Mocha Moment

Some of my favorite ways to have coffee are

to add some thing like the above pictured cup with

some mint chocolate chip ice cream in it.

Or a packet of sugar free cocoa and four

mint chips m-m good!

Prayer Shawls

Trying out some links from my photo bucket here.

I started a new project random striped prayer shawl.

Finished up a couple lap robes last week

one in random stripes white gold & orange,

and the other one was solid gold.

Like this one in process

only in different colors.

I dream of making a crochet prayer shawl or poncho

similar to the photo below, I like the black between each square.

The crochet granny squares I do are

more similar to the one in the next picture.

Road to Recovery

My road to recovery have been slow.

I was weak in the fall and winter last year

hurt my back / arm some how I and could not do much

hubby had to help with house work laundry dishes etc.

it hurt to type on the p/c.

We got a new grand daughter

she was born last fall and is nearly a year old now.

This year for mom's day I had dear son reformat the pc and

lost a bunch of stuff.

I have my strength back for the most part now yea!

I started to resume my exercise in the spring and

had to fight to regain my strength but have had success

in that and this summer I've got back walking then progressed

to mowing, and working in the garden. This fall I planted

some new bulbs I could not do that last year.

I enjoyed the farmers market this summer.

To survive this economy. We've sold some stuff 1500 Vulcan classic

motor cycle and the ATV's this spring and the ATV / motor cycle cargo

trailer. Retirement is way different than we anticipated.

In early summer we a yard sale and got rid of a lot of clutter.

I stayed pretty close to home this past year but I was able

to get out and see the demo derby and dirt bike enduro cross

races son-in-law and dear grandson were in racing dirt bikes.

Hubby used to do that when he was in high school also.

We did a lot of tree pruning and took out

a smallish maple tree this year and some stuff that

had died in the heat last year we

hauled off loads of branches that was great exercise for both of us.

I knit up prayer shawls, crocheted lap robes and

puppets in the spring and through out the rest of

the year too. The grand kids love the puppets and

lap robes came in handy at dear grand sons flag football game.

Fall cleaning has begun just in case we have any holiday gatherings here.

I think it's my turn to cook. If not it will be clean any way.

I'm happy to be able to do this again now.

I've simplified quite a bit of stuff and

do less decorating we gave up on doing holiday outside lights

decided we are too old to be climbing up on the roof in the cold weather.

Hum... wondering if that excuse will be good for gutter cleaning after

leaves are down LOL!

Back From Vacation

We're back from vacation last week we went to the mountians.
We went on motor cycles this was refreshing and fun.
Hubby did some fly fishing his new hobby.
I took a novel did some reading, rested and regrouped.
Loved the full breakfast where we stayed the first night.

While we were vacationing we found a community days event
where we were staying in a place not far from here.
Orofino's Lumberjack Days and county fair were under way
we enjoyed the brief displays and booths and vendors
in this small logging town.
Was the first stop 30 miles from home at a new motel.

Then next day was at three rivers in Lowell Ida.
a place we've stayed before with only one TV channel
more reading and rest for me while hubby checked out
places to fish, saw three moose and a bear.

We came home between jaunts to do laundry
restock some supplies and repack the motor cycles.
I was grateful for my new chaps when we saw a downed bike
with the rider on the ground waiting for the ambulance.
We drove extra careful and heard more details when we stopped for lunch.

Then we were off to the Oregon border and to Wallowa Lake area.
One of our favorite spots to camp and vacation.
The salmon were spawning and we enjoy walking by the creek
to see this. Even though I've seen this before it always amazes me.
We rode the tram aka gondola to the top of the mountains and
too the hike on the trail that told about tundra and other
points of interest with breathtaking views.
It was the last warm week of summer
with perfect timing we arrived home one hour before the fall rains came.

Play Time!

Last week hubby got another motor cycle a Vulcan 1,500 it's what they used to call an 88. He's happy and so am I. I've been riding his other bike calling it mine now it's a Virago 1,100. I used to ride my own machine all the time. . I had a virago 1,100 and a Vulcan 1,500 classic both. It's is like motor cycling is renewed
and it's new all over again how fun is that?

Life got busy the kids moved back home and grandkids arrived keeping me involved in their lives with granny duty for several years now the kids have moved out and the grandkids are in school. We bought a camper and then got the A.T.V.'s. Now I'm getting time to play!

We have a two bike trip planned for a mini vacation this month
while the weather is still good here.
We’re going to Idaho mountains up highway 12 to play will be fun.
Then coming home for a day and back out on the road towards Ore. to see more
scenery in the Wallowa lake area I love seeing all the trees.
Hubby wants to do some fishing. I'm looking forward to the down time
to relax read and do some sketching.

My e-mail is down.
We finally got my insulin dialed in; for now anyway the dosage is good.
I had high readings the past ten days or so and that was quite a challenge made me
irritable and not feel well and I slept a lot.
Today I woke up with an on target blood sugar reading yea!
I had a great dr's report yesterday.

Last night I was going through my books
trying to decide what to take to read on the trip.
With limited space I can take one maybe two.
I have a milk create on the rack for some of my stuff
on the back of the bike I'll be driving .
Hubby jokes that I have "baggage" now
with all my meds., I was teasing that I wanted to put
wheels on my easel and tow it behind so I could do
some painting while we are up there.

The other day I took the cook books that did not
have carb counts and nutritional info. in them to the library for their book sale
next month. My sis said mom had a blast at the book store and found
some with carb. info. and was going to send me some.
I found some at the thrift shop too.
So I'm looking forward to the holidays
can you say sugar free pumpkin pie?
The ast. mgr. at the store said he could order some in!
Trying to decide on peach apple or pumpkin maybe all three
for the freezer!

Getting My Life Back!

I’m getting my life back one day at a time.

Last weekend we went to the car show ‘n’ shine one day and
the next we went ATV –ing. I did great except for
over doing it on the snacks a bit.
I took a hike in the field today my activity level
is back up to what it was before I got ill.

My birthday day is this week we've been trying to make plans for this some snafu's and had to do a U-turn with one of my choices
because of too many carbs at one of our favorite Mexican eateries.

I've been doing some chores at home,
I mowed last week needed to get my blood sugar down,
dishes & laundry with trips up and down the stairs
is great exercise trying to get a few things done up
before next week if only they would stay done!
My blood is good my heart barely gets going until
I’m on a hill on my walks LOL!

I filled a journal last month and I was reading it and
over the past month have had a long list of answered prayers.
I got a good report from the dr. and have
progressed to the next phase of this;
moving off the sliding scale and on to carb. counting
for my insulin doses.

However the news is not all good;
the buyers of the house backed out they lost their jobs;
the local paper mill did not renew their contract
for these over the road truckers,
we know another family effected by this too
one of our son's good friends.

This past week I've decided to try a bit of sewing and
I was delighted to discover that I could see to thread the needle
on the sewing machine with my regular glasses and
I hemmed some pants, I also knit up a dish cloth, and
I'm crocheting up a puppet for dear grandson’s birthday
I was glad to get these things done.

My Life Flight!

After a visit to the dentist in August
I had to go in to the E.R. Hubby drove me after that
then things got pretty fuzzy for me.
I was life flighted to the nearest big city hospital;
my blood sugar level was 1,000 death was knocking at the door.
I spent a couple of days in ICU
they saved my life getting my blood sugar under control.
I was in the hospital nearly a week.

I have type 1 diabetes now a month out of the hospital.
This is not how I wanted to check helicopter ride off my
life goals list!

No surprise; as I had gestational diabetes and was pre-diabetic
our son has type 1 also so we knew the drill.
Hubby's granny was type 1 also he has been good with me.

I have insulin pens;
the worst part is having to wait to eat
take blood sugar tests, then give self shot,
count carbs. write it all down eat.

I have a diabetic refill pack of pages for tracking food, meds. & exercise
from the day runner co. for my planner.
Before that I was just using a mead comp. note book
it's a good thing I like to journal.

I had to wear two pr. of glasses for a while.
I'm so glad to be able to see with my regular Rx of glasses again.
I've been to the dr. several times; eye dr. and dentist more work needed
not looking forward to that.

I have new a.m. and p.m. meds. plus blood sugar tests, shots of insulin 4 times a day now. Hubby said I'm being cynical when I say after my shot
"I get to live another day".
Any day above ground with out I.V.'s in my arms is a good day!
I have such a different out look on life now it's just great to be here.

[I made it to our son's wedding three days after I got out of the hospital and did not faint that was my goal! I just had to show up!]

Help Grandma's Stuck in a Snow Drift on her AT.V.!

This week when we went on an A.T.V. outting
I got stuck in a snow drift; hubby said
“Well it looks like I’m going to have to winch you out with this ATV. "
A twinkle in his eye and a slow grin comes across his face!
I got to see how the winch comes out
and learned how to use the four wheel drive button
I’ve not used it much before.

The hitch was great to hook to for being pulled out from behind.
The camp ground we were headed for had four feet of snow still great big trees down so we had to turn around there and head back.
I got stung so I grabbed a hand full of snow to put on it;
that helped. It was great weather and perfect for riding.
No not to worry I’m not allergic to bees thankfully.
It’s only like a few miles [maybe four] to the ranger station
but that last four miles was not passable yet;
We had a blast!

Tomorrow is an A.T.V. meeting and I suppose they
will want a report on the roads and the conditions.
The only game we saw was a chicken crossing the road
that almost ended up in the chicken and dumplings pot that
we had for lunch!

Hubby fished a bit as I just sat and relaxed
taking in the view.

The creek is way up and brown from the run off.
Flooding in a few spots from beaver dams and
lapping inches from the bike path.
It’s a good thing that the weather is cooling off a bit.
We came home started watering it was 89* in the valley here;
the neighbor kids were splashing around in their pool.

Collage Graduation

Our son in an interview was on the front page of the
local news paper here is part of it.

A communications major, who is also student body president,
said he’s looking for a job in something that will pay back student loans.”

At 33 he said it took five and a half years to graduate because he
switched from a pre-radiography major early in his collage career.

It’s tough when you come back [to school] as a non traditional student with no saving account to speak of, still his two daughters 7 and 8 said they were proud of their dad and would be happy that he’d have more time to spend with them. “Some times he can’t come to dinner all the time,” the younger one said “He’s really busy.” She's looking forward to family dinners together again!

March is not for Wimps!

My word for 08: equip

In Feb. we staged the house,
it's scary when you have enough stuff to decorate two homes!
More open houses still waiting on a buyer.

March has been very busy here for us.
School spring concerts;
time change;
Easter was here we did a B.B.Q.
Add to the mix a couple of birthdays.

I got some precious solitude time
when Hubby went on a couple of group ATV rides;
one was in the snow at night! The other a day ride.
He went fishing a couple of times too.

Spring bloom has arrived here.
We are enjoying that.

I've been to the eye dr. for a new Rx;
good news my eyes have changed for the better!
I need to get used to these new readers and
see if they work before getting the others.
Readers are not so good for the PC keeping that in mind.
I ordered in cute frames in so that is good.
I'm frustrated at how long this takes.
I've been using an old Rx.

December / Jan.

Me in front of job site house
rock work is done
realtor's tour is over
septic system is in
mid. Jan. open house was a success
another open house will be in 2 weeks
people were out in droves we had great weather for this!

We finally sold this one and took it in the a$$ b/c of the down mkt.

http://www.tb.com/detail.asp?ListingId=312535&Mode=6
pics on inside at above link.

November Progress!

Garage Doors are in!
Kitchen floor is down too
but you can't see that from this picture.
Rock work is on.

Property is listed.
Carpet is down.
Tile is down and grout is sealed.
Counters are in.
Cabinets are done.

House is staged
tree is up.

Still to do
two towel racks
a few shelves
put gutter back up
septic system to go in
some clean up.
Take pics.

October Progress!

The back-hoe has been leveling the dirt digging
the trench for the water line and ready to
dig hole for the septic system to go in.

Most of the laminate flooring inside is down.
and it's looking great!

The flooring is glued down in laundry and main bath room
it looks wonderful; tile is down on the entry way and master bath room
it looks awesome lighting is working now too.

Picked out cultured stone to go on soon as it gets in.
Oct. was a productive month!

Custom cabinet guy hurt his hand so we had a delay
on those they should be done in Nov.
Gutters and doors have been ordered.
Delay on carpets.
Some of the subs. have been hunting!

Siding & Paint Progress to Report

This week:
Siding is to be completed;
sheet rock is up and done;
interior paint is done.
Exterior paint going on weather permitting;
order doors .

Realtor has people that want to see it
so they can pick the flooring etc. they better hurry.
We are getting positive comments about the floor plan;
and the large garage!

Next Month:
Custom cabinets are being built as I type this and
will be done by Nov. 1 that is the target date.

Roses With Roots

I'm doing great did get lots of gardening done today;
roses, berries, bulbs are moved;
and I planted new tulip bulbs in pink white and purple,
and onions by the three new roses I put in yesterday.

Last week I got two more fruit trees planted
a red plum and apricot.
Gardening is great exercise too!

Siding

More progress!
This is a view from the back
with the siding on.
The pluming is in now too.

Dream Home Pics.

Top:
Bay window framing is in and more roof trusses are up!










This is the back view of the house more trusses up over the dining room where French doors will be that open out to the deck patio area.
A patio or deck will be off the master bedroom.
It will be white with med. brown accents on the exterior
and earth tones interior unless some one buys it and
changes that. [People are already asking if the house
is for sale!]

Fire!

On my walk today I took this photo with my camera phone
in the distance you see smoke rising from
fire in the area from dry lightening we had last Friday
it's where we where we ride ATV's, and used to go boating
up Hell's canyon.

Garden Wedding

Over dinner for our 34th wedding anniversary was last week hubby and I were laughing because I told hubby I wanted to get married in a wheat field ie [stubble field] remember we are from the hippie days; I wanted a ring of daises in my hair. Hubby's family were farmers I thought it would be a nice touch. Mom vetoed this idea she was right. So I settled on a garden wedding. Boy was that a lot of work! Hubby said he got in on the preparation for that. Mom sewed the dresses and a lady from the church made the cake we used a recipe for the punch from my grandma's and & grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary celebration mom had to get the recipe from my aunt.

It was a simple affair 104 guests very memorable. T-storm the night before had us picking up tree limbs the morning of the event off the lawn.
My wedding bridal bouquet was not what I'd expected and I wept over them my aunts rescued them. Granny grew delphiniums in her garden those baskets were in front of the mock orange in the yard bloomed and were fragrant as we said out vows that we had written. The day was not too hot just perfect! The photographer, was a guy at the church that had been doing it for his work in the basement and the pictures turned out well.

We had a potluck after ward and people kept waiting for us to leave;
the photographer pulled us aside and said we should stage an exit even thou we were staying for the meal so I changed and we went around the block and came back for supper.

ATV Ride

ATV-ing was great fun for us this weekend. Hubby and I got separated and I found an awesome trail to ride on and picnic spot. We saw a dead rattle snake in the road on the way up; on my walk this morning I saw a humming bird; and some wild canaries up in the mountains, hubby saw an eagle some deer. The smell of the forest was great.

When we got home we cleaned up the ATV's and put them away and the stuff that we used for this picnic ride in Washington. Praising God for a safe return trip home after a close encounter with a deer hubby had to swerve to avoid. The huckleberries are not ripe yet but the blackberries around here are just now coming on.

Dear son and dear grand daughters came by for a visit. He loved hearing about our ride!

Dear son in law stopped by to deliver the trailer they borrowed for a camp out in Idaho by the one of the hot springs in the central part of the state. I got paid for some work last month so this is great.