Is it spring yet?

Went and got bags of mulch, plant food, potting soil and worked like a dog outside today.  Lovely day to be out.  Got things 'dressed up' and ready to roll. Good to see things waking up for the year. Can't wait to see the "babies" come to life. Things are looking healthy already.   Peeking their little heads out of the earth to see if it's time to come on out...but not quite yet....!

THEN came inside to work on the downstairs bathroom some more.  Will it ever end???

Skip had a bad night last night.  Had to go to the doc today to make sure it wasn't as serious as we feared, and the doc relieved our minds.  Thank goodness.  Getting older stinks, but better than the alternative.

We are planning to attend my high school reunion...the Lajes, Azores alumni....in Santa Fe this fall. I am anxious to see people we haven't seen for 45 years...yes, that is 4-5.  Skip and I have been together 45 years this fall. I can hardly believe it....almost half a century.  I REALLY feel old now...no WONDER my joints and muscles hurt today!    Duh.

Blessings to all.

Renovations....and spring...

Both upstairs bathrooms are done with new 'stuff' and we are tackling the basement bath:   Vanity, mirror, exhaust fan, baseboards, new floor, new toilet...the whole enchilada. Got the old plumbing and vanity out...got the new paint on the walls.... Started chiseling the floor up today...from the cement foundation flooring, literally.  I am not sure what they stuck it down with but it's a bear to get up.  Finally got it up but goodness! What a job.  Starting the new flooring tomorrow....am ready for this to be DONE with.

Ready to start digging in the dirt outside, working on the landscaping.  Always a project under way!!!

Made placemats the past week.  A new obsession with sewing. Headed to Pueblo Quilt Show and Market this coming weekend.  Can't wait to see what they are like. Never went to one....

Blessings for the day.

PC dramas...oy vey!

So, the PC tech says it's "just" a fried video graphics card.  They can do a "cheap" one for $85 plus the $70. they already charged for the diagnosis.  No labor charge...which is nice. The NVIDIA card: GeForce 9800 has a 'lifetime' warranty. Whose lifetime? I did Google searches and seems BFG, who manufactures the card, is going out of business and NOT honoring their "lifetime" warranty.  Geez....that is a $160. card.   So we dug around and found the original video card that came with Skip's PC way back yonder...before we upgraded so he could do gaming.......   I have a Dell XPS400 whose hard drive died last year. We dust it off as it sits on the floor because we don't know what to do with it...so while the guys are in the guts of Skip's PC, may as well add another memory card to expand the memory  (can I do that for my BRAIN?  I need a "plug and play" memory upgrade!!!!)   I pulled a memory card from the "parts" PC, and they installed that and the original video card. Skip is up and running...but not without frustration and driver updates..but hey, he's back!!   Life rolls on, and this is nothing compared to what is going on in the world.....but I have to say, I don't know what I'd do without MY PC.....so ...it's a big deal for this moment in time.

Glass of vino sounds good right now.    Ah! Santa Fe Siesta Red, take me away!

Hugs to all!

PC's and "life"

Well, Skip's PC just shuts off in the middle of whatever he's doing.  Ready to throw it in the middle of the street. Taking it for a 'diagnostic' and hoping for the best.

Feeling funky today.  Lots on my mind.  Just pray that God will give me the answers I need to be myself and to let go and rest in Him.   A granddaughter needs prayer for a dear friend of hers who is on his way to the other side.  Another family member is asking for comforting prayers for their work associate who lost his brother this week...lots of sadness going around.

Started cold and overcast till the sun just burned everything away and now there is sunshine and blue skies. Yumm...

Took Skip's mom's new walker to her at Mt. St. Francis. You would have thought it was Christmas!  She's thrilled and was walking around showing everyone on her floor. They made such a fuss.  It was adorable.  SHE's adorable.  What a legacy of kindness and faith.

Blessings to each.

Of Hollywood and Elizabeth Taylor

Well, another of the old timers and Hollywood icons has left us.  Elizabeth Taylor passed on today.

What can I say? I was born in L.A. and grew up in Southern California. Hollywood and the allure of the culture is in my DNA.   I follow events and things going on all the time...have since we left there in 1963.  Just can't NOT do it.

My own mom ran away from her midwest home in the 40's and came to Hollywood...when there were lots and lots of orange groves and Hollywood was 'becoming.'   She ran with the wild bunch and used to tell me stories...she dated a choreographer for a while. I remember going deep sea fishing out of San Pedro with her choreographer friend, when I was really small..she'd wrap me in a quilt early in the a.m. when we had to get up to get onboard and head out to sea. ..she had many friends "in the business."   But at some point realized it's not the life to raise a youngster, and moved to Riverside via LaPuente and a few other small towns...at the time....we lived in Elsinore for a while by the grace of a fellow she'd met along the way.  He was a wonderful 'father figure' to my mom and took care of us, even after mom re-married.  He was Kirk Douglas's uncle...so you see?  Many connections.

I think those stories of mom's early life in California have stuck with me and thus the fascination with Hollywood and the ilk.

I am sorry to see La Liz leave us..however I have to imagine her last years haven't been the best for her. A legend. One of the few remaining!   Wishes for fond memories to her family.

Wednesday, Wednesday... No, that is "Monday, Monday" but it's Wednesday

Been a strange week so far. Got word that one of Skip's friends from Lancaster passed away.  That is two dear friends in two months. Very sad.....very.    Life isn't getting longer, the journey is getting shorter. What have we done with our time here?  Always the age old question, isn't it.....what's it all about?   Hopefully, we are sharing The Word and pointing people to Jesus. That's our job till our journey is done.  And, loving everyone so much.

Our son's boss' brother passed this morning.  Sad for his family.  

Loss everywhere...the world, too....Japan especially on our minds of late.

Missing OUR family back East...the familiar mantra....

Skip went golfing so that is a good thing. Sunny day so a good distraction for him....

He's been doing pens on his woodturning set up.  They are coming out GREAT.   I am sewing and making doo dads and things to keep busy.   Anxious to get out and go camping.  Have to take our 'new' used pop up trailer out for a maiden voyage...!    Would love a trip to see Uncle Al and cousins in Rio Rancho and Santa Fe, too.

Spring is 'springing' and it's a good feeling.....we are very dry...need moisture badly. Wildfires are raging from Golden, CO and south.  Please Lord, just a bit of rain?   The upper elevations are getting snow....we just want some rain for a day or so.  Thank you....

God bless all who may read this.
Love
"Me"

Burritos!

Skip woke up with a hankerin' for breakfast burritos.  I got out my Sachi tortilla maker, whipped up some home made tortillas, did my thing with the burritos...eggs, spices, avocados, cheese, enchilada sauce..and we hogged out.  The pup got the leftover tortillas...warm from the cooker...can't beat it!

Great Colorado morning today. I couldn't sleep so got up before dawn. That full moon is something else!  Wow. Tried to get pics of it but it was so bright, it messed up the picture focus.   Have to learn more about that camera!

Good day to all.

Friday

End of another week.  Kinda 'wonky' week here...down and then up...hmmm..

Started tearing out the last bathroom...thank goodness!  Will be glad to put the house back in order again.

Been working on a quilt, and a tea cozy...just putzing on the sewing front.  

Woke to some snow this a.m. but sun came out and melted it in short order.  We were watering our yard earlier this week...lack of precip...but grateful for what we can get. Fire danger is high right now.

Watching the news on Japan and the radiation threats. Those poor souls can't get a break.  Praying for that country and its people.

Skip's doing his wood turning thing. Making pens for birthdays coming up.  They are coming out so nicely...

"The Boy" (a/k/a Cody) is running the house as usual..he has a big job to keep his humans in line!!!

Blessings to anyone reading this....

Of mice and men, or man and mice...or whatever

For over three years we have not had mice. This year is the exception.  The old fashioned wooden traps were not working. Skip was feeding the mice a lot of peanut butter. They ate it off and came back for more..but didn't snap the traps.  So he got an electronic one and two heavy duty ones.....as of last evening:  Skip: 3,  Mice: 0. Finally getting the critters.  Woo hoo!

Lazy Sunday

Overall, just hangin' out this weekend.  Glorious sunshine and light breezes....mmmm good.  I am scoping out campgrounds in Colorado,  Wyoming and New Mexico..maybe even Utah....can't wait to get our little pop up out on the road and go fishin' in the mountains, or hiking in the hills, whatever we come across.

We attended our fellowship group Friday ...soon moving to Saturday nights...and that is always a blessing. Great prayer time for needs of the group and the world in general. Good teaching and learning God's Word.

Met with some ladies for our monthly crafting gathering and learned a 'square in a square' technique to use in quilting projects.  Too fun. Can't wait to take it on a test drive on a larger project.  Made a little coaster in our project yesterday and am ready to do even more!!

Watch DVD's last night..read "Unbroken: A World War II Story..."  on my Kindle over the past three days... and it was fabulous.  Makes us realize just how blessed we are. An entire generation has zero clue how much was endured to secure our freedoms they / we enjoy.    Still thinking of Japan and the devastastion there...floods in New Jersey..just "stuff" going on everywhere in the world.  Is God trying to get our attention? Are we listening?

Missing my grandbabies and their parents a great deal. Arghh.... Can we live in both places?  Well, I guess not.  Decisions coming over the next year or so.

Blssings for the day ...

Of Chinooks and Tsunamis....

The dog and I were awaken with a shake of the house around 5:00 a.m. GMT.  A Chinook had blown in! It's ok. Just 'big winds'.... Snuggle back down in the covers and wait for REAL morning.   I get up around 6:30 to a pup softly licking my hand letting me know it's daylight.  Well, ok..since you put it that way!   I hear the wind whipping the house and am bummed that horseback riding will probably be cancelled AGAIN.  Skip realizes I am up and tells me to come quickly and see the news....Japan. 8.9.  Tsunami.   Loss of life, property, livelihoods.  Fires. Nuclear plant not behaving itself.   How dare I feel sorry about HORSEBACK RIDING when people are dying.   Geez.  We pray for those in harm's way all around the Pacific and elsewhere.  How devastating....

The ladies and I did go horseback riding after all, though.  The Chinook winds died down by the time we got to the stables. We were blessed with a peaceful and refreshing ride through the Academy pine forests and little valleys. There is a lot of melting snow somewhere so the little streams that are sometimes trickling or even dry were full. The horses enjoyed a refreshing freezing drink from pristine waters.  It was good...to be out and in nature.  Our conversations were few among the four of us, but when we did speak we thought of those in Japan and their losses.  We just can't fathom it and take it in.

Praying for those dear souls......

Glorious Thursday

Yet another blessed day dawning.  I need to develop the 'attitude of gratitude'.....I try...really I do!  Trying to learn to 'let go and let God' and rest in Him.  I am certainly a work in progress....!

Had a "down" day yesterday but today is a better day.  I have them from time to time.  Missing family and long time friends back East.  LOVE living here....however, not the same as having family close.   My dad, brother and his family live in MO. A dear uncle and cousins live in New Mexico. Skip's mom is here in the Springs, so family IS near...not my children and grandchildren, however. Hmm...a mom's heart.  My daughter-in-law sent me a precious picture of one of our sons holding his children.  It was priceless.

Looking forward to horseback riding tomorrow.  Weather is forecast to be awesome so I am hoping!!!!
We had horses for over 20 years and NOT being around them since moving here, gets to me sometimes so this is my "fix"....A dear woman, Carol, who is in the Air Force Football tailgate group we belong to, offers to sponsor once a month riding through the Air Force Academy grounds....thousands of acres...and it is a piece of heaven to be on horseback riding in that Rocky Mountain paradise.

Dragged the Kindle out yesterday and read "A Dog's Purpose."   Interesting view of life from the dog's perspective.

Hoping for a great day for all!

Vet appointment..

We just brought our Pookie (that is, Cody) Boy back from his annual vet check, shots, heartworm meds, etc. and dropped three weeks' grocery dollars in the process...but hey! He's worth it.  Our baby boy. And, it's only once a year.  While waiting we found some stuff that is interesting regarding what NOT to feed the dog and could be toxic....some may be aware, but if not....this link seems to cover it.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

Blessings for the day!!

Blonde?

Back in November I was sort of depressed so decided to "DO" something.....I put highlights in my hair and became a sort-of-blonde.   Well, as you know, those things gotta be touched up every so often, so I tried that the other day.....I am a do-it-yourself kinda gal.....and I came out channeling Christina A.  (you know who I mean...) and am BLONDE.    Hmmm...must have left the 'stuff' on too long.  Skip came home from breakfast with the guys and asked, "What the heck did you do?"....I assured him it will 'tone down' in a few shampoos.  Um...well...it hasn't....and I am blonde till the next touch up.  Oy vey!  A girl has to have fun, huh?

GREAT biscuit mix!

http://www.chguenther.com/consumerbrands/pioneer.aspx

Check out the Pioneer Brand pancake and biscuit mix.  Yummy.  Fast. Easy. reasonably priced.

Missin' the pup

Today Cody went for his grooming appointment, cuz we want him to look spiffy for his annual vet check in appt tomorrow.....I miss that little fuzz butt running around the house and wanting to sit on our laps as we watch TV or key at the computer... :(        will post pics of  him after his 'beauty appt'...what a dog.  Our baby boy!

Good morning, Monday!

Well, I was supposed to go horseback riding this morning but it is cold and overcast, vs. the 50, 60, and 70 degree days we've had, so I opted out.  Not to mention the sore muscles and all from the re-do of the upstairs bathrooms.  We are done and need a break before we start the last bath downstairs.  What a job.  Reminds Skip and I that we are not youngsters anymore.  Bummer!  God knew we needed a break, so it's all good!!!

Headed out for a late breakfast at Mimi's Cafe' here in the Springs.  GREAT food and good prices.

Hope anyone who reads this has a great day and many blessings to you.

Bargello Quilt?

We visited a friend on Friday and she'd just finished a bargello quilted wall hanging.  Drop dead gorgeous ....said it was her first and her last...hmmm...that tells me something...but would love to do just one!!!

http://www.bargelloquiltpatterns.com/

The Peak

Just as a 'head's up" I have this unapologetic, blithering idiot love affair with the Rocky Mountains and Pike's Peak in particular.  Just a majestic place to be.   LOVE IT.      Since moving here over three years ago, there is so much to explore and do.   Having said that, we both miss our kids, grandkids, and long time friends back in PA.   Some have come to visit us...but it's not the same....regular grandbaby hugs are much missed!!!

March, 2011

Good morning!  This is my very first post to my first attempt at a blog.  I have NO idea what I am doing except experimenting on an adventure....let's see where it takes us!