Tonight we had a delightful time having a picnic with some friends:
Natalie & John Familia
Jackie & Mike Curteman and kids
Caryn & Curtis Stapp and kids
Kelly & Dave Lee and . . . uh, yes, kids
Ahhhh, kids. To be young again. Phew.
I spent all day shopping, chopping, and prepping, then FINALLY got going on the actual baking.
My baked potatos turned out great, and after being slopped with 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter," sour cream, cheese, chives, green onions, bacon bits, and croutons, most people could gag 'em down.
I felt quite proud of myself, and have learned that I'm actually a fantastic little cook.
In reality, it was a really fun night. The men and kids played softball while we women caught up on the latest legal news. Then when we all got together to eat, there were some pretty funny stories - mostly involving falling down and pain.
The only bad part of the evening was that with the wind-chill, it was -20 degrees and we were freezing. But those baked potatos turned out to be a double treat - the leftovers were great hand warmers!
Monday, April 27, 2009
and the other shoe drops...
Friday was the end of a long emotional journey.
A family was in tatters as they watched a husband, father, brother, son - one of the church's and city's Golden Boys - handcuffed and led unrepentant from the courtroom where he had just been sentenced to 6 years in prison for sexual abuse.
A dentist who gave up a lovely wife, 7 dear children, 3 grandchildren - for the thrill of walking on the edge. For pulling shirts open and checking moles. For brushing fingers across breasts to pick up tools. For massaging down necks and over breasts to treat jaw pain.
And Sidney and I walked away from the courthouse - me sobbing. Jubilant yet brokenhearted. And Sidney comforting me as she walked me to the car.
Justice was served, and our abuse was vindicated.
God bless his poor, sweet family. And comfort his victims. And help the prisoner return to us repentant, rehabilitated, and whole.
A family was in tatters as they watched a husband, father, brother, son - one of the church's and city's Golden Boys - handcuffed and led unrepentant from the courtroom where he had just been sentenced to 6 years in prison for sexual abuse.
A dentist who gave up a lovely wife, 7 dear children, 3 grandchildren - for the thrill of walking on the edge. For pulling shirts open and checking moles. For brushing fingers across breasts to pick up tools. For massaging down necks and over breasts to treat jaw pain.
And Sidney and I walked away from the courthouse - me sobbing. Jubilant yet brokenhearted. And Sidney comforting me as she walked me to the car.
Justice was served, and our abuse was vindicated.
God bless his poor, sweet family. And comfort his victims. And help the prisoner return to us repentant, rehabilitated, and whole.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Garage Cleaning Day!
First off, this is not a photo of me. It is a stranger. A random, barely dressed woman who just happens to be doing the same thing I happened to be doing today. In a garage spookily similar to ours.
But amazingly enough, our garage has been even more packed with "stuff" for the past 6 years. Junk we've accumulated over the happy 26 years of our marriage and children-growing years:
~ photos of every event Mark and I attended, as well as every note and card written to one another for the first year of our marriage.
~ boxes of craft supplies . . . paints, rubber stamps, pens, pencils, markers, paper, every kind of tape invented by man (or woman), stickers, card-making accoutrements, boxes of "sheet protectors", scrapbooks, flocking powder. Yes, flocking powder!
~ virtually every paper, project, sculpture, stuffed animal, book and photo taken of our children during their years of schooling.
~ at least 10 boxes of holiday decorations. A large rotating Christmas tree stand, ornaments that span generations; a Halloween skeleton, a string of light-up bones, witches' cauldrons; Easter candy bowls, bunnies, plastic eggs, plastic egg wreath, as well as other seasonal detritus.
~ 1000 medical books.
~ inexpensive but sentimental paintings and drawings and souvenirs that we have collected from all over the world.
~ blankets and quilts.
~ suitcases, train cases, a wooden oil paint case with a handle and hinges!
~ a large box of hand made cards from our "My Pad or Yours?" rubber stamp club - circa 1998 - 2002.
~ wrapping paper and bows
~ tools and screws and nails and "what's this thing for"s.
~ assorted junk that just ended up in boxes because I didn't know what else to do with it.
~ my late parents' ranch.
It's been years since some of these precious things have even seen the light of day, so in some ways it was like opening Christmas presents .... and throwing them away.
Which was really amazingly wonderful and liberating and made me feel as though I was moving on in some undefinable way.
It was a good day.
But amazingly enough, our garage has been even more packed with "stuff" for the past 6 years. Junk we've accumulated over the happy 26 years of our marriage and children-growing years:
~ photos of every event Mark and I attended, as well as every note and card written to one another for the first year of our marriage.
~ boxes of craft supplies . . . paints, rubber stamps, pens, pencils, markers, paper, every kind of tape invented by man (or woman), stickers, card-making accoutrements, boxes of "sheet protectors", scrapbooks, flocking powder. Yes, flocking powder!
~ virtually every paper, project, sculpture, stuffed animal, book and photo taken of our children during their years of schooling.
~ at least 10 boxes of holiday decorations. A large rotating Christmas tree stand, ornaments that span generations; a Halloween skeleton, a string of light-up bones, witches' cauldrons; Easter candy bowls, bunnies, plastic eggs, plastic egg wreath, as well as other seasonal detritus.
~ 1000 medical books.
~ inexpensive but sentimental paintings and drawings and souvenirs that we have collected from all over the world.
~ blankets and quilts.
~ suitcases, train cases, a wooden oil paint case with a handle and hinges!
~ a large box of hand made cards from our "My Pad or Yours?" rubber stamp club - circa 1998 - 2002.
~ wrapping paper and bows
~ tools and screws and nails and "what's this thing for"s.
~ assorted junk that just ended up in boxes because I didn't know what else to do with it.
~ my late parents' ranch.
It's been years since some of these precious things have even seen the light of day, so in some ways it was like opening Christmas presents .... and throwing them away.
Which was really amazingly wonderful and liberating and made me feel as though I was moving on in some undefinable way.
It was a good day.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I'm a murderer.
I confess.
I got impatient. I got sick of moving their little incubators around so I could clean the counter.
So I pulled each one of the stubborn, boring, slimy seeds out of their mismatched glasses, and threw them away like so much garbage.
No avocados for ME!
I got impatient. I got sick of moving their little incubators around so I could clean the counter.
So I pulled each one of the stubborn, boring, slimy seeds out of their mismatched glasses, and threw them away like so much garbage.
No avocados for ME!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
LIFE IS THE PITS.
After losing my dear Leon a little over 26 years ago, I've decided
to try again. Although his life was short, he was a joy, and a real source of pride. In fact, new friends were often taken aback by my passion for him.
So during supper the other night, my guacamole preparations brought me face to face with the option of beginning a new life.
Oh, yes. It's a big commitment. And yes, it's a long gestation period that takes a lot of patience, faith, and hope.
But I jumped right in. I cut 3 seeds out of the avacados, stuck toothpicks in them, and popped 'em into cups of water.
Now we just wait and watch for signs of growth. I can't wait until they start to show, and it won't be long before I can start picking out names.
to try again. Although his life was short, he was a joy, and a real source of pride. In fact, new friends were often taken aback by my passion for him.
So during supper the other night, my guacamole preparations brought me face to face with the option of beginning a new life.
Oh, yes. It's a big commitment. And yes, it's a long gestation period that takes a lot of patience, faith, and hope.
But I jumped right in. I cut 3 seeds out of the avacados, stuck toothpicks in them, and popped 'em into cups of water.
Now we just wait and watch for signs of growth. I can't wait until they start to show, and it won't be long before I can start picking out names.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
He Looked WAAAY Better Before She Hit Him!
On this day in 1997, Paul McCartney, a former member of the most successful rock band in history, The Beatles, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his "services to music." The 54-year-old lad from Liverpool became Sir Paul in a centuries-old ceremony of pomp and solemnity at Buckingham Palace in central London. Fans waited outside in a scene reminiscent of Beatlemania of the 1960s. Crowds screamed as McCartney swept through the gates in his chauffeur-driven limousine and he answered with a thumbs-up. McCartney's wife, Linda, who was fighting breast cancer, did not accompany him, but three of their four children were at the palace. "I would have loved the whole family to be here, but when we heard there were only three tickets, we had to draw straws," McCartney said.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Dancing Time!
Well, as those of you who know me might be surprised to learn, I do like to view a bit of television once in a while.
This would be one of those times. Dancing With the Stars is back!
I feel young and spry and ready to spin.
Where can I meet these guys with the hats?
This would be one of those times. Dancing With the Stars is back!
I feel young and spry and ready to spin.
Where can I meet these guys with the hats?
¿Qué dije
Ha!
Acabo de notar que he dicho ¡Feliz Navidad a Barbie en lugar de Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpliaños).
Sheesh.
Afortunadamente, ella no tiene un cerebro muy pequeño en su cabeza, por lo que desde que me lo envió junto con una foto de su boda, ella piensa que probablemente fue tardía boda deseos.
A veces vale la pena tener un amigo ocasional mudos.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For my English speaking friends, let me explain...
I just noticed that I said Merry Christmas to Barbie instead of Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpliaños).
Sheesh.
Luckily, she doesn't have a brain in her pretty little head, so since I sent it along with a photo of her wedding, she'll probably think it was belated wedding wishes.
Sometimes it pays to have an occasional dumb friend.
Acabo de notar que he dicho ¡Feliz Navidad a Barbie en lugar de Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpliaños).
Sheesh.
Afortunadamente, ella no tiene un cerebro muy pequeño en su cabeza, por lo que desde que me lo envió junto con una foto de su boda, ella piensa que probablemente fue tardía boda deseos.
A veces vale la pena tener un amigo ocasional mudos.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For my English speaking friends, let me explain...
I just noticed that I said Merry Christmas to Barbie instead of Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpliaños).
Sheesh.
Luckily, she doesn't have a brain in her pretty little head, so since I sent it along with a photo of her wedding, she'll probably think it was belated wedding wishes.
Sometimes it pays to have an occasional dumb friend.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
FELIZ NAVIDAD, BARBIE!
Dear Barbie,
I was digging around in my flickr scrapbook and just found this picture of you guys' wedding! Can you believe it? It was such a lovely and festive day - yet you both looked as though you were going to the guillotine! So serious for 2 people in love!
Ken was so handsom with his head of fuzzy flocked hair. It's a shame most of it rubbed off after a few short years. His suit was a bit baggy that day, but I'm sure it was just because his dresser was in such a rush to "get him to the church on time." I remember how much we teased him about that silly red cummerbund that he chose to go with the little red bow-tie. He was sure stylin' that day!
And what a beautiful bride you were. I wish we could see those darling shoes you were wearing. I have such fond memories of ALL of your high heels. It's as though you were born with stilettos on ~ you wore them for so many years that you finally turned into one of those women who can't stand with their feet flat!
Didn't little Skipper look so cute in her yellow flower-girl dress? She was such a sweet child, wasn't she? And Midge in her complementary bride's maid dress...what a great friend she was to all of us, huh? It's too bad "they broke the mold" after those two girls were born.
It was nice to see your hair "up" that day instead of in the pony tail. At least you kept your trademark curly bangs. Remember how those came back into style in the late 70's? But wow! That color! That was only one of the many shades of the rainbow your pretty head featured ~ but no matter how lovely they might have been, my favorite was the lovely platinum blond that glowed in the sun.
It's been a great 50 years, my friend.
Happy Birthday to You!
Patty
I was digging around in my flickr scrapbook and just found this picture of you guys' wedding! Can you believe it? It was such a lovely and festive day - yet you both looked as though you were going to the guillotine! So serious for 2 people in love!
Ken was so handsom with his head of fuzzy flocked hair. It's a shame most of it rubbed off after a few short years. His suit was a bit baggy that day, but I'm sure it was just because his dresser was in such a rush to "get him to the church on time." I remember how much we teased him about that silly red cummerbund that he chose to go with the little red bow-tie. He was sure stylin' that day!
And what a beautiful bride you were. I wish we could see those darling shoes you were wearing. I have such fond memories of ALL of your high heels. It's as though you were born with stilettos on ~ you wore them for so many years that you finally turned into one of those women who can't stand with their feet flat!
Didn't little Skipper look so cute in her yellow flower-girl dress? She was such a sweet child, wasn't she? And Midge in her complementary bride's maid dress...what a great friend she was to all of us, huh? It's too bad "they broke the mold" after those two girls were born.
It was nice to see your hair "up" that day instead of in the pony tail. At least you kept your trademark curly bangs. Remember how those came back into style in the late 70's? But wow! That color! That was only one of the many shades of the rainbow your pretty head featured ~ but no matter how lovely they might have been, my favorite was the lovely platinum blond that glowed in the sun.
It's been a great 50 years, my friend.
Happy Birthday to You!
Patty
Here's to Yogi.
Sid and I went to a movie tonight that really disturbed me. It was called "He's Just Not That into You," and it was such a sad/happy/funny/pathetic statement about the morality and confusion in the dating scene today.
On one hand, it was a real eye-opener about the difference between the way girls are conditioned to sort of rationalize boys' words and actions, and what boys and men really mean by them.
The movie begins with a little girl of about 4 building a sand castle in a park, when along comes a little boy who immediately pushes her and repeatedly tells her that she smells like dog poo. She goes to her mommy in tears, and her mother says, "Do you know WHY he did that to you?" and explains that the boy REALLY just likes her and that's how he shows it.
WHAT? I remember that same comforting lesson being taught by MY female relatives any time some boy pushed me or hit me! WOW!
Then, as shown in the movie (and as I recall in my own life) after a break-up, the best friends always said something like:
"He's just insecure about your strength."
"He's not ready for a commitment."
"He just got out of a relationship."
"He's not good enough for you."
That was the first 5 minutes of the movie. My head exploded after minute 10.
One of the main characters was a guy who was helping a sweet & innocently hopeful, semi-desperate, stalker-type girl navigate the dating scene. He pointed out the little things that guys said and did - things that seemed like the guy was interested but were really ways of blowing the girl off. It was amazing. For instance, "Give me a call" meant, I'm NEVER going to contact you.
The most hysterical part, tho, was when a guy told the girl that he was "going out of town and wouldn't be able to be in contact for a while." The male 'counselor' says to the girl, "'No way to contact you?' Where's he going, New Guinea? Somewhere they don't have phones?" I mean, I would have believed the guy and waited to hear from him...
But what her friend's advice came down to was, "If he really wants to see you again, he will find a way."
There was one tragic part of the story concerning a married man who met a beautiful girl at a grocery store and started to flirt a bit. Then caught himself and told her he was married, BUT still gave her his work number so she could contact him and get a reference. When she called, he decided it would be okay to meet with her. He did remind her in his office that he was married, BUT also said that he was totally attracted to her and that she was hot.
Then he shows up and takes her Yoga class, and they discuss how it's okay to be friends, even though he can't stop thinking about her. Afterwards, she asks him to go swimming, and he says no (say it with me) because he's a married man, so she strips and jumps in. Because he's such a spot-on fellow, he won't go in with her, BUT it's okay to watch.
Eventually, the guy rationalizes himself into adultery then gets dumped by his mistress- who finally loses respect and hates him because he'd treat his wife so horribly. WHAT? And, of course, a sad, sad divorce follows. Well, at least he got pay back.
But most pathetically, his sweet wife took all this guilt on herself because their lack of intimacy had been because of her. And we're kinda supposed to be a little bit okay with that because she IS a bit of a control-freak, ya know. What? WHAT?
It's so sad to live in a time when it's considered harmless for men to look at other women and flirt a little bit. And when it's a given that they'll most likely stray if their "needs" aren't met. And that their women are partially responsible.
I'm so grateful to be a member of the Savior's church and have the commandments and Temple marriage and covenants. I can't imagine living such a hollow and 'chancy' life. I'm amazed at what a wonderful blessing it is to have a husband who is so loyal and good that he won't even look to see if a girl is 'pretty' when I ask his opinion. I am so thankful to be able to trust him and know that he trusts me - and that no matter what happens to us or between us, and even though it does and WILL take hard work,
we're in it for eternity.
On one hand, it was a real eye-opener about the difference between the way girls are conditioned to sort of rationalize boys' words and actions, and what boys and men really mean by them.
The movie begins with a little girl of about 4 building a sand castle in a park, when along comes a little boy who immediately pushes her and repeatedly tells her that she smells like dog poo. She goes to her mommy in tears, and her mother says, "Do you know WHY he did that to you?" and explains that the boy REALLY just likes her and that's how he shows it.
WHAT? I remember that same comforting lesson being taught by MY female relatives any time some boy pushed me or hit me! WOW!
Then, as shown in the movie (and as I recall in my own life) after a break-up, the best friends always said something like:
"He's just insecure about your strength."
"He's not ready for a commitment."
"He just got out of a relationship."
"He's not good enough for you."
That was the first 5 minutes of the movie. My head exploded after minute 10.
One of the main characters was a guy who was helping a sweet & innocently hopeful, semi-desperate, stalker-type girl navigate the dating scene. He pointed out the little things that guys said and did - things that seemed like the guy was interested but were really ways of blowing the girl off. It was amazing. For instance, "Give me a call" meant, I'm NEVER going to contact you.
The most hysterical part, tho, was when a guy told the girl that he was "going out of town and wouldn't be able to be in contact for a while." The male 'counselor' says to the girl, "'No way to contact you?' Where's he going, New Guinea? Somewhere they don't have phones?" I mean, I would have believed the guy and waited to hear from him...
But what her friend's advice came down to was, "If he really wants to see you again, he will find a way."
There was one tragic part of the story concerning a married man who met a beautiful girl at a grocery store and started to flirt a bit. Then caught himself and told her he was married, BUT still gave her his work number so she could contact him and get a reference. When she called, he decided it would be okay to meet with her. He did remind her in his office that he was married, BUT also said that he was totally attracted to her and that she was hot.
Then he shows up and takes her Yoga class, and they discuss how it's okay to be friends, even though he can't stop thinking about her. Afterwards, she asks him to go swimming, and he says no (say it with me) because he's a married man, so she strips and jumps in. Because he's such a spot-on fellow, he won't go in with her, BUT it's okay to watch.
Eventually, the guy rationalizes himself into adultery then gets dumped by his mistress- who finally loses respect and hates him because he'd treat his wife so horribly. WHAT? And, of course, a sad, sad divorce follows. Well, at least he got pay back.
But most pathetically, his sweet wife took all this guilt on herself because their lack of intimacy had been because of her. And we're kinda supposed to be a little bit okay with that because she IS a bit of a control-freak, ya know. What? WHAT?
It's so sad to live in a time when it's considered harmless for men to look at other women and flirt a little bit. And when it's a given that they'll most likely stray if their "needs" aren't met. And that their women are partially responsible.
I'm so grateful to be a member of the Savior's church and have the commandments and Temple marriage and covenants. I can't imagine living such a hollow and 'chancy' life. I'm amazed at what a wonderful blessing it is to have a husband who is so loyal and good that he won't even look to see if a girl is 'pretty' when I ask his opinion. I am so thankful to be able to trust him and know that he trusts me - and that no matter what happens to us or between us, and even though it does and WILL take hard work,
we're in it for eternity.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Playing Footsies!
If I had money to spend on unnecessary stuff, I would buy racks and racks of colorful and fun high heels.
But I don't have enough paper money, so I'll have to settle for paper shoes.
Now I wish I could be paper doll.
But I don't have enough paper money, so I'll have to settle for paper shoes.
Now I wish I could be paper doll.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
waitress, there's pink glitter in my soup
Ya know what's a funny word?
"Yarn."
Another funny word is sherbet, which is what this yarn looks like.
More of my "who made THAT up?" words are:
morsel
nougat - I mean, even the spelling is bizarre!
yogurt
Actually, I think "morsel" is my favorite, but where in the world do
you find a picture of a morsel? Unless you use a morsel of nougat, but the only way I could think of to do that would be to bust a Baby Ruth bar in two.
Easier to search "yarn."
"Yarn."
Another funny word is sherbet, which is what this yarn looks like.
More of my "who made THAT up?" words are:
morsel
nougat - I mean, even the spelling is bizarre!
yogurt
Actually, I think "morsel" is my favorite, but where in the world do
you find a picture of a morsel? Unless you use a morsel of nougat, but the only way I could think of to do that would be to bust a Baby Ruth bar in two.
Easier to search "yarn."
Friday, February 20, 2009
Signing Up...
I was looking at unique vintage signs
and found a wonderful
"Underwood Motel" sign.
Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a way to get it on
here, so we'll have to settle for this one!
Those ears must be massive when you consider the size of
the business' 'subtitile:
Jerry Reynolds Photography.
and found a wonderful
"Underwood Motel" sign.
Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a way to get it on
here, so we'll have to settle for this one!
Those ears must be massive when you consider the size of
the business' 'subtitile:
Jerry Reynolds Photography.
What does the guy photograph anyway?
Rabbits?
T.V. Antennas?
Makes you wanna say, Hmmm.
Rabbit Ears
Originally uploaded by Jerry Reynolds
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It's Spring in February - Welcome Jays!
One of my favorite things in life is the yearly return of the blue jays. They're arrogant, bossy birds that love to squawk their disapproval about - well, everything. They commandeer the bird feeder, and if another bird is within 15 feet and the size of a mouse, they send him scooting away.
Reading the above, I was startled. Could it be that the blue jay reminds me of myself? It's quite a scary thought! Especially that I might be guilty of commandeering food and scaring everyone away.
Hmmm. Maybe I should work toward becoming a duck. Everybody loves a duck.
Reading the above, I was startled. Could it be that the blue jay reminds me of myself? It's quite a scary thought! Especially that I might be guilty of commandeering food and scaring everyone away.
Hmmm. Maybe I should work toward becoming a duck. Everybody loves a duck.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Happy President's Day!
This is a negative titled "G. Washington's teeth."
I'm assuming they belonged to President George.
Or maybe they were teeth being subject to electroshock therapy.
Either way, they're cool, huh?
I'm assuming they belonged to President George.
Or maybe they were teeth being subject to electroshock therapy.
Either way, they're cool, huh?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Cub Scout Pack Meeting Tonight
Going to the Fire Station.
Been to a Fire Station.
Fun then.
Not excited tonight.
But know I'll like it when I get there.
Burn, baby, burn.
~~~
This could well be a haiku if haikus were actually written in this style.
Firetruck 05
Originally uploaded by SepiaBillo
(flickr.com)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Gingerbread Victorian
Phew!
I started this at about 10 this morning (baked the pieces last night) and just finished it ~ it's 2 a.m. What a job!
I used about $200 worth of candy and sugar, but aside from the pain of spending that much, the real work was making it stay together! I probably used 45 or 50 chopsticks and lots of shishkabob (sp) skewers to keep it upright.
I really hope that UPS gets it to Tulsa okay.
(okay, I'm lying.)
I started this at about 10 this morning (baked the pieces last night) and just finished it ~ it's 2 a.m. What a job!
I used about $200 worth of candy and sugar, but aside from the pain of spending that much, the real work was making it stay together! I probably used 45 or 50 chopsticks and lots of shishkabob (sp) skewers to keep it upright.
I really hope that UPS gets it to Tulsa okay.
(okay, I'm lying.)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Here Comes Suzie Snowflake!
That was a great song. Why don't they play it on the radio anymore?
Big News! I bought the first Christmas present of the season today. I needed to go to Walmart to buy some tinfoil pans, and happened upon a couple of things that looked promising for Sid. So all of THAT pressure is off!
I'm sure by Christmas eve I'll have Mark and Scott's gifts all set, too. Walmart should be open late.
Yikes.
Big News! I bought the first Christmas present of the season today. I needed to go to Walmart to buy some tinfoil pans, and happened upon a couple of things that looked promising for Sid. So all of THAT pressure is off!
I'm sure by Christmas eve I'll have Mark and Scott's gifts all set, too. Walmart should be open late.
Yikes.
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