Marvelous Monday, Lets Begin Again Shall We?

As you can see, I wont go down without a fight right? Of course right. So... Mondays can and will be marvelous! ( see Tuesday for results)
Gratitude's:

*Good hubby
*Good friends,
* good coffee,
*2 Buck Chuck
*A great place to watch EVERY sunset
*my favorite UGG Slippers
*My buddy Rudy

Ok, so that was this weeks thankfuls... I have lots, I know. That last one needs a discussion. Did you people here about the man who recently died because of a Parrot Fever giving him Pneumonia? Yep... Seems that his daughter exhumed her fathers body to autopsy it and sue Pet Smart! Can u believe that? I googled the illness... sure enough, if I want to get totally paranoid here I would put on my gloves, face mask, and never be around my parrot again! ( thats not happening) It was then that I decided what COULD be adding to my depressive state of mind. I shall delete this habit NOW. Its the dang news! I have news on almost 24/7. Fox, Cnn, Headline... etc.. its kind of like a noise babysitter. I dont have music piped in yet here so the news is next best choice. NOT. I think its adding to my stress! I'm turning it off! I havent heard one positive thing in weeks! I KNOW better than to be around THAT much negativity! I think around 11:00 pm last night, I had sunk to depression times in finances, I was walking around doing self exams thinking I might have breast cancer, I needed to file a lawsuit for pharmaceutical cover up on blood pressure meds, I had to check all locks on the doors because there may or may not be a serial killer loose somewhere in the country, the fire fog and ash might suffocate me before the cancer does me in, and my pets may be killing me!!! Now this is all just up in the air as no one actually SITS down to watch this crap! I got so upset that I tore through the box of DVD's to find a copy of Happy Feet and shoved it into the player! Quick! Change that channel too!!! Ok. Done. Maybe that was a little lightbulb moment too. Dont subliminally let negative crap seap into your brain via newscastors!!
Poor Rudy... and to think I looked at him with fear this morning...tsk tsk.. tsk.... Ginger had a look on her face like " I knew it!Dang bird!"
<-----Going to make a marvelous Monday, and find my music files!!!

A Note About Grief

I'd like to talk about grief. The process for those close to you. Maybe, somehow it can help both you the reader, and me the griever. I truly have so much going on in my world that isn't positive, I think that when I help others, I actually help myself. I want so much for this half of a year hold on rotten-ness to be over... turn it around.. I just cant find a way to do it? I sometimes feel that I am spinning my wheels doing things to make things positive, only to be slammed again. There have been so many life changes around here that its a wonder I'm not running down the street Naked right about now.... its just unimaginable... all of it. I refuse to have a pity party about it.. but whats the dang answer people? So here goes... I am in hopes that it helps someone, including me...

Ways to help a grieving Mother

* Be there. I can't tell you how many people were just there for us. From day one, moment one, even now. Our close friends came by to sit with us. Notice, I say friends. I did not really want to be around people that I was not close to. I did not want to have to work at putting on the brave face. There wasn't one there.

* Don't try to fix things. Nothing you or anyone else can do will fix the situation. You can't "make it better." Trying to fix it is just patronizing and upsetting. After all, I couldn't fix it myself, and I consider myself to be a pretty good fixer upper.

*Sharing Skin... TOUCH. It is amazing how much a hug, an arm....a hand, can HELP heal. Friends could reduce me to tears with a hug and yet, at the same time, make me feel so much better. It was like they were taking part of my burden upon themselves; trying to lighten my load.

* Let them cry. I really don't like to cry in front of people. (well, maybe a friend or 2...) But when you have lost your child, just get used to it. God gave us the ability to cry for a reason. There is something healing about it. So, let them cry when they feel like it. Don't feel like you did something wrong when they cry. The smallest things can set them off. (and still do)

* Listen. ....I think part of what is helping me deal with my grief is to just be able to talk through it out loud to someone else. When I started thinking to myself, I would always stop myself before I got too far down a thought process. Change the channel Gina quick! But, when talking out loud, it is like I am figuring things out. Don't feel like you have to respond when they start talking about it. Give them time to think through what they want to say and get it all out before you respond.

* Help them change the channel by whisking them away for a coffee, a lunch, a walk, or a manicure. Its brief, and a little uncomfortable, but it works for a little while. I now call it my brain resting place.

* Be willing to sit in silence. When you don't know what to say, it is ok just to sit there. Again, your presence is a comfort even more than words can be some times. It lets them know you care. Again, sharing skin: "touch", is an amazing, healing tool.

* Send food. (& other things) I know this sounds gooberish and truthfully, I always thought it to be lame at best, but when you have just gone through a tragedy...and are still going through it...( I am STILL going through it) the last thing you think about is feeding yourself or anyone else who appears in your home, yet I feel compelled to, and cannot. Remember, WE are the natural nurturers, and normal, is no longer normal. When there are family members coming in and out, the last thing you want to think about is how you are going to feed them. God bless the neighbors who just leave fresh vegetables hanging on my front door knob.

* Understand that they may have irrational thoughts- and that's o.k. I never would have thought I would say, feel, or do some of the things I did after losing Jamie, until I was there. Grief will cause a person to feel things that are abnormal for them. I equate it to misfiring in the brain. Things just wouldn't "connect". Don't criticize them for those feelings or thoughts. If you do, they may not share them with anyone any more. Holding those things in is not healthy. Talking through those feelings is healthy.

*Try to avoid saying those "stupid things" that come out of people's mouths without thinking. For example, we heard things like..."Well, its a shame a seat belt could have saved his life."Helpful? NO! Don't start down the paths of the "what if" game. People can "what if" themselves to death, but it won't change anything. We also heard, "It was all in God's plan." While it sounds like it should be comforting, it really is not. I do not understand why God's plan would let Jamie die, and another son live...why would he allow so much pain?Now.... I don't think God wanted us to suffer like this, but for some reason, he chose not to interfere. Which brings me to another one, "You will understand it one day." That may be so, (though I doubt it) but that does not make it any easier at the time. Don't say you know how they feel unless you have been through the same thing before.

* Talk about the baby. The child. The Teen. The man. One of my fears is that people will forget. For the first few weeks after the funeral, no one mentioned going by the cemetery. This made me feel like they had all just moved on and he was no longer important. In reality, they had been going frequently, but had not said anything because they were afraid to upset me. Once they started talking about him freely, I would cry, yes, but I felt so much better about it. No one can ever forget their child, brother, uncle, grandson, friend. I ache incredibly so, for the last 26 years of memories of my son. Share a familiar funny tale or two..... laughter through tears, my favorite medicine.

* It is MORE than o.k. to leave pictures of them up. Taking the pictures down seems as if they are out of sight, out of mind. Leaving them up says that you still love them and they are still important. Don't tell them to box him up and put him away, that's just cruel.

* Don't be afraid of the work ahead of you. Being around someone who is grieving is not an easy thing. They can tell when you are just going through the motions and that does not help anyone. Sharing in someones suffering means that when you ask how they are doing, or offer to let them talk, you are prepared to be there as long as it takes. Don't judge them. Don't tell them they should not feel the way they do. Be ready to take anything they may throw out without correcting. As much as you want to, you need to just let them vent. Put yourself into them, or get out of their way.

* Try not to avoid them, as it feels like desertion, when in reality, people are just afraid of how to act, what to say or do. Theres something Unholy about the loss of your child, and everybody knows that. Feels that. Its normal, I'm told, for people to do this.... but I'm telling you the perception isn't comforting at all. If you love them, try harder.

*Lastly, Pray. Pray with them, pray for them. Call every prayer warrior that you know, pray for them on your own. When I first lost Jamie, I could not pray on my own. I felt like I had prayed for God to save him, bring him back, or make it a mis identity case with everything that was in me, and when he did not, I didn't have anything left to pray about. Nothing. I had feelings of betrayal... broken promises. Promises that I have kept close to me through all of these years. A promise that if I taught my children the way they should go, they would never stray. A promise that through my prayer covers alone, they would remain safe. It worked brilliantly, until now. That is when the prayers of others carried me. I knew that I needed it, I just couldn't do it for myself, yet. To be honest, I still struggle. I found myself one day praying together with my children around Jamie's grave site, still angry. Shameful, but true. Again I say... My mind knows better, but my heart wont listen.

Thanks for listening to a grieving Mother. Again. Still. Grunt.

The Pleasure of Cream Of Wheat

I suppose that we get so wrapped up in our crap... that we may or may not forget the simplest of treats. I have been caring for Walt post surgery and when sampling a 3 ounce bowl of cream of wheat, I actually saw his eyes roll back in his head with pleasure. It has been over a week on clear fluids for him, quite a journey for the both of us. For him, incredibly stressful mentally, and unfortunatley painful physically. For me, more abnormal behavior, surroundings, etc, you know the drill. It occured to me how easy it is to lose track of simple pleasures in life, dwelling mostly on the crap sandwiches you are being served. I am speaking mainly for myself of course. What a mess life has been. I had a little foot stomping tantrum late this afternoon. Complete with yelling about when I would ever get a damn break. This happened when I was told that our jeep lost its transmission today. That so sucks. As I stomped off in a huff I chose to remember the look on Walts face while eatting the covetted ramikin of hot cereal, instead of the vision of that sad face having to tell me more bad news.

I hid out in the shop sticking a bazillion peg bars into the pegboard for thread cones. It was then the lightbulb went off. Man I love that lightbulb. I havent been able to quilt in a month now. No sewing of any kind during this difficult move. I havent so much as perussed a quilting magazine, nor even gotten onto my studio computer that holds all that yummy quilty stuff. Yep yep yep... no fabric fondling of any kind but look at what I'm doing... I'm dressing the shop, Im unpacking and handling my shop tools, fabrics and threads, and I found comfort in this. Much like Walts Cream Of Wheat, it was a simple, much needed pleasure. I recalled my happy attitude change when I found a quilt shop a few days ago while we were STUCK in Fresno for so long awaiting post op visit. I made yo yos until I couldnt see straight, just to have a little happy place thrill going on. Frankly, I would have gone shoe shopping but I had to be close to my patient.

I have decided that I will take that simple pleasure... every single one I can get my hands on to get me through all of the crap sandwiches along the way. There is still plenty of good around and its the teeniest of things nowadays that I tend to grasp onto and revel in.

So my friends... ya got any teeny pleasures that you may or may not take for granted? I asked a friend of mine this evening, ya know what she said? The potato peeler tool she cant live without! LOLOL How teeny is that? I am currently making a list of simple insignificent pleasures. I'l l put it in my pocket and whip that baby out the next time I am on the verge of a 6 year old temper tantrum.

Nonni's Newest!

Jamie Elaine, 7 lbs 12 oz, born on Fathers Day, Happy Fathers Day Jake, and Grandpas day Jim:)

She is most beautiful dont ya think!!!!

Next is an EERY picture of Jamie's picture, placed next to Aviana's picture, same age.

Cousins????

Upon leaving the hospital, you can see Stephanie and Jamie are doing well, and that Aviana is just beside herself with the new baby. She seems to be telling her big brother a secret!

I'm grateful that Karen was the best of support for them in my absense. What a Godsend Karen is eh.. I think I'll re nick name her "KareBear"...lol. I was only able to spend one little evening with little Jamie. She will no doubt change so much before I return...grunt. Her big brother Shawn is already acting quite green.... poor baby:(

My Jamie too, I'll bet is beaming somewhere.

Yo Yo Quilt? :::edited:::

Talk about unprepared!!! I dont know what I was thinking when I took off to ROAM the state of California again with no handwork onboard!! Just for a background ... I should tell you that I had to throw everything into the car and hit the road in order to accomplish 3 things.

Holding my new grandbaby Jamie Elaine (Manteca) (Pics next week, shes gorgeous!)

Walts surgery (fresno) (Bariatric)

Tending to my sis care from knee surgery ( Auburn)

Yes, I did it. OMG I did it. I gotta tell u tho, I hate this heat! Its 107 here! ( Fresno) I picked up Walt today and we must stay in an extended stay hotl until his post op visit Tuesday. Did I THINK to bring anyhting to work on? Nooooo

I googled the quilt shops round here, but it was Sharon who led me to Quilters Paradise, and WOW what a great shop! I was a good girl and bought only enough to keep my attention for a bit. I have no tools? I have NOTHING here in supplies! I wish I could do some needle turning project, but... nothing, nope... nothing to work with. So, I found a new project. Has anyone tried this new Clover Quick YO YO maker? Ok, so I have made one. ONE. I decided that it may have been easier to cut up a cardboard and make my own templates for yo yos rather than to teach an ole dog a new trick? So... Here I am... I have about 2 gazillion yo yos to go to actually make something eh?

Walt is doing well. I have him walking every little while, and sipping water constantly. He is on a liquid diet, so I am armed with a plethera of consumes and jello, protein shakes and popsicles. He tells me that had he known, he wouldnt have done it. However I think his doctor would not have listened. He was in danger, and this was the best choice. Watching his pained face, is a killer. This is the most horrific stressful time in my life. bar none.

Sis is doing well, actually walking on that surgical knee! We watched The Bucket List again, and had a nice dinner. Too short.. way too short.

The Baby! OMGOODNESS I cant wait to see her again! She is adorable! She looks like Jake!!! ( no bias there eh) Dark hair, eyes and skin.... what a beauty. Karen put her picture next to Avianas newborn pics, and they are the same. Wierd .....

When Im able to, Ill post pics:) For now, I better go fix jello man some broth! If anyone has any tips on this yo yo mess.... tip on!

-------------------------------------------------

I found Cottage Quilts too thanks to Miss Jean!! Picked up more batiks, and a yummy wool foundation for my yo yo project! I decided that it would be a wall hanging, maybe up the bannister wall.. the wool drapes beautifully and I am in hopes that attaching and a sleeve will be all that it needs. After ALL these yo yo's, I'll be tired eh? Oh maybe an artistic design with strategically placed yo yo's??? ( I bet Rudy will like saying YO YO too)

Thanks for the HOT TIP!

Want to be a bird?

Awhile back, a LONG while back, while birdwatcing, Walt asked me if What I'd give to be a bird for a day. I didnt have to ponder my response and quickly relpied "Heck no! Its dangerous for those birds! Other things eat you.... ya get cold....heck no!!!" I've changed my mind as I have that right as a woman. I think maybe I could find Jamie somewhere.. I dont like all of the different opinions on the after life. Depending on your statement of faith. Its all quite mind boggling you know. You think that you have it all figured out at this age, and BAM... nope, you sure dont.
Fresh coffee in hand, knee elevated on a cushion after fixing Walt a happy Fathers Day breakfast... I sat admiring the freedom of the seagulls above me. Beautiful creatures in flight to ....somewhere? Who would have thought that I'd land in a bird sancutary? Morro Bay boasts the largest bird Estuary in the state. I wondered where they all go. How far, and what they can see that I cannot. Just think where I could go with my human brain and thier skill of flight. I had a chat with my boy. I reminded him to go and comfort his Dad. I'm certain that he is in great need of it today. You see, it isnt only Fathers Day over here at our world. Our Stephanie is in labor. Walking the hospital halls dialated at 4. Ironic you say? Yep yep yep...The new little "she" Jamie is on her way, on Fathers Day. This alone I think can comfort James Dad a bit. A BIT. I cannot for the life of me figure this whole thing out. And frankly, the pain is unbearably hidden most times. It just has to be. I am happy for us all, but I just want my Jamie to live. I just do. I'd like to take that bird challenge for a day, find him, and bring him home. If not home, find out why not. Maybe Im still in an "acceptance" stage of grief eh? Man, do I have a long way to go if so. I wish to tell everyone who will listen, that there are NO GO - BACKS. Enjoy whats going on right NOW, cause you're gonna miss this.............
change channel...clic
Im off to busy myself... I'll write more about the new grandbaby when I can.. I may be in route soon:)

The Sky Didnt Fall Afterall

Yippee! We made it through Friday the 13th with no feared catastrophe's here! (doctor says my fears are normal part of grief, but truly, she says that about everything.)
We did lose a great journalist in Tim Russert. Very scary that he died at aged 58 of a major coronary. Makes one ponder eh? I have enjoyed his whimsical yet poignant personality on MEET THE PRESS for many years.
I had the pleasure of lunching with a fellow longarmer in Paso today. We had delicious spinach salads while chatting about quilting for a most enjoyable couple hours. Thanks June, lets do it again soon! HOWEVER..... you come here next time. I went form 95 degrees to 62 degrees in less than 10 minutes! Whoa.... how wierd is that? I came home to one whole wall done in the shop too! the design wall,with pegboard attached to either side. Im going to love that! 8 feet by 16 feet for right behind my lonesome Greta Gammil. I have yet to unpack a thing in there for fear of sawdusty particles and the like. I'll take pics when its done though:) My new studio space is 22x 20, so we are trying hard to make good use of space. Who knows if I will have a chance to paint...right now its a lovely shade of off white... YUK. I was thinking carribean blue..... what you think? Maybe I should post a contest...lol
OK, Im off to cook dinner. Walt has requested red meat, so its rib eyes on the grill, corn on the cob, baked potato, and a watermelon dessert... the second meal Ive actually prepared here..lol I still cant find anything either!!!
Have a nice Saturday, and a wonderful Fathers Day. I will be thinking of many tomorrow, and sending them all good stuff:)

Friday The 13th-Negativity

Why do they say its unlucky anyway? Is it because Jesus was the 13th man ( 12 disciples) and he was crucified? Is it because there are 13 steps to the hangmans gallow? Because there are only 12 months in a year as opposed to ancient Mayas 13 month calendar? I think I'll google this!

I think its negative BS.

I have No room in my heart for anything negative. Therefore, I shall not let it in. Life is too short to have bad blood, and good relationships are important, and most nesesary in life. (my choice of which relationship) I dont have room in my heart for hating anyone, nor do I have room for those who would think ill of me. A good friend was quick to point that out. Thank you, ::wink:: Some people are more than willing to spew hateful and jealous things, and go right over the good in life. Some find it difficult to find the good, or think it NOT FUN to discuss good things. I find it difficult to discuss the bad, choosing a different path on my journey through life.It could end tomorrow you know, for any of us. Remember when I talked about not giving a rats ass if someone liked me or not? Choices was the post I think. So when I get upset about getting older, about my knee, or stairs... about losing my son like no one else in the world ever has... when someone makes a nasty comment.. or any other negative thing thrown at me, I refuse to let it in. I refuse to give it wings to fly.( ok I may have a nostril or 2 flare for a minute, but its short lived:) Life is REALLY too short, and people who live in glass houses, should never throw stones. I, just like everyone else on this planet, have some glass in my house.. I wont be throwing any stones.
PS: And then theres that pesky ole` Kharma thing..................

Gotta Love Craigs List!

I'm making lists all over the house (thanks 3M). Things that we need in certain places for the new humble abode. The list is long and via retail, unatainable for now. BUT>>>>>>

Hello Craigs list!!! I have found shelving for the shed, plastic boxes for the office, and im hunting down cabinetry for the new shop! And this is my favorite find so far! Its an Oak Secretary, petite enough for the corner of our upstairs living room, and a home for the laptop & accessories! Guess how much.. go ahead.. guess.... What u need more data to play the price is right??? K... solid oak, 4 years old, not a scratch or dent on it, felt lined drawer, dovetail joints, clawfoot legs! ( matches the curio eh!) $75.00 BUCKS WOOHOO!! What a steal I say! Now I need a good armless laptopy kind of chair cause this dining room chair cannot live there. So now, before blog visits, I hit craigslist general, then furniture.... what fun, and better than ebay! OK, I better move it... Walt is on a project that I'll show you soon... he is such a brainiac I tell u... he is making a vanity in the master, out of unused space from the top of the staircase! We have sacrificed quite a bit of storage space in this home, so we are on the case to be more organized:) Have a good day................G

Real Age

How old are you? How old do you feel?Look? Act? Dress? Who says what or how we are supposed to look anyway? I'm kind of ticked off...I'm 50. Did you know this? I'm 50 and although I feel that at least 10 of those years have been aged in the last 5 months , I dont appreciate being told that. WTF?? Thats like someone saying, omg you look so tired!!! And immedietley, you're tired! How about, You look like you been rode hard and put away wet. INSTANTLY one feels like a broke down Barbie!! I think people should take thier honesty and put it where the sun doesnt shine!

Now, admitedy, I dont cotton much to the "thumper" blogging. It may be good venting, but to me its like telling my customers my sorrows. They dont want or need to hear it. Maybe what the world needs is more hormones. I wonder if thats the ticket to a youthful look....it seems to work for Suzanne Summers and many a hollywood elite eh..::::mental note- Ask GYN to up dosage:::::AND>>> if I do look older, I THINK I MAY BE ALLOWED given the crappy cards I've been playing with for 5 freaking months!

OMG I am such a contradiction of a woman eh?::read hypocrite::: I'm here thumping up a rainstom. wow.I'm sorry. I guess I can thump with the best of 'em.

K... so today, I feel old. I'll get over it. Tomorrow I'll feel younger.. and the next day younger still. Damn the torpedos. DOUBLE GRUNT... Im sorry...again... I'm usually not so crusty, but then again, u get crusty when u get old! Anddddd these days I am sometimes just irrational. (or dead on)

And BTW, it takes MONEY to flick off a little agedness too!

Bloom Where You're Planted

Who made that up? Bloom where you're planted.... :::pondering this morning over my second cuppa.::: I was excited yesterday when a pal called to say "Lets go to Pismo and shop today". I was onboard. I was all over that. I cheerfully replied, "I'll drive!" It was good to be there, but as the morning past it became increasingly evident that this was no longer my home. Damn it. I was happy here. I was blooming HERE. I chatted lightly with Tracy over lunch, but my thoughts were really on the life ahead. Life as you know has not had a normal morsel in it since January 2008. I was happy doing something "normal" like stopping at Marshalls for a FIND OF THE WEEK as I usually do. Our lil grandkids, and self appointed God daughter are sure to suffer with G being out of the area. It occurred to me that I maybe could find normal, and even happy if I just let go and let it happen. Whether it is about my Jamie, where I live, or whats going on around me.. I need to give up the control factor, realizing IM SO NOT IN CONTROL ANYWAY, and let it happen. Bloom where I'm planted. I of course answer myself by saying how in the heck can I bloom anywhere when all I want is my son to walk through any door with a goofy grin on his face and say Hey Ma! Whats to eat? I cant tell you how many times a day I fall as this crosses my mind/heart. Its just not real sometimes... It just isnt. Theres no blooming to be had.
Change channel....clic
Bloom..... I told Tracy to get in the car, we are going exploring. I dropped the top on the car and jumped on 101 headed for SLO to shop only 12 miles from home as opposed to a 40 minute drive to Pismo. ( please note that this was AFTER the "FIND" at Marshalls...lol, sorry kids, this time it was a Giraffe for the home!) We had a good time and decided that theres much to be explored here, and damn, I need a bigger wallet. GRUNT. I need to get the shop up and running and get back to work!
If not for the PITA Stairs and compromised knee, this home is the coolest! Everywhere I look I have fun with the potential. I know that Walt too is contemplating blooming here too. Maybe it all boils down to being overwhelmed. I guess I could sum up several months with that word. Overwhelmed. So I pick up my coffee, and my knee as I ponder Walts encouraging words of the week. Do whats nessesary, do whats possible, and soon, you will be doing the impossible...
Blooming?
Hmmmmmmmmm

Who Needs Boxes?

What a pickle!! As I try to unpack just to be able to navigate the floor space, I am faced with piles and piles of cardboard!! I got tired of looking at stacks on the front porch, so I began to slice them open and stack in FLAT piles when it occured to me... NOW WHAT? Small, medium and large, Uhaul, home depot, and scavenger boxes, I gots lots!!! SO what you think,Craigs list? handyman call? free to good home? Sheesh. I have only unpacked the kitchen and living room!!! Maybe its trivial, but they really bug me... I mean BUG me! I have heard soooo many horror stories from past pest control agencies regarding the storing of cardboard boxes. Something about cockroaches breeding in the glue... ewwwww.. For years I have refused to store paper bags or boxes of any kind. Now I walk around, peeking around corners, pondering the possibility of a nasty BUG brewing in my bedroom boxes! They must go. They must go NOW.
We are officially in ONE home today, not exactly settled, ( by a long shot) but one home is easier than 2 eh? As I said, walking in here isnt easy, but, its a process right? I was down in the shop this morning trying to find a needle , thread and a button... it was an act of congress!!! Imagine that... me unable to sew... a real tsk tsk tsker.... The weather is just gorgeous in the upper 60's with a sea breeze to sleep with. I havent had a spare hour to investigate the area yet, but its on the list. Walt is already mapping out fishing days. I did hit the cool Sushi House on the Embarcadero, and it was fantastic and authentic... Man theres lots to try down there....and the shopping? OMGGGGG!!!!!

If you are in need of hundreds of sturdy, only used once boxes, swing by:)

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:)