Progress. . .

Last week we had several really grey days and some pretty strong winds.

Today Papa is enjoying a bright sunny day

and putting the soffits up around the house.

Sorry birdies, you'll have to find a new place to build your nests!

Ellie is enjoying the sunshine too!!

From her new spot - a little further out in the sun.
Tim is finishing up the woodwork on the front porch,
next comes the lattice around the bottom

And there is grass growing clear to the back fence!
We have been working hard on the yard.
Here are the fruit trees.And I've done a little rearranging in the kitchen.
Not a lot of room or choices, but this works better for me
than the original setup.







As you can see, we've all been "making hay" while the sun shines.
Tim leaves us soon to return to San Diego.
We will soon be making ready to head south east to see
what awaits for us there.

Quit Pestering. . . .

Since S'te hasn't done it. . . . HEEEEERRRRRREEEEE's CB

He is just over 3 months old

Isn't he adorable!!!

(But please excuse the background!! hehe)

An old song. . . .

It's raining (but only a little)

It's pouring (not until later)

The old man is snoring!!!

Well, we have a little drizzle here and there,

supposed to RAIN tonight (imagine that???)

but the wind sure is blowing!!

and our first class is at 6 tonight.

Another year?

See my pretty rose? I find it hard to believe that they are picking now to bloom. This is one of the bushes that we practically "cut to the ground" as Sallie puts it. Not really, but we took it down to about 3' and there wasn't a hint of a bloom on it! Now it is covered with the prettiest roses. Deep yellow with a pink tint around the edges. No that's not my camera!! It's really the colors on the rose. . . .

Before I went to Klamath Falls and Crater Lake, Keith and Tim had torn the old "porch" off. As is always with older homes - nothing was straight or square or "plumb" (Keith's word) so instead of just "adding to it" - they had to tear it apart and start from scratch. They've worked hard on it between the "stop drops" (Tim's words) and it is almost finished. The fun part was moving Ellie!! Clint got his flat dollie out, 2 big boards and 4 adults balancing, manuvering, and pushing. We got her moved over in front of the bush. Right about where the blue wheelbarrow is in the picture!! She looks really great out there too!!

And last but not least, yesterday was Keith's Birthday!! Columbus Day - Keith's Birthday - a National Holiday! hehe

Clint, Sallie, Keith, and I went to the Coach House with Tim and he treated us to a wonderful dinner. and the dinners were so big that neither Tim, Keith nor I could come close to finishing ours. Of course they were wonderful about "doggy" containers for us doggies to have leftovers. Tim and Keith have both eaten theirs but mine is still reheating.... Keith, of course, had to save room for his birthday cake. . . He could only eat about a third of it - but had more while watching tv last night. It was a great evening of fun with our friends and of course with my sweet husband!! God doesn't give us better than that!! It's wonderful to be blessed with all that He has provided....

To finish out September. . .

We trimmed the "oldgrowth" Rhody down to bare branches. It is still almost to the roofline!! This trimming didn't seem to bother the birdies at all. They still sit up in it to "sun" themselves. This picture was taken from inside the kitchen early in the morning. The birds will start flying south soon - but I've really, really enjoyed having them so close for the last few months :) Andl next, I helped to finish off the garage. It is now the same color as the house (well - almost!!:) I think it needs some sort of trim - but I'm leaving well enough alone - it gone done - and for that I'm thankful!! Robert also came over and put my "stepping stones" down the side of it - so now there is no excues for "walking in the grass that is trying to grow!! and it's still trying. There are still huge "bald spots" but the grass is growing!! I'm watching it!!!! Makes me laugh - just sittin' 'round watchin' the grass grow!! Well, that's what I'm doin'

My frines had a great time in Spokane and I spent a fun filled couple of hours listening to their recollections of their trip!! "to live vicariously" - as another friend would say. . but they had a good time and I am so glad!! Even the dogs were gentle and easy to take care of. They can be really rough - but they were really good for me!! Maybe it's my "no nonsense" sargeant like voice!! hehe

The last weekend of September, Sharen invited us over to Klamath Falls to visit while our Mom Judy was there. Mom's birthday treat was lunch at the Crater Lake Inn. Tim is here and Keith didn't want to go - so he suprised me with a rental car - and I got to go anyway. Keith is sooooo wonderful to me. God was smiling on me when he arranged that introduction!! But everyone already knows that!!

So on Friday, off I went. I stopped in MP again - I'm determined to see at-least-some-of the people that I knew during the many years I lived and worked there. . . Actually did see a couple more people. . got caught up on some of the "news and happenings", found out where a couple more people are working. . . I'll have to visit there before I leave for the winter. . . And finally decided I'd better get on the road. It was a beautiful drive. I just enjoyed every second of the scenery that is out there. I had rain, sleet, snow, sun, rain, sun, snow, sun, rain and even skunk. . . I was so intent on following my map directions - and didn't have my co-pilot - that I forgot to gas up before the last 1.5 hour leg - that is a little short on gas stations!!! I was about 50 miles or so from KFalls when I happened to look at the gauge. It was just barely north of the red line!!! At Lake of the Woods the sign says "GAS" and I was truly thankful. . . so I went about 3 miles off of 140, back to the most beautiful lake!! with snow all around and the setting sun reflecting off of it. . . Really gorgous!! With a little country store sitting down by the dock. . . And they were Closed for the season!!! So now I've wasted 6 miles of my precious fuel!! Back to 140 I go. . . really praying now. . . I am so far out in the boonies that my cell phone even says "No Service". So, I'd just have to wait for someone to miss me, try to decided which way I decided to thru the mountains . . . and then to decide to come looking for me. . . so I'm asking God for a gas station. Price was no obect. . . just the ability to fuel my chariot!!! and, walaaah, there was one. And it was OPEN.. . and someone came out and put gas in the car. . . I was so relieved, so blessed, so happy!! It was almost euphoria. . kind of hard to explain. . if you have never been in the middle of nowhere. . and from you own stupidity . . . put yourself into a situation like that. . . .

So I got my gas, got back on the road and made it to KFalls. It was back to being a beautiful drive. The road wound around the south side of the lake and not all of the birds were gone yet. . Relaxing. Made it to KFalls and my "mapquest map" had different street names than the ones posted on the corners (where there were names). . . I made a complete circle - and then called. . . . I was only about 9 blocks away - but headed in the wrong direction - so glad that I called. So I got turned around and made it. Couldn't have missed the driveway, Sharen, Mom, and Jack were all standing out there waving at me!!! And Jack had made Pazzoli for dinner. . And let the weekend start~~~ What fun. . . . . to spend time with family is a total blessing!!

click here for the Crater Lake Slideshow. . . Mike and Sharen took some really beautiful pictures. . .

and HERE is a link to the story of crater lake.

Weekend

So far this week: we (mostly Keith) put another coat of stain on the fence. It needs some more on the east end - but I think it's done for now. . The white bucket next to the Rhody is oyster shells from the BBQ. As soon as I have time - I'm going to crush them and put them around the flowers ~ or trees ~ or somewhere. They are really good fertilizer.

Then we picked up the boards we have been walking on and put down some pavers. Not the most professional job - but we aren't sure yet just what we will be doing with this space - wanted something decent to walk on but also wanted something portable ~ so this is it!!

I did this little project out of first day of school photos and some that I had left over from the cruise. This actually shows most of the family. Some of Keith's sisters and my siblings are missing - but the kids, grandkids, and Keith's Mom are all hanging on the wall now!!

THEN, this morning I forgot my camera when we went to the Myrtle Point Harvest Festival. It has sure grown since the little 3 block (if that much) clutch of booths it started with. We witnessed the Rooster Crowing Contest, walked thru the entire legnth of Main Street looking at the most awesome Antique Cars, watched a member of their Volunteer Fire Dept carve animals out of chunks of cedar (we bought raffle tickets for one of them but must not have won it LOL) and that was really an awesome show. It is totally a work of art - these animals are. . . We visited the skate park and watched some really talented kids (and some not-so-kids) compete for prizes there. I was amazed at how much talent some of them showed. And one little guy was already doing the big curve and I sure wish I had my camera!!! We saw restored military jeeps and tractors. . All kinds of really great crafts and so much more. . . . I actually only saw (and talked) to a few people that I knew and recognised a few that didn't remember me ~ so I left that alone. . . I saw Alfred, Ike (Few-Fingers), and Grandpa Ray. I talked with a few others that remember Mom and Dad - I haven't spent much time in Myrtle Point since Mom died. . It's just to hard. We also went into the Loggers Museum there and spent some time talking with the volunteers there. I have been there several times but they keep adding things and it just keeps getting better! We stayed until just after 1 and left when it clouded up. When we got home - the sun was shining - a beautiful afternoon!! And we ate a whole "organic blackberry pie" that Keith bought at the Festival while watching Rainman.

Tomorrow will be Church and our friends will be back from Spokane with stories to tell. So It's been full and it's been fun and it's been interesting. :)

There is Green!!

I limed the dirt

I fertilized the dirt

I planted little bitty seeds

I watered and waited

and

I waited and watered

and

I have grass!!!

Just little bitty tufts of green sticking out

of select spots in the huge brown dirt pit

but I HAVE GRASS!!

Like little tufts of soft hair on a baby's head

I HAVE GRASS!!

It's not long enough

or lush enough

or big enough

to even take a picture of it

BUT I HAVE GRASS!!

It's amazing the little things that make you feel good!!

It's UP!

If you look really closely, you can see my baby birdies. They are learning to fly already!! Keith knocked down the nest so they are sleeping on the crossbeam right above where it was. They are sooo cute!!

The guys work hard on getting this fence done!!

And then, finally, at last,

(actually only a couple of weeks)

Mission Accomplished!!

and even before lunch.

Time to celebrate with burritos and chips.

Great job guys!!

BTW - this is over 100' of fenceline -

now I get to go and stain it -

that should take longer than building it!!

I am trying really hard to post 2 video/stories that Jeremy's father wrote.

One is the "Tribute to Vietnam" which is very touching for those of you who remember those days. War is horrible - but so very different than it was.

Remember 9/11!!!

The other is closer to my heart. It is a song with video that he wrote for Jeremy. He and Jeremy didn't know each other - at one point Jeremy tried contacting him - and at another - Joe tried contacting him. But neither happened before Jeremy disappeared in August of 1986. This video is amazing and very a wonderful thing to listen to.

Please take this time to remember all of our Soldiers, past and present, the men-women-and children that were victims of the terrorists that tried to "take down America, and also say a prayer for all of mankind - from the person that mastermined the tradgedy that shocked the world all the way to the person who hasn't yet given information on the whereabout's of Jeremy. Pray for them all - they will need them. . .

Does it get any better? ? ?

Today Alice Faye is leaving to go back to her home. . She stayed with us last night and today we relaxed out in our yard. . nice weather, little wind, wonderful. . Friend Lucy also came by with her little grandson. .
Isn't he the cuttest little guy!!! He loved the baby birds (actually more interestedin the black and white mound on the floor under the nest) and generally explored the yard while we had a great visit.

Took Alice off to the airport and she called from Portland, she is thru 1/3 of her travel home!!

Here is the best invention ever!!! I never knew one even existed!! An apple peeler, corer, and slicer!!!! I had about 1/2 of a bucket of apples left over after doing the 2 Apple Betty's - so I tried my hand a the first actual fresh apple pie I've tried to make in about 30 years. . and if my memory serves me correctly. . . it was totally inedible!!! LOL But this one turned out really good - maybe following the recipe all the way works- ya think?

Babies and Fence

We have new additions to an old nest. Out in to toolshed!! I thought baby bird season was over - boy was I wrong!! We have this nest (that seems awfully full) and one on each side of the house!! We were talking about replacing (or installing) some new soffits around the house - but we didn't get that done in time :( Now we have to wait for the new families to flee the nests before we can do that project. . . .

Meanwhile out back. . Keith is busy working on the fence that came down with the duck (chicken) wire. This (as usual) turned into more of a mission than just putting up a fence. They had all sorts of setbacks in just getting the posts set tightly on top of the concrete wall. It was a challenging task. . . but they gotter done!! The hardest part of the fence is up now - they are actually working on the bottom part now. . .

Oh, and Clint stopped by with another gift from a wonderful friend. . . a dozen jars of home grown, home canned green beans from his dear wife. . . how she finds the time and energy . . I'll never, ever figure out. She makes me tired just watching her .. . and when I try to help . . . I just get in her way. . I'll figure something out. . .

Its BBQ time!

IMG_1024
Originally uploaded by Amah

Thanks to Clint's suggestion on Monday afternoon - we are having a BBQ on the Sunday before Labor Day. Here is Keith and Sallie deciding what the layout of their "stuff" is going to be. Clint spent 2 days hauling tables, chairs, bbq's, dishes, canopies, and even a firepit, and to much other stuff to even identify - over from thier garage and Sallie's "party box".

Sallie cooked a bushel of oysters and the salmon and bottomfish that Art and Lucy brought. Clint cooked the 3 dozen crab that they also brought with them (they had just spent 2 days fishing and crabbing in their new boat). Sallie raided her garden and brought a HUGE veggie tray and a hollowed out watermelon filled with melon balls, a 3 bean salad to die for., and I don't know how many homemade dips (both for the chips and for the fish) . . I fixed a potato and a macaroni salad, baked 2 apple crisps (from our apples), and I don't even remember what else, and Keith manned the other bbq with hot dogs, hot links, and hamburgers. Other than the meat and chips - everything we ate was home caught, home grown, or home made. . . it was fit for a King (several, matter of fact!!)

Our longtime friend, Alice Faye, just happened to be visiting from North Carolina, so we were really happy to see her here!! My Cousin Robin brought part of her family and I was truly excited to see her!! I've not seen her since she got married - somewhere near 25 years ago!! Aunt Nita got the days mixed up so they weren't here to enjoy our largess!! In the end run - we had about 25 people show up. Wwe had lots of friends here - and a really good time!! Can't beat that for a 5 day notice -

The weather cooperated wonderfully with a nice 79 high and just enough breeze to keep everyone cool!! Some played darts, the kids had fun with lawn darts and even got the croquet set up. It was just a wonderful day. The only way it could've been better would've been if our children lived close enough to visit us for times to share. . .

Hope your weekend was as wonderful!!

As usual: click here for the slideshow

Today's Soapbox

This weekend is all about our Country's Working People. Thank you all for working hard, contributing to Society, keeping the economy going, and paying the taxes on the wages you make. These taxes keep our Country running. . They keep the illegal immigrants in healthcare, roads for them to drive illegally on, schools for thier children to illegally attend. I wonder how "good" these things would be if they weren't overcrowded, abused, or overused by those who did not respect our County enough to follow OUR LAWS to come here. I feel for the children. . . and I feel for those who saved and planned and hopped thru the hoops to be here legally. . . and I've got nothing at all against the hard workers wanting better for thier families. . . and I've got nothing against immigration. . but I've got a whole lot against illegal. I do something illegal - I pay a fine, go to jail, pay higher insurance, etc. ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL . . as in NOT LEGAL.

This thought is prompted by the idea that our government has decided to allow the Mexican Businesses to even compete with our trucking and transportation systems. This is wrong!! In effect, our government is exporting more jobs - the truck drivers jobs!! And how "lawfully" will this take place? We already know that in San Diego - "drivers" with illegal cargo (usually people) drive the wrong way on freeways with their lights out to be unseen. Lawful? Now they will be able to do it by the truckloads. . and not just 20 miles (as the law stands now). . . all over the USA!!!!

Now, to my way of thinkin'~ there may be a way. . . let the Mexican Government hire American Workers to build thier own roads - and they can only use the roads that THIER taxpayers paid for. . . ya think that might slow things down? Or make it a provision that the Mexican Drivers have to be paid equal to American Drivers with a hefty road use tax on top of it. Something to make it profitable for the American PEOPLE (not corportations) instead of kissing a bunch more jobs goodbye!!

The Duck Pond has Disappeared!!

Here is our "Duck Pond" that was left to us so nicely by the previous owner. He liked his ducks, geese, goats, and anything else he happened to enjoy (or needed to keep the marshland to a minimum)LOL!! So anyhow, the back corner of the property has a natural underground spring, the neighbor has a french drain that empties onto the same area, and the street above the hill has no curb, so that water also ran onto the same area. Evidently, there was no problem until a subdivision was put in on the north side - it stopped all drainage from the back here. So..... he decided that he would have someone come in and "build" a stream complete with a big ditch and 2 little ponds. It made wonder nesting for mesquitos, and nasty looking green algae, as well as a nasty bog for a 50' x 50' area (which didn't include the "stream").

So.......we wondered, and we thought, and we called for an estimate, and we figured, and we waited, and finally got a bid, talked to him again about a different approach, and we waited, and waited, and finally got another one from him, and we called, and we got no answer, and we got no return call . . . .

So......Finally giving up on the first excavation company, another name was dropped by our good friends. . . a phone number was found. . . and Jerry Warbis Excavation came, he estimated, they started work the following Monday, they worked Tuesday, and by Wednesday afternoon, the backhoe was going bye-bye. They installed a drain field with a cistern, (btw, it already has water in it), piped the overflow clear down the property, tore up the road, laid pipe, tied into the strom drain, fixed the road, tore out a dozen or so tree stumps, used the backhoe to take several inched of dirt away from the house, did a great job of leveling (for using a backhoe!), fixed the grade on our driveway, rerocked the driveway and road in front of out house. . . all in less time than it took to get the first bid out of the other company!!!! I'm so glad that the first one didn't respond!!! The Lord was looking out for us on this one, for sure!!

I just wandered right behind them, watching Jerry with that huge piece of machinery was like watching an artist at work. He even pulled that old, old rosebush up so gently that it's roots came with it and we were able to replant it!! We've gotten the front all cleaned up and ready for the grass seed. . But not until after the Labor Day Party. The back section will just have to wait until after the fence that fell down when Tim took the "duck wire" down is back up. Then we will begin the chore of "leveling" (haha) it.

Tomorrow is my Sister's birthday - I hope she gets her gift in time. . . .

New!!

What a wonderful talented daughter I have!! She did my "new" blog for me. I love the little blue house!! And she got my Flickr badge back on it for me. Thank you S'te - it looks wonderful!! She actually did it for me in September - but I have to backdate this entry so I don't get my stories all messed up!!

The Big Tree!!

Lookee what the Good Fairy left us on our table!! Nothing better to show up for but homemade jellies. And 5 different kinds. Yummy!!! Thanks Sallie!! and Clint. Not only for the jelly - but for watching our house while we were gone!!

While we were gone the big tree next to the garage disappeared!! Well, not exactly disappeared. . it had to be cut down. Sorry we missed the event - there were people here that took the day off to see it. It was a really tricky deal - 120' tall, right between 2 garages and a fence, with power lines running on 2 sides, and a lean. Patrick Meyers Tree Services did excellent work. They cleaned up the other tree the same day. What a difference!! And they cleaned it all up - never even left a branch behind!! The front looks so much better and way less scary. And now we can get between the garage and fence on that side. Everyone is happy!!

Next on the agenda is the "duck pond". Lots of work to do - busy every day. Had a hard time getting a bid from the excavation service that we had contacted - to my way of thinkin' (yea - watch the smoke) if they show poor service just getting a bid out - what kind of work would they do once they have part of your money???

But anyway - back to the BIG TREE - this is the tree behind our garage and beside our neighbors. Here are a lot of pics and Sallie even recorded most of it for me - she said it was amazing. And BTW that handsome man and little girl - that is her son Joe and granddaughter Haley. Isn't she a cutie??

Time to go!!

We've been here another week.

The kids are back in school. Rod is in port. All is well here. So. . . It's time go head back to Oregon to see what changes have taken place while we were gone playing. . I know that the family gathering campout from my maternal side happened last Saturday. From the report over at RaeScape they had a wonderful Saturday. Unfortunately, it started having those drips fromt the sky - so everyone packed up first thing Sunday morning and went home to dry out. Literally!! It was to bad that the gathering had to be cut so short. . Hopefully I will be there next year.

It has been really warm here. . and I know it is cooler up North. . so I'm ready to make like a . .. . . .

American Legion Post 460 Picnic

American Legion Clown
Originally uploaded by Amah

Another full day!! The AIM Team has 2 presentations to do in the morning before coming to the picnic to present. It was awesome!! As always. It was good to see Tyreque out there. He has a presence that I've missed. It was a sad day for me when I found out he had to choose between the Team and sports. Ya just can't do it all. But anyhow, here is a link to those pictures.

And we really enjoyed showing off baby Cavelle and the rest of the family. Saw several people that I haven't seen in ages!! I managed to record the presentation down to the next-to-the-last song. One of these days I will get it right!!

The kids all ran, played, got prizes, ate, ate, and played somemore until time to pack up again and head out. It's been a very busy week for most of us. I think it was pretty quiet around there for a bit - but "we're back"!!

It's time for an early night. . . . but first, if you want to see the rest of our pictures. . . click here

Back to San Diego

We got back into San Diego after rising. I actually got to see us come into the bay and dock - from the balcony of our stateroom. I had to go wake kids up!!! First time all week - they've worn themselves completely out!!

Keith went down and said goodbye again to his Mom and Sis - and wheeled her chair off the ship. I watched for them to wave goodbye from the balcony. After seeing her to Customs, he came back over to reboard (to get us!) and they were having a problem letting him come back!!! I (from the balcony) asked if he was going to be able to come back and help with the kids. . . they let him come back. hehehe

We got our carryone stuff gathered - checked the rooms over again - and took our "stuff" up to the Lido Deck to have breakfast and wait our turn to disembark. I called S'te to let her know we were on the countdown time. Our turn finally came (I think we were last) and we headed for Deck 3 and the door. It was really quite an easy, quick moving line and no one seemed to be having any problems. S'te was on her way, Rick and April's color had already been called - so they should be out there waiting, our bags were there all together, Mom's chair was right there - we were good to gooooo!!

Then, here comes S'te. She pulls into the lot to pick us up and the others won't let us thru in time - the attendant makes her back up, pull out, and go back around - with us trying really hard to get to the parking space!! She told him we were "right there" and he made her do it anyway. Some people just shouldn't have any power at all!!

So, back in the same space, all the luggage loaded (and it fit!!), drop off for the rental, and we head out to the Elmores. Unload, all the kids had to show thier treasures, talk all at once, and we just sat down and laid back!!

April and family are off early in the morning to head back to Missouri. They are staying right across from one of the greatest mall areas in the San Diego area - and more shopping needs done - so we go to dinner at Carnitas Uropan - and call it a day. Back to pick up kids, say goodbyes, wish and pray for traveling mercies, and then again bid really fond farewells.

Ensenada

La Bufadora

Our last full day of cruising. Tomorrow morning we will pull back into San Diego. A full week, a fun week, and I am so happy!! We've all had such a good time bonding. Whoever said a cruise was the perfect reunion type thing was soooo right!!

Today we were in Ensenada. . They have a dock - and we didn't have to do water taxi's this time. We split up this morning with Keith and I staying with Mak, Brayanna, Jaleel, and Destini on board. I think they had a really fun morning in the pool (almost deserted again!) and waiting excitedly for thier afternoon excursion!! As were we.

The others took off on the shopping excursion where they were whisked by a guide thru several of the shopping areas. Elizabeth and Ginger got thier hair braided and everyone returned with more "treasure"!!

After a lunch of pizza, french fries, and (of course) ice cream, we headed for shore. We met the others just returning from thier shopping spree - April said next time - she would rather just go shopping - without the whizzing from center to center. She said she just didn't have enough time to look at everything before they were ready to go again!!

Now was time for the BIG treat. What they'd been waiting for!! The older kids went with April and Rick and went HORSEBACK RIDING!! April said her horse kept trying to sit down - we enjoyed thier stories over our last dinner on board. The kids really had a great time and had many stories even after they returned home.

Brennan and Makkiah went with us to se La Bufforadora. It is a natural phenomenon clear at the other end of the bay from the dock. Our bus got a late start, drove fast, for a long way (more than 30 minutes) to get us to see it. After walking about 1/2 mile downhill we finally rounded the right spot and could see it. It is truly amazing!! The tide was on it's way out so we didn't get to see it in all its splendor - but it was quite breathtaking anyhow. Of couse there are dozens of little shops there but we didn't have time to do much of anything. We had a 1/2 mile walk back uphill and it was rather warm out too. We did get tacos for the boys and a soda while walking back up to the bus. I saw some little flutes and wanted one for Taniyah - almost missed the bus getting it. . . Made it back - the driver flew around curves and made it a little scary getting back to the ship - but we were supposed to sail at 5 and were to be back on board by 4:30 and we were late... needless to say - we won't be taking that tour again. It needed at least another hour of time at La Bufadora - so that there was time to enjoy. The whole thing was rather rushed. The boys really didn't seem to mind much - they were in the front seats and everytime the driver took a curve - so did they - We arrived back at the ship as the next-to-the-last passengers to reboard. It was listed as a "handicap ok" excursion - but Keith's ankle sure took a beating on that up and downhill run. Mom was going to go with us but was tired from the mornings shopping - It was God's Will. He knew where we were going - and that it wasn't going to be easy!!

Ensenada has a partially sunken ship in thier bay - in case you look at the pics and don't know what that ship is there for. Keith really likes scenery pics. The faster we go - the faster he clicks!! I get really great photos to choose from this way.....

Tonight the kids all had thier farewell parties at Camp Carnival. Mak and Brennan got backpacks to remember thier trip by. The older kids got cd cases in Carnival Colors for their souvenier. Then they went to the arcade - and made it back for check-in. Just right!!

Elizabeth and Ginger had dinner in the dining room with us. We had our "Last Night" special of Baked Alaska - yum! Another fabulous meal - cappachino to top it off - and farewells for our Dining Steward and her Assistant. And many hugs and safe journeys to the family that will be disembarking early so they can fly up to visit with Aunt Jeanne and family before heading back to Indiana and Kentucky.

And yet new towel animals to amuse us (different ones for each child) with our bedtime mints. Ms. Millie sure does a great job of spoiling us!!

Now it's time to return the Game Boy, cash out our points at the Casino, complete customs forms, check the initial bill, complain that credit wasn't given for the return of the said Game Boy and about the internet that we paid for and couldn't connect to for long enough to do anything, pack everyone, and have our bags out in the hall!! Then check under beds, in closets, under desks, etc and stuff all those findings into the tops of those bags. I hope I've got it all!!

A wonderful time, wonderful people, great service, fantastic company. . . . what more could anyone ask for!

As usual: for the slideshow click here

Day 2 At Sea

Funship Freddy at the Talent Show

The pictures pretty much tell it all!! The kids spent the day in the pool and practicing for their Talent Show. It was great. Elizabeth did a dance number that was fantasitc. Makkiah did his 8 (or 9) step form from his Karate class. Brayanna, Jaleel, and Destini did thier 21 step forms. The other kids sang songs and did dances. They were all really fun to watch. I spent most of the day out on deck reading and just plain relaxing while I watched the kids play.

We had another utterly fantastic dinner, tonights' entertainment was the Macharana, and stopped by the Casino for a bit before picking Mak up from the Camper Room and the older kids were right on time checking in. We are having a lot of fun.

For the rest of the pics click here

Cabo San Lucas

Land and Sea Tour 0420
Originally uploaded by Amah

Day 3 of our cruise landed us in Cabo San Lucas. The kids started out by watching the ocean from the balcony of our stateroom. Then another unbelievable breakfast of everything you could possibly imagine!!

Cabo is fast becoming a city in itself. They don't have a dock for the Elation so we took water Taxi's from the ship to shore. That was really rather fun in itself. Keith and Mom got to sit up front so that they didn't have to do the steps. . . .. And the city isn't within walking distance (for Keith anyhow) from the pier - so I couldn't really tell just what it is like.

So anyway, again we split up for different tours. We all had morning call times tho'. Ric and April went on the Land and Sea (all day) Tour. They had lots of fun - saw lots of things that we didn't see. Had a tour around the end of the Baja at the "other" side of Cabo, then a jeep ride thru the desert and several villages, had a flat tire, ate lunch at a Palapa somewhere out there - then came back thru on the beach side. It sure sounded like they had fun. Brennan and Elizabeth were off with the other kids almost as soon as they got back - so I don't have any details = but the pictures are great.

The others of us just did the "Sea" part of that tour. We saw sea liions sunning themselves up on rocks, shear cliffs - and the kids saw a little tiny beach - totally cliff locked - with a cave in it - and want to know if we could go there to swim. Now - I'm not sure how they planned to get us there - or what would happen when the tide came in. . ..

We saw where the Americans are building thier new condos - on the Pacific side and where the yacht harbor is. We heard a lot about hte history of the area and really did see some great secenry. I would reccommend this for older people (like us) but the I don't think the kids thought it was too great - I'm sure they would've rather on one like the others did. Chalk it up to experience. . .. . We did a bit of shopping and then back to the Water Taxi for us. Customs consisted in looking at the whistle, little bitty guitar thing, a coffee cup, and a pair of shorts. No trouble there. We were back on board for lunch. . . .

The kids were back into thier suits and since most people were still ashore - they pretty much had the pools to themselves. I laid in a chair and read and watched. Keith got into the pool iwth Mak and they had a blast. Mak even tried out the hot tub and announced that it wasn't hot at all!!

The kids (except Ginger and Elizebeth) elected to return to Camp Carnival for dinner and activities - so our wonderful Stewards put a chair at the end of the table so that Keith and I wouldn't have to sit by ourselves at the other table - and we had another excellent - totally mind-numbing dinner. Then was the Macharana ChaCha - which April and Keith got up and did. It was great!!

I think that everyone else (except us to) went to that night's show - but I couldn't tell you for sure. I was beat, done, and ready to lay down. But we did stop into the Casino and managed to tie up 3 machines within just minutes. They have a neat new way to electronically track your points - so you don't have to haul the coin over to the cashiers window - and that would be embarrassing since I spent most of my time on the 2 cent machines. They also had penny ones but they were all full!! The sweethearts there at the Casino gave us a personal and private lessons on how to play - and we were off an running!!

I picked Kia up from Camp about 8:30 - thinking he must have been as exhausted a I was. The others had direction to return at 10. Kiah wanted to go back up "'cause they were having Harry Potter Night" - so back up the elevator we went. At 10 I picked them all up -- since they were all there. . . . And it was off to bed with our new litter of animals and fresh mints on our pillows. Ms Millie sure knows how to spoil a person~~

And for photos click here

Elation Day 2

Crew in the Hottub

Brayana called our cabin at 7:30 to see if they could watch TV! Kenny put a second seasick patch on - so he was rather tipsy all day, hehe. The kids picked out thier breakfasts from the buffets and even tho' it took 3 tables - we almost ate together!!

We spent the day at sea today. It was lots of fun for all of us. The bigger kds spent ALL DAY long running up the steps and going down the slide!! Makkiah decided that the water in the pools was to deep and I forgot his floatees so he and Brennan spent the day playing video games. Camp Carnival had games for rent so I rented one for him. He was getting a little close to Brennan. . .. Rick, April, Keith, and I hung out on deck and watched them. Dolores, Kenny, and Mom went in where it was cooler and did some reading and rested up for the big evening!! (And I think - to let lunch settle a little) hehe. The kids had lunch and then munched fries and ice cream all afternoon. Elizabeth and Destini found a new friend - She is 22 - so April and I kinda steered the together time a little - So that particular friendship didn't last long. Brayana made a friend from Las Vegas, and Jaleel just hung with all of these good lookin girls~~~~

Tonight was the Formal Dinner for both the Imagination Dining Room and for the Camp Carnival Diners. All the kids except Ginger elected to do the Camp Carnival Dinner - and from what I heard they had a blast!! I had given permission for the older 3 to sign themselves in and out of Camp - and they did great!! I didn't have to go and hunt them up even once.

After our Formal Dinners (and we were sooooo full of Lobster and Steak and Desserts - ooohhhhh) we went to the Mikado for thier nightly show. It was the same show we saw in the Bahamas last year - but no one else had seen it. It was a great show and the kids even had their own private section where they could watch the show.

By the time we finished all of that it was definately bedtime and we arrived at our Cabins with Ms. Millie - our Stateroom Steward - 's special towel doggie creations - the clothes all picked up off of the floor and folded, our beds turned down, mints on our pillows, and the kids even had big chocolate chip cookies waiting!!

And that was Day 2. For pictures click HERE.

Finally ready to cruise!!

8-16-2007 6-53-29 PM2
Originally uploaded by Amah

We've finally made it to cruise day. Papa had to spend a few special moments with Cavelle and Taniyah - He's really going to miss them. Not as badly as I will - but - on with the story!!

We all met at S'te and Rods. The checkout time was 11 and we couldn't get on board until 1. So we hung out there for a bit - all of us ready to head out. Finally it was time to LOAD UP~~ Keith. Dolores, and Kenny took Ty and returned the rental car while the rest of us all piled in the 15 passenger van with a real tall load of luggage!! S'te took us all down to the pier - They ushered her right straight thru just like she was running a shuttle!! The pictures show the kids impatiently waiting for Papa and the rest to catch up with us so we could get on that great big boat!!

We were ushered right into the VIP line - had everything in order - so it only took long enough for Brayana to get water dumped on her (she looked so startled when that cold water hit her!!). She was so upset at having to get on board looking like she'd had an accident. Our luggage had already been checked - so she didn't have anything to change in to!!

We posed for our picture - got on board and headed for the first of many feasts that we were to enjoy during the next 5 days!! We had a buffet lunch on the Lido Deck until it was time to get ready for our Fire Drill - we were all in the same call station. They put bracelets on all of the kids with our muster station on it - and we all trooped out to stand in line for "muster". It wasn't completely over (we were still in our lines) when the ship started moving on out. We were underway. Finally. . . . Keith took pictures of the skyline, North Island, the pilot boat, and his favorites, the planes.

So then it was time to go unpack - We met Millie - our Stateroom Attendant - a really sweet and helpful young lady! I hung stateroom keys around Brayana and Jaleel's necks as they were each the oldest in their rooms ~ and then the kids immediately headed for the pool - check out more french fries - wander the decks - get ice cream - gasp in complete awe at the Grand Atrium - check out the Arcade - boy they stayed busy right up until time to change for dinner. We had early seating in the Imagination Dining Room.

Talk about fancy!! You can see how tired Brennan was - especially with having to drag that darn cast everywhere he went~~

The kids had Shrimp Cocktail (decided they didn't like the sauce), fruit plates, nuggets, more fried, cheesecake, chocolate melting cake, and I don't even know what all else!!

Then it was time for the Family Disco time and to sign the kids up for Camp Carnival. The music was to loud, we were to tired, I think we made it to bed to stretch out about 10 or so.

I went to check on the kids about midnight. The boys were completely done it - I don't think they even moved after they laid down!! But. . . I couldn't get into the girls' room. The key wouldn't work. I could hear the TV, loud, knocked and got no answer, called their room, no answer! Getting rather frantic - I called the Pursers Desk - a really nice lady came up with another key - it didn't work - We knocked, we called, we banged on the door and the wall - no answer.Finally, she called the Security Captain (he's the only one with a master key) and he came up - uniform like he'd just stepped out of a magazine - made me sign papers, knocked, we called some more - he told me that the girls had locked the privacy lock!! So since it was locked from the inside - we knew someone was in there!! Relief. . . so he opended the door for me and warned me that I should have quite the talk with them because that just is not safe - to sleep with that locked. . . So about an hour after I started bedcheck. . I looked in on the girls - just sprawled - sound asleep where they'd flopped to watch their own "private TV"!!

I turned it off and fell into my own bed. . . what a day!! What fun!!

To see pics click here

Sunday Afternoon

Sunday we kinda split up and went different ways. The Elmore clan went with Papa and I over to Coronado while the Orf's side went to SeaWorld. We've been to SeaWorld several times and S'te wanted to see where we hang out on Sunday afternoons. Needless to say, we each had a great time on whichever trail was chosen!!

At Coronado the kids played in the water and in the sand. Rod and S'te sat in the shade or up on the dock and watched them. Baby and Tetee pretty much stayed over on the blanket with Papa and I. We had a blast watching the people dance. It was a beautiful day!!

From the pictures it looks like Elizabeth, Brennan, and Ginger also had a great time at SeaWorld. Brennan had hurt his foot not long before the trip - and he had it casted - so he pretty much had to do things that didn't involve getting that foot wet. Hard to do in Southern Califronia!! It was managed well and he stayed entertained for the whole trip. Him and Mak struck a good friendship and they "hung together" alot.

We got home rather late in the afternoon and it was time to PACK for the big trip. We were all excited and the kids had a really hard time getting to sleep.

So this was the end of a great togetherness weekend. After looking forward to the Cruise for months - it's almost time!!

When I don't get any comments - I wonder if anyone is even reading all of this. . . . .

Sunday Morning

Sunday was a busy day for all of us. We started out with a group outing to the New Season's Church. Since it was a special week there Pastor Vines didn't deliver the message. I was rather disappointed in that because I wanted our guests to hear him - I'd told them much about him and his dynamic messages. We heard from a visiting Pastor instead and all of the kids stayed in service with us - and they did really, really well too!! We took up 3 rows of seats in the Sanctuary!! After the Message, Pastor Vines called us ALL up to the front for Cavelle's dedication. He sure had a lot of family there to witness the event!! Pastor annoited his head with a few drops of the best smelling oil! Unfortunately, we have pictures of everyone both before and after the services - but not a single one of the entire family (18 of us) there together.

You can click here to see those pictures.

We then split up to spend our afternoon doing different things. . . .

Padres vs Giants

After our busy Saturday afternoon we all rested up and gathered at Petco Park for the Padre/Giant's game. It was expected that Barry Bonds would at least tie the home run record if not beat it. Keith had bought the tickets for all 22 of us several months ago - before we knew we would be witnessing the bit event!!

We had 3 rows of nosebleed seats but suprisingly, we could see everything!! April and Rick are sports lovers and, of course, once I get into a stadium - I'm not leaving until the fat lady sings!!!

So anyhow, Earl and his brother and Mr. Tim joined in this excursion. S'te and I went and picked out Padre t-shirts for everyone (Rick, April, Elizabeth, and Brennan wore Cardinal shirts) and Keith wore his #1 Grandpa shirt that had ALL of the kids' handprints on them. The weather was great - if not just a bit warm -

Barry Bonds tied the record during his first at bat -Of course, I was disappointed in the Padres for intentionally walking him during his next at bats. I HATE the whole concept of intentional walks - it's ~like ~ lack of sportsmanship or something. They shouldn't be "allowed" to just not even make an attempt to pretend like they are trying to pitch to a player. Just 'cause they are scared of them. . . . My constant rant - every time I see it. But as you all already know - the Padre's won thier game after 12 innings.

S'te had her camera ready!! She also took lots of family pics, scenery pics, baseball pics, Barry Bonds pics and then the Grand Finale!! The fireworks. Click HERE for the slideshow.

So we spent another evening all together, as a family, bonding in a way that I could've only prayed for. It was a wonderful evening for me.

Saturday

Today was another wonderful day. Some of us went over to Coronado for sightseeing and shopping while others got others ready for the afternoon. The AIM for Faith team was doing a presentation at Clairemont Fair and we all met over there - with another picnic basket!! The presentation was great!! As always. I will never tire of watching them - or of shouting thier dedication and the wonder of their faith!! This was one of Raquel's first presentations and she was really nervous ~ but she did wonderful in her all of her roles.

The whole fair was really neat. Uncle Kenny really enjoyed looking at all of the old cars they had there. As did Jaleel and Brennan!! Grandma B enjoyed watching the show and holding the baby and being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. There were 4 generations represented. Grandma - Keith and Dolores - April - Brennan, Elizabeth, and Ginger. . . . We spent most of the afternoon there - then headed for home to get ready and to rest for the evening activities!!

The Arrivals!!

Arrivals started on Thursday night. . . Mom B, sister Dolores, husband Kenny, and grandneice Ginger got here from Kentucky somewhere around 11 pm. They got hung up at the departure airport but the pilot made up some time . . we just hauled all their heavy, heavy bags up to their rooms and let them sleep. It was really late by thier clocks :)

About noon on Friday the rest of the "Away Team" showed up from Missouri. Daughter April, husband Rick, and grandchildren Elizabeth and Brennan found thier own way from the airport to the hotel and over here to Spring Valley.

We had a wonderful afternoon with everyone meeting each other, swapping travel stories, baby stories, children and parent stories. Comparing notes and just haveing a great time. Brayana's hamsters were a wonderful ice breaker with the middle crowd and the video games were also an immediate draw!! Of course CB (Cavelle) was passed from lap to lap - he had so much attention!!! We just had a wonderful day!!

I stopped by Smart & Final and loaded up on picnic supplies!! Rick cooked for the 22 of us!! We had our blessings in every way possible. It was really wonderful to see everyone meeting and melding. The girls became best of friends almost immediately and it was like the little boys had never been apart - even tho' they'd never met.
Click here to see pics.

This was the day that God made one of my most fervent wishes come true. My families met. Thank you Lord for making this happen for me. The only one missing was Ladaria - since she was off traveling to see her friend in Illinois.

End of Week 2

Tim

Tim's new hat doesn't look like this anymore. It has big white paint sploches on it. His denim shirt doesn't look quite so nice anymore either!!

I am now sitting in the Portland airport waiting for our connecting flight to San Diego. We were blessed yet again in being able to go out standby and will arrive in San Diego about 1:30 instead of tonight at 10!!

I just opened and listened to the old Dean Martin/Foster Brooks dialoge on Airline Pilots. Thanks Barb - how appropriate ~~~~

But about OUR WEEK ckick on the underline to see more pictures . . . . We got ALL the lawn mowed and weedeated -- Clint and his tools were a HUGE help. . even the overgrown grass on the ugly mounds of dirt left next to the sludgy, green water, ugly, "duck stream" has been cut down!!

We finished primering the garage. It took all 4 of us. A lot of powerwashing, borard replacement, and primer - but we now have a big ghostly white garage and "condo". Defects were found (IMAGINE~~~~) and ideas were discussed. . and discussed . . and then discussed some more. We will see when we return. . what has changed and what hasn't. hehehe

We met with a person to level out the back yard and "dispose" of the "duck" pond and stream. . we haven't heard back about the when or if he even wants the job - - another thing for the list.

The big Cypress tree next to the garage. . . the one that is over 100' tall. . . will be coming down on the 8th. Even in the pictures you can see that it is leaning badly - right towards the neighbors house. Many in Eastside are really excited about it and several have plans to take the day off of work to see it done. They are so excited about this big event - makes me wish we'd scheduled it for after we come back up - But Sallie is going to video it for me - so I'll be able to see it - like watching a rerun football game. Still interesting but not as exciting as with the suspense!!! Anyhow, it was odd to see the excitement over the big "Event"!!

The guys hauled 3 more loads of brush out to Ron's. I mean 3 trailer loads, pushed and tied down!! And nothing came from anywhere other than the yard. A large load of junk was hauled to the dump - I spent 10 days trying to give away the 200' of "duck" wire and the over 100 posts that had surrounded our property!! No luck yet - it's still there!!

Sallie cooked dinner most nights - even after working all day - I think she was afraid that I would poison us with whatever I'd had my hands into that day :) (it worked - shes a much, much better cook than I). She also spent her days off over helping me on the things that needed done. She sprayed for mosquitoes ~ several times ~ showed me what I needed and where it needed to be treated to keep them down, she loaned me loads of lawn furniture (the living room is decorated in it!), she helped with the arborist job - showing us where to trim, what to cut, what was worth saving and what had pretty much died. . .

And to top our wonderfully busy and productive week - on Saturday Sharen and Jack came over to spend the night. They had been to his class reunion and went home via Eastside. We had a great dinner - Keith BBQ'd pork steaks and we all sat outside in our mosquito free yard and ate and my nephew Mike just happened to be in town visiting other relatives, so he was able to drop by for dinner and a little visit before heading off. We got to see thier new camper and we stayed up way late visiting. . . We had breakfast Sunday morning and they took off.

We did some looking at pick-ups (didn't buy anything). We shopped a lot. I was blessed by having a wonderful reporter who wrote a great article regarding Jeremy. We can pray that someone is really moved by it and the missing piece of the puzzle is put out there for the great team that has worked so hard over the years to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

They are calling our flight - so I guess I'd better log off for now.

Later. . . . . .

Meet Ellie

We've arrived in Coos Bay!! We had a great flight - was even able to connect to the Horizon flight just 20 minutes after we got to Portland so we arrived in Coos Bay at 6 instead of at 9. What a treat!!! Clint and Sallie picked us up and fed us dinner - Sallie is such a great cook!!

We had a good visit and spent the night in their camper - They loaned us their extra vehicle - so we've been good to go!!

The men have been working their butts off since Tuesday. They've cut down trees, piled brush, wore the belts off of the lawn tractor, mowed grass, trimmed roses, but the biggest and first thing they did was to tear down about 400 feet of duck wire. It really is the 2x2 chicken wire that is so totally ugly but the guy used it to keep his ducks in - and obviously his neighbors dogs out. AND IT SURROUNDED THE PLACE!! With those metal stakes every 5' or so. By Wednesday morning the last of the stakes were out, wire rolled up and Joe (Clint and Sallies sone) pulled the stakes out that had been driven into the HUGE tree out front!!

And Tim and I shopped, and shopped, and then got Keith and we went back shopping. Got beds and we spent our 2nd night here at home. I even had gathered enough "stuff" that I cooked dinner last night!!

Today we spent the morning working on the lawn tractor while Clint and Keith hauled away brush and clippings. Sure looks different - already!! And Tim and I went shopping again!! (Of course we had to go lots of places to get the belts for the tractor) And we are all pooped with a big PEE. So we laid off a little early and I "borrowed" Sallies dsl line to upload pictures so all can see!!

Better head out tho'. I need a shower really, really bad. And still have stuff to do!! But we are having a great time. Sallie and I plan to yard sale tomorrow to see if we can't find stuff that we just can't live without:)

Click on the link above and see how far we've come in so little time. And we've still got another week!!

We are HERE

Just to let everyone know that we made it. I don't have a consistant internet connection right now but I'm working on it. We got here last night and have spent the day "setting up house" and I've got some pictures taken. So bear with me - I will get updated as soon as I can!!

6 Days Old!!

Baby Cavell is 6 days old and getting
lots and lots of lovin' from Amah and Papa. Not that we get a whole lot of time to hold him ~ every one of the kids as well as Mom and Dad want their turns!! Greedy People!!! hehe

We have been so totally blessed by being able to be here during this time. It isn't all grandparents that are able to be so much in thier childrens lives and live so far away! I feel so truly blessed!!

He is such a great gift!! He and Tetee spent the day shopping with us today.

We spent most of the day finishing off the things the kids (and me) will need right after we get back from Oregon. I think all of the kids (and I) are suitably attired for the cruise ~ only 25 days left!

We head for Coos Bay to see our White Elephant on Monday. It will be great to see old friends and relatives in Oregon.

We've also put the "little house" in Florida on the market ~ actually ~ we asked a friend to put a For Sale sign in the window. It is offerred completely furnished and at a great price. In the 2 years since the hurricanes the carport is new, new siding and stucco has replaced the old finish so it looks really nice. It has even has room to park an extra vehicle!!

And after lots of soul searching and much talking with God . . . we've also decided that we will probably put the RV on the market when we get back to Florida in October. It is a 1999 Bounder, 34' w/1 slide out. It is in really good shape with less than 20,000 miles on it. We drove it cross country and back 2 years ago and took a trip to Georgia in it last year. I have to clean our personal stuff out of it (that's why we have to wait until October) - and if it doesn't sell - we will probably take it to Oregon next year and leave it there. We just do not use it as much as we thought we would.

We really feel that the Lord is leading us to make these changes - but if this isn't His way . . . it won't happen. We are both trying really hard to "let Him lead" in our lives.

Baby CB

Amah
Originally uploaded by Amah

Here is Master Covelle Braydon at about 17 hours old. Click on this picture for the rest of the pictures from his first vists by his siblings. We had to go in 2 trips - the room was to small for us to all go together!! And Dad will be back in port tomorrow morning. Mommy and Baby are doing great! God has blessed us yet again!! He is a perfect little boy with none of the possible issues that had shown up on the ultrasounds. Thank you God!!

The Stork has Landed!!

Covelle Brayden was born at 10:16 on July 6. He landed at 8#10.5 oz and 22" long. He is perfectly formed and as of 3 am PST - in perfect health. I left them to sleep and come back to S'te's to get things ready for breakfast.

The land line here is down until after 3 pm on Sunday - so cell phone is the only communication. She is at Balboa Medical Center in #332. She will probably be home either late tonight or early morning.

Well, off to take the team to see their new sibling!!
PS I will have a picture uploaded by this afternoon!!

Happy Independence Day

Happy July 4th, Birthdate of our Declaration of Indepencence, to all!!

It's time to live up to what our forefathers wanted for this Nation when they signed the Declaration, formed the Armies, and fought so hard!! They would be saddened to see what this wonderful God inspired nation has become.


As for here, we celebrated Brayana's 11th Birthday with her choice of dinner - Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, complete with macaroni salad and tater tots!! Cake and ice-cream were for dessert. She got a much needed hamster to love and cuddle!! Like - she doesn't have any company around here or anything heeeheee!!


We are still on the baby wait and tonight the 4 middle ones have karate practice. We go (S'te waddles :)) throughout our days and just wait, and wait, and still again wait. I know, it will be in God's time - but I (and I'm sure S'te) is wishing it would be soon. Even after 30 years, I remember the the last month.that.lasted.at.least.a.year before Baby showed up. Vividly :)

Have a wonderful 4th

and lets all work at

making God proud

of this

"One Nation Under God, Indivisabel,

With Liberty and Justice for All"

Closing

The closing on our new property in Oregon has hit a glitch. It seems the underwriter wants a few things done before it can close. They called us yesterday morning - closing was to be tomorrow. The essence of POWER!! The seller was all set to move tomorrow, we were all set to close tomorrow, everything was all set - especially since the closing was like 4 weeks out - so when nothing came back last week - we were sure we were set!!

Now, the realtor (which will also be our neighbor) is whizzing around getting the piddly work done (loose toilet and spongy back door) and a subterranean spray done and get the things signed off for us. She is really having to work for her money!! I'll owe her a big bbq when we finally get there! We know that the house is small, that it is old, that it isn't in the greatest shape - but we know the potential!! That is what we are buying - but try to explain that to a person that has the POWER to stop everything in it's tracks. Why did she wait until the last minute? 'Cause she had POWER, that's why. I so dislike people that use POWER to cause others grief and discomfort!!

Skunks and Pet Doors

A year or so ago - one the the cats here decided to tangle with a skunk - the skunk won. S'te says it took weeks for her (Coco the Cat) to smell better!! :)

Well, the last couple of weeks we've noticed that towards evening - after the kids are in bed and all is quiet - Coco will come streaking into the house. If she needs to use a window - she will. Whatever it takes. She has a pet door from the outside into the laundry room (it used to be big enough for the Grant the Great Dane but was downsized when the kids were using it for access) and another thru the door in the library. They love thier doors although they would very much rather someone get up and open a door for them.

The other night S'te was in the kitchen and noticed movement in the laundry room. Then the next night Rod noticed black and white movement in the laundry room. Since Rod has been underway - we've been kinda watching and ~ each evening we see various SKUNKS eating the cat food, drinking thier water, wandering in and around the tools stored there. Rod has tried taking pictures since they don't seem to be the same ones!! Twice the skunk I've seen was just a baby one. They really are sort of cute in an odd, stand-offish sort of way - hehe. Since he (Rod) didn't really want to open the door and go out - the pics didn't turn out well (I don't think). But I know they are there!! If I get ahold of one - I will certainly post it!!

The neighbor has been trapping them - he's trapped 6 and each time his back yard has been sprayed - so I think he gave up. But there are more!!
Last night - after dinner - I picked up the cat food and water and brought it inside - saw a bigger guest come to see what was for dinner - ooops - nothing. He scouted around - found nothing and left.

Fast forward to about 10:30 - I went out front - and there were 2 BIG ones standing in the flower bed that we just finished planting and cleaning - S'te hollered "what do you think this is - Burger King - ?" to the population of the front yard!!! :) She is so funny! So what it looks like is that the Mommy and Daddy skunks are showing baby skunks how to use a pet door. . . . I'll bet the rest of the neighborhood is glad of that!!

So that is my funny for the day.

Still no baby.

Still Waiting

We are still here. Still waiting for the Baby to make a grand appearance!! Not much is going on right now. I've slowed down quite a bit this last week. The Karate Kids all "graduated" to thier next level and I missed it. My get.up.and.go has just gotten up and went. Keith is on some new meds that have slowed him down a bit too. We have pretty much turned into couch potatoes over the weekend.

Tomorrow is Ty's birthday. It's hard to believe that he will be 17 already ~ just yesterday he was coming into my life as a new grandson and a new member of our family. I took him today to get his birthday present. I gave him a $ limit for shoes (that was what he wanted for his birthday) and for that amount ~ he got shoes, pants, shirts, cd's, a sweater, and I don't really know what else ~ but he is quite a shopper!!

The middle kids are doing "summer school" here at home in the mornings. S'te gets thier assignments all ready for them each day. Not that they are all that excited about it - but it will certainly help them as they go on to their next grades. Kiah really gets into it - he is doing his current work and delving into the next grade work too!! He's quite "into" schoolwork!! Moreso than the others. After the schoolwork tomorrow the girls are going to bake Ty a cake while he is in school and we have a few other things for him ~ and then on to karate practice for most of them.

We are still on track for closing on the little house in Coos Bay. I am really anxious to see it. We will go after Rod returns from this "underway" and hopefully after the Baby arrives. Rod is due home the 6th and the Baby is "supposed" to be here by the 12th. So all we can do is wait. S'te is getting quite anxious also. So around here it's pretty much a wait and see show!!

Foul Ball

Padre/Oriole game tonight
Originally uploaded by Amah

This morning Tim gave us last minute tickets to tonight's Padre game. We took the trolley down ~ it was our first trolley ride from Lemon Grove too~ and went. It was a nice little ride - much easier than driving, fighting the traffic, paying $20 to park, and walking in from the lots too!! I think it was definately the best way to go.

Anyhow, Keith was off getting pretzels during the first 5 minutes of the game when the Orioles scored their first 3 runs. It was rather uneventful thru the next 7 innings. The Orioles definately outplayed the Padres (way to go - huh, Joe!!). Bottom of the eighth inning I finally decided to do the bathroom thing before the game was over and we caught the trolley back to Lemon Grove. While there I heard the fireworks go off and the other lady in the restroom said - "we probably missed the only Padre home run of the night". Well, she was right. WE DID!!

But I missed more than that! When I returned to my seat, Keith handed me a baseball!! He got a foul ball!! Our usher said if I'd been sitting there it would have probably got me!! Keith said he deflected it and another man picked it up and was nice enough to give it back to him. The usher assured Keith that it was his ball - so he kept it. And he has a nice little bruise on his hand to show for it! I've never even had a foul ball come any where near where I was sitting - one finally did and I wasn't even in the seat!!

And then in the 9th inning a young man came from nowhere - across the field - I saw him as he was sliding into 2nd base, picked himself up to get just beyond the pitchers mound before being tackled by security, handcuffed, and escorted off to jail. And there was even a warning announced about jail and a hefty fine before the game started!! I heard that last night that Security escorted a naked female (I wouldn't call her a lady) from the Park! I guess that I must just have better things to do with my self respect (and money)!!

Anyhow, click on the picture to see the little slideshow of our trip to Petco Park.

BTW - the Orioles really dunked the Padres good. That 1 run by Russell Branyon was the only run of the night. He also hit the foul ball that we now have.

Told you she is getting round!!