two or three...
I will be back, just dont know when...I may get tired like I just did and have to sit down, and if the spirit moves me (or Donna) I may get some blog time. Heck the rest of you are all on vacation anyway....
UPDATE!!
I dont know how to use the strike through key...but the office is done!!! I have auditions today and tomorrow from 1-4 so I get to do the bathroom ceiling and border on Monday!! then on to the bedroom!
The worst part of all of this is moving all the CRAP I have decided to gather through my many years of living. Move it all out, paint, then move it all back in. UGH
Any good strong backs out there willing to come help?
Back to the office walls.
1. Finish painting the office started June 03
2. Finish painting the baseboards in the LR started April 01
3. Finish painting the bedroom started June 04
4. Finish painting the gutters started July 01
5. Finish the deck started July 03
6. Paint the LR and DR planned in April 01
This is just the projects for the house...not to mention the scrapbook, and the quilt, and the afghans and producing a play or two or three...
I will be back, just dont know when...I may get tired like I just did and have to sit down, and if the spirit moves me (or Donna) I may get some blog time. Heck the rest of you are all on vacation anyway....
UPDATE!!
I dont know how to use the strike through key...but the office is done!!! I have auditions today and tomorrow from 1-4 so I get to do the bathroom ceiling and border on Monday!! then on to the bedroom!
The worst part of all of this is moving all the CRAP I have decided to gather through my many years of living. Move it all out, paint, then move it all back in. UGH
Any good strong backs out there willing to come help?
Back to the office walls.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
stolen from Michelle
Wackiness: 24/100
Rationality: 20/100
Constructiveness: 56/100
Leadership: 36/100
You are an SECF--Sober Emotional Constructive Follower. This makes you a hippie. You are passionate about your causes and steadfast in your commitments. Once you've made up your mind, no one can convince you otherwise. Your politics are left-leaning, and your lifestyle choices decidedly temperate and chaste.
You do tremendous work when focused, but usually you operate somewhat distracted. You blow hot and cold, and while you normally endeavor on the side of goodness and truth, you have a massive mean streak which is not to be taken lightly. You don't get mad, you get even.
Please don't get even with this web site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis not quite right? Now that you've taken the quiz, you can view the personality key. If you have any attributes that are on the cusp, check out the personality that complements that attribute (in other words, if you're WEDF but only 55/100 Wacky, take a look at SEDF.)
Write down what personality composite this quiz has given you, because viewing the key will erase your score.
View Personality Key
Rationality: 20/100
Constructiveness: 56/100
Leadership: 36/100
You are an SECF--Sober Emotional Constructive Follower. This makes you a hippie. You are passionate about your causes and steadfast in your commitments. Once you've made up your mind, no one can convince you otherwise. Your politics are left-leaning, and your lifestyle choices decidedly temperate and chaste.
You do tremendous work when focused, but usually you operate somewhat distracted. You blow hot and cold, and while you normally endeavor on the side of goodness and truth, you have a massive mean streak which is not to be taken lightly. You don't get mad, you get even.
Please don't get even with this web site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis not quite right? Now that you've taken the quiz, you can view the personality key. If you have any attributes that are on the cusp, check out the personality that complements that attribute (in other words, if you're WEDF but only 55/100 Wacky, take a look at SEDF.)
Write down what personality composite this quiz has given you, because viewing the key will erase your score.
View Personality Key
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
The Norwegians
I am doing research of our family, and have run across some really incredible pictures on both sides of the tree. My Father's side is norwegian and Irish. We know hardly anything about the BRETT side, other than my Grandfather came from Boston, and his parents came from Ireland. My Friend Rusty's Mother is a BRETT also, but she came from England, and we can't find any common ancestors, although I'm sure there must be some way back there. My Grandfather came out to Oregon where he married my Grandmother, and we have lost all track of his family. Pity.
My Grandmother's side was Norwegian, and to hear them talk, there is no other blood but Norwegian in My father! We have their side of the family fairly well documented clear back to my Great Great Grandparents in Lillehammer, Norway. The Maternal family name was Jacobson, and on her side it was Gullsather. The paternal side was Gottenberg, and he married Larsen.
My Great Grandmother came to America in 1872 to Marry my Great Grandfather. He was born here in 1854 in Wesby, Wis. He married Gusta in Frankfort S.D. in 1880 Shortly after they were married the kids started arriving, and arriving, and arriving. The Living Children ended up to be 2 girls and 5 boys, born from 1881-1896. My Grandmother was the oldest girl and she was born a twin with Maynard.
This is a picture of the family shortly before the turn of the century. Sam was the youngest born in 1896 and he looks to be about 3 or 4 in this picture. Josephine May is the one on the left in the back row her twin is on the right. Gilbert who is my Great Gradfather has some mustache doesn't he? (He looks mean! )
The family eventually settled in the Willamette Valley of Oregon around Mt. Angel and Silverton. The ranch was located on the Big Puddin' River. We still have cousins there, and we actually keep in touch with them, although the family is all spread out now. My Dad was the one who kept track of everyone.
Why in this day of modern communications do we let our history escape? I am kind of the family historian, and I try to keep everybody filled in, but my Children don't seem to care, and neither does my Nephew. It is so sad to see the family dispursing and going their own ways, and losing track of each other. We should always know where our blood is.
(We might need some one day)
My Grandmother's side was Norwegian, and to hear them talk, there is no other blood but Norwegian in My father! We have their side of the family fairly well documented clear back to my Great Great Grandparents in Lillehammer, Norway. The Maternal family name was Jacobson, and on her side it was Gullsather. The paternal side was Gottenberg, and he married Larsen.
My Great Grandmother came to America in 1872 to Marry my Great Grandfather. He was born here in 1854 in Wesby, Wis. He married Gusta in Frankfort S.D. in 1880 Shortly after they were married the kids started arriving, and arriving, and arriving. The Living Children ended up to be 2 girls and 5 boys, born from 1881-1896. My Grandmother was the oldest girl and she was born a twin with Maynard.
This is a picture of the family shortly before the turn of the century. Sam was the youngest born in 1896 and he looks to be about 3 or 4 in this picture. Josephine May is the one on the left in the back row her twin is on the right. Gilbert who is my Great Gradfather has some mustache doesn't he? (He looks mean! )
The family eventually settled in the Willamette Valley of Oregon around Mt. Angel and Silverton. The ranch was located on the Big Puddin' River. We still have cousins there, and we actually keep in touch with them, although the family is all spread out now. My Dad was the one who kept track of everyone.
Why in this day of modern communications do we let our history escape? I am kind of the family historian, and I try to keep everybody filled in, but my Children don't seem to care, and neither does my Nephew. It is so sad to see the family dispursing and going their own ways, and losing track of each other. We should always know where our blood is.
(We might need some one day)
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Letters from Kenny
My Friend Kenny has been wanting to start a blog for awhile, but just never got around to it, so I did what I did with Phyllis...I created one for him, and started him on his way...So everybody head over to Kenny's house and welcome him...now dont scare him away...he is just getting started.
http://lettersfromkenny.blogspot.com/
http://lettersfromkenny.blogspot.com/
RAIN!!!!
I woke up this morning to the sounds of the trees gulping in great big gulps, the moisture that has finally arrived! It is raining big slow drops, and in the leaves, the birds are having a field day jumping from branch to branch, taking their long awaited shower. They are all out, wet feathers sticking up like little indian bonnets, chirping and ruffling their feathers to make sure the wetness gets down to their skin!
I looked out over the top of the window sill, and ther in the pouring rain, with her tail held over her head like a furry umbrella was Lola!! stuffing her face with wet sunflower seeds. Sadie was doing her usual tap dance wanting out, so I put her out, and watched as she ran out into the rain, did her pottie really quickly and bounced back to the door.
The mist is forming it's blanket in the trees, and laying low over the roof tops. The ships down on the water are blaring their fog horns, telling everybody in their way that they are there, and to also discover where the land lays. BOOOOOOP! Boop Boop!
This has been a long anticipated wait for the moisture that we need so badly. It is cooler about 55 degrees F, and the rain brings the comforting cool breeze!
Last night on the news, they were talking about how dry the plants were, the moisture level in them lower than ever before in history. Fire season has started and already the Eastern side of the state has several large fires burning.
The West side is now releived, but It is doubtful that this moisture will make it to the Other side of the Mountains. It usually drops it all on this side of the Cascades, and leaves the Eastern half of the state dry and fire prone.
I hope it continues to fall, but some how I doubt that it will. Pity. We need it so badly, to keep the trees green and the tourists away!
I looked out over the top of the window sill, and ther in the pouring rain, with her tail held over her head like a furry umbrella was Lola!! stuffing her face with wet sunflower seeds. Sadie was doing her usual tap dance wanting out, so I put her out, and watched as she ran out into the rain, did her pottie really quickly and bounced back to the door.
The mist is forming it's blanket in the trees, and laying low over the roof tops. The ships down on the water are blaring their fog horns, telling everybody in their way that they are there, and to also discover where the land lays. BOOOOOOP! Boop Boop!
This has been a long anticipated wait for the moisture that we need so badly. It is cooler about 55 degrees F, and the rain brings the comforting cool breeze!
Last night on the news, they were talking about how dry the plants were, the moisture level in them lower than ever before in history. Fire season has started and already the Eastern side of the state has several large fires burning.
The West side is now releived, but It is doubtful that this moisture will make it to the Other side of the Mountains. It usually drops it all on this side of the Cascades, and leaves the Eastern half of the state dry and fire prone.
I hope it continues to fall, but some how I doubt that it will. Pity. We need it so badly, to keep the trees green and the tourists away!
Monday, July 05, 2004
Fun with the Fireworks
We spent July 4th at PhyllisÂ?s house as you have now read, BBQ time. She marinated tri-tip steaks in Yoshidasgourmettsaucee and then grilled them. We furnished the side dishes. Baked Beans, cole slaw, pasta salad, 4 bean salad, all topped off with a nummy dessert. It was fun. Nobody argued, no one got mad at anybody else, we just ate, and had fun. A good Family Picnic.
This is Florence, Phyllis' 88 yr old neighbor...Whatt a hoot!!
We left about 5:00 and went to our own homes. Bob was coming back later to watch the fireworks, but I was pooped, so as soon as I got home I took a nap!! Bob came over about 7:00 and we watched the National Mall concert in Wash D.C. It usually is really good, but this year it was really STOOPID! I was bummed.
We headed down to the beach about 9:00 to watch the fireworks. This is a community Beach, overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Entrance to Puget Sound. There is a 360 degree view of land on all sides. We are straight across from Pt. Townsend, which has some yearly fireworks, and we could see beaches and communities all the way down the sound. Around 10:00 more people started coming down
Bob insilhouettee
The wind comes straight off the Pacific and right down the Straight and into the Sound, and every year it blows about 25 MPH right at dusk. This year was no exception. To top of everything, the Tide was in, but starting to go out, which meant there was not much beach to set off the fireworks.
Bob and I are the cheapskates. We donÂ?t buy the fireworks, we just come down to watch other people and their kids set off their stash. Every time we saw someone else come down with a box in their arms we would cheer and clap.
Oak Harbor, on the East side of the island has some really impressive displays too, but the traffic getting in to see them is BRUTAL, and takes about 3 hours for everyone to get home. Not worth it. I keep wanting to go down to Seattle and watch the ones down there, but we never do.
About 10:00 it was almost dark enough to see them, and the ones with the smallest kids set theirs off and took their kids home to bed. THEN THE BIG GUYS lit theirs off. Talk about some impressive displays!! Boom, crack, pop. Sizzle, colors, fountains of sparks, and tons of smoke choking you. I LOVED it.
At 10:30 we started seeing Pt. Townsends display about 15 miles across the water, and with our binoculars it brought it right up close! So there were rockets red glare, bombs bursting air, all around the waterÂ?s edge. We could see almost to Seattle, but not quite, as it is around the corner of the Kitsap peninsula, and further down the sound. But Pt Gamble, and Hansville, and Bush Point and Lagoon Point and Ft Casey and Pt Townsend were all in view and putting on wonderful displays.
The majority of the ones down there this year were the wussy safe and sane Legal ones, but there were a few illegal ones handled safely by the Men who brought them. They were stuck into the sand at the waters edge, with the mortar pointing slightly over the water to prevent mis-fires and injuries to the multitude of people that were there. It was fun. It was cold, and it was really COOL!! This has been a tradition for us for about 5 years now. When we first started going down it was to watch the ones at Pt Townsend, but then more and more people came each year, and now it is the place to be on the night of the 4th.
I had left Sadie in the house, as she went nuts on Saturday night with the firecrackers in the neighborhood, so I did not want to risk her going nuts with the barking. We came home expecting to see the house torn apart, as this was the first time she had been left alone in the house and not in her pen. I unlocked the door, and no SadieÂ?OHMIGAWD where is she? I walked on in, and Bob said something which made her bark. She was asleep on the couch, and when she heard him she woke up and started her watch dog routine, SEE MOM! IÂ?M AWAKE! I KEPT THE BAD GUYS OUT!!! Yeah rightÂ?she was asleep on the jobÂ?and had been that way since we left. GOOD GIRL!!! GOOD DAY!!! FUN NIGHT!!!
This is Florence, Phyllis' 88 yr old neighbor...Whatt a hoot!!
We left about 5:00 and went to our own homes. Bob was coming back later to watch the fireworks, but I was pooped, so as soon as I got home I took a nap!! Bob came over about 7:00 and we watched the National Mall concert in Wash D.C. It usually is really good, but this year it was really STOOPID! I was bummed.
We headed down to the beach about 9:00 to watch the fireworks. This is a community Beach, overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Entrance to Puget Sound. There is a 360 degree view of land on all sides. We are straight across from Pt. Townsend, which has some yearly fireworks, and we could see beaches and communities all the way down the sound. Around 10:00 more people started coming down
Bob insilhouettee
The wind comes straight off the Pacific and right down the Straight and into the Sound, and every year it blows about 25 MPH right at dusk. This year was no exception. To top of everything, the Tide was in, but starting to go out, which meant there was not much beach to set off the fireworks.
Bob and I are the cheapskates. We donÂ?t buy the fireworks, we just come down to watch other people and their kids set off their stash. Every time we saw someone else come down with a box in their arms we would cheer and clap.
Oak Harbor, on the East side of the island has some really impressive displays too, but the traffic getting in to see them is BRUTAL, and takes about 3 hours for everyone to get home. Not worth it. I keep wanting to go down to Seattle and watch the ones down there, but we never do.
About 10:00 it was almost dark enough to see them, and the ones with the smallest kids set theirs off and took their kids home to bed. THEN THE BIG GUYS lit theirs off. Talk about some impressive displays!! Boom, crack, pop. Sizzle, colors, fountains of sparks, and tons of smoke choking you. I LOVED it.
At 10:30 we started seeing Pt. Townsends display about 15 miles across the water, and with our binoculars it brought it right up close! So there were rockets red glare, bombs bursting air, all around the waterÂ?s edge. We could see almost to Seattle, but not quite, as it is around the corner of the Kitsap peninsula, and further down the sound. But Pt Gamble, and Hansville, and Bush Point and Lagoon Point and Ft Casey and Pt Townsend were all in view and putting on wonderful displays.
The majority of the ones down there this year were the wussy safe and sane Legal ones, but there were a few illegal ones handled safely by the Men who brought them. They were stuck into the sand at the waters edge, with the mortar pointing slightly over the water to prevent mis-fires and injuries to the multitude of people that were there. It was fun. It was cold, and it was really COOL!! This has been a tradition for us for about 5 years now. When we first started going down it was to watch the ones at Pt Townsend, but then more and more people came each year, and now it is the place to be on the night of the 4th.
I had left Sadie in the house, as she went nuts on Saturday night with the firecrackers in the neighborhood, so I did not want to risk her going nuts with the barking. We came home expecting to see the house torn apart, as this was the first time she had been left alone in the house and not in her pen. I unlocked the door, and no SadieÂ?OHMIGAWD where is she? I walked on in, and Bob said something which made her bark. She was asleep on the couch, and when she heard him she woke up and started her watch dog routine, SEE MOM! IÂ?M AWAKE! I KEPT THE BAD GUYS OUT!!! Yeah rightÂ?she was asleep on the jobÂ?and had been that way since we left. GOOD GIRL!!! GOOD DAY!!! FUN NIGHT!!!
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Have a Safe and Sane July 4th.
Isn't it nice to know that the whole world has a July 4th? Be safe everybody!
Alice
When you were a little kid, do you remember any songs that were nonsensical, but were ones that you sang all the time? Did all of your friends sing them too? Girl Scout songs, like John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt or 100 bottles of beer on the wall. Songs that when you hear them now it takes you back...back to your childhood, back to the place or the campfire you were sitting around when you learned it. I remember My Hat it had three corners and every time you sang a verse, you would leave out a word. And add a hand signal. Another one was Head and Shoulders, Knees and toes.
Summer nights like this one conjure up memories of fun times like that. We had us a unique childhood. We were not rich, we did not have much, but we did have fun and we have fun memories. Some of our memories neither one of us girls can remember who or where, but we remember the What. Some of our memories we remember totally different.
Today We were on our way through the pass , off the Island, and across the Skagit Valley to the Big City Mt Vernon and COSTCO. I was talking about wondering if I could draw on Jim's social security when I was the right age. I then went on to mention a woman named Alice that we both knew. When I said her name, with out even missing a beat, both Phyllis and I broke into the ALICE song. You know the one?
Alice, where art thou going?
Upstairs to take a bath.
Alice, with legs like toothpicks,
and a neck like a gir raff raff raff raff raff raff raff raff.
Alice, stepped in the bathtub,
Alice pulled out the plug.
Oh my goodness, oh my soul!
There goes Alice down the hole!
Alice where art thou going?
Glub Glub GLub
And then we both burst into laughter...Neither or us could remember where we learned that song, but we remember it from our childhood, and singing it all the time.
any hints?
Summer nights like this one conjure up memories of fun times like that. We had us a unique childhood. We were not rich, we did not have much, but we did have fun and we have fun memories. Some of our memories neither one of us girls can remember who or where, but we remember the What. Some of our memories we remember totally different.
Today We were on our way through the pass , off the Island, and across the Skagit Valley to the Big City Mt Vernon and COSTCO. I was talking about wondering if I could draw on Jim's social security when I was the right age. I then went on to mention a woman named Alice that we both knew. When I said her name, with out even missing a beat, both Phyllis and I broke into the ALICE song. You know the one?
Alice, where art thou going?
Upstairs to take a bath.
Alice, with legs like toothpicks,
and a neck like a gir raff raff raff raff raff raff raff raff.
Alice, stepped in the bathtub,
Alice pulled out the plug.
Oh my goodness, oh my soul!
There goes Alice down the hole!
Alice where art thou going?
Glub Glub GLub
And then we both burst into laughter...Neither or us could remember where we learned that song, but we remember it from our childhood, and singing it all the time.
any hints?
Friday, July 02, 2004
ARRRGHHHHH!!
I am getting sooooo frustrated!! I can not load anything from my homepage. it all comes up as server not found. Now I can go to favorites and download SOME of you. I can get Leslie, and then use her blogroll to access everybody, but why cant I use mine? I hate being a smart dumb person!! I was gonna go take a class this summer but they wanted 350 for the class, and I dont HAVE 350! SO I sit here frustrated and ranting out the window, scares the birds and the neighbors. Does not phase the 'puter one iota!!! Damn piece of shit!
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WAIT!!! I am hearing Don's voice in the far off distance saying "take out the www" I'll try that. If that doesn't work I dont know what I'll do. Right now I cant get any body but Leslie.
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WAIT!!! I am hearing Don's voice in the far off distance saying "take out the www" I'll try that. If that doesn't work I dont know what I'll do. Right now I cant get any body but Leslie.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Poor Baby!!!
Little Johnny's next door neighbor had a baby. Unfortunately, the little baby was born with no ears. When they arrived home from the hospital, the parents invited Little Johnny's family to come over and see their new baby. Little Johnny's parents were very afraid their son would have a wise crack to say about the baby. So, Little Johnny's dad had a long talk with Little Johnny before going to the neighbors. He said, "Now, son... that poor baby was born without any ears. I want you to be on your best behavior and not say one word about his ears, or I'm really going to spank your butt when we get back home."
"I promise not to mention his ears at all," said Little Johnny.
At the neighbor's home, Little Johnny leaned over the crib and touched the baby's hand. He looked at it's mother and said, "Oh, what a beautiful little baby!"
The mother, who had braced herself for Johnny's comment, was pleasantly surprised and said, "Thank you very much, Little Johnny."
He then said, "This baby has perfect little hands and perfect little feet. Why, just look at his pretty little eyes! Did his doctor say he can see good?"
The mother a bit bewildered, hesitantly replies "Why, yes ... his doctor said he has 20/20 vision, why do you ask?"
Little Johnny said, "Well, it's a good thing, cause he'd be fucked if he needed to wear glasses."
--
"I promise not to mention his ears at all," said Little Johnny.
At the neighbor's home, Little Johnny leaned over the crib and touched the baby's hand. He looked at it's mother and said, "Oh, what a beautiful little baby!"
The mother, who had braced herself for Johnny's comment, was pleasantly surprised and said, "Thank you very much, Little Johnny."
He then said, "This baby has perfect little hands and perfect little feet. Why, just look at his pretty little eyes! Did his doctor say he can see good?"
The mother a bit bewildered, hesitantly replies "Why, yes ... his doctor said he has 20/20 vision, why do you ask?"
Little Johnny said, "Well, it's a good thing, cause he'd be fucked if he needed to wear glasses."
--
Bits and Pieces
You know that first sip of coffee in the morning? The one you have waited all night for? The PERFECT cup of coffee, flavored just right, with all of your favorite flavorings in it...Or not? Just cool enough that you semi-slurp it because you know it will burn your lips. The expectation of waiting for it to be ready.
I wake up this morning, and stumble to let the puppy out, and then stumble back to bed to wait for my eyes to open. I sat there watching TODAY and listening to the birds. Finally one eye opens, and then the other, and they were not burning. After about an hour, I get up to go make a pot of coffee, and the pot is very warm.??? Donna must have gotten up early and made a pot, as there was almost a full pot left. I wish I had known it was ready!!
I poured myself a cup, and reached for the Coffeemate. IM OUT!!! arrgghhhhhhh! I LOVE coffeemate in my coffee. Two heaping spoons of it and 1 package of sweet and low. I look in the fridge, and no half and half either. So into the cupboard for a can of evaporated milk. (yuck) I get my coffee into the office, and settle in. Reach for the mug as XP is doing it's thing. I reach my top lip over the rim of the mug ready for the hot coffee to burn it, and take that first cooling SLURP! BLETCH!!!! PTEWEY! YUCK! GROSS!
The coffee had that burnt taste that coffee gets when it has sat for too long, and the rich creamy taste of Coffeemate was not there, and the sweet and low was bitter to boot!
MY MORNING IS RUINED!!!!!!!! What am I going to do? I go back into the kitchen and heat up another cup in the microwave, and add 2 sweet and lows and a dollop of whipped cream. That made it somewhat better, but not at all what I was wanting.
I will have to get my butt dressed and go to the store so this will not be repeated tomorrow! It was so disappointing. And it was not Donnas fault either. I'm sure HER coffee was fine, as it was fresh and not 3 hours old.
I wake up this morning, and stumble to let the puppy out, and then stumble back to bed to wait for my eyes to open. I sat there watching TODAY and listening to the birds. Finally one eye opens, and then the other, and they were not burning. After about an hour, I get up to go make a pot of coffee, and the pot is very warm.??? Donna must have gotten up early and made a pot, as there was almost a full pot left. I wish I had known it was ready!!
I poured myself a cup, and reached for the Coffeemate. IM OUT!!! arrgghhhhhhh! I LOVE coffeemate in my coffee. Two heaping spoons of it and 1 package of sweet and low. I look in the fridge, and no half and half either. So into the cupboard for a can of evaporated milk. (yuck) I get my coffee into the office, and settle in. Reach for the mug as XP is doing it's thing. I reach my top lip over the rim of the mug ready for the hot coffee to burn it, and take that first cooling SLURP! BLETCH!!!! PTEWEY! YUCK! GROSS!
The coffee had that burnt taste that coffee gets when it has sat for too long, and the rich creamy taste of Coffeemate was not there, and the sweet and low was bitter to boot!
MY MORNING IS RUINED!!!!!!!! What am I going to do? I go back into the kitchen and heat up another cup in the microwave, and add 2 sweet and lows and a dollop of whipped cream. That made it somewhat better, but not at all what I was wanting.
I will have to get my butt dressed and go to the store so this will not be repeated tomorrow! It was so disappointing. And it was not Donnas fault either. I'm sure HER coffee was fine, as it was fresh and not 3 hours old.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Happy Canada Day to all my Northern Friends!
Drive safe, and have fun! Do you get just the day off, or is it a loooong weekend?
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I just finished putting the paint on the walls in my bathroom. I just got really tired of all the white, so I have been looking for a color I liked, and settled on a dusty lavender. The bedroom will be that color too. I will paint the trim a white color. Right now it is oak stained pine, and is looking a little dated. So off it comes, and I will slap two coats of white on them and then put them back on. The ceiling will be white too. I may put a pretty border of flowers around the top, but I doubt it. I would love to have crown molding, but the ceiling is too low I think. I may try it.
I got the rest of the paint to finish off the gutters today too, so hopefully I will get that done this weekend before the storm hits, and then my house will finally be painted on the outside, and I can cross THAT off my list of unfinished projects.
Ya'll have a good Holiday, and the rest of us will try to on Sunday!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
The dog with the "sticky-up Ears"
Donna has been pouring over the internet sites on Dogs. She is looking for the perfect dog. One that is Loyal, Lovable, big, and friendly, but will protect her at all costs. When we were watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February she saw several that she liked.
We really liked the Best of Show "josh" who was a newfoundland Retreiver He was really cool. Then there was the German Shepard, who is very Loyal, and the Otter Hound what a DOG! but she remembered one she really liked. "You know the one Mom, The Dog with the Sticky-up ears?"
No, I didn't...and google didnt know either...so off to the AKC site we went looking for the dog with the sticky-up ears...
BRIARD
So now she is on a hunt to find someone with Briards, so she can see one in person, and then find out how much they cost. I just saw a site for Briard Rescue, so we may go there too. She is liable to find out they are waaaaaaay out of her price range. But now you know folks, The Dog with the "sticky-up ears" is a Briard.
wierd looking thing with a cute face...has all the requirements! (sheesh)
We really liked the Best of Show "josh" who was a newfoundland Retreiver He was really cool. Then there was the German Shepard, who is very Loyal, and the Otter Hound what a DOG! but she remembered one she really liked. "You know the one Mom, The Dog with the Sticky-up ears?"
No, I didn't...and google didnt know either...so off to the AKC site we went looking for the dog with the sticky-up ears...
BRIARD
So now she is on a hunt to find someone with Briards, so she can see one in person, and then find out how much they cost. I just saw a site for Briard Rescue, so we may go there too. She is liable to find out they are waaaaaaay out of her price range. But now you know folks, The Dog with the "sticky-up ears" is a Briard.
wierd looking thing with a cute face...has all the requirements! (sheesh)
Monday, June 28, 2004
10,000 hits!
Who would've guessed a year ago that I would have 10,000 people read my page! Not me! I thought I was doing good when Donna read my blog and it showed two hits a week! I was thrilled...now I don't know what to think! the 10000 visitor is from Belgium, and a person who was doing a search for Mom and Porn! Go figure...and here I had a little prezzie to give out to the lucky hitter-upon-my-site. Maybe I should give it to the next one up? or Back? Or should I put you all in a hat and draw names? or should I stick a tail on the map and give it to the blogger closest to the pin? hmmmmmmmmmm Whatcha think?
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Practical Magic
Tonight on ABC is the movie Practical Magic. Starts right now at 9:00. This movie was filmed RIGHT HERE! The town scenes they show are our little town of Coupeville, and the house is on the next Island over on San Juan Island. My Son in Law worked as Security on the set while they were filming it. It is a hokey movie, but the town scenes are real. and the townspeople were used as extras in it. NO not Phyllis and I we Had to work!
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The weather has turned really Fallish! The wind is from the Noth and has a nasty bite to it. THe sun is still hot, but it is cool in the wind. The fourth of July must be coming!! It is always nasty on the forth. We go down to the beach and watch the rest of the Cove light off their fireworks. They shoot them over the water, and the wind usually blows them right back at us. It is really cool to be down there though...100's of people all doing their thing with the fireworks, and the town across the water shooting off theirs.
I grilled ribs today. cooked them for 3 hours them grilled them with bbq sauce. Had grilled asparagas, and corn on the cob. THe ribs were terrible. they were tough, and chewy, even if they did taste good. Sadie is having a ball with the rib bones though. i put them in the freezer and will dole them out one at a time. If I gave them all to her, I would have holes all through the garden. (As if the rats haven't dug enough)
I have new neighbors right next door, and Sadie is barking at everything they do. She does not know them yet, so the baby crying makes her bark, which makes the baby cry which maeks her bark...this is gonna be fun!!! NOT! I wish I could get her to stop barking on command and come when she is called. THen I could handle the rest. She is so good with pottie. She will be a year old in three weeks... this year went so fast!!!
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Donna spent over three hours on line looking at dog pictures. She knows she cant get a puppy right now, but at least she is healing. She will end up with another stray from some box in front of Safeway, or a foundling at the pound. I know her. It will be an odd looking thing with a cute face. That is how she picked her Husband!....Shame! Did I say that?
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The weather has turned really Fallish! The wind is from the Noth and has a nasty bite to it. THe sun is still hot, but it is cool in the wind. The fourth of July must be coming!! It is always nasty on the forth. We go down to the beach and watch the rest of the Cove light off their fireworks. They shoot them over the water, and the wind usually blows them right back at us. It is really cool to be down there though...100's of people all doing their thing with the fireworks, and the town across the water shooting off theirs.
I grilled ribs today. cooked them for 3 hours them grilled them with bbq sauce. Had grilled asparagas, and corn on the cob. THe ribs were terrible. they were tough, and chewy, even if they did taste good. Sadie is having a ball with the rib bones though. i put them in the freezer and will dole them out one at a time. If I gave them all to her, I would have holes all through the garden. (As if the rats haven't dug enough)
I have new neighbors right next door, and Sadie is barking at everything they do. She does not know them yet, so the baby crying makes her bark, which makes the baby cry which maeks her bark...this is gonna be fun!!! NOT! I wish I could get her to stop barking on command and come when she is called. THen I could handle the rest. She is so good with pottie. She will be a year old in three weeks... this year went so fast!!!
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Donna spent over three hours on line looking at dog pictures. She knows she cant get a puppy right now, but at least she is healing. She will end up with another stray from some box in front of Safeway, or a foundling at the pound. I know her. It will be an odd looking thing with a cute face. That is how she picked her Husband!....Shame! Did I say that?
cough cough HACK cough Sniff COugh HACK
I have coughed so much today that I almost passed out while driving home from the drug store. I feel like I am trying to hack up a lung! It comes from deep down in my chest and rolls up into my throat. GADS! I went and got some RObitussin PE Cough Syrup this morning, and that seems to help. I feel ok just have a runny nose and this damned cough. When one is old and ones parts are wearing out, one does not NEED to cough really hard. If you get my drift!! I hate this crap! I am so damned tired of being tired and old and sick. I want to be young and fit and well again. Oh WAIT!!! I never was fit and well. I always had something wrong with me. arrgghhh....maybe in my next life!!!
Sadie is being a teenager in the true meaning of the word!! She has a mind of her own right now, and if she does not want to do something, she wont!! I could not catch her last night to put her in her pen for the night, so she slept under my bed until she thought I was asleep and then up on the bed she came. I reached down to grab her and back under the bed she went. Ok says I Let's see what she does with an all-nighter in mommies room. FIrst icecube hit the tray in the middle of the night and she was out in the hallway barking like crazy. tried to get her agian. back under the bed. Tonight I tried to get her to go outside to pottie before she went to bed, but she did not want to go. under the bed she went, so I turned out the lights and faked it until she got on the bed and I grabbed the little witch and put her in her pen!! She is so damned cute, but sassy as Hell and STUBBURN!!!!!
I want to thank you all for DOnna for the nice comments you made about Bandit. Donna is really taking it hard. SHe broke down when she got home, and he did not meet her at the door. THey are having him cremated and they will scatter him under the tree right next to his kitty that he loved. She is so heartbroken. I wish I could do something for her, but this is something she will have to work through for herself. She has been talking about someday getting a German Shepard Puppy, and I would not be too surprised if she came home with one in the next few months. It really helps you get over the loss.
Sadie is being a teenager in the true meaning of the word!! She has a mind of her own right now, and if she does not want to do something, she wont!! I could not catch her last night to put her in her pen for the night, so she slept under my bed until she thought I was asleep and then up on the bed she came. I reached down to grab her and back under the bed she went. Ok says I Let's see what she does with an all-nighter in mommies room. FIrst icecube hit the tray in the middle of the night and she was out in the hallway barking like crazy. tried to get her agian. back under the bed. Tonight I tried to get her to go outside to pottie before she went to bed, but she did not want to go. under the bed she went, so I turned out the lights and faked it until she got on the bed and I grabbed the little witch and put her in her pen!! She is so damned cute, but sassy as Hell and STUBBURN!!!!!
I want to thank you all for DOnna for the nice comments you made about Bandit. Donna is really taking it hard. SHe broke down when she got home, and he did not meet her at the door. THey are having him cremated and they will scatter him under the tree right next to his kitty that he loved. She is so heartbroken. I wish I could do something for her, but this is something she will have to work through for herself. She has been talking about someday getting a German Shepard Puppy, and I would not be too surprised if she came home with one in the next few months. It really helps you get over the loss.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Bandit commonly called Bubba 1991-2004
Donna's Husband Bill called today to tell me that Bubba had to be put to sleep. He did not want to tell Donna while she was driving home, so He asked me to tell her when she got here.
Bandit got out, and ran into the street, which is something he NEVER does, and was hit by a lady in a pickup. A neighbor rushed him to the vet, and called Bill, but he was too badly hurt to save.
This is devastating to all of us. He raised Sadie, and she would not go outside without Bubba-dog. unfortunately she was too rough on him, as he had arthritis bad, so DOnna took him back to Ellensburg.
He was Donna's Soulmate. She does not really care for animals, but tolerates them, and he followed her down the street when he was just a puppy. She took him back, and he jumped out of the box where they were giving away puppies, and followed her down the street again. It was Fate. She owned a dog. Where ever DOnna went, Bandit went.
He loved her and she loved him. She called about 10 this evening and said she was going home, she had called Bill from the Ferry line, and he told her. This is like losing her child. I feel so terribly bad for her and Bill.
Why do these Damn animals worm their way into your heart like this. I hope that where ever Bubba-dog is right now, that there are lots of open spaces for him to run, and lots of doggie friends to play with. He was a wonderful animal.
You will have to excuse me tonight, I cant see the keys through the tears. and the nose is running down my face...
Bandit got out, and ran into the street, which is something he NEVER does, and was hit by a lady in a pickup. A neighbor rushed him to the vet, and called Bill, but he was too badly hurt to save.
This is devastating to all of us. He raised Sadie, and she would not go outside without Bubba-dog. unfortunately she was too rough on him, as he had arthritis bad, so DOnna took him back to Ellensburg.
He was Donna's Soulmate. She does not really care for animals, but tolerates them, and he followed her down the street when he was just a puppy. She took him back, and he jumped out of the box where they were giving away puppies, and followed her down the street again. It was Fate. She owned a dog. Where ever DOnna went, Bandit went.
He loved her and she loved him. She called about 10 this evening and said she was going home, she had called Bill from the Ferry line, and he told her. This is like losing her child. I feel so terribly bad for her and Bill.
Why do these Damn animals worm their way into your heart like this. I hope that where ever Bubba-dog is right now, that there are lots of open spaces for him to run, and lots of doggie friends to play with. He was a wonderful animal.
You will have to excuse me tonight, I cant see the keys through the tears. and the nose is running down my face...
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Whoops!!
I got this picture today in an email from a friend. This picture was taken by an unknown person in Petersburg, AK. Either one STUPID cat or one STUPID eagle!
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Clam Digging
Every year, Dad would watch the tide charts for the lowest tides of the year, usually called a minus tide. These Tides came around the middle of June and the lowest ones were a –3.0 feet. This meant that the tide was going to go waaaay out and the best clam beds would be revealed.
We would pack up our gear, (which in our case consisted of a short handled shovel and burlap bags, and a good pair of throw away shoes. These shoes were like tennis shoes, that were too worn out to wear to school, but had a good bottom on them so that we would not cut our feet on the barnacles.) and head for the beach. In 1956, there were not too many people on the Island, and Dad knew of a really good place on base, that was loaded with clams.
We would trudge down the path down the cliff, and out onto the sand bar. Dad would tell us to look for the squirt holes, and when we would find some that were squirting he would dig. He would put a load of sand and rocks up on the bar and us girls would sort through it looking for the right size clams. We would fill the burlap bags, fill in the hole and then head back up the cliff to the car.
Once home, we would fill the galvanized tubs with fresh water and cornmeal and leave them alone in the tub for a day. It was fascinating watching their necks come out to expel the sand and take in the fresh water.
One of our favorite things was fresh steamer clams (the small ones) dipped in garlic butter. Then eaten hot. OH YUM!! For city girls, we did good with new foods. Mom would take the bigger clams and grind them up for chowder, or clam fritters. Oh I have not eaten clam fritters in years!!!!
Every Once in a while the Minus tide would hit in the middle of the night, but that did not stop us. Mom would wake us up, get us dressed, and off we would trudge, grumbling at the late hour. Dad would have the red Coleman lantern, and when we hit the beach, he would pump it up and the hissing of the gas and the burning of the wick was a welcome sight. I was not fond of the dark, and this lantern chased away the goblins. Dad would dig, and we would sort, until the tide started back in, then back we would go to the house and our warm beds, while Mom and Dad feasted on the steamers.
The clam shells were always relegated to either the trash pile, or the back yard to be used as doll dishes, once the ants had picked them clean. When you were raised in the Navy you did not have many things, as back then we were not allowed a lot of household effects, so we made our own toys, and clam shells were used as dishes, furniture, clothes, utensils etc.
Yesterday driving into town, I noticed the tide was out again, but the good sites have either been over dug, or are closed because of contamination. The site on Base was closed because it was depleted, and the ones in the cove were closed because of either fecal contamination or red-tide which is an algae bloom that can paralyze you if you eat the shellfish. I thought back to the good old days when we could go down and get what we wanted without fear of contamination. Before Rachel Carson’s SILENT SPRING, before the Island was “discovered” and over populated. When we could safely wander the back roads on our bikes and not be afraid of speeders or weirdo’s. I wonder if there are any places left like that? SIGH!
We would pack up our gear, (which in our case consisted of a short handled shovel and burlap bags, and a good pair of throw away shoes. These shoes were like tennis shoes, that were too worn out to wear to school, but had a good bottom on them so that we would not cut our feet on the barnacles.) and head for the beach. In 1956, there were not too many people on the Island, and Dad knew of a really good place on base, that was loaded with clams.
We would trudge down the path down the cliff, and out onto the sand bar. Dad would tell us to look for the squirt holes, and when we would find some that were squirting he would dig. He would put a load of sand and rocks up on the bar and us girls would sort through it looking for the right size clams. We would fill the burlap bags, fill in the hole and then head back up the cliff to the car.
Once home, we would fill the galvanized tubs with fresh water and cornmeal and leave them alone in the tub for a day. It was fascinating watching their necks come out to expel the sand and take in the fresh water.
One of our favorite things was fresh steamer clams (the small ones) dipped in garlic butter. Then eaten hot. OH YUM!! For city girls, we did good with new foods. Mom would take the bigger clams and grind them up for chowder, or clam fritters. Oh I have not eaten clam fritters in years!!!!
Every Once in a while the Minus tide would hit in the middle of the night, but that did not stop us. Mom would wake us up, get us dressed, and off we would trudge, grumbling at the late hour. Dad would have the red Coleman lantern, and when we hit the beach, he would pump it up and the hissing of the gas and the burning of the wick was a welcome sight. I was not fond of the dark, and this lantern chased away the goblins. Dad would dig, and we would sort, until the tide started back in, then back we would go to the house and our warm beds, while Mom and Dad feasted on the steamers.
The clam shells were always relegated to either the trash pile, or the back yard to be used as doll dishes, once the ants had picked them clean. When you were raised in the Navy you did not have many things, as back then we were not allowed a lot of household effects, so we made our own toys, and clam shells were used as dishes, furniture, clothes, utensils etc.
Yesterday driving into town, I noticed the tide was out again, but the good sites have either been over dug, or are closed because of contamination. The site on Base was closed because it was depleted, and the ones in the cove were closed because of either fecal contamination or red-tide which is an algae bloom that can paralyze you if you eat the shellfish. I thought back to the good old days when we could go down and get what we wanted without fear of contamination. Before Rachel Carson’s SILENT SPRING, before the Island was “discovered” and over populated. When we could safely wander the back roads on our bikes and not be afraid of speeders or weirdo’s. I wonder if there are any places left like that? SIGH!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
SLOOOOOOOOW DAY
I have been trying to blogwalk since 900 this morning, and everything is soooooo sloooooowwwww loading. Even Leslie, who is usually fast. I could not get my blog to pop up either, had to disconnect and reconnect three times. THen I could not get into to haloscan to read comments. So PHHHHFFFFFTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I give up!
I will try later tonite to write something, THat is if I get Computer time. otherwise, I'll see ya tomorrow!!
I will try later tonite to write something, THat is if I get Computer time. otherwise, I'll see ya tomorrow!!
Monday, June 21, 2004
The First Day of Summer
The first day of Summer after School let out was always magical. We had the Whole long summer to look forward to, and plenty of places to explore. Usually we ended up staying home, because Dad’s Leave was usually used to transfer on. But that was fine, there were forests to explore, beaches to walk, cliffs to climb, clams to dig, fields to wander through, and friends to see.
One of the wonders to me was being able to go where we wanted to, without Mom warning us not to go off the block. Living in the country had its advantages. We could climb to the top of a fir tree, and swing back and forth at each other, being careful not to climb up where the top would bend and break, but up high enough that we could see over the top of the barn! The boys were amazed that us girls could climb a tree! Daring us ever higher. Popping pitch pockets on the trunk was fun. The bubbles were just begging to burst, so we helped them. The resinous smell was intoxicating. And getting it into our long pigtails was a badge of honor.
We would go down to the beach at low tide and wonder at the weird stuff in the tide pools. Being raised in the city, we had never seen wonders such as these. Sea anemones that would turn inside out when poked with a stick. Jellyfish that we were told were called Man o Wars. Big reddish purple ugly things with really loooong tentacles. These creatures were intriguing, but you did not want to touch them, as they would sting you like mad!
One of the warnings Dad gave to us was to stay off the cliffs and out of the caves, as they could collapse easily and bury us alive. This was a warning we heeded for about ½ a day, then up the cliffs, and into the caves we would go. These caves were not really big, as they were dug by other kids in the sandy loam the cliffs were made of. The glacial till that was deposited here to make the Islands, was a conglomerate of sandy loam and clay, intermixed with gravel. Great for digging into. The clay was the stabilizer , and when it was wet, it was concrete!! So we would mine these clay deposits and stucco the walls of the caves with the clay! (now mind you these “caves” were only in about 4 feet) We used clam shells for dishes and beach wood for “furniture” What Fun!
As I grew and we moved around the Pacific, I still remember the magic of living there in Penn Cove. We were brought back here in 1961 and my parents never left. They ended up retiring here, and that was the first time our family had ROOTS!
When I was in High School, the first day of summer meant that I got to help my friends’ Dad out with the haying. I would walk up to their farm, and help get the hay onto truck. It was our job to drag it off the shoulders of the guys who were hoisting it up to the truck, and hand it off to the guys who were up on top of the stack. I would get hay scratches all over my arms and legs, but I loved it.
On the walk through the fields the meadowlark would be sitting on a fence singing his little heart out. The rabbits would be scurrying away, babies bouncing along behind them. It was magical! A steady breeze blowing in from the sound cooled us down, and dried the sweat into salty bands around our necks.
Today As I was driving to the bank, The same feelings came back to me, the sky was blue, the breeze was warm, the tide was low, the hay bales were in the fields, and the forests were dark green.
I thought back to those wonderful days over 40 years ago and wondered if that innocent young girl ever knew that she would grow into the woman that I became. I know that I envisioned things a lot differently than they turned out.
Last night I lay there in bed listening to the fog horns down on the Sound, and the deep Low Mourn of the freighters trying to feel their way through the narrows. I was looking up into clear skies, so knew that the fog that had formed was the cause of the really hot day we had yesterday. The cool water and the warm air causes fog to form on the water. It can be quite thick, and take all day to burn off.
I drove back to Coupeville by way of West Beach Road, and there off the beach was the low bank of fog, still laying there, making the people walking on the beach look very ephemeral.
I wanted to get out and walk the edge of the low water, but I had the wrong shoes on and would sink up to my ankles. It was with regret that I pulled away and left my day dreaming to another day.
One of the wonders to me was being able to go where we wanted to, without Mom warning us not to go off the block. Living in the country had its advantages. We could climb to the top of a fir tree, and swing back and forth at each other, being careful not to climb up where the top would bend and break, but up high enough that we could see over the top of the barn! The boys were amazed that us girls could climb a tree! Daring us ever higher. Popping pitch pockets on the trunk was fun. The bubbles were just begging to burst, so we helped them. The resinous smell was intoxicating. And getting it into our long pigtails was a badge of honor.
We would go down to the beach at low tide and wonder at the weird stuff in the tide pools. Being raised in the city, we had never seen wonders such as these. Sea anemones that would turn inside out when poked with a stick. Jellyfish that we were told were called Man o Wars. Big reddish purple ugly things with really loooong tentacles. These creatures were intriguing, but you did not want to touch them, as they would sting you like mad!
One of the warnings Dad gave to us was to stay off the cliffs and out of the caves, as they could collapse easily and bury us alive. This was a warning we heeded for about ½ a day, then up the cliffs, and into the caves we would go. These caves were not really big, as they were dug by other kids in the sandy loam the cliffs were made of. The glacial till that was deposited here to make the Islands, was a conglomerate of sandy loam and clay, intermixed with gravel. Great for digging into. The clay was the stabilizer , and when it was wet, it was concrete!! So we would mine these clay deposits and stucco the walls of the caves with the clay! (now mind you these “caves” were only in about 4 feet) We used clam shells for dishes and beach wood for “furniture” What Fun!
As I grew and we moved around the Pacific, I still remember the magic of living there in Penn Cove. We were brought back here in 1961 and my parents never left. They ended up retiring here, and that was the first time our family had ROOTS!
When I was in High School, the first day of summer meant that I got to help my friends’ Dad out with the haying. I would walk up to their farm, and help get the hay onto truck. It was our job to drag it off the shoulders of the guys who were hoisting it up to the truck, and hand it off to the guys who were up on top of the stack. I would get hay scratches all over my arms and legs, but I loved it.
On the walk through the fields the meadowlark would be sitting on a fence singing his little heart out. The rabbits would be scurrying away, babies bouncing along behind them. It was magical! A steady breeze blowing in from the sound cooled us down, and dried the sweat into salty bands around our necks.
Today As I was driving to the bank, The same feelings came back to me, the sky was blue, the breeze was warm, the tide was low, the hay bales were in the fields, and the forests were dark green.
I thought back to those wonderful days over 40 years ago and wondered if that innocent young girl ever knew that she would grow into the woman that I became. I know that I envisioned things a lot differently than they turned out.
Last night I lay there in bed listening to the fog horns down on the Sound, and the deep Low Mourn of the freighters trying to feel their way through the narrows. I was looking up into clear skies, so knew that the fog that had formed was the cause of the really hot day we had yesterday. The cool water and the warm air causes fog to form on the water. It can be quite thick, and take all day to burn off.
I drove back to Coupeville by way of West Beach Road, and there off the beach was the low bank of fog, still laying there, making the people walking on the beach look very ephemeral.
I wanted to get out and walk the edge of the low water, but I had the wrong shoes on and would sink up to my ankles. It was with regret that I pulled away and left my day dreaming to another day.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Happy Father's Day Dad!
When we were little, We were transfered across the pacific ocean every two years. Dad was always allowed to travel with us, and it made for a vacation like atmosphere. We always departed from San Fransico, Calif. No matter where we were stationed last. We would have to drive to Salinas, Ca and spend the night with my Aunt Dutch, then Dad would change into his dress uniform and off we would go the next day to leave for either Hawaii, or Guam.
We travelled via Transport ships run by either the US ARMY or the US NAVY, and it was quite a trip. Every time we left, we would get our pictures taken for Dad's military Records, and depending on how good they were, We always got copies.
This particular trip was on the way to Guam in 1951. Phyllis was 2 and I was 5. We had just spent two years in Hawaii, and our next duty station was across the pacific again. We have cruised across the Pacific a total of 6 times in our very young lives. And each time was an experience. I always got seasick, and ended up hanging over the rail all day watching the water so I would not get sick. Mom and Dad of course played the adult games, while we just played with our few toys that we were allowed to bring.
I always remember my Dad on these trips, because he was with us all day, while the other Dads were not allowed to be with their families. It was a fun time. We learned so much about geography from Dad. I can remember sitting on top of our Quonset hut at night, watching for the glow from Johnson Island Atoll, as an atom bomb test went off. I also remember seeing the glow from erupting valcanoes on Hawaii.
We stopped at Eniwetok Atoll, which is no longer there, and disembarked passengers that were to live there.
It was a real adventure. I miss my Dad very much. I still talk to him every once in awhile.
Thanks for the Memories Dad. You done us good!!
We travelled via Transport ships run by either the US ARMY or the US NAVY, and it was quite a trip. Every time we left, we would get our pictures taken for Dad's military Records, and depending on how good they were, We always got copies.
This particular trip was on the way to Guam in 1951. Phyllis was 2 and I was 5. We had just spent two years in Hawaii, and our next duty station was across the pacific again. We have cruised across the Pacific a total of 6 times in our very young lives. And each time was an experience. I always got seasick, and ended up hanging over the rail all day watching the water so I would not get sick. Mom and Dad of course played the adult games, while we just played with our few toys that we were allowed to bring.
I always remember my Dad on these trips, because he was with us all day, while the other Dads were not allowed to be with their families. It was a fun time. We learned so much about geography from Dad. I can remember sitting on top of our Quonset hut at night, watching for the glow from Johnson Island Atoll, as an atom bomb test went off. I also remember seeing the glow from erupting valcanoes on Hawaii.
We stopped at Eniwetok Atoll, which is no longer there, and disembarked passengers that were to live there.
It was a real adventure. I miss my Dad very much. I still talk to him every once in awhile.
Thanks for the Memories Dad. You done us good!!
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