Therapy Evaluation Today!

Okay, did a little bit too much yesterday with the movies, stopping to update Kindle/phone at Starbucks and a quick trip to Craft Warehouse!

Woke up to pain and am living with it today.

Today, I went to the "Y," to get my physical therapy eval and schedule pool time.  First day will be on 12/31. 

It will be 4 years in March since I was there the last time and with the same therapist, Alice.

She said I was doing really well; walking well and she said my hips were aligned, doesn't look like my legs are uneven.  I told her I was not worried about that with Dr. Boyd.  She said she sees it quite often, so I must say, I am lucky!

Laying low today and taking it very easy, so I can enjoy the rest of the week.

I'm really hoping that I will be able to make my target date of Monday, January 7th to get back to work. Alice thought that was a little early, but I'll see how well I'm doing by the end of next week.

My appointment with Dr. Boyd is on January 3rd, we'll see how well he thinks I'm doing. Right now it seems like that date is a little close and I know right now, I would not be able to last 5 hours/day. 

I also asked Alice about the 90 degree restriction and she said it varies with the doctor, but 3 months is realistic.  So I'll have to take it easy at work and when I go on my retreat in January.

I didn't have restrictions when I had the resurfacing, so all of this is new and a pain!

I really don't want to complain, I do consider myself lucky that what I have is fixable, have to be thankful for that!

Hope you all had a great holiday!
It was a nice, quiet Christmas for us.  On Christmas eve day I was able to get up and make a batch of fudge.  I helped Pete with a little meal prep, but that was about all I could do.  Pete made mac and cheese and we had a great meal and watched a couple of movies after.
For Christmas breakfast I put together a quicky cinnamon roll recipe before mom and Rocky woke up.  We were able to enjoy those with our coffee while we opened our gifts.  Pete had put together a breakfast casserole the night before and that baked after we were done with the gift opening.
We drove into Medford to try and catch the 1:55pm showing of "Les Miserables," but the show was sold out.  We decided to buy tickets to the 12:20pm show on Wednesday, Dec. 26 since the next show was at 3:45pm.  How do you kill over 3 hours on Christmas Day when everything is closed?
We went and saw Les Mis yesterday, it was really good, BUT you must like musicals if you are going to see this. It was long, but very well done.  The ending very emotional, lots of tears..........

The thing I missed the most this Christmas...........my sugar cookies, so I must make those for Valentine's Day this year!

Too much, too soon

Really feeling good yesterday, got up,  helped Pete with the sheets, took my shower, walked around the house (inside) quite a bit.
By the evening I was feeling it,  really? Did not sleep well and pain - ugh.
Yesterday,  I kept feeling like I could just jump out of bed - ha!  The mind is something else.....

Of course you know I'm not just laying around,  I did leave many projects stacked up to work on.
This is what I did:

Christmas cards - done and Pete mailed them with all the Christmas packages...

Finished hand sewing the binding on Marie's quilt. Messed that up,  forgot to make a label, so it's not completely done.

Finished putting together a gardening notebook that I had started.  It really was 95 percent done.

Card kit - I bought a Basic Grey Christmas card kit a few years ago and I finally put it together!

Today I'm going to start a Christmas gift for a friend in Vegas,  a mini scrapbook of her trip here.

Oh, and Rocky is coming home today!  Another nurse for me -  ha!
He has volunteered to do some baking and cooking!

My cranberry relish is done.  

My dressing is put together, waiting for the oven tomorrow and my turkey is marinating as I write.

Rocky is home and safely nestled in his bed.

Another Thanksgiving is upon us and we couldn't be more grateful to be able to share it with the ones we love.

  Thankful for being able to all be together for a special meal. 

Hope you and yours have a great holiday!  

Successful trip to Salem

Yes, I am getting a hip replacement and it will be on Dec. 3rd.  We will be driving up to Salem on the 2nd, staying at the residence and bright and early on Monday morning (8a.m.) I have to be at the hospital.  They will be calling me on Sunday with the time of surgery.  There were a couple of things that had to be switched around, so not sure what time my surgery is.

I ended up having a pre-op appointment since I wasn't going back to Salem before the 2nd. 

Had an EKG and all labs done.

On the way back we stopped and picked up Rocky from school and took him to lunch at our favorite place for a quick bite;  The Sixth Street Grill.

Was good to see our boy!  He's still thin, although he is eating pretty well.  He's been cooking and baking a lot.

We took him for a quick stock up trip and a yogurt swirl at Costco ;).

Dropped him and his goods off and started the drive home.

Tomorrow he'll be home for the holiday, he got a ride home (yeh).

I'm trying to keep our holiday light, since it's only the four of us.

I bought a 10 lb turkey.  Mom bought a pecan pie and Rocky will be baking a pumpkin pie.  

I'll make the usual, mash potatoes, yams, dressing, green beans, gravy, and rolls.  

I'll make the cranberry relish and dressing tomorrow, to lighten my load on Thursday.

So use to having Laurie as my cooking partner, always makes it easier!

Laurie and Tim will be staying in Yerington, going to a neighbors for dinner.
Hopefully next year we can get together for the holiday.

Of course we'll be doing some Black Friday shopping!  Don't think I have too much left to get.
I'm just about done and I've been wrapping, getting the mail packages done first.
So much to do before the 2nd!!!!!

Big Slacker!

Yes, that's me!

What have I been up to?

Planted a few bulbs in the last couple of weeks, and now that the weather has changed, I'm done.  

Finished mom's quilt and dropped it off at the quilter's today.

Mom came in on Thursday, November 8th, all is well.  She's adjusting to her new routine, back in our homestead.  She's never been here early in November, so she's loving the Fall color!

Tomorrow afternoon, Pete and I head out to Salem, my appointment with Dr. Boyd is on Thursday, 8:45 am.  I will find out if I am to have surgery AND if he says yes, it will be on December 3rd, because I found out he is retiring on December 18th!  Lucky me, surgery right before Christmas.  Needless to say, Christmas will be sparse this year.

We will have to cut our tree, decorate it and decorate the house by the Thanksgiving weekend.  

We'll also have to celebrate Rocky's 20th birthday that weekend since he'll be back in Eugene on the 30th.  

Luckily I've done quite a bit of shopping, but not totally done..  Sunday, I'll be heading to Medford with mom to do a little shopping and of course shopping on black Friday.  

I have a long list of things to get done, but I'm not going to stress, some things will just have to wait.

Of course, you know how it is when you're going to the doctor you always feel better than ever.  I've been having a great "hip" day, strange........then again there are days I just want to scream from the crazy pain!  

Catching up

 Quilt for mom

 Marie's quilt

 new binding ironing mat

Christmas panel

I decided to spend the weekend catching up on sewing projects.  Mom is coming November 8th and the holidays are fast approaching so it's time to get moving!!!!

#1 - Mom has always said to me "how come you never make me a quilt?" Well, I decided that's what she's getting for Christmas.  I bought a kit in NY at "The City Quilter," a 

shop on 25th Street.  

#2 - Marie's quilt.  Cut the binding, trimmed the quilt and sewed the binding on.  Now I have to hand sew it back and it's done - yeh!  Hope to get it to Marie before Christmas, we'll see.

#3 - New binding mat!  I bought one for Eileen and one for myself.  It's not 100 % perfect, but it does save on burning your fingers when you fold over the fabric and iron it!  This was the first time I tried it and I do like it.

#4 - Christmas panel.  Bought this Christmas panel at The City Quilter and plan on making these into ornaments. I cut the backing fabric and now I need to decide on hangers, and embellishments.

It was a great, relaxing weekend.  No real agenda.........

Crossing my fingers!

Finally called Dr. Boyd's office to make an appointment.  This time instead of driving up and down to Salem, Oregon in one day, we'll drive right after work and stay at the hospital residence overnight and go to my 10 am appointment the next morning.

I've gotten to the point that I feel like I'm ready for a new hip.

When I visited Dr. Boyd last January, he said it would be 6 months to a year and I feel like "I'm there."  We'll see what he says.  

I've progressively gotten worse, but getting on the bicycle does help.  I have good and bad days.  I can't wait until I'm done with the Lounge work.  Right now I'm working everything Thursday until November 1st.  Can't wait for that to be done!

I will not be doing that little job next year.  I'm hoping that my job will be busy enough that they will give me at least 5 more hours a week, there's talk about it already, but don't think it will happen until next Spring.  With those 5 hours that would make 30 hours a week and that will be a huge improvement on what I pay for health insurance.  

Mom will be here around then and she'll stay with Annie.  We'll stop in Eugene to see Rocky for a lil bit before heading for home.

Can't wait!!!!

Catching up.....

The retreat as usual - great!

Trying to catch up a little with life in general!

Work has been very busy for me. I can actually say I have a job now. And in the coming year there will be 2 more people added to our department and I will be the support person for them too! Sooo, it looks like my hours will be expanded and I will be having a somewhat full time position. I am looking forward to it.  With the expanded hours comes more $$$$$. Right now most of my pay goes to medical for the three of us, grocery money with the leftovers.  Would be nice to say hmmm, I'm going to buy that pair of boots and not have to agonize or feel guilty about buying something for myself.  Of course with paying another rent we really have to watch everything!

Fall is here, but still quite warm, hard to decide what to wear for work!  Should be cooling off by this weekend.

I just ordered some lovely peonies from this placeDeason Peonies. Did a lot of reading on them and October is the time to plant.  Apparently they need a good freeze to produce.  I have the perfect spot. Took me a couple of years to decide what to put in this spot, but I feel confident with my decision.

Of course with the Fall comes bulb planting. I need to dig some up and move, changing my strategy - again! If I'm ambitious and feel strong (another story) then I will plant more daffies that I didn't get to plant last Fall, I think they'll still come up. 

Another part of this catch up post is that I made my appointment with Dr. Boyd in Salem to check on my other hip!  Yes, I think I'm ready, but I need him to tell me I'm ready. If he says yes, then I'll be scheduling  surgery for the early part of January. Still a little slow at work, good time.

SIL Laurie is coming on the 26th and Pete wants to camp right before that, we'll see how the weather is.

Before you know it Christmas will be here!   Yikes!!!!!!!

Retreat

I know most of you know I've had a busy Summer.

9 days in NY, come home for 5 days, off to San Diego for a software conference for 6 days, come home, get ready to go camping at Diamond Lake to help out a friend with a wedding in the pavillion, did that for Pete's birthday weekend and then home to rest and get my house back in order and shape for company coming for 10 days.

Oh, during that "resting" period I was getting Rocky ready to move back to Eugene.  He rented a house with his 2 Ashland buddies and we were in "garage sale" mode trying to find furniture.  

In between the company we moved him back to Eugene (took Linda with us, Gaia had already gone home).

Soooooo, a retreat has finally arrived and it starts today!!!!!!

YEH!

Back to the Emigrant Lake house!

Cornice Boxes

I think I promised photos of the new cornice boxes in my bedroom!

Here they are!

Thank goodness for old friends.....

I have a lot of catching up to do.  So I'll start with friends, old friends.

This is a photo from my NY trip! 

This was taken at Bridges Bar and Grill.

Me,  Lillie Roman and Ida Issacs.

First, let me say god bless the hostess with the mostest - Lillie!

Originally, I was supposed to stay with my friend Ivet, but she was ill and was not able to "host" me.

Lillie stepped in and said I could stay with her, thank goodness, because I didn't have too many friends still in the Bronx and all my family is now scattered!

When I arrived Marie picked me up from Newark airport and I stayed with her until Monday.  We spent the afternoon at Arthur Avenue (little Italy in the Bronx) and then she dropped me off at Lillies', and Alexandras', her 25 year old going to Fordham U.

Lillie lives in Throggs Neck and the express bus into the city is a couple of blocks away, lucky me! Definitely wanted to do the express bus because the weather was as expected, hot and MUGGY!!!!!

She was so great, fed me a couple of times, had great wi-fi and a nice spare bedroom.  She was such a big help because honestly, I had to learn the lay of the land; been a long time!

Back in the old days, we had cash and tokens.  Now everything is a Metro card.  Also, the express bus was not part of the city transportation and the hours of operation were limited to rush hours. The night I had dinner in the city with Melanie and Celia I didn't get on the express bus until midnight!  Used to be if you stayed in the city and you didn't want to chance the subway, you had to take a cab.  

Gone are those days!

Ida is married to a buddy of mine, Robert.  They have been married for about 38 years! I went to their wedding.  

A few people heard I was going to be in town and going to the Bronx reunion and they made it a point to come down (Robert and Ida live out in the country, not too far from Marie).

I was so excited to see them! 

I was so excited to see many people from the old crowd!

On Saturday evening, after the picnic in the park (part of our reunion) Marie came down and picked me up, but not without surprising me by taking me to City Island for seafood!  

Soooo many years since I'd been there!

God bless buddy Marie for waking up with me at 4am to take me to the Newark airport to catch a 7:10am flight!

I am sooo blessed to have so many great friends!

FYI-I am not going to wait another 20+ years to see  friends again. When I got home I told Pete I'm going back every other year!

To see old friends and to see my nephews and their families.  I need to know those kids and they need to know me!

Table - Redo

Have decided to do very little to the craft room until we can make the bed into a murphy bed (next year).

Wanted a table to put projects on.  Found this at Larsons.  

Sanded it down and painted it an off white. 

It is now sitting in my sewing room!

MIA

Yes, I have been MIA.  So much going on and I've been spending a lot of time catching up!

I promise to be back at some point in the near future.

This week I'm getting ready for company coming on Thursday for 10 days, in between the company we're trying to get Rocky ready to go back to school.  He is renting a house with his 2 Ashland buddies and that means - furniture; they don't have much.
Spent last Saturday and this Saturday hitting the garage sales, we were successful, now to get it all to Eugene!!!!

On the plate today:

Painting a parson's sofa table I bought at Larsons' last Saturday (going into the sewing/guest room).  Covering cornices with batting, a little cleaning, hanging up some frames for another project, etc., etc., etc.

Tomorrow I will cover the cornice boards with fabric so Pete can hang them up (they're going over the master bedroom 2 windows).

Major cleaning!  

Tired!  

Pictures to follow of two projects above........

Portland Bound

Photos from Web

We are Portland-bound on Thursday afternoon! 

We're doing a mini family vacation; the 3 of us, Annie will stay home with Bob since it is Summer and we'll be "out and about" the whole weekend. 

We are taking the camper with us to cut cost down on our trip, but will do meals out.

Since it is a family trip, I can't really plan on taking in any sites, because Rocky has a list of things he wants to do, so that trumps everything else!

I did say I only wanted to see one thing, and that was the Rose & Japanese Gardens.  It seems I've never been to Portland in the Summer and they are supposed to be beautiful.

We'll see if I make it.............

WORK

Part of my not blogging has also been w-o-r-k, you know that dreaded four letter word.

I decided to pick up a couple of "seasonal" jobs here at the Festival. 

I am currently working in the Members' Lounge on Thursdays, shift starts at 3:45pm and ends (Summer hours) at 9pm, but I'm not getting home until 9:30pm.  Spring, I was starting at 3:30 and ending at 8:30pm.  Makes for a long day when I tack it on to my regular job, which starts at 10am. 

I was also working at the Membership Cart on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. 

After about 3 weeks of that job, I quit.

Why? Well, it was an easy enough job, but I had to go home and drive back into town.  With what I was making (much less than my regular salary) and the price of gas it wasn't worth it. 

 I also thought that these "little" jobs would accrue vacation and sick time and they didn't, so that cinched the deal!

 Apparently, you have to work 20 hours a week in one job and then you can accrue.

Stinks!  Well, since I couldn't get even that, I left that job once they found a replacement and they did and I did! 

Still doing the Lounge, feel like I can't abandon that one and I'm used to it, it ends in October. Don't think I will be doing it next season.

Hoping I get extra hours at my "real" job.  With 5 extra hours a week at my regular job, it will cut down what I pay into my medical insurance tremendously!

Our new development director and new director of individual giving will get busier and need me more, so I look forward to that.  I already see it coming. 

Heat!

Our Summer has finally showed up this week and yes, we had to put the AC on!  We turned it on Sunday for the first time, yes, Vegas people, no AC until second week of July!

Don't know if that's a good sign or not, does that mean that our Summer will be longer than usual?

Who knows?

All I know is that it is a little hot right now, but I can't complain because I know what hot is!!!!!

Photos, grass, phones

Another reason I'm not blogging as much is I can't upload photos!  This photo and the camera photo (from yesterday) took 2 hours to upload!

Pete and I are still planning on "jumping" into the smartphone market, but our carrier still has not put the "good" phone on sale!  First they don't have a very good variety of phones, and second, I've read the reviews so I won't buy one of their crappy phones.

I was hoping that I would have one before my trip, but alas, I will have to wait.

US Cellular is debuting a new phone and when they do, the phone I want, might go on sale, according to the salesman! 

Hoping with 2 nice smartphones, we will be able to have enough internet for the 2 of us to use! 

OH, why the grass photo?  Doesn't my new grass look great?????  It has grown so much (since this photo) that Pete is getting ready to mow!

Can't wait for those plant beds to fill in and the lavender on top to GROW tall and wide!!!!

Getting Ready

I know I've been a terrible blogger, but sometimes "life" just gets in the way.

There have been a few things going on, but first my trip!

I'm going to NY on July 27th through August 5th. 

I am challenging myself to pack light, and by that, I mean a carry-on (according to airline guidelines), and a tote, which will also have my purse in it!

I will organize every piece of clothing I take!  I'm hoping not to take a hair blower, need to confirm with friends, first, if not I have a travel blower.

I have some "little" jewelry gifties for family/friends.

I did not want to take a big camera, so I bought a small one on Sellout "Woot", under $65.00 and very small!  (p.s. don't tell Pete, I bought this!)

Last night, I made the little case you see pictured! 

I have an appointment to get a "dye" job, since I know I will probably be putting my hair up and I have no idea what it looks like back there!

I'd been holding out for a pair of black sandals on Zappos, but they still haven't gotten them in, so I ordered a substitute pair.  I won't wear them in hopes of the other pair coming back into stock. 

Because you know once you buy something, the one you really wanted will appear!

Thank you Bert, for my birthday gift certificate and Eileen for the coupon!

I booked my trip months ago and have never gotten an email confirmation!  Yesterday, I finally called the airline to find out if my trip was still on!

Luckily, I wrote down the confirmation number. 

Now, I have a confirmation email, thank goodness. 

So far - I'm organized and hopefully things will go as planned.

This is my BIG trip, I'll blog about the others later!

4th of July dessert

Made this yesterday for the forth because I had some pie crusts sitting in the freezer.
I didn't buy blueberries or blackberries, and just used strawberries. And yes, I did add cute, little starts.  Cute, easy and yummy!

Here's the link http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/berry-lemon-cheesecake-squares/a550607e-0bee-4064-9885-6d02cc9b4268.

Enjoy!

Just when I thought I was done.............

After seeing the grass in, I was thinking about my "beds".  I was planning on moving bulbs out of this one in the Fall, but I couldn't wait.

I went to the nursery to buy another "gallardia" and found out that Agapantha's were deer resistant!   

Be still my heart, I've always loved these!  On top of that, they were
"dwarfs" and perfect for the spot.  While I was digging the holes, I dug up the daffodil bulbs in that spot.  Couldn't resist on putting in another Echinacea.
Crossing fingers these all "take off"!

Just want my perennials to show me the love and hopefully double next year!!!

This Fall we'll be finishing up the beds with mulch.

Backyard

Guess what's arriving at my house tomorrow?

Now, how would you guess?

SOD!!!

Pete ordered sod and it's going in this weekend (actually tomorrow) - yippee!!!!

Update:  The guy did not want to bring his truck up so he decided to use a smaller rig and got stuck!  He couldn't make it all the way.  Pete to the rescue with his ATV and cart!

Before, I left to work this is where Pete was at.........

When I got home he was finished.  Of course this has prompted me to "change" and finish a couple of things!

Sewing Room Chair

Remember this?

I pulled this apart

added this sweet fabric

and.........

you'll have to wait until it's done to see the finished product......

The reality is - one can was not enough to finish spraying the chair, and Bi-Mart does not carry Krylon!

Going after work to Wal-mart, I called them and they carry this product.

BUT, I do have to say that it is painting beautifully!  I am so pleased and very anxious to get the chair finished!

If you need some inspiration, here is a link to a few dreaded office chair "re-do's" grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com

Our Saturday

It seems when "kiddo" is home he always has an agenda, and mostly going to the movies.  

I guess he's reached an age where the movies he wants to see, are some that I want to see.  

No more kid movies, although I do miss Disney, but I don't miss Pokeman and the other Anime,  I was actually falling asleep in some of those!

On the list "Abraham Lincoln; Vampire Slayer", but the reviews were bad, so it was off the list.  You see kiddo goes by the reviews, sometimes I still want to go see the movie, but he won't go!

So, next on the list, "Rock of Ages" which had some good reviews,but not 100% great, but good enough for him to go see it.

  It was fun!  If you like Broadway musicals, because it is very much like a Broadway musical and you like '80's music, this is for you.

Tom Cruise gives a great performance as an aging rocker, kinda a mix of Brett Michaels and Axel Rose.  Really he's hysterical!  Even if you're not a TC fan, his performance is pretty great.

I still wanted part of the day left to get some things done at home, so we went to the "early bird" show which started at 10:30am, yes, I said 10:30am.  We planned the movie and "Jaspers" for burgers.  If you have not eaten at Jaspers on Highway 99, Medford, and you love burgers - you must go.  

One of the best burgers I've ever had!  The place is tiny, but packed because everyone loves Jaspers!

They have outside seating so we sat outside, thank goodness I was dressed properly, because it was a little cool yesterday!

After we stopped at "Shop n Cart"; kiddo's on a special diet, picked up some of his goodies and headed home.

Got a little laundry and sewing done!  

Great day........

This varmint is eating some of my plants!!!!!

2 plants that are deer resistant, and they really are, but this notsolittle bugger really likes.  

I had Pete put up chicken wire around the daisy (almost gone, was ready to start busting out flowers) and a coreopsis, also ready to start flowering, had about a dozen or so buds.

Ugh, just when I thought I was done!

   Hope the daisy comes back. It was a very healthy plant with lots of leaves and flower buds!

If you see or know anyone associated with this varmint, please call.................

UGH!!!!!

Chicken

Another "Pinterest" recipe tried and true!

With a couple of minor changes.

I went to the store to buy "fish sauce" and thought should I  buy this?  What if I never use it again.  I looked at the ingredients..........anchovies, sugar, salt!  Is that it?  I was sure there were some anchovies in the pantry, so I eliminated the fish sauce from the list and I eliminated the sesame oil.  So I added 2 anchovy fillets and some of the oil it was packed in and added 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of sesame oil.  I only marinated the chicken for 15 minutes, but I might let it marinade a little longer next time, because there will be a next time!

  Rocky LOVED it, and so did we.  It was so yummy.

Definitely - a "keeper," as we like to say in the La Pierre household!

The link Cilantro Thai Grilled Chicken..


ENJOY!!!!

Happy Father's Day!

Rocky's back

He's baccccck!

He was taking his last final yesterday while Pete was driving up for the "big" move back to Ashland. 

Hmmm, now where to store that stuff?  I will have to help with organization this weekend since, it's everywhere in the garage.

Now, if he can only find a job?????



zucchini tots

Had a little "wine on the porch" gathering with the Development department, now that we are finally fully staffed!

I made one of my "pinterest" recipes.  

This is quick, easy and weight watcher friendly, also vegetarian.

They are "zucchini tots" from "Emily Bites.

Here is the link "tots".

I would make a couple of little changes.  I did add a little more parmesan cheese than asked for.  I would add a little salt and pepper.
These are made in a "mini" pan, so they are small!  I would add ranch dressing as a side dip.  All in all they were good.

  I needed something quick and easy, and this was it!

Rocky

Guess who's coming home tomorrow?

Rocky has been chomping at the bit to come home and see his buddy, Amy graduate from AHS.  He so wanted us to pick him up, but we refused.  Why, because Pete is going up on Tuesday, the 12th to move him home for the Summer!

I put in a non-work related email asking if anyone knew of someone coming into town from Eugene and going back on Sunday, and wouldn't you know, someone responded!

Boy, that kid is lucky!

One of the box office supervisors has a daughter in graduate school at UofO and she's coming down and looking to rideshare.  Lucky Rocky it won't cost him (hmmm, us) too much $$$!

So, we'll see him at some point tomorrow night!  Graduation is tomorrow at 5pm.

I guess Pete and I better kiss our easy going life good-bye, because we are going back to being the "taxi service"!

Quilting

Quilting Retreat this past weekend!

I finished a quilt and got to work on the quilt pictured above, my bed quilt.  Got a little further on it, but you know it's going to be a CalKing so it is taking a little time.

The other quilt is ready to go to the quilters and I'll drop it off this weekend.

This quilt "retreat" is a UFO retreat, last 3 days, Fri.-Sun., 9am-8pm.  I get there on Friday after work, so I don't really get in a whole day on Friday.  If I had more vacation time, I would take the day off, but those vacation days are far and few.  

This shade planter is done!  I have since this photo put in a couple of ferns.

 All it needs now is mulch!

So many irises, these bulbs have definitely doubled.

Getting ready to finish this bed.  Just bought 2 more plants and I'm going to put thyme as a ground cover, mulch and I'm calling it done!

So surprised how well the lavender did in this spot.

So happy with this find!  Found this little vase(s) at TJ Maxx for $4.99.

Added some sweet little flowers and VIOLA!

I know it seems like I've been planting forever, but the end is near...........maybe ;)

I'm still struggling with a couple of the planters out back and this Fall I will be moving some of those bulbs.  Seems like I just can't get it right, I need a master gardener by my side to tell me what to do.  I read, read, read and experiment, experiment, experiment.  I'm hoping all the new additions make it, that's another thing, sometimes some stuff doesn't make it! 

The big stuff we planted in the "big" planter is doing well, although a couple of the things she had on the plans (some small stuff), I think I will adjust next Spring.  They are not making the impact I want!

Also, next Spring, I want my damn new mulch!  I hate that stuff out there and Pete said "not this year."  But "this year" definitely - grass in the backyard - yeh!



Memorial Weekend 2012

Jedidiah Smith State Park

I booked in January and what a great spot.  We really loved it, but loved the one across from us even better; it had a river view, so come next year, I'll be booking that one!

The weather was coool, no rain so thankful for that!
We were a 2 minute walk from the river, so walked down there a couple of times a day and let Annie run and swim, she had a great time!

We pretty much relaxed, relaxed, relaxed.  I started reading "Catching Fire" and just about finished it. Audrey, you have to read it!!!!!

We ventured out on Sunday and drove over to the beach in Crescent City, for a nice little walk and a good run for Annie.

All in all a great Memorial Day weekend!

New glasses

So excited to get new glasses! 

 I decided I wasn't going to play it safe anymore! 

These are the new frames I selected!

Can't wait until they get here!!!!

An update on Rocky

Rocky is still in school, he will finish on June 12, at which time Pete will be going and moving him back for the Summer.

He's rented a house with his buds, Noah and Uri for the Fall, he's very excited to be living with his buds.

He will be looking for a job, but coming home late and the state of the economy, it looks like he might not be finding anything.

He has had a GREAT year, great grades and he has enjoyed Eugene.

He's already registered for the Fall.  

Lots of new things this past year for Rocky,

1)   He's exercising!

2)  He's taking vitamins!

3)  He's learned to eat different things!

4)  He learned how to play the keyboard!

5) He's playing ultimate frisbee!

He's done such a great job being on his own, cooking, washing his clothes, studying hard and getting great grades.  He's learned how to manage money very well and has been frugal as far as spending.

He's made wise choices and if he wasn't sure about something I'd get a call.  

We're proud of our son and look forward to having him home this Summer!    

New Project

The sewing room makeover continues!!!!



Too many fun things going on now, so this one is on the back burner!

I am changing the rolling office desk chair in my sewing room. 

I've seen this on "pinterest," the Krylon Fusion for painting the bottom and back of those chairs, you know the typical office rolling chair.

Also saw that I can pull that back off, paint and recover the fronts!

Found this cute fabric at Joann's!

I'm trying (when time allows) to go to the "Habitat for Humanity" Re-do store.  Checking for cabinets, I can re-do and put in my sewing room.  So far no luck.

Plants

I've been taking the coleus in for the Winter, it's out now ready to enjoy the sunshine!

I am trying to stay away from annuals and thought I would make this a perennial pot!  A little bit of thyme (lower level) and stonecrop sedum, hoping this baby takes off!

I had a mesh type cylindrical basket and I stuffed it into the middle of this pot to achieve two levels.

I think these are starting to multiply - yeh!

Last, but not least my "lenten rose".  It's been a tought couple of years for this one, last year I was thinking of pulling it out, it was so ugly.  The ugly duckling has paid off, I guess this one needs a couple of years to get established.  I'm so happy I waited. 

This one is in the only "real" shade bed I have.

The planting continues, filling in a couple of beds and trying new stuff where some of the old stuff didn't make it.

Rethinking some of my bulbs too, so there will be changes this Fall!