Sunday, December 2, 2012

Grandma Marina's 100th Birthday Party

Back Row:  2nd Cousin Cathy, Auntie Alice, Cathy's daughter Catie, Uncle John.  Seated:  Grandma & Aunt Katie
Back by the door:  Cousin Paul; Front: Grandma, Aunt Gloria, Cousin Guy.  Grandma is holding her '100' napkin

Photos of Grandma

Auntie Alice - Such a hottie.  I love how she dresses! She is one amazing woman

Uncle John.  A man with a heart of gold

Cousin Bobby is behind Aunt Gloria (who looks ALOT like my mother), and Aunt Rachel's fiance is on the right - Bob?

Grandma and Auntie Rachel

Thanksgiving Weekend I went to California for my Grandma's 100th birthday celebration.  The party was on Sunday from 2-5.  I actually flew into Sacramento on Friday, after driving to Boise from my casa, and stayed with my friend Erin until the party.

Erin drove me to Milbrae for the party, and drove me to the airport bright and early Monday morning.  She did a good job of keeping me 'grounded' (I tend to panic when I am not around my kids, especially out of state, I feel 'lost' - and as if I am doing something terribly wrong if they are not with me).

It was too expensive to fly into SF.  And the weather is never ideal this time of year to drive straight to CA.  Had it been in March, I would have drove and brought the kids.  Part of me still feels guilty for going!  I wish I would stop doing this to myself, and just give myself permission to go, have fun, relax. 

Anyway....

My grandma is 100!  She didn't recognize me, and that is understandable.  It's been a few years since I have been to see my mother's family (my mother and I are estranged).  My Grandma has done so well all these years.  She was feeding herself at the party.  And she looked absolutely lovely.  I hope if I make it to 100, that I follow in her footsteps!

I am so grateful to my Aunt Alice, Uncle John and Cousins Guy and Paul for taking such good care of her.

I do regret that I could not stay longer with my family. I'm sure they thought I was rude. I did not want to talk about my divorce, and what I am doing, and how my life is, and all that stuff. 

I wanted to the party to be Grandma's.  And for everyone to celebrate her. 

On my bucket list is a visit to the bay area again, when I can take the kids, and when there is time to just visit amongst ourselves. 

For my family members, thank you for understanding.



Sunday, November 18, 2012

Baby Cakes - Card

Card for Troy (click to enlarge) (Paper Smooches stamps, Basic Grey papers)

I got asked to make a baby card for a 'coworker' at the place that I spend the majority of my life at, aka, work!

So - I finally just got it done.  Not like I had time anyway.. I had a busy weekend! With lots of fun tossed in!
 Below is a chronical of the events.. don't feel obligated to read it.  This is for me, for those days when I say 'I don't do a darn thing'.

Friday night, after working all day, I didn't get home until 9pm. Jake had two basketball games (started at 5pm - they won both!) , and Sami had practice after the boys were done.  She was done at 8:30 pm. Then, I had to take her to feed her baby goat at the ranch.  We finally got home at 9pm. Another mom had texted me earlier in the day and invited me to go out!  So I did!  I was dead tired at 9pm, but did not want to be a party-pooper like the kids always call me, so I asked the kids if I could go out for a couple hours.  Their opinion matters to me.  They were tired from their day/night and watching shows and they sent me on my merry way.  I am so happy I went!  I always decline the 'lets go out scene' and just find myself being the working and driving kids everywhere mom with no life.  I did not get home until 11:45 pm.. Karaoke was involved.  I sang at the table while others got up.  It was a GREAT group of people!  Ten of us! A very nice group!

Saturday:  Two more basketball games, that started at 10am, but I had to get Jake to the school by 9:15am. He was late - because of all of us wanting to sleep in!  After the games, I took Sami to the ranch, again, to feed her baby goat.  One of her girlfriends came along because Sami decided they were going to go see that new vampire movie.. and it's not like they can walk to the theater, which is 10 miles from my house. I was the driver.

Jake and I saw Skyfall (LOVE!) while the girls saw that darn vampire movie. 

After the movies I took the kids out for pizza.

Then, 'dropped off' the girlfriend (near North Powder - 25 miles from the movie theater) which was a 25 minute drive and took the kids to the ranch.  Their dad was on his way home.

Saturday night I got home at 8:30 pm.  I crawled into bed and read 2 pages from The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

So, today, was my lazy Sunday.  I took my sweet a** time getting things done around the house.  But when I look back on the day, it seems pretty darn busy!!!  This is how the day went: 
  • Picked up all the branches that were littering the yard from last night's windstorm.  An older cowboy walked by the house - he was feeding horses.  Said our hellos.  What a great way to start the day!  But I was dressed silly - in my running tights.  Ha Ha.  Nothing like having tight tights on to scare away the men folk.
  • I reset the Christmas lights timer so the lights aren't on as long in the am
  • washed bedding, rotated my top mattress
  • got more sticky stuff off the floors from when the cat got stuck in the spider traps - I keep finding sticky stuff
  • did my recycling - took 3 big plastic trash bags full and get this.. I still wearing my running tights, a funky hat, and absolutely no makeup - and wouldn't you know it - another handsome older cowboy decided to pull up - horse trailer and all, he was actually wearing spurs when he got out of the truck, and  he did his recycling too!  I was mortified. I caught him checking me out (probably laughing to himself)  but, he made my day.  I love handsome cowboys. 
  •  After that, I went to explore the area for a run.. I drove up a hill by the dump and hiked/ran up coyote peak.  It was about 30 degrees.  Darn cold! After all, there was ice on the car.  Later I got to thinking, that if for some reason I were to fall off that damn hill, the only thing people would have found in my car would have been a Western Horseman magazine that the cowboy gave me.  With his name and address on it!  Tee hee.  No purse, no id, no phone.  I wasn't very smart, now was I?
  • Came home, made a big fat breakfast of potatoes and eggs and re-fried beans
  • took a nap after my big fat breakfast
  • woke, cleaned the refrigerator out of food I have not eaten, did dishes, put some honey on the stove to de-crystallize
  • Then, made the card
Ta da!  That was my lazy Sunday!  Seriously.  I did take my time doing all those things.  

Have a great rest of the weekend!
I'm going to be dreaming about older cowboys.. I tell ya.  I love living where I do!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

25 in 25:Day 2 and Journaling Cards Challenge

Can you spot the journaling card?  It's the inner most layer, with the mini white dotted border



It's Day 2 of 25 in 25 of  Teri's Challenge.  I made a Thanksgiving Card, using a Pink Paisley journaling card from the Amber Road collection.  Can you say hoarder?  I had two complete sheets until I cut into them in the wee hours this morning!

This card is also for the Journaling Cards Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Card Recipe:
Cardstock, ribbon, button, stamp (acorn from Country Blessings Set), ink:  Stampin' Up
Patterned paper: Crate Paper, Pink Paisley
Journaling Card: Pink Paisley
Rafia.

That's it sweet peeps. It's past my bedtime and it's been a very long day.  I made this card between the hours of 5 and 6 am, then went and worked at my day job all day long (after a commute over the mountain with icy roads), and just got back from Sami's Soccer Banquet Dinner.  

To say it's been a full day would be an understatement!
And, I am ready to crawl into bed with a very good book.  Now that's how I like to end a day!  Bliss.

Thank you for visiting!





Monday, November 12, 2012

25 in 25: Day 1

OK.. Call me crazy, but I saw the COOLEST thing on Teri Anderson's Blog.

She and Ashley, another crafty gal, are doing a challenge called 25 in 25.  Make 25 holiday/winter cards in 25 days.  I've decided to give it a try, so I can get my holiday cards banged out!

So, the following card is for a couple of challenges:  The Moxie Fab Square Punch Challenge, and, the Hero Arts Bring on the Bling and Dry Embossing Challenge.

Flat View: So you can see the shine and sparkle: Silver ink and ranger distress stickles. 

Front View (click on photo to see details)


 Supplies:
HA stamps: LL227 Icicle Snowflakes, and CL497 Find Joy (sentiment)
Chipboard Star: Pink Paisley - colored with Colorbox Silver ink and Ranger Distress Stickles, Picket Fence
Bling: HA Gemstone
Yellow polaroid frame: Daniel Flanders - November kit (also had pink paisley star and patterned paper)
Border: Pink Paisley patterned paper, cut with 1/4" square punch, lined up, and also added stickles
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug - sanded to bring out white core
Card stock: American crafts
Sanding block

OK!  So Day 1 is DONE!!!  Only 24 to go!!!

Thoughts: Life Around Here. November 12, 2012

Today I have the day off for Veteran's Day.  I truly am appreciative of those that gave their lives for our freedom.  We are very lucky and blessed to be in America. 

It's Mid November, and we have a winter storm advisory.  Which means snow.  It would be a GREAT day to stay home and craft all day (yes, I have the day off!), but I have to take Jake to the dentist due to an 'accident' that he had on Friday while playing with three other rambunctious ranch kids his age.  The accident involved air soft guns, and basically an 'OK Corral' type of shootout.  Two kids were up on top of a hay stack, while Jake was running around on the ground to hide, and, I'm not sure where the 4th was. This is the story I have weaseled out of them so far (they are all on the basketball team and we had a nice little 'wth' chit chat Saturday before the game - I hadn't seen Jake since Thurs. morning (and I know I dropped him off at school well fed, warm and in once piece - this all happened on his Dad's watch).  Why these kids would aim at each other is beyond me. Jake said Gus wasn't aiming at him.  Sure he wasn't.  Dorks.  A future 'this is how I lost my front permanent tooth story' will be told, no doubt.

Sami has a baby goat named Oliver.  He came to spend the night Friday night (being bottle fed) and did very well!  I live in town, so this was quite the episode to get the goat from the ranch, along with a box setup, and drive it here in my Ford Explorer.  Reverse trip the next day.  No drama with Sami.  Her main goal right now is getting braces on her teeth.  Truly.

I now have a cat.  Rosie.  She came from the ranch, too.  One of our oldest kitties.  She's now in retirement from chasing mice and living in fear from coyotes/dogs/skunks/foxes/mean younger cats and unruly puppies (aka Sami's puppy Carly).  She is now an inside cat. And, doing quite well - except for the 'sticky trap' she got into and the $165 vet bill to clean her up - yeah, sticky yucky mess. 

As much as I am trying to stay focused on the things I am thankful for (I decorated in and out for Thanksgiving), I can't help myself from jumping forward to Winter and Christmas!  I love Christmas! 

Here's the list:
  • Yesterday, while the weather was still nice (34 degrees instead of 18) I got the outdoor Christmas Lights setup on the timer, and replaced two strands.  Right now, at 7:30 am the lights are on.  I appear to have some timing issues. I wanted to get this done when the wind wasn't blowing or snow up to my knees!  My neighbors probably think I am nuts.  (Oh!  the lights went off at 7:35 am!  Cool!)
  • Not related to Christmas but to winter: I also winterized the outdoor faucet and the stupid vents that go under the house.  I say stupid because whomever installed them just used a cheap flat metal plate that doesn't close and is not recessed to install insulation or a cover.  There are a total of 5 of these heat suckers and three are around my bedroom, which is the coldest freakin' room in the house (frigid, and not because of me).  I don't let my bare feet hit the ground - they would be icicles.  So I covered the vents with plastic and taped them down - onto the concrete that surrounds them.  Gorilla duct tape and concrete does not look very sturdy - regardless of what the label says! Probably won't last.  Need a plan B. A way to block them.  Looks like I'll be going to the hardware store today.
  • I picked my 'Christmas in a Box' theme for this year!  Yippee!!!!  This means I can start collecting goodies that match the theme.  (Box that get's sent to close relatives)
  • I need to get my calendar made for 2013 - another gift for close relatives. Snapfish is my friend!
  • I need to get our Christmas Card photo done.  And then order them and send them off, with a short '2012' letter.  My secret goal is to address cards Thanksgiving Weekend and get them in the mail on Nov. 26th.  
  • I really want about 4 craft days to get it all done.  Alone. 
  • I keep 'fake' shopping on line - filling carts and never actually purchasing items.
  • Tree?  A real one.  Ususally the day after Thanksgiving.  But, if the weather and my 'head' cooperate, I will be traveling over the river and through the ice/snow/yucky weather to California for my Grandma's 100th birthday party.
Thanks for reading my epic thoughts!
Time to call the Dentist.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

PS Sparks Challenge - Typography

Click Here to Go to the Sparks Site

The Challenge: Trend Watch: Typography

My Entry - Uses four Paper Smooches Stamps

In the morning light - which I love!
Here is my entry for this week's Paper Smooches challenge.  This time Typography.  I love love love subway art!  For this card I white embossed three different PS sentiment stamps to create one longer sentiment. 

Card Recipe:
Paper Smooches Stamps:   Word Up('for you' and 'just because'); Sentiment Sampler ('you're special); Falling for You (heart).
Card Stock: American Crafts
Patterned Paper - My Minds Eye
Chipboard Star - Pink Paisley
Versamark embossing ink
Ranger Sea Foam embossing Powder

Once again, thank-you for looking and visiting!!!



Sunday, November 4, 2012

PS Sparks Picture Perfect Challenge

Guess who made a card today?

Yep!  After visiting the Paper Smooches Challenge site, I got inspired!




I was inspired by this lovely image, which can be found along with the challenge over at the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge Site:


The colors, the graphic, the simplicity.  Who could resist?

Here is my entry:
Peace, Love and Happiness (click on to enlarge)


Supplies:
Stamps:  Paper Smooches 'Pretty Phrases' (sentiment); CHF Kim Hughes Collection 'Winter Trees' (small star)
Inks: SU & Versamark
Embossing Powder: Ranger - Seafoam White
Cardstock:  SU & American Crafts
Chipboard Star:  Pink Paisley - from the Portfolio Line (altered with yellow ink - brings out the polka dots!)
Felt flag pins:  From a kit I purchased from Danielle Flanders, her Portfolio Kit.

 Well, there you have it!  Thank you for visiting!!!!


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

WCMD - Studio Calico Sketch Challenge

My take on the sketch (click to enlarge and check out the deets)

Susan Weinroth's Sketch (I flipped it)

On Sunday, I made a card for WCMD for one of the Studio Calico Challenges.  This one is based off one of three sketches that were provided.  

This baby took quite some time!  
It's not just any card.  It's one that involved 'lots of techniques'. 
Using my Silhouette Cameo to cut the title
Stamping (three stamps are used on this card)
Layering patterned papers.  Four different ones!
Punching
Inking.


I flipped the sketch since my wooden banner faced to the right.  I LOVE the sketch!!!!   I need to make a ton of cards to get caught up and this one is perfect for lots of occasions!

Techniques and Supplies:
Use of Silhouette Cameo:  Cut file from Kari Bradford (Celebrate U)
Stamping:  Hero Arts/SC Silhouettes (three stamps: heart, circle sentiment, and grid circle)
Punches: McGill small heart, SU scallop and circle
Ink:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks:  Weathered Wood, Barn Door
PP:  My Minds Eye and October Afternoon
CS: Bazzill
Wood Banner:  MME Everyday Wood Banners

Thanks for looking!!! 

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Around Here....

I stayed in bed for 3 days recuperating - read, sleep, repeat.

I enjoyed chocolate cake post surgery

Did not enjoy fasting and having a liquid diet before surgery

A friend took care of me and brought me flowers

She even hung up the curtains in my daughter's room


I had a sweet belated birthday party on Sunday night - still smiling from that
The kids got a dirt bike, sans helmet.  Such is ranch life

I thanked God for the little things and for strength to deal with the big things

This week Ali Edwards had a 52 lifts prompt on her blog.  What a week to solicit 'what is happening around here' eh?  A LOT happened.  Kid stuff, lawyer stuff, doctor stuff.  Heavy on the doctor stuff.  Three procedures, (happened on Tuesday) and of all three, the only 'visual' evidence is that I now have a scar on my left breast.  I did take a picture. But, I am not sharing it. It hurt for the first few days.  It is jagged.  I guess it is hard to cut a straight line on a blob that wiggles around.  Even a 36B blob! Perhaps down the road I can have it turned into something pretty.. I envision an 'x marks the spot' type of thing.  Like hidden treasure.
Kids:  Jake is now playing football.  Well, practicing.  Hasn't had a game yet (he is late to the party, with any luck we will make it to the end of the season unscathed).  I would share a photo, but I can't find where I loaded them!  Sami got to play on the varsity soccer team today instead of JV. Big stuff.
Home: I love fall.  The light.  The leaves. The Harvest.  We live in a beautiful area.  Busted a squirrel burying his stash in my yard yesterday.  Stinker.  And tonight is the Harvest Moon.  Yippee!
People: Felt a lot of love this week.  An unexpected 'let's celebrate your birthday' party thrown by a gentleman friend who had no idea of what I was up against this week.  Sweet treats left by another good friend, and who texted me daily during my ordeal (drugged up texts are funny to reread later). My sisters, who have my back.  And, an angel that took me back and forth and stayed with me while I slept off the drugs.  And, again, my kids.  All I wanted was to have them near me.  Just to hear them.
Noting a Milestone: It's been a year.  This weekend.  A year I have been 'on my own'.

Feeling Peaceful: I am loving where I am.  Who I am.  And those that are in my life right now. 


Sunday, September 23, 2012

Arrrrrr! Recap of 9/19 Talk Like A Pirate Day

My Pirate Flag - Hung outside my office cubicle (my pirate name is to the left, you might be able to click on the photo and read about Captain Anne Vane!)

Rico, Me, Natalie and Julie - Office Pirates in front of Rico's Flag!

Too bad this one is blurry! (Thank goodness for a stash of pirate gear left over from a certain lad's bday party many years ago)
OK.. So, earlier this week was International Talk Like a Pirate Day.  As you can see, four of us dressed up for the occasion.  One of my teammates, Rico, is a self-proclaimed pirate, so we do this to honor his favorite day.  He is also a Parrot Head, and is very excited that he and his bride are going to see Jimmy Buffet in Boise next month.  Arrrrrr!  He is not your typical accountant.

I have to mark this day as another 'Day of Humility in the Life of Andi'.  I brought some 'street clothes' for my other duties that day, and had planned on changing out of my garb.  But, some of my coworkers persuaded me to 'stay dressed' for the day's duties. I trusted their opinion, after all  they are 'high management' types (aka, 'we look so much better when you, our newest teammate, do things like this' types).  So, not only did I 'just' dress up (like a complete idiot), I also went out in public in my garb and shopped, solo, at a local big box store.  None of the other pirates would go with me, and I HAD TO get new ink for my home printer.  Yeah, I did it.  Yeah, I felt like a dork.  The team dork.

But, that was not all!  I also had to facilitate a meeting that evening.  Which I did.  In full pirate gear, again, at the nudging of my teammates. They love me, right? Thank goodness another pirate was in attendance, Natalie.  And, the meeting was off-site, and some of the attendees have never met me.  Ha ha ha.  My real job? Community Relations (and Emergency Preparedness, and other duties like meeting facilitation and grant writing) for my 'agency'.  Lordy. 

The meeting went very well.  But then?

Evening festivities.  Met my team for a celebratory drink - outdoors, in public.  Ha ha ha.  At least 2 other pirates came along!

And that is a recap of one of my days of humility.



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Sweaty Mess and The Humble Teachings of Defeat (HS Soccer)

Sami (in purple) had to 'stay on' this girl

Then there was this other girl and Sami ran up to deal with her too

She was a sweaty mess

As in REAL sweaty, on a Hot, Summer Saturday, game at 2pm

Her coach, giving her some tips (Sami is one of 2 or 3 top players on her team)

This tells a lot.  She was ready for it to be OVER at halftime.

More tips

Yep.  The coach's girl



Sami has entered the world of High School Soccer.  A world apart from our lovely 'Y' soccer that she has played since 1st grade.

She is a bit upset that she did not make the Varsity Team with her BFF.  Nope.  She is on JV.  However, she is one of the star players.  And boy, does she work hard, having to make up for those that don't know the game.

Saturday was rough on our girls.  They played a kick-ass soccer team that danced around them.  Our girls were beat.  AND we only have 9 girls, with no extras to sub.  And all freshmen!  Horror.  Heck, our Varsity team only has 1 senior and a smattering of other grades - and heavy on freshmen.  The other team kept putting in 'fresh' players every 15 minutes, and about 5 or 6 at a time.  They killed them.  Ditto for the Varsity team as well.  STOMPED

But, it was a good teachable moment - about what another team looks like and does when it truly works together. 

Last night the coach had a party for all the girls.  I am glad.  I think she did the right thing in just celebrating them for their hard work and effort. 

Love that coach.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

We Survived: The First Week of School

Jake - First Day of 8th Grade

The Three of us in the bathroom - Waiting on Sami (can you find me?)

Sami, the first day of High School!  9th Grade

Yep!  There they go!  Caught them before they did the big split because of my camera
Hello long lost blogging friends,
These photos are from Sept. 4th, the first day of school.
I always forget how crazy our school schedule is.
The weekends are heaven compared to the weekday of getting these two out of bed and out the door in time for 'getting' them to school and me to work.

Since Sept. 4th we have added to our plates:
  •  Sami playing High School Soccer.  She has a game in La Grande today that I will drive over the hill to go see.
  •  Jake has decided he would like to play Middle School Football.  He is in 8th Grade and has NEVER played before.  Should be interesting, considering he is the smallest guy in his class!
  • Me? Surgery.  Yep.  Scheduled for September 25th.  Three things to be done to me.  Boobs, girly parts, and that 50 thing. JOY.
There you have it!  I'll be back again with other photos, and need to get some addresses for my book plate giveaway!

Monday, September 3, 2012

There's a Chill in the Air. Labor Day Weekend



I'm still getting over the shock of having four of my big ol' Willows 'chopped' (the one on the right was left alone since it is not in the way of the power lines).  I came home one day and was so upset to see these!  My shade!  My privacy! The home to 1,000 happy birds!  Gone. Couldn't they have waited one more month?

I planted mums over the weekend.  Shocked my kids! 

First frost was Saturday morning.  My 'secret garden' (all volunteers) got hit

Down in Baker today.  We honored a fallen soldier.  This sweet man cozied up to me after an hour and we chatted about his service in Korea, and families, and somehow he asked If I am a single mom.  I think he felt sorry for me.  He invited me to his church and he wanted to make sure I was taking care of my soul.   I assured him I am!  He was very sweet and nice.  I enjoyed talking with him.  He had a big ol' gouge and stitches in his cheek from falling yesterday while picking apples.  He only got 2 for all his pain! He talked about how everyone he ever new is now dead - we agreed that God has a plan for him at 80. His little doggy is sure darn cute!  So, why is it that older men will come up and talk to me but not boys my age (50 to 60)! Chickens.

My kids waiting patiently and wishing they ate before we left this morning!

Earlier this evening I could hear this guy flying back and forth out in front of my house.  So, I shot him (with the camera)!
Ah, September.

I love summer, and have such a hard time when it's time to say goodbye to the lovely heat! It takes me a couple of days to 'embrace' the cooler nights and brisk mornings.  Instead of having the front and back doors open to catch a breeze and cool the house down, I am wearing my slippers, fuzzy pants and a sweatshirt, and finding that any open window leaves a cold spot on the floor below it.  It has been in the 30's the last couple of mornings.  Yep.  Cold.

This was our last 'summer weekend'.  Sami starts High School tomorrow (did you HEAR THAT?).  She will be in 9th grade, and Jake will be in 8th.  Aand because my kids go to a very small rural school, Sami has to commute to the big town of Baker to be on a different school's Soccer Team (our school, North Powder, does not have soccer teams).  Get that?  She is attending one school, and playing on another's team.

 OK, see if you can follow this:  I live in Haines.   I work in La Grande, which is 37 miles to the north. The kids go to school 7 miles to the north, in North Powder.  And the soccer team school is at Baker High, which is about 10 miles south of Haines, yet, 50 or so miles from my work, and about 25 miles from where Sami goes to school.  This.Is.A.Logistic.Nightmare. 

I am relying on one of her friends families to get her back and forth (from North Powder to Baker then Back to North Powder) so that I or her dad can pick her up after practice. 

This too shall pass!  She has practice every single week day, from 4pm until 6pm. 

**********
But, yesterday, on Sunday, I welcomed Fall.

I bought some mums on Saturday, and planted them early on Sunday, before church! The kids were shocked!  And, after church, I bought more mums, and this morning they again, made it into the ground.  My kids don't know who I am (she who has great intentions but continuously waters containers).

My trees that were so rudely butchered earlier in the week are still 'home' to a bazillion chickadees.  Thank God for small acts of love. 

Sunday night I made lamb stew for dinner and the three of us watched a sweet movie.

And, today, Labor Day,  was bitter sweet.  I hauled my kids to Baker (after my speed mum planting) so we could stand and hold flags for a 21 year old  fallen soldier who was killed last week in Afghanistan by 'green' fire.  Our little town of Baker is only 10,000 people, and it is the largest city in our entire county.  We left here at 9am and returned at 1pm.  We left without eating breakfast so we could be there on time - the precession was over an hour late, but we stuck it out.  No words can be said about this event other than I feel for his poor mother (he was her only child) and am so very grateful for his sacrifice as well as hers.  Heartbreaking.

When we got home we all just did our own thing.  I even made a card (see previous post)!
And, now, it looks like it is time to get ready for tomorrow!

So long summer.... it was beautiful while it lasted.







2023 December Daily : Monday December 5th

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