Baby Ginkgos

A lady in Portland, Oregon announced that she had successfully germinated some Ginkgo seeds she had gathered last fall and asked if anyone wanted any. I jumped on the opportunity and replied to the affirmative. She promptly sent six seeds which I dutifully placed on a very (too) damp paper towel in a plastic bag. Two weeks later I took my little nursery to our monthly Bonsai club meeting and two other ladies begged to take a seed or two home to try to grow a Ginkgo tree. So I was down to three seeds that didn't show any promise of germinating. I transferred the seeds (a bit larger than a cherry pit) to a smaller bag with dampened paper towel (sprayed the towel with a weak solution of bleach to inhibit mold growth - which had been noticed in the larger bag) and waited.
Glory of Glories! Seed #1 started sending out a feeler. The other two were cracked but were much slower in sending out a feeler.
As you can see by the pictures, Seed #1 has a lovely stalk with two cute little leaves on top. Seeds #2 & 3 have their little root sinking into the sand and a small stem coming up. Seed #3 is too close to the pot and her little leaf stem is smashed against the pot. I can't move her because the root is in the sand and I don't want to slow growth down (yet).


Thank you, Lady in Portland. I'll keep you posted as to their progress.

Check Up

Got the results from my annual physical. I'm in great health. My Cholesterol (total) is 177. HDL - 53; LDL - 102; Triglycerides - 108. All this because I have cut out dairy in my diet.
(Last year my numbers were Cholesteral (total) 190; HDL 57; LDL 115; and Triglycerides - 90.)
Can we have a "Way to go"?

Driving

After the fender bender (?) of last month, Jerry & I decided to sign up for the AARP driver refresher course. It started today. Most of the info I learned at 16 is still valid except for the "do not tap your brakes if someone is following too closely". Seems to do so now could lead to a ticket because it is viewed as and "aggresive" move. What????? I'm getting sniffed in the tailpipe by some jerk and I can't signal him to back off? The laws that protect the criminal are insane.

I'm Back

Went to Phoenix last week for some R&R. This being retired sure wears you out. Volunteering a couple of times a week and exercising daily and, and, and...

Brian has boasts that his eldest has moved out and is now on her own. However, as you can see, the granddaughter still makes it over to visit quite frequently. He enjoys just sitting and holding her as she sleeps.

I took a tutu down for her first birthday. She looks so cute.

She is a doll. Very sweet disposition. And such a looker. Those big brown eyes and ready smile.

Can you just see an attitude coming? Her mom is just great with her. Good luck Jessica. You are the greatest.

Brian & Francesca are doing well. Thinking of remodeling the kitchen. Adding on to the back of the house. Converting the empty bedroom to a computer room. Redoing the backyard fence. All this takes time. They are being cautious and going one step at a time.

The truck Francesca found on Craig's list is awesome. You need a ladder to get into it but it is tricked out with GPS, tinted windows, leather seats, satelite radio etc,... All there before she bought it. They did get new tires all around but now she feels safe driving on the freeway. Get out of the way ... here she comes.

Brian's Harley is noisy but nice. Very smooth ride. Comfortable "Bitch" seat. Wish I could learn how to drive it. (But Jerry, having laid his bike down, refuses to go near another bike.)

The Knees

When did my body go? Actually I've know for a long time that my knees don't like me doing stuff. Like crouching , they've never liked that. Or squatting, that's always been a no-no. And bending over, they creak at that. But bowling! We used to get along just fine bowling. But wait, that was ... several years ago - when JFK was still alive.
Why bring this up?
Spring break this past week. Jerry's granddaughters have been suggesting (quite often) that we go bowling. So we relented and went to what used to be Silver Lanes, remember Kids? Well lit, smokey, open? Now it is Big Daddy's. Casino, dim lit, smoke free, chopped into gambling dens, the lanes are lit with black light, track lights race up and down the lanes. (It's not your grandpas bowling alley any more.)
After my eyes got used to the dark (and my memories stopped flooding in) we found our way to the shoe rack and ordered the requisite "bowling shoes". They have gone from blah tan and maroon to day-glo yellow/green and orange. (No one is walking out in those). And found a ball that would work (Jerry had to have one drilled out for his paws).
Figure out how to enter our names in the fancy automatic score keepers (no more paper and pencil or even overhead projector thingy) and we are set. Up I go, get my stance (it's like riding a bike, right? you never forget) and begin my approach. Thunk. What's up with these knees? They don't want to get into the lunge position for releasing of the ball. They stop half way there and the ball is dropped. (Gumpa is turning over in his ashes). I adjust. Still the thunk. Not the smooth release like the guy in the next lane was doing but at least I stayed on the wood, was able to pick up a few spares, hit the head pin for a strike and end up with a decent 125. I've still got it! Best score of the afternoon. One game was my limit. Time was when I was waning at the tenth frame of the third game not the 8th frame of the first game. I'm out of practice.
Jerry took my spot for the next line. He had trouble finding his groove (well, the shoes didn't feel comfortable and the ball was stiff - and let's face it, it's been a while since he was in a league). He finally got his approach ironed out and almost broke 100.
I really had fun watching the girls bowl and coaching them - aim your thumb at the head pin, don't twist your wrist, end your approach on your left foot, etc. The girls were able to put in four lines. But they are young. I'm sure we will do this again. Hope next time I'll be able to break 100 again just to show the kids there is still life in this old body.

Subaru home

After a full day of running errands in the Kia on Monday, we returned to a message from the body shop that our Subaru was ready to come home. Naturally, we turned right around and zipped out to the valley to pick it up. She looks so much better than when I left her. The Enterprise lot was just down the road so we dropped off the Kia and took a leisurely trip north to the Outback to celebrate the return of our little car. A dinner that early was just what we needed. We rolled back home and blobbed for the rest of the evening.

Subaru update

Got a call from the body shop that they have the car in "Paint" now and will be putting it back together over the weekend. Hoorah! The KIA is a cute little car but low to the ground and no bells & whistles. I like having my doors open with a push of the button and my headlights come on at dusk. I get spoiled easily.

Subaru pictures

We went to the collision lot to take a look at my poor little car.

This is damage from a 15 mile per hour wreck.

The estimate from the Hartford is $6700.00.

Since Farmers is paying for it we won't know how much it cost until the job is done.

Parts are being ordered and work will begin when they arrive. We are looking at three more weeks in a Kia Rio.

What a Friday

Went to Tyrone's place to pick him up and take him to get his ID renewed. Two and a half blocks from his house a young lady pulled out of the alley right in front of us. Neither vehicle was going even the speed limit (I had just pulled on to the arterial at the corner and she was leaving the alley) but the collision decommissioned both cars. I landed smack in her right front wheel well. My entire grill is gone as is the left headlight area, left fender, hood, and bumper. Her right front wheel looked smushed. She is fully insured and no one was hurt. So now it is just the inconvenience of driving a rental and jumping through the insurance company hoops. I wonder if my car is going to be totaled or fixed (Jerry wants it totaled – me too, I think). Repaired collision vehicles, especially in a front end situation with 4 wheel drive don’t come out well, do they?

The young woman in the other car was only 20. She is working two part time jobs and going to school. Her dad just spent some bucks getting her mini Blazer mechanically sound. She knows he will be pissed. Her mom tried to comfort her. She thinks she will have to quit school to pay for the repairs. (Her mom said they would talk about that.) Although it technically was her fault (failure to yield to traffic on an arterial) she really could not see around the parked mini van at the alley. I feel sorry for her and her stress right now.

Jerry’s daughter came and picked us up. We dropped her back at work and continued on home. Later we picked up a rental and delivered her rig back at her work. Things worked their way through the various lines and we will come out in the end just being inconvenienced.

So, Tyrone did not get his ID, we did not get to go to lunch, I did not get to go shopping for the Red Hat party tomorrow and I’m driving a compact KIA for a while.

Saturday doings

Went to the Corbin Senior Center Health Fair yesterday. (No, I'm not really old enough to hang out with old people - lol). There were lots of vendors for senior services - you know, like hospice, Alzheimer’s care, cremation services, medical appliances. Each vendor offered a raffle type give away item - baskets, foam pillows, gift certificates. I entered every one (50 in all). Didn't win a thing. (But my name is on 50 vendor's mailing/calling list now so I should get lots of unwanted action.)

Then we went to an open house for the Spokane Potters Guild. We were early so didn't see any demonstrations. But they offered a free 15 pound of clay or a hand made coffee mug to the first 30 people through the doors. I took the mug. I am becoming more and more enthralled with pottery lately. First the chili bowls, then the crane vase now the coffee mug. Jerry has asked a couple of times if I was thinking of taking up that art form. I don’t think I am that creative. What, I can’t even visualize myself making a dumb bowl? Nope. These pieces are beautiful. Maybe I’m enthralled with the glaze. Look, it’s a whole new learning curve. Maybe later.

When we found out that they offer classes but not to grandchildren type we bade our adieus and went up to the Boyd Walker store where summer sewing camp for girls will be held. We had Casey, Jerry’s 10 year old granddaughter with us. She has been resistant to taking a sewing class but was very enthused when I suggested the pottery class. The Boyd Walker store was open but the summer class teacher was not there. We looked around, talked to some of the people sewing there and then scoped out the fabric store next door.

System overload. That store is small but it is jam packed with gorgeous fabric and quilting ideas. Casey wanted to jump right in and sew something right then and there. (Actually I think she just didn’t want to go back home and spend the night with her dad while her sister was at a sleep over with a friend.)

Before we took her home we stopped at another pottery place. They have ongoing classes for all ages and will probably be able to fulfill Casey’s needs. This will be a summer vacation project – even though she wanted to be signed up immediately. We need to coordinate schedules with other activities, mom’s and dad’s vacation plans and of course our availability to get her there.

I feel blessed to be able to assist Jerry’s grand daughters in their growing up years. We are less able to assist his son’s kids as they live 30 miles away from us. And I really am sad that I am missing out on my own grand kids growing up. I really do appreciate that my kids blog with pictures of their kids. It helps me watch them grow.

Crane Vase

Went to the Spokane Potter's Guild fund raiser last Saturday and fell in love with this vase. I didn't have my checkbook with me and they couldn't take plastic so I told them that if it didn't sell to call me. It didn't - they did. It is fired using the RAKU method which leaves very interesting colors throughout.

The front has a crane and the back has cattails.

Jerry wanted to rush out and pick up some flowers to go in it but I couldn't see any that would fit. Then I read that I can't put water in it and should use a liner if I wanted to use it as a flower vase. I think it looks great with nothing in it. Maybe later I'll get some dried natural stems to put in it. For now it is just glowing all by itself.

Piggy Year

To all my little grand-dragons, be on the lookout for a Piggy Year envelope.

Happy Piggy Year

The Chinese Community of Spokane put on a culture event today at the community college. Jhary and I went.

The littly kids in their red outfits were adorable.

I liked this kids "Pake" hair.

They didn't have a Dragon. Instead they had the people dance around. We were both disappointed.

Kun He Fat Choi!

Sewing

Went to the church today for my weekly little sewing group. All by myself for about 10 minutes, then the church secretary comes in and wants to know if I can help her on Excell. She has taken a couple of classes but can't find in her book how to .... So off I go to fix her layout problem.
As I'm leaving the office a volunteer from Rogers High School's drama department comes in and wants to run some costume designs by me to see if I can work on them with her. They are putting on "Through the Loooking Glass" on March 28th and she needs 50 costumes. Things like a mouse in a raft, Caterpiller on a toad stool, The Queen of Hearts, a Turtle. Quite elaborate things.
As we are discussing designs (the kids are responsible to see that their costumes are made - she just helps them get their act together), in walks the widower of the former Sewing Room Queen. He has had his daughters pack up all the wife's things and wants to know where he can put over 30 boxes of stuff - probably over half is sewing stuff. He has no idea which box contains what. That will be fun to sort through. Anything we can't use in the sewing room will go into our rummage sale. He will just have to stack it in the corner. ( lol )
Then a lady from the Women's Hearth (a drop in center for the down town women - some mentally ill, some developmentally delayed, some just plain poor) came in with three pairs of pants that she needed hemmed. "Go try them on so we can see where to cut them off", and back to the costume designs.
Between pinning the pants and talking to the costume lady, in walks one of the regulars (normal woman) with her little boy. She starts setting up and getting her son settled in on his little projects.
Lastly my skitzoid lady comes in. She wants to cut a sweatshirt down the middle and put a facing down either side of the front. I cut the sweatshirt. Showed her how to pin the fabric and set up the sewing machine for her. She was lost - couldn't figure out how to operate the machine at all. Mind you, she has been in the room several times before and has on occasion sewn, albeit with a lot of help from me.
By this time I really had my hands full. The costume lady took the skitzoid lady under her arm and fixed the sweatshirt just the way she wanted it (Thank you Costume lady!!) and she left.
Time was running out so I finished up two of the three pairs of pants for the first lady. But I had to bring the third pair home (it is a pair of lined pants and I do want them to look good for her - but finding the time in the next two days.....).
Didn't get a whole lot of my project done. But I guess that's not what I'm there for. Sure made the day go quickly.

Hawk

OK. I get it. Increasing "Her Deductible" does not mean increase Her insurance. I still think it is a poor advertisement.

This morning we had a new visitor to the bird feeder. It appears to be a hawk of some sort. Closest I can figure it is a Cooper's Hawk. Wish I could have gotten a better picture of it.

What do you think?

This is billboard is situated on a much traveled (by me) street here is Spokane. I was irrate when I saw it yesterday. Had to remember to bring my camera today to take a picture.

What lamebrained advertising exec. could possibly think that this was in good taste? Why should females need more collision insurance? Aren't the rates for male drivers higher because they are a greater risk?

Guess we are still in 1950 here in Spokane.

I know you are in there

As you can see, I finally found the pictures I have been taking and that were hid on my new computer. I've moved everything to areas where I can find them readily.


This is not my cat.

We have been feeding the birds all winter. Side bar to that is that we now have a cat that is feeding off the mice that are feeding off the seeds the birds drop. Isn't nature wonderful.

Damn

Took some pitures with my new camera. Figured out how to get them on my computer. Can't find them when I want to post them to this Blog. Drat! Guess I'll have to read the instruction manual. I hate that. Mainly because manuals never tell you exactly how to do what you are trying to do.

Passing of the Keys

A few years ago our quilting group at church was a thriving circle of women who met every Wednesday under the watchful eye of Charlotte. Charlotte suffered from arthritis and osteoperosis. It became increasingly more difficult for her to get to the church to sew. As the groups activities dwindled, I took it upon myself to wonder if I couldn't use the area they met in (on off hours) to invite the downtown ladies in to use the sewing machines.

I called Charlotte, leaving messages on her answering machine, and got the answer through her husband that it would be fine with her. I called again and asked if I could get the keys to open the cabinets where the sewing machines are stored (again on the answering machine). Her husband brought the keys to church and I had copies made.

The group hasn't met for a year now. But my little group of downtown ladies meets every Tuesday. We are forming quite a fellowship.

Charlotte died last Monday. At her funeral her dear husband gave me her keys to the sewing room.

Found Money

You know those shows that tell about the state holding unclaimed money. They direct you to a website where you enter your name (or anyone's name) to see if you are on their list. Well, I did. First mine - nothing. No surprise there. Then I entered Jerry's name. Two hits. I printed off the directions on how to get the money (one was for between $25 & $50 the other was for over $50). Jerry complied with the required paper work - proof of where he lived in high school was one - and laughingly told me that I could keep anything that came of this exercise.
In the mail yesterday came a check for over $2,000.00. I squealed. He looked dumbfounded. He said I could pay for the trip to Phoenix. I agreed. After all, it really was his money.

Computers

When I whined enough to get my laptop outfitted for wireless, the process "fried" the desktops' Ethernet card (or so we thought). So we limped along using my laptop as the house work horse until it started behaving oddly. Time to call in the Geeks on Wheels. Our Geek came in, plugged in the Ethernet cord and my desk top responded by hopping onto the internet (it wouldn't do that for me).
Next move, download the iTunes program - done in a thrice and try to load my new 30G iPod with the music disks that clutter my shelf. Over one hour per disk. Hmm. That doesn't seem right. Play the iPod. 6 seconds of this song, 10 seconds of that. Definitely not right. (And my sound card is malfunctioning).
Call the Geeks again. They said it was probably something to do with the CD reader disk drive, thingy. No problem, just pop it out and put in another one. They would come out on Tuesday.
Enter Jerry. "NO WAY! If this thing has been giving you this much trouble (I just haven't been able to load a program on it for a year, not that much trouble), we'll just have to buy a new computer."
Looked on Dell's sight. Much confusion. I was used to seeing/hearing about gigabytes. Now they have T-bites (I translate that to Tril-a-bites cause it's trillions instead of billions - but then why do they say giga, it should be billa. But I digress.) and flat screens (I don't need a new monitor) and why does one cost this and the other cost that? What's the difference? Called Brian to have him help me sort it out. Told him what I was looking for. He said he would research and get back to me.
He got back to me all right. "Your new computer will be delivered on Friday". He just up and bought me a new computer. I'm stunned, joyful, pleased, awed, teary eyed. It's great when your kids do nice things for you. I didn't mean for him to purchase it for me, only research. Guess he feels it an honor that I would ask and since he can afford this small luxury, he just did it.
Thanks, Brian.
Now I will be able to load the program disk for the new camera and sort through that program. I'll get the iTunes thing going and not have to listen solely to podcasts. And hopefully, not have to buy another computer for several more years.

Learning Curve

The cute little camera that Jerry bought will take pictures through our tinted window. I had to read the owners manual to figure it out. There is a lot of information in those little books. It just takes time to "get up to speed".
And now Jerry went out and got us each an IPod. The little instruction manual with it is less than a page and not all that helpful. We bought an "Ipods for dummies" book. Jessica is in town and will be able to help tomorrow. Until then I'll be reading and trying to comprehend what it is saying.
Brian says it's a snap and I shouldn't have any trouble doing it. He forgets this brain is older than his and it takes a while to get things to sink in.

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful time of year!
Yesterday, all the beautiful music at church. Lovely dinner with 1/2 of the family here. Opening of presents with some grand kids. Great evening service. Love all around.
Slept in this morning. Have the evening meal in the oven awaiting the other 1/2 of the family.
Jerry got me a new camera - 7.1 pixels, small, light weight. Great for upcoming travels. Down side - it doesn't take pictures through our dining room windows, so I have to use the old camera to take pictures of the birds at the bird feeder. Got a great shot of Marvin (on our table)watching a Flicker sitting on the fence outside.
I got Jerry a new DVD of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." He was truly surprised with it. Seems his previous one "broke" - actually, I think he thought he was watching it too much and destroyed it.
Just talked to Robin. Her whole family is down with Strep. Ugh! What a way to spend Christmas.

Hope all is well in your part of the world. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday

Almost done with the Christmas preparations. Have to shop for two family dinners and finish a quilt.
I used the iron on batting and didn't look at the back very closely. Stiched in the ditch on the cross wise sashings and discovered that I had a monsterous buckle in the back fabric. So out comes the ripper.
Jerry bought me a new camera for Christmas. I haven't loaded the software to download from it yet. I'll get to that after I finish ripping out the quilt.
I'm planning on going on a Mission trip to Korea in May. Sent in the down payment today. Will update you more as time draws near.

Cell Phones

StillSuckin'Air related a couple of stories of "women" talking on cell phones while driving. He naturally notices when the driver of a vehicle is female but I digress. My comments are to the obnoxious use of cell phones by all ages and both sexes while driving. Have you not been in your car at a red light and counted the number of people driving with half a brain while talking with the other half of their brain focusing on the phone conversation? It is unreal. Commute traffic is the worst. Breadwinners (notice I didn't single out boys or girls) hurrying to work, to school, back home, yacking. Some states are seriously thinking of banning cell phones while driving. Hmm. Doesn't work for drunk drivers or people who have had their licenses revoked. What makes them think that putting a ban into law will stop the practice? Maybe slow it down for those of us who give a _____ and don't want a ticket. But the majority of cell/drivers will take the chance that a cop is not in the area and go ahead and dial that number.

The lost is found

Found my Keys!!! They had fallen out of my pocket while I was seated in Genevieve's car. She called me this morning with the good news. Not before Jerry went to the hardware store and had a new house and car key made. We needed a spare set anyway.

Keys

Today we needed two cars. I had a Project Joy performance and Jerry had to pick up the grand girls - both at 3 PM. So, he dropped me off at Genevieve's and she drove me to the performance. He continued on with grandparent duties.
I know I had my car keys when I went out to the car because I opened the doors with the remote. I then put my keys in my pocket and used his keys to drive us to Genevieve's (Jerry doesn't like to drive unless absolutely necessary.)
It was a good thing that Jerry's duties got him home before me because when Genevieve dropped me back at home after the performance I had no keys. So I should pray to St. Anthony? Is he the one for lost items?
Seems to me there is this little ditty "Tony, Tony yada, yada, yada" . Oh, well. It is just inconvenient.

More birds

Some feed has been kicked out of the feeder. Since there are over 30 birds they wouldn't all fit on the feeder anyway.

The cats love to watch them. I couldn't get TJ to look out the window until I said "bird" it cat.
The sparrows have discovered the bird feeder. I fill it in the morning and by afternoon they have scarffed up two cups of seeds. We purchased a suet feeder today so that the larger flickers will have something to eat too. The sparrow either have not found it or don't like it.

Birds

While decorating the house for Christmas today, I glanced out the window to find two flickers trying to get a snack from our bird feeder. There was a small sparrow on the feeder and the larger bird chased it away.

These birds are quite large for our feeder. Guess I'll have to get a bigger feeder for these bigger birds. But then I'll attract magpies and crows. MMMM better rethink that.







Wish you could see the front of this bird. He really is quite handsome with a red turtle neck under his dark sweater.

Time sure goes by when you're having fun

There was nothing on the calendar for this week. Why then did it go so fast?
I started a quilt for Josh (see his cute little face in last weeks blog below). It's just a simple nine patch with fire helmets and dalmation dogs. I decided to put a fire related embrodery on all the connecting sashing squares. Had a great time picking them out & downloading them from the web. Figuring out where each would go. Deciding how to quilt the squares etc. I am on my final three embroidery squares and the fabric flips into the embroidery design and gets stitched in. Only someone who does machine embroidery would understand. Anyway, I stop the stitching when I discover it and commence to remove that square from the quilt. I'll redo the design, cut the square and reinsert it into the sashing. One more flame and a small fire truck and I can start looking for backing.
All this work because Josh's dad has applied to become a fire fighter. He is a member of the volunteer FD/Rescue Squad. For over three years he has dutifully taken every test they require from aptitude to physical. He has come out on top every time. Last year he was in the top ten. (They weren't hireing). This year he was at the top of the list and he was sure he was a shoo in. All the right hoops. He got his rejection letter two days after Thanksgiving. My theory is that he is either too old - 40 - or too white. I hope Josh will still like the quilt even tho his dad's not a firefighter.
Hope to get the tree up tomorrow. Have a dress to sew for Jhary and probably one for Uma too. But other than that I'm only sewing with the sewing group I've started at the church.

End of the day

Had a wonderful afternoon with Jason, Tracie and their family.

Tracie is a great cook. We not only had turkey but she prepared a lovely ham, too. Thanks Tracie it was great.

This is a picture of Josh and Hailey wearing the PJ's & Nightgown I made from fabric I found in Hawaii. I guessed right on the sizes, whew.

I taught the kids how to play 9 up. I don't think we played enough hands for them to really get the strategy of the game. Oh, well. Next time.

Time for a nap.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We are going to Jerry's son's house today for the Feast, so I spent the morning sewing. I had promised our Puppeteers that I would sew "Wise Persons" costumes for our three church puppets. That was three weeks ago. I was reminded yesterday that the puppets will be performing seven times in December and having a "dress" rehearsal Saturday. Yikes!! I whipped out three little Kingly robes this morning. Have to figure out what to do about crowns. One puppet is a "Cone Head" so she is a bit of a challenge.

Jhary spent the night last night. She is so quiet and doesn't need me to entertain her. We pick up Uma and Donald in about an hour. I'll take a pumpkin pie, a cherry pie, ice cream and almond roca (made with crackers - really quite good). I have always enjoyed going to Tracy's home as she is layed back and a fun person.

Listened to Christmas carols all morning. The season is upon us. Enjoy!

Old

You know you're getting old when you buy Sympathy cards in bulk. Three this month. They're dropping like flies.

Sunday already

My gosh! Where did that week go? Let's see....
Today we had our monthly Bonsai meeting. (We have to rush after church to get there.) They had a slide presentation of various Bonsai collections. Some in WA DC, Pennsylvania, Tailand and China. Every time they came to a Gingko they remarked about it. Guess I'm the only on in the group with one.
Yesterday was Red Hat Meeting. We had a lovely luncheon in the home of our Queen Emeritus and played bingo for a while. Came home to Uma trying to talk to Jerry. He figured out she was upset. I figured out it was because Donald had gone to a friends house and stayed the night. She didn't care for that. Because of the Apple Cup we were asked to babysit Jerry's granddaughters. They saw that I was making sleep wear for their cousins and decided that they wanted to sew some for themselves. I had enough flannel for one girl but not the other so we had to go to Joanns and get some more for Casey. She wanted border print like I found in Maui but we had none here in Spokane. We'll deal with it.
Friday I finally went to the Dr. about the itchyness in my eye. She determined that I did not pick up anything while in the crawl space but gave me a Rx just incase.
Thursday was Admin Board for the church. Had to leave early because with early dismissal at school for conferences, we have grandparent duty for a week. Hung the curtains I made of Casey's room. Went to see the Civic theatre's production of Mame.
Wednesday was sewing class, a performance by the Project Joy group I'm in and yoga. That makes for a very full day.
Tuesday I should have sewn but didn't. Met with the girls in my Spirituality Group. What a wonderful group. I'll tell you of them sometime.
Monday was our Evening Fellowship group (a small group of United Methodist Women). Since it was my turn for the Program, I invited Lynda Bowen my yoga instructor. We spent a heavenly 45 minuts learning relaxation tech. and giving mini massages to eachother. (I think that was a hit).
A week ago after church I attended the Interplayers production of Moon over Buffalo. A kick.
Gosh. I guess I have been busy.

Saturday

We have a not too tall crawl space under our unit. You can't stand straight up in it but you don't have to get on hands and knees either. Previous owners have installed a small forced air gas furnace and an airconditioner down there and I figured it would be a great place to store our "extra" stuff. Jerry's son installed a couple of hanging from the floor joist shelves and I have been meaning to start hauling bins of stuff from the storage shed (which only Jerry can get into because of the security door he installed) down to the more easily accessible crawl space. Today was the day. I took three bins of Jessica's music down and a bin of my summer cloths and a bin of "sewing room extras" (you know the kind of stuff you don't want to get rid of yet but don't have room for on the shelves).
While down there I noticed that the gas furnace exhaust pipe was loose. I mean this pipe went to the exterior wall where there is another pipe of equal size going through the foundation. The two ends of the pipe are exactly the same size. How did anyone expect them to connect? There was NO coupling attached to either end. With my great knowledge of "this old house" episodes I trotted off to the Hardware store and explained my dilemma to the man and he fixed me up with a PVC coupler and some cement. Back down the hole and tried to glue the pieces together. Well, PVC and gas pipe, although each has a 3" opening are different thickness of pipe - PVC being much thicker. The fitting would not fit (too big). But I had already applied glue so couldn't take the fitting or the glue back. Second trip to the Hardware store, this time with the section of pipe that goes through the foundation (it slips in and out quite readily). "OH! You need this kind of coupler" says the woman who helped us - didn't see the guy around at all. Got the rubber sleeve with the strap around it that you have to screw to tighten and the tool (not a screwdriver like I have a dozen of at home, but a 5/16" wrench jobbi on a screwdriver handle).
Back down the hole. Fuss, fuss, fuss. Have to work over my head, everything by Braille as there are pipes going in front of my line of sight, but it is done. My dad would be so proud of me. It is now quite sturdy all the way back to the furnace. I even stuffed some insulation around the pipe to keep beasties out of the crawlspace.

Went to see Flushed Away yesterday. A great movie for kids (and kids at heart).

computer woes

I got it in my mind that I wanted wireless access so I could be in my sewingroom and be able to access the web on my laptop, so Carrie's significant other came over last night with a Wireless-G router and commenced to install it. Should have been a 15 minut thing, right? Wrong. In the process some how my desk to blew out it's web card. Dave spent hours on the phone trying to find out from Comcast tech support what to do. He finally hooked Jerry's laptop directly to the internet and called it a night. He will be back this morning to finish installing the wireless router. In the coming while we must decide if it is worth getting our ten month old desk top a new web card (I'm for it - Jerry is not).
We have the most bad luck with computers. Jerry just bought a new lap top for Jessica in New York and Carrie as she is starting a PHd program soon and needed capacity, speed and reliability for her program. And then the computer we bought in January of 06 acts up.
I don't want to use the lap top as our "home" computer because it doesn't have spider solitair.
Whine.

Thursday

Granny would be so pleased. Tomorrow is her birthday and it is snowing today. She loved snow and looked forward to having the white stuff fall on or before her birthday.

Busy Week

Church and Charge Conference meeting yesterday. Funeral and Women's group meeting Monday. Finish bazaar items Tuesday. Cancel Sewing Group on Wednesday for yet another funeral squeezed between Project Joy Rehersal and Yoga. Thursday a short Women's Society meeting in the morning and then begin setting up for the Bazaar. Friday really get things set up for the Bazaar. (Should take a good four or five hours.) Saturday "Show time". Doors are open from 9-3 but of course I'll have to be there early and leave late. And there we are, back at Sunday. Who said retirement was a time to "do nothing"? I hope to fit four sessions water aerobics in too.

More on Leaves

And now the leaves are on the ground - or most of them. The days have been cool and overcast. Quite foggy actually in the mornings. Winter is on it's way.
Got a picture of my cute great granddaughter.
She has enough hair for little bunny ears.

Leaves

I got my Bonsai trees bedded down for the winter and took out the "attack" rose bush. I'll look for a nice clematis to plant there in the spring.
The colors of the leaves are so great this year. I've been meaning to take my camera out every time I go and today I did. Be dazzled by the glory of fall.

A line of stately orange Maples.






A georgeous salmon maple.










A lovely deep red Maple. Such colors!

Thursday

The week has been full. Jessica, Jerry's daughter, is visiting from New York. While here she has renewed her driver's license, eaten with her sibblings and their families and gone through all of her "stuff" that was being held for her in storage since she was 20. Surprisingly, she found that she really didn't need to keep over half of it. We will store the rest (mostly music) for another while in our storage unit and in the crawl space.
Today I gave my Rainforest presentation to the second graders at St. Al's. It was great to see the teachers again. They have done some remodeling. What was once the stairwell going out to Mission Avenue has now been transformed into the main office/reception area. I only suggested that 12 years ago. The cogs of change move slowly. Do I miss work? Not on your life. I'm having too much fun playing.

Bonsai

Remember my Bonsai tree? I was forced by my condo association to "unplant it" and (for all they cared) dump it. So I decided to join a Bonsai Club with the thought of turning it into a Bonsai tree. The pictures I've seen of the end results are great. I did in fact dig it back up and it has been summering on the patio. Yesterday I took it to the Bonsai club meeting and they allowed that it was tall and spindly and needed to be pruned back (read lopped off). They assured me that the little bumps on the stem would bud out and become branches. What the heck. If it doesn't work I can always purchase another tree or quit the club.





Also in class we were asked to be the foster parent for a Ficus. This plant will be used as a demonstration plant at the Bonsai Convention to be held in Spokane in 2008.



While on Maui I purchased a Dwarf Schefflera.
Just a baby really, but she has a nice shape and could turn out to be quite fun. These two are tropicals and will need to stay in the house over the winter. The Ginkgo will have to stay outside all winter.

Gas Prices

This was the headline in the paper Wednesday:

"Friday, October 13, 2006
Spokane gas prices highest in lower 48
Only Honolulu gas prices higher!

"Fast fact:
Gas costs less in Des Moines. Spokane's price is almost 40 cents higher than the national average and far higher than gas costs in the cheapest city – Des Moines, Iowa, at $1.96 a gallon.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Spokane clocked in at $2.65. Only Honolulu's gas prices were higher, at $2.87."

That is no news to us. We have lived with $3.00 plus for so long that we are welcoming $2.65. While on Maui, I didn't flinch at the price at the pump. It was just like home. Well, they say that the prices are going to go back up after the election. What the *&%$ does the election have to do with gas prices? Do the incumbents force lower gas prices just to tell everyone how great they are and then let them pop back up after the votes are counted? Who makes these rules?

Have to go bake for a Tea Party tomorrow. I don't know the people so am not too hyped up. Guess I wouldn't make a good cafe owner (cause I want to know the people I'm serving).

New Baby born today

Traivon now has a son. The child will be called Traivon Michael Donta Asterino. He weighed in at 7 pounds 15 ounces and is 19" long. I'll check him out this evening. That makes two for Trai - a boy and a girl. He should stop. And 15 or 16 grand children for me (depending on who I'm counting as a grandchild) and one great grand child (which can stay at that number for a long while).

Peacock

While on Maui we spied a Peacock strolling across a yard (at the botanical garden), so I stopped to snap his picture. He came right up to the car for me to get this close up.
What a grand bird. Noisy but beautiful. Robin's neighbors have phesants. I think she should have peacocks. They make great watch fowl. See how he is watching me?

Food

When I lived on Oahu I was introduced to some lovely Chinese food stuffs. One of my favorite was steamed rice cakes or rice layered pudding/gelatin dessert. So, upon my return to Hawaii - Maui - I figured I'd just pop into a local store and pick some up. Well ... the stores have all sorts of Japanese sushi but no Chinese rice cakes. I even went to the Chinese restaurant and asked if they had it. I was told that I was the first person to have asked for it. Oh, I could go to Oahu and get some but none were to be found on Maui. Heck! I went to New York City and found it. Anyone have a receipt for it? Maybe I'll ask Jessica to bring some when she comes for a visit from NY next week. How about it Jessica?

Rummage sale

The church's biannual rummage sale was today. We hold it in the gym of the church. Yesterday was "set up" - read drag the stuff out of the closets and dump it out on tables , arranging, if at all possible, in some semblance of order. Today was stand on your feet for 6 hours (I can only do 3 to 4) and watch as the local population reek havoc of your semi neat piles of folded cloths.
I like to participate because on Friday I get first dibbs on stuff. There was a delightful little dolly bassinet which is in need of some tightening up and a new lining. Should be a fun project. Hope to have it finished for the Bazaar.

Had a wonderful time with the grandkids. From left to right, Shelby, Zack, me and Adam.

Isn't that a lovely quilt behind us?

This is Charlie the resident bird, trying to untie Jerry's shoe. Very tame bird but would have nothing to do with me. So I went out and found some that did.

This is a bird from a "bird show" in a park. They didn't perform for us but this one walked right up my arm and sat on my sholder for a while.

And then there was this 50 year old Cockatoo. He was a sweetheart. Wolf whistles. Kissy noises. Gentle massaging of my arm while I held him. If I could have I would have taken him home with me. All in all this was a great trip. The leg home was grueling but we live and learn. no more red eye specials.

We're back

Very long trip home. Luggage arrived with us. Cats are glad to have us back. Off to yoga now. Will post some pictures and more stories later.

Maui here we come

All packed. Hope I haven't forgotten anything. On the plane at 0'dark hundred. Eating saimin tomorrow night for dinner. Aloha

Maui Tomorrow

I survived Wild Women's Weekend. Actually it was very relaxing and rejuvinating. I was with women who just wanted to have fun and learn about themselves. The Drum ceremony was awsome. As we gathered several flights of Canada geese flew over. The forest inhabitants feel the energy of the drum (or so I'm told). I tie dyed a shirt, went canoeing on the lake, played cards, and danced my little feet off.

Wild Women's Weekend

It's off to Wild Women's Weekend today. I'm not as enthused as I have been in years past. Guess I'm geared up for the trip to Maui next week and haven't given WWW much thought. I have packed the table cloth and candle sticks (we can't be wild all the time) so I guess I'm ready. It should be rather cool up there in the woods so I don't think I'll go skinny dipping in the lake at 6 a.m.
Looking at the pictures of my nails I am noticing how old my fingers look. Well they are nearly 65. Old happens.

Beautiful Nails

There is a girl from the Ukrain who paints nails - dah. I mean she really paints little designs on them with a little paint brush - not nail polish. She did both my hands with little flowers. on my ring finger is a little yellow butterfly. I'm all set for Wild Women's Weekend.

Bummer

Had to cancel the Red Hat club meeting for tomorrow for lack of interest. Actually, every one who responded had a very valid reason for not being able to attend. I hate not to have a monthly meeting but what can you do?
On the other hand, here are a couple of pictures from my garden. The rose really is quite cute, small, gentle. See how tall my sunflowers are? They look great from the street.

Sewing class

I opened the sewing room at the church. I invited women from the Women's Hearth and another center that caters to low income people. Last week (before the invite) I had no one come - duh. This week there were four ladies. What fun. They loved going through the fabric closet, picking a project and thinking ahead to what they can do in the future. One is challenged but she did great. I am bushed. I have a list of what to take with me next week. I obviously cannot take a project to work on. They take all my time. But it was very fun. (Remember that in a few months.)

Week ahead

And so the fall begins with meetings most every day. Sunday was first day of the new Sunday School class I lead. Monday is Evening Fellowship (I'm president of that group). Tuesday is Sharing Team meeting (I'm chair of that group). Wednesday the singing group I'm in begins rehersals for performances at nursing homes around the area and I will again open the sewing room for any takers. Haven't received word yet as to whether or not Yoga will be on Wednesday or Thursday evenings. Thursday morning is United Methodist Women meeting (I'm the secretary for that group). Then we pick up the grand girls after school and watch them till mom comes home at 6:30 ish. I finally have a bit of a breather on Friday (maybe time to study the lesson for Sunday). I'll finish off the week with a Red Hat meeting (I'm Queen of that group). Who said I'd have lots of time to sew when I retired? Oh, well. As my mother used to say, it keeps me out of the bars.

At the Fair

Yesterday was opening day at the Spokane Interstate Fair. Since I had entered four things (2 red ribbons and 2 Blue ribbons), we opted to take the girls to see how they did.
Casey did quite well with her pottery work, handmade doll, and costume (blue dress with vest). Remarks were about closer attention to detail.
Sydney got the blue for the quilt she did last year and a third place for the laprobe she did this year. Difference? The quilt was professionally quilted the laprobe she did entirely by herself. Her comments were about better control of the fabric under the needle.
Then it was through the animal barns and then one ride. That's Sydney in the pink with Casey flying in right behind her. They had fun. I got tired and Jerry just came along to watch.

Sewing Wednesday

It's my fault that no one showed up. I didn't advertise except in my own comfort zone. Today (and hopefully the rest of the week), I'll take my flyer to the House of Charity, Salvation Army, and other women's shelter type places.
I did get a bag finished. Spent a lot of time trying to find a tape measure, pin cushion, and empty bobbins. (I'll have to bring said supplies next week).

Summer's end

Summer here in the Great Northwest is gracing us with one last glorius weekend. I am finishing up projects to be entered in the Interstate Fair and getting ready to open the sewing/quilting room at church.
For years the ladies have meet weekly to sew things for our Bazaar. But of late their numbers have dwindled to a pathetic few (most cannot drive anymore and are too frail to hold a needle). Rather than let the room and machines go to waste, I have decided to keep it going (if only myself in attendance) and inviting the downtown, street/underpriviledged women to come in and use the area for projects. That starts Wednesday. Pray for me.
Sunflowers are starting to bloom. I love this one as it is being groomed by an industrious bee.

Sunday school

Next Sunday starts the resumption of Adult Sunday school for which I am the facilitator. I am not the teacher, as each adult in the class has something to teach. I only keep the class rolling. Ours is an eclectic group; retired accountant, retired teacher, retired business owner, and three special needs persons. I must say they are the most loyal of the group. They are always prepared for class. One does all the work on the assignment and is invaluable when the class slows; I can always count on him to give the "right" answer. But Ed is my favorite. I think he is autistic but can't be sure. He is a scruffy looking guy, wearing faded torn cloths most of the time. He follows what is going on in the class and knows his Bible, volunteering correct Bible verses in other books that "fit". This morning I passed him in the hall and said, "Next week starts Sunday School." He got the biggest grin on his face, his eyes lit up, he raised both hands and said, "Yeah!" Why wouldn't anyone enjoy leading a class when there are eager students in attendance?