Gabe’s Birthday:
August 24 – Gabe’s birthday. We celebrated on Saturday the 23rd so that we could go to the Evergreen State Fair on Sunday, leaving the house to Gabe and Darcy to celebrate Gabe’s birthday as they wanted to.
Saturday’s requested birthday menu: Tamale Pie, Carne Asada (I found tri-tip asada instead), a Spanish Rice “type thing” (I settled for Mexican Rice a Roni), and a fruit salad. It was an absolutely gorgeous, perfect August day (unlike today ): We ate outside, and the tamale pie was picturesque! (See photo). Darcy thought I should sell the picture to Pampered Chef. Both Noah and Emma joined us at the table, each in their own child seat on the padded patio chair. They did very well! We didn’t have any mishaps with falling on the patio floor or any such thing. It was a very nice time.
Dessert was a lime cheesecake with cherry topping. An unbelievably easy recipe that, for all its ease, tasted pretty decent.
I tried for all the world to get a good picture of Gabe, but you know Gabe. So, I think I’ll just post what I have. If he doesn’t like them, maybe he’ll figure out how to let me take a nice photo. Do ya think???
The Fair:
It sprinkled off and on when we got there – nothing to worry about. This is Washington, after all, even though it’s August, and we would expect better. Dad left his cap in the truck, and I was in capris and sandals. Bad move! After we’d been there an hour, it began to P-O-U-R! I may have ruined my nice black Birkenstocks. At any rate, I think I ruined the bottoms of my feet! They absorbed a bit of dye from the sandals. We can’t decide if it’s just because we’re getting older, and aren’t in much need of “stuff” or if the commercial sheds have gone downhill. We think the commercial sheds have gone downhill. Lots of window vendors, gutter vendors (appropriate!), a sock display with thousands of socks, and some various and sundry booths. One booth had an aloe-based cream supposed to be really good for eczema. A small jar, maybe an inch and a half across and not quite as tall went for $20. Dad would go through that in one day! So obviously it stayed there.
I decided what I wanted to eat, and stuck to it. Success! Not that I ate great, but I didn’t go overboard. I started out with an Italian chicken wrap that was really huge. But it had a lot of lettuce. Then some ice cream, and then just before we left, I splurged on an elephant ear. They have turned healthy! Whole wheat and honey bread dough. ;) Unless you want to count the grease they’re fried in, and the butter, and sugar they’re drenched with. I dumped all the excess sugar and cinnamon off, and there was still plenty on there. But it was tasty! I came home and ate some yogurt for protein to counteract all that sugar!
I won’t enumerate dad’s eating . . .We enjoyed it, but it would have been more fun if the weather had cooperated a bit more. Dad got really tired, but every place we wanted to sit and rest was wet. So we came home probably earlier than we normally would have, but it was satisfying. I think my fair yen has been quenched for a couple more years!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Summer Vacations - 2008
Just for you, Aaron, a title! And thank you for giving me the title in the first place! ;)
Okay. In July we went to Montana, but I'm guessing all of you already knew that. Why am I telling you what you already know??? Anyway, I promised to blog, and since we've taken 2 trips in 9 weeks, blog I will. As follows:
First, to Montana over Little Big Horn Days and July 4th. Saw Hannah and Isaiah in a parade. Josh preached at the community service, and we just generally had a super good time. Took Hannah and Isaiah to their first circus. That was a hoot! It was a small (although 3-ring) circus, suitable for a small town. But we went to the afternoon showing on a week day, so it was very sparsely attended. We were able to sit so close! The kids really enjoyed it, and we really enjoyed the kids. Also enjoyed watching Hannah ride an elephant. Also watched the bookends in a soccer practice another day!
It wasn't just about Hannah and Isaiah though. We got some good time with Su, and after a day or two, she began to wake up in a really bad mood. The adults couldn't figure it out, but Hannah had a thought: she thought perhaps Su thought we were no longer there. So I showed myself to Su, and she settled right down! Seems she liked having G-ma and G-pa there. That felt really good!
We also attended the church service the morning we left, and the former pastor was there. That turned out to be a very moving meeting - we were so thankful that God allowed us to be there on that particular Sunday.
Holly and I spent lots of time in R&R - Resting and Relating. It was a very restful visit, and we loved every minute there. Thank you, Josh and Holly, for a great week plus, and for your restful hospitality.
After a couple weeks of work, we took off again for the southern kids. We fly into San Jose, rent a car, and drive south 3 hours on 101 to San Luis Obispo. Surely a slice of heaven on earth - at least weather-ly speaking. Very moderate climate (usually). And although I don't consider myself a beach bum, I do enjoy the beaches they have there. We visited Pismo and Avila Beaches, and Morrow Bay. Pismo has the finest sand I've ever seen. It's almost powdery! A few miles away, Avila Beach sand was so warm, we couldn't walk barefoot on it, and had to crouch under the pier in the shade, where I, of course, hit my head. Every Thursday night they have a farmers' market downtown, where they block off several blocks of a main street. It was very much a fair-like atmosphere - at least where the eating was concerned! Corn on the cob dripping with butter, tri tip, pork, beef, & chicken kabobs, hot dogs, I could go on and on, but the pounds like to pile on just at the thought! Every Thursday night! And their weather almost always cooperates. One of the things I think we enjoyed the most (if you can tell by the number of times we went) was Bali's. It's a serve-yourself yogurt place - about 7 kinds of yogurt, I think. And then bins upon bins upon bins of add-ons. A diabetic's nightmare, and a sweet-tooth's delight! I think we hit that place 3 or 4 times! You took a styro cup (and not a 6-oz cup, either!), from about 10-12 oz all the way to 32 oz cups. Select your yogurt(s), and mix in whatever toppings you wanted. Then pay by the ounce. Thankfully, they always had a sugar-free, fat-free yogurt for me. And it was really yummy. We went to the Old Country Buffet for breakfast this morning, and they had a mini-bar of the same thing. Only it was so far removed from Bali's, I didn't even connect the two until Ric said "It's not Bali's, is it?" No, not quite. I'm gonna miss that place!
Spending time with Taylor and TJ was awesome. We saw a t-shirt at Morrow Bay that I wish I had bought for Tay: it said "Yes I'm a girl. Yes I'm an athlete. Yes I can kick your butt!" She's all girly-girl, and at the same time, loves to play hard and tease her brother. TJ is the most amazing carbon copy of his daddy. It took me a couple of days to get used to that. And throughout the week, he kept doing things that Aaron did, which I had forgotten about, but had a flashback when Tommy did it. He has the cutest way of beckoning you to come when he wants something. Wish I had gotten that on video.
And it was good just being with Aaron and Courtney. Although Courtney had to work a few days while we were there, since she just started, we still had good time together. I hope she was able to rest up after we left. She was pretty busy with company and work, too.
You know, I could go on and on. There's just so much to say, but I promised to start making them not quite so long. So I'm going to quit and try to get a few pictures added. Tomorrow I go back to work, and work an extra half-day for the next 3 weeks. It's a good thing I feel rested!
Until next time. Sayonara.
Okay. In July we went to Montana, but I'm guessing all of you already knew that. Why am I telling you what you already know??? Anyway, I promised to blog, and since we've taken 2 trips in 9 weeks, blog I will. As follows:
First, to Montana over Little Big Horn Days and July 4th. Saw Hannah and Isaiah in a parade. Josh preached at the community service, and we just generally had a super good time. Took Hannah and Isaiah to their first circus. That was a hoot! It was a small (although 3-ring) circus, suitable for a small town. But we went to the afternoon showing on a week day, so it was very sparsely attended. We were able to sit so close! The kids really enjoyed it, and we really enjoyed the kids. Also enjoyed watching Hannah ride an elephant. Also watched the bookends in a soccer practice another day!
It wasn't just about Hannah and Isaiah though. We got some good time with Su, and after a day or two, she began to wake up in a really bad mood. The adults couldn't figure it out, but Hannah had a thought: she thought perhaps Su thought we were no longer there. So I showed myself to Su, and she settled right down! Seems she liked having G-ma and G-pa there. That felt really good!
We also attended the church service the morning we left, and the former pastor was there. That turned out to be a very moving meeting - we were so thankful that God allowed us to be there on that particular Sunday.
Holly and I spent lots of time in R&R - Resting and Relating. It was a very restful visit, and we loved every minute there. Thank you, Josh and Holly, for a great week plus, and for your restful hospitality.
After a couple weeks of work, we took off again for the southern kids. We fly into San Jose, rent a car, and drive south 3 hours on 101 to San Luis Obispo. Surely a slice of heaven on earth - at least weather-ly speaking. Very moderate climate (usually). And although I don't consider myself a beach bum, I do enjoy the beaches they have there. We visited Pismo and Avila Beaches, and Morrow Bay. Pismo has the finest sand I've ever seen. It's almost powdery! A few miles away, Avila Beach sand was so warm, we couldn't walk barefoot on it, and had to crouch under the pier in the shade, where I, of course, hit my head. Every Thursday night they have a farmers' market downtown, where they block off several blocks of a main street. It was very much a fair-like atmosphere - at least where the eating was concerned! Corn on the cob dripping with butter, tri tip, pork, beef, & chicken kabobs, hot dogs, I could go on and on, but the pounds like to pile on just at the thought! Every Thursday night! And their weather almost always cooperates. One of the things I think we enjoyed the most (if you can tell by the number of times we went) was Bali's. It's a serve-yourself yogurt place - about 7 kinds of yogurt, I think. And then bins upon bins upon bins of add-ons. A diabetic's nightmare, and a sweet-tooth's delight! I think we hit that place 3 or 4 times! You took a styro cup (and not a 6-oz cup, either!), from about 10-12 oz all the way to 32 oz cups. Select your yogurt(s), and mix in whatever toppings you wanted. Then pay by the ounce. Thankfully, they always had a sugar-free, fat-free yogurt for me. And it was really yummy. We went to the Old Country Buffet for breakfast this morning, and they had a mini-bar of the same thing. Only it was so far removed from Bali's, I didn't even connect the two until Ric said "It's not Bali's, is it?" No, not quite. I'm gonna miss that place!
Spending time with Taylor and TJ was awesome. We saw a t-shirt at Morrow Bay that I wish I had bought for Tay: it said "Yes I'm a girl. Yes I'm an athlete. Yes I can kick your butt!" She's all girly-girl, and at the same time, loves to play hard and tease her brother. TJ is the most amazing carbon copy of his daddy. It took me a couple of days to get used to that. And throughout the week, he kept doing things that Aaron did, which I had forgotten about, but had a flashback when Tommy did it. He has the cutest way of beckoning you to come when he wants something. Wish I had gotten that on video.
And it was good just being with Aaron and Courtney. Although Courtney had to work a few days while we were there, since she just started, we still had good time together. I hope she was able to rest up after we left. She was pretty busy with company and work, too.
You know, I could go on and on. There's just so much to say, but I promised to start making them not quite so long. So I'm going to quit and try to get a few pictures added. Tomorrow I go back to work, and work an extra half-day for the next 3 weeks. It's a good thing I feel rested!
Until next time. Sayonara.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Tuesday, July 15: I can't believe it's been over a month since I've blogged. I can hardly even believe I'm blogging, period!The video system is coming along. A week ago I was feeling pretty confident, not feeling the need for my mentor's input. Only trouble was that I couldn't get what I saw on the laptop screen to transfer to the big white screen. Ken looked at it and couldn't figure it out, either. Of course, everyone knows I'm new at it, and they all think they can figure it out, even though they have had no training on it. So in a panic, Kaydee came rushing in just before church started, and took one quick look, and held up the video projector cable, waving it in my face. I had failed to connect the video projector to the laptop. Aaaarrrgggghhh.
Tuesday, July 29: And that's the way it goes - two weeks gone by, and I couldn't even finish a post. Continuing with the video projection system: Two Sundays ago, I messed up the current/next screen prompt. Kaydee had to rescue me on that. A simple matter of a drop-down menu having the correct options selected. Then, last Sunday there was another small glitch: I had been asked to make an announcement slide for a 50th anniversary love offering for Wes & Jene. I made it, no problem. But I couldn't figure out how to get it timed to part of the 20-second loop for pre-service slides. So Kaydee to the rescue again. One of these times, it is my sincerest hope that I will be able to do a whole Sunday without her intervention!
Other news: Had a great 9 days in Hardin with Josh, Holly and family. Very relaxing and fun to jump into their lives for a few days and just live with them. Didn't do a lot of sightseeing - been there and done that, although I'm not opposed to return outings. We did reprise the museum trip. That's always interesting. They have a great museum there. Also had dinner with one couple from their church. They have a beautiful property next to a river, with lots of space for the kids to run. Always have a great time with them.
Friday, August 1: And now I find myself getting ready for another trip. We'll soon be winging our way to San Jose, to travel on to SLO. Looking forward to that very much. Guess I should be reserving a car, huh? Why do I always procrastinate on that???
It's been very busy at work. I've been working a lot of hours, and filling in for Ginger. Again. She's had yet another foot surgery, and will be out for 3 weeks. But my boss said I couldn't do her job for 3 weeks again. She needs me on the front desk. That was fine with me. There is another substitute who is helping out, but needs to adjust the schedule a bit to fit everything in. The trouble with that is that it really messes with their minds. A day off here, an hour late there, and every Thursday a different room - I really feel sorry for the poor residents. It's tough on them. Especially on one who is declining at a rapid rate right now. I hate that part of the job.
Gabe worked with me last Monday and Tuesday evening for training. We were deleting some files for people who had moved out (or died). He clicked on one for the main rolodex file, then hit "delete" and poof. Gone! He kinda looked at it, blinked, and said "that's harsh!" Yeah, it's harsh. Just one click of a button, and there's no indication that the person ever existed. I hate that part, too!
Well, this has gone on way too long. I'll try to keep them shorter and more frequent from now on. Sorry for the marathon.
Tuesday, July 29: And that's the way it goes - two weeks gone by, and I couldn't even finish a post. Continuing with the video projection system: Two Sundays ago, I messed up the current/next screen prompt. Kaydee had to rescue me on that. A simple matter of a drop-down menu having the correct options selected. Then, last Sunday there was another small glitch: I had been asked to make an announcement slide for a 50th anniversary love offering for Wes & Jene. I made it, no problem. But I couldn't figure out how to get it timed to part of the 20-second loop for pre-service slides. So Kaydee to the rescue again. One of these times, it is my sincerest hope that I will be able to do a whole Sunday without her intervention!
Other news: Had a great 9 days in Hardin with Josh, Holly and family. Very relaxing and fun to jump into their lives for a few days and just live with them. Didn't do a lot of sightseeing - been there and done that, although I'm not opposed to return outings. We did reprise the museum trip. That's always interesting. They have a great museum there. Also had dinner with one couple from their church. They have a beautiful property next to a river, with lots of space for the kids to run. Always have a great time with them.
Friday, August 1: And now I find myself getting ready for another trip. We'll soon be winging our way to San Jose, to travel on to SLO. Looking forward to that very much. Guess I should be reserving a car, huh? Why do I always procrastinate on that???
It's been very busy at work. I've been working a lot of hours, and filling in for Ginger. Again. She's had yet another foot surgery, and will be out for 3 weeks. But my boss said I couldn't do her job for 3 weeks again. She needs me on the front desk. That was fine with me. There is another substitute who is helping out, but needs to adjust the schedule a bit to fit everything in. The trouble with that is that it really messes with their minds. A day off here, an hour late there, and every Thursday a different room - I really feel sorry for the poor residents. It's tough on them. Especially on one who is declining at a rapid rate right now. I hate that part of the job.
Gabe worked with me last Monday and Tuesday evening for training. We were deleting some files for people who had moved out (or died). He clicked on one for the main rolodex file, then hit "delete" and poof. Gone! He kinda looked at it, blinked, and said "that's harsh!" Yeah, it's harsh. Just one click of a button, and there's no indication that the person ever existed. I hate that part, too!
Well, this has gone on way too long. I'll try to keep them shorter and more frequent from now on. Sorry for the marathon.
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