Picnic

Yesterday we went to Manito Park with the girls for a Picnic. .




Sydney had just finished VBS (Casey opted not to attend) and was really hyped.







They had a Christian Rock group that lead the singing with a lot of "get down, jump up, turn around" sort of dance steps

humming birds

Saw in the paper a neat site so went to it.
Check it out http://community-2.webtv/velpics/HUM/
Truly amazing shots.

Ginkgo

While moving into this unit (#1) Jerry & I often spoke of planting a tree. We looked in nurseries and talked to various friends but nothing struck us as being an indication of who we are as a couple. Then, on our recent trip, I said how about a Ginkgo? And it fit. The Gincgo dates from dinasour times. Trees are either male or female but you don't know which you have until they mature at about thirty years of age. So we stopped at the Petrified forest gift shop and bought a three year old tree. It is about 15" tall right now and goes striaght up (no branches). It has been very hot here is Spokane, so I have not as yet planted it, waiting instead for somewhat cooler weather (which should decend upon us next week). I'll post a picture or two later.

Bats, Bats, Bats

Saturday evening we, Jerry, Sydney, Casey and I went to Deep Creek for the Parks Dept. presentation on bats. The girls were reluctant to go at first but were very enthralled when the biologists finally began catching and measuring the bats.


Here is one caught in a harp trap





These next two pictures are of the scientist measuring the ears and forearm bone for identification. Yes, they have sharp little teeth. No, we could not handle them, however, we were able to touch their wings and back while they were being securely held by the biologist.






All in all six species of bats were snagged in the nets - 20 in all - 19 males and 1 female. HMMM. Males like to party at night?
The girls are looking forward to next year's hunt.

Excusses

See, this is why I don't keep a journal. I don't record regularly enough to make sense of it. I have been busy, though, since last I blogged.
Last week we drove to Sequim (pronounced Squim) to see the Lavendar Fields. The climate at the north end of the peninsula mimics that of Provance, France, so makes ideal growing for this beautiful herb/flower.














Then we traveled west to the Old Growth Forests. Magnificant - Awsome - etc. Saw a two point buck, resting in the shade of some trees, just feet from the road. He had no fear. It wasn't hunting season and he was in a protected National Forest.






We then went to to the Washington RainForest on the Olympic Peninsula.

While there we came upon a hear of Roosevelt Elk lounging in the sun. Quite magnificent.
Loved it.

Saturday

This is a Red Hat day. We will be meeting in Manito Park for lunch and touring the conservatory after. That should be fun. The weather is cooperating with us today. (Last year when we tried it we were rained out).
Then this evening we will be going to a birthday party. Jerry isn't too enthused about it but, "Oh, well", we are going.
Guess I will have to pack this morning for our trip to the Olympic peninsula. I want to get on the road right after church tomorrow. We will stay in a different motel every night and come back home on Thursday. Hope I can see everything I want to see in that short time frame. Again I seem to be dragging a reluctant husband. He made the reservations for the motels and now he's sounding like "do we really want to do this?' I just wonder about him. All the beauty of God's world and he doesn't want to see it.

hummingbird

Yesterday, just before we were to leave for a wedding, a hummingbird came sipping at our nectar bar. It was the first one I've seen there. I was thrilled. He/she had to sip out of all four spouts. Looked like he/she was sitting on the little roosts and taking his/her time. I really would like to get a picture of one at the feeder - if one comes again - if I am there to see it - if I have the camera ready.

Before church

And another week has slipped away. This being a short week, we seem to be back around all too soon.
We had grandparent duties a couple of days. The girls love to sew and can be entertained for hours creating cloths for dolls. We made bead dolls this week and Casey is trying to figure out a mobile apparatus for them. Sydney is working on a nine patch doll quilt.
I really enjoy have them here. But I really don't care for the bickering that sometimes accompanies them. I guess because it upsets their grandfather and I don't like it when he scolds them. They are off camping next week and then to Seattle for a week's visit with their other Grandma Bowers.
Might take Jhary to see Cars today.

Wooden boat

Won a ride on a paddle boat at our auction this year. The person offering this cruise made the yacht begining in 1972. He worked painstakingly over the next 25 years peicing it together, varnishing every board and polishing every peice of brass.

This is a picture of the proud owners. A very nice couple.








The boat has a tank of water (in the wooden box
in front) sitting over a small furnace (note the black smoke stack) that he keeps blazing to boil the water that turns the paddle wheel in the rear. The interior is marvelous. Just room for four people. Since we had six on board, the guys sat outside steering and stoking.




There is quite the ritual to get the boat in and out of the water, but once in and underway it was glorious. Hope they put it in the auction again next year so I can bid on it again.

I'm the Queen

After church today I will be attending the Coeur d'Alene Theatre's performance of "Peter Pan" with seven of the women I swim with. Afterwards we will go to dinner. I wish Jerry liked plays. He doesn't mind going out to eat but plays, movies, mystery dinners, auctions etc. just aren't his heart's desire. Oh, well. He has no other faults, is a good lover, a hard worker, makes me feel like a queen so I really have no room to complain. "Off of the tree of life I picked me a peach" (I know that should be plum but I like peaches better).

blocks

I decided to try to clean out my enourmous stash of fabric. My method is to cut all the odd sized pieces into 3" and 4" blocks with the intension of piecing them back together as table runners, quilts or purses etc. This morning I tackled my Purple bin. Half of the bin in satiny, silky, flimsy stuff for doll dresses and not at all suited for my supposed projects. The other half got whacked. I spent a good three hours just cutting squares. I was seated so my feet did not suffer but even with a rotary cutter, my wrist is tired. What color do I tackle next?
Bought some more elastic 'cause I STILL have not found my little box of elastic assortments.
The people are moving into unit #9. Maybe I should bake a cake and take it to them. Or not.

pocket purses

Today I had Casey & Sydney decorate Pocket Purses. I saw the project in a children's activity magazine & went for it. Just have to cut the back pocket off the rear of a pair of jeans (used ones) and decorate. The two large ones are from Brian's jeans and the two small ones from a pair Casey had outgrown. Pretty cute?

Baby pictures

Here she is. Such a cutie.







And here is her mom (holding her), her grandma on the left and her great grandma on the right.

Then of course we had to get a picture of Uncle Christopher, Mom (Jessica) holding Anessa, and Aunt Kimberly. Don't you just love it when the kids all smile?

Arizona

Well, we made it to Phoenix without any problems. It is hot here.
The baby is addorable (of course). I will post pictures when I get home as I do not have the capability of downloading pictures onto this computer from my camera.

Bat flowers

One of the girls in the pool told me about this little plant, (Firecracker Cuphea). She and the
nursery attendant call it a bat flower because, if you have a good imagination you can see a little bat face and big red bat wings.

It's real name is Cuphea purpurea. There is another branch of this plant that they call little mice. Much the same in configuration but with smaller red petals.

They say that hummingbirds love them. We shall see.

Red hat lunch

Our original plan for today's Scarlett O'Hatties gathering was to go to Lake Coeur d'Alene and take a cruise around the lake. The weather has been cold, stormy, windy, wet and only two ladies were going to attend the event. HMMM. My thought then was to change the venue of the meeting to something a bit closer (the lake is 30 minuts away) and less expensive (cost of the cruise if $15.00 plus food). Therefore I opened my home to a lite lunch. The same two ladies who were going on the cruise were the only ones in attendance. Go figure.

The best part of that whole scenario is that my house is all clean (company coming clean) and we have less than a week before we go to Phoenix. With any luck the place will be tidy when we leave so I won't be coming home to a sloppy house.

Phoenix has been having 95-100 degree weather. Ours on the other hand has a time getting into the 70s. I'll pack lite - shorts and t-shirts.

Sewing room organized

As you can see, I had a big mess on my hands. Stuff was brought into the sewing room and placed where ever there was room. Since the room is smaller than the one I had upstairs, rearranging has been a challenge. I have finally gotten the bulk of it done.














Now I can actually get to my machine and find room to cut out a doll dress or two.





My grand daughter, upon seeing that the room was tidy again, said, "can I make a purse"? I had to take some pictures of a clean room before she started.

Now If I could only find my small box of elastic I'd be all set.

My garden

After being scratched this spring by my "attack rose bush", I told her that she had better be spectacular or out she was going. See, she really is outstanding. She stays.







As does the docile, "nice white bush". The first cuttings I brought inside lasted quite a while. Then came the rains and the second cuttings did not fare as well. I think I have to snip off all the spent flowers now to ensure a healthy bush, right? I sooo know nothing of roses.








I had the grass removed (dirt area to the right and in front of the gas meters) so that I could put flowers in. I put sunflower seeds in front of the gas meters. Should block that view in a month. Trouble is the meter readers have to have access to the little dials on the front of the meters or I'd box them in entirely. This

More rain

This rain just won't stop. Yesterday the hillside next to a well traveled road near us washed away and took part of the road with it. We have now broken the record for rainfall during the fiest 13 days of June set in 1888. We officially have 2.73 inches this month. The last time June was this wet was 1983 whe we had 2.85 inches for the entire month.

Rain Rain go away

I suppose the farmers love rain but I, personally, am getting a bit boored with it. Sure it makes the grass green and the flowers grow but it also makes weeds grow. (Now I remember why I didn't want a yard to take care of). I only have a small plot so I really shouldn't complain. It will give me something to do when I get boored of sitting on the patio sipping a tall glass of crystal clear water.

Went to "A Chorus Line" yesterday with seven of my swimming companions. We have asked our instructor to incorporate some of the dance steps into our swim routine. That could happen, right? "step, together, flip kick, turn, slide , slide" all in the deep end. Ha Ha We are taking hats today for the routine. I'll let you know.

Called my daughter in law last night - the grandmother of my great granddaughter. Seems the father of the baby is living with them. Now I might be able to agree to such an arrangement IF they couple were married and IF he had a job and was contributing to the household expenses, but guess what? He's not. He has put off asking Jessica to marry him (until after his brother gets married this summer) - what's up with that. He has lost a couple of jobs in the last year and has now been hired by someone who says he really has no work for him. What part of job does he not get? Job is something you do for pay, not something you say you have and do nothing for no pay. Brian must be a saint to put up with this situation.

Garden Project

Yesterday was lovely, not too hot, not too cool, no rain. So I decided to clean up the small bed in front of some shrubs at my front door. There had been a large, old, overgrown sick shrub there and the condo residents voted to remove it leaving a bare hole with the decorator rocks nearly all covered in soil. Simple solution to making it look fresh again was to remove the soil from the rock area and plant a heat loving ground cover/rock garden type plant. Did I say simple? So I got down on the ground and started removing the rocks, separating them from the soil they had rested in for many and many a year. Being as I am, unaccostomed to such activity, I could only work for 45 minutes before I would have to come in and rest my knees and back. It took four sessions of 30 to 45 minutes each. I'm talking a fairly small area here. Dig out rocks, scoop up dirt replace rocks, haul dirt away (thank you Jerry, I could not have lifted those buckets as easily as you did). But I did it and it's done and the portulaca (not sure of the spelling of that) I planted will soon fill the dirt hole that once housed a shrub.


Then I look to the other side of the entry way --- "that's not my chicken". BUT ... it would look so nice if that little triangle were all rocks or all grass. Take your pick. Right now it is rocks, grass, dirt and Thistles. It's only about four feet by three feet. I could do that in an hour. But not today.



Right now my sitting muscles are screaming every time I stand up. They did not like the kneeling position I took for those periods of time. (I finally resorded to just sitting and moving the rocks and dirt between splayed out legs - not very efficient.)

Today it is rainy and gray. Jhary's community had their annual BBQ. They moved it into the staff office. We went early, ate and came home so there would be room for other guests.

Sunday nite

We are completely out of #9. We have signed our part of the paper work and turned over the keys. I sure hope the new owner is the mom not her daughter and small son.
Although we are out of #9 I still have some unpacking to do. I am finding it difficult to find places for all the "stuff" I have accumulated. I hung the pictures last evening so I guess now it is "ours". We even purchased plants for the small garden. It has been raining for the past four days so I do not feel like going out and digging.
As a note to the future, we have decided that we will not accept gifts for various occations unless they are consumable. No more books, fabric, Knick Knacks etc. etc. etc. Comsumables are gift cards for dinner, flowers, candy, food stuffs. This only makes sense. We have crammed every cupboard and closet with stuff that we may or may not every look at except once a year. Why take more stuff in just to cram it into yet another drawer or shelf?

Writers-Winners

Casey took first place for her story of the day her dog got hit by a car and died in the street (she was only 6 when that happened). She took home a $100.00 check. (Shy Casey, doesn't want her picture taken.)













Sydney took second place with her story of the Little Pumpkin who wanted a pumpkin friend but discovered that you don't have to look just like someone else to be friends. She took home $50.00.
















Casey and Sydney, winners in the Coeur d'Alene Library's Writers contest. What a great way to encourage young and older people to express themselves in writing.

Friday already

Jerry has been working all week trying to fulfil his prediction that we would be out of #9 by Friday. He lost Monday and Tuesday waiting for workmen. Monday the patio door was scheduled to be installed at 8 am. They didn't arrive until 10:30. Tuesday the plumbers were due at 8 am they didn't arrive till noon. Sort of shoots the rest of the day. Anyway, he has everything out except the closet in my sewing room (which has no place to go down here) and our everyday dishes. When the place is empty I'll finish up by cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. He loves to vacuum so I'll let him. Just in time as we are suppose to be signing off on it next Friday.

The girls both won a prize in the Coeur d'Alene writing contest. We don't know what prize yet as the awards ceremony is Saturday. I'll cut my visit with the Red Hatters & Elvis short so we can make the trip over there.

BALLOONS

Went to Walla Walla for the Annual Balloon Festival this weekend. They were magnificent.

Saturday evening they inflate the balloons in the evening so you can see them illuminated from

the inside.

Then on Sunday morning we went back to the field and watched as they inflated them for flight. Truely a magnificent sight. I want to ride in one now.

Wednesday

Slowly, slowly, we are getting out of #9 & into #1. Jerry has really done most of the hauling of the "small stuff". All the books are down, all the furniture is down, all the bathroom is down. Notice I did not say put away, only down. Still to go are three closets, one storage cupboard and most of the kitchen. Then the cleaning of #9. Shouldn't be too bad with all the stuff out. I just don't want to leave grime in the bathroom and spilled food in the fridge. After all, I have to live with the person moving in as a neighbor. We still do not know if it is the mom or the daughter and child moving in. I hope it is just them mom, but I'll probably be wrong.

Sunday evening

Spokane hosts a very large running competition named Bloomsday, held on the first Sunday of May. I ran it in 2000 and received the ugliest t-shirt. I vowed never to run it again. So now I volunteer at a water handout station. Last year the weather was pleasant, this year it was 51 with sprinkles and wind. I did not dress for the occation. When I came home I had to take a hot shower just to warm up. The shirt is periwinkle (close to purple) with a strange figure on the front. Oh well, I can wash the car with it or do the gardening in it.

Tomorrow is the day. Computer will not be moved until Tuesday so I'll not be in touch for a while. There is still so much to do and Jerry has been a dear hauling stuff down stairs. I still cannot fathom where I'll put everything.

Saturday morning

Monday is set for the big move. I've been painting the last bits in the livingroom and climbing those *^&%$# stairs more than I normally do. That and the tension from just the IDEA of moving and I'm getting all stiff and sore. I have a massage scheduled for next Friday. Hope I can survive til then.
Ralph comes today to get the China closet. I guess Darla was supposed to call me and ask that I round up someone on this end to help. I didn't get that message. Ralph can't move it (his knees and legs in general are bad), Greg too is loosing leg power. I won't let Jerry help - his surgery is too new and I'm tired already. 64 may be the old 44, just tell my body that.

Thursday

I remember now why I don't like moving. I love the working with workmen fixing up the new place. It's all done. Now, Monday, the movers come. I used 5 boxes just unloading the china cabinet so Ralph can take it on Saturday - and that was only the top half. Then I look around and think "what was I thinking about". Where is it all going to fit?
The walls are lovely and clean, the ceiling is beautiful, the carpet fresh, the sewing room all put together (but not all the stuff has been put in place). Where is that magic fairy that will do all the work while I sleep?

Friday

Yesterday Marvin (#1 boy cat) appeared to have a swollen eye. Probably the result of a "slap on the face" from one of the "girls". So we made an appointment with the vet. Today his eye looked better but we took him anyway. You should have heard the noises he made on the short 1.5 mile trip to the vet. He sounded scared, mad, nervous, angry - all at the same time. Two shots (rabies & distemper) later and he repeated the performance all the way home. His eye was clear. We decided to take the girls in too. One at a time. Much meowing, hissing, and slapping. Just for shots. Well, I hadn't had them in since 1998 so I guess it was time. Polly has real bad teeth. After the move we will look into that.

Other than that the day was rather calm. I did go over and preview the color the finisher had applied. It will look great.
Next week we should have everything finished; Lights, ceiling tiles, carpet and appiances delivered. Then the move....

Wednesday

It's 2:50 pm and the plummer finally showed up. He was due at 9:00 this morning. I skipped swiming so I would be here for him to let him in etc. We installed a tall toilet in our unit two years ago and want to take it with us. So the toilet in #9 went to #1 & vice versa. That chore is done.
The electrician, who I wanted to come in this week, won't be able to come until next Monday. That means that the ceiling guy won't be in to drop the rest of the ceiling in until Tuesday? But the carpet is due to be installed Tuesday.....
It will all come together in the end, I know, but it is rather frustraiting, especially since I was unable to do much else today except wait.....and pack boxes.
I did send my entertainment center and dining room table out to get refinished. They will be stained dark Mahogany to match the chairs and end tables.

Old Pictures

For Christmas, Robin always wanted what the boys asked for. Skate board - not skates; sports stuff - not dolls. One year I got her a toy sewing machine - I don't know if she asked for it or not. Anyway, it was the first "girly" thing she took interest in and now she is an accomplished quilter/designer/fabric artist.

We're getting there

The vinyl is all in and the trap door looks great. The grid work for the ceiling is finished. I purchased new light fixtures today and will get rid of the ceiling fan that was in the bedroom. So, the electrician finishes up. The ceiling guy follows him. And then the sewing room gets put together. And finally the carpet gets laid. By the second week of May we should be calling the movers to haul down the bed and dressers etc. And I'm looking at what to do with the back yard.
Went to the doctor yesterday for my annual physical. I had had my blood work done so she could review it with me. ALL the numbers are within the normal range. Hooray!! My cholesterol is 190; Triglicerides are 90; and HDL is 57. With these three numbers so good the fact that the LDL is 115 does not bother her (should be below 100). So, all in all I'm feeling pretty good.

baby name

And her name is:
Anessa Elizabeth Francesca Kruczek.
Good thing she doesn't have to learn how to spell all of that before she graduates from Kindergarten. lol

Baby

She appears to have Chinese Eyes. What do you think?

Little miss bright eyes. Seems to be very curious about her new world. Only one day old and so allert.
Wish I could be there to hold her. I've got tickets for June.

I'm a Great Grandmother

My first born in now a grandfather. His first born delivered a little girl this afternoon, weighing in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces, she is 20 inches long and has gobs of black hair (so, her grandma says). The name - Anesia - I'm not sure of the spelling.

Workmen

Lets, see. The front entry way tile is now down and grouted. I feel like we are finally on our way. Had the electrician in yesterday. He gave me power to the north end of my living room (where the walls were torn down). Very good, ' cause that's where the computer goes. I got a chance to go into the crawl space. I wonder how much trouble I'd get into if it excavated down a bit so I could stand up down there. I was hoping to put plastic bins there but the dirt floor isn't level. Well, it is where the furnace and AC are but the rest of it sort of slopes up to the footings.
We decided to replace the patio door. It is of the old aluminum vintage. The guy comes today to measure. Carpenter comes to make repairs to the scared areas, and the realtor is showing our place again. Have had lots of visits but no nibbles yet.

Tuesday

The tile man took up the subflooring at the entry way and found concrete. The plywood was only glued to the concrete so he cleaned up the surface and put a "leveling compound" over it and will come back and lay the tile tomorrow.
While he was there, I had asked the carpenter to come in and decide what he would need to fix the bare ends of the walls (where the old walls were removed). He thought I meant for him to do the work today. But he couldn't do that with the tile man working at the front door. He left in a bit of a huff. Said he would be back on Friday. I hope so.
The carpet guy brought three boards of carpet samples today (because the one I picked out isn't available). I picked a Mohawk in Rainforest green. Then the carpet I picked for the bedroom looked dead so I changed to Lavender (very soft and warm). I will certainly be glad when all of this is a done deal and we can finally move something into the unit.
Sydney has her class music performance tonight.
I still need to look at a new slider to go out on the patio. The one there is very old, single glass and aluminum frame. Talk about energy loss.

Monday

How does that go? The only thing for certain is change? Well, that seems to be my life of late. Last week the carpet sales person called to say that the tile I had selected was not available therefore, the installation could not occure today (Monday). I picked out a new tile, which he assured me could be delivered Wednesday (day after tomorrow) and installed on Friday. So I called the ceiling installer and put him off till next week. Today I am informed that the tile will probably be here Tuesday noon so the installer is going to prep the area tomorrow and probably install in the afternoon, finishing Wednesday. That will be one job finished. The vinyl will be installed next Monday.
Then, today (Monday) he tells me that the carpet I chose .. You got it.. isn't available and won't be made until May for a middle of the month ship date. BUT he can probably get the same color in Mohawk .. at the same price. (I'd like to know the price of the one I'm not getting and the price of the one I am getting to see if I really am getting a "deal".) And if he can get the livingroom carpet in the emerald green I want it would be a good idea to order the bedroom carpet from the same manufacturer because then they would be the same heighth. OK. I"ll look at samples tomorrow.
Wilst I was contemplating the hanging of the ceiling I suddenly realized that the wall scar where I tore out the room divider should be repaired before the ceiling guy comes in. Quick call to my carpenter. He'll be here tomorrow to have a look-see. Hopefully he will be here in the morning -- but, the tile man will be here in the morning -- EEEEK! The tile man doesn't want anyone walking through where he will be working and since it is the front (and only) door...
And I wonder why my sholder is in constant tensness.
Happy spring.

Unit #1

I typed up a whole paragraph just a minute ago and inadvertently deleted it all. Bummer. Let's see if I can remember what I said.
I didn't get much sleep last night because I am fussing about what happens next in the remodle. Sunday the walls came down. Tuesday the carpets came up. Wednesday the painter began - he did my bedroom and all the prepwork. Today he is finishing up. I have a call in to the electrician, plummer and phone guys. They can come at any time. The ceiling sample came back with asbestos so I am dropping the ceiling. That guy finally returned my call today. He should be able to work me in the end of next week. I hope so. The carpet can't be laid until the ceiling and walls are finished. So, then it looks like the first week of May is our move time frame. Mind you, I have been taking a load down each time I go down the stairs. Yesterday the carpenter came and dissasembled the built-ins I have in the sewing room. He hauled them to unit #1 but could not install because the vinyl hasn't been laid. So they are in the dining room. I have half of my "stuff" from the sewing room in my livingroom here and the other half in the kitchen there. Moving is such fun.
There, I'm not going to do a spell check this time as that is what deleted my first attempt.

And the walls came tumbling down

Here are Jason and his son Joshua (Jerry's son and grandson) working dillegently to remove the rock facing on the wall that would have been my computer room. It will now be part of the living room in my new unit. Lots of dust and rubble but it's all gone now. I have to call an electrician to see what can be done about the electrical at that end of the building (there is none now). Things are moving along.

The ceiling

As you can see by this picture of the living room ceiling, I have a big UGLY going on throughout the entire unit. The ceiling in the kitchen/dining area has been dropped but the ceilings in the rest of the unit look like this. Those beams are concrete supports covered with that sprayed accostical stuff. I have a sample in to the lab now for testing. If it contains asbestos, I will have the ceiling dropped. If it does not, I will have plasterboard installed. I'm not at all sure which is the least expensive way to go. At this point I really do not care as the uglyness just has to "go away". Why would I want to keep dirty ceilings that have those ugly beams when I'm getting new carpet and fresh paint? You agree, right? Today we purchase the paint. Hopefully, next week the carpet comes up and the painting begins and I find out what will happen with the ceiling.

This is my sewing room floor sample. There are green leaves, yellowish/tanish flowers and a hard to describe purple that I will try to pull for the walls. Definitely not what I have in my sewing room now. The carpet man dropped it off. Glad he did 'cause I need to take it to the paint store. 

Wednesday

Picked out carpet, entry tile and vynil for the sewing room yesterday. Today we picked out the washer/dryer & fridg. This is all very tireing. Next, I suppose is to find the right color for the walls. Now is the time I guess I should get the flooring samples to put beside the paint chips.
The ceiling is still a mystery. There are really ugly cement beams running through the unit. They have sprayed them with that popcorn stuff. I'd like to just cover it over with sheetrock. Hope I can find someone who is willing and able to do that.
I haven't started packing up anything yet. The realtor is already showing this unit. I hope this all falls into place and we are out of here (meaning this unit has been sold) and into the new one by the middle of May.

Looks interesting

My daughter, Robin found this website and is doing the challenge. Here's the plan for the week. Each day she'll focus on one color when taking photos. I've decided to participate in Kerstin's week of colors challenge, but not just now. Robin will take a pictures and post her best on her web sit http://quiltantics.blogspot.com/. If you decided to do this challenge too, e-mail me so I can see your pictures.

Monday morning

Last Sunday our pastor informed the congregation that he was being transferred to Salmon Creek UMC in July. There were tears is sadness in the congregation.

This week he announced that his father had died. Sighs on Ohhh, then Julie (minister of education) got up and prayed a beautifully touching prayer of supplication and comfort for Mark to be able to greive and heal. Hardly a dry eye in the house.

Julie is a loving person. I love her prayers, her mind is sharp and her heart is only for the Lord. She is trying to jump through the Methodist hoops to become an ordained minister. She has all the schooling in the Presbyterian church but is switching to Methodist. Her sermons are getting better, still reads a lot but she is getting easier with delivery. I think she will make a great loving pastor of a small church that needs nurturing. I think Central would be too much just because it is a big facility with lots of people set in their ways and we do minister to the downtown people (a challenge in and of itself).

Saturday evening

Well the auction is over. We only made a little over $2000. I am really bummed. We worked so hard and there were no bidders in the audience. My tea party went for $10. Should have gotten $75 at least. A full Mexican dinner for 6 went for $10. That is pure bull. I'm really thinking strongly of not doing it again next year. Too much work for so little return. Maybe its because I have gotten my eye off the reason (fellowship, social hour, drawing the church together) and gotten it on "the bottom line" ( wanting that almighty dollar) and it has taken the fun out of it. I'll sleep on it and hopefully fell better in the morning.

Saturday

Today's the day. The auction is turning out to be OK. We have 36 items for the oral auction and 77 items in the silent. The entertainment should be great. And Robbin always fixes great a great meal.
Carrie is working today so we have Grandparent duties. Planning on going out to breakfast to celebrate Caseys birthday. Then Jerry goes to Yoyo club (no foolin, he loves to yoyo and they actually have a group of kids that get together to practice their stunts). After he returns we go to Central to set up the auction. Jerry takes the girls to their dad's in the afternoon. Show time is 5:30. I will be glad when it is over but am secretly looking forward to next year's.

This week

As I looked at my week from Sunday's point of view, it was rather non hectic. Then came Monday and we find we are to pick up the girls every day at 1 PM - early dismissal. No biggie. Throw in a dentist appointment, meeting with the condo president at the bank to change signature cards, try to get a PT session in a couple of times, the final auction meeting before the big event, finishe auction projects, and take Jhary to get her passport renewed and the week fills up. I guess it keeps you young to have many things going on. No time to rust.

Salt Lake City Opera house

Jessica reminded me that I had not sent her the picture we had taken in Salt Lake City. Here it is. Jessica is the one in the middle. Carrie is on the left. I, naturally, am on the right.

Saturday

Went to see Steppin Out at the Interplayers today. The theatre group is 25 years old this year. The play was great. Kathie Dole-Lipe stole the show. Great acting.
Casey is having her birthday party at her dad's house today. She asked me to bake the cake so she could decorate it. Then she sent Jerry to Baskin Robbins for Oreo Cookie Ice Cream. What the heck. Her dad and his girlfriend ae the ones who have to endure the sleepover with six extra little girls in the house (Casey, Sydney, girlfriends girls - a 16 year old and a 4 year old - and she invited ten of her closest friends - only 6 of whom showed up. Better them than us I say.

Picture

HEY! It's there! Great!

Friday

Well, I got my picture to the profile page but not to the About Me section. Baby steps.
Just ordered 12 cubic yards of bark to be spread around the trees here. It always looks so nice with fresh bark and it smells great too.
The Zags lost last night. I am truly sorry for them but on the other hand, people will be more focused on the auction and not distracted by the game.

Thursday

Got the papers from the Mortgage co. yesterday. Guess we're really going to do this. Should sign the final papers on or about the 31st of March. Except the Zags might be playing. Then we will have to wait until after the weekend. You see, our broker is a huge Zags (Gonzaga Basketball) fan. I tried to call about something yesterday afternoon and was told he was on his way to Oakland for tonight's game and wouldn't be back till Monday (or Tuesday?). On the one hand, I'd love to have Gonzaga win - they've been to the dance several times and haven't quite gone all the way. On the other hand if they get into the final four our Auction on April 1st will be hurt. The fans are not going to want to listen to the auctioneer while the game is in progress. The auction committee will have to watch the GU schedule in years to come. This year's auction will be awful - what with GU and spring break we have lost several of our bidders. Well, if it is ment to be it will be.

Casey the artist

This is Casey. She is in fourth grade. She is quite the artist and loves to create.

Syndey the Author

This is a picture of Sydney. She is in Second grade and has a great imagination.

Monday the 20th of March

First day of Spring!!! Hooray!! The sun was out - still clouds in the sky but it did smell like spring. We say a whole field of buttercups yesterday. Many yards have crocus in bloom. This has seemed like a very long long long winter. January and February especially.
Working hard on getting people interested in the Auction. To no avail. I truly love auctions. Why doesn't everyone?
Tomorrow I have to serve the reception for a funeral. I don't know the person. Would rather be singing with Project Joy at an old folks home but duty calls.
Sydney has written six short stories for a contest at the Coeur d'Alene Library. Deadline is March 31st so we are going to drive over on Wednesday and hand deliver them. Each story has to have the original and four copies accompanied by the registration form and one dollar. First place in her age category is $100. I think she has a good chance.

OK this is one of the pictures.
















Lets see if I can get another one to load. No luck. Sure wish I could get it to go on my profile side. 

Pictures

Picked up some Portaits yesterday and have tried - to no avail - to post one to my profile. Then I went into the site this way and can't find how to add a picture. I guess I really have to play with this site more.

3/13/06

My, it has been a while since my last entry. Much has happened.
Jerry is much much better. No blood for a couple of weeks now.
The auction is still coming up. I only have 40 items on my list. A few of the couples we plan on having at every auction will not be there because of Spring Break. Why can't they just leave a day or two later? We are planning a great dinner and wonderful entertainment. But without the people or items we really will not be making much money.
The apartment complex that Gonzaga U. had under construction with occupation scheduled for September 2006 has just burned down. They will rebuild and hope to have the students move in in September 2007.
Went to Salt Lake City this weekend for the Opera. Jessica Bowers was Lady number 3 in the Magic Flute. The reviews in the Utah paper really raked the cast members over the coal but raved about the "sparkle that the three ladies" brought to the show. Her costume was fantastic. Purple dress made from a sari.
Tonight is a benefit concert here is Spokane for the Interfaith Council. It is the regular meeting night for our UMW but we opted to go to the benefit instead.
I really feel out of it. The auction isn't inspiring me. The doll I'm dressing for it isn't inspiring me. The UMW is not exciting. The Red Hat group is so so. I'm involved in a coral group that sings to retirees in rest homes. The Sunday School class I lead is sometimes a chore. And I swim every morning. Maybe I am just too involved with too many things.
Jerry & I are looking at purchasing the unit down stairs this spring. Maybe that will get my creative juices flowing and I will get out of these blahs.
I should get some cheese for all this whine. Oh, Yeah. I'm allergic to dairy.