Spiritual Birds?

Hey! It's too quiet `round here! I'm feeling post busyness withdrawal symptoms! I find it easier to "cope" when theres lots going on, people are all around, I'm WITH family and friends. I'm now plotting a course for Thanksgiving. If I can make til then.....Funny eh? It really began a few days ago, I was fighting it off by being productive and smiley. I spoke to Ronda before camp and wished them fun, and felt a miss because I wasn't able to attend. I think I just need to keep the ball rolling so that I don't send the ball off the deck! I miss my son. When its quiet I hear his chuckle. Sometimes I see a Champagne Super Nova fly threw the air and wonder if I'm losing my mind. (A song he loved). Yesterday a bird came to visit, right inside the slider door and wouldn't leave. I thought maybe he was ill or hurt so I toweled him, took him back outside and threw him off the deck. To my surprise he made a 50 foot half circle and came right back and landed on the window. Waist high windows, and not a foot from me. I began to talk to him, asking a bazillion mental questions. I towelled him again and let his head poke out while I asked if spirits could come and go via a bird... I felt like a dork, and I didn't care. I launched him off the deck again, and once again a half circle across the street to the neighbors, and right back to me. I then had to sit down and ponder. This is a point where you take everything that you know to be true, for your whole life... and throw IT OFF THE DECK. Wishful thinking? I have no idea. And again, I don't care. If my boy can do whatever it takes to say hey Mom, I'm OK, its OK, please, YOU be OK... then.... So Be It. I didn't pick him up this time. He stayed perched on the windows edge. I ran to get a camera and rudys bird seed. I sprinkled some around, he wasnt interested. I said to him, OK, we're gonna do this one more time, and if you come back a third time, we will chat. Towelled in my hands he looked at me and didnt fight. He didnt look ill, and he didnt look alarmed. His breathing wasnt labored, as a frightened or hurt bird would be. As his little head peeked out at me I couldn't help but wonder. I launched him for the third time, and for the third time he returned like a boomerang. I took off the window screen and invited him into the house. I told that darned bird everything I was thinking and asked him to please stay. He spent the afternoon perched on the window, just looking and listening to me babble on. No noise, no fear, just looking at me as I talked and drank iced tea. To a bird! ( well, I am experienced at this with Rudy eh?) This is the third time since I lost Jamie that I have had a strange encounter with a bird. You tell me... coincidence? Is it possible? Can it be? I came into the house and got back to work, thinking I was ready for mental health now, tis time. I gave it an hour or so before I returned to see. He was now gone. I looked on the ground, in the yard, across the street, and it was clear that the little guy did indeed leave by way of flight. I went back to work and wrote a post it thank you note, stuck it in the prayer parrot, and cried while I finished a fall quilt.

I am determined however, to win, so onward I forge. If I do go mental for real, it wont be because I didnt give it my all to be well... to be happy, to be OK MOM.

Today I have 3 table runners to quilt. I'm actually considering hitting the farmers mkt tonight and putting up more peppers as they are disappearing at an alarming rate. ( hmmmm Walt?)
That should get me out and about... social and distracted.... tis a plan.

We are in fact enjoying some pretty summer like weather here on the coast. 80ish and holding with beautiful no fog -no damp days OR nights!! We can see the entire coastline and the evenings are gloriously bright with the sky filled with stars you can nearly touch. Dolphins in the distance play, quite the site to see, and we are indeed so fortunate to live here.

Velvet Duvet Cover-Turned Quilt

This was an Eastern King Beautiful etched velvet duvet cover with a satin backing. Some of you know that I struggled nightly trying to "love" it, which I did not. It slipped, it slid, the sumptous down comforter wouldnt stay put inside, and it made NOISES! NOISES! yes! Made me ::more::: mental than I already am. So one night, instead of throwing it off the deck like I made Walt do to the fan ( a later blog) I decided to re-make it to my specifications. Now, mind you, I hunted down the perfect colored bed cover. Very plum, very elegant, but very pita. (And it was a real bargain too!) :::cough cough:::
I thought well hell, if I can remake old quilts, why cant I remake new ones?
:::TIP::: reconstructing quilts are like remodelling a home. Its harder by far!!!::::::
I opened up the cover and threw the backing away. I laughed a cynical laugh as I headed to the trash can. Walt didnt. I saw him with his checkbook in his hand trying to find the evidence. ( I laughed even more) I gave away the sumptous down inside. Happily! I kept the velvet piping on in order to quilt easier, actually, clueless as to what I would do next. I loaded it with a divine cotton backing. A most elegant european print. I sandwiched with a lightweight poly ( 4 0z) because the velvet would be heavy enough, and I wanted to play a little on the texture, without density. Quilting only the outline, inside and out, of each design, I was satisfied. Now to that pesky piping......I decided that self binding was the best approach. ( I think it may have been Dy who suggested that.) By hand, 1 inch. I didnt bother to miter the corners, this Works for me fine. Its not finished being stitched down, I work on it a little each night, but its on our bed, and let me tell you it has made all the differance in the world! No NOISE! No slippery sliding BUNCHING up around the poor dog!
Walt said, "Hey Babe! I love it now too!" I replied with the same cynical laugh.... I toll ya and I toll ya... a happy wife, is a happy life!

Red Bell Pepper Day

So what ya want me to stick to cooking as opposed to politics? Ok. Grunt. But stay tuned for my chat on Joe the Plumber!!! ( oh u say its me?) K, I'll quit...
I'd like to share a beloved recipe with you. This is from Blima, in I think 2001, the first time I went to Montreal and made these luscious peppers. Now a fall tradition here in the US too, at G's house. All the neighbors come a running, the family waits for their ziploc, and Walt can be seen drooling over a sandwich with a pepper hanging off the side.
When Blima's trip was booked, the first thing Walt said was, " are ya gonna make the peppers?"...sheesh...Men. I think the best part about the peppers isnt just the yummyness of them, but the deal at any given farmers market on the price of said peppers! THE DEAL!!!!
Blima and I GOT the deal, Walt bbq'd and I peeled, while Blima made the marinade and pointed alot. By the way, while on the pointing subject... did anyone happen to notice that Blima was even pointing from the car in our roadtrip pictures?? Just hysterical!

So enjoy, not only the recipe, the bbqing, the raves, but the treasure hunt with a pal:)

BBQ RED PEPPERS 3 doz, red peppers, ( I think I usually shoot for 40 or so.)

mix into 1 gallon jar the following and add more honey to your taste.

3 cups vinegar

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup veg. oil

BBQ peppers till black on all sides, put into a plastic bag and sprinkle with salt, the salt helps the skin come off easier, let steam for 10 min, peel, and quickly rinse with cold water to get any black off, and let them drain in a colander for a few minutes, I try to leave them as whole as possible, I think it looks prettier that way in the jar. add the peppers to the marinade, pour the 1/4 cup of oil on top, give a shake, (the jar, not you) and marinade in fridge for at least 4 days or more till done. lasts for months and months. ( I stir once every other day)

Now you have a wonderful pickled type pepper that is great in salads, a side dish, in a sandwich, as an appetizer, anyyyyyyy way ya wanna slice it, its fabulous! Thanks Blima, we will always love them.

Californians! Yes on Prop 8!

First a few disclaimers: ( I get this from my BFF Heather)
I dont like discussing political fires here for fear of retaliation, or just the plain ole fact that someone may not like me. Therefore, I just dont.
BUT
If I am to stay true to my own method of blogging, which is G, unplugged... I guess I have to dive in . Mom Still says ya gotta stand for somethin or you'll fall for anything."
The truth is, I dont think I'm all that great at articulating what my mind is screaming in here... no really... unless I'm just having a chat with you, over a cuppa.... I dont think I explain myself too well. I spoke with Walt about this last evening, and he gave me a few tips on brainstorming for one. So here goes. I hope I do myself justice...lol if not, please throw soft things.
Its no secret that I dont want any more government in my life than need be. There are many things sacred to me that I dont wish to be told by the government how to think, what to do, more to the point, how to raise my children. I am not a member of the far religious right that the opposers yell about.
CALIFORNIANS HAVE NEVER VOTED FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. (as Massachusetts has done.)
If gay activists want to legalize gay marriage, they should put it on the ballot. Instead, they have gone behind the backs of voters and convinced four activist judges in San Francisco to redefine marriage for the rest of society. That is the wrong approach.
Prop 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Prop 8 is about preserving marriage; it’s not an attack on the gay lifestyle. It doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. (Family Code 297.5.) There are NO exceptions. Prop 8 WILL NOT change this. I have a Step daughter at this time USING this code. It will not tell us who or how to love. You are FREE to move about the state loving whom you darn well please, and SO AM I. Frankly, I dont think anyone is interested in my sexual preferences, and Im not interested in yours!

YES on Prop 8 does three things:
It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.
It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.
It protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage. (the SAME? REALLY?)Prop 8 protects marriage as an essential institution of society.

The narrow decision of the California Supreme Court isn’t just about “live and let live.” State law will require teachers to instruct children as young as kindergartners about marriage. (Education Code 51890.) If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, TEACHERS COULD BE REQUIRED to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage. WE the people, when asked, did not agree.
We should not accept a court decision that may result in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay. That is an issue for parents to discuss with their children according to their own values and beliefs. It shouldn’t be forced on us against our will.
While gays have the right to their private lives, as do I, they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else. They do not have the right to say what my children are taught in public school. I can do that well enough myself, thanks.

To give credit where credits due, go to an opposing opinion, well written, altho wrong.. she has that right ( still) and I love her anyway. Cause I can. (still)

Kymn? heres my posted comment.. it was too long for your box? Come for coffee, we'll chat... Relationships ARE indeed hard, and they arent all marriages. Love IS everywhere, in many forms as you stated, but arent marriages. I think the only thing "chipping away" at our freedoms, is a government getting larger and too close for comfort.

Ya Can't Take Me Anywhere!

Celine Dion's Concert last week was one of the best performances I had seen in years! ( Thank you Sis)
The sold out Arco Arena was screaming and yelling, ooing and awing all evening. I think I counted 9 costume changes, and her dancers and props were outrageous! Great show... just great....
NOW... as for me... WTHeck is wrong with me anyways???? First of all upon entry, all of us dressed to the nines.. ( no way do I even KNOW what that means) I went through security only to have a tug of war fight with a guard when he tried to search my bag. BECAUSE.................I discovered my wallet is missing! A wallet that held my Tee shirt monies for celine... all of my anniversary gift monies to be dropped off, all of my WINNING lottery tickets, and ....and... its a dolce and gabanna wallet!!! DO U SEE ME FREAKING OUT AT AT THE CHECK IN STAND? I finally made it clear to the guard why he could not have my bag. I yelled for Matt ( nephew extrodinaire) to RUN to the car to see if it was there. ( no easy feat as its about a mile awy, ( IN MY HEELS) oh... forgot myself... You see I have a habit of grabbing something while driving, and leaving on my lap until stopped.. then forgetting Ive done so, hop out of the car and everything in my lap goes with me. I was certain that this had happened to my wallet. Great... I thought.. ya just dont panic all dressed up.. ya just dont. Thankfully, Matt came running with something to his chest. Was it my wallet? I couldnt see.. he was cuddling it. Ohhhh I know.. its PINK! Yep that has to be it! Sure enough, he hands me the wallet, and the guard gives me THE LOOK as he can now dump out my bag. Safe..... or I thought.
While sis is laughing hysterically, Matt is standing at least 6 feet away from me, and my niece is covering her face with her hair as not to be seen with such idiots, we headed for the tee shirt stands. ( ok, wine stand.. I just didnt want to say that)
The show opened with a singing comedian named Gordie Brown (Montreal) and my face ached with laughter within 20 minutes. (what good medicine eh). Our seats were AT STAGE just behind her family box. What a view... what a view. I really thought that I had made it through the entire evening without bawling my eyes out, right up until the standing ovation and return for a last song.. then she went and did it. She sang My Heart Will Go On, and I was indeed a goner. To snap me out of things... I guess its a bit ironic how she left the stage to greet her family, me with pen and tee shirt in hand, and the crowds were going insane! The woman in front of me stood to her feet to see her and at that very moment my foot, which was in a crossed legged position became wedged in her pop up seat bottom. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! As I am screaming bloody murder, in pain both physically and mentally cause I can NOT go get my tee shirt signed.. my own family is making a quick exit over there----
OMG I yelled louder, I screamed for the lady in front of me to sit back down NOW!!! I again, got THE LOOK. No really! My toe! My toe is caught!!!! she ignored me, as did my family over there leaving me---
Absolutley paralyized I continued my yelling, through Titanic tears.. FINALLY Matt came to my rescue and I told him to move the seat off of my toe!!! He reached down and moved the seat FURTHER UP!!! Im screaming down! down! down like u are sitting down Matt Hurry!!!
With my toe now released, I look down to see blood dripping across my new shoes:( Im really bawling now.. I cannot walk and crowd control there was not. Poor Matt felt bad sighting that he thought that I was cheering for Celine. yeah, so did everyone else, except that snarky lady in front of me. He helped me hobble as though I was a 90 yr old in stilhettos. Poor Matt, Poor me. It took so long to get out of the stadium being smooshed like cattle... I swear.. ya cant take me anywhere, but Im glad they did. Days have passed and my sis is still calling me to ask how my toe is while obviously cracking up. I say its cut! Its hurt! I cant even wear slippers! She says.. Oh G... only you....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderfully painful lyrics, if you care to sing along.................

Every night in my dreams I see you. I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.
Far across the distance And spaces between us You have come to show you go on.
Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time And last for a lifetime
And never go till we're one
Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to In my life we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door And you're here in my heart And my heart will go on and on
There is some love that will not go away You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart And my heart will go on and on

Priceless Pics

To commemorate this years roadtrip, Heather THE CAPTURER met us midway through for one of her infamous MINI SESSIONS. If you havent already done so, I urge you to try an impromptu come as you are and capture the moment with her. I will have her make a storyboard X 2, and our memories will talk to us forever. Thanks Heather, thanks Blima.. I mean Ethel.. or was it Thelma? I dunno, I forget....

<--- PLAN A: make the good times outweigh the bad.

Follow closely, and enjoy:)

2000 Miles Logged For Birthday 2008

I have so much to talk about that I cant figure out where to begin? Do I tell you in order about mine and Ethels adventures in the first 1000 miles? How about the next 1000 alone with my thoughts? :::insert and OMG:::: How about my Dads hospital stay of late? YOU DO KNOW that they are rebuilding him... making him the bionic man.. I had Blima doing a guest appearance on my own soap opera life... she enjoyed watching all my kids make a birthday dinner for us. I want to tell you all about the actual birthday of the 11th and our dinner out and flowers all over.... I need to tell you about the AMAZING performance of Celine Dione at Arco Arena... and my TOE story... Also, a terrific estate sale find last saturday!!! Ginger having her special time and leaving her intended at the isle cause her human Momma was out having a good time! I think we need a bunch of separate blogabouts here. For today ( or right now) I shall say that I feel like a dishrag, a clean one:) But a dishrag none the less.. IM gonna do laundry and re-group. Its been a whirlwind couple weeks, and I will savor every good moment for a very long time. I managed to make it through a few cemetary stops and told Jamie all about things... A very wierd tree happening over there I must tell you about too. ( this is fastly turning out to be a TO DO LIST eh?
EH?????????????????? :::snicker to Blim::: Good Thursday morning to all, and how did you get through Marvelous Mondays without me?
To Be Continued......................................

Did I Mention Outlet Shopping?

How many outlets can you actually HIT in one week? OK

The answer is 6!! count em 6!!! Truckee, Pismo, Tahoe, Vacaville, Gilroy, Folsom OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!! The ONLY thing stopping Blima is baggage weight at the airport, and the only thing stopping me is...well.... THERE WASNT!!

We had so much fun.... Ok, facts...

Geoofrey Beene is closing its doors along with Van Huesen, and Bass, 9 Starbucks, and a few no names... what does this mean you ask? 75 PERCENT off already slashed outlet prices!! OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!! Walt got bunches of new clothes, belts, and accessories, so did Mike and Jeff.... I got VERY cute shoes, ( see pic) and blima bought the Ann Taylor store!

Bettyanne met us at the Gilroy out letets where she scored with Dolce and Gabanna glass and some new undies:) We were so happy to spend some time with her:)

At the Tahoe outlets, blima scored with Nine West Shoes and other chit:)

Now...lemme tell you why this was so many outlets to hit.. I mean... HOW it all came obout K?

Can You Say Royal Doulton???? Do you remember my dishes on Blimas last trip here? Wellllllll

I had a sense. I had a sixth sense. On the way to Gilroy I couldnt stop whining to Blim about being late, store not having my dishes...yada yad yada.....

IT WAS REALLY TRUE!!!!! Royal Doulton was flipping out of business in Gilroy!!! As we pulled up to the store, I was nervous. Blima walked over to see.. sure enough, the damn store was gone and with it all hope for ever finding our dish patterns, Vintage Orchard, and Provence Noir.

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

We spent the day shopping, but in the back of my mind I was plotting a course for wherever the hell we had to drive to tomorrow to GET OUR DISHES. My sis needs 4 dinner plates.... I need 4 mugs... :::wink Karen::: Blima needed .... more!!

When we arrived home late evening, after a really good retail therapy session with my girls, I got online and found 2, count em 2 Royal Doulton Outlets in the whole state left open! I checked fligths to Las Vegas... to damned high for short notice.. I checked hotels for reservations to drive and stay but Tahoe wouldnt let me out of our commitment. So...........................

I said Blim? We are scooping the California coast6line and going to Vacaville. She of course said... " Where the F.. I mean Hell is vacaville? No worries Woman, I will get us there.

We began out trek at 7:00 am, Tahoe bound... outlet bound.... just going.

I cant tell you what a relef it was 5 hours later to find the Royal Doulton store open, AND HAD OUR CHIT. We speed shopped an entire corner. ( because of course Geoffrey Beene is going out of business rememeber?) And we found a CROC outlet too! Omggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

So with the planets again aligned we headed toward Lake Tahoe again... feeling very victorious indeed. We called Sis, and had her join us at PF Changs for lunch, and gave her her 4 last dinner plates. She loved us:)

Up the hill we went in search of Quilt Shops and outlets, Slot machines and fine dining..... Life is good.

YACHT DINNER FOR THREE

What a wonderful evening we shared sailing the bay in a 75 ft vessel named Papagallo ll.

Dinner was delicious, the scenery divine, the company second to none. Walt entertained our freezing selves with his quips. Blima took many pictures in the dark of Harvey the harbor sea lion and his pelican pals, however THEY didnt turn out so well. A photographer, we are not. I leave that up to the pros:) :::WINK:::H:::

Incline Village and no Jackpots yet! (edited)

Hey from me, over here in Lake Tahoe where the wine is fine, the company is great and the pictures are to follow!!!
We are winding our way around the lake daily, and between the two of us cannot figure out how to get the camera chip to work in the dang lap top!!!
Having fun, relaxing, chatting in real time, and wishing on slot machines too:) Will post more when we can, hope all is well in blogland:)

Farmers Mkt Day

Today was a fast and furious day of running errands and searching for red peppers for our pepper fest on Saturday. We didnt have alot of luck because Marshalls side tracked us? We found matching Jammies and cool fall boots... Yummy placemats in beads, and OF COURSE amazing finds in the little girls department. (Im not sayin nuffin).

SLO Farmers market boast more than 70 venders every Thursday evening! There is live music down each block, and food cooking on every corner. We had a great time walking and people watching, smelling flowers and squeezing veggies:) We were victorious in our pepper search ( 5th try) and man are our peppers gonna be good THIS year!Pics below are of one way of the street, our 40 peppers to BBQ and marinate. Its a fun and delicious, and I cant wait to show you!
Blim did manage to get in a bit of cooking midway through our day. She made her infamous Hummous for me, fantastic roasted plum tomatoes, and even cookies for Ginger. ( who knew?)
Tomorrow we will leave early for the Gilroy Outlets, meeting up with yet another speed shopper, Bettyanne. I'm in hope of keeping you posted!

Moonstone Beach Bar N Grill

First things first, Ya wanna try to win an awesome scarf for your fall wardrobe? I do! Carlas hosting yet another smashing contest!

OK, So Blima made the long an arduous journey from Montreal and I'm very glad she did! We did Moonstone Beach in Cambria tonight, joining Walt and Tracy. I had the Cioppino which was fabulous:) The food and patio ambiance is quite satisfying. They serve mini lap blankets with every meal, and the heaters actually are in registers on the cement patio! lol its fun! We especially love going there for Sunday brunch for their Mimosa and Italian Baked eggs.
Not sure what tomorrow may bring, but I'll be sure to bring my camera!

First Day Preschool For My Lovee!

She'getting rather good at striking a pose eh? Do you think her back pack is big enough? WOW

On the OTHER end of this teeter toter is her Mama, who threatened me about blogging her! ::grunt::

Saying bye bye to Mom, trying to be strong, but a tad bit nervous? :::::RUT ROOOO:::::

First things first, and my Mommy already taught me how to wash my hands........NEXT?

Now the bad news....I so wanted this day to be here, near. I dont want to be THERE, I want them to be HERE. Maybe for Kindergarten....sigh....I sent her a new dress, there is the web cam.... not the same you know? I wish her classroom had a webcam in it. THAT would be fun:)

Learn lots Lovee!! I'm certain that you'll give your teacher a run for her money! ( I wonder where that saying came from?)

Her Mama was a "chatty Kathy" and was in trouble for that weekly! However she was so smart, they couldnt scold her too much now could they? I just told the teachers to give her more to do, let her be teachers helper, she needs more challenge... Giving her a license to point has always worked.::WINK::

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

<---------YOUNG SPONGE

I'm finishing up the velvet duvet today. Thanks Dy for the tip on the piping, I think I will try to save it, its a very elegant finish. We shall see. One more sleep til Blima's here, I am ready!!! She had 14 for formal dinner last night in celebration of the Jewish NY. Im sure shes delighted to hop a plane and Breath...........We got ahold of Bettyanne and shes joining us for Gilroy outlet day on Friday. Poor Walt smacked his head and said OH NO! The 3 Amigos ride again? LOL

It will be a welcomed day for me, so I just told him to gas up the car, and make sure the trunk was empty, cause it wont be for long:) He really is a big teddy bear anyway... He has been busy making ready for Blima himself. I think he likes my friend visits, keeps him entertained:) Either that, or he just wants to see me smile. Maybe both? I think I'll keep him! (this week)

Order Your Christmas Cards Over Here!!

Ok, So you know that I'm Moomp Photographys best cheerleader yes? So why should today be any different? I'd like you to go over to her blog and give a read to her fall/winter offers. I think even those far far away could benefit greatly at these prices!! Just think, one email could possibly get you Christmas cards just like that!
Also, for those who ARE closer, you can take advantage of her mini session rates! I have plans, ( albeit she knows not) to do both!!!
Heres the deal..... a young company, a hungry ambitious company, with talent on loan from God, can benefit those of us coming in on the ground floor! Guess what? I am certain that when she's rich & famous, she wont forget her original followers:) I myself have some wonderful shots that I haven't shared yet that I have ordered in canvas they are so good!!! ( checks in the mail H)
I cannot choose which ones I would like on the Christmas cards, but Im sure she will help me. ::hint Hint::: Anyway, GO SEE!!!!
Love yer Guts, I'm fluffing up the guest room for Blim:) I cant wait!!

Happy Birthday Justin! and M & M's

Happy Birthday Dear Grandson! Wow, 10 years ago I got my first grandson! Woohoo!! Where does the time go anyway? I cant be that old? ( Im not either, I started young)


Pappa delivered Justin the gift of music. A guitar and a how to book, and some really cool picks! We are in hopes that his passion blossoms into a beautiful sound. Justin, its in the blood, do well grandson! Have a happy day, and sing like no ones listening! I love you:)





Happy Monday
Happy Rosh Hosanna
Happy friends coming
Happy new fall handbag
Happy carpet cleaner guy so I dont have to.
Happy Birthday Justin,
Happy Birthday Jeff

Happy, do you see a subliminal chant going on here?

Let The Games Begin!

Ok, so the first thing I have to say is..... Arent you glad you arent me? Or.................... Doncha wish you were? Thats the Sybil in me:)

Blima's arrival is Wednesday. We are both so excited its down right pathetic! Emails and pics are flying!I have a clipboard and I KNOW how to use it! We cannot WAIT for our Thelma and Louise roadtrip to begin... So................. I got Blim these really cool slippers. Karebear? I got you a pair too)

Blima got me this hella cool handbag! How did she know I was whining for a new fall bag? Do you think she reads my blog? I think I should post all the chit I need and see what happens???? Blima liked it so much that she got her a red one so we will match! ( dork alert)

Wednesday, I pick her up on Wednesday. I have the entire 12 days mapped out, printed out, clip boarded up! ::::Side note:::: Its so nice to find something to look forward to eh? I love waiting for my friends:)

Ok, so... I went a little nuts today searching for a laptop table for the living room. I hate the notebook on top of the buffet. So, I took my nightstand away from myself and gave to laptop. Now.. I need a new table? I said hmmmm thrift store shopping!!! ( we have about 6 here in the town). On my second one, I spied these!!!! You may or may not know that I have been seriously looking for something for the mantle to flank my artwork. Nothing has caught my eye in months, until now. I haggled with the owner because she had an ridiculous price on each of them, just because they were new and from our very POSH store called Old Paris downtown. ( so... they are in a thrift store now eh?) I was victorious, and bought them for a song:)

Oh... I didnt find a new nightstand:( But its ok! Tomorrow is another day!

<---Sybil

Ok, so back to the shop I go. I really need to clean this shop, clean the whole house.. But Im busy trying to remake the Duvet cover that I whined to you about months ago. Remember I couldnt keep it in place? Then I couldnt stand the noise the down comforter inside made? Well I finally said screw it.. I dont care what the damn thing cost, if Im not happy, Im not happy! ( a happy wife is a happy life, remember? I thought you would)

I took it down to the last 2 layers. Velvet and sheer sateen. The velvet piping still attached. I found this beautiful plum backing, ( it matches my comfort quilt to a tee) I loaded with q 4 ounce poly only. so i can keep it as light as possible given its already heavy with velvet. I am now simply edge stitching the design, ( in a hurry mind u) Then I will cut away the piping and bind. Unless someone comes up with a brilliant plan to save this beautiful piping and bind all at the same time. ( comments before tomorrow as I am burning the midnight oil, thanks)

When I am finished, it WILL NOT MOVE, it WILL NOT MAKE NOISE, and it will still match my wonderful quilt. Happy. ( you think the nightmares will end?)

I must be some kind of re do it queen in the making.. I have 4 restorations in house, one loaded, and one more coming in next week.

God send me a dang panto please!!!!

I better shut up and move it... times a wasting:) Stay tuned for the OMFG What happens next in this womans world................

The Ugly Monster

Uglier than my wildest imagination, and now the realization that the ugliness is but a monster, and the monster is in me.
Grief is difficult, painful, and I think in my case, debilitating work. It is taking all of me. If I'm not the me I used to be, I'm sorry, but I'm trying to survive. Its ironic how each time in ones life you think that you have fallen on hard times, only to discover that it was small potatoes in comparison to what’s going on now. Is this blog a part of my grief work? I think that my writing is accepting what life and death looks like. Good, bad, struggle, denial, you name it, I go through it, and often times I take you all with me. It is making room for all the pain, so that it doesn't crowd out the other things in my life. My living children’s lives, my loved ones, all.
My journal quilt scares the hell out of me! Maybe….. as I have stated many times before, it is simply trying to purge what’s inside so that it will no longer cause unimaginable if not unmanageable pain.
A friend, and local quilt shop owner emailed a profound sentiment to me, and I wondered if I was in line with what she recommended, or she was “out of line”. The end of her note read :

“Keep your chin up G Woman, everyday you have is a day to celebrate the days you had
with your son and the remaining members of your family. Try to remember
that they lost him too, but if you fail to thrive, they also lose YOU. His
path was short, yours is long and affects all around you.”

I am not going to candy coat what I am going through to make other people more comfortable. I tire of being strong, but I do wish and WILL thrive again one day. I get ill when I see my pretending face in the mirror. I get angry that I’m so darned angry, and yet so weak sometimes. This is what losing a child feels like. This is what it does to a life. This is how agonizing it is. The feelings are real, no matter what anyone says. Healthy behavior ( I think) is to acknowledge them, experience them for what they are, and maybe, all will be okay one day. I fear that I will explode unexpectedly if not relieved from time to time. (spontaneously combust?)In ANY manner of expression. So I must not pretend to” not know” the monster inside of me, I must rid myself of it. I’m just very afraid of the cost. What, who, how much will this cost me? I find myself whispering under my breath to a few people, “please don’t go”. And a nasty flash crosses my minds eye of the whisper to my son as I said goodbye knowing he was in a black box. Not any of them could hear me, as I feel no one can hear me now, nor would I want them to.
Again I say that I am not alone in the grieving parent club. Altho it feels this way quite often. This is the new me. I will not ever “get over it, & get on with it”. Anyone familiar with the line in the movie Shawshank Redemption “ Get busy living, or get busy dieing? I used to think that way, now I know that there’s a whole spectrum of gray scale in between. I will never stop grieving for my son. A limb has indeed been severed, but I can and will thrive without it, for the sake of those left behind whom I love. For the sake of honoring a love, that’s now gone.
Most people avoid death. That is part of being human. A deep respect for life naturally leads to an avoidance of death. Sometimes it’s a fine line between when to keep fighting and when to let go. I pray that I will always have the will to live. Of course death is a part of life, I wish people would stop saying this to me…. but no parent accepts the death of their child. It is much easier to accept for a person who has lived a long life, than for a child just starting theirs.
I will no longer pretend I’m fine when I’m not. When I have issues, I will say so, so that the next time you run into someone going through this, or it happens to your friend, or maybe you lose your own child, you will know that this is normal. This is what grief looks like, and its ugly. The ugly monster. I cannot get around it. I can only go through it, step by aching step. It’s not my choice, its just the way that it is. Maybe it will help someone, just one someone, someday. We, I believe, as one little person, with 2 hands and one heart can make a difference. Be it in voting, teaching, counseling, Mothering, loving, even making a quilt block. Even blogging! I CAN make a difference.
Thanks once again dear blog readers, for listening to my ramblings, for praying for my family, for your encouragement, and yes, for every heartfelt stitch or word on the quilt I wrap myself in on a nightly basis. The heart of life is very good. Despite the Ugly Monster.

California Happy Cows

Sometimes I just wonder..... WTH is wrong with me????? I gotta tell ya, I'm so darn certain every week that I'm going to win the lottery, no one can change my mind, and I JUST NEVER DO!!! BUT SOMEONE DOES!!

So much grass....so little time.. it dawned on me this morning that its only a thousand dollar game! Its NOT 29 Million!!! NO jackpot alerts, WTH am I doing??? I dont even get to ponder a plan for a thousand dollar win!!! PPffttt... thats one trip to Costco, with (MAYBE) Home depot on the side for petes sake! ( ever ponder who the heck pete is and why he gets his name on a staple quote?)

OK......so new plan... no more happy cows, all spare coinage goes for the millions. period. Last night I had 8.00 on Blimas BD and 29 Million. iTS A RED LETTER DRAW SO ItS GOT TO BE the one! I could be typing here as Californias newest millionaire, in fact, I bet I am!! I just dont know it yet! :::See::::dumbass::::

I sometimes ponder how many fat quarters of batiks I could have put in my stash with all these super lotto tickets in my bag. Speaking of bags... I really need a new fall bag. Tis time. ( that was a side note, it isnt easy being me on my first cuppa u know) I better go make my list before my poor bwain explodes. Its humpday and I plan to work til late evening as Walt has a meeting tonight. I'm in hopes to finish a loaded king, binding and all! ( Im not liking binding these days, my fingers are raw!) Have a good day, and please no one email me with jack pot results as I need to plan the whole 29 million out today okay? ( keeps me off the streets).

LYG,

G

ps: ---->I'm still on it! Second chance or not!

Happy Birthday Blima!!!

I hope that you have a fabulous day, and that everyone treat you as special as you are:) Now tell me again, how old are you??? Ohhhh I remember!! OLDER THAN ME!!! HA! ( and always will be)

I cant help but to pretend that we will have our birthdays together, which will UNDOUBTABLY kickass the real days!! Oh wait, no pretending, IT WILL!!! I got the car gassed up, snacks ~N~ sodas in the trunk, a couple CD's to sing your ears off with ( that will make Oprah and Gayle trip pale in comparison) for yet another road trip, and more memories to make.

Lets win in Lake Tahoe, and spend a fair amount of it at every outlet along the way! I have a list... dishes for sis, 3 coffee mugs for me, new embellished jeans for me too...ok, and some shoes..no maybe boots...lol.... Shirts for Walt, and lotsa cool stuff for the grands:) oh! and that elusive camera fabric that i cant find.. mental note, quilt shop stops in every city... ( dont worry, I have a Mapbook that shows every single one too)

I'm quilting my fingers off over here, say it with me...MO MONEY HONEY!!! ( remember, enough lettuce for my shoe fettish)

Happy Birthday Woman! I love ya:) I have your beach chair ready, and Walts sitting here saying that he has your shovel...ROFL

G

Have you guys been to Blimas site yet? You should! She is an amazing chef, and even more so Baker!

Great, now I want some............BlimaCake!

Seasoning Cast Iron Skillets - M'& M's

There's a lot of different opinions about seasoning cast iron. Here's mine:)

Truly a PITA of a pot, but well worth your troubles. Whether you are making a pot roast or biscuit gravy, or anything in between, these babies are a staple in my kitchen. I keep my Caphalan of course, but for comfort food, soups n stews, fajitas & tortillas, gravy or roasts.... Cast iron by far is the best. You can sear, saute, bake, broil, and even make delicious tortillas on them.

NEW SKILLET:

Grease your pan with cooking oil (any is fine, I always use my olive oil) inside and out, Put it in a 300° oven for three hours, removing it several times, wiping it clean, and re-greasing it, so there are three coats inside and one outside. Dont forget that cast iron is even tempered including the handle, ...ask me how I know this. Your pot is now seasoned. Now to re season after each use, I generally clean as below, then heat on stove top to dry, and re oil with a paper towel.

USED SKILLET:

Remember, never use soap to clean it, heres why: Cast iron has a gazillion crevices for seasonings to hide in. Therefore, soap can hide in them too huh? Wanna eat soap? Nope!

Also, metal utensils will hurt too, stick with wooden spoons/spats
Wipe it clean, using HOT water, & salt as an abrasive. A sratchy sponge or stiff brush works well too.

Walts favorites for Biscuits n Gravy, and for pot roast too!

Great Steak Griller, And pancakesMy Favorites for Fajitas, not only great to sear on, but a lovely presentation as well. The PLATA below for tortillas was given to me by Ma at least 30 years ago? Its so cool for quesadillas with cheese, any tortillas, and oh yes! Chasing husbands down the driveway!

( I heard that was a good use)I'm going to do a Beef Stroganoff in the dutch oven tonight, Ill post recipe hopefully tomorrow. ( If I remember..lol) *Note to Lora* I actually make your old fashioned cornbread this way now too! I knew I could improve even the best!

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Marvelous Mondays gratuities mean:

The right tool for the job at hand, be it quilting or cooking!

Helpful Hubby that brings me flowers for no reason at all

Marvey Markers... what did I ever do without them? ( see # 1)

Colbie Caliet singing Midnight Bottle, & Ingrid singing Take me the way I am

The right to my own opinion, be it right or wrong, its mine dang it.

The strength to at least get pissed and TRY to be strong. ( makes sense only to me?) I dunno

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SarahBear Photo contest tomorrow, get your digital in!!