Get A Hankie

Mid April you may remember our impromptu coffee/photo visit with our Heather. Here are more results. I want to point out the tummy hand shot where both Stephanie ( mommy) and I, (Nonni) are wearing James' bracelots, on new baby Jamie's tum....:::shaking head in bewilderment:::Just precious and painful I say.............
Thanks Moomp Photography:)

Seagulls In The Yard?

You peoples remember me telling you about one of my trips to Costco admiring seagulls in the parking lot? Well, guess what? They are now above my yard! I cant believe that! Its just amazing to me, really. ::::pinching myself:::: How cool is that I ask ya?I have been walking around looking for messes, but, nope... clean! Maybe they just pass by to see whats going on. Maybe checking in on me? At any rate, its just fantastic to watch. I havent been able to spend much time pondering out there, but I'll get to it... the very first underwear day you can betcha I'll be on that deck I spy-ing seagulls and wondering who or what they are. ::wink to ronda::

We are still hard at work here. All moved in, all moved out, and Lordy you should see the mess. A bit overwhelming every hour of everyday. I take time out to ice my knee at least once a day, and I really hope that it gets stronger as I go. Poor Walt is as drained as I am... and still he "deals" with me. Tracy's cast was cut off, and I got a picture of it! ( wondering who cut it off arentcha?) What? I needed help here! work with me...... Hey Mary, you didnt warn me about this moving stuff....grrrrrr

Julie came to help for 2 days, and I for one was happy as a clam... oh wait... clam is Pismo, what is Morro? hmmmmm

June, ones empty, ones full.... Im closing in slowly, but the studio is packed deep and I cant figure out how to fix that yet.....lol My 2 weeks down time may have just been underestimated:(.

I have appointments coming up., so I better hurry.. ( yeah right, go faster up the stairs?) I never did finish my medallion Sampler.... I got so freaked out with the movers around I couldnt FIND any of Carla's artistic harmony! So she was stabilized and unloaded... quilt another day I say....

Back to the grind... I cant find my shoes, and thats down right unacceptable!

Love yer guts

Organized Chaos

It doesnt matter that I had best laid plans, numbered boxes with corresponding signs throughout the new house. No matter that the kitchen is filled and operable to feed and water the TEAM while working.....
I didnt matter that I had control over the entire convoy of trucks, and what went in them. It is STILL a master disaster over here! (and over there).
:::::::::::BUT::::::::::::
I AM WIRELESS AND COMMUNICATIVE!! YIPPEE!!!
(Thanks Babe:)
Coffee in hand round midnight last night, I sat on the deck overlooking the bay. A magnificent site that I just cant wait to share! My queeny wicker chair made it over without her pad and I stuck in the middle of the deck, pensive and incredibly tired, I pondered the future. I wont tell you that Im not afraid, because I am. I am also determined to be return to a happy life with my family and friends. I guess I just dont know how to get there yet. I wish that Karen and Jake were here, but it turns out that they too are in a move. Karen and the fam closed escrow and set up movers at about the same time as we did. How Ironic was that? We have been texting each other for days screaming our heads off about organized chaos, and missing our Munz......
I am ever so grateful for our choice in movers... they really knocked themselves out with no breakage yet! ( more days to come, knock on wood). They "babied" everything in the shop just as I requested. Greta was of course treated to the ride in the back of the Solara with the top down. I wonder if anyone noticed us and pondered what that machine was in the back seat?
Pictures when I can, Im off to work some more. Hope you're having a NON working Memorial day!

Checking In-Checking Out

Only two and a half years here. I have never lived in a home such a short time. I just found the stuff in the short closet!!! I think that before this, the shortest time in a home was 12 years in a rental before we bought in the valley. The good news is.... you get to purge more often??? Work with me.. trying to find good stuff here. I have decided that its really not a good idea to keep moving as you continue to get older. We forget too easily! I have marked boxes with names, numbers and floors, and I have yet to find the box that I put the coffee grinder in! No, Im not unpacking yet, I just packed the grinder too soon. I woke up needing a cuppa Morning Fog Lifter ( SLO COFFEE CO) and I couldnt accomodate myself. grunt.

The house is looking quite bare now, sounding hollow too. A very eery feeling indeed. Rudy is quite nervous the past couple days.. he can see somethings going on and it looks like change to him too. I put his travel cage next to his playgym last week, in order to get him thinking. It worked. He flips his head sideways to see it and asks "Whats goin On?" He is pretty adaptable, so I know he will be fine. Ginger however got to go to the new home yesterday and wouldnt leave my ankle for a second! (this makes for difficult walks upstairs with boxes in hand). Speaking of.... OMG do I ache in the backs of my legs! My knee is wrapped and holding up. (TY 800 Ibpropens).

I'll be going dark a few days. I hope its just a few days. If I dont get my daily web cam fix of my grand daughter, I feel really yucky! Can you bribe the cable guy? Hmmmmmm

I hope that you all enjoy your 3 day week end. I'll have busy hands and mind. ( helps?) I'll leave you with newest happy pic of my Avi.... cant you just melt???

Always The Teacher

A very difficult Mothers Day was anticipated, but turned out pretty "OK" when at 9:00 am . coffee in hand, jammied up and swollen eyed, I answered the front door to Kids & Grandkids! Yep yep yep... Karen and the kids, Jake, Steph and Shawn yelled surprise!!! Wheres breakfast?? (music to my ears)And we all cried some more. It sure helps to have them close in times like these. I know its a difficult trip.. especially on a Sunday. I think you should just move here K?
Pappa was on the case for Bisquits N Gravy, bacon N eggs. (He makes the bestest) While the rest of us were in the shop checking out quilts, he and Aviana slaved away in the kitchen. He set up her own station and taught her how to make the biscuits. She was captivated for an hour!
We had a great visit and even in towers of boxes in every room of the house, made it through with some great (read appreciated) company.
Thanks kids:) I love you. Jamie, I miss you. I played with your crystal "Mom" figurine from last year.

Moving Day One

OK, So while the floor is going down, I decided the important stuff could make the trip with me personally. The china, crystal, and the important signage.

Tracy and I unpacked while Walt slaved away down in the shop. The floor is gorgeous! I need a new business, Hire A Hubby!!! He just does everything:) One more week of quilting before the shop and Greta gets broken down... :::Nervous::::

My New View

Hi guys, I keep forgetting to get pics but I will?Its about the same from the beach as here. One mile uphill. Enough to outrun a tsunami I say.::wink::Morro Bay Heights. Walt is in 7th heaven to be in a beloved fishing community. We spent the day there today making lists for home depot and listening to the ships horns as they were coming into the bay. (I hope I get used to that?) Walt is hard at work on a studio remodel for me. Laminate floors go in tomorrow, and I get to help (joy) The floor plan is reverse now, with living quarters and master upstairs, and guest room ,office on level floor, and studio ground floor. Lets hope my knee co operates with all those stairs eh? The color is quite beachy smurfy blue, and it doesnt thrill me AT ALL, however Im choosing my budget battles wisely. In time... I think Black ~N~ Tan will be my choice.I had it out with realtor about the door, and I lost:( ...So , I guess I could do it myself, I'll put it on the list too. I'll keep you posted:)

Night:) ( I hope)

Maybe I Should Mention

It's 12:30 AM, do you know where your quilty blogger pal is? Yep yep yep.... She's roaming again:(
I cant sleep. News flash eh? I cant turn off my BWAIN! I stepped away from Greta Gammil at 10:00. Went to bed and chatted for awhile, then look out, the night is once again alive. Nowadays I hurry down here so that I can fend off a bad dream. Only problem is, I dont want to work so I end up rotting whats left of my brain with dumb stuff like Fresh Prince of Belair on Nick at night! ::::Grrrr:::::
Maybe I should have stowed away in Debs suitcase afterall and gone to MQS......I'm so proud of the wins of my colleagues. You girls got it goin on this year! Congratulations!
Maybe I should tell you about our impending move.... Yes, big changes. We have had a deal in the works to move for awhile now, and now its official. I'll post pics of our new humble abode when I can. I'm happy that Walts daily commute will be a thing of the past, however Im not happy about leaving this area, and of course, MOVING a 2 story house again.... Man oh Man. June brings many things, schools out for summer, the move, and a few others, I think you're on a need to know basis since I learned recently that NOTHING in life is written in stone or guaranteed by any means. Stay tuned?
Maybe I should tell you that AT our new home one of the "deals" was to re-paint the house... and those bozos painted the oak front door because they couldnt get out the rough spots? So now it looks like the front door of Papa Smurf!!! The home is a really a nice beachy type 2 story. The kind that screams for Adirondack rockers on the top deck...gorgeous views.... I'm loving most things I can do to update the 1980's look, but come on people.... papa smurf blue?
Maybe I should tell you about our house guest? My friend Tracy is staying with us for a short time while she heals a broken arm. I want you to know that I still have her packing boxes with her good one.
Maybe I should tell you that I am REALLY missing coffeetime with my gal pals lately.
Maybe I should tell you how ticked off I am that the supreme court overturned my vote this morning? For the first time ever in my adult life, I heard myself saying... Well why in the hell did I vote then????? It made me feel unimportant, and I soooo hate that eh?
Maybe I should mention that it doesnt take much to set me off these days. I feel so edgy all the time? You know that saying "I'm out of estrogen and I gotta gun"? Well... good thing I dont.
Maybe I should say that I am all caught up with my quilting, and I'm THIS ::::pinching fingers on right hand:::: close to working on one of my own:)
Maybe I should go to sleep... yes, sleep.... :::sigh::: I remember that too.
Maybe I should say thanks, u guys are better than Nick at night:)

Happy Mother's Day To All

Often times, and this is one of them... it just cannot be true. It cannot be real. Dear God give him back, please give him back.

Water, Tastefully So

Ok, How many of you actually try my lil tips ~N~ tricks anyway? Now you know the older I get, the more I know I'm still learning eh? Quite a differance from the "know it all" teenage years for sure.

I'd like to tell you of yet another great FIND I found a few years ago. While spending the day at Sycamore Springs in Avila Beach with Blima, we treated ourselves to many of their wonderful rejuvination choices. Soaking in mineral springs tub, great massage, and a facial! It was during the facial I found a new anti-oxidant , cleansing AND utterly refreshing tool.

Stratigically placed on one of the waiting room tables were beautiful clear pitchers of iced water. Your choice, Water with Lemon, or water with cucumbers. Now water with lemon has always been my first love..but this green concoction was very interesting and I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste, and yep.... it IS very refreshing! I squeeled to Blima how much I loved this new drink...and she promptly told me to switch it out with the wine. PPPfffttt... like that will ever happen eh? At home, I continued to "brew" some cucumber water on a weekly basis and did much research on the healing properties of the vegetable too. I think it stays....said I.

Last week, Walt and I went to one of our favorite mexican joints in Morro Bay called Taco Temple. These guys boast California Fusion... that means... we do everything fresh and less fatty than other mexican joints.. and they mean it too.. its delicious. You wont find any lard laden pinto beans on the menu, rather black beans cooked naturally.... Guess what water they serve? Yep... What a tickle to find cucumber water at a restaurant!

I do still love citrus waters.. but for a welcome change of pace, do try this one.. and google it too... its amazing what this veg can do:)

Blima? I miss you, when you coming for water?

BUT THEN AGAIN..............

You see what a basket case I am? You meander over to Heather/Sarah's blog, and you can see, IN YOUR FACE, just how wonderful 2008 really is if you change your thoughts just a little..... and see my Babies, my heart.... and life moving right along.
Be sure to go have a peek at my grandson Shawns handsome mug, the newborn Emily, her Papa's loving expression, and the soon to be Jamie girl and her mommy and my hands on her easy bake oven:) THAT was a nice run on sentence now wasnt it?
Thanks Heather, for the smile even through tears, and the not so gentle reminder about the heart of life:)
I am so very grateful. Now scuse me while I go phone up half the world to go see.............

I Hate Two Thousand Eight

Yeah... new slogan...
Life as I know it, is just rough for me right now. I want to chat with you, but sometimes I just cant find the words. I find it odd how once in awhile I can write, and then again, I am as frozen as a sour popsicle.
Changes under foot dear blog readers. Please keep us in your prayers as I know you are. Its probobly the only reason I'm still walking and talking at all eh?
I think I may have gone way past the "whats it all about Alphie" crap and gone straight to OMG WHAT IS GOING ON, Stage in life. I somehow know it will all be alright, but at what price? Will I split my days between the team of shrinks and the team of cosmetic surgeons? Noooo dont laugh, you should see my poor aging face! I'll keep you posted as I can.. just hang in there with me, and I know I'll be ok:) I have a great support team. (another team lol). I think I'm grateful to have had one spoon left tonight to check in:)
Night all,
LYG
G

Happy Birthday Karen!

THIS isnt an easy pill to swallow let me tell you! My daughter is 30 something today, and as far as I'm concerned, she must remain in her 30's always in order to make me look good. PERIOD.

She has blossomed into a beautiful woman wearing many hats. ( I dunno where she got that from) Karen, have a wonderful special day, I wish I were there to treat ya that way!!

I love you:) Mom

A New Marketing Plan?

Does anyone else have an issue with being called "Honey" by a perfect stranger?

Well, I do. I have a few quirky issues and thast one of `em. Servers, clerks, anyone who I suppose is being nice, it bugs me! I see u shaking your head.....I was in a crappy mood this morning. I had issues. My knee swelled up from roaming the Seven Sisters quilt show ( which btw was big and great!) I didnt sleep well, ( as usual), Rudy flinged last nights dinner on one of Jamie's pictures (really ticked me off) and When I went to make pancakes at Walts request, the maple syrup had gone bad:(. So off to the local store I go, hobbling, in sweats n crocs... hoping know one would notice me. I would have sent Walt, but he had a mad date with a weed eatter and I wasnt going to interupt. I had already started to load a quilt this morning, so as I'm sure many of you know, the threads just JUMP onto your clothing on a daily basis. I pick n pull before I leave the house, often times missing what I cannot see behind me.

Where am I going with all this you ask?

Well... while in the check out line, a clerk behind me called me said" Oh Honey let me pull this string off your back". Now.... THE NERVE has been touched.. she called me Honey!!! I turned to scold her and in a blink of an eye got a wave of a new marketing idea.

I pulled out my business card ( always handy) and told her that I was a quilter by trade, and there was no escaping this pesky little perk of the job. She said oh really..........................We chatted for awhile and she has a quilt top for me next week. When she comes in, we will get to know each other more.. then she will be allowed to call me "honey". No longer a stranger, money in my pocket, and frown turned upside down.

There. I'll be throwing thread over the back side of my shoulder from now on, and when you, as a stranger call me HONEY, expect to become my client and/or friend.

Happiness really IS a choice.

A Priceless Nonni-ISM?

How I do so enjoy pondering this girls thoughts! You see its in the GENES! Everything! She even swoons over pie! Do you see her licking her fingers just by the mere thought of the taste? PRICELESS I TELL YA...I'm saving this pic for her grown up dieting days:::snicker:::

Last week while with the FAM, we asked, "Where do u want to meet for breakfast?"... The general consensus was Marie Calenders. Now, I shiver when people say this, because I WANT PIE! You don't eat pie for breakfast.... or do you?

Aviana thinks so too!

Time Management

Oh how I know that this subject has been beat to death! BUT..... It's still a huge huge issue with me. Now, understandably, I am not "with" myself and I am aware of that, but I need some skills to practice. To focus. Maybe its discipline needed. ( maybe my eye). Being self employed is rough enough, but being at home, ALONE, intensifies it right? Oh! not to forget being at home, alone, self employed, and in your JAMMIES... Don't misunderstand, I know all of the rules, implementing them is the chore. ( chore is much to light of a word for what Im speaking of too)Could be that my managerial skills have become far too unused and therefore forgotten?How about depression trying to win? Ever read Battle of the Mind by Joyce Meyers? Hmmmmm

I'm pondering this subject this morning in hopes that someone will comment a light bulb moment for me. A refresher course through blog readers. Feedback, input, Team brainstorming..... come on.... Whats your number one self starter? Is it money?

Last evening, I had to brew a cuppa jo around Idol time just to work a few hours longer, and I still fooled around wondering the house! (this wondering business is weird I tell ya). I try very hard to self talk myself into not beating me up so much these days, but wow, I sure can do a number on myself. Rudy's been no help.. he learned a new sentence, and I dont know where from! A few days ago, I'm walking by his tree, and he looked at me, talon extended, and said HOW STUPID! Like he meant it!!!! Where did he hear this from? I stomped off thinking about the cartoon network, and how i wouldnt allow it on anymore.. must have come from Sponge Bob Square pants... Grunt. He is thrilled with his new phrase, and repeats it often now. I walk by and tell him potty mouth, and he just laughs at me.

I cant remember now what blogsite I popped in on, but it was discussing computer time. Walt also says I spend too much time here. Now, admittedly, I spend my first 2 cuppas here, chatting with a box. I can also see a very large monitor from across the studio so I can be reached when emailed or IM'd. BUT:::: If I didnt, I would feel a miss... and frankly, again I say, I work alone, and this has become the hobby that took the place of the quilting hobby. Chatting with a 3 yr old toddler trapped in a bird body, just doesnt cut the mustard. side ponder::: WTF does cut the mustard even mean anyway?:::

Heres yet another sorry excuse... I am still not a morning person, the later the hour, the more creative I become. Some of my best ideas come late in the night, bird put to bed & covered, music on low, hubby snoring above me, and coffee in hand. But then I am dragging to do the 5 am thing? (why sammiches become meatless).

With this emotional roller coaster that I cant get off of, has come many ideas /thoughts for big change. Now yes, I have read countless sites about grieving and the normal urge to do big things... and NOT TO DO THEM. But, I'm telling you, they are still there. I dont wish to bungee jump, not things like that.. but other things... moving is one, and its a common one I read. Now you know I love it here right? Of course right. I dont think that I have to even tell you about the battle going on needing to be near my loved ones. Then theres that horrid commute of Walt's daily. So, the urge is ever present. The house in the valley is still on the market, so we shall see where life goes next. I really fear that question on a daily basis. Well, shoot, haven't I gotten off track? My coffee is cold. I'll be right back, while you think up some earth shattering,mind blowing, epiphanies for me.

Mind Over Matter

I said goodnight last night to Rudy, to the shop, to emails... I declared that Tomorrow would be a better day. ( I should have added a good nights sleep). My day began unwillingly at 4:30 am. grunt. This is actually the first time in my life I have experianced so many unsettling dreams. As I have said before, I can self talk my way out of many a meltdown, but no control over the nights. damn it.

My list isnt getting done, and that bothers me like you wouldnt believe! Its growing which causes anxiety! So today, as declared, I'm all over it again. Its just amazing how things can pile up on me, or more to the point, how I now have no

coping skills/tools for it.

I love this picture of my James.....I know that he loved me too.

I have now an added rush job for the 7 sisters show this weekend.. cant believe it... so Im buried over here...leftovers for dinner too... Loafing meat is on the menu.

Week End Happenings

I'm home, I think.. Am I home? Wow.. what a ride!  I accomplished much this weekend, most importantly loving up family and friends:) We had a photo session with Moomp Photography and I got a sneek peek at a FEW pics... the waiting is difficult for me.. but heres one....and BTW, I just gotta say that we have the best photographer in our family that a family has EVER had!
We are all excited to see the shots of the day and so very grateful too. We had alot of fun playing with all the kids ( well, cept those darn squirt guns)Loved playing Wii though!

My Mom & Dad were checked in on and dad has an ugly Ulcer on his ankle, I'll spare you THAT pic...grunt. Whats next eh?
We, of course went to the cemetary and frankly I dont know if its good or bad for me personally. I was trying to explain this to the kids and Karen gave the best analogy. "its kinda like going to church. You can talk to God wherever, but it feels good when u go to church and talk too.". I'll buy that for a dollar. I often times refer to Sarah telling me in Hawaii, that I have an OWIE. ( shes nearly 3) An owie to beat all, and just wont heal, but these babies are good medicine. I miss my boy, I want MY baby, and thats all I have to say about that.
Shawn is blazing a path now walking everywhere! He loves to hang out in th kitchen.. I think he will love to cook like his Daddy:) The pregnancy is going well for Steak N Jeff...we got some belly shots:::snicker::: Our last grandchild should come in late June. Wow huh? Just wow.

Our Aviana LOVED the playhouse, but no pictures of that one yet as Daddy has to assemble first. ( I cant wait either!) She is officially 3 now, and tells everyone about her presents. Justin is sporting some new Harry Potter glasses, I think its adorable:)A busy week I have ahead of me here. My lists just keep increasing as I dont accomplish them! (I'm seriously trying) I'm off to make more coffee, and wish myself good luck!

Have a marvelous Monday, and altho not listed, Im still thankful for much.

Congratulations Ronda and Desiree!

THIS JUST IN!

call live copter 3!

Ronda and Desiree, who are at MQX (machine quilters exposition)

this week in New Hampshire are taking home the best of the best winning

Best In Show
for her Quilt Essence!!!!

Enjoy the eye candy... Desiree won a ribbon in the Jr. division, for her first " flower power quilt... Congratulations to you both!

I'm feverishly working this week, trying to get caught up so I can go see the FAM.

Happy Birthday Aviana!

Can you even believe that she is 3 years old today? Difficult.
I am gearing up to see her next week end and yes, the torture is on for the perfect gift. I have now gone from American Girl Babies to an outdoor playhouse. Only because while they were here a few weeks ago we had to do a Costco run and she ran screaming down the isle when she saw this playhouse. She went right inside, stuck her head out the side window and yelled Nonni its MY HOUSE!!! ( whats a girl gonna do?) I wish I would have had a camera at that very moment because it was just priceless.
Avi is a pistol for sure. So full of life and claims everyones heart for her own that she comes in contact with. She now has Papa "wrapped"... and he wants very much for her to come play on the beach more often.
The family did Marine World in celebration and Aviana ( I hear) loved the "coaster coasters", look out world is all I can say about that! lol. We are missing cake~N~ice cream tonight, which of course is making me mental, but we will do a repeat when we get there. Period.
Have a great day everyone, I'm chanting that myself... join me in wishing this sweetie a happy birthday:)