Jewel's Gems

What the Guys Did

2010-07-22T20:32:00.016-06:00

Gary, his friend Marshall, son-in-law Mike, Mike's dad and nephew, went to Moab. They had a wonderful time. Gary wanted to tell the story of this trip, so maybe he willl edit this tonight. You can click or double click on the pictures to make them bigger.

OH SAY CAN YOU SEE

2010-07-21T20:02:00.006-06:00

Everyone enjoyed the trip to Fort McHenry. They unrolled a flag the was the size of the flag that flew over the Fort when Frances Scott Key penned the words to THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. below the Park Ranger is telling Susan and Emily (and everyone else)about the British Invasion that happened in 1964.... Emily was like uhh, she is more of a Hannah Montana fan.

I wish I could have shared Fork McHenry with Gary....I'm going to go back

Just before we left we got a picture with the Park Ranger......More Fork McHenry pictures in a couple of days. Gary thinks I need to blog about the trip the guys took, while we were gone.

More Maryland Merriment

2010-07-20T20:12:00.009-06:00

Story at the bottom--because I'm not a very good blogger....the pictures are not in order either.

I Loved the trip to Maryland, I enjoyed every outing we went on, and I enjoyed staying home and playing with the grandkids. Nicole picked up a flyer for a Pirate ship ride, so that's what we decided to do. We headed to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. What we didn't know was that Baltimore was also having Privateer Day's in Fell's Point. There were Pirates everywhere. There were actors dressed up and just "Normal people" dressed in costume,

hoping for a best dressed prize. Oh, and they loved to have their pictures taken.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

2010-07-19T19:21:00.005-06:00

In April my daughters, Amy and Susan and the grandkids flew to Baltimore MD to see John and Nicole and Hadley and Jillian. We didn't take the husbands, I'll post what they did later. John and Tucker had all us girls to themselves. I really enjoyed the trip and will post a few pictures, over the next few days. Above Hadley loves to play dress up, and Tucker joined the fun.

Nicole and Jillian, Jillian is getting so big.

Payton and Jillian--- what little cuties

Hadley.... it was so much fun to see her again, and thanks to SKYPE, it was almost like they hadn't been gone for so long. None of that -- getting to know each other. More tomorrow

I'm Back

2010-07-18T18:04:00.012-06:00

Gary really wanted me to start blogging again, not sure why. I don't think he even reads my blog, but he does tell his friends about it. He wants to share all of our ATV trips. So even though I don't have a lot to say, and I usually post about ATV's or grandkids. I guess I'm back.

This weekend we camped on Crooked River, it really looks more like a stream. Someone used big rocks to build a dam. The water is about knee deep, Gary said I should walk out there, so I took him by the arm and was going to pretend to pull him in, only I slipped and fell in. I hit my knees on the dam rocks, my knees are skinned up, and bruised. Today they are a beautiful shade of purple...and they hurt. Funny thing is, Gary came in after me, he said he thought I had hit my chin on the dam rocks.

There were a lot of beautiful wild flowers on the mountains.

View from Banner Ridge

The Banner Ridge trail ended at the South Fork of the Payette, we didn't see any river rafters.

A picnic on the trail.

This is our campsite, campfires are not very much fun without grandkids.

Two weeks ago Mike, Amy Emily, Tucker, Gary and I went to....tried to go to Graham airstrip. On the way we met another group of riders that wanted to get to the airstrip, so they joined us on our adventure. We had to winch our ATV's through snow, we had to use shovels to remove snow so we could widen the road enough to get the ATV's through a narrow pass (that had avalanche warning signs) I'm sure the signs were for earlier in the season. Anyway we finally made it over the highest peak. Then we headed down, down some of the roughest, rocky roads ever. One spot was so bad that I almost rolled my ATV, good thing I had Tucker get off before I started. ( he decided that he didn't want to ride with me any more after watching me) Well we almost made it to the airstrip, that is until the road ended because of a washout. I've never seen anything like it. You would never know that a road had ever been there. The sign below is what we saw today. They closed the road 20 miles, before the washout. There is a lot of beautiful ATV riding between that sign and the washout.

Christmas photo's

2009-12-28T20:14:00.007-07:00

Susan, Payton, Mark's mom Karen and Mark

Payton and Emily

Mom and Dad

David and his soon to be bride Mara

Mike and Amy-

-I'm so disappointed in my Christmas pictures, The picture of Mike and Amy and the kids in front of the tree didn't turn out....Amy's eyes were closed. Tucker I only got 2 pictures of him and neither are very good. Okay the are awful. I tried, to get good pictures, but I ended up with the back of heads, or they would put up a hand.
Maybe I should just post the bad pictures....that'll teach em.

Exploring with Kelly

2009-12-24T23:01:00.006-07:00

On Christmas Eve we go exploring with Gary's daughter Kelly, (last year I fell in a creek) the picture above has nothing to do with the outing, but how cool is it to see this going down the freeway.

Gary and one of his daughters

This year we took a drive to Hagerman to see the frozen water falls. There are thousands of them....maybe not, but that is the name of the area.

Have a Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T21:01:00.005-07:00

Sunday, Gary needed to get away. He was tired of dealing with plumbing problems (the plumber comes tomorrow) he was tired of the fog. So we went in search of the sun. We headed out highway 95 and 7 miles from Oregon we left the fog.

So we took the ATV's for a winter drive. I wasn't sure I was up for the cold, but it wasn't so bad. It was a short ride only 16 miles round trip but it was worth the effort.

Time to go home, back to the fog.

Payton's 1st Birthday

2009-12-20T16:12:00.005-07:00

Yesterday was Payton's first Birthday. Her mommy made her a cake. I think Susan did a great job. Payton had her first piece of cake last night...I forgot my memory card so I didn't get a picture of that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY--CUTIE

She's not so sure about the hat.

RAINING IN THE GARAGE

2009-12-12T21:15:00.002-07:00

Yep, it was raining in the garage, well sort of. We have a hose hooked up to the water system, the water system that keeps everything it touches from turning orange, and smelling like sulfer. Gary uses the hose to wash the Land Cruiser and the ATV's. He rolled it up and brought in the garage...he left it hooked up. I'm thinking the hose and squirter nozzel might have been frozen in the on postion, because last night we heard water running and finally figured out it was coming from the garage, water was everywhere, that squirter works just fine. Then this morning, more water problems, this time, it was the lack of water. Something froze up (maybe due to the soaking it got last night). Gary used his heat gun and we got our water back. Which is a good thing, right? Maybe not. Because tonight our kitchen sink over flowed. Water running everywhere. The water system, does some sort of cleaning action and runs water thru the kitchen sink drain, unless the drain has a clog, then it just fills the sink and runs all over the floor. It took pretty much every towel we have to clean it up. But it could be worse. Yep a lot worse.

Christmas at the Orchard House

2009-12-09T20:33:00.006-07:00

The Orchard House decorates the garden

They Invite Clyde the Camel

Then they invite everyone to come and share the fun. I Love the camel and I'm pretty sure he loves me too. However, the camel licked Tucker, so Tucker thinks the camel likes him the best.

Mrs. Santa takes pictures and then e-mails them to you----grandma takes pictures too!

Payton didn't like Santa, she refused to sit on his lap, she liked the camel better than santa. I had a lot of fun and I'm going back on Sunday and taking my parents. And this time the batteries in my camera won't die.

Oh Great!

2009-12-08T22:31:00.002-07:00

Do you like my Fall Layout?..............you better, because I can't figure out how to change it to a Christmas layout. You'd think if I could change my layout to Fall I could put on a Christmas or winter scene, but no. I was clicking on buttons the other day, and now I notice I have ads on my blog.......I guess they (whoever they are) don't realize that I have about 4 people that read my blog.
It's really cold in Idaho, it is expected to reach 18 degrees tomorrow. BRRRR. Oh did I mention we are going to a neighborhood ---Diner, Drive in, or Dive. I can say that because that guy...Guy from the TV show came to visit the restaurant. Anyway they go all out for Christmas, they put up lots of lights in their garden and bring in a Santa, and they have a camel and a bon-fire.... but still...brrr. Well anyway I guess we are going to go and check it out, Amy and Mike and the kids and Mark and Susan and Payton, and Gary and I. Brrr.

THE BLUES

2009-12-01T19:35:00.002-07:00

I have been feeling sad, depressed, blah, blue. When Gary feels like this he says he feels DULL. I thought I was coming down with something. I figured it out, not sure why it took so long, but I pretty much start feeling this way every November and I don't start feeling better until spring. I'm Sun deprived. Going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark, I guess that means I need to spend my lunch hour outside whenever the sun shines brrrrrr.
Dear God: how about a fog/inversion free winter, please.

Payton's Last First

2009-11-30T22:52:00.002-07:00

Susan was feeling a little sad this Thanksgiving---because, she said that this was Paytons last 1st Holiday. Susan started scrapbooking after Payton was born and has enjoyed scraping all of Payton's firsts. I did remind her that Payton had one more 1st coming up----her 1st birthday.

By Special Request

2009-11-09T20:26:00.008-07:00

Gary Asked me to post more pictures of the Moab area. I tried to e-mail them to his friends, but for some reason I just couldn't get the e-mail to send. So here are a few more.

We had a Great Time

2009-11-07T12:37:00.023-07:00

I deleted this photo, by mistake as I was writing the story of our trip. I love this eagle rock so I needed to put it back on the blog. Also wanted to let you know that, I'm taking ATV pictures with a new camera a small (deck of cards small) Panasonic Lumix 5X zoom 12 mega pixels. I'm not used to it yet, I haven't even read the manual. So I had a few pics that needed to be deleted. I can't take my big camera any more, it needs to be kept in the case, in an ATV bag that has a zipper and velcro and snaps. So many times It is just too much trouble to get it out. This little camera can be kept in a pocket.

The first thing that Gary and I did when we got to Moab is buy a trail guide. "ATV Trail Guide Moab, UT" by Charles A Wells. The trails were marked by Difficulty. I wanted to stay on the easy trails, at least until we found out what

Charles meant by easy, moderate and difficult. The first day we picked out Gemini Bridges.

So, this is the bridges, it looks like one bridge, but when you walk across the top you see there is a crack/hole that turns it into two bridges. We watched 4 or 5 young men/boys (mountain bikers) explore the area, they laid down and looked over the edge, I heard them, talk about jumping the smaller (not that small) opening. They didn't. Moms? Do you know where your kids are?

This is the view from the bridge, looking down into Bull Canyon, another trail from the book. We drove that trail at the end of day 2.

After Gemini Bridges we went looking for Four Arches Canyon. Not sure if we found it, but we did find a nice cool place for lunch. There were patches of snow on the ground.

The second day of riding, we picked another easy route.....well except for the small stretch of moderate. You know the part that goes straight up over rocks, you know the part that seems like you are climbing stairs ----the picture below is the very first part, I didn't get pictures of the rest of the hill climb, cause....I was praying

I wasn't scared. Well there was this one part that made me whine...a lot. Gary finally said we could turn around and go find another trail. Great except that would mean riding back down. So I decided that I would rather go forward, I didn't think it could get worse, and I was right. The next part of the trail was sandy and fun to ride on.

I saw on the map a place called WIPE OUT HILL. I told Gary "we are not going there" but we did. We are not the best map readers. Gary is looking at the trail that crazy people drive their 4-wheel drive trucks and jeeps over.

We watched some dirt bike riders cross this slick rock....we didn't.

The trail that we were on was the Determination Towers trail. My header is a picture of the towers.

We tried to find Tusher Tunnel. We didn't find it but we found this slick rock, and a great photo op.

The next day of riding, was the best. We were lucky that we did our rides in the correct order. We saved the best for last.

It started out on a nice easy, safe, flat and pretty road.

The trail we were on was the Hurrah Pass trail. Gary pulled off to look at the view. This place gave me the creeps, not sure why, it was wide enough.

doesn't look very wide from this view point. See that "V" cut out of the cliff.. near the ATV? Gary said " Oh I didn't see that when I stopped the ATV"

Once we got to Hurrah Pass we had to go down the other side to get to Chicken Corners, the next stop on our ride. I found this part of the trail very scary. Have you ever heard of the ROAD OF DEATH in South America? You should google it. Anyway that's all I could think of.

We took a wrong turn (I told you we're not good with maps) It was a nice ride, until we came to this, I decided to wait at the bottom, Gary decided to turn around and see if we could find the right trail. The end of the trail is Chicken Corners. It has a beautiful view of the Colorado River, and somewhere across the river is Thelma and Louse Point. The ATV trail ends but a hiking trail begins the map says it is a Dangerous hiking trail, the author calls it a daredevil hiking trail. So we had to hike the trail, you know for about 10 feet. Or was that 10 baby steps.

I made Gary stand there, he wasn't crazy about doing it.

View from the hiking trail.

This is a terriable picture but it does show what the hiking trail looks like. See that gray bush, that's where we were standing. There is a black bird sitting on the edge of the rock, the trail goes around under that rock, at least I think it does, I didn't check it out.
We will be going back to Moab, we have a lot more trails to ride.

Bad Luck- Or Good Luck

2009-11-03T07:16:00.005-07:00

It might seem like bad luck when someone drives up next to you as you are driving down the four lane highway and points and yells for you to pull over. "Gary, I think you need to stop, there must be something wrong with one of the trailers" Gary gets out to look....the car changes lanes, pulls over and comes back to talk to us. In the mean time Gary comes back to the truck with a strange look on his face and says "It's gone, The ATV trailer is gone" all that is left of the trailer is the tongue and hitch and tool box, we've been dragging them down the highway. The people in the car said the trailer came off about a mile down the road, they also said it came to a stop off the road, that was good luck. So we unhitched the tongue and dragged it further off the road, we turned the truck and 5th wheel around good luck we are on a 4 lane highway. When we got to the atv trailer it was good luck that there was a place wide enough so we were able to pull off. It was good luck that the police officer was already there with the lights blinking warning the on coming cars. It was good luck we had the problem in the small town of Helper Utah. Because everyone was very helpful and kind. The police officer called the tow truck, and couple of guys found the tongue and hitch and picked it up and brought it back to us---how lucky is that. We were lucky to have such a great tow truck driver, he called around and found a place to take the trailer, found someone to weld it back together the next day. We asked him where a RV park was, he didn't just tell us, we followed him to the park. The next day the welder said that the trailer couldn't just be welded back together, it wouldn't be safe. He said it could be fixed,but it would cost a lot more and would take more time. The owner of the repair shop said we could leave the trailer in his back lot, until we came back for it. Gary bought another trailer. (see picture above) and we headed to Moab. See we are pretty lucky................ we feel very lucky that no one was hurt or killed when the trailer broke off. No, we are not lucky, we are blessed.

So far the best part of the trip was seeing these wind machines up close, they were right next to the road in Spanish Forks UT. They are huge. We don't have them in our area of Idaho, the ones we do have are many miles away and up on a bluff.

Trick or Treaters

2009-10-31T19:56:00.012-06:00

So far we have had 7 kids come to the door to trick or treat. These are the neighbor's grandkids.

Emily ---Peace!!!

Tucker is GI Joe-from the new movie?

My great nephews

AJ as ....well you know

Patrick as a Mario Brother--Right? I'm not into the video game thing.

Did you know that chickens can drive lawn tractors?

Yes, I know that farmers don't look like Mark and Susan. I used to be a farm wife, never did see a farmer wear overalls-but ..............................Farmers are outstanding in their field.

Cute Chick

So, I came out of the house with the camera to take pics of Payton on the tractor, and I stepped in a hole (Gary had dug out one of the sprinklers) and I fell....no one noticed cause they were watching Payton. So at least I was saved from that embarrassment. But I'm gonna hurt in the morning, wait, I already hurt.

Sleepover With Payton-

2009-10-24T20:53:00.007-06:00

Payton is spending the night with me tonight....first time. First time they have left her anywhere. Since Susan is on call tomorrow morning and can't be more than 30 mins. from the hospital. I'm taking her home, and Susan wants her home as soon as Payton wakes up. This staying all night is going to be hard on mommy.

I love fall, and I love taking pics of the kids in the leaves.

I think Payton loves fall too!

But, she's done with the pictures, she's outta here.

Today is Mark's birthday--Hope he had fun with his friends tonight, I loved having his daughter overnight.

Happy Birthday Haldey

2009-10-22T20:38:00.003-06:00

Today is Hadley's 4th birthday. We had a party for her a couple of weeks ago...before they left for Maryland. Hadley also had a party at her preschool.

I talked to her today, she said she missed me, the feeling is mutual. She asked about Tucker and Emily wanted to know what they were doing. She told me about how the leaves are pretty and falling off the tree, she collects them on their daily walks, she told me she would mail me some pretty leaves.

Can't wait to see daddy

2009-10-15T20:19:00.004-06:00

Nicole text messaged me, that Hadley woke up at 1:00AM--she was ready to go see daddy. Only thing is the plane didn't leave until 11:30am. Hadley had a long wait. Nicole also texted when she arrived in Baltimore and said that the flight went well. What a blessing!

Good New's - Bad News

2009-10-14T20:04:00.002-06:00

Good news---John will have his wife and daughters in Baltimore with him tomorrow evening..The Bad news, they won't be in Idaho anymore. I went by the house to give them hugs good-bye, I only cried a little. Baltimore in the spring, sounds like a nice time to visit.

I'm so Bad--Or ---MY BAD

2009-10-13T20:40:00.003-06:00

Yes, I'm bad. I have been reading a few web sites that poke fun of mess ups and boo boos and I enjoy it. It all started with CAKE WRECKS, then I went to THAT WILL BUFF OUT, I shared this site with my 6 year old grandson, he loved it. He loves cars and this site is all about cars that end up inside a house, or under water, or in a sink hole. Tucker and I looked at every picture on the website. The next site is THERE I FIXED IT, I think this might me my favorite, it shows how people fix things by jerry rigging them, garden hose for a shower, duct tape makes a nice fender......Then theres AWKWARD FAMILY PHOTOS, some of the pictures are too funny, but someone in the family sent them in, so it must be okay to laugh, right? The site that makes me feel a little guilty is PEOPLE OF WALMART.....just hope my picture doesn't show up on that site.

Pumpkin Patch Weekend

2009-10-11T21:06:00.022-06:00

Jillian--because she slept thru the pumpkin patch trip

This weekend we painted pumpkins

We fed the animals at the pumpkin patch

Pictures with the Pumpkins

Payton's first pumpkin

We went for a walk in the corn maze. I wondered if they would come and get us if we couldn't find our way out.

We followed Tucker, He was Lewis or Clark, not sure which, he would run a head and find the dead ends.

The kids walked/ ran thru the haybale maze.

We went on a hayride.

We fed the animals again.

We had a fun day----Only this is the start of our Saturday.........the pictures are completely in the wrong order. I don't know why I can't remember to put the first pics in last.........

Good News??

2009-10-04T18:54:00.006-06:00

My son John went to Northwest Lineman College, when he left the army.

John knew he would have to leave the area to get a job. And he did, he left for Baltimore, Maryland on Friday He drove a U-haul truck, pulling his car, he got into Maryland a couple of hours ago. Nicole and the girls join him on the 15th.

I'll be fine....right?

Mountain Wedding

2009-09-13T09:13:00.008-06:00

This weekend we are in McCall Idaho for a wedding. But we are camping in a state park, so we also get to enjoy camp fires and smore's.

Jillian's first camping trip, and campfire, she will have to wait for her first smore.

Nicole and Hadley enjoying the fire.

The next morning we walked to Payette Lake, to play in the water.

A beautiful setting for the wedding.

Daddy and daughter dancing.

The groom and John have known each other since Kindergarten
This is a picture of several of the men/boys John and Brian went to school with.

Kokanee

2009-09-09T19:20:00.004-06:00

http://www.utahfishinginfo.com/utahfish/kokaneesalmon.php

Westside of Straight asked about the Kokanee.....What I know about fish could fit in a thimble. So I googled it. Kokanee is a landlocked Sockeye Salmon. The only other thing I know is... Halibut tastes great, and you can buy salmon at CostCo.

Gary used to own a hunting/fishing lodge in Canada, I think he was burnt out, because I've never seen him fish, well unless you count the time we tried to fish at one of the lakes in Mammoth CA. We got all the grandkids fishing poles, it was so crazy, the only thing we caught was a diaper and a sock....grandchildren wearing said items were not injured. I think we took the hooks off, and let them play.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T20:30:00.008-06:00

Gary's daughter Kelly heard the Kokanee were running at Anderson Ranch Dam, so we decided to take the ATV's that directions, we haven't rode the 4 wheelers there before. It was great. We rode to the Trinity Lake Lookout. It was a beautiful ride --little scary.

Not sure if you can see the Ospry with the Kokanee in his claws.

The Kokanee

Kelly at the Lookout.

Kelly took all the pictures, well except for this one. I forgot my camera.
I talked to Amy today about their weekend, She, Mike and the kids, plus Mike's parents went camping they went to the lookout too...only they came up from the other side, we missed them by a couple of hours.

Erin's Wedding

2009-08-30T17:28:00.008-06:00

Erin, just before the wedding. She was worried about the weather......it didn't rain until 10:00 pm.

The flower girl -Zoe (in the cream color dress) and Hadley, hit it off. They were modeling for me. Hadley was so excited for the wedding, she told her mom that she was going to marry her dad....and she was going to dance with him. She did dance with her dad.

Check out this photo from the wedding.

http://pearmanphotography.wordpress.com/

It was a beautiful wedding, with exciting weather.

AND
My sister and her husband are still tired.

ATV and Camping

2009-08-24T23:45:00.012-06:00

For the past several years we have gone on a camping trip for Tucker's birthday....This was the first time Payton was able to go. She is a very good camper.

4-wheeling is a dirty job but someone has to do it.

Emily

Tucker---Happy 6th Birthday

We went on a Hike, Tucker rolled his eyes when I talked about the hike, he says grandma it was just a walk, but.....it's my story and I'm sticking to it.

This is Susan, she has her foot in the cold, cold water, why? Well she went on a ATV ride and she thought the ATV was headed over the embankment, so she bailed. The ATV rolled to a stop, on the road, and so did Susan. My helmet lost a visor and Susan has road rash, and bruises. Thankfully she is okay.

Mark caught several fish in Crooked River, but he threw them back.

The Cousins, had a lot of fun.

The last day Susan got back on the ATV, she drove a lot slower this time.

Mike's parents usually come camping with us, but they couldn't make it this year. And John and Nicole thought it might be a bit hard camping with a newborn, maybe next year.

Weekend Fun

2009-08-17T20:49:00.007-06:00

Gary's brother came to drop off airplane parts and to pick up more work (he restores warbirds too). So after spending all day of Friday, unloading finished parts and loading up the parts and supplies to make new/restored parts for a P51 they decided to spend Saturday in the mountains of Idaho riding ATV's

We road 35 miles to the Graham airstrip. Not much to look at.... but that's why Mission Aviation Fellowship trains their pilots on Idaho's back country airstrips.

I think that riding through the streams is the best part of the ride..... I let Bryan ride my ATV, which meant that I rode behind Gary. I didn't remember how much I got bounced and bumped around. I'm still sore.

Sunday, the power was out for several hours, Gary was happy, he was able to get out the generator and make coffee and breakfast. He loves to use his equipment.

The Lineman Rodeo and Graduation

2009-08-14T23:38:00.009-06:00

Today, I got to tour the school John has been going to for the last 15 weeks.

Training building....Doll houses.

John won first place in his rodeo event....not sure what he did, but he did it well.

His team won first place at the rodeo, this is John...not the one hanging, the one driving. One of the events was rescuing a dummy. John was sending the victim to the top of the pole, so the climber could do the rescuing.

Family members got to ride in the bucket....Hadley loved it.

John gave us a private climbing demo, I asked him why he wasn't climbing in the rodeo, and he said he wasn't going to take any chances of getting hurt, he's ready to get a job.

Future Lineman? I think Hadley still wants to be a Princess.

I'm proud of you John.

A PERFECT FIT

2009-08-09T17:18:00.008-06:00

Hadley is a wonderful big sister. She has already changed a diaper. ( Her other grandma is just out of the picture, just in case)

Last weekend, kept me very busy. I was surprised, I enjoyed it so much. I thought I would be tired come Monday morning, but no. Last Friday after work, I picked up Emily, Tucker and Hadley-- so we could have a sleep over. Gary was on an over night camp trip, and since Mike was with him, Amy came later in the evening to spend the night too. She doesn't like spending the night alone Anyway, when I picked Hadley up, I held Jillian, and I thought to myself how wonderful it felt to hold such a tiny baby in my arms, she fit perfectly. Friday night while we were watching a Disney movie, Hadley jumped in my arms and hugged my neck during a scary part. I thought how great is was to have a 3 1/2 year old in my arms...she fit perfectly. Saturday morning, I left Amy and kids and headed to Susan's to Baby sit Payton, Susan and her husband were with friends floating the Payette river. I enjoyed spending time with Payton, I held her in my arms and rocked her, and it felt so great to hold a seven month baby in my arms, she fit perfectly. I'm sure Emily 10 and Tucker 5 would have fit perfectly in my arms, but they were busy playing with and entertaining their cousins.

Amy brought Emily and Tucker, over to help watch Payton. Emily is helping Payton stand, it won't be long before she is walking all over the house.

Sunday, Susan had a bridal shower for my niece, Erin. She and Andy will be married the end of August. I wish them a long and happy marriage.

This weekend, I stayed home, and did house work....a little anyway.

WELCOME--JILLIAN

2009-07-25T23:55:00.005-06:00

When Gary and I got to the hospital the nurses had taken Jillian to the nursery to be bathed and so the Doctor could check her out. So our first glimpes of her were through the windows.

The proud parents--John and Nicole---I missed seeing Hadley's first visit with her sister. I understand she was soooo excited.

I must confess

2009-07-22T23:12:00.002-06:00

I hate scary movies or tv shows. I dislike the blood and guts and gore. But tonight, while searching for something to watch, I came across a program that makes all the above seem tame, and pleasant. I watched this show like someone would watch a train wreck. I kept thinking that it was a sick joke. I 'm still hoping that the mothers on this show are not as mean and cruel and evil as shown. The Show? Toddlers and Tiara's ---I still have a bad taste in my mouth.

The way my brain works....I think I have a brain.

2009-07-21T23:03:00.005-06:00

Tonight as Gary and I were coming home from John and Nicole's house, and as we were driving down the highway I saw a car stopped next to a corn field. So I wondered ....are they stealing corn? No, too early, the corn isn't ripe, besides it looks like seed corn (it was getting dark, and the rows were going the wrong direction, it was hard to tell).

But, that made me think of the time about 30 years ago when I sold corn---U-Pick sweet corn---Golden Jubilee. I put an ad in the paper, and lady called and asked me if I was selling corn off of the Bull row of seed corn? I didn't even know people did that. I said no, its normal corn. I guess she didn't believe me cause she kept asking questions. Today the 50 + Jewel would have told her, we were out of corn....no corn for you.

So that story made me think of the time when a lady called to get directions to my house so she could come and pick corn. I told her to take Franklin Road south, cross Highway 20, go about 1/4 mile and turn left, we are the first house on the left. She told me that Franklin dead ended at the highway. I said no, Franklin goes 1/4 mile further. she said no, I'm sure that Franklin dead ends at the highway. I said then where do I live?....at least I hope I said that.

Then that story reminded me of the time that the Pastor wanted to come and visit, so I gave him instructions on how to get to my house....only I told him to turn right instead of left. (I've always been right hand/ left hand challenged) He found me anyway.

Then I thought of the time another Pastor wanted to visit us. I bought a house after my divorce and moved from the old farm house, down the long lane, to a newer house in a subdivision. So he was sitting on the sofa getting to know the kids and I. But we kept looking out the window. He finally asked okay what gives? See, when we lived in the country any time we heard a car, we had visitors. It took my kids and I awhile to figure out none of the cars we heard were coming to our house.

All of those stories were going through my head.....just because some guy had a flat tire, or whatever he was doing out there in the dark.

IT WAS JUST A LITTLE FIRE!

2009-07-20T19:58:00.002-06:00

A little kitchen fire. It wasn't my fault....well maybe a little. I was fixing breakfast, or dinner (not sure which) in the camp trailer. I don't usually cook with gas, and it's not my fault that Gary left one of those lighters next to the stove.....and well, the wall next to the stove doesn't look too bad.

A visit with the Grandkids

2009-07-19T09:27:00.010-06:00

We went to Zion to camp with Gary's daughters and their family --Lance, Caroline, Jon, Bonnie (Gary's daughter) Brett, Hayley and Matt

Gary's daughter Brenda, Gary (two Gary's) Chris and Michelle

The Grandkids--in no order, because I have such a hard time remembering to upload the first pics. last and the last first. Anyway this in Jon, sitting on the banks of the Virgin River. In Idaho this would be a small stream......but it kept everyone cool.

Matt

Michelle

Caroline

Hayley

Chris. The water looks fast and a little scary...but it was about knee deep.

Brett.

Sure wish we could spend more time with the Southern CA kids and grandkids

View from the trailer

2009-07-18T16:22:00.003-06:00

This is the view from our trailer at Zion Campground...the haze is from a fire, it caused the power to go out, which meant no air conditioning, lucky for us, it wasn't out too long.

Okay, okay.....this was really the view. Still not too bad.

Bryce Canyon

2009-07-16T18:30:00.004-06:00

On Sunday we visited Bryce Canyon National Park. Beautiful.......
We camped at Ruby's RV Park. We enjoyed our stay, and plan to return, with the ATV's.

Vacation

2009-07-10T23:19:00.002-06:00

Yeah.............Gary and I are heading to Southern Utah--Zion National Park, where we will meet up with his daughters and their husbands and all the grandkids.

A visit with Hadley

2009-07-09T23:28:00.002-06:00

I pick Hadley up at her pre-school once a week. We have a wonderful time. Tonight Hadley put make up on me.....I was beautiful, at least Hadley thought so. Sure hope it comes off before work tomorrow.

Oh Deer!

2009-07-09T06:13:00.002-06:00

I want you to meet our new friend. I'll call her Fawna. Gary and I were out on our ATV's, trying to find out if the mountain pass was open, Gary loves the drive to Graham airstrip, seems there is either too much snow, or a forest fire that keeps the road closed. Anyway , I was in the lead and I saw a trail that went through a creek, so I turned and drove across, kinda fast to see how large a splash I could make. I looked up and there she was, She ran off, but not far. I stopped and waited for Gary to drive in, we decided that this was the perfect place for lunch. Fawna, circled us several times, each time getting a little closer. Gary said " There she is between the two trees" which two trees, we are in a forest? She reminded me of a young girl. You know.....how little girls like to strike a pose, prance and dance.....

YES SIR, THAT'S MY BABY!

2009-06-22T22:38:00.004-06:00

When John got out of the Military, he decided to be a lineman. It seems to me it's a little like going from the frying pan into the fire. Some of the stories he's told me, makes me concerned..... but it's still better than Iraq.....Right?

It's kinda weird!

2009-06-18T22:47:00.003-06:00

Gary went 4 wheeling with Mike and Mike's dad....they took their tents and food and plan on riding the ATV's until they find a spot to camp. It's like backpacking, only way easier. I usually enjoy a couple of days on my own. But I'm missing Gary already.....I know weird.

Rain.....again.

2009-06-09T21:05:00.012-06:00

Last weekend we went camping above Idaho City, we knew the chances of being rained on was about 70%, but we decided to go anyway. Friday we took off on a trail that Gary knew wouldn't be open yet, but the guys just wanted to see how far they could get. I ended up getting the ATV stuck in the snow and muck. But the guys had a great time using the winch to get me out. We kept going until my son-in-law got stuck....Amy and I decided we had gone far enough.

They guys also got to remove trees.

The kids had a great time playing in the snow. Before we could get back to the trailers, it started to rain. It rained so hard we looked and felt like drowned rats. I decided that there are a few good things about the rain.

1. We had the road all to ourselves. No one else dumb enough to leave the camp ground.

2. Didn't need to worry about sun burn.

3. Didn't need sun glasses

4. Didn't have to eat dust.

5. Didn't need to stop for a drink.....rain just poured off the helmets into our mouth and down our necks.

The next day was much better, we at least made it to the trailers before the rain hit. The above picture was taken Sunday, a clear day but, kinda cold. We drove along the Middle Fork of the Boise River. I found the river scary, it was running fast and high.

But can you imagine how this person felt? We stopped to make sure no one was still in the car. It just might be their luckiest day ever.

Some Old Lady? !@#$@@#%^&*

2009-06-08T18:17:00.004-06:00

Gary loves his Land Cruiser. He's had it, going on 43 years. I asked him if he loved it more than me, he said nooooooo. But I think he had his fingers crossed. Gary believes God will let him take it to heaven. I don't have the same attachment to it. When I first met Gary the TLC (Toyota Land Cruiser) was easier to climb into. I think Gary put bigger tires, and maybe a lift kit, or maybe I'm just 13 years older.....not sure. Anyway...... I had to drive it to work today. During my break I was going to run to the gas station and buy a fountain drink. As I was leaving work I said "I'm too old to drive the cruiser" So when I was coming out of the store a

man- child, brat, pointed at the TLC and me and said " ha ha, I was telling my mom that some old lady was driving that" Made my day!

Happy Birthday Nicole

2009-06-03T23:20:00.003-06:00

Nicole's birthday is Friday, but we will be camping. So I wanted to be sure and send my wishes for a wonderful birthday. Nicole is the mother to Hadley and my newest granddaughter---due to be born the end of July. I sure hope the little sweet baby isn't born early (sorry Nicole) We meet up with Gary's kids the middle of July. I'm sure hoping we make it home before she makes her entrance, into this world.

I Wonder Why Wednesday

2009-05-28T21:37:00.004-06:00

Last Weekend I kept my eyes open for deer. We were in the mountains and we drove over 135 miles, I would have thought we would have seen at least one. I wondered why we didn't? but figured that the 4 ATV's were loud enough to keep them in hiding. But this morning, as I was driving to work 4 deer ran across the road, right in front of me. I was only 1/4 of a mile away from home. I've lived here for almost 10 years and haven't seen them before. We have brave deer in our neck of the woods--I mean fruit orchards, they are not afraid of a bright yellow Ford 350 diesel.

95 Miles----Crazy

2009-05-25T21:42:00.005-06:00

Long Day of ATVing. At least it was an easy ride, if you didn't count the campers going home. It sort of felt like we going the wrong way on a one way street. Tucker was throwing pinecones in to the river and running to the other side of the bridge to watch them come out.

Pictures of the ATV's Gary said I can't write about 4 wheeling unless I show pictures of the ATV's. We tried to get to Rocky Bar (whatever that is) but we were stopped by snow... again So we had a snow ball fight.

95 miles in one day is a record for me. I wanted to keep driving until I had a 100 miles, but the grandkids were hungry so we loaded up and headed to dinner in Idaho City- They are used to filty dirty riders.

ATV TRIP TO SILVER CITY, IDAHO

2009-05-23T22:08:00.018-06:00

Amy, Mike, Emily, Tucker, Gary and I rode the ATV's to Silver City. We were trying to decide where to have lunch and a man in a big truck told us that there were picnic tables on the other side of the creek.... we shouldn't have any trouble driving the ATV's across, he said. And we didn't, except it was deep, a man yelled put your feet up, but I didn't and I ended up wet.

So we had a nice lunch, and crossed the creek again and I ended up even wetter......

We found a trail that someone said would take us to an old mine. We crossed this creek about four times, didn't matter I was already wet.

The snow melt finds the easiest route down the mountain, sometimes it's the road.

I guess this is what's left of the mine.

We took the trail until the snow blocked the road. Then we headed back to Silver City. It started to rain. Then it started to pour, then it started to hail and then there was thunder, but it didn't matter cause I was already wet.

So was everyone else.

Don't know if you can see it, but there is hail on Mike's ATV. So we did the only thing we could, we went inside and had homemade pie and ice cream.

Strawberry Rubarb, Marion Berry, Dutch Apple, and Lemon Meringue.

We drove back to the Trucks, wet, cold, tired. But we had a wonderful time.

I WONDER WHY WEDNESDAY

2009-05-19T21:46:00.004-06:00

Last week Gary went to Chelan WA to see his brother, it was a quick overnight trip. When I got home from work I was surprised to see a huge shot gun next to my side of the the bed. Gary took it out of the safe, for my protection. I wonder why? I've never even held that gun, never shot it, I had no idea how to load it. I can see it now.... I hear an intruder.... I shout STOP I HAVE A GUN.... just give me a minute... Wait ....don't come in..... Gary showed me how to load it when he got home and I guess next time we go out target shooting I might try it. But--- We have this little 4-10 shot gun, it's small, kid size I shot it, once..... it hurt my arm.

MY BAD!

2009-05-18T21:26:00.003-06:00

I just hate that phrase. MY BAD.....who started that? maybe I should save that for I Wonder Why Wednesday?? Anyway I am bad. I forgot our anniversary. Today--- 13 years of marriage. Not sure why I forgot, maybe it was the busy weekend, or the fact that we go live with the new computer system this week. Maybe it's because Gary makes most of our days special.
Gary remembered first and called me at work, to wish me happy anniversary...., I would have said something like.....I wondered when you would remember. Sometimes it feels like we've been together always. Sometimes it seems like we've just started our marriage. And maybe both are correct. I know I'm thankful God brought Gary into my life.

Emily's Dance Recital

2009-05-17T22:50:00.005-06:00

Saturday evening Gary and I went to Emily's Dance Recital. She did a great job. In fact she was the best dancer in her group.....Well I'm pretty sure she was, I mean I didn't really watch any of the other dancers. I only had eyes for her.

Tucker, Hadley, Emily

Proud mommy. Busy mommy..... Emily was in 8 dances and 1 tumbling routine, Amy was back stage helping Emily change into her costumes.

Tomorrow

2009-05-15T20:17:00.004-06:00

My niece Carrie graduates from Boise State University tomorrow. She is now a nurse....well after she takes her state boards. This Is Carrie and her sons at the LPN pinning ceremony. I think Carrie will be a wonderful nurse. I think Carrie plans on becoming a RN-at least that is her plan.

I Wonder Why-Wednesday!

2009-05-13T18:55:00.002-06:00

I follow a blog that does a post every Wednesday with older/vintage photos. She calls it Wistful Wednesday. Gary saw her blog and said I should post old photos, too. But I would have to scan them, and our computer is about full. I get warnings that my C drive is almost full. I need to do some purging. Anyway I decided to do ----I wonder why Wednesday. So here is what I've been wondering about.

I wonder why Gary sleeps with his pillow at least 12 inches below the headboard!! It's just weird. He sleeps all curled up, so he has plenty of room, his feet aren't hanging off the bed. But the problem comes when I pull the covers up to my chin, I cover up his head. When he uncovers his head, he also uncovers my......well you know.

LESSONS LEARNED

2009-05-12T21:28:00.002-06:00

I learned two things while sitting in front of the fire Friday night. 1. Watching the full moon slowly rise above the hill tops, brings peace to your heart. 2. Wearing fake crocs at a camp fire.....not so much. My feet were cold so I sat close to the fire, and soon my feet warmed up, then they were toasty-then they got hot, so I kicked my crocs off, I won't be wearing those shoes to a campfire again......or any where else.

Fun Weekend

2009-05-11T21:29:00.014-06:00

Gary and I went camping, we left Friday night, and most of the family(my sister and her family are missing) came up for a few hours on Sunday. So I got to spend Mother's day with my mom. She's playing baseball with two of her grandsons and one great grandson.

I got to spend it with my daughter Amy--She's holding her niece Payton.

My daughter-in-law Nicole and her daughter Hadley. Hadley was having fun playing in the dirt.

I asked Hadley if she wanted to go Bouldering.

She wasn't sure

But these guys were sure.

Hadley, John (my son) Tucker (grandson) Justin and Garron (nephews)

Emily and Tucker hanging on for dear life.

They made it to the top......yeah

Justin and Garron made it to the top, also but this was a much larger rock---I really hated watching them come down. The real boulder climbers come prepared with chalk and a crash pad. Not us......

brotherly love......

Daughter Susan and Payton.... first time Payton's been rock climbing.

Also her first time riding an ATV. don't worry, Emily was driving very slow and they didn't go very far.

Oh did I mention it was Gary's birthday----HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY-

Computer problems

2009-05-06T22:12:00.002-06:00

My computer is giving me fits.... I think it has the swine flu.... or maybe it's a worm. I need to get it in and get it cleaned up. We bought a lap top for our Company office, Gary will use it to keep track of all the pictures he takes of his projects. And if all goes well we will use it for Quick books. However, I need to learn how to use a lap top......I really don't have a clue. Hopefully I will learn to love it.
I'm working over time again. They made program changes in the new system, so now we can get all the spud cellars / locations in using longitude and latitude we are building new cities at each cellar site, using each cellar name as it's own city. example----Gray Storage with the city of Gray Storage, Id. The transportation package we bought only uses real cities. And since farmers don't build their spud storages next to the post office, we needed to have changes. It seems to be working pretty well. Most of our storages in Idaho are in, and some of the Columbia Basin Storages are done. The new go live date is May 21.

Happy Birthday Justin

2009-04-30T18:31:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday----Hope you had a fun day.
Ps ---this is a picture from a year ago. Justin is at the age that getting pictures is sooo hard.

I wonder Why?

2009-04-27T18:01:00.003-06:00

This Bleeding Heart, (I guess that's what it is) never gets any bigger than this. I've seen plants that get almost waist high. Any ideas?

SO FAR, SO GOOD!

2009-04-16T21:04:00.005-06:00

No freeze warnings since the Cherries have blossomed. Hopefully the neighbors will have a great crop this year.

I just found out!

2009-04-14T17:57:00.004-06:00

I found out on The Drudge report that Gary and I are -----RIGHT WING RADICALS----
That's awesome. No, not really, everyone I know is a Right wing radical. Gary wanted to go to the TEA PARTY tomorrow. I'm glad he's not, I was afraid he would end up on the news.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/14/federal-agency-warns-of-radicals-on-right/

More Easter Bunnie babies-And a Volcano

2009-04-12T20:27:00.012-06:00

Emily and Tucker came over after the Church Easter party, Yesterday---I needed the Bunnie ear pictures and I wanted to give them their Easter baskets.

Hadley came over today, for her picture and a trip to Jordon Craters

This is looking into Coffeepot Crater--See Gary the white spot in the middle. A few years ago we took my nephew Justin to Jordon Craters. He told his mom about the big hole, a really big hole.....but not as big as God. He's right!

This is another crater, it's not nearly as big but still scary.

Lava tubes, or as Hadley calls them "Castles"

My great nephews, Patrick and AJ and Gary. AJ (the little guy sitting) said that today was the best day ever, that was before running down the side of the big crater and doing a face plant. But even after getting scraped up, he would like to live at Jordon Craters in tents.

Here's Gary training his Militia....Wait maybe someone from Idaho shouldn't joke about the militia.

this is a view of the south side of Coffeepot Crater, and where AJ did his face plant. He started running down the side and before anyone had time to tell him to slow down, he hit the flat area and just went over. He was brave and shook it off and had a wonderful time.

I would like to say how thankful I am that they got the Ship's Captain back from the Pirates----

GO NAVY--

I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Easter.

Happy Birthday Brett

2009-04-11T16:02:00.003-06:00

TWO POSTS IN ONE DAY--
This is Brett in Mammoth CA, we met his family there for a vacation. Brett found a stick that was perfect for a bow, grandma found some rubber bands and he had a perfect toy....no animals were hurt, and no one lost an eye.

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-11T15:42:00.007-06:00

I baby sat Payton last night. So I came prepared. Camera, Check. Basket, check. Ears, Check. It all started 10 years ago with Emily. I've tried to get bunnie ear pictures every year since. I even begged my son and daughter-in-law to send pictures of Hadley (from Montana) with "THE EARS". See I don't scrapbook moments. I make moments to scrapbook. Well someday I will scrapbook all the moments....

I wonder what my crazy grandma is doing?

Just hanging out.

Payton has had enough.

It's that time of Year!

2009-04-05T18:59:00.004-06:00

This morning I heard these propellers turning. Whenever there is a frost warning they come on to keep the blossoms from freezing. I zoomed in on the trees from my driveway.

The family got together for March and April birthdays and for an early Easter. The Kids are showing their skills with Guitar Hero. My mom asked if they had a Country Western version.....ah no.

Hadley and the eggs she found.

Sand Dunes

2009-03-29T16:32:00.006-06:00

Gary, Tucker and I went to the Bruneau Sand Dunes for the our first campout of the year. This is the trip that we figure out what we need to restock the trailer. Can Opener, coffee filters, flash light, T.P. lucky for us there is a store not to far away.

Bruneau Sand Dune State Park has the Tallest Single-Structured Sand Dune in North America. No I didn't climb that dune. The sleds didn't work where we were, I think we needed to go to a higher steeper part of the dune. Tucker had fun rolling down the dunes, he didn't need a sled.

The weather was wonderful on Saturday.

Gary was just exhausted after playing baseball. It's hard work, but someone has to do it.

We had a change in the weather.... after lighting the campfire it started to drizzle, then it started to pour. So we went in and watched a video about NASCAR--great thing those hook ups. About 2 am the wind started to blow, I thought the trailer was going to end up in the next county. But we only lost the sand bucket.

Ugly Bags

2009-03-25T21:23:00.005-06:00

Linda, my friend and co-worker and I are in a competition to find the ugliest bag. She is supposed to find an ugly bag for me and I will try and find an even uglier bag for her. So far she's the winner. Linda is off on medical leave so when I went to visit her she gave me my birthday present early. Three ugly bags....only I told her I liked them ....... She said she's spent a lot of time on-line looking for ugly bags. She wanted me to take them back to work and ask everyone for an opinion. A couple of people hated the top one, And a few thought the one below was the worst.

But the winner, or is that the loser was the bag below.......

The shiny, plastic, watermelon eating smiley faced I-Pod playing bag is the ugliest of all. I asked a couple of men which one they thought was ugly. One said this is a trick question.....I'm not answering that. After I told one guy that they were a birthday gift from Linda he said they are all fabulous, and walked away......those guys have been married for along time. They've learned when to keep quiet.

New Computer---5.1 to 9.1

2009-03-18T17:42:00.002-06:00

We are up grading our computer system at work, we are coming out of the dark ages. So now all us old dogs need to learn new tricks. When I say old dogs, I'm not kidding I think there are about 4 people that are under 50, and many are over 60. Some of us have been working Saturdays and over time during the week. I'm tired. ................

Happy Birthday Amy

2009-03-11T18:31:00.005-06:00

Guess what I was going 34 years ago today..............Amy, I hope you have a great birthday. ENJOY!!

March Fun?

2009-03-10T22:10:00.005-06:00

First---I can never get my pictures in the right order, when I up/download them......so these pics are all messed up. Anyway Gary and I try to take a few days off in March for spring fun. In 2006 we went to Kalispell to see my son John, his wife Nicole and baby Hadley. We also visited Glacier Park.

2007 --This is Gary in CA visiting his grandkids-He went to CA for business but took a couple of days for fun.

In 2006 we also went to Moab with my daughter Amy and her husband and kids. We had a great time exploring the area. This year we will be staying close to home for the month of March and for the next few months. Why? Well we are getting an upgraded to our computer program, and we (people at work) will be spending a lot of time (weekends) getting all the master files entered and learning the system. We have a go live date set for the end of April---Here's hoping for an easy transition.

Happy Birthday Garron

2009-03-06T22:48:00.006-07:00

Saturday is my nephew Garron's birthday. Garron was born several years after my sister and I had our babies. So everyone was so happy to have a baby in the family again.

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-03-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday--Hope you have a great day. Hope you don't mind, that I posted this picture.

38.5 Miles

2009-03-01T18:01:00.005-07:00

We went 4 wheeling today, the weather wasn't the best...we ate lunch in the rain...well it was more light rain/ sprinkle, and it didn't last long. We dressed warm, so it wasn't so bad. Gary put hand warmers on the ATV's so that helped a lot.

there are still a few patches of snow.

We saw a lot of white tail deer,..... I found a piece of petrified wood .......and I lost the lense out of my glasses, I'm sure it happened when we stopped to take pictures of the deer......we looked everywhere. Oh well, I was due for new glasses anyway.

Happy Birthday Caroline!

2009-02-27T22:02:00.005-07:00

Caroline is a Leap Year Baby. Just think, when her friends are 80, she will only be 20! Hope you have a great day Caroline

Weird Weather

2009-02-26T20:02:00.003-07:00

This is Mark and Susan's backyard. After a mini Tornado, or Micro Burst--Or whatever. The corragated steel used to be part of the neighbor's shed or barn. Not so much now. The kids were lucky the steel didn't break any windows, or mess up the siding on the house. I guess the BBQ was banged up a bit, and they lost some shingles. The houses across the street didn't have damage at all. Their garbage cans blew over and that was it.

Playing office

2009-02-24T18:23:00.002-07:00

http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/cody-linley/2012314/photos?flv=1

My granddaughter Emily loves to sit at our desk and pretend she works in an office. Today I found some of her work, a house bill, and a heating bill---the heating bill was pretty high 11,020.00
My husband found a note, with a phone number one day that said ---please call Jake Ryan. He asked me if he needed to return the phone call. No you better not--that's Hannah Montana's boyfriend.

SOON?

2009-02-22T18:12:00.009-07:00

Soon, we will be able to head to the desert and explore.

Soon, the flowers in my garden will be in bloom.

Soon, the wild flowers will cover the mountain sides.

Soon, we will be out looking for the wild horses.

Gary and our son-in-law Mike took the ATV's out on Saturday. They found mud and snow. I think I might wait a while before I go out.

My arm is Healing--Finally

2009-02-17T19:02:00.004-07:00

Last night I reached with my left arm to turn off the light and I noticed that my arm didn't hurt. It has been several months since the accident, so it's about time. I blame my supervisor, she started it. She bought a Nintendo DS, and she brought it to work and showed us how much fun it was. She bought it because she thought it would be good for her brain. She played BRAIN AGE. So the peer pressure got to me--- I had to have one. So a year ago next month I bought the DS and a few games. I bought games that my grandkids could play when they came over and I bought a couple "BRAIN" games. And I enjoyed them, my brain went from a 80 year old to a 20 something year old--(least once, anyway). Not sure why they think people in their 20's are smarter than people in their 40's 50's and older...but that's the way it works. I did the challenges everyday and every couple of days a new and harder game opens up. Then one day a real game opened, no math, or spelling or memory games. It was a little like TETRIS and I liked the game and I was good at it, and I wanted to play it all the time. So I did, I played it while watching movies and I played it too long and that's how I got my injury. There were warnings on the box and on the games...I just didn't believe them. So I did the only thing I could ----I handed the Nintendo and games to Emily and told her--"Don't give this back until my arm stops hurting" . I'm thinking I might let Emily keep it for me, maybe I can just visit my Nintendo once in awhile. Who needs a better brain anyway?

In Need

2009-02-16T22:00:00.004-07:00

I am so ready to head for the hills....On the ATV's ........just wish it wasn't so cold, or I wasn't such a wimp.
The pictures----the top one is before Photo Shop and the bottom is after, it doesn't look real. Last year the wild flowers where wonderful. Can't wait to see what nature has instore for us this spring.

Grandkids

2009-02-15T19:48:00.002-07:00

The Idaho grandkids spent the night Friday-well not Payton. But Emily, Tucker and Hadley.
We had a fun time, We.....

Made things out of clay

Watched Barbie Princess movies, and Stewart Little

Played princesses

played with glue and glitter

Read books

Played house---I tried to be the dead grandma, my plan was to lay on the sofa-I'm bad, I know.

After the kids left Gary and I took a nap.

I Can Share, Now

2009-02-12T17:47:00.002-07:00

My daughter, Susan said that I can share what she has been going through--See post for Feb. 4th---

When Susan went in to see the Doctor for her 6 week check up, you know 6 weeks since she had her little baby girl. The OB said she needed to have the mole on her back looked at. And she said that Susan should have it looked at right away. So the first thing Susan did was look on the internet and was frightened by what she read. Anyway the mole was tested, and the biopsy came back that it was melanoma, the Dr said--don't worry and stay off the computer---too late.

The mole, along with alot of tissue was removed, Doctor said they caught it early --so now all we had to do was wait to see what the results of the blood test and chest x-ray were. It was the longest few days of my life. Oh -- and everyone else in the family. Everything looked good, she did have 3 more moles removed, because one, came back precancer. Now Susan will have to be checked every 3 months, for a year and then every 6 months for a time. No more sun tanning, and since it runs in families, Amy, John, her dad and I should be checked out. I am so thankful that everything turned out like it did. God is Good

Happy Birthday Hayley

2009-02-08T13:14:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday---Hope you have a great/fun day. We miss you.

Happy Birthday Susan

2009-02-07T19:46:00.005-07:00

I'm bad ----I looked for a recent picture of Susan and all I could find was pictures of her new baby. This was take in Jan. when she and Payton went to Twin Falls with us.

Super Star!!

2009-02-07T19:40:00.003-07:00

I spent the day with Payton and Susan. It was a fun day.

Happy Birthday Matt

2009-02-05T22:40:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Matthew - I hope you have a wonderful day. I wish Southern CA wasn't so far away.

Good News

2009-02-05T18:26:00.003-07:00

I found out today that the blood test and x-ray of the "loved one" (yesterday's post) is clean/ cancer free.
I am so thankful. God is so Good. If/when I get permission I will blog more about the experience.

Bad Week

2009-02-04T17:57:00.002-07:00

I've had the worst, most awful week and it is only Wednesday. I can't really blog about it, because it's not me with the problems but it is a loved one and a good friend. I've been so worried. But yesterday morning, I opened my Bible to this verse

John 14:27 (New International Version)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Gems

2009-02-02T21:47:00.002-07:00

I noticed on my site meter that a couple of people found my blog by searching for Jewels and gems. I'm sure, I'm not what they had in mind. However I do enjoy looking for rocks. I wish I could say jewels but I really haven't had that kind of luck, well except for the time Gary gave me my diamond engagement ring while we were out for a drive and picnic. Idaho is the "GEM" state so that helps in my rock/gem hunting. Also I have a husband that doesn't mind stopping and letting me poke around in the hills. I have the most fun sharing my love of stones/rocks/ gems, with the little kids. It is so much fun watching them fill their pockets. And when they give me one of their special rocks, I keep it. The most prized and precious gems are my family.

This is why

2009-01-31T21:22:00.003-07:00

This why we are out of room in the Safe. No we will not be getting another safe. One huge safe in the master bedroom is plenty. Gary and his friend, Rick went out today to sight in the 50 Cal. his friend has a 50 cal also. Rick has been a very bad influence. Gary doesn't do well with peer presure. They are in a 50 Cal club.... it already has two members.

Some very sad news!

2009-01-30T18:24:00.006-07:00

When Gary's daughter and family came to visit from California we took them out to the desert to target shoot. Something they never get to do in CA

Gary just told me his gun safe is full-----I told him to have a yard sale.

Susie's Babies

2009-01-28T22:13:00.003-07:00

Today I received an e-mail warning parents about a book that Oprah is pushing and Dr. James Dobson warned against. The book is "Conversations With God" by the title it seems just like a book I would have bought for my kids. But from everything I've read, it seems the writer and I believe in a different God. Which should remind us how important it is to read the books, or least know what they are about before giving them to your children.

This brought back memories of the time that I didn't follow my own advice. I love to read and I wanted my kids to love to read, so I bought books when ever I could. One time I was buying books at the Christian book store and I picked up a book for Susan aka Susie-- The book was Susie's Babies and it had a picture of cute little hamsters on the cover. I found out later that this is a great book to read to children who are asking a lot of questions about where babies come from. My daughter used the book to share the facts of life with her sister and her younger cousin and.....who knows how many others.

Happy Birthday Michelle

2009-01-26T23:23:00.005-07:00

Our granddaughter Michelle lives in Southern CA. We wish we could be there to help celebrate her birthday. We have 7 grandkids living in CA, oh how they grow and change between visits. We sure miss them

Life is Great

2009-01-26T17:46:00.003-07:00

I caught a cold
I missed the family Jan. Feb birthday party yesterday
my granddaughter, my daughter, my niece and my sister's birthdays were celebrated and I stayed home, I sure didn't want anyone else to get sick and besides I felt awful.
but hey, the sun is shining......(insert singing and dancing). I sat in the pickup today during my lunch hour and afternoon break and absorbed the sunshine. I'm already feeling better.

Yep things have changed

2009-01-22T22:18:00.002-07:00

No, the fog hasn't lifted, we are still socked in.....but now we have had a little snow, rain, freezing rain. Freezing rain as in ice cubes, well almost. Tonight after work, after stopping at the mail box and after seeing the coat of ice on the box I still decided to head for the hills. I just had to try to get out of the depressing fog/ inversion. I thought if I could just get high enough I could see the sunset. So I headed out highway 95, I drove until the fog was really thick, I was thinking that any minute I would drive out of the fog (someone at work told me that happened to him on that road) the only thing that happened was the road was getting slick -the freezing rain--and it was getting dark and I was getting a little/lot nervous. So I came home. by the way, it is supposed to rain or snow for the rest of the week.......I'm sure in 6 months I'll be complaining about the heat.

Change??

2009-01-21T17:46:00.002-07:00

Change, where's the change?..... last weekend the weather man said the inversion that has been over our valley would lift today. They lied. I don't think I can stand one more day without sun shine. I guess I should call in crazy and drive to the sun.

Road Trip

2009-01-17T08:51:00.012-07:00

Look----Blue sky, we found blue sky, we haven't seen this in days...................

On our way back we stopped here, because the sun was out, well sort of.

Susan hasn't been out much since she had Payton so they came along for the drive.

Payton loves to go for drives.

We stopped at the Perrine Bridge, it crosses the Snake River, at Twin Falls. I want to come back when people are BASE jumping. I think that it will be fun to watch. I googled the Perrine Bridge and found a YouTube video of a girl jumping. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perrine_Bridge

Gary zoomed in on the dirt ramp that Evel Knievel used when he tried to jump the canyon. Notice the Fog? How about that house? I hope they don't have kids, or grandkids, I hope they don't sleep walk....

Oh, and the reason for the trip..... Gary got the gun that he had on layaway. Just a little gun......................

FOG

2009-01-15T17:33:00.002-07:00

FOG
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

Carl Sandburg

I googled Fog to find a poem that describes how I feel about FOG. But I didn't find anything. The above poem was everywhere. But ...... come on. Cat feet, please.
Fog means to me:
depressive
gloomy
sad
claustophobic

I need to see the sun, and soon. Tomorrow Gary and I are driving two hours away to pick up a much needed gun ( cause, you can never have too many guns), anyway, I am praying that we will be driving into sunshine. The weatherman says the fog/inversion will be in the valley until next week.

Happy Birthday Emily

2009-01-14T17:55:00.003-07:00

Today is Emily's 10th birthday. I can't believe it, seems like yesterday that her mom was 10. Emily is a sweet girl and I think someday she will be a diplomat, wait, she already is. A few years ago I asked her,.... after a full day of shopping and while eating ice cream " Who is the best grandma in the world" and she said "They all are" So all you grandmas out there----- you're the BEST, .................Emily said.