Hydrology

Sort of.

The rocks on Grammy's pond waterfall have shifted over the past two winters and were in need of an overhaul. Erkie-pie moved all the heavy rocks for me and I took advantage of a brief spell of warm weather and began rebuilding the waterfall. We went for a longer drop this time with a smooth veil of water. The new rivulet has a nice deep sound as it hits the pond.

***

But then I look back on this picture of the old waterfall engineered by Pierre two years ago. It looks so natural as it fans out on the rocks, splashing and tumbling on the way down. I wonder if I really improved on the original?

Even Stevens

Kharma and Zelda weigh exactly the same amount as of Easter Day. Zelda is almost as tall, but not nearly as long as our lanky blonde girl.

The tug-of-war is now played on an equal basis--although age and treachery still trump youthful enthusiasm.

Zelda knows more tricks than most grown dogs--and she's only 15 weeks old!

Photo Safari

They aren't exactly camera-shy. They're more non-cooperative than shy. Here we are at the Rio Grande Zoo. Do you think I could get them to turn my way for just one family photo op? Not when there was a good excuse like the darling baby chimp right in front of them. I can't compete with that level of cuteness. Instead I have this photo of four anonymous humans who may or may not be part of my family. Hmmm...those buns do look a little familiar.

***

Occasionally they will humor me, but getting a good photo of them is still a challenge. They're looking at the camera, they're posing, they're actually smiling (which I attribute entirely to the fact that they know we'll be waving goodbye in five more minutes). Now if I could just get everyone to keep their eyes open at the same time--two out of three ain't bad. Let's count noses: Pierre, check; Leah, check; Romeo, check; Deni...uh-oh, where's Deni? It's hard catch all four of them in the same place at the same time and willing to pose.

***

Of course, if you can trickflatter a little girl into thinking she's the Lion Queen...you might, just might, get one lucky shot.

Before and After

The front yard before

The front yard after

The little Bobcat--driven, or should I say piloted?--by Pierre gets most of the credit for any changes. It not only rearranged the massive landscaping boulders poorly placed by the previous owners, but also moved soil into terraces, dug a dry creek by the aspen, smoothed everything and revealed many of the rocks and boulders used to finish the dry creek.

***

A pile of granite boulders in the backyard and a slope in desperate need of a retaining wall

Voila! A retaining wall composed of granite boulders

Pierre could earn a living manipulating things with the Bobcat if he didn't want to play with computers! First of all, I'm amazed that he could even get into the backyard--the Bobcat has no steering wheel, just pedals and levers--and he only had about eight inches of clearance between him and the house stucco. Some of these boulders must have weighed a couple tons--I know I could feel the earth shake under my feet when he dropped them into place. Yet he was able to orient them nicely. He smoothed down the construction "piles" into natural-looking hills that enhance the view towards Tijeras Canyon.

Too bad there wasn't a bucket attachment to use like a backhoe. If there was, he could have excavated a trench for the irrigation system. That's the next big project. I'm sure he and his friend Geoff from freshman year at UNM will share a Ditch Witch rental sometime soon. There are soooo many basketball-sized rocks in the soil that I don't envy them that task. I'm guessing that there will be as much pick and shovel action as Ditch Witching.

Our role was that of sounding board, consultant and intermittent rock picker uppers. When you're swinging a pick, there's nothing better than having someone else get down in the hole and remove that rock while you wipe off the sweat! Fortunately, the weather was perfect for heavy-duty yardwork and the soil was nice and soft and moist after the winter.

And yes, the food was deluxe. What can I say? The child has talent at the barbeque--his chicken was exquisite! Yep, Spring Break was fun!

White River

The new granite top was installed today!

The stone reminds me of a storm on Jupiter with all its swirls and bands. It's white with grey bands and golden clouds. It wasn't what I had envisioned originally, but JR liked it and I think it worked out well. It's got plenty of drama and I know I'll like it even more as time goes on.

I'm hoping the new light comes this week. Then we'll see if the old mirror fits in the new space. We raised the vanity height and lost a little over four inches in mirror space. We'll see how far I get on installing the new faucet set before JR comes home.

Twenty-three and a half

Pounds of puppy, that is.

Another six and a half pounds, or about ten days at the rate she's growing, and Zelda'll have caught up to Kharma in the weight department. As it is, she was dragging Kharma across the hardwood floor last night during a game of tug!

She can still walk under Kharma (barely). No more little bear waddle anymore. Her back legs are lengthening rapidly.

sigh...They don't stay little puppies for long.

St. Valentine's Day (or What I Love About My Family)

Happy Valentine's Day to all family, near and far!!!

Some things that I love about you:

I love that you understand I'm so organized that any birthday card that reaches you before your next birthday is actually ON TIME!

I love that you realize I have good intentions but my follow-through is pathetic.

I love that you no longer comment on my blonde hair.

I also love that you never comment on my weight. Oh, how I love that!

I love that you also have cars in your garage, in your driveway or on the curb that you no longer drive and/or no longer run.

I love that you frequently call Grammy to check up on her and keep her company.

I love that we keep in contact although we are far-flung.

I love that when it is An Occasion, you show up.

I love that you will drop everything if you are really needed.

I love your enthusiasm and the sound of your laughter.

I love that you not only tolerate but enjoy my dogs (present and past), even when they chew up your doors and escape from your yard and must go everywhere with us.

I love thinking about you; the thoughts are good ones.

I love sharing memories of swimming, The Ranch, cousins, holidays, pets, The Shop, sprinklers, weddings, various relative, cars, etc.

As they say, you choose your friends, but you get stuck with your family. Well, I'm got lucky when I was stuck with you!!

Ipana--Now with Extra Whiteners!

Needle-sharp and white as death.

(Hissy Cat looks appropriately terrified, but then H.C. always has that expression.)

Candles

Dear Nephew,

Someone has a birthday today! Happy Birthday, Birthday Boy/Tigger/ Pooh's Offspring/HP!

It seems like yesterday that I flew up to Pooh and the Prof's soon after you were born. Now you're so grown up and soooo fun to be around. With interests of your own, enthusiasm for life, and talents that amaze us all.

(Note to adults: Just goes to show that you have to enjoy kids while they are around because they grow from babies into toddlers into children into interesting nephews while you file your fingernails. How does that happen?)

Have a great ZooTycoon-playing, Lego-building, gift-opening day. Or as the inside of your birthday card (which is still sitting in my house instead of being in the mail or at your house) says: Catch all the fun you can!

Love from Nevada

p.s. Just wanted you to know that Kharma personally chewed the envelope, just for you!

p.p.s. Thanks for teaching me to appreciate Transformers and the differences between Autobots and Decepticons.

Young, Blonde, and Famous

Erkie-pie had to work and I didn't. Wonderful mom that I am, I offered to puppysit. Such a sacrifice! I not only took photos, but figured out how to use the movie feature on my camera.

Here she is....



Yes, that is a squat at the very end. Her bladder is the size of a pea. And no, I got absolutely nothing done today and don't regret it a bit.

The Legend of Zelda

Here she is! She's playful. She waddles when she walks. She has a cute little growl. Her master dotes on her.

Five Weeks and Counting

Erkie sent a photo of the pup to my cell phone. Since then I've been showing it to everyone. She's so cute!

Not Much of A Storm

Despite what you might have read, it wasn't much of a storm. Yeah, we got snow--about a foot maybe. But no huge accumulations.

It was (and still is) pretty. Like this photo I took at 9 p.m. Friday while walking Kharma.

But best of all, I have an extra half day of vacation! Why? Because the highly paid wusses concerned managers of our school district have called a two-hour delayed start for tomorrow. Since the morning class only lasts for two and a half hours on a regular day, there is no point in anyone (including ME) going in for thirty minutes. So I get to accomplish just a little bit more--hmmm, now what can I do with an extra four hours...

(Just kidding school-district decision makers--I think you totally have the safety of our children at heart--good call on that delayed start. And yes, I am just aching to get back and see our adorable kidlets.)

I Woke Up in Portland

Rain. Lots of it.

Apparently there is a storm after all, with enough power to make it over the Crest and bring us rain here in the Rainshadow. It's been noisily raining since 5 a.m. and since the ground is frozen, the runoff is beginning to be exciting. Storm drains here and there are getting a little clogged and allowing large puddles to extend onto the roadway. It's cool to drive by and watch the dedicated maintenance men hermetically sealed into their storm gear trying to use their shovels to coax the runoff into the drains. The Truckee is commencing to roar. The Ditch is already half full just from local rain. It had better stop raining and start snowing or I have the feeling that another flood might be on the horizon. We just don't do rain well here.

There's no need for the intermittent setting on the windshield wipers. Just turn them on "fast" and drive. We have the choice of driving the safe yet scenic route in the left lane which avoids the little mini-lakes or using the right lane and spraying glorious rooster tails of water sideways. The wind is blowing so hard that sometimes the splash ends up right on your windshield and you feel like you're driving (or should that be piloting?) a submarine. It's less fun on the freeway because hydroplaning just sort of sneaks up on you even when everyone is driving about 15 mph slower than usual. Just think how much fun we'll have when the temps drop, our wet roads become solid ice and we have one big skating rink in town.

I've discovered that the Forester rear hatch makes a great roof when loading and unloading groceries. Well thought out, Suburu designers. (We now pause while I stop and think about how much I lovelovelove my little red Forester.)

I totally believe in Global Warming. It basically does not rain here. Well, maybe a welcome thundershower in August, but winter rain...no. It snows. That's why I love it here. Snow is beautiful and dry and makes you want to go outside and play. Those were the good old days BGW. Rain is wet and messy and makes mud and makes me want to stay inside and eat fattening foods. If there is any holiday weight gain, I am blaming it ALL on the rain.


p.s. Kharma doesn't like the rain either.

Storm Skeptic

Hunker down and get ready for the biggest storm in five years. That's what they are telling us.
(Long Pause)

I don't want to rain (or snow) on their parade. We'd be thrilled with a good storm--heaven knows we could use the water. I'm just a little skeptical. Weathermen like weather. It's been my experience that they get excited and hopeful about storms, kinda like kids about the cool stuff Santa may bring them.

Judging by the winds that have been blasting around since noon, something might be in the works for the near future. We're hoping the back fence, that is scheduled for replacement this Spring, rides it out and withstands the gusts that are currently making it ripple like a flag in a breeze. But the biggest storm in five years? Please.

They are predicting up to twelve inches of snow down on the valley floor. It was 54 degrees today so it's gonna hafta drop precipitiously (no pun intended) to come close to that.

In our book, a big storm is defined by a minimum of two feet of snow in a 24 hour period. A big storm requires us to shovel the driveway continuously just to keep up with the accumulation. When we get to the bottom of the drive, it's time to start over at the top. This photo shows what happened the last time we had a big storm way back in 2004. That sleek looking mound is, in fact, a car. I didn't see my morning kindergartners for three weeks due to snow days. At the time, I thought the school district was being wimpy about the whole thing since we've driven our kids to school over worse roads. It was kinda nice getting up late and having an extended vacation. Making up the snow days in June when I was dying for school to end was less fun.

Now that I've poo-poohed the whole forecast, I think I'll go out and wash my car and have my sweetie clean the windows. If THAT doesn't bring on a major storm, nothing will.

Alpenglow Farewell to 2007

What a nice way to end a year--a carefree trip to celebrate a birthday and visit farflung family!

We met the very charming Boston Boyfriend (hi, Chris, sorry but not looking at the camera will not prevent you from appearing in the picture), laughed with Atlantic Ariel about her crustacean-collecting forays, viewed the latest decorating masterpiece masterminded by ToolMan who has learned the subtle art of manipulating his clients and ate yet another delicious dinner hostessed by the Cruise Queen.

The birthday girl received roses--gorgeous, fragrant, subtly-blushing pink and altogether beautiful just--like the honoree.

We caught someone raiding the freshly baked bread when he thought we weren't looking. Hey, Grand Dude, good thing there was plenty for everybody else or there could have been trouble!

There was way too much picture taking for some. That's what happens when Cobalt Girl gets an exciting new digital camera of her own. And Kayak Man stops talking canines long enough to get grab his camera too. Good thing we are a camera-crazed family (unless the paparazzi are begging you for just one more shot). How else can we remember these treasured family get-togethers that come way too seldom?

The mountain roads, thankfully, cooperated with snow- and storm-free driving. We even witnessed a gorgeous Sierra sunset touched by alpenglow as we raced down Donner Pass on our way home. Thanks, family, it was a wonderful way to close out the year. Fair skies and smooth sailing to all as we welcome 2008!

Nosed Out

Where did her dark nose go? It was black as a puppy. Even a year ago, it was still dark. Heck, it was dark this summer. Suddenly, she's almost a two-year-old and her Yellow Lab heritage is beginning to show up. Kharma has a pink nose.

(Don't you just love Hissy Cat? She came in Kharma's Christmas stocking.)

'Tis the Season

There were gatherings at Christmas Eve. Grammy's tree was beautifully decorated with old Shiny Brite ornaments. The lasagna my sweetie made was wonderful along with Grammy's new pie crust (courtesy of Martha Stewart) filled with yummy Golden Delicious apples left over from Clayton Girl's orchard this fall. Yeah, there were a few presents too. All thoughtfully chosen and gratefully received. And new ornaments: hard to choose between the parakeet ornaments that match Grammy's two birdbrains and the bell-ringing elf that Tigger made! Then we reluctantly went out into the cold and drove home to prepare for the Big Day.

Christmas day arrived leisurely. First order of business was to give Kharma a much-needed bath. She looks so much cuter fluffy and golden and clean! Then Erkie and Grammy arrived to open presents from our stash and see what things Santa left in stockings. We proceeded to put plane #1 on the roof, watch plane #2 flat spin onto the asphalt and die, and completed the hat trick with #3 making an apparently perfect landing only to discover that the wing looked fine but was actually broken in half. It only cost Santa a couple of bucks (greenbacks, not caribou) and we laughed ourselves silly over the toys.

Santa left Kharma plenty of toys, which she opened gently. She was racing around like a two-year-old on a sugar high with all the excitement. Only two of her toys currently are whole, no stuffing protruding or ears chewed off or holes in the squeakers.

Dinner was delicious. Stay tuned...Christmas part deux, tomorrow.

Christmas Challenge

Okay, family! I know you all have beloved ornaments on your trees and special collections of snowmen/Santas/nativities/angels/houses on display.

You went to all that trouble to put them up...Wouldn't you like to share them? Take a photo, or two, or three and email them to me and I'll publish them for you. Feel free to spin a yarn about your treasures too. If you have a blog post about them, send a link.

It'll be like a large family visit together.

At the very least, we want a photo of your Christmas day gathering.

The ball's in your court. Charge up those batteries and get those digital cameras working. No pressure...we'll post the photos as we get them, when we get them (please notice that WE haven't posted any yet either).

Stay tuned and a come back often for our Family House Tour!

Autobots

I hate to do it, but I think I might incorporate a word verification to eliminate the annoying robot that leaves "comments" on my blog. Comments which are not comments. Comments that are just links to business opportunities--think bloggy telemarketers.

And Blogger, in their infinite wisdom, changed comments so that a profile shows up instead of a link to their blog. Bless their geeky little hearts.

Otherwise I'd be pleased to visit a certain commenter on his site and leave a few meadow muffins strewn about for him to enjoy.

We'll see how long my patience lasts.

Clean

No ironing pile! No scrap fabric pile! No old photos pile! No pattern pile!

When enough projects get completed, the cleanup can begin. Too bad there isn't a before photo to go with this after shot of one of our guest beds. (You didn't really want to see the mess, trust me.) Honesty compels me to add that we also have a clutter-free coffee table, dining table and kitchen table.

I'm not ready for sainthood yet though. There is still a "Christmas" room with plenty of presents waiting to be wrapped and/or boxed as well as a few crafts that are close to completion.

I'm sure it was just a total and complete coincidence that my sweetie arrived back home today from his week living in nice clean hotel rooms! Yeah, right.

Counter Raider

Apparently food left on the kitchen counter is no longer safe, sacred or dedicated to humans. Either that, or apples have begun to mysterious float to the floor by themselves.

Clutter

I always make a huge mess when I'm being the most productive. Reorganize a closet? Prepare to watch me devote two entire rooms to piles and boxes. Get ready for Christmas? Haul in storage tubs from three different locations and live with piles of Christmas decorations downstairs for a week before you can see the floor. Finish Christmas craft projects? Uh-oh. Home Organizer Alert: Every single surface in our home has clutter on it.

I've been ignoring it (selective vision) up to now because I've been getting so much done. It's reached that point that even Shrek would get a little uneasy around this much stuff. I've no idea how my long-suffering and very organized sweetie has survived this long without complaint.

But the fact that he just left on a conveniently-timed business trip is somewhat suspicious.

Buddies

Kharma loves going to the pasture even more when Cody is there. Having a fresh snowfall to romp in just makes it that much better.

That's Cody in front with the K-Dog staying just enough behind to keep the game going. Cody loves snow as much as Kharma. It energized him so much that he initiated the game of chase this time.

Empty Spools

I can't tell you exactly what I've been doing just in case you are someone on the receiving end of my projects. (If you are an adult who has previously received one of my Christmas efforts and not living in my house, Do. Not Worry. I'm not mailing anything handmade your way--you're safe.)

I can tell you that I'm on my second really big spool of thread. Well, technically I'm on it, but only for about another 15 inches and then it too will be toast. I can't count how many times I've rethreaded the bobbin. The sewing machine rebelled after the first ten items or so and insisted on a complete re-oiling. I think it's close to needing another lube job soon.

Yeah, I'm involved in a really marathon sewing event. I no sooner finish one mystery item than I think of someone else who might enjoy one or I find another fabric "theme". I can't count how many times I've been to my local fabric stores, but I know I'm contributing mightily to the local economy.

I've fallen in love with one fabric. I didn't realize how great it looked until I started using it. So I went back for more and used it all up. Then I decided I wanted some just for me (yeah, we're keeping two of the mysterious Christmas items, so how bad could they be? All right, already. I can hear all you past recipients groaning all the way up here. You are not getting one. Even if you beg). Three trips for one fabric. Three trips to the fabric store that is not close. I'm not going to calculate how much per yard this sale fabric works out to when the cost of gas is factored in.

And it's a project that uses up stashed fabric. That's a good thing, a very good thing. I've learned that it IS possible to have too much fabric. You may disagree, but my craft closet is much happier in its new slimmer condition.

I love straight sewing for a change. And French seams are my new best friend. I think I like them even better than serging. They have style and that certain je ne sais quoi. (Don't you love it when you get to sling a little French around?)

One thing leads to another, I've found. This mystery item has meant searching through boxes of fabrics here at home, which means I've also run across previously started projects. And I have energy and enthusiasm and hands and fingers that work. So postponed projects are being finished right and left.

There's a downside of course. One is that the adrenaline rush I get when I'm accomplishing something isn't very conducive to sleep. Another is that there are piles of fabric covering both guest beds, the ironing board hasn't been down for two weeks and it's hard to find a nook clean enough in which to wrap presents. The last is that I not only am involved in the sewing marathon and finishing old projects, but I keep starting new Christmas craft patterns.

The madness continues. Where will it all end? No one knows. It's fun while it lasts though!

Grateful For

blue skies and autumn winds
sons and girlfriends
wet-nosed doggy greetings
surgeons and fingers that work
medical insurance
a good night's sleep
family, near and far
enough food on our plate
farmers
apple pie
yams
fine china
dishwashers
icy ponds
warm jackets and one-size-fits-all stretch gloves
neighbors
sleeping in
loyalty
laughter
smiles
glasses half full
frisbees
hugs
memories

Autumn

I'm not ready for Christmas carols just yet. I'm still enjoying the crunch of leaves and a little Jack Frost every morning. December will come soon enough and our stack of holiday CDs will be playing nonstop. Our home will be taken over by the red-and-green, Santa, snowmen, angels and reindeer overload that I adore.

But for now, the homey hues that remind us of those yummy foods simmering on the stove and fogging up the kitchen window are such a delight after the blatant, showy colors of summer. The heater is on, the down comforter is handy, soup is a mainstay, it's dark at 5:15. Autumn grants us time to slow down and ponder our lives.

The Christmas rush can wait. Anything that's on sale will still be on sale when I'm ready to buy it.

The stitches from surgery number two come out tomorrow (all three of them). CTS has made me slow down and enforced patience which, to my surprise, isn't all that awful. I'm hoping to retain some of the lessons I've learned. Autumn is a wonderful time of year if you slow down to enjoy it and CTS has slowed me down big time over the last five months. Life went on without my to-do list. My self-enforced no-whining zone has brought me new appreciation of my blessings.

My gratitude list is filled with simple everyday joys--and right now, enough sleep at night that I actually dream is at the top.

Our red carpet

Fall can bring such surprising gifts. Like the walk to our door. Very bee-a-you-tee-full!

In the gratitude column, add a surgeon with a light touch. Hand number two throbs a bit, but already feels better than it did pre-surgery this a.m. I can hardly wait tll the stitches are out. It will be like having a real life again. It was a long five months of carpal tunnel and I'm glad to be emerging from the dark.

Off to recouperate and count my blessings.

Old Dog, New Trick

I was bitten by the Scrapbooking Bug a few years ago. I now have

• a decent hoard of cardstock in my favorite colors,
• a membership at my local scrapbooking store where they know my name,
• lots of friends who share my passion for preserving memories before they fade from our brain cells,
• a subscribtion to Memory Makers magazine,
• and a pile of vacation photos taken with future scrapbooking in mind.
  

My current obsession is all the fault of the magazine. For the past year, they have featured more and more articles on digital scrapbooking or, basically, using your computer to do all the work. I never really understood anything about the process, but Saturday was "Digital Scrapbooking Day" (yeah, who knew?) and the magazine featured a free download of some digitial scrapbooking materials. I know enough not to turn my nose up at anything that is truly free, so I downloaded and then realized I had no idea what to do next.

I'm nothing if not resourceful. I googled "how to digital scrapbook" and discovered a wonderful site (www.shabbyprincess.com) with another free download(!) and an even more fabulous tutorial which even I could follow.

Here is the result. Yeah, right now it's just a bunch of pixels floating in cyberspace rather than an honest-to-goodness page that I can put in my scrapbook. I still have to figure out how to manipulate text and rotate elements and about a million other fancy things before I'll be happy enough to have my effort printed. But still, this isn't a bad result for only my second try at this new skill.

And I just realized that using the computer for storage space instead of having my scrapping materials occupy half my desk is pretty cool too! My better half would approve!

The Sinister Side of Life

I still have no date set for surgery on my left hand. I've been unable to get the nurse to call me back and I've been waiting for two weeks now.

The good news is that it is Conference Week with minimum days, so my hand is not getting overworked which usually causes plenty of pain and sleepless nights. I've found that a hotpack each night really relaxes my leftie and so I've gotten some decent sleep recently. My right hand continues to improve and get stronger, although it still has a ways to go. I'm still not able to snap my fingers or open jars, but I can button nicely.

The bad news is that Conference Week will end. And my sweetie needs to take another field trip and can't book it until I have a surgery date. And that the first surgery was scheduled three weeks out...I have no idea if I can survive for another three weeks. The thought that it could be more than three weeks is pretty scary at this point.

I've decided that I can no longer be a patient patient...so I am pulling strings (since I have connections). Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Mummy v. Frankenstein

I've been wearing a cast-sized dressing on my right hand for a week and a half. Being asked what happened, giving the carpal tunnel surgery answer and getting lots of nice sympathy was rather nice at first but quickly got old.

So I've spent the first part of this week telling people who enquire about my huge ace-bandaged hand and wrist that I'm working on my Mummy costume little by little. The kids at school get a good laugh out of that. And all the mothers working on costumes totally identify.

As of this morning, stitches out and dressing gone, now we are going for the Frankenstein look (hey, kids aren't the only ones who are allowed to change their minds about their Halloween costume). I have lovely green and yellow bruises from my palm down past my wrist. I have two cool recently removed stitches (the one on the wrist looks like a gaping mouth which will begin talking any time now. Note to self: possible costume change to Space Alien?). I even have a few remnant surgical signposts drawn in apparently permanent purple marker to add to the overall ghastly Frankie look.

I'll spare you the graphic photos.

Gotta say that it feels wonderful to freely move my fingers and wrist. I can even type for heaven's sake. Better than that, my nerves are regenerating nicely and I HAVE FEELING IN MY FINGERS, folks. Life is good!

What's not to love about this surgery? Please schedule me for wrist #2 as soon as possible!

Touchy Feely

Kinda sorta almost!

I can't believe that the left hand (still with Carpal Tunnel) feels worse than the right hand that was operated on. It has since Tuesday's surgery. Amazing--surgery is like a magic wand that makes the burning pain and tingling go away almost immediately.

And I can feel in 3 out of 5 fingers now.

Next step..stitches out on Thursday.

Carpe that Tunnel

Let's just say that I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...in both hands...and I'm sick of it. And I can hardly wait for the phone to ring. It might be the orthopaedist's office calling to award me a date on the surgeon's calendar. Surgery might not be high on everyone's wish list, but it is absolutely on the top of mine. So high that I'm thinking of having a Surgery Appointment Party to be followed sometime thereafter with an Oh-My-Gosh-I-Can-Actually-Feel-My-Fingers Party. So while I'm dreaming of that wished-for phone call, I thought I'd memorialize the past three endless months of CTS.


Top Ten Things That I Can't Do With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (in no particular order or importance:

1. Get my beloved topaz ring back on my finger.


2. Sleep through the night without waking up.


3. Keyboard without a zillion backspaces.


4. Open jars or bottles of milk, Juice Squeeze, diet Mtn. Dew, sauerkraut, jam, peanut butter, or--well, you get the idea--unless it's already been loosened for me.


5. Put in my earrings.


6. Button my own buttons.


7. Hold the latest Harry Potter novel.


8. Snap my fingers.


9. Throw the puppy's frisbee.


10. Stroke my sweetie's face.

Yeah, CTS sucks. Big Time. Now if only the phone would ring...

Extreme Makeover--Landscape Edition

They live so far east that you can see the Milky Way at night. So far that coyotes sing them to sleep and roadrunners hustle through the yard. It's my favorite part of their house.

We spent a week getting intimately acquainted with their rocks, bushes, and trees. We experienced sweat-drenched shirts in the mornings and afternoon monsoons while we (hopefully) helped with the landscaping. So the holes are dug, the posts cemented in, the OSB nailed on. We started the paper and wire and then deserted them.

By now, the wall has been fully covered with black paper and chicken wire and the stucco is on. The sound of a trickling fountain and the beginnings of greenery are changing the extended patio. There's still lots to do...but at least we helped a little.

Higher Math

I can't believe that I have to "do the math" to figure out how old my kids are! It wasn't this hard to remember last year.

Somehow, as they progress through their 20s, it becomes increasingly harder to just spit out the proper age without even thinking about it. Was it all that long ago that I could tell you he was just 9-1/2 months? I remember when I could tell you he was 5-1/2 years old too.

Of course, when he was a teenager it was excruciatingly important to remember how old he was as we counted through all those milestones (entering high school, first girlfriend, drivers permit, driving test, college applications).

Somehow it wasn't hard to remember he was 20--good grief! I didn't have a teenager any more! And then 21--easy! 22 and 23 though, things got a little murky and I had to think a little bit when asked. At 24, I figure it's okay now if I'm right about what decade he's in.

More worrisome to me is the fact that I can see a time in the future when my boys are actually older than the age to which I will admit--a situation made worse by the fact that I feel about as old as my kindergartners' moms when I'm probably closer in age to their (shudder) grandmothers. Can I say right now that I just love those dads (think mid-life-crisis and second family) who are sending their oldest to kindergarten and are ACTUALLY OLDER THAN I AM? They are soooo good for my propensity to think that I am way younger and tons hotter than I actually am!

But enough about me...

Hippo Birdies to my baby. I hope this photo shows how I proud I am of the way he turned out and how much I love him!

Entangled in a Web

So glad Pooh and family are following my sterling example and beginning a family blog of their own. Actually I think that the Tigger just begged and bugged and wheedled and nagged (successfully). And since he knows his way around a computer, from the requisite gaming to graphics and presentations, it is fitting that he get a little blogspot time.

They are just starting, but I'm looking forward to watching them develop their blog ( http://www.3alwayshumming.blogspot.com/ ) since their life IS always humming whether it's school/work/garden/house/or the hummingbirds at the kitchen window! Have fun, guys!

Bakery Bones

My sweetie is a little jealous of Kharma's attachment to me, I think. I have a secret weapon though. I love making doggy treats. Virtually every pocket in every dress, jeans and jacket has the remnants of a treat feast. No wonder she loves me. I not only smell good, I'm like the ice cream truck is to a kid--irresistible. Unlike the ice cream truck, I pay off continually.

Kharma deserves nothing less than the best. I combine organic peanut butter, skim milk and whole wheat flour, cut, back and I'm set for a couple of weeks. By making her treats myself, I don't have to worry about pet food recalls. Her Peanut Butter Bones are healthy, yummy, cute, and much cheaper than the gourmet treats at our local dog patisserie. I don't feel guilty because they get my patronage for her regular (very expensive) kibble, her walking leash, car leash, collar, tags, dog toys and classes...

We share her treats with best friend Echo. Each batch has a few destined for Echo's delight. Then too, both dogs fetch the Frisbee during daily visits to the pasture and both get a nice treat each time they bring back a slippery Frisbee dripping with nice thick saliva (both girls are Lab or part-Lab). I have to admit that treats that cost next to nothing are pretty easy to dispense freely, especially when I think of how much we used to spend on Charley Bears, or freeze-dried liver or various types of jerky. And training happens much quicker with those rewards coming regularly!

I found the "bone" cookie cutter fairly quickly. It's a big large--I really love the teeny weeny cookie cutter bone that Jeannie has. That was a garage sale acquisition though and I'm not setting my hopes on ever finding one myself. I do love the two new "doggies" though. The one on the left sure looks a lot like Echo and the sitting one is a ringer for Kharma. Now I have to figure out how to make a dark Echo dog biscuit and a blonde Kharma treat...

Fond Fotos for a Friday

Honeymoon memories. (Appropriate since we just celebrated an anniversary.)

We look a bit younger than I remember being. But who isn't amazed when they look back at how young they were?

He got to share places he had visited before. I learned to read a map. He got to eat my camp cooking. I saw petroglyphs. We found out our Datsun didn't climb steep grades all that well and neither of us cared.

Friday's Fun Family Foto

What a cutie! Kindergarten, I think, from the date on the back and the lack of a school uniform.

Funniest thing he ever did: Pop up and show unsuspecting passers-by his face (post-gunpowder explosion) while Mom was picking up his prescription at the pharmacy.

Dumbest thing he ever did: Drop a match in the gunpowder (like his cousin showed him) and then bend down to see why it didn't explode. Boom.

Second luckiest thing he ever did: Blink his eyes just before the gunpowder went off.

Luckiest thing he ever did: Met and married my wonderful sister-in-law.

Smartest thing he ever did: Pick me for his sister.

Locking the Barn Door

Life isn't safe. Accidents happen. Tragedy happens. Sickness happens. Poop happens. I'm with the Boy Scouts and their motto "Be Prepared" though. You can buckle up, look both ways, wear clean underwear, take your vitamins, and not follow your friends when they jump off a cliff.

Is your children's school safe? You can, and should, ask hard questions of your school administrators. Find out their disaster plan. What would they do if there is a code red or a lockdown?

Then look at your child's classroom critically and ask if that plan is realistic. Can the teacher lock the door(s) from the inside? Can the view from the windows be blocked? Is there a place inside where the students can shelter? Could law enforcement reliably and easily ascertain which classrooms have a "situation" and which don't?

I know--scary stuff.

I don't want to be dooced, so I'm just making a suggestion that there might be room for improvement at a school near you.

There will never be a better time for it. Be proactive. Stand firm. Demand solutions. You might save a life.

Spring Fever

Actually my temp is perfectly normal, but my eyes tear up until well after lunch and I carry a little bottle of allergy eyedrops EVERYWHERE. The allergies this year are kicking my patootie, big time.

So when my MSN homepage appeared this morning and I saw a blurb about the 100 worst cities for springtime allergies, I figured that northern Nevada would probably occupy the first 50 cities cited.

Instead I am pleased to say that no wonder my poor dear brother-in-law has so many interesting allergies. He grew up in El Paso--number 13 on the list, folks. Truly horrific. You have my sympathies, Big D, and I'm so impressed that you cart your whole allergy-ridden family there to visit. You guys are saints.

And I always knew Las Vegas wasn't anyplace I wanted to live (although I love attending soccer tournaments there)--poor Vegas, number 19. Now I understand why during State Cup I loved the games, but couldn't breathe, slept sitting up, thought I had pneumonia and barely made it home to Urgent Care. Might have been something in the air.

I'm glad we only get to Albuquerque (number 38) in the summer. And even gladder that Son Numero Uno didn't inherit any hayfever.

For those of you who thought San Diego was one of the primo spots in the States--perfect weather year-round, sports, sailboats, fun--also a few pollens like the weather also. Number 54.

One more reason not to ever want to live in SLC, besides the fact that there are no trees, no water, no style and it's way too big--number 60 on the allergy list.

I'm crushed to find Lancaster PA at number 75. My brain--enamored with Amish quilts, farming and all things horses--is struggling with the idea that it's not all natural and healthy living, it's natural and Claritan-Clear living. Gotta love those drugs.

And, alas, Pooh escaped one cesspool only to land in Portland, number 84. Apparently all that lush greenery reproduces and sends its armies of evil minions directly to her home. Forget Clone Wars, it's more like Spore Wars.

Generally speaking, avoid Arizona and Florida as well as some "cities" in Texas that I've never even heard of unless you like living on antihistamines during the spring.

As the slide show of Cities To Avoid progressed, I got a little nervous. I had started out thinking that we'd be high on the list and then found myself wincing a little as each new slide appeared, hoping that perhaps the City of Trembling Leaves wasn't all that bad. (Amazingly) nothing in the Sierra Rainshadow made the list.

I'm not cured, but I'm much happier as I think of everyone out there so much worse off than I.

Family Foto Fantasy for a Freaky Friday

From our fridge: a fantasy.

There's no longer a beard, long braids, a diaper or shaggy blond hair. In fact, there's no longer even a wild California hillside.

We've all changed. Some have grown up and don't let their mom cut their hair anymore. Some have grown up and shed their baby fat and are rail thin. Some have grown older and gained a few pounds. Fashions have changed and tastes have changed. Sadly, we don't all live in the same state anymore.

This little pic decorates our fridge and brings back memories. Little kids and lots of love. Happiness and simplicity.

Life might be more complicated, the kids are grown and there have been so many changes. But the happiness and love are still there.

The Corner Office

It only took 30 plus years, but J.R. has earned a corner office! His morning commute is incredibly short and he reports almost no traffic--that alone is fantastic. If you look closely you can see the dress code is casual. That may not mean much to him, but makes my laundry load a little smaller.

It's not only a corner office, but it has a window. He's never had a window in his office--we'll see if he can resist the great view and still be as productive.

A downside is the lack of air conditioning (other than breezes sent by Mother Nature) which could be nasty when the weather turns summery. That situation might have to be addressed soon. This place doesn't have good storage either so much needed equipment isn't handily available. Good thing he is quite organized and good thing I'm merciless when culling unneeded items for him!

His immediate superior is a plane-commute away in SLC so he will be doing some travelling similar to when the company HQ was in Valencia. But we are both happy to still be Nevadans rather than relocating like so much of the company employees.

Hoppy Easter

Don't eat all your chocolate bunnies in one day!

Spring Rewards

This adorable little Easter bunny hopped my way via one of my morning kindergartners. I love the way the baker caught the typical bunny hunch (I'm not really here at all, Mr. Fox), those cute chubby toes and tucked-in scut. Bunnies are the best.

He tasted quite nice too. Soft, fresh whole-wheat bread with the perfect touch of sweet honey. I'm sentimental, but I admit that I ripped off his bunny feet, followed by his bunny ears and cottontail and popped them into the oven and then turned to menu item number two...
fresh eggs. Just spoil me rotten and get it over with! A morning kindergartner has seven hens a-laying (oops, wrong holiday) and my Easter gift was a decorated flowerpot filled with eggs. Three brown from the Plymouth Rocks and two green...yes, green!...from one of their more-exotic hens.

Applying the prinicple that any egg older than one day is an old egg...
we proceeded to whip up two cheese omelettes accompanied by the aforementioned dismembered and nicely heated bread bunny. Can you see how green that eggshell is? Amazing!

Teachers may not get the highest pay, but there are other reward--like spontaneous hugs and the makings of a simple but perfect dinner.

Grampa's Brother

It turns out that Mattie was my grampa's brother.

It's not my fault! Nobody ever referred to him as Uncle Mattie. (Not surprising, since I don't call any of my aunts or uncles anything but their name plain and simple. Guess it's a family tradition.)

On the other hand, I always knew that the Red Bluff relatives were Great Aunts and Great Uncles. And I saw them a whole lot less because a three hour drive with three siblings fighting in the back seat wasn't my parents' idea of a nice weekend excursion.

See, blogs are educational!

Fabulously Fantastic Family Photo for a Friday

In honor of Easter...

Four cousins (I'm the one with ribbons in her hair). Vickie and Shelly are older and the little boy is actually the cousin closest in age to me.

Denver was the closest they ever lived to the rest of the family--which makes it pretty impressive that they made the effort to return to the Bay Area to share Easter with my grandparents.

I was always pretty shy and the older girls filled me with awe.

Little Larry however was my bud. We shared Necco Wafers behind the foyer door where the others couldn't look. We made a tent using my daisy quilt with the lumpy cotton stuffing. Inside was our own purple-tinted world filled with imagination. I looked forward to his infrequent visits as his parents added child after child to their family and they travelled in a converted bus (precursor of today's RVs) from Ohio to California.

Then one day, my adolescent pal ran away from home (after an argument with his Air Force dad, as I recall, perhaps incorrectly). Adolescents don't need much of a reason to act irrationally though. He was hit by a car and killed. The news hit me hard even though we were basically strangers at that point.

A future where he and I shared our childhood memories with our offspring instead became a drawer that contains a lumpy daisy-strewn quilt and a fondness for Necco Wafers.