We had such a great Christmas! Most of my family was here; the kids,my Mom, both sisters, David's brother, even Dakota made it for dinner on Christmas day. Hap had sick family and couldn't come, but Allison and all of her family were here, along with Debbie and Kim. The weather was lovely, we had tons of food and everyone had a good time. I love my family! Gina and Nic made 6 pies- peanut butter pie, pecan, pumpkin. They also made cookies, pumpkin pie bars and a beautiful german chocolate cake. She also made orange fluff. Megan brought spiced cranberry sauce, ham, Allison made the best rolls ever, they brought salad and veggie tray. Deb and Kim brought more pecan pies- chocolate and regular. So even though I did a lot of cooking, everyone helped so much it was pretty darn easy.
Jared and Heather flew in last Wednesday, and Jared had to fly back on Sunday. We have Heather until this Wednesday. It's so fun to visit with them and hearing all their escapades.
I made gifts this year- fancy spa stuff. Men's Pine soap, Women's lavender soap, bath salts, bath fizzies, hand cream and even a few lip balms. They are made with almond oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and/or olive oil, and essential oils. Everything turned out really good, if I do say so myself. I made the soaps the old fashioned way- lye, water, coconut oil, nice rich things. It was a lot of work, but fun, and everyone seemed to like them.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
And so it is Christmas
Well, here we are!~ I'm so excited that all of our kids will be home for Christmas, Mom is here and all my sibs will be here either Friday or Saturday, how cool is that!!! David's brother Jon is also coming with his fiance and her boys for dinner on Christmas. We have the gifts wrapped, the decorations up, whatever I'm cooking is done- mostly... I still can't believe it's Christmas and the end of the year already.
David and I picked Heather up at the airport at 4:30 today, and Nic and Gina are picking Jared up around 11:00 tonight from the airport. When I talked to him earlier, his layover in Baltimore was dragging on- they told them the flight would be an hour late, or so. I sure hope he gets in ok, I wish we could have picked him up too, but their flights were too far apart, and Nic graciously volunteered to pick his brother up. I think he's as anxious to see him as I am!
So here's the true and kinda sad reason I haven't posted for a while- I'm hooked on Farm Town, it's a game on Facebook. I get to farm and actually make money at it, that's how you know it's a game! It's much easier than real farming, and I can sit in my easy chair- how cool is that! I feel a little guilty though, so I'll try to update more often.
Merry Christmas!!!
David and I picked Heather up at the airport at 4:30 today, and Nic and Gina are picking Jared up around 11:00 tonight from the airport. When I talked to him earlier, his layover in Baltimore was dragging on- they told them the flight would be an hour late, or so. I sure hope he gets in ok, I wish we could have picked him up too, but their flights were too far apart, and Nic graciously volunteered to pick his brother up. I think he's as anxious to see him as I am!
So here's the true and kinda sad reason I haven't posted for a while- I'm hooked on Farm Town, it's a game on Facebook. I get to farm and actually make money at it, that's how you know it's a game! It's much easier than real farming, and I can sit in my easy chair- how cool is that! I feel a little guilty though, so I'll try to update more often.
Merry Christmas!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Woa! Christmas is coming!!!
Well, we had a good Thanksgiving-my sister-in-law Sandy and her family made Tday meal for us, Mom, and our cousins. Hap was busy outfitting a hunting trip for a group, but Sandy was home and willing to cook for everyone. Her daughter Franki loves to cook and helped, and I brought several pies. Marvin and Cathy came, they've just moved to Arizona from California, and it was fun to see them.
David and I went on to Benson Thursday night, stayed at the Best Western hotel there. It's a lovely hotel, and the staff was so friendly! The pool and spa were still open, so I jumped in that evening for a quick swim. Although it was a heated pool, to my old bones it was cold! A nice bracing swim, then on to the hot tub to warm up. We drove into Tombstone on Friday and took a carriage tour around town. I was sad to hear that the little shack used by Big Nose Kate and Doc Holliday had burned down in 1998, just a few years after we were there before. We wandered around town with Chica in tow- it's definitely a dog-friendly place. The Best Western there was so acomidating for dogs, and even many of the stores were fine with her coming in with us.
We wandered down to Bisbee Friday afternoon, what a cool place! It was so busy we didn't find a place to park, but enjoyed just driving around looking at the architecture and the mine there. We had lunch at a place called Bisbee Breakfast Club- what a great meal!!! It was the best hamburger I've ever had, and the cafe has a great atmosphere. I highly recommend it. There's a nice health food store next door too, and I was able to find some wheat-free snacks. Saturday we took the side road toward Safford, and stopped at the Chiracahua National Monument. It was so cool- literally, the wind was blowing and it was cold. But what a great place to hike and see some amazing country. We didn't hike, but there are lots of trails for the hardy folks. Saturday night we stayed with David's cousin Wayne and had dinner at a great little Mexican restaurant in Safford.
I missed spending the holiday with our kids, but since they are spreading out and setting up their own lives more, I have to accept that I won't get to have them every main holiday. At least I know they were enjoying the holiday with others and weren't alone.
Of course I got sick right after we got home, and I'm suffering through a nasty cold right now, which I got from David. For the past few days we have both been fighting it, trying to take care of each other. Luckily Nic and Gina are here, and they have been a big help too. I haven't been able to start Christmas decorating, hopefully I can start that this weekend. I can't believe it's already the Christmas season!
David and I went on to Benson Thursday night, stayed at the Best Western hotel there. It's a lovely hotel, and the staff was so friendly! The pool and spa were still open, so I jumped in that evening for a quick swim. Although it was a heated pool, to my old bones it was cold! A nice bracing swim, then on to the hot tub to warm up. We drove into Tombstone on Friday and took a carriage tour around town. I was sad to hear that the little shack used by Big Nose Kate and Doc Holliday had burned down in 1998, just a few years after we were there before. We wandered around town with Chica in tow- it's definitely a dog-friendly place. The Best Western there was so acomidating for dogs, and even many of the stores were fine with her coming in with us.
We wandered down to Bisbee Friday afternoon, what a cool place! It was so busy we didn't find a place to park, but enjoyed just driving around looking at the architecture and the mine there. We had lunch at a place called Bisbee Breakfast Club- what a great meal!!! It was the best hamburger I've ever had, and the cafe has a great atmosphere. I highly recommend it. There's a nice health food store next door too, and I was able to find some wheat-free snacks. Saturday we took the side road toward Safford, and stopped at the Chiracahua National Monument. It was so cool- literally, the wind was blowing and it was cold. But what a great place to hike and see some amazing country. We didn't hike, but there are lots of trails for the hardy folks. Saturday night we stayed with David's cousin Wayne and had dinner at a great little Mexican restaurant in Safford.
I missed spending the holiday with our kids, but since they are spreading out and setting up their own lives more, I have to accept that I won't get to have them every main holiday. At least I know they were enjoying the holiday with others and weren't alone.
Of course I got sick right after we got home, and I'm suffering through a nasty cold right now, which I got from David. For the past few days we have both been fighting it, trying to take care of each other. Luckily Nic and Gina are here, and they have been a big help too. I haven't been able to start Christmas decorating, hopefully I can start that this weekend. I can't believe it's already the Christmas season!
Monday, November 16, 2009
It's a beautiful Autumn day
Well the weather is clear, and this is a great week! We watched Dean, our niece's dog, all weekend. He loves to visit and play with our dogs, but he sure misses Megan while she's gone. The girls get so jealous of each other while he's here- it's pretty funny. Within a few minutes Cara will growl and attack Sunny, because Sunny and Dean get along really well. It's kinda like a 'cat' fight, but with dogs!
Tomorrow I plan to grind a bunch of flour from garbanzo beans, rice and whatever else I can find. That's what it takes to make bread, cookies and such for wheat-free baking, and it's so much cheaper to grind it myself than buy the flour, plus it's fresher and tastes better. I'm also going to make liquid laundry detergent. I haven't done that before, so it should be interesting. It calls for Zote soap, borax and washing soda, and costs pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought detergent. So, we'll see how it goes.
Tomorrow I plan to grind a bunch of flour from garbanzo beans, rice and whatever else I can find. That's what it takes to make bread, cookies and such for wheat-free baking, and it's so much cheaper to grind it myself than buy the flour, plus it's fresher and tastes better. I'm also going to make liquid laundry detergent. I haven't done that before, so it should be interesting. It calls for Zote soap, borax and washing soda, and costs pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought detergent. So, we'll see how it goes.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fibro haze, Autumn days
We finally got some rain yesterday! It took a week of bleak, cloudy weather to finally get a little moisture, so the anticipation was allowed to build for days. Well, that is, if I could move. Weeks like this kick my ____. It's hard to explain the grogginess, weakness and fatigue that hit me before and during a strong weather change. We had a busy weekend, friends over on Saturday, then 3 hours of church Sunday morning, followed by a visit by other friends. Doesn't seem like much, really, but I couldn't get out of bed on Monday. I figured it was because I did too much over the weekend, but there's a strange 'brain fog' that I usually only feel before a storm. I kept looking outside, to a clear blue sky. Hmmm, maybe my barometer isn't working right.
Tuesday we woke up to bleary, cloud covered skies. The whole sky was covered with a high, gray blanket, and my barometer was redeemed. It didn't help the 'walking thru molasses' feeling I had for days, but at least the barometer still works.
My sister Debbie stopped by on Wednesday. She was here to go over some business with David, Jon and Best by Farr. She has a handful right now; Shurell just had elbow surgery and is still in the Valley for physical therapy, so Deb has her two kids, Rachele is still struggling a little with her health issues. Mom drove up on Monday to help out in St Johns, and spend some time with her great-grand kids. Debbie has 4 of her 5 kids living there, with their kids and all the activities they're in. Should be a busy week for all! Debbie only stayed here a brief time, but we had a nice visit.
We are watching my niece Megan's dog Dean. He's a timid, beautiful collie. He has Cara and Sunny to play with, but he gets lonely for Megan and Taylor when he's here. He has the classic symptoms a child have, they love to play and visit, they just want Mom and Dad close by. Sometimes you can't have everything!
Tuesday we woke up to bleary, cloud covered skies. The whole sky was covered with a high, gray blanket, and my barometer was redeemed. It didn't help the 'walking thru molasses' feeling I had for days, but at least the barometer still works.
My sister Debbie stopped by on Wednesday. She was here to go over some business with David, Jon and Best by Farr. She has a handful right now; Shurell just had elbow surgery and is still in the Valley for physical therapy, so Deb has her two kids, Rachele is still struggling a little with her health issues. Mom drove up on Monday to help out in St Johns, and spend some time with her great-grand kids. Debbie has 4 of her 5 kids living there, with their kids and all the activities they're in. Should be a busy week for all! Debbie only stayed here a brief time, but we had a nice visit.
We are watching my niece Megan's dog Dean. He's a timid, beautiful collie. He has Cara and Sunny to play with, but he gets lonely for Megan and Taylor when he's here. He has the classic symptoms a child have, they love to play and visit, they just want Mom and Dad close by. Sometimes you can't have everything!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Snow, in the Desert???
Wow it was so cold today! it was only about 52 degrees, which for you northerners is nothing, but yesterday it was over 70, and it's rarely very cold around here, which is why I LOVE IT. This afternoon as I was driving home, wet spots suddenly appeared on the windshield. I thought it was a light rain, until the snowflakes held their shape and stayed frozen on the hood of my car. Yes, it was cold enough to keep them frozen! It only snowed a few minutes, but I don't remember having snow this early in the season here.
We were supposed to have a Trunk or Treat night for Halloween at the church this weekend, then suddenly the 'powers that be' decided that it shouldn't be done, and they changed it to tonight. Sorry, it's snowing and too cold and windy for this old girl- so it was a no go for me. I spent years trudging around in the snow in Colorado for Halloween, taking the kids all over the big town of Silt. It always rained or snowed on Halloween, and we lived out of town, so I had to drive them into town, follow them around and of course steal some of their candy. I called it just payments for services rendered. hehe
We never get trick or treaters at our house. We don't live on the street, our driveway sets back off the street, kind of a dark alley feel, it seems to deter the kids. Probably doesn't help that I have 2 big dogs, a yappy little chihuahua, no lights and a big creepy cobweb across the trees lining the driveway. If this were a 2-story house we'd be the 'haunted' creaky old place down the road. That way David and I only have to share the candy with each other, and since I do all the shopping, there's a whole lot of candy he doesn't even know about- and don't you tell him!
We were supposed to have a Trunk or Treat night for Halloween at the church this weekend, then suddenly the 'powers that be' decided that it shouldn't be done, and they changed it to tonight. Sorry, it's snowing and too cold and windy for this old girl- so it was a no go for me. I spent years trudging around in the snow in Colorado for Halloween, taking the kids all over the big town of Silt. It always rained or snowed on Halloween, and we lived out of town, so I had to drive them into town, follow them around and of course steal some of their candy. I called it just payments for services rendered. hehe
We never get trick or treaters at our house. We don't live on the street, our driveway sets back off the street, kind of a dark alley feel, it seems to deter the kids. Probably doesn't help that I have 2 big dogs, a yappy little chihuahua, no lights and a big creepy cobweb across the trees lining the driveway. If this were a 2-story house we'd be the 'haunted' creaky old place down the road. That way David and I only have to share the candy with each other, and since I do all the shopping, there's a whole lot of candy he doesn't even know about- and don't you tell him!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Just Chickens
Well, I've annoyed my local friends endlessly with tales of my new, improved chickens, so now it's your turn! A couple weeks ago our friend Ben called me from Queen Creek, very excited. Seems a guy was selling off most of his poultry; game birds, turkeys, ducks, geese and of course chickens. He wanted to sell them off, and offered a better deal if he bought 10, so would I be interested in some grown hens? Well, of course I would, I love chickens!!!
So now I have 2 New Hampshires, 1 Americauna, 1 Rhode Island Red, 1 Wyandott and maybe 1 Australorp. The Americauna lays green eggs, I love that. The rest lay brown, or will. Only a couple are laying right now, the others are molting. The hens get along pretty well, but it's funny to watch them. Lucy is my only hen left from my original group, and when I brought the other hens in, she immediately picked a fight with each of them, and let them know who's boss! The Australop is beautiful, she is black and white, very striking. I scatter chicken feed in the pen every morning, and she will chase all the doves and other birds out of the pen when they come in looking for free food. It's so funny to see her cackle and race after them!
I've been working with them, and several will eat out of my hands now. It's tempting to wear gloves, because they will peck pretty hard, but I don't know if they would like the color and feel of it, so I haven't yet. I let them out into the garden in the afternoon, they are the best bug-zappers around!
Ok, it's true, I'm a schmuck for chickens. My kids hate them, and I'm sure it's my fault because I made them feed, water and clean up after chickens all of their childhood. They just can't understand my fascination, and neither can David. I don't know either, I just like fresh eggs and natural bug killers. Plus they chatter and talk to me, which is so cute. The New Hampshire's especially like to chat, they follow me around clucking about the neighbors, very intent, and I'm sure what they're telling me is very important to them. So I cluck back, (hope the neighbors aren't listening), and we visit a little while I feed them and check for eggs. Well, it may not be an exciting life, but I love it!
So now I have 2 New Hampshires, 1 Americauna, 1 Rhode Island Red, 1 Wyandott and maybe 1 Australorp. The Americauna lays green eggs, I love that. The rest lay brown, or will. Only a couple are laying right now, the others are molting. The hens get along pretty well, but it's funny to watch them. Lucy is my only hen left from my original group, and when I brought the other hens in, she immediately picked a fight with each of them, and let them know who's boss! The Australop is beautiful, she is black and white, very striking. I scatter chicken feed in the pen every morning, and she will chase all the doves and other birds out of the pen when they come in looking for free food. It's so funny to see her cackle and race after them!
I've been working with them, and several will eat out of my hands now. It's tempting to wear gloves, because they will peck pretty hard, but I don't know if they would like the color and feel of it, so I haven't yet. I let them out into the garden in the afternoon, they are the best bug-zappers around!
Ok, it's true, I'm a schmuck for chickens. My kids hate them, and I'm sure it's my fault because I made them feed, water and clean up after chickens all of their childhood. They just can't understand my fascination, and neither can David. I don't know either, I just like fresh eggs and natural bug killers. Plus they chatter and talk to me, which is so cute. The New Hampshire's especially like to chat, they follow me around clucking about the neighbors, very intent, and I'm sure what they're telling me is very important to them. So I cluck back, (hope the neighbors aren't listening), and we visit a little while I feed them and check for eggs. Well, it may not be an exciting life, but I love it!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Good Times
If you noticed, I changed the picture above. It's me, and my good friend Julie Hutchins, back in the day. OK, I believe it was 1974, judging by that awesome haircut I have. They used to call us Mutt and Jeff, from the old cartoon. I'm 5'2 on a good day, and Julie checks in at 6', she's a California hippie chick and I was a dyed-in-the-wool cowchick, no holds barred. No matter, we just clicked and have stayed friends for many, many years.
Julie and I met when her Dad picked up his family and moved them from Anaheim, CA to little podunk Prescott, AZ. She was shell-shocked when I met her at church one weekend, still wondering what kind of hick town she was forced to endure through high school. We had just turned 16, and after Young Women's one night, a church group, I offered to take her home, but first of course we had to get a soda, cruise main street, etc. All I remember clearly is that someone slammed on their brakes in front of me at a traffic light, and I lit up the night with a blue streak of cussing- AZ style. She looked so shocked, and I was a little embarrassed, but that broke the ice. She realized I wasn't a 'perfect mormon' girl, and we both started talking about our lives. In no time we were hanging out most of the time.
I was in FFA, choir, 4-H, sports, and I was active in church, swearing not withstanding. She was, and is, an artist, and also hung out with the hippies in school, but welcomed me into their group too. Prescott is a pretty clicky town, so the kids around us were confused that a cowchick and a hippy could be such good friends. I don't know about Julz, but I took a lot of heat for our friendship from my cowboy buddies. I was voted FFA Sweetheart at the end of my junior year, Julie had so much fun with that! She loved to tease me about being the 'queen of Cowchicks'. We continued to attend church together, and wander back and forth between our different groups. Her friends accepted me quite easily, but mine were much more reserved towards her, but she didn't care.
Julie's parents kind of adopted me. I was 1/2 hour or more from town, depending on the weather and condition of the dirt road I lived on. On nights that I had play practice, or sports, choir, FFA, etc. I would often stay at Julie's. The picture above was taken at her place, and although that chair isn't there anymore, the house is essentially the same. Barbara and Gene were always so good to me, and Gene always had a joke for me.
There's just something so cool about old friends. They are an amazing gift, especially when they make you laugh, and keep you from taking yourself too seriously. I have a few of these marvelous women in my life, and love them all. Thanks guys, let's keep laughing!
Julie and I met when her Dad picked up his family and moved them from Anaheim, CA to little podunk Prescott, AZ. She was shell-shocked when I met her at church one weekend, still wondering what kind of hick town she was forced to endure through high school. We had just turned 16, and after Young Women's one night, a church group, I offered to take her home, but first of course we had to get a soda, cruise main street, etc. All I remember clearly is that someone slammed on their brakes in front of me at a traffic light, and I lit up the night with a blue streak of cussing- AZ style. She looked so shocked, and I was a little embarrassed, but that broke the ice. She realized I wasn't a 'perfect mormon' girl, and we both started talking about our lives. In no time we were hanging out most of the time.
I was in FFA, choir, 4-H, sports, and I was active in church, swearing not withstanding. She was, and is, an artist, and also hung out with the hippies in school, but welcomed me into their group too. Prescott is a pretty clicky town, so the kids around us were confused that a cowchick and a hippy could be such good friends. I don't know about Julz, but I took a lot of heat for our friendship from my cowboy buddies. I was voted FFA Sweetheart at the end of my junior year, Julie had so much fun with that! She loved to tease me about being the 'queen of Cowchicks'. We continued to attend church together, and wander back and forth between our different groups. Her friends accepted me quite easily, but mine were much more reserved towards her, but she didn't care.
Julie's parents kind of adopted me. I was 1/2 hour or more from town, depending on the weather and condition of the dirt road I lived on. On nights that I had play practice, or sports, choir, FFA, etc. I would often stay at Julie's. The picture above was taken at her place, and although that chair isn't there anymore, the house is essentially the same. Barbara and Gene were always so good to me, and Gene always had a joke for me.
There's just something so cool about old friends. They are an amazing gift, especially when they make you laugh, and keep you from taking yourself too seriously. I have a few of these marvelous women in my life, and love them all. Thanks guys, let's keep laughing!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fall in Arizona
Well, it's another lovely week! I spent Sunday and Monday recovering from the trip to Phx last Saturday, and Tuesday I went to Prescott to visit Julie. She is working on another amazing mural there; James Dean on a Harley motorcycle. It's at a little deli named Chubs, right on Whiskey Row. If you're in town, check it out! I watched her paint for a bit, we had a great lunch at the Brewery, I took a nap and took the beautiful drive home.
Wednesday was a nice quiet day of rest. That morning Mom called, and I talked her into coming up so I could get her a birthday present. It's true, part of the present is getting her out of Maricopa! Anyhow, she told me she'd be coming up Thursday or Friday, but that evening she suddenly came through the door. She hoped I'd go to St. Johns with her to the courthouse. Well, how could I refuse my Mom? Thursday morning we left and wandered off to St. Johns. Mom is easy to drive with, she brings the motor home complete with beds and a bathroom, so when we get tired, we just stop! We reached St. Johns before the Assessor's office closed, got the maps we wanted, put a For Sale sign on her property and stopped for the night.
The fall colors are beautiful near Payson, although some of them are starting to fade. It was a great day for a little drive. There's a wonderful bakery at the market in Pine, so we stopped for bread and another nap. That's the only way we travel, is with lots of time. Yes I'm on disability, and I can't do nearly as much as I want to on any given day. My Mom understands what my limitations are, and she is happy to work with that. I love hanging out with her, and I'm so glad that we can have these little excursions together. David is glad to have someone go with her on her trips, he worries about her driving alone any more.
Today we went to the Hay Barn and she bought some baby chicks, and then I took her to Old Town Cottonwood. We stopped at Jim and Ellen's store there, and found her two cool metal yard sculptures- a roadrunner and a frog, for her birthday. David had to work all morning, but we spent the rest of the day at the house- pretty warm out there today, in the 90's. At least it wasn't 102, like in Phoenix! All in all a great week.
Wednesday was a nice quiet day of rest. That morning Mom called, and I talked her into coming up so I could get her a birthday present. It's true, part of the present is getting her out of Maricopa! Anyhow, she told me she'd be coming up Thursday or Friday, but that evening she suddenly came through the door. She hoped I'd go to St. Johns with her to the courthouse. Well, how could I refuse my Mom? Thursday morning we left and wandered off to St. Johns. Mom is easy to drive with, she brings the motor home complete with beds and a bathroom, so when we get tired, we just stop! We reached St. Johns before the Assessor's office closed, got the maps we wanted, put a For Sale sign on her property and stopped for the night.
The fall colors are beautiful near Payson, although some of them are starting to fade. It was a great day for a little drive. There's a wonderful bakery at the market in Pine, so we stopped for bread and another nap. That's the only way we travel, is with lots of time. Yes I'm on disability, and I can't do nearly as much as I want to on any given day. My Mom understands what my limitations are, and she is happy to work with that. I love hanging out with her, and I'm so glad that we can have these little excursions together. David is glad to have someone go with her on her trips, he worries about her driving alone any more.
Today we went to the Hay Barn and she bought some baby chicks, and then I took her to Old Town Cottonwood. We stopped at Jim and Ellen's store there, and found her two cool metal yard sculptures- a roadrunner and a frog, for her birthday. David had to work all morning, but we spent the rest of the day at the house- pretty warm out there today, in the 90's. At least it wasn't 102, like in Phoenix! All in all a great week.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Moving day- Again!
Despite our best efforts to leave the moving business, once more we were roped into moving, this time Trisha, to the valley. She was hired for a great job with JP Morgan Chase, but that meant she has to leave Cottonwood and move back to the valley. She found a place right next to Jana, our niece, and her family. It's a nice neighborhood, it should be fun for them.
I drove the truck down, so I could haul David, Nic and Norm home after loading and unloading Trish's house. It all there, it took two truckloads~ But now she can start the daunting task of unpacking, figuring out where to set everyhing, what to do with the give-away- pile. All told, they had a 12 hour day, my part was just driving the truck down that would bring all of us home. I took it easy as much as possible, and Nic wanted to drive home, so that was good. We gotter done! Most of us could barely get out of bed this morning, so we're all a little sore, but good deeds rarely go unpunished, eh?? The weather was lovely, not too hot, so things were nice for a working Saturday.
I drove the truck down, so I could haul David, Nic and Norm home after loading and unloading Trish's house. It all there, it took two truckloads~ But now she can start the daunting task of unpacking, figuring out where to set everyhing, what to do with the give-away- pile. All told, they had a 12 hour day, my part was just driving the truck down that would bring all of us home. I took it easy as much as possible, and Nic wanted to drive home, so that was good. We gotter done! Most of us could barely get out of bed this morning, so we're all a little sore, but good deeds rarely go unpunished, eh?? The weather was lovely, not too hot, so things were nice for a working Saturday.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Cool crisp fall
This week is so much better! I can move, yesterday and today, so life is good. The weather has cooled off so nicely, it's been in the mid 80's, so lovely. Yesterday Gina helped me plant some things- we put in broccoli, cauliflower, collards and romaine lettuce plants, well Gina did the hard stuff. We also put in onion and garlic sets. Hopefully I can find someone to help me plant some spinach and beet seeds next week.
Fall always reminds me of roundup on the ranch. I remember getting up early, like 4:00 am, on the weekends, having a big breakfast and then driving to the section we were working that day. Mountainous, rough, brushy and not for the faint of heart. We had one horse- Rowdy, that started out the day by bucking off whoever rode him. It was always interesting to watch, but I decided early not to be 'the one'. The day was long enough without bouncing around on the rocks first thing in the morning. It didn't matter who rode him, they couldn't stay on. Once he had that out of his system though, he was the best ranch horse we had, outside of Dad's. He could work all day long, and still be prancing. My horses tended to be better mannered, if not as tough.
We each had a draw up the mountain to work- I took one, Debbie another, the parents would move to the tops of the mountains and work their way down. I'd ride to the top of the draw and start pushing cows down the mountain, first one side and then the other. It took hours, and often the cattle would crawl into a stand of scrub oak and not come out. Then we had to wade into the middle of it to push them out. I have more scars on my hands from pushing through oak brush! I never could hang on to a pair of gloves, so they took a beating.
After we had a small herd of from our area, we'd meet up in the creek at the bottom and push cows down to the gates and wait for Mom and Dad. Sometimes we'd be there for a long time, and we'd have to keep the cattle from wandering off, but otherwise we'd talk, nap, eat or wish we had our lunch. Once we all met up, we still had to push them on down to a large holding pasture before we could call it a day and go home. It was crisp, sometimes downright cold in the mornings, but the days usually warmed up. The trees were turning color, even the oak brush could be beautiful. The pines smelled so good, the breeze would waft it around us. Sometimes Debbie and I would build a little fire to keep warm. After a long day, we would fall asleep in the truck on the way home. There is something amazing about the day to day life on a ranch, and even though it was hard work, tough and gritty, there is a lot of nostalgia for those days.
Fall always reminds me of roundup on the ranch. I remember getting up early, like 4:00 am, on the weekends, having a big breakfast and then driving to the section we were working that day. Mountainous, rough, brushy and not for the faint of heart. We had one horse- Rowdy, that started out the day by bucking off whoever rode him. It was always interesting to watch, but I decided early not to be 'the one'. The day was long enough without bouncing around on the rocks first thing in the morning. It didn't matter who rode him, they couldn't stay on. Once he had that out of his system though, he was the best ranch horse we had, outside of Dad's. He could work all day long, and still be prancing. My horses tended to be better mannered, if not as tough.
We each had a draw up the mountain to work- I took one, Debbie another, the parents would move to the tops of the mountains and work their way down. I'd ride to the top of the draw and start pushing cows down the mountain, first one side and then the other. It took hours, and often the cattle would crawl into a stand of scrub oak and not come out. Then we had to wade into the middle of it to push them out. I have more scars on my hands from pushing through oak brush! I never could hang on to a pair of gloves, so they took a beating.
After we had a small herd of from our area, we'd meet up in the creek at the bottom and push cows down to the gates and wait for Mom and Dad. Sometimes we'd be there for a long time, and we'd have to keep the cattle from wandering off, but otherwise we'd talk, nap, eat or wish we had our lunch. Once we all met up, we still had to push them on down to a large holding pasture before we could call it a day and go home. It was crisp, sometimes downright cold in the mornings, but the days usually warmed up. The trees were turning color, even the oak brush could be beautiful. The pines smelled so good, the breeze would waft it around us. Sometimes Debbie and I would build a little fire to keep warm. After a long day, we would fall asleep in the truck on the way home. There is something amazing about the day to day life on a ranch, and even though it was hard work, tough and gritty, there is a lot of nostalgia for those days.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Welcome to hell
Tuesday last I had a functional capacity assessment- with the acronym of hell. Basically I spent several hours with a physical therapist, doing tasks that imitate a work day. Instead of typing on a computer though, I was flipping wooden discs upside down, over and over as fast as I could. First the right hand, then the left. Unscrewing nuts from bolts was particularly fascinating, that had to be done for 5 minutes at a time, also over and over. Then he handed me a hand-grip with a pressure gauge on it, to check my hand strength. Over and over. After the first hour I was so tired I could barely stand, but we just kept going. Walking with 5 pound weights, then 10. My hip joints were on fire, my knee kept popping and spitting at me.
Then we went to the really fun stuff- pushing a sled with handles across the floor. It simulated pushing a grocery cart, forward, then backward. The all time favorite was the stairs... anyone that knows me understands how darn much fun that brings into my life. We finished about 1:30, I don't know, I was almost unconscious by that time. I cleverly shuffled out the door, luckily I'd brought my trusty cane. David bought me a taco at the Bell, and I fell asleep, and slept the 2 1/2 hours home. Crawled into bed, slept some more. Couldn't eat, too tired.
The good news is that when he called to check on me the next day, he said his report would give physical proof that I'm not ready to work 40 hours a week. Seeing that I was hoping I just wouldn't have to wake up on , Wednesday, I think he's right. I love to stay active and feel useful, but my active is a whole lot different than it used to be. Guess going 90 miles an hour for so long has taken it's toll, and the Lord wants me to slow down and 'smell the roses'.
Then we went to the really fun stuff- pushing a sled with handles across the floor. It simulated pushing a grocery cart, forward, then backward. The all time favorite was the stairs... anyone that knows me understands how darn much fun that brings into my life. We finished about 1:30, I don't know, I was almost unconscious by that time. I cleverly shuffled out the door, luckily I'd brought my trusty cane. David bought me a taco at the Bell, and I fell asleep, and slept the 2 1/2 hours home. Crawled into bed, slept some more. Couldn't eat, too tired.
The good news is that when he called to check on me the next day, he said his report would give physical proof that I'm not ready to work 40 hours a week. Seeing that I was hoping I just wouldn't have to wake up on , Wednesday, I think he's right. I love to stay active and feel useful, but my active is a whole lot different than it used to be. Guess going 90 miles an hour for so long has taken it's toll, and the Lord wants me to slow down and 'smell the roses'.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Whatta Summer!
OK, it's nearly been 2 months since I've blogged here. The best part of the summer of course was Nic and Gina's wedding on August 28, it was beautiful! They are beautiful and so much in love. We spent 2 days in Manti, Utah, a quaint little town in central Utah that is off the beaten track. It has a beautiful, old, granite temple there, and that's where they were married. All of David's siblings were there, most of mine also. Gina's family was also well represented, nearly all of her aunts and uncles made the trip too. People come from Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Arizona to be there with them, with Heather and Jared flying in from New Hampshire. We even had friends drive all the way from Canada! Joining the family's together makes the name game quite interesting- Gina's father and brother are David's, one of her aunts is Elaine, they both have aunt Debbie's, two Tom's, two Tim's, the list goes on. It was wonderful, and most of Gina's immediate family are coming down this weekend for the Open House we're having for them here. My family won't be here, because my nephew Dylan is getting married tomorrow, and they are going up there. I love our family, they are so willing to come and support each other, it's awesome!
Ok, now the hard part. My dear friend Julie Hutchin's father died the same day Nic and Gina were married. His funeral was the day before Mom Farr's memorial, that was a really, really tough weekend. Gene and Barbara Hutchins are like my 2nd parents, when we were in high school I stayed with them all the time. Even when Julie was down at ASU, I would drop in and visit them, I love them so much. Gene was 91 years old I think, and he lived life OUT LOUD! He was an amazing entrepeneur, however you spell that. He was so funny and creative, he loved to travel; he and Barbara have literally been all over the world. Barbara wrote a book about South America in the '70s, and wrote for the Prescott Courier for years. It was hard to say goodbye to him.
The week after the funerals, another friend, Larissa Castilleja, was hit and killed while riding her bicycle in Kingman. One minute here, vibrant and alive, the next she's gone, because of a hit-and-run driver. So, frankly, I've been in mourning for the past couple months, trying to say goodbye to people that were so important in my life, while also celebrating a new marriage and trying not to be too morose. It's taken a while to be able to even write about it.
Anyhow, what I've gotten out of all of this is to CELEBRATE LIFE! I want to live out loud, do the things I've always wanted to do, and not be afraid to be myself. Here's to wonderful tomorrows!
Ok, now the hard part. My dear friend Julie Hutchin's father died the same day Nic and Gina were married. His funeral was the day before Mom Farr's memorial, that was a really, really tough weekend. Gene and Barbara Hutchins are like my 2nd parents, when we were in high school I stayed with them all the time. Even when Julie was down at ASU, I would drop in and visit them, I love them so much. Gene was 91 years old I think, and he lived life OUT LOUD! He was an amazing entrepeneur, however you spell that. He was so funny and creative, he loved to travel; he and Barbara have literally been all over the world. Barbara wrote a book about South America in the '70s, and wrote for the Prescott Courier for years. It was hard to say goodbye to him.
The week after the funerals, another friend, Larissa Castilleja, was hit and killed while riding her bicycle in Kingman. One minute here, vibrant and alive, the next she's gone, because of a hit-and-run driver. So, frankly, I've been in mourning for the past couple months, trying to say goodbye to people that were so important in my life, while also celebrating a new marriage and trying not to be too morose. It's taken a while to be able to even write about it.
Anyhow, what I've gotten out of all of this is to CELEBRATE LIFE! I want to live out loud, do the things I've always wanted to do, and not be afraid to be myself. Here's to wonderful tomorrows!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Summertime
I've been very bad about writing here this summer. Numerous reasons, but a slowpoke none the less. The weather has been busy- thunder clouds every day in the p.m., but doesn't rain every day. It's enough to knock me out for hours, but not enough to put moisture on the ground. We had a good rain Thurs-Sat, in the afternoon. My garden loves it! I've been picking cucumbers, squash, peppers and a few tomatoes. The potatoes have done really well- I planted Yukon Golds and we've had potatoes regularly for the past month. The plants have died, so now I'm trying to get the energy to put something else in that row. Too hot out!
Well, the Haines Family reunion is next week, I have the books back, they look really good! I need to get packed and ready to leave on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the relatives. I'm already starting to think about compiling a Balmes book, but I have to wait until we get the reunion, wedding and Mom Farr's memorial party over with. We are having a party to celebrate her life over Labor Day weekend.
Well, the Haines Family reunion is next week, I have the books back, they look really good! I need to get packed and ready to leave on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the relatives. I'm already starting to think about compiling a Balmes book, but I have to wait until we get the reunion, wedding and Mom Farr's memorial party over with. We are having a party to celebrate her life over Labor Day weekend.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Moving On
We are doing much better this week, thanks to all for your condolences. We moved the last of Mom Farr's things from Austin House to the garage on Saturday.
Jon, Kathy, David and I first went to Prescott, where Kathy helped me find a dress to wear to Nic and Gina's wedding. What a relief! I hate to shop anymore, if I ever enjoyed it, can't remember. Once in a while I get an urge to mall-crawl; maybe once a year or less. But it had to be done, I have to have a nice dress for the wedding. The hardest thing was not having Heather here to help me. She's become quite the fashion maven. She's even given me an approved list of people that can help me shop, and frankly, being alone is not on the list! And I wasn't allowed to find a dress at Walmart. Here in Cottonwood we have very few places to shop, so it was a relief to go to Prescott where there were more options. Kathy found something at Dillard's almost immediately, so I think I'm ready for the wedding. Fashionwise anyhow.
I can't believe how fast the end of August is steamrolling toward us, quickly we'll be driving up to Utah for the wedding! Before we do that though, we have a family reunion the end of the month, that's just a couple weeks away now, I'm not sure I'm ready for that either. It will be fun though, I'm really looking forward to seeing lots of family, playing at Lyman Lake, hopefully relaxing a little.
Jon, Kathy, David and I first went to Prescott, where Kathy helped me find a dress to wear to Nic and Gina's wedding. What a relief! I hate to shop anymore, if I ever enjoyed it, can't remember. Once in a while I get an urge to mall-crawl; maybe once a year or less. But it had to be done, I have to have a nice dress for the wedding. The hardest thing was not having Heather here to help me. She's become quite the fashion maven. She's even given me an approved list of people that can help me shop, and frankly, being alone is not on the list! And I wasn't allowed to find a dress at Walmart. Here in Cottonwood we have very few places to shop, so it was a relief to go to Prescott where there were more options. Kathy found something at Dillard's almost immediately, so I think I'm ready for the wedding. Fashionwise anyhow.
I can't believe how fast the end of August is steamrolling toward us, quickly we'll be driving up to Utah for the wedding! Before we do that though, we have a family reunion the end of the month, that's just a couple weeks away now, I'm not sure I'm ready for that either. It will be fun though, I'm really looking forward to seeing lots of family, playing at Lyman Lake, hopefully relaxing a little.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sad Passing
Well, David's Mom passed away on Monday, about 1:30 in the morning. That's why I haven't posted much the past few weeks, I was over there every day. She had a couple mini-strokes in June, then shortly after I came back from Nevada she had a fall. It was downhill from there, she dropped a little more every day. She was a peace before she died, and most of the family was able to see her and talk to her. It was amazing, she had her faculties in tact- Friday morning she reminded us that her rent needed to be paid!
Life just seems to move so fast, I was looking at our wedding pictures, with David's parents standing by us. We were so young and naive! We thought we were oh so mature, criminy, we didn't have a clue. Mom and Dad looked great, they were moving toward their 60's then. Ouch, we are their age now. Where did all those years go, the many memories that have faded from view, crowded out by today, and all the events that have happened in recent times.
OK, enough of that. I finished the Haines book, it is actually at the Publishers right now. It has as many stories as I could gather, and over 200 family pictures in it. I'm pretty happy about it, but you know there will be things I've missed, and mistakes I wish I could fix. But, it's done, and I'm very happy about that!
Life just seems to move so fast, I was looking at our wedding pictures, with David's parents standing by us. We were so young and naive! We thought we were oh so mature, criminy, we didn't have a clue. Mom and Dad looked great, they were moving toward their 60's then. Ouch, we are their age now. Where did all those years go, the many memories that have faded from view, crowded out by today, and all the events that have happened in recent times.
OK, enough of that. I finished the Haines book, it is actually at the Publishers right now. It has as many stories as I could gather, and over 200 family pictures in it. I'm pretty happy about it, but you know there will be things I've missed, and mistakes I wish I could fix. But, it's done, and I'm very happy about that!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A little more travel
We're in Fernley, NV this week. I helped Mom drive to Shawna's, her grandaughter. We drove up through Pahrump, Tonopah and Death Valley. It's an amazing journey, kind of a walk back through time. The layers peel back to the 50's, then the 30's, and into the 1880's mining culture. Strip down the land to the bare bones, literally. There are no trees, very little vegetation. The colors of the mountains range from subtle cream to orange, rust, yellow, blue. There is nothing on them to mask the geology, the creation of the world here. As we drove along, the mountains are raw, rough and look like the land was just yanked up from the ground, the rocks run vertical from the ground straight up into the sky, too new to even be broken down by the wind and rain. Well, wind, there really isn't rain here, or water. The little mining towns have rough shacks that are falling into total disrepair. Many of the small towns are abandoned, the ones still surviving are rough and dry. I'm so impressed with the people that manage to make and a living and survive there.
Fernley is much more stable, they are heavily influenced by the mining industry but right on the interstate, so there's more work here. Shawna and Roger have a beautiful family, home and life, it's so much fun to hang out with them.
Saturday Shawna drove us to Sacramento to see Aunt Barbara, her kids Jerryne, Keith, and the other Haines cousins, Steve and Dan. It was awesome! Barbara is doing OK, we visited her Saturday afternoon, then went to Jerryne's. Keith brought his family over and we had a great visit all afternoon, then went to Black Angus for dinner. Our cousin Dan works there, so we got to see him and his brother Steve there. We had a big, noisy dinner with 4 kids and 6 adults.
Fernley is much more stable, they are heavily influenced by the mining industry but right on the interstate, so there's more work here. Shawna and Roger have a beautiful family, home and life, it's so much fun to hang out with them.
Saturday Shawna drove us to Sacramento to see Aunt Barbara, her kids Jerryne, Keith, and the other Haines cousins, Steve and Dan. It was awesome! Barbara is doing OK, we visited her Saturday afternoon, then went to Jerryne's. Keith brought his family over and we had a great visit all afternoon, then went to Black Angus for dinner. Our cousin Dan works there, so we got to see him and his brother Steve there. We had a big, noisy dinner with 4 kids and 6 adults.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tough Week
Well, this week started out like a hurricane- I had a bad stomach flu, with all the joy that brings. Could be swine flu, who knows? Whatever it was I was running both ends for days, really Friday was the first day I felt very good.
Mom came up Monday evening, and will be here until we leave for Reno, NV. She has to get a new water pump in the motorhome, it went out on the way up here. It's the one that powers the sinks, etc, not the engine one. I stayed in the bedroom for the first several days, I didn't want to share this crap with anyone. So far they haven't seemed to catch it.
Nic has a new hobby/business, he's collecting coins and comics, planning to sell the good ones on the internet. He's really enjoying it, and is setting up whole notebooks of coins, putting all the comics in plastic sleeves, getting an inventory built up.
Now the bad news, David had a rollover accident on Thursday. Amazingly, he was wearing a seat belt and he's just fine. It was on 89A toward Sedona, a little before 8:00 am, so the traffic was very heavy, but no one was injured; there was another car involved but she was ok too. Our old white pickup didn't fare as well, the roof of the cab is crushed in, except for where David was sitting. Boy, the Lord and at least 3 guardian angels were watching over him that day! I'm so glad that my husband survived, and the other person in the crash is OK.
Last but not least, we no longer have a rooster. He was getting so mean, I couldn't go in the pen without a rake or someone else to watch my back. He had also pecked one of the hens so bad she is missing a big patch of feathers. Well, anyone that knows me very well has heard about me and roosters- I shot the last one that messed with me! Bucky was young enough that he'll make a good meal, so we butchered him yesterday. Nic and a friend, Norm, killed him for me, then Mom and I plucked and dressed him out. All in all, a pretty hectic week.
The Native Americans have a tradition of offering thanks to an animal for it's sacrifice, and honoring it giving it's life so others may live. I like that idea, so I offered thanks. Especially in this country, we take our food for granted, go to the store, buy what you need. We are so far removed from the life cycle, we rarely pick or kill our own food. I am trying to become more connected to the food that sustains me, and even though it's not much fun to butcher an animal, it does give a solid connection to what we eat. If my brother reads this, he'd just laugh at me, he and his family hunts every year, then butchers and processes everything, deer, elk, fish. Hap and Sandy have a beautiful garden, so they are very self-sustaining. We don't hunt usually, but gardening is one of my favorite activities.
Mom came up Monday evening, and will be here until we leave for Reno, NV. She has to get a new water pump in the motorhome, it went out on the way up here. It's the one that powers the sinks, etc, not the engine one. I stayed in the bedroom for the first several days, I didn't want to share this crap with anyone. So far they haven't seemed to catch it.
Nic has a new hobby/business, he's collecting coins and comics, planning to sell the good ones on the internet. He's really enjoying it, and is setting up whole notebooks of coins, putting all the comics in plastic sleeves, getting an inventory built up.
Now the bad news, David had a rollover accident on Thursday. Amazingly, he was wearing a seat belt and he's just fine. It was on 89A toward Sedona, a little before 8:00 am, so the traffic was very heavy, but no one was injured; there was another car involved but she was ok too. Our old white pickup didn't fare as well, the roof of the cab is crushed in, except for where David was sitting. Boy, the Lord and at least 3 guardian angels were watching over him that day! I'm so glad that my husband survived, and the other person in the crash is OK.
Last but not least, we no longer have a rooster. He was getting so mean, I couldn't go in the pen without a rake or someone else to watch my back. He had also pecked one of the hens so bad she is missing a big patch of feathers. Well, anyone that knows me very well has heard about me and roosters- I shot the last one that messed with me! Bucky was young enough that he'll make a good meal, so we butchered him yesterday. Nic and a friend, Norm, killed him for me, then Mom and I plucked and dressed him out. All in all, a pretty hectic week.
The Native Americans have a tradition of offering thanks to an animal for it's sacrifice, and honoring it giving it's life so others may live. I like that idea, so I offered thanks. Especially in this country, we take our food for granted, go to the store, buy what you need. We are so far removed from the life cycle, we rarely pick or kill our own food. I am trying to become more connected to the food that sustains me, and even though it's not much fun to butcher an animal, it does give a solid connection to what we eat. If my brother reads this, he'd just laugh at me, he and his family hunts every year, then butchers and processes everything, deer, elk, fish. Hap and Sandy have a beautiful garden, so they are very self-sustaining. We don't hunt usually, but gardening is one of my favorite activities.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May's almost over
It's been a couple weeks since I caught up this blog. A very busy few weeks, in fact. I'm just about finished editing the Haines book, now it's down to moving pictures into the positions I want them, tweaking the writing a little, etc. I spoke with Bill Johnson, the son of our Aunt Mamie. It was great, she actually talked to her kids about living in Texas and some of the family experiences, so that is all in the book!
Last week David and I went to Grand Canyon West with some friends, and spent at least half an hour out on the skywalk. They won't let you take a camera, but for a $99 dollar fee there are photographers that will take all the pictures you want, of the view, your group, etc. With 6 of us, it was a great deal, we all shared the pictures and have great memories of the day. There are other photo packages, but that one worked best for us.
It's pretty remote to get there, about 45 miles of good dirt road after you leave I-40, but it was certainly worth it to us. The skywalk is incredible, and the Hualapai tribe is working on further amenities. Right now it only has a couple food stands, 1-2 cafes and a restaurant, which is a bus ride from the Skywalk. But they have several helicopters right there, and for a fee you can fly over the Grand Canyon. They also offer pontoon rides on the Colorado River, but we didn't do the extra things, at least not this trip. It took us 6 hours to get there from Cottonwood/Sedona, and we didn't spend the night, so it was a full day with just the basics.
It is certainly not as touristy as the South rim, but that will change with time. There are already tour buses coming in droves from Las Vegas, but other than the gift shop/ticket sales building, it feels pretty uncluttered. We were told Meadview is the closest town, about an hour away, and I'm not sure what accomodations they have, since we came up Route 66 instead of around from Kingman. Kingman to Grand Canyon West has more paved road, we'll take that next time.
It is an expensive day, there is the cost of the Skywalk ticket, then a separate bus ticket to get there, but it does include a $12 meal voucher. The views, spectacular! To walk out onto the skywalk with only plexiglass between you and a 2000 or so foot drop, priceless. If you don't like heights, this may not be as appealing, but wow! It was cool.
Nic, Gina and I went to Jerome to shoot wedding invitation pictures, and they turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. I think it's mostly because of the great camera David gave me for Mother's Day- a Canon Power shot. Great zoom abilities, and excellent quality pictures. We also had Dakota over the next day, she is growing so fast and is such a little doll.
May has been so busy! I spent the first week in New Hampshire, the next week at the Grand Canyon for a day, recovered for a couple days then started answering the phones for David for a little while. He was answering phones, to the tune of 20-30 calls per day, then scheduling all the guys, working on books, and going out to cooler calls himself. I think he met himself at the door a few times, so I'm doing what I can to help out a little. We celebrated Gina's birthday while she was here, and Nic's on Thursday. Mom is coming up this weekend, she wants to go to Boyd's grave for Memorial Day.
Last week David and I went to Grand Canyon West with some friends, and spent at least half an hour out on the skywalk. They won't let you take a camera, but for a $99 dollar fee there are photographers that will take all the pictures you want, of the view, your group, etc. With 6 of us, it was a great deal, we all shared the pictures and have great memories of the day. There are other photo packages, but that one worked best for us.
It's pretty remote to get there, about 45 miles of good dirt road after you leave I-40, but it was certainly worth it to us. The skywalk is incredible, and the Hualapai tribe is working on further amenities. Right now it only has a couple food stands, 1-2 cafes and a restaurant, which is a bus ride from the Skywalk. But they have several helicopters right there, and for a fee you can fly over the Grand Canyon. They also offer pontoon rides on the Colorado River, but we didn't do the extra things, at least not this trip. It took us 6 hours to get there from Cottonwood/Sedona, and we didn't spend the night, so it was a full day with just the basics.
It is certainly not as touristy as the South rim, but that will change with time. There are already tour buses coming in droves from Las Vegas, but other than the gift shop/ticket sales building, it feels pretty uncluttered. We were told Meadview is the closest town, about an hour away, and I'm not sure what accomodations they have, since we came up Route 66 instead of around from Kingman. Kingman to Grand Canyon West has more paved road, we'll take that next time.
It is an expensive day, there is the cost of the Skywalk ticket, then a separate bus ticket to get there, but it does include a $12 meal voucher. The views, spectacular! To walk out onto the skywalk with only plexiglass between you and a 2000 or so foot drop, priceless. If you don't like heights, this may not be as appealing, but wow! It was cool.
Nic, Gina and I went to Jerome to shoot wedding invitation pictures, and they turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. I think it's mostly because of the great camera David gave me for Mother's Day- a Canon Power shot. Great zoom abilities, and excellent quality pictures. We also had Dakota over the next day, she is growing so fast and is such a little doll.
May has been so busy! I spent the first week in New Hampshire, the next week at the Grand Canyon for a day, recovered for a couple days then started answering the phones for David for a little while. He was answering phones, to the tune of 20-30 calls per day, then scheduling all the guys, working on books, and going out to cooler calls himself. I think he met himself at the door a few times, so I'm doing what I can to help out a little. We celebrated Gina's birthday while she was here, and Nic's on Thursday. Mom is coming up this weekend, she wants to go to Boyd's grave for Memorial Day.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A day at the beach
Saturday we went to Ogunquit, Maine for the day. It is a quaint little town, although it's pretty tourist oriented, it's really beautiful. It's right on the Atlantic ocean, and has a walkway along one of the cliffs. The waves crashing on the rocky shore was mesmerizing, and there were fishing boats all up and down the coast. The day was perfect, about 67 degrees with a slight wind.
We took Roo, Heather's Yorkie, and he was in hog heaven, running around. He ran into the surf long enough to realize how cold it was! The flowers are just starting to bloom, the were puffy clouds drifting by as we walked along the cliff and down to the ocean. We saw surfers in full wetsuits hitting the waves, there was even a guy standing on a board with a paddle, hadn't seen that before. It is't the California surf, but there was enough curl to have a good, if short, ride.
We had lobster for dinner, right on the dock at a local eatery. There were 3 red tugboats floating right out the window as we ate. The tide was flowing in, speeding up the causeway at our feet. I was surprised how fast it came in, maybe that's why the pace is so much faster in the northeast...
Sunday it was cloudy and rainy, which should last the rest of the week. I'm so glad we went on the one clear day! I took Heather and Jared birthday shopping while I was here, and the lobster dinner was for their bday too, so although I leave the day before Jared's birthday, I already got it covered.
We took Roo, Heather's Yorkie, and he was in hog heaven, running around. He ran into the surf long enough to realize how cold it was! The flowers are just starting to bloom, the were puffy clouds drifting by as we walked along the cliff and down to the ocean. We saw surfers in full wetsuits hitting the waves, there was even a guy standing on a board with a paddle, hadn't seen that before. It is't the California surf, but there was enough curl to have a good, if short, ride.
We had lobster for dinner, right on the dock at a local eatery. There were 3 red tugboats floating right out the window as we ate. The tide was flowing in, speeding up the causeway at our feet. I was surprised how fast it came in, maybe that's why the pace is so much faster in the northeast...
Sunday it was cloudy and rainy, which should last the rest of the week. I'm so glad we went on the one clear day! I took Heather and Jared birthday shopping while I was here, and the lobster dinner was for their bday too, so although I leave the day before Jared's birthday, I already got it covered.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
hello from New Hampshire
I am sitting in the kids' apartment in NH, having safely navigated the airports. There is the 'strip search', of course, OK, not completely, but when you have to take off shoes, 'outer garments' which at the airport means jackets and sweaters I think... We are all in a line, like a herd, really, shuffling along, trying to listen to directions being hollered through a megaphone by a very business-like woman. Drop cell phones and electronics into a box, have ALL liquid bottles in a plastic bag, separate from your carry on luggage, it just goes on and on.
Having survived the mass transit experience, which by the way did you know that non-stop isn't always? Evidently if you don't get off the plane when it lands, they can say you're on a nonstop flight. I was on a nonstop flight which first stopped in Philadelphia, huh??? It was OK though, most of the passengers got of in Phillie, the plane loaded up again and we took off within the hour. I got to fly over Manhattan, which was really cool. The Hudson is huge, and there were hundreds of barges moving up and down the river.
So, now I'm here, and the weather is holding for another day, it looks like. We plan to go to Concord, the capital, and sightsee a little. Should find a yarn store in the area and play some. Happy Spring!
Having survived the mass transit experience, which by the way did you know that non-stop isn't always? Evidently if you don't get off the plane when it lands, they can say you're on a nonstop flight. I was on a nonstop flight which first stopped in Philadelphia, huh??? It was OK though, most of the passengers got of in Phillie, the plane loaded up again and we took off within the hour. I got to fly over Manhattan, which was really cool. The Hudson is huge, and there were hundreds of barges moving up and down the river.
So, now I'm here, and the weather is holding for another day, it looks like. We plan to go to Concord, the capital, and sightsee a little. Should find a yarn store in the area and play some. Happy Spring!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Girl's week
We had so much fun last week! Mom, Debbie, Allison and I spent the whole week together, no kids or husbands. Tuesday we all had pedicures/manicures together, then Hap, our brother, had us over for dinner. He and Sandy went all out- Alaskan king crab, bacon wrapped tuna steaks, prime rib. It was a birthday party for their son EJ, but we got to enjoy the supreme cooking of the Balmes family. Thanks Sandy and Hap!
Wednesday Allison and I went to visit our long-lost cousin, Tom Nelson. His grandmother is the sister of our grandfather. We swapped pictures and stories, his wife Pam made us all lunch, it was a wonderful visit. They are amazing and wonderful people, it's great to find new family! Debbie had to focus on taxes that day, and Mom had work to do too, so we all met up for dinner. We picked fresh lettuce and greens at Mom's house, had beets, tomatoes and carrots from Debbie's garden. Yum!
Thursday we all went to the Mesa Temple. We planned to take Mom's motorhome, so she could rest if needed. About 10 miles out of Maricopa, a tire started smoking, so we pulled over to check on it and saw skid marks on the inside dual tire. It wasn't flat, but we turned around and took the motorhome back to Debbie's, started over in her little car. This time we made it, and had a wonderful visit in the temple. The temple is a very sacred place to us, and an opportunity to leave the outside world behind for a few hours, and focus on spiritual and eternal perspectives. What a great place to spend time as a family!
Friday, I hit the wall. I was trying to keep up with my active sisters, and go go go. Well, I can only do that so long before my body gives out. So, we took it easy Friday morning, and just hung out at Debbie's house for a few hours. We had set up massages, and hoped that Sandy could go, but she was sick and had to cancel. The four of us went to Massage Envy in Ahwatukee, AZ, and wow was that relaxing. They are very professional and did a great job. When we were all done, we went shopping at Ross, then had dinner at Carraba's. A perfect end of a wonderful week! Saturday morning, it was time to go home. Debbie flew to Texas, Allison drove north and I attended a baptism in Gilbert before driving home to Cottonwood.
I love my family, and it was so great to spend the whole week with my Mom and siblings. We are very blessed, and make each other laugh. What can be better???
Wednesday Allison and I went to visit our long-lost cousin, Tom Nelson. His grandmother is the sister of our grandfather. We swapped pictures and stories, his wife Pam made us all lunch, it was a wonderful visit. They are amazing and wonderful people, it's great to find new family! Debbie had to focus on taxes that day, and Mom had work to do too, so we all met up for dinner. We picked fresh lettuce and greens at Mom's house, had beets, tomatoes and carrots from Debbie's garden. Yum!
Thursday we all went to the Mesa Temple. We planned to take Mom's motorhome, so she could rest if needed. About 10 miles out of Maricopa, a tire started smoking, so we pulled over to check on it and saw skid marks on the inside dual tire. It wasn't flat, but we turned around and took the motorhome back to Debbie's, started over in her little car. This time we made it, and had a wonderful visit in the temple. The temple is a very sacred place to us, and an opportunity to leave the outside world behind for a few hours, and focus on spiritual and eternal perspectives. What a great place to spend time as a family!
Friday, I hit the wall. I was trying to keep up with my active sisters, and go go go. Well, I can only do that so long before my body gives out. So, we took it easy Friday morning, and just hung out at Debbie's house for a few hours. We had set up massages, and hoped that Sandy could go, but she was sick and had to cancel. The four of us went to Massage Envy in Ahwatukee, AZ, and wow was that relaxing. They are very professional and did a great job. When we were all done, we went shopping at Ross, then had dinner at Carraba's. A perfect end of a wonderful week! Saturday morning, it was time to go home. Debbie flew to Texas, Allison drove north and I attended a baptism in Gilbert before driving home to Cottonwood.
I love my family, and it was so great to spend the whole week with my Mom and siblings. We are very blessed, and make each other laugh. What can be better???
Friday, April 10, 2009
Farmette
So, it's my birthday. Hmm, not sure how I feel about that, but it doesn't matter, it comes around every year with our without our permission. Birthdays were a lot more fun a couple decades ago, but I'm sure happy to be here, and enjoy my family, friends and life in general.
I'm pretty happy, I have lettuce, beets, spinach, peas and onions sprouting in the garden. Today I planted another round of them, plus some swiss chard and flowers. I thought it was a great way to spend my birthday. I also took the old Ford truck today. I'm driving the 4-wheel drive, 4 on the floor truck, down to pick up chicken feed and straw. Oh yeah, feeling like a farmer. Never mind that I live in the middle of town, it's a little town, and I have a little farm. So I'm not a farmer, I'm a Farmette!
I'm pretty happy, I have lettuce, beets, spinach, peas and onions sprouting in the garden. Today I planted another round of them, plus some swiss chard and flowers. I thought it was a great way to spend my birthday. I also took the old Ford truck today. I'm driving the 4-wheel drive, 4 on the floor truck, down to pick up chicken feed and straw. Oh yeah, feeling like a farmer. Never mind that I live in the middle of town, it's a little town, and I have a little farm. So I'm not a farmer, I'm a Farmette!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Happy Spring!
Well, almost nothing is growing yet in my garden, and I'm getting quite annoyed! We planted almost 2 weeks ago, but then the temperature dropped back into the 70's. I know, still nice and warm, but it gets pretty cold at night still. I planted potatoes over the weekend, and they like cool weather, so hopefully that will start greening things up a bit. The lettuce, carrots, spinach aren't coming up, so I guess I have to replant them, darn it.
I've been working away at the Haines book, I'm going to post a couple of the family stories on this site in a day or so. I'm adding pictures of the family member where they are available, that was my sister Debbie's idea, makes it a lot more interesting.
Nic is working in Casa Grande this week for Fabtec, so David and I are left to our own devices. We had Dakota all day Saturday, and she wanted to go to dinner with us too! We went to the local NRA banquet, and she had so much fun. There was a Plinko game and Roullete wheel, she had a blast playing those. Dakota is so well behaved, it was quite fun to have her.
I've been working away at the Haines book, I'm going to post a couple of the family stories on this site in a day or so. I'm adding pictures of the family member where they are available, that was my sister Debbie's idea, makes it a lot more interesting.
Nic is working in Casa Grande this week for Fabtec, so David and I are left to our own devices. We had Dakota all day Saturday, and she wanted to go to dinner with us too! We went to the local NRA banquet, and she had so much fun. There was a Plinko game and Roullete wheel, she had a blast playing those. Dakota is so well behaved, it was quite fun to have her.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Cute Chicks
I know, I know, this background is really cutesy... but did you notice that it's baby chicks?? I'm not going to buy chicks this year, but I can post them on my website! My chickens are laying well, about 20 eggs a week now, so I can share with others and still have plenty.
We went to my nephew's wedding in Casa Grande last weekend, it was very very nice. His new bride is adorable, and the wedding was beautiful. They are so in love! They held the wedding and reception at the Francisco Grande, a nice golf resort in Casa Grande. I've been by there dozens of times, but never drove in to see the hotel. It was built in the 50's I think, John Wayne used to stay there. It's been renovated, the rooms are beautiful, and it's so quiet! The birds sing, there's a swimming pool and spa, it's amazing. I highly recommend it for a little get away.
I've been working hard on the Haines book for the reunion. I'm trying to add letters, pictures, copies of the Civil War pension requests I've found, and a story about each of our ancestors. I've found some pictures from Grandma Haines' collection that are so cool! George Haines all dressed up in western garb for the Phoenix rodeo- he was a police officer on duty, and all the officers dressed up for the occasion. There are a few pictures of Grandpa and his siblings at the 1969 family reunion in Prescott. That could be the last time they all got together, I know we didn't have another Haines reunion. They were in their 60's then, but you can really see the resemblance. I'm including a couple on the website I hope.
We went to my nephew's wedding in Casa Grande last weekend, it was very very nice. His new bride is adorable, and the wedding was beautiful. They are so in love! They held the wedding and reception at the Francisco Grande, a nice golf resort in Casa Grande. I've been by there dozens of times, but never drove in to see the hotel. It was built in the 50's I think, John Wayne used to stay there. It's been renovated, the rooms are beautiful, and it's so quiet! The birds sing, there's a swimming pool and spa, it's amazing. I highly recommend it for a little get away.
I've been working hard on the Haines book for the reunion. I'm trying to add letters, pictures, copies of the Civil War pension requests I've found, and a story about each of our ancestors. I've found some pictures from Grandma Haines' collection that are so cool! George Haines all dressed up in western garb for the Phoenix rodeo- he was a police officer on duty, and all the officers dressed up for the occasion. There are a few pictures of Grandpa and his siblings at the 1969 family reunion in Prescott. That could be the last time they all got together, I know we didn't have another Haines reunion. They were in their 60's then, but you can really see the resemblance. I'm including a couple on the website I hope.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Crippled and Crabby
I have a pretty boring life I guess, at least today I feel pretty blah. Thursday I had a doctor's appt. in Phoenix to review my State disability claim. The Dr. talked to me for a while, I gave them a print-out with my surgeries, scripts, medical history, etc. (I know! I was so organized that I had it already on my computer, I just had to update a few things.) Then he put me through the wringer! Had me walk toward and away from him, touch my toes, not too difficult, but the worst was yet to come. He had to poke and prod every fibromyalgia trigger-point, there are about 21 of them. By the time we finished I could barely walk out of the office, and I've been crippled up ever since. I was sure glad David drove me down and back, because I'd never have made it by myself.
The worst is the waiting- I have no idea how long it will take him to send in the paperwork, or what his assessment will be. As much as I'd love to go back to work, that's just a pipe dream; I can't work 25 hours a week, let alone 40. Knowing that is depressing as hell, living it is a little bit worse.
I had a friend tell me the other day that just because I'm on disability doesn't mean I have to live miserably. We were talking about how careful I need to be with the energy I have. For instance, I took it really easy on Tuesday and Wednesday before the Dr. appt, because I knew that traveling and being at the doctor's would take all day, and I wouldn't make it if I did anything the day before. She said "It's OK to use the energy you have to do things that bring joy." That was a great thought! Yes, there is still laundry and housework to do, but don't use all your energy to do the 'have to's', save a little energy to do the fun stuff too. I think that applies to all of us, not just me.
The worst is the waiting- I have no idea how long it will take him to send in the paperwork, or what his assessment will be. As much as I'd love to go back to work, that's just a pipe dream; I can't work 25 hours a week, let alone 40. Knowing that is depressing as hell, living it is a little bit worse.
I had a friend tell me the other day that just because I'm on disability doesn't mean I have to live miserably. We were talking about how careful I need to be with the energy I have. For instance, I took it really easy on Tuesday and Wednesday before the Dr. appt, because I knew that traveling and being at the doctor's would take all day, and I wouldn't make it if I did anything the day before. She said "It's OK to use the energy you have to do things that bring joy." That was a great thought! Yes, there is still laundry and housework to do, but don't use all your energy to do the 'have to's', save a little energy to do the fun stuff too. I think that applies to all of us, not just me.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
They're Engaged!!!
Wow, it's official! Nic and Gina are engaged!!! He asked her to marry him last weekend, and she said yes. We've known Gina since she was 1 year old, I used to babysit her and her older brother David. Her Mom is one of my closest friends, can I tell you how excited I am???
I actually kept it a secret for a couple weeks, I didn't even tell Heather, and she knows everything that's going on here. They are getting married in the Manti Temple in August. She has lived in Utah for the last 20 years, and Manti has one of the most beautiful, old temples. I'm still dancing for joy!
I actually kept it a secret for a couple weeks, I didn't even tell Heather, and she knows everything that's going on here. They are getting married in the Manti Temple in August. She has lived in Utah for the last 20 years, and Manti has one of the most beautiful, old temples. I'm still dancing for joy!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Roping the Wind
I'm back from Maricopa AZ. Mom had cataract surgery last Thurs, and it went very well. We went back Friday morning to remove the patch, so now I can't call her 'One-eyed Jack' anymore! She could see better right away, it's an amazing surgery. She was a little unsteady on her feet, must have affected her equilibrium or something, other than that Mom's doing very well.
Of course while I was in southern AZ, I found a family member to visit for more genealogy information. I'm working really hard to find all the family members possible and invite them to the reunion, as well as include them in the book. I want this to be accurate, but interesting, a story about the immigration and daily lives of our ancestors. I'll try not to just make things up, but I do have literary license, and I'm not afraid to use it- I'll make sure it's clear that those parts are 'conjecture', not fact. I spoke with Eva Haines, and she gave me a letter written a couple years ago by a Haines family member from Texas. I was able to find a phone number for her, and we agreed to trade records. I'm hopeful she had information I don't have, and maybe something to help me get the Haines family out of Texas!
It's cloudy today, and we may even get some rain tonight. I'm praying for rain- we need it desparately again. Heather is praying for sunshine, me for rain. Too bad we can't shift the clouds west for a few weeks- they need a break and we need the moisture. Anyone got a rope???
Of course while I was in southern AZ, I found a family member to visit for more genealogy information. I'm working really hard to find all the family members possible and invite them to the reunion, as well as include them in the book. I want this to be accurate, but interesting, a story about the immigration and daily lives of our ancestors. I'll try not to just make things up, but I do have literary license, and I'm not afraid to use it- I'll make sure it's clear that those parts are 'conjecture', not fact. I spoke with Eva Haines, and she gave me a letter written a couple years ago by a Haines family member from Texas. I was able to find a phone number for her, and we agreed to trade records. I'm hopeful she had information I don't have, and maybe something to help me get the Haines family out of Texas!
It's cloudy today, and we may even get some rain tonight. I'm praying for rain- we need it desparately again. Heather is praying for sunshine, me for rain. Too bad we can't shift the clouds west for a few weeks- they need a break and we need the moisture. Anyone got a rope???
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cooking frenzy
What a beautiful day we're having! I hate to brag, but this time of year makes the summer heat more bearable, it's 82 degrees, my dwarf peach is blooming, spring is springing. I'm harvesting broccoli now, and my purple cabbage have little heads on them, should be ready in a couple weeks. The chickens are laying about a dozen eggs a week, just enough to enjoy regularly but not too much. I'm planning a garden, hope to get it rototilled next weekend.
OK, I've been up to interesting things in the kitchen. Last week I decided to try my hand at soap making. I opted for an olive oil soap- better on our skin. Not cheap, but cheaper than the spa type you buy in the store that's made with olive oil. I added citrus essential oil and oatmeal to the mix as it was being stirred and cooling. Stirring took the longest, it takes very little time to mix and heat, but a long time to blend it properly and get it to the right consistency. Once I poured it into the mold, it had to sit overnight before it can be cut into bars. Now they are sitting on the shelf, curing for 3 weeks before we can use them. Can't wait to see if they're worth the time and effort! Today I'm making more hand cream- they are yummy, with shea butter and coconut oil, really moisturizes nicely.
I also created a cookie recipe. For most people, cookies are pretty easy, flour, sugar, baking soda and chocolate chips. What, they make cookies without chocolate chips? Not at my house! I have to grind rice, both brown and white rice, then blend it with tapioca flour, potato starch, and I like quinoa flour- gives it a nice nutty taste. Once all the flours are mixed together, then I can start baking. I make a big batch of home ground flours, then mix them together for a 'master mix', so I can use it for bread, cookies, etc. Anyhow, I used a "Allergy Free" cookbook for part of the recipe, then went to my good ole Betty Crocker cookbook to get the taste I like the best.
The result is chocolate chip cookies made with a no-wheat flour blend, fresh egg, oil, applesauce, oak honey and of course chocolate chips and oatmeal. They are a dark cookie, but boy they taste good! Wheatless flour mixes tend to be drier than regular flour, and I have to use more wet ingredients in order to have a good product. Then, I eat myself sick on them- that's a requirement, I'm sure. If anyone wants the recipe, leave me a comment and I'll post it later. I'm sure you could use regular wheat flour instead of master mix, and with applesauce, honey and oatmeal, it's pretty healthy for the family.
OK, I've been up to interesting things in the kitchen. Last week I decided to try my hand at soap making. I opted for an olive oil soap- better on our skin. Not cheap, but cheaper than the spa type you buy in the store that's made with olive oil. I added citrus essential oil and oatmeal to the mix as it was being stirred and cooling. Stirring took the longest, it takes very little time to mix and heat, but a long time to blend it properly and get it to the right consistency. Once I poured it into the mold, it had to sit overnight before it can be cut into bars. Now they are sitting on the shelf, curing for 3 weeks before we can use them. Can't wait to see if they're worth the time and effort! Today I'm making more hand cream- they are yummy, with shea butter and coconut oil, really moisturizes nicely.
I also created a cookie recipe. For most people, cookies are pretty easy, flour, sugar, baking soda and chocolate chips. What, they make cookies without chocolate chips? Not at my house! I have to grind rice, both brown and white rice, then blend it with tapioca flour, potato starch, and I like quinoa flour- gives it a nice nutty taste. Once all the flours are mixed together, then I can start baking. I make a big batch of home ground flours, then mix them together for a 'master mix', so I can use it for bread, cookies, etc. Anyhow, I used a "Allergy Free" cookbook for part of the recipe, then went to my good ole Betty Crocker cookbook to get the taste I like the best.
The result is chocolate chip cookies made with a no-wheat flour blend, fresh egg, oil, applesauce, oak honey and of course chocolate chips and oatmeal. They are a dark cookie, but boy they taste good! Wheatless flour mixes tend to be drier than regular flour, and I have to use more wet ingredients in order to have a good product. Then, I eat myself sick on them- that's a requirement, I'm sure. If anyone wants the recipe, leave me a comment and I'll post it later. I'm sure you could use regular wheat flour instead of master mix, and with applesauce, honey and oatmeal, it's pretty healthy for the family.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Robber's Roost
I went hiking with a couple friends on Saturday- so exciting! We drove north of Sedona up a dirt road for several miles, then followed a dirt track another couple miles to the head of the trail- high in the foothills there is a hill that is mostly red rock and shale. It has caves all around it, and we hiked to the east cave first. It's an easy hike, luckily, since we are three out of shape "mature" women. There is a bit of climbing/clambering involved, walking on the bell-shaped part of the red rocks to reach the cave. It's worth it though, that cave has a 'window' hollowed out of the rock to the south. It's red rock arch in the making, but for now it still has a foundation of stone at the bottom. I climbed through it to walk around the ledge for a little ways, but it's a pretty sharp drop off, with sheer cliff face straight up. It's a manageable climb around it to explore further, but I thought I'd save that for another day. We only met 2 other hikers up there, and they were leaving as we were arriving, so it a nice quiet place... Although we did get buzzed from a military plane. The guys came right up to the cave, banked south, so I waved at them, I'm sure they could see us, I could throw a rock and touch them. Course, I wouldn't throw a rock at a military plane! Janet told us a friend of hers was in the cave fasting, heard this horrible rumbling noise, felt like an earthquake. The next thing she knows, she was face to face with a helicopter! It dropped right down to the mouth of the cave for the tourists to get a view- they were all surprised to see each other!
The cave is big enough for a good size group, it has a fire pit in the sand and room to sleep if you wanted to spend the night. Janet tells me there is a water pond at the top of the hill, but we didn't climb up there. She has spent many days there, fasting and singing with her group. She's part of a Native American church, and she sang some beautiful songs while we were visiting. She also cleaned off some of the graffiti left by others. there aren't many petroglyphs in there, but what is there gets obscured by newbies. The cave has several corn grinding metates worked into the cave rock. There is a small round hole ground over the centuries, but it's too small for grinding meal, and I'm not archeologist enough to recognize what it was used for. Janet says this was a 'woman's cave', which makes sense when you see the 4-5 grain-grinding indentations.
Before we left the hill we walked around to the west cave, which has a whole different feel to it. Janet has seen mountain lions over there, and believes there is a den at a cave lower on the hill. It's a brushier side of the hill, lots of oak and manzanita. The manzanita is blooming right now, it's beautiful and smells so good. I definitely had the feeling we were being watched, and the closer we got to the west cave the more the hairs on my neck stood up. We walked into the cave and quickly saw lion tracks all over the south end of the cave, not fresh but certainly recent... That was enough for me, Janet and I booked it out of there. She doesn't know it, but I was brandishing my walking stick back and forth behind me, just trying to be a bigger, more threatening target. That sucker was stalking us, or at least following us, and I have no intention of being dinner.
The weather was beautiful, in the high 60's, perfect for a little hiking. The caves are only 1/2 mile or so from the parking area, and the view is spectacular- red rock country all around. The road is rough, I'm glad we took the truck, but certainly passable with a high clearance vehicle. Good friends, great views, perfect day.
The cave is big enough for a good size group, it has a fire pit in the sand and room to sleep if you wanted to spend the night. Janet tells me there is a water pond at the top of the hill, but we didn't climb up there. She has spent many days there, fasting and singing with her group. She's part of a Native American church, and she sang some beautiful songs while we were visiting. She also cleaned off some of the graffiti left by others. there aren't many petroglyphs in there, but what is there gets obscured by newbies. The cave has several corn grinding metates worked into the cave rock. There is a small round hole ground over the centuries, but it's too small for grinding meal, and I'm not archeologist enough to recognize what it was used for. Janet says this was a 'woman's cave', which makes sense when you see the 4-5 grain-grinding indentations.
Before we left the hill we walked around to the west cave, which has a whole different feel to it. Janet has seen mountain lions over there, and believes there is a den at a cave lower on the hill. It's a brushier side of the hill, lots of oak and manzanita. The manzanita is blooming right now, it's beautiful and smells so good. I definitely had the feeling we were being watched, and the closer we got to the west cave the more the hairs on my neck stood up. We walked into the cave and quickly saw lion tracks all over the south end of the cave, not fresh but certainly recent... That was enough for me, Janet and I booked it out of there. She doesn't know it, but I was brandishing my walking stick back and forth behind me, just trying to be a bigger, more threatening target. That sucker was stalking us, or at least following us, and I have no intention of being dinner.
The weather was beautiful, in the high 60's, perfect for a little hiking. The caves are only 1/2 mile or so from the parking area, and the view is spectacular- red rock country all around. The road is rough, I'm glad we took the truck, but certainly passable with a high clearance vehicle. Good friends, great views, perfect day.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Mingus Mountain Menace
Happy Valentine's Day! We had a wonderful plan for the day- our brother-in-law Rich, Nic, Gina, David and I were going to Prescott, drive up the Thumb Butte Park road to the mountain overlooking my old ranch, have a picnic, spend a few hours in Prescott. David and Rich drove Mom Farr's car over, to leave it at the Honda dealers for some maintenance work, then we'd meet them there and go for the drive in our truck, since it has four wheel drive and the ranch road can be rough.
Nic and Gina took his car, and followed me across Mingus Mountain. There were a lot of rocks on the road, falling from the cliffs, and there was a spray of rocks on a tight curve, the worst of which hit Nic's oil pan. Something about that little Jetta and rocks don't mix, it struck and hit it's mark and within seconds he was losing oil. Again-it happened last Sept. too! I went back to pick them up, we drove on into Prescott, picked up David, Rich and a car dolly. Needless to say, there was no jaunt up to the ranch, no leisurely picnic. Nic was pretty bummed out, as was I, but at least we were able to pick up the car pretty easily and get it back here. Gina and Nic made it to their Valentine dinner on time, Adele had a good time with Mom Farr, all in all not a terrible day, just not the one we planned!
Nic and Gina took his car, and followed me across Mingus Mountain. There were a lot of rocks on the road, falling from the cliffs, and there was a spray of rocks on a tight curve, the worst of which hit Nic's oil pan. Something about that little Jetta and rocks don't mix, it struck and hit it's mark and within seconds he was losing oil. Again-it happened last Sept. too! I went back to pick them up, we drove on into Prescott, picked up David, Rich and a car dolly. Needless to say, there was no jaunt up to the ranch, no leisurely picnic. Nic was pretty bummed out, as was I, but at least we were able to pick up the car pretty easily and get it back here. Gina and Nic made it to their Valentine dinner on time, Adele had a good time with Mom Farr, all in all not a terrible day, just not the one we planned!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Ode to Sugar
Sugar passed away last Thursday, it's taken me this long to be able to talk about it. She was the sweetest dog we've ever had, and it was hard to let her go. She was 15 years old, and didn't get sick until 2 weeks ago, then she just dropped so quickly. David and I took her to Airpark Animal Hospital in Cottonwood, they were wonderful. She gently went to sleep, and then we brought her home to be buried. Those that know me know I don't get very mushy about animals, but Sugar was special, and we all miss her.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Questionare
Have you done any of these?... Just copy and paste this to your blog and highlight or Bold the ones that you HAVE done.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train- rode one overnight, didn't sleep!
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitchhiked- once
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run- no, tried many times
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported by ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class- no, but a defense class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (bought plenty)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check- oops!
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades- one of my goals
75. Been fired from a job- for being pregnant! Go figure
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone- 3 or 4
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book- working on it
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating many times
87. Visited the White House.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someones life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous I used to work for Robert Redford
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake- been there, didn't swim
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Flown in a hot air balloon
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train- rode one overnight, didn't sleep!
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitchhiked- once
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run- no, tried many times
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported by ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class- no, but a defense class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (bought plenty)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check- oops!
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades- one of my goals
75. Been fired from a job- for being pregnant! Go figure
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone- 3 or 4
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book- working on it
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating many times
87. Visited the White House.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someones life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous I used to work for Robert Redford
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake- been there, didn't swim
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Flown in a hot air balloon
Monday, February 2, 2009
Trail Rider
I got to go horseback riding last Saturday! It's been so long since I rode; at least 6 years ago. A friend has several horses, and was complaining she can't keep them all ridden. Well, I have just the cure for that.... so she, her boyfriend and I took 3 horses out trailriding. They live close to the Verde River, in Cottonwood, and we rode down along the river toward Dead Horse State Park. No, horses don't go there to die, so ours were fine. We wandered around the park, worked the horses in an open area on their leads and gaits, it was great! Her horses have all won in national horseshows, they are appaloosas, and ride nicely.
The weather was beautiful, around 65-70 degrees, the skies were Arizona blue, it couldn't be better. I can barely move right now, sore butt, knees, etc, but it was so worth it. We were out for a couple hours, enough to get broke in, not enough to kill me. She even invited me to come back. Hopefully in a couple weeks I can go with them again.
I'm preparing an invitation for the Haines reunion, I just need addresses to send them too. If there are any George Haines descendant's out there, please send me your address to elnabelms@hotmail.com. Thanks!
The weather was beautiful, around 65-70 degrees, the skies were Arizona blue, it couldn't be better. I can barely move right now, sore butt, knees, etc, but it was so worth it. We were out for a couple hours, enough to get broke in, not enough to kill me. She even invited me to come back. Hopefully in a couple weeks I can go with them again.
I'm preparing an invitation for the Haines reunion, I just need addresses to send them too. If there are any George Haines descendant's out there, please send me your address to elnabelms@hotmail.com. Thanks!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wandering Arizona
I'm back from the wilds of Southeastern Arizona. I was born and raised in this state, but there are so many places I haven't been. Mom and I went to Sun Lakes to visit her cousin Dorris last Monday. We exchanged lots of family history information. Dorris is amazing, she's almost 90, lives alone and even drives the "old people" to doctor's visits, etc. She volunteers with a group that helps each other when ill, etc, by sitting with someone to give their family a break, or runs errands, it's great that she is so active. She has lived and traveled all over the world; her husband was in the air force. He survived WWII and Korea, only to be shot down over Vietnam after 24 years in the service. She's also a retired teacher, it was great to get to know her a little.
Tuesday we drove to Oracle to visit Dorris younger sister, Edna Mae. She has lived in Oracle for about 60 years, 50 in the house she and her husband Harry built. Another fascinating couple- married 62 years, she was a Justice of the Peace there for 16 years, and he was a superintendent at the mine. She had located lots of pictures and family records for me, and after I put everything in my computer, I printed both Dorris and Edna Mae copies of all the Family Group sheets and pedigree charts for their side of the family. I was so happy to get their family birth, death and marriage dates, I had very few on their part of the family.
I'd never been to Oracle before, it's northeast of Tucson, back off the beaten track. It's beautiful desert country- very lush, surprisingly. Their family had a goat farm near Hayden Junction, and remember hauling water in 2 gallon buckets from the creek to the house. The had no electricity, running water, nothing we take for granted. They also had to herd goats, tend them and shear them twice a year, as well as weed the vegetable garden. The nearest town was 10-15 miles away, and they were so excited when their Dad brought home a car, so they didn't have to ride in a wagon to town. We have no idea how hard life was in the 1920's and 30's, especially for those living in the country.
Lastly, we went to Globe. I know it's a tough little mining community, but I love that area. We spent the night in the local casino parking lot, and Mom got to indulge her pasttime- slot machines. She likes to play the nickel slots of poker, but this casino didn't have them. Nevertheless, she passed the time with what they had for a couple hours. I used that time to read and rest. Globe and Miami have been building a tourist trade over the past 10 years, but they are still mining towns at heart. It is the county seat and I spent several hours researching marriage records there. It was great to gather all the information, but it was sure nice to get home. I slept for 2 days when I got home!
Tuesday we drove to Oracle to visit Dorris younger sister, Edna Mae. She has lived in Oracle for about 60 years, 50 in the house she and her husband Harry built. Another fascinating couple- married 62 years, she was a Justice of the Peace there for 16 years, and he was a superintendent at the mine. She had located lots of pictures and family records for me, and after I put everything in my computer, I printed both Dorris and Edna Mae copies of all the Family Group sheets and pedigree charts for their side of the family. I was so happy to get their family birth, death and marriage dates, I had very few on their part of the family.
I'd never been to Oracle before, it's northeast of Tucson, back off the beaten track. It's beautiful desert country- very lush, surprisingly. Their family had a goat farm near Hayden Junction, and remember hauling water in 2 gallon buckets from the creek to the house. The had no electricity, running water, nothing we take for granted. They also had to herd goats, tend them and shear them twice a year, as well as weed the vegetable garden. The nearest town was 10-15 miles away, and they were so excited when their Dad brought home a car, so they didn't have to ride in a wagon to town. We have no idea how hard life was in the 1920's and 30's, especially for those living in the country.
Lastly, we went to Globe. I know it's a tough little mining community, but I love that area. We spent the night in the local casino parking lot, and Mom got to indulge her pasttime- slot machines. She likes to play the nickel slots of poker, but this casino didn't have them. Nevertheless, she passed the time with what they had for a couple hours. I used that time to read and rest. Globe and Miami have been building a tourist trade over the past 10 years, but they are still mining towns at heart. It is the county seat and I spent several hours researching marriage records there. It was great to gather all the information, but it was sure nice to get home. I slept for 2 days when I got home!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Universal ponderings
So, I'm sitting out in the hot tub tonight, staring at the stars, contemplating the universe. There's this really flashy star, or planet, I don't know, anyhow it is below Orion's belt, in the east/southeastern sky. It is flashing blue and red, I swear. Nic and I watched it a few weeks ago, when it was lower on the horizon, and wondered if it was an infamous Sedona lights UFO. It didn't move, at least not fast enough to be a plane or a satellite, but it does finally edge slowly up into the sky, closer to Orion's belt. I have no idea what it is, but it's pretty cool.
It got me thinking about how all those stars are suns of another solar system, and there's thousands, millions of them out there. And our beautiful earth is in the perfect place in our solar system to support life, even human life. And the earth itself seems to be alive, with an energetic core, water, a rhythm of it's own. It could be alive, and the Bible lends us to see it as such. If the earth is an organism of God, then we are small specks upon the earth, even as bacteria upon our skin are we upon the earth. Just are there are good and bad bacteria in and upon our bodies, there are good and bad of us upon our mother earth. OOOH, heavy!
Anyhow, I want to be good bacteria. It makes me realize every organic thing is a creation of God, and has a purpose, a meaning and a reason for being, no matter how small or base. Even wasps- I'm not a fan, I can see no purpose for them that couldn't be filled by another bug, but I'm pretty naive and ignorant in many things. I can visualize great beings or organisms out in the vast reaches of space that see us as wasps, wondering what the heck we're good for, besides making messes and fighting with everything that moves. Well, just that quick I've moved humanity from being bacteria to wasps, that was easy! My hope is that we can each live more like the God that created us in His own image- with love, charity and faith. Those simple things can bring peace and joy to this planet like it has rarely experienced since the beginning of mankind. And who knows? Maybe bacteria and wasps are much kinder to each other than we are.
It got me thinking about how all those stars are suns of another solar system, and there's thousands, millions of them out there. And our beautiful earth is in the perfect place in our solar system to support life, even human life. And the earth itself seems to be alive, with an energetic core, water, a rhythm of it's own. It could be alive, and the Bible lends us to see it as such. If the earth is an organism of God, then we are small specks upon the earth, even as bacteria upon our skin are we upon the earth. Just are there are good and bad bacteria in and upon our bodies, there are good and bad of us upon our mother earth. OOOH, heavy!
Anyhow, I want to be good bacteria. It makes me realize every organic thing is a creation of God, and has a purpose, a meaning and a reason for being, no matter how small or base. Even wasps- I'm not a fan, I can see no purpose for them that couldn't be filled by another bug, but I'm pretty naive and ignorant in many things. I can visualize great beings or organisms out in the vast reaches of space that see us as wasps, wondering what the heck we're good for, besides making messes and fighting with everything that moves. Well, just that quick I've moved humanity from being bacteria to wasps, that was easy! My hope is that we can each live more like the God that created us in His own image- with love, charity and faith. Those simple things can bring peace and joy to this planet like it has rarely experienced since the beginning of mankind. And who knows? Maybe bacteria and wasps are much kinder to each other than we are.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Julz n' Jenny week
I spent Monday afternoon in Phoenix with Julie while waiting for Nic's flight to come in. We found a good bookstore and of course stopped by JoAnn's for the sales. Of all the wonderful places to eat in Phoenix, we opted for some dive buffet. Not on purpose of course, we were both just a little delirious from hunger, and that was the first place we found. That's my story. We noticed we were the youngest women in the place, which at this point in our lives is a bit luxurious. The food was... cafeteria, what can I say. At least they had desert, but no tapioca pudding, what kind of buffet is that??
I made up for that pathetic lunch yesterday, when I was in Prescott with Jenny. I know, I'm feeling well enough to go on two expeditions in the same week, how great is that? Anyhow, after her doctor's appointment, we went for sushi at Fujiyama's, which totally redeemed the week's food intake. I love sushi, even if it gives me royal heartburn. It's worth the burn, Fujiyama's is great, try it out if you're ever in Prescott.
Also in Prescott is the requisite Costco run. Turns out that's a popular place, even during the day. They had samples on every other row, and it was nearly a food fight, people crowding in for the goodies. Have you ever noticed how the crowd mentality kicks in? And then I see something in triplicate, and think it's got to be a great bargain! It's only after you leave the store and have to haul all those huge bags of stuff into the house that it hits you... maybe it's cheaper to get smaller quantities. Naah, I'm sure I didn't buy anything I didn't need in my own little store, er pantry.
The weather is postcard perfect, close to 70 degrees every day this week. It's especially wonderful considering that much of the country is in a deep freeze right now, all the midwest, and it's moving into New England. This is the time of year that the southwest shines, it makes the 110 degree heat in the summer bearable, knowing the winters are so mild. The Cardinals won their football game last weekend, and on Saturday will play another playoff game, an historical moment for them. Regardless of the outcome of the game, thousands of people will enjoy the game and the great weather.
I made up for that pathetic lunch yesterday, when I was in Prescott with Jenny. I know, I'm feeling well enough to go on two expeditions in the same week, how great is that? Anyhow, after her doctor's appointment, we went for sushi at Fujiyama's, which totally redeemed the week's food intake. I love sushi, even if it gives me royal heartburn. It's worth the burn, Fujiyama's is great, try it out if you're ever in Prescott.
Also in Prescott is the requisite Costco run. Turns out that's a popular place, even during the day. They had samples on every other row, and it was nearly a food fight, people crowding in for the goodies. Have you ever noticed how the crowd mentality kicks in? And then I see something in triplicate, and think it's got to be a great bargain! It's only after you leave the store and have to haul all those huge bags of stuff into the house that it hits you... maybe it's cheaper to get smaller quantities. Naah, I'm sure I didn't buy anything I didn't need in my own little store, er pantry.
The weather is postcard perfect, close to 70 degrees every day this week. It's especially wonderful considering that much of the country is in a deep freeze right now, all the midwest, and it's moving into New England. This is the time of year that the southwest shines, it makes the 110 degree heat in the summer bearable, knowing the winters are so mild. The Cardinals won their football game last weekend, and on Saturday will play another playoff game, an historical moment for them. Regardless of the outcome of the game, thousands of people will enjoy the game and the great weather.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Haines genealogy
Well, I'm moving full tilt into preparing for the Haines reunion this summer. My sister Debbie is hosting it, in St. John's, AZ. I'm in charge of inviting family members, primarily all the descendants of George Jefferson Haines, our grandfather. We are spread all over the country, so it will take some effort to get addresses for everyone and send them invites. Our line hasn't had a reunion in many many years, so I hope lots of cousins can come.
I've decided to create a book for the occasion, including lots of pictures, the story of William T. Haines' death and his family journey to Arizona, hopefully something interesting. Mom and I plan to visit her cousins' Edna Mae and Doris this month, so I can copy documents and pictures from them if they'll let me. Their father is my Grandpa's oldest brother, so I'm hoping they'll have some good stories, pics and maybe even letters. Our family doesn't write letters, so I'm probably dreaming that letters exist, but don't spoil my fantasy!
I've decided to create a book for the occasion, including lots of pictures, the story of William T. Haines' death and his family journey to Arizona, hopefully something interesting. Mom and I plan to visit her cousins' Edna Mae and Doris this month, so I can copy documents and pictures from them if they'll let me. Their father is my Grandpa's oldest brother, so I'm hoping they'll have some good stories, pics and maybe even letters. Our family doesn't write letters, so I'm probably dreaming that letters exist, but don't spoil my fantasy!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Lotions and Potions
I attended a genealogy class today, and got motivated again. Our local Family history library offers free classes every Monday morning. I've learned a lot from them, I can't believe the quality of teachers we have in this rural area! Hopefully I can attend a few more this year, but they're at the same time as yoga, so once it starts I'll miss the genealogy class. I can still go to the library on Tues. or Wed. though, and plan to as often as possible.
The past year I've been making my own face soap, lotions and potions. First I made lip balms, which worked really well. For Christmas I made some great Shea butter hand cream, and recently found a recipe for face cleanser for dry skin. It's pretty simple,
Facial Cleanser
1/4 c. organic cider vinegar
1/8 c. Olive oil (Grapeseed or Almond oil are lighter, and just as good a quality)
1/8 c. honey
3 TBLSP Vegetable glycerin- optional
It can be stored in the cupboard, doesn't need refrigeration. You do have to shake it up before using it, but that's not hard to remember. I added vegetable glycerin, which can be found at a good natural foods store, just for a thicker product, but it isn't necessary. Apply with a wet washcloth, rinse well.
The shea butter cream is also pretty easy, but does require products from a natural food store or an online company.
6 Ozs. Shea Butter, melted in microwave 1 Tsp. Cornstarch
1 Oz Cocoa butter, melted in microwave 8-10 drops essential oil (optional)
3 Ozs. Almond oil
3 Ozs. Vegetable glycerine
>Place ice in a large bowl and place a metal bowl on the ice. Mix the ingredients together in the metal bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the oils. Whip with an electric hand mixer and continue to beat. Add in the essential oils desired. Continue to beat until light, fluffy thick and cool. Place in a glass jar, store out of sunlight and use as needed. If you don't like cocoa butter, it can be exchanged with coconut oil, or omitted and use more almond oil.
This is a very yummy butter, it smells and feels great!
I started making my own to avoid the chemicals and preservatives in commercial products. Once I realized how easy it is, I've gotten more adventuresome in trying different 'potions'. There are some great websites with recipes, here's a couple to try.
www.spa-living-for-health.com/, www.mybeautyrecipes.com, www.pioneerthinking.com/lotions.html
The past year I've been making my own face soap, lotions and potions. First I made lip balms, which worked really well. For Christmas I made some great Shea butter hand cream, and recently found a recipe for face cleanser for dry skin. It's pretty simple,
Facial Cleanser
1/4 c. organic cider vinegar
1/8 c. Olive oil (Grapeseed or Almond oil are lighter, and just as good a quality)
1/8 c. honey
3 TBLSP Vegetable glycerin- optional
It can be stored in the cupboard, doesn't need refrigeration. You do have to shake it up before using it, but that's not hard to remember. I added vegetable glycerin, which can be found at a good natural foods store, just for a thicker product, but it isn't necessary. Apply with a wet washcloth, rinse well.
The shea butter cream is also pretty easy, but does require products from a natural food store or an online company.
6 Ozs. Shea Butter, melted in microwave 1 Tsp. Cornstarch
1 Oz Cocoa butter, melted in microwave 8-10 drops essential oil (optional)
3 Ozs. Almond oil
3 Ozs. Vegetable glycerine
>Place ice in a large bowl and place a metal bowl on the ice. Mix the ingredients together in the metal bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the oils. Whip with an electric hand mixer and continue to beat. Add in the essential oils desired. Continue to beat until light, fluffy thick and cool. Place in a glass jar, store out of sunlight and use as needed. If you don't like cocoa butter, it can be exchanged with coconut oil, or omitted and use more almond oil.
This is a very yummy butter, it smells and feels great!
I started making my own to avoid the chemicals and preservatives in commercial products. Once I realized how easy it is, I've gotten more adventuresome in trying different 'potions'. There are some great websites with recipes, here's a couple to try.
www.spa-living-for-health.com/, www.mybeautyrecipes.com, www.pioneerthinking.com/lotions.html
Friday, January 2, 2009
2009 Already???!!!
Wow, how time flies. I went to Yavapai College to enroll in a Yoga class today, and at the top of the form was a place to fill in the date. What a shock to see 20__ for the year, and then to enter 2009! I remember when the film 2001 Space Odyssey was soooo futuristic, and now that's nearly a decade past. Whew, sometimes I feel old....
It was so hard to send Heather and Jared back to New Hampshire, I was in a total funk for days. I have to pull myself out of that and remember the great time we had together, and treasure that. I haven't been able to get on the internet the past week, but hopefully I can get the Christmas pics on today.
I'm working on a Haines/Cramblit family history book. We are having a Haines family reunion next summer, and I want to create a book with all the records, research and history I can compile. I admit that I have much more history on the Cramblit line, which is my Grandma Haines' family, but there at least I have Grandpa Haines' line back a couple generations. Hopefully I can find more before summer.
It was so hard to send Heather and Jared back to New Hampshire, I was in a total funk for days. I have to pull myself out of that and remember the great time we had together, and treasure that. I haven't been able to get on the internet the past week, but hopefully I can get the Christmas pics on today.
I'm working on a Haines/Cramblit family history book. We are having a Haines family reunion next summer, and I want to create a book with all the records, research and history I can compile. I admit that I have much more history on the Cramblit line, which is my Grandma Haines' family, but there at least I have Grandpa Haines' line back a couple generations. Hopefully I can find more before summer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
