getting ready

The time has come for another trip to Vegas (baby)!

The weather forecast is SUMMER, well, 90 on Friday, but I'm heading out there on Sunday evening.  I think it will cool down to a Springlike temperature at the start of next week (I'm checking the weather site).

Even though, low 70's does call for capris and some type of sandal, most definitely no socks.

So I have to prep for summer-like temperatures.

First, self-tanner!

On my 2006 trip a couple of my gf's commented "I've never seen you look so white" - lol, hence, self-tanner.

Pedicure - my tootsies have not seen the light of day for a LONG time. 

Needless to say, I need to drag out my Summer clothing, which coincidentally have not seen the light of day either.

And of course there's lots of laundry, etc. since I was gone for 4 days!

So much to do and now it's spring and I just want to get my garden ready :(

at Esparza's

Thursday night dinner

waiting on line to get in

Linda and Lisa

watching a demo

One of the samples.  I actually bought this acrylic banner.  I will be doing something a little different than the model

Melissa at Esparza's

great Tex/Mex (funky atmosphere)

If you've watched "Portlandia" (a show on IFC spoofing Portland), this is from the episode, "Put a Bird on it"

my dessert, Jane Avril (I really wanted Nicole's dessert but it was really big)

A fun time was had by all at the CKC (Creating Keepsakes Convention) in downtown Portland.

Unfortunately, a couple of us stayed in a different hotel, so we were a little separated.

I do recommend the Renaissance Inn across from Lloyd Center. Free parking, pet friendly and a free full breakfast!  It's a great location as far as walking to eateries and a couple of blocks away is the "Max", a light rail system.  We were 2 stops away and we were in the "free zone".  A quick and easy way to get to the convention center.

Since we had 3 gals that knew Portland we ventured off to some great eateries (photos above).  We had a great time and it was fun to see a little more of Portland. 

Of course we could not leave Portland without going to "Burgerville", which was a couple of blocks from the convention center.  All, I can say is yummo!  This gal went all the way: cheeseburger, fries and a No. Mtn. Chocolate Cherry shake, which by the way was to die for!

During the holidays I purchased the Food Network Magazine and loved it.  I loved it so much I subscribed to it.

I received my first issue this past week and found I still love it!

This issue has 4 pages on 10 minute desserts that I will most definitely be trying.

Also, a quiz that Pete and I took last night on "how much of a wine enthusiast are you".

It is really a great mag and an inexpensive one at that.



On my way to Portland with Audrey, Lisa (two in photo), Linda, Anita, Melissa and Nicole!  

We're excited! 

I'm driving up with Linda and we'll stop at Woodburn (outlet mall near Portland) and meet up with Audrey and Lisa.

Last year we went to CKC, Creating Keepsakes Convention and we had a grand ole time.  Last year Laura went with, but she couldn't make it this year.

This year I decided to focus on taking more classes and buying less product: we'll see how it goes.  I  picked classes that are teaching new techniques and 2 "Copic" marker classes.  Hope I learn a lot!

We're staying at a new place not too far from the Convention Center. Galpals Anita and Nicole know Portland so we should be doing a little better as far as finding places to eat.

All in all, we'll be having a great time with a whole lot of crAzy scrapbookers!

I'll be back Sunday afternoon armed with photos.  

I actually started the project a couple of years ago, but my body broke down, I got a hip replacement and after recuping from that, I needed to catch up on other stuff.

So onward and forward with the never ending landscaping on our property.

Back down the road to this area of poison oak and lots of mini scrub oak trees and older, large scrub oak trees that desperately needed trimming.  

I really needed to recruit Pete on this since there was no way I could get it all done myself.  There is just so much you can cut with a trimmer, I needed real power, I needed a chainsaw!

  Pete decided the tractor would help as far as pushing the piles we were accumulating.  

I must confess it looks a lot better.  We can actually SEE some of the bigger trees that were overtaken by poison oak.  But it looks like we need at least another weekend of working.  This is really hard, grueling work and Pete and I decided we can do about 4 hours/day, max.  It's hard on the back.  And guess what I have a blister on my hand!  Ugh!

The one FUN part was that I had to drive the ATV back up to the house because Pete had to drive the tractor.  Wow, was that fun!

The funniest thing was the weather.  On Saturday, it snowed on us and then after a while the sun came out, drizzled, etc. 

  On Sunday, when I finally got down to help Pete it started hailing and then drizzling.  cRaZy weather!

1.  Rocky's new Android phone

and mom and dad keep their old phones (more than we need)

Pete inherited Rocky's old phone (he actually only had it less than a year)

Knowing that Rocky will, in the near future be on his own and in college I thought he might be needing more technology than he currently has, enter....IPhone clone, driven by Android operating system.

He wanted to buy an IPOD touch to put his music and do internet stuff (his IPOD was broken).  I thought for the money (IPOD touch) he should get a great phone with all those "touch" features and fix his IPOD.  He researched and finally fixed his IPOD (himself) and found the phone he wanted $200.00 less than an IPOD touch at our dealer (US Cellular).  He had the money, so he paid with his cash and gave me the extra money to help pay for his data plan.  

You see you can find these great phones at a great price but you have to pay for a monthly data plan which cost $30.00!  Rocky gave up his text plan, so that saved us a little.  He has found a way to text through "gmail".  

Pete was in need of a new phone, so he got Rocky's old phone, which was the same as mine. I can't tell you how much he loves that thing and is bugging me by showing me all the great (and silly) APPS.

Ah, modern technology.

My Guest Room

This armoire has travelled from house to house. I painted and added new pulls when we moved to Henderson in '95

I paid $5.00 for this light fixture at the Henderson Goodwill, prayed it would work and then re-did it to look like it does

A collection of old and new

bought 2 of these at a garage sale and painted them

My christening dress and bonnet (looks like I had a big head)

which I framed

another great quilt class that I took in Henderson

I thought I would share some of my favorite things in my guest room since it will now go through a transformation.  I am recently converting it into a room for mom.  When she was here and we made the decision I had made a few small changes like switching the queen bed with the full bed (Rocky got the queen bed since he has a larger room).  Now there is a little more floor space.  Our guest room is small so things have to be scaled down a bit. 

There are more changes to come next month when I go get mom in Henderson and bring her back with a few of her things.  

Mom will be spending time between my house and my brother's house.  Right now it is on a trail basis as far as how much time at each place.

This is a hard decision for her and we need to take things slowly.

Rocky's- new look

Don't you just love the look!!!!

This is how it went, "Rocky could you please smile", "I am smiling", "Rocky you don't look very attractive", "could you just shoot the picture", "okay, this is going in your scrapbook"

and yes, folks it is.  This isn't the first horrible photo of Rocky.  I'm sure he will look back at those pages and say "what the heck was I thinking", but you know it's all part of scrapbooking: documenting his life.  What can I say?

Rocky approached me during the holidays and told me he needed to change his look, he never really cared about what he wore, preferring any rock n roll tee shirt.  So, for Christmas he got the jacket in the first photo and "black Friday" I bought him a peacoat (2nd photo): they're in style - AGAIN. 

I also picked up a couple of nice, short sleeve (not tee shirt) pullover shirts and a great, long sleeve shirt with scrolls, very cool.  And the biggest change was........ he now wears JEANS!!!!  He never liked wearing jeans, always preferring nylon jogging pants.  He has a million of those in every color. So for Christmas he also got a couple of stylish, new jeans.   

He still wears the rock n roll tees but they are not his "complete" look.  

The Rub

If you came to my Scrapper's Christmas Party this December I had a little prezzie for my guests.  A few of you have used it, liked it and have requested the recipe so.....here goes.

       Meat Rub

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon salt

    Yield:  about 1 cup

Other info:  I bought these great little, squat canning jars at Target (couldn't find them anywhere else)

To make the large quantity I did, I bought SOME of the spices at the Dollar Tree (sorry, I went cheap), and Shop n Cart (bulk spices).

We are a big fan of buying spices at Shop n Cart or Market of Choice (last choice).  Buying spices in bulk is SOOOO much cheaper than buying those little containers, have you seen the prices on spices!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

You know what that means........corn beef and cabbage!

Pete has already put on the crock pot!

My Abuelo LOVED corn beef!  He was not a fan of going out to eat since he had worked in Hotel kitchens in New York (back in the day).  He had his favorite Irish pubs in NY and every once in a while he would venture out to get a good corn beef sandwich...........yummm.  

I also remember eating a good NY corn beef sandwich.

My corn beef memory is of mom picking us up at elementary school, it was a good walk home  and we would pass this great Deli, so every once in a while we would pick up one of those sandwiches, they were wrapped in butcher paper and it was really nicely stacked, very lean!  Wow, I can visual it and almost taste it. 

 Funny how some of those memories stick!

Giveaway

Life and Times of a 12x12 AdDiCt is doing a great little giveaway, here's the link http://lifeandtimesofa12x12addict.blogspot.com/2011/03/mini-giveaway.html.

Good luck!!!

Rocky

The party is over...........Sunday was the last performance (a matinee) of "Chicago".  

I did go on Friday to see it again with gf Anita and Audrey.  It was really a great production and I just love the music!

Last night he had a Orchestra concert at the middle school and after went back to the high school for a show choir retreat (overnight er at the h.s.) and this  morning at 6:45am he was boarding a bus to go to South Medford High School for an Orchestra competition (whew, I'm tired).

It was a great experience for Rocky, but very tiring for him and us.  Would have been great if he was driving when he committed to the show, but alas, no, it was the "mom and dad taxi service".

And of course on Friday and Saturday night after the show the gang would all head to a local diner to have a snack and unwind, meanwhile mom and dad are trying to keep their eyes open so they can drive into town to pick him up "when he was ready".  We're happy he did it, but glad it's over.  Although, I would have liked to have seen it again.......oh, wait, we purchased the DVD so I guess I can see it again!

various cards, mostly birthday

I loved using my "happy birthday" stamp from Purple Onion designs.........

It was the second Saturday of the month and you know what that means..............it's the Scrapper's Library Crop.

Spent some time with the girlfriends, ate (yummy brownies and cinnamon rolls amongst other goodies), yakked and actually got something done!

I was running very low, actually had sent out my last birthday card.  I made about 13 cards almost all from scraps.  And I'm still making cards!  I knew I would need some masculine birthday cards and a couple of Easter cards.

 I didn't photograph the Easter cards since I still have to add details......

All in all a good time was had by all!

A very big happy birthday to my dear friend Cindy in Henderson, Nevada!

TV

Wednesday night, our TV did some strange things and we blamed the satellite..........
Thursday night, it was still acting strange until it finally would not go on again.

First let me start with............

a few months ago Pete happened to notice a little light go on and he checked the manual and lo and behold, the picture tubes have to be replaced at some point!  So we've known for a while this was going to happen.  Did I ask Pete to order the tube early, yes!  Did he do it, no! 

Sooo, of course he was right on it this morning............

I have checked around and guess what...........your nice flat screen LCD picture tube will have to be replaced at some point.  We've had this TV since '04 so it lasted a little (very little) over 6 years. 

Now, you can pay anywhere up to a couple of hundred dollars (or more) for the replacement tube.  GF Eileen told me hubby, John found a reputable place on EBAY and paid $90 ish.  So that is where Pete ordered ours. 

Lucky for us we have a nice 40" LCD TV in the den............not sure if I told you the story on the old den TV?  Let me know and I'll fill you in on that disaster!

Another giveaway

this is a great giveaway, just follow the link to enter at

Craft e Corner

giveaway

If you like stamped jewelry there is a great giveaway on a blog that I follow "Songbird" (ends on March 13th), here it is.........http://songbirdsponsorblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/lisa-leonard-giveaway.html?showComment=1299630662479#c2208252783961646249

Read the instructions below, there are 4 chances to enter!

Oh my gosh, how much more can I go on about my (our) dear sweet Annie!

I keep insisting that she is the smartest dog we've ever had and Pete says no.  Okay, if she isn't, she sure is the quickest learner (and I don't care what Pete says)!

It took Shadow a lot longer, and still at the bitter end, hesitation to step in the bucket (but he did it). 

You see, we love the rain because it makes everything green out here,  BUT when you live in the country and you are surrounded by wilderness, you get a lot of MUD. Oh, and the mud we have is clay-like, ugh.  It just gets stuck right inside her pads - ugh! 

So, it makes life a lot easier when you put out the bucket full of warm water and in she walks, just like that..............unbelievable!  We are so lucky to have found her, she is just the sweetest thing on 4 feet!

Tulips

Oh, my goodness I can't believe I bought these planters around 5-6 years ago and I'm finally using them!!!!  Thanks to Ace Hardware (Ashland) for having the porch railing hooks!

I've always longed for tulips but so do the deer and I really don't need to entice them with more delectables.  As usual I went a little crazy planting bulbs (god, I love those things) and got my tulip fix by planting them in these planters where those buggers (hopefully) can't reach them (crossing my fingers). 

Now let's see what pops up!

This weekend........

the ballroom

lobby of the Ashland Spring Hotel

chocolate martini demo at Lark's bar

a cake made of chocolate............

after all that chocolate, we needed savory.....

On Sunday we went to the "Chocolate Festival" held every year at the Ashland Springs Hotel, here in 'lil 'ole Ashland.  Every year I think about it and never do it, this year I mentioned it at work and dear, sweet Kevin said he could get me comp tickets - whoopee, we're going baby!  Rocky had a matinee so it was just Pete and I.  We really enjoyed it, there was chocolate everywhere and all chocolate is not created equal - please!

Pete was barrelling through the crowds and I was pacing myself, because believe me there can be too much chocolate.  A couple of times I was out of water and had to run to the water cooler. 

On the way out Lark's was demo-ing chocolate martini's and Pete and I stepped in there to taste the samples - yummo!  Made with Godiva chocolate liqueur.

After, we decided on a couple of sushi rolls and back home to make dinner because we were going to see "To Kill A Mockingbird" at OSF, 8pm.

Busy day! 

Well, I guess I'm not really a "Chocoholic" (enter sigh here).

Imaginary Invalid

Last night I went with gal pal Anita to see "The Imaginary Invalid" at OSF.  I usually don't go this early to see the plays but knew that this one was already tweaked and good.  Boy, did we laugh, it's hilarious! 

If you get a chance, you should catch it.  It's not Shakespeare, it's Moliere and the period is set in the 1970's:  the costumes were fantastic as well as the music!

I will definitely be taking Rocky and Pete to see this one.

Before hitting the show we went to Tabu's bar.  If you haven't been, they have "Happy Hour", Monday thru Friday, 5-7pm. 
I had 2 margarita's (yes, I did) and Anita had 2 g&t's, we had the nacho's, taquitos (5) and 2 chicken tacos and all we spent was $28.00!  How about that?  And yummy too! 

I have been passing by and seeing the little sign outside and decided to try it one "First Friday" and we (Pete and I) were quite surprised.  

giveaway

Bought this many years ago with intentions of using it and guess what..........still sitting in my garage (I even moved it from Henderson). 

 Let me know if you want, it if not I'm hauling it to Goodwill.

Woo-hoo Audrey wants the kit!!!!!

Scrapbook Albums

This was the first type of album I ever used...........you know which one, Creative Memories strap albums.  I used up all the ones I had purchased and moved on from there.

another strap album..........(various manufacturers)

3 ring binders (bought at Michaels)

I really liked these 3 ring binder made by 7 Gypsies but they became too hard to find

This is what I currently use and love (thanks Kristi)

3 ring canvas binder made by American Crafts, sold at most scrapbooking sites and at Michaels (I stock up when on sale).

I haven't counted in a while, but the last time I counted, I had about 27-28 albums filled.  It's a good thing that most of Rocky's activities have slowed down now that he is 18 (although I still manage to sneak little things in here and there). 

(One day a couple of us were talking about albums so I thought I would do a post about albums)



I thought I should boast a little bit about Rocky.  He is currently performing at Ashland High School's "CHICAGO" which will be running until March 13th, Thurs., Fri., Sat. evenings, Sunday matinees.  I must admit it is a great production, for a high school!   Pete, mom and I were blown away.  Rocky is in the ensemble, the policeman and the bailaff (2 lines).  He is wearing OSF costumes because Emily, the costume wearhouse assistant was in charge of costumes and she did a fabulous job.  I can't believe how many costume changes there were.  The "cellhouse" girls were great!  Of course if you're familiar with "Chicago's" music you will love this play.  

 The stage design was great as well as some of the performances (Velma - very good).  The gal playing Roxy didn't do much for me but she was good in quite a few numbers, voice - okay, dancing - good. 

Here is the link to the Ashland Tidings article and ticket info, just in case you were interested ;) http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110223/LIFE/102230301