Christmas Eve

T'was the day before Christmas and all through the house . . . we are excited and ready! We are thinking of all our family and friends and wish we could all be together somewhere in the country with snow on the ground and at a barn dance where we could be dancing the night away. Yes, I am aware I have been watching too many Christmas movies! But, the fact remains - thinking of you and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Vacation - Let the Fun Begin!

Today I am on vacation until next Monday. I am trying very hard to ignore the fact that I just read my work email and one of my team is home sick today. Now an already short team is shorter by two of us. Sigh. I sort of feel like I should go in and even began an email saying I would be there by noon. But, then I slowly erased it word by word. It's Christmas. I want to be home with my girls making cookies and celebrating my favorite holiday in the year. Plus I need to grocery shop, exchange my red sweater (ha - for a smaller size!), make cookies (hmmm, maybe should keep the larger sweater), and just enjoy being home and relaxing by the fire. Note to self: stop reading work email.

Ah, the Holidays

Dan is in the kitchen singing Christmas carols and it is only 9:19 a.m.! Amazing and unprecedented to say the least. I think we have all the shopping done, but the Christmas cards are still on the dining room table. I am going to finish them today if I do nothing else (besides, of course, the random blog update). Then, am thinking of making the sugar cookie dough so that on Wednesday we can just roll 'em and bake 'em. I am inspired by all the magazines as usual at this time of the year and want to bake. We put up two Christmas trees this year and I have really loved having one in the living room where I am most of the time to enjoy. That, the fire going and Lucy at my feet - that is the perfect way to end the day. But, Lucy prefers to curl up on the rug by the fireplace, which is very sweet to see. Hope your shopping list is getting shorter and you can enjoy the holiday this week. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Block 12

Well, for those of you are counting, December is the final block in the Anne Sutton Tisket a Tasket applique quilt and here it is! Sue's made about eight of them, I have made none. But, I have high hopes going forward as always that I will break my leg and be home for three months and get them all done! Well, maybe nothing as drastic as that . . .

Where Have I Been?

I have not been blogging of late and you know why? Because every night I am either talking with my new sister or emailing her back and forth - sort of like texting except we have more room for words! That and the fact that I am short three people at work and working like a crazy woman. I have learned a lot though and have bonded in a new way with my people, so that is always good. I actually had one caller tell me that the way I answered the phone was the best he had ever heard. (No, that wasn't Dan!!!) Anyway, it gave me courage to go on at least. I do like helping the people, so that is good. Tomorrow is Christmas tea with Nancy and Joyce at the Grand Del Mar. Can't wait!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars

Today we put up new Christmas lights on our house. Well, Dan, Chris and the kids put them up while Mom and I encouraged from a couple of strategically placed yard chairs. The new ones are little strings of stars that hang down from the eaves - so pretty. They twinkle, too.

Mom and I shopped this morning at Macy's and came away with a few new duds and a couple of very sparkly pretties for Mom - diamond earrnings and a lovely diamond drop necklace I love how she buys herself something fabulous every year for Christmas. They sure were having some good sales.

We have one artificial tree in place, but undecorated. So, still need to put up one more and then decorate them both. Can't wait!

Family is Where the Heart Is . . .

I got home from TX this afternoon and let me tell you, it was a wonderful time with family. We laughed and shared and sang songs and enjoyed each person there to the fullest. Questions were hurled this way and that, picture albums were poured over, meals were shared, houses were visited, Ainsley was played with, and we had such a great time that no one wanted to leave. We are already thinking about when and where the next reunion will be. My heart is full and my body needs sleep from staying up 'til 1 and 2 a.m. chatting and debriefing and emailing Kathy from mom's bed. What a time we all had!

Almost There!

Tomorrow is THE DAY! The kids and I are flying to TX to meet our new relatives and see some "old" ones as well. Old being a relative term, especially for women "of a certain age." Hmmmm, it really doesn't feel better seeing those words in quotes. Anyway, tonight Dan is in Palm Springs at a conference (lucky) and I am packing for my trip and trying to remember things to take. At least I am not working tomorrow, so that will be a huge help in my time management. Lucy greeted me tonight like a long-lost relative (no pun intended) and likely assumed that we weren't coming home when she saw suitcases out. Patti will come and walk her tomorrow night and Friday morning and then Dan will be home. So, Kathy and Karen are already at Mom's house and Sue was there as well (naturally since she lives next door to Mom) and they are making memories that I hope I can hear all about tomorrow night when I get there. My heart is there already.

One of my team members, Bonnie, went to be with the Lord last night. So shockingly sad. Her daughter's wedding is/was planned for this coming Saturday. So sad. We were all very weepy at work today, except for my problem girl who apparently does not shed tears. Says a lot about why she is my "difficult person." As Pastor Larry said recently, "play the position you've been assigned." I am doing just that.

More Notes

This week I am going to Texas to meet my new sister, Kathy, her husband and their three daughters. I can't wait! Ashley and Carrie are going with me, so it will really be a fun time. Dan was already committed to a conference, so he will have to be content with pictures and phone calls. I am watching the weather there to see what I will need to pack.

Today I visited Nordstrom so I could buy some Clinique and get their free gift. Would you believe that Santa was already at the mall for pictures? Who is making the toys; guess that would be the elves. Mrs. Claus is probably doing all the wrapping. Oh, that's right, the elves do that, too. My favorite line from "The Santa Clause" is when the elf girl thinks that Santa/Tim is hitting on her, she says, "thanks, but I'm seeing someone in wrapping." Love that line.

Last night we went to church and met Nancy and Scott at the new Chin's for dinner. It was very yummy, but noisy as a big group came in to celebrate someones 30th birthday. Maybe we were just jealous?!?

Fall is coming . . . it is delicious.

Double Ouch!

So the next day I woke up and I was in terrible pain. I was miserable and somehow managed to get myself to work. (Mind over matter and all that rot.) By 9:30 a.m. I was sitting in my office in tears and decided to go home. On the way home I was crying and wondering if I should go to urgent care, but I didn't want to catch anything from the sickies that were no doubt lounging there waiting to see a doc. So, I got home and went through Dan's stash of pain meds and found something, took it, and slept for hours. The next day only my neck was hurting, but I stayed home. I was back to work on Monday, but sitting at the computer does hurt my neck. Hmmm, should I visit a chiropractor or ??? It is tough to be stupid and old.

Ouch!

So I was killing a bug in my bathroom last night and got tangled up with my slippers and the rug and tripped and fell into the bathtub. I am proud to say that I didn't cry. (Sort of like, if a tree falls in the forrest, will it make a sound?) I told myself that I was going to be OK, checked for broken bones, and made a plan to get myself up and out of the tub without hurting anything further. I am bruised and sore today - especially my neck. I came home and made a lemon jello cake for Growth Group tomorrow night and now I am finishing my homework, then off to bed. Tomorrow will be better. I will be so glad when Dan gets home from Dubai! He is doing fine, but wishing he was home. Travel is fun, but really you just want to come home to your own little bed most of the time.

Old Friends

We spent last night with old friends. Marti was visiting from Spokane, WA and we all met at Scott and Nancy's for a BBQ. Ash, Chris and Carrie were there and Josh and Chrissie brought cute little Matthew. We talked and laughed and caught up and related old times to the kids. We shared cell phone numbers and pictures and love for little Matthew and Marti's first grandson, Robbie. It was a splendid night.

Today was busy getting the house ready for company next weekend and getting Dan ready for his trip to NYC, London and Dubai. Tonight's episode of "The Great Race" took place in Dubai, so we got a sneak peek at what Dan will be seeing very soon. He is excited and nervous and has to wake up at 3 a.m.!

And, finally, because a day without new fabric is like a day without sunshine . . . here is another new Anne Sutton fabric that I am pining for:

Ohhhhhhhh!

I love Thomas Kinkade's newest painting - impressionistic "Sunday Stroll" in Paris along the Seine. I love Paris and I love impressionist paintings!

Fun is Busy; Busy is Fun

What a great weekend I had. Saturday I met with six gals that I have known for at least 30 years and we went to lunch at a lovely tea house in San Juan Capistrano. Then, there is a great yarn shop next door, so we went there and I bought some beautiful raspberry-colored yarn for yet another scarf. But, I also bought a book of simple-looking patterns and have hopes of branching out to something new. I have a hankering to learn to make baby booties; we'll see if I can learn that! Then, we caravaned north a bit to a new quilt store where I fell in love with a darling Christmas Quilt wall hanging and bought that, too. So, I have lots to do and am looking forward to it all.

Today Dan and I went up to visit his mom in Cerritos. She wanted to have lunch at the Olive Garden, so we loaded her up in her wheelchair and took her to lunch. She enjoyed it and said it was good to get out a bit.

So it was a fun weekend, but a very busy one as well.

Guess what! The house on the other side of sister Sue is now empty! Hmmm, Mom on one side of Sue and us on the other; wouldn't that be fun? But, our jobs are here even though my heart is there. One day, hopefully, I can live near Sue and be in quilter's heaven. But, I would miss my ocean, the rolling hills, and the quilted landscape that surrounds our tract dotted with farms and horses and trees. I have quilter friends here, too, that keep my heart here as well. I heart quilting friends.

Sisters

I have been thinking a lot about sisters this week since we found our 4th sister, Kathy. I scanned a bunch of pictures and posted them on Facebook so she could see her grandparents, parents, etc. I came across these two pictures of Karen and I rockin' it in the Cheerios dress that my mom must have made for Karen and Karen passed it down to me. We both must have liked it because we both wore it for our school picture day!

Lost and Found

I have a new sister. She is 60 years old and her name is Kathy. We located her last weekend and life has been quite the whirlwind ever since. Emails, calls, entries on Facebook and lots of pictures. I poured over the pictures for similarities and pondered nature vs. nurture We are a fascinating science project. She was "lost" to us via adoption 60 years ago, but through the wonderful world of the Internet, we were able to find her. Finally. Karen located Kathy's birth certificates, Sue's daughters found her wedding license and google gave us the rest. I wonder how cavemen ever found their lost children. Perhaps that is really what the cave paintings were for. "I've lost my child - hazel eyes, curly hair - if found please tell her we are looking for her." It's been an amazing week and my heart is full knowing she is with us and now we are four. I didn't know that I'd feel so good about finding her - perhaps it was that first conversation with her that just felt like I knew her forever. As she said, "it just fits." A reunion is scheduled for November; hope I can wait 'til then!

Doing Better . . .

It has been five days since our nest became empty again. Dan and I have been to the gym three times, which is good. It is becoming normal to have a quiet house and not run the dish washer daily and to find the washer and dryer free to use. Not that Ashley was a problem, believe me; but these are the simple things I have noticed. Tonight Dan said, "are Ashley's blinds closed?" And, then we decided that they could stay open all night since there are no privacy issues. Hmmmm, wish we had privacy issues.

Please pray for Ashley tomorrow as it is her first day of classes at Cal Poly. She is nervous, but trying to play it down. Everything is suddenly new: her room, her home, her school and even working her same job, but from her little room in the new apartment. She'll get the hang of it and be very glad, I'm sure.

PTL . . . Carrie was hired as a full-time employee at Azusa Pacific University with a new title of Admissions Manager. We are so thankful and very proud.

Full Heart, Heavy Heart

We just got home today from helping move Ashley up to Cal Poly Pomona. It was very hot up there and we cheered as we exited the 5 Freeway and noted that the temp was a cool 75. Ash is living in Carrie's apartment with two other sisters, Emily and Sarah. Ashley's room is a tiny, funny little place with a step up and a low window and door. But, inside it looks so cute with her green and white theme. She has set herself up very cozily and that will surely help in this transitional week of starting at a new college. I'm proud of her for taking this new step in her future, but already miss her very much. So, my heart is full of joy for her becoming the woman she is meant to be, but (selfishly) I am sort of wishing she could stay here and be my little Ashley. You know, they talk about pushing the little birds out of the nest, but there isn't much said about the poor mother bird left behind with worms in her beak . . .

Kincaid Paints Cinderella

Just had to show everyone Thomas Kincaid's newest picture - love it!

Holiday Weekend

Is there anything better than a lovely three-day weekend? I think not! It's been hot, but today I woke up early and it was deliciously cool. I have been pattering around quietly so as not to wake up Dan and Ash; Lucy follows me lovingly wherever I go. I love it when Dan is asleep and Lucy likes me BEST. An experience that is so short-lived.

Friday I made a new fall-themed armchair remote control holder for Dan's mom. We took it up to her yesterday plus two fall wreaths. She liked the one with the pumpkins best, so we put it on her front door. The second one was on her bed and we were planning to bring it home when I noticed that the colors matched her comforter really well. We ended up hanging it over her nightstand and it looked very nice.

After our afternoon visit, we went to Don and Tracy's house. Their newly-married son, Mike, and wife, Jade, were there, so we got to meet Jade and hear about their life buying a duplex, finding out the roof leaks, dealing with the insurance company who won't cover it, etc. The exciting news is that Jade is expecting a baby in March. That will be grandchild number three for D & T, and since so far they have two boys, we are thinking pink. Tracy raised two boys, she deserves a little pink in her life. Speaking of pink, Tracy is recovering from breast cancer treatment. Her hair is growing back, her breast reconstruction was done last month and things are looking good for her. Except . . . her upper arm has been hurting and she quizzed me about what my blood clot felt like and we think she may have one. So, we went to dinner and left so they could go to urgent care and have it checked. They have plans to tour the New England area for two weeks starting next weekend, so I hope for their sake that it isn't a blood clot and she will still be able to travel.

Today is grocery shopping and more sewing. I have run into a road block on my embroidery quilt fabric-wise, so am waiting to hear back from sister Sue to see if she has any more fabric that matches what she sent me in 2004 from her stash when I had the blood clot. And, I am beginning the Christmas snowman quilt that Carrie bought the fabric for - it should be very cute.

A Night at the Beach

Tonight we met our Growth Group at Tamarack Beach for dinner and a bonfire. The weather was perfect since it had been hot all day. There were tons of people at the beach and parking was nigh on to impossible, but Dan found a spot finally. We ate together and then at dusk, lit a lovely bonfire and sat around it to sing. Two of our guys, Tom and Fred, brought their guitars and Chuck held the flashlight over their music and we sang. It was lovely. Carrie even stopped by for a while after she had shared dinner with Ash and Chris. Ashley made her yummy enchiladas. I'm going to miss those when she's at Cal Poly Pomona - just about four weeks from now! She's decided to live with Carrie and Emily for the first quarter and is busy making lists of things to pack and buy. So, we are easing out of summer and into the fall. The cycle continues.

The Latest

It's been a quiet weekend - I ended up feeling poorly yesterday and we didn't go to visit Dan's mom or have dinner with Don & Tracy. So frustrating; I have had yesterday planned for about four weeks. We'll have to reschedule with everyone. This morning Bubba and Barnacle Butt went to breakfast, so I was up early and cutting fabrics to complete my applique quilt. Was watching "When Harry Met Sally," which is always good for a laugh or two. Then, Bubba and I went to two grocery stores and now home for the day. We'll BBQ tonight. Ash is off for the day with Chris, who just returned from his vacation in Sweden. He's understandably jet-lagged, but had a great time there. We'll stay inside and try to keep cool. Summer is almost over! Bought two autumn wreaths at Joanne's (there was a two-fer); one is for Peggy's door and the other is on my front door already.

Fixed!

Yay, the a/c is fixed; it just needed a new fuse. Pretty good day today - kept busy in my office preparing a big client mailing and cleaning up the database. Dan's at a board meeting, Ashley is reading on our bed, and I am getting ready to change for the gym. Tom next door is doing his nightly drumming exercises (ugh). EVERY night at 7 p.m.!

It's Hot!

Came home from work today and the house was HOT! Apparently, the a/c is not working. This is a serious problem compounded by menopause. Repair man coming tomorrow; hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We have already repaired two vehicles and covered a HUGE vet bill this month. When it rains, it pours - cats and dogs. Oh, well; at least we both have jobs. Excuse me, I'm going to bed under the fan now. ZZZZZzzzzzzz . . .

Ah, French Food

Today the kids and I saw the movie, "Julie & Julia" and it was enjoyed by two out of three of us. Meryl did an outstanding job of impersonating Julia Child and it was very interesting to see bits of Paris and bits of Queens as well. I really don't know how Julie managed to cook in that tiny, uninspiring kitchen of hers in the apartment over the pizza joint. That alone was impressive. Bon apetit!

They Quilt in Oslo, Too

I was just visiting the Bunnyhill Designs blog (see the link at the left) and Anne Sutton has a lot of quilting blogs that she follows listed there. So, I picked one and, lo and behold, it was this darling store in Oslo, Norway. OK, so I had to Google Oslo to see what country it was in - I need to travel more. It sort of looked Swedish, so I pursued it since Ashley's Chris is there now. They have some of the same fabrics that I see in stores here, so that was cool to learn. This yo yo pillow caught my eye because my friend Joyce has been collecting red and white fabrics and made 500 yo yos to make a red and white yo yo quilt. I haven't seen the finished project, but I saw her making a lot of yo yos! She had this cool thing that she wrapped the circle of fabric around that had holes where you put your needle. I'll have to try that sometime. But, perhaps will just make this pillow so I don't have to make 500 yo yos. I love the button accents, too. Sew something today - they are in Oslo!

Friday!

Wow, I am home alone for a few hours this evening! This is something that seldom happens. Ash is up at Carrie's for the weekend and Bubba is with Barnacle Butt in Escondido for dinner and to see the classic cars they have on Friday nights. All day at work, I kept thinking of all the stuff I could do by myself at home tonight. But, on a Friday night, all I can muster is doing some laundry and holding the remote. I rented "New in Town" and am in the middle of it now - it's OK, but so cute the way they talk in Minnesota. I work with a gal from there and they sound exactly like her! (Though I don't think I would tell her that.) Anyway, I'll be glad when the family returns soon. Lucy and I don't like it too quiet around here.

Hey, Cupcake!

The August quilt block of the month by Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs is out! Cupcakes stacked in the traditional monthly basket - so cute. Talked with Sister Sue last night about it and am sending her copies - we are both making these blocks and it's been fun. Now, we just need to get Sister Karen in on the fun as well. She is enjoying her last days of summer as school is on the horizon. Live them well, Karen - enjoy every minute. Let's all do that even if we are late for work . . .

A Great Weekend

Well, it was certainly the weekend that was - what with celebrating Dan's birthday yesterday, church, special breakfast today, then running errands and finally a lovely dinner out with friends. The restaurant is on Harbor Island near the San Diego Airport and we had a window table over the water so it felt almost like we were on a boat. We ate a delicious dinner while watching the boats go by. Hmmmm, gotta get a boat - that looks so fun. Carrie is staying over an extra night to visit the dentist tomorrow and Ashley is saying goodbye to Chris who is headed to vacation in Sweden for two weeks on Friday. He will be seeing his family - cousins, aunts, uncles, mom and dad, etc. in the land where he was born and raised until he was 16 and they moved to Thousand Oaks. So, work tomorrow . . . sigh.

Happy Birthday Dan!

Today is Dan's birthday and we are celebrating by taking him to lunch and then shopping for some new duds. Guys are SO hard to buy for and he is no exception. But, he does need clothes and this will be fun. Poor Ashley has to work today and possibly tomorrow on a project with a deadline next week, so she will have to miss our expedition. Carrie is driving down as I write this. Dan is out with the Growth Group Guys monthly breakfast and I am home alone. Well, Lucy is with me - thanks for the love, Luce! Anyway, here is a picture of Dan as a young un - so cute!

A Chugga Chugga

I moved my car at lunch today, then ate lunch as Ashton calls it, "a la vehicle." When I turned the key to roll up the windows to go back into work, there was the distinct sound of dysfunction. Arrrrrggggghhhh! Sam the tow guy came via AAA and then I was able to drive the car to TNT for a new battery and the oil change that I was going to get on Wednesday anyway. Little blue Highlander must have wanted to go earlier than I had planned. Oh well! Dan drove behind me in case I stalled out on the freeway, then we drove home and got into our workout clothes and hit the gym early. Ashley was most surprised. The truth is that riding the recumbent bike is helping my knee feel better. Here I have avoided exercise thinking I would blow it out and it is actually helping. Yeah, I know - I learn late.

Shhhhh, I just read who Jillian picked on the Bachelorette via AOL news. I just can't not know, ya know? Now, should I confess to Dan now or pretend I don't have a clue?!? We are scheduled to watch it together shortly. Oh, well - we still have Big Brother this summer. I never could read mysteries - I always read the last chapter before it was time and then never finished reading it!

Movies

Why do I think I could write and direct movies better than some? Dan and I saw "The Ugly Truth" yesterday (we just had the best day!) and it was pretty disappointing. Kathryn Higel (sp?) was gorgeous, the concept pretty interesting, but the script stunk. I was thinking, "she left Grey's Anatomy do make movies like THIS?" but Nancy told me that she heard she was still on Grey's. That's a relief. Then, today (after we visited Dan's mom, who's doing great), a sort of western movie about families struggling in towns at the turn of the century, on the Hallmark channel was good, but so poorly acted. Imagine high school students in a play, but a bit better. EVERYONE'S a critic! Maybe I should just sit down and write myself a screen play or something. Dan's out BBQing, Carrie is finishing a paper for her grad class, Ash is with her BF and I am sorting through my sewing projects. I think my applique triangles are done! This is on the project that Sister Sue sent me when I had my blood clot in 2006. Now I just have to put them in the quilt! Then, I can start on my Tisket a Taskit applique squares. I'm ready . . .

Skating in the Park

It was so very hot today, but then I got this lovely email from Thomas Kincaid with all his fabulous paintings including this snow scene. It is New York's Central Park and that is the famous Plaza Hotel in the background. In my office at work, I have a collection of watercolors I have bought from NY street vendors on my various trips to NY and several of them have the Plaza Hotel in them. We used to have our League of Honor Dinner at that hotel and it was quite an experience. I will never forget those dinners and the fun and the angst they provided. I'm adding this to my wish list and maybe one day it can be part of my NY picture collection, too.

Sunday PM

Today I felt like breaking up the Sunday routine, so Ashley and I went to tea in San Clemente at the Posh Peasant. It was lovely, but lots to eat and we brought home our desserts. Ash said she liked the scones better at "Ticky Boo" in Fallbrook - we'll have to go back and check! We hit Joanne's with coupons and bought white and lime green "minky" to make pillows for Miss Ashley like the ones Nancy bought at Costco only Ashley's colors for her dorm bedding. Believe me, the ones at Costco were a steal - even with my Joanne's coupons! But, she'll love them. Then, we went grocery shopping, home, did Encore at church, then caught up with the Heltons at Islands to hear about their trip to Oregon to visit Greg. Nancy visited a LOT of quilt stores there; you go, girl! (A special shout out to Scott who is becoming quite the good "quilter husband" - others are currently in training.) Now on to sit with Dan and watch tonight's episode of Big Brother. My name is Jan and I'm addicted to reality TV!

Today

It was hot today! I am so thankful that we put in a/c a few years ago. I went to the Curbside Cafe in Vista today (note to Bubba and Barnacle Butt - try it soon!) and met the ladies from our Growth Group for our monthly breakfast. I volunteered to organize the August breakfast - anyone have a good place to suggest? Then went with the family to North County Fair and visited Nordstrom for their fall sale. Saw Sue Callahan (shout out to Mrs. C!) and Kelle, which was fun. Carrie bought cowboy boots, which she is very likely two-stepping in as I write this tonight, plus some very soft leather flats. Ash bought new jeans, a green Juicy sweat outfit, and a coat. The girls also saw Robin, but I never got to see her. I sort of wish I had bought this lovely eggplant colored purse there . . . hmmm, may have to go back! (See Bubba and Barnacle Butt's Breakfast Blog on the left of this page!)

Sleepy Time Thoughts

It's Friday. I am ready to hit the hay, but taking a moment to reflect on my week. I only worked three days since family was in town and I took off Monday/Tuesday. It was really hard to make it through the three days! I wanted to be home and enjoying myself - not at work. But, isn't that what most people who are headed to work are thinking, too? I was busy, which was good. Tonight, Dan made his traditional Friday Nite Pizza and then we watched two episodes of Big Brother that we had taped. I'm not into conflict and this BB group is spending a lot of time yelling at each other and telling each other off. I'm not even sure I like any of them. My name is Jan and I'm addicted to reality TV. Well, just the Bachelorette and Big Brother. See it could be much worse. What I am really feeling is that I'd like to watch less TV and spend some time being quiet before God. I am definitely going to work on that this next week. Tomorrow morning is breakfast with my Growth Group ladies at Vista's Curbside Cafe. I've never been there, so am looking forward to it! Except for the part about how I had to set my alarm on a Saturday morning . . .

Vacation Days are Good

I enjoyed another day with my mom today. We shopped at the outlet mall and she bought a Dooney & Burk purse and wallet on a great sale. Then we had lunch at the Crossings (with a 30 minute wait!), then hit The Avenue. In the afternoon I helped her set up her new Facebook account so she can see everyone's statuses and pictures. I also helped her order copies of Natalie's wedding photos since Sue brought the CD of all 600 + photos with her to my house. Then, we had sushi at The Love Boat! YUM. It was a lovely day. Now Ashley is on her way to Carrie's to spend the night as they are meeting the Hauptmann clan at Disneyland tomorrow with baby Ainsley. I wish I was going, too!

A Great Day!

Sue, Keith, Nana, Whitney, Brian and baby Ainsley are visiting and we have had nothing but fun! Today we had lunch overlooking the ocean at the Beach House, then tried to find the Stone Brewery in Escondido, found it, only some of our group of nine could go on the tour, so the quilters peeled off and went in search of quilt stores in Escondido. Way fun. Found one that I drive near every time I get my hair done and it was a wonderful store. Nana bought fabric for a hatbox quilt that she and Sue just saw in TX before they came to CA. Ashley saw some Christmas fabric that she had seen with me online and we almost bought it, but she started having cold feet and we ended up leaving it there. It was really hot in the store and I was hot flashing, so got out of there. It was next door to a Tortillaria and Sue popped in to buy freshly made tortillas for sandwich wraps for dinner tonight. Then, sadly, they have to drive to Long Beach to share their time in CA with the Hauptmann side of the fam. That's OK; we will share and let them have as much fun as we have had.

What a Day

Today we woke up in Diamond Bar at the Ayres Hotel, which has some great beds let me tell you. Then, we spent the day at Cal Poly Pomona for orientation with Ashley. Once they divided the students from the parents (why, oh, why do all the colleges do that?!? yeah, I know - we're the helicopter parents and extra precautions must be taken to get us to fly off) Dan and I snuck off and checked out of the hotel, and visited a quilt store (love that iPhone that finds these wherever I am) and then had lunch. Afterwards, we went back to the school where we hit the book store and bought Cal Poly apparel (go, Broncos!) and waited for Ash to be done. Then, we went to La Verne to see Carrie's new apartment (lovely) and took Carrie and her roommate Emily to dinner. Then, we were on the road around 6:30 to drive home. LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGG day, but totally great.

Hot News

Well, the Lord is alive and working in Carrie's life . . . she has been asked to take on a manager position at work. It will be permanent, way more $$$, and her grad school discount will return! Thank you, Lord! She is excited, nervous and pleased to be considered. We are very proud of her and the reputation she has built at work.

Thursday is Ashley's orientation at Cal Poly Pomona - go Ash!!!

We had a potluck in my department today. It is kinda weird though. Everyone brings all their food at 8 a.m. and puts it out and then everyone eats whatever they want. People were eating lasagna at 8:10 a.m.! Weird! Then, it all sits out all day and people snack, but I gotta tell you those deviled eggs couldn't have still been good by noon without refrigeration. Guess I feel this way as the daughter of a chemist. I took my lunch and didn't partake of the potluck as I am trying to eat RIGHT!

Has everyone seen enough of the Michael Jackson send off? Those poor kids of his - how irresponsible he was to choose a drug-filled lifestyle that ultimately robbed them of their beloved father. I hope Paris Jackson doesn't become another Paris Hilton in a few years. Say a prayer for those children.

Celebrate!

The July block of the month by Anne Sutton and Bunny Hill Designs is officially out and I am not disappointed! It says "Celebrate" and features a cute woolly lamb. OK, I have GOT to get going on these blocks. I think sister Sue is caught up with them and I am lagging seriously behind. I need my full hour of lunch instead of the 30 minutes I have been taking. I do love getting off at 4:30 though. We made sishkebob on the BBQ tonight with mushrooms and pineapple and zucchini. YUM. Now it is just a few days until sister Sue, my mom and the TX team arrive for a visit! We can't wait - especially for little Miss Ainsley Marie who just turned nine months old. Have a great week everyone!

It's July!

I'm up early today with lots to do. First, have to change my porch decor to celebrate July 4th. Then, there is sewing on Peggy's chair thingy to hold her remotes - learning how to cover cording right now - then grocery list to make, grocery shopping, getting ready for Stanley Steamer to arrive at 1 p.m., and, the best part - lunch with Nancy, Joyce and Gail! That's why I am up EARLY so I can get my chores done and then have some fun. Oh, and I think the dog tossed her cookies in the hall ON THE CARPET. So glad Stanley hasn't been here yet. Tomorrow is Peggy's birthday party up at Connie's, so we are driving up to Cypress and taking food as well. My mom's birthday is also July 4th - but she'll be celebrating in Texas with style in her new house with her new TX friends. Happy birthday, Mom and Peggy!

Just a note . . .

to say hello everyone! I'm feeling great tonight as just went to the gym and, apparently, my endorphins have kicked in. Tomorrow is my "Friday" as we have a holiday on Friday, so am looking forward to that. Had to do a review of someone who doesn't report to me any longer (how weird is THAT?!?) and am so thankful to God that He took that group away from me. Color me happy. And, so thankful. The review reinforced my belief that people who work extra hours and Saturdays on the job become bitter because they are rarely recognized for it. It happened with this gal I reviewed today again. She thought she'd get an over the top review and she got the normal, good job, sort of review. She's off to HR and it's so not my problem any more. And, that's why they pay you work!!! As my mom used to say, "if work was fun, they wouldn't pay you!" My heart goes out to California state workers and others who are now getting "I O Us" instead of checks due to the massively overextended budget. I can't even imagine how they'll get by.

Whew . . .

Well, we did it. We held the garage sale and then took the unsellable to the Goodwill. Done. 55 years of accumulations, memories, joys and trials. Done. The good thing is that my mother in law is still alive. It could have been so much worse. Tears were abundant as the neighbors came by to say goodbye and shop the sale. One old guy thought I was the granddaughter, so that made my day. (No wrinkles on a balloon, remember.) The bad thing was that my sister-in-law's wallet and checkbook were stolen out of one of the bedrooms. Anyway, it is over and now Peggy can live the rest of her life with the things she truly cherished, which were moved with her. Now she's not encumbered with stuff, boxes, old everything and worries about the house. She has a fresh, new place to live with lots of light and people to make her meals, do her laundry and make her bed. She can concentrate on getting better and enjoying life without the worries of getting by on her own with her increasing health concerns. I'm glad she is safe and sound and learning to enjoy her new way of life. When you visit her, please take a roll of dimes - she's learning to love BINGO there!

Father's Day

We began the day with surprising Dan with a new grind and brew coffee maker. He was delighted. Then, the girls and I made pancakes for breakfast. Yesterday we were up at Dan's mom's house, sifting through garage sale items and preparing as it will be next Saturday. Carrie found Peggy's wedding cake topper and loved it and declared she will put it on top of her wedding cake! It was full day, but we made it back in time to sneak into video cafe and catch Pastor Larry's act. Very good message. Last night Carrie spent an hour or more with me trying to get my Kindle to work with my iPhone. I was able to download a book onto my iPhone, but it won't transfer over to my Kindle and it is supposed to do that. Maybe I can work with it some more this week. Time to go get ready for bed . . . work will be calling very early tomorrow. Have a great week!

Sick, Sick, Sick

So I have been home nursing some sort of flu bug and finally after two days am thinking I feel a bit better. Missed two and half days of work, too. Ugh, ugh, ugh. But, finished a great book, "The Same Kind of Different As Me," and really recommend it to everyone. What a great message to us all. Then, read another book. Gee, this Kindle is handy - no need to go to the book store, just connect via their invisible "whispernet" (they use cell phone technology)and quickly download another one to read. That is what Amazon is hoping for - that I'll never darken the door of a Barnes and Noble again. It is quite possible that will be true. I am trying to limit myself to downloading two books per month. They have an assortment of free books, so have been searching for those as well. Tomorrow am getting my hair done, so hope I feel like getting dressed and out the door. Have a great weekend everyone!

Fire, Friends and Fun

We were at the beach last night for a cookout/bonfire last night with our growth group from church. It was a beautiful night; the waves were amazing and the sunset was glorius. We cooked hot dogs and burgers on portable grills and someone tossed a tablecloth over a flatish rock that became our buffet table. Then, one couple brought their firebowl from home (a small bowl-shaped thing on legs) and built a lovely fire and we all pulled our chairs close to keep warm once the sun went down. We laughed and shared and ate s'amores (my dad used to call that "scout slop" because the Girl Scouts always had it) and just enjoyed California living at its best.

A Great Yolk

OK, you have to read a new blog (see it in the left column of this blog) written by Nancy's hubby, Scott, AKA "Barnacle-Butt." It is a total scream. He and my hubby, AKA "Bubba," have a tradition of going to breakfast and judging each place on their hash browns. The kids and I cracked (no pun intended) up when we read it. Stay tuned for more or, better yet, leave your comments for them about new places to visit!

Planting the Front

Here is the newly planted hill - even with 200 plants, we were still short! So, we will fill in the big blank area month by month.

Garage O Plants

Pigs must be flying somewhere because we are going to plant the front hill that's been bare for nigh on to three years. Now THAT'S embarrassing. I don't know where the time has gone. So, I worked out a plan, we ordered 200 plants and today they were delivered and placed in the garage. Yellows and pinks and purples, OH MY! It is going to be lovely. Tomorrow Lionel comes with his team to plant them and apparently I have to be up and at it early to direct them. It will be worth it.

I sewed the binding on my Christmas strip quilt that sister Sue quilted for me. Now I need to tack it down. This is my year to finish quilts and I'm not moving on to another one until I finish this one. Jeffie is quilting my log cabin quilt with pink thread and hearts (my fav). Can't wait to get it back.

Night Owl

So, it is 4 a.m. and I am wide awake and checking my Facebook and emails in the dark. I haven't been awake like this is the night in a long time - what is the problem?!? Anyway, here is a great quote I found in the Victoria Magazine that sums up my recent Mother's Day:

"What I wanted most for my daughters was that they be able to soar confidently in their own sky, wherever that might be, and if there was space for me as well, I would have indeed reaped what I had tried to sow." Helen Claes

Would everyone please buy this magazine so it won't go under like other fav mags? I love the Internet, but it sure has caused havoc in the printed newspaper and magazine world. County Home recently bit the dust and I loved that mag! But, rest assured, I won't be going modern anytime soon. Victoria has a lovely article, "The charming Inns of Nantucket" and I think we should go there soon. Of course, with my budget, I may have to sail there in a bucket!

A Happy Day

I had the best birthday ever. We all took the day off (we were headed to Disneyland originally, but that changed) and drove down to Coronado Island and had lunch at the Del on the patio overlooking the ocean. It was fabulous. Then, we drove around to admire all the cute houses on the island and stopped to take pictures of the kids on rocks by the sand. Then, on the drive home, we stopped at the Gap Outlet and Carrie bought a bunch of clothes as they are having a huge sale. I am going to take my birthday off every year from now on! Age is a state of mind and I'm forever 39. Cheers!

Fri - Yay!

It's Friday; did everyone sing the "we're happy it's Friday song" today like I did? I'm looking forward to a very fun weekend. Tomorrow is lunch with Joyce and Nancy and then sewing for a bit. Then, on Sunday, our daughters are taking us to tea at the Four Seasons! Diane and Bree will be able to join us then, too. Four moms and five daughters - can't wait! Ashley organized the whole thing, which makes me one proud mama. And, going to tea is my all-time favorite thing to do! Tonight I am going to organize my sewing so I can be off and running tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend, too. Here is a picture of my favorite tea pot by Susan Branch. (I have a thing for pansies, too.)

Mother's Day

Today we are driving up to Aunt Connie's for lunch with the Tilton clan. I made lemon bars last night and today will whittle up veggies for a veggie tray. (Note to self: less bars, more veggies!)

The big news from yesterday was that Miss Ashley bought a 2010 Toyota Corolla. The color is called "super white," which I love since it matches her million dollar smile. (We only paid the orthodontist $4,000, but it felt like a million at the time!)

I received a lovely gift for my birthday coming up and Mother's Day - a Kindle! I have had Kindle envy for a long time and now I can actually hold it in my hands. The first book I downloaded (out of the air, just just cell phones work!) was, of course, the Bible ('cuz THAT'S the book for me! smile) and wonder of wonders it was free! The second book I downloaded was Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" because I am so into that lately and, frankly, have never read it. I have just watched the A&E production about a million times. And, that book was free as well. But, the next books will cost $9.99 each pretty much, so will have to be careful about that. It goes right on my hubby's credit card, so you can imagine the conversation that will take place monthly. Hmmmm, may have to switch the card around on that one. I will have to get one of my techo-kids to help me. Wouldn't Jane Austen be amazed at how her book is being read these days?!?

Anyway, I just want to say how blessed I feel today. I love being a mom and my girls have certainly enriched my life. Big hugs to both of them and I look forward to the years ahead as I enjoy watching them become the women they are meant to be.

Tuesday Evening

Made a new recipe with chicken and capers for dinner tonight plus fresh broccoli and brown rice. Work going well as I have a complete staff suddenly - six! I can actually do a few projects that I have on my list and work in my office a bit, which is very welcome change. An old friend found me on Facebook and I couldn't be more excited - it's been probably 20 years since we saw each other! Our kids don't think moms belong on Facebook, but our demographic is really getting into this social networking thing of late. Just finished my Growth Group homework - Christian brain cramps is the topic. You just gotta love North Coast Church for this stuff. I'm going to add their web site to my blog in case anyone wants to hear some of their great messages. I'm off the computer now as Ashley is sitting here waiting for me to let her have it!

May Block

Yay, the May block of Anne Sutton's Bunny Hill Designs monthly free mystery block called A Tisket, A Tasket, is out! It's going to be a good day. (I like butterflies, too!!!!!)

Wow . . .

A Saturday with no appointments and nowhere to be - that only comes once in a blue moon in my life lately. Oh, I do need to shop for Mother's Day gifts and there is always laundry to do and groceries to buy. Dan still in pain from his torn hamstring, but isn't the type to stay down for long. Ash drove up to spend the night with Carrie last night and I can't wait to hear about their trip to Montana's to country dance. They've been plotting to do this once Ash was 21 for months now. So, it is quiet and that is very OK with me. Met Nancy and Joyce last night for dinner and got caught up. We haven't seen each other in weeks, so good to spend time with them. Maybe I can sew a bit, too. Have a great weekend everyone!

Wash Your Hands!

Well, what with this swine flu epidemic going on, remember what your mother taught you to do and wash those hands! Just cancelled my annual check up scheduled for today because I don't want to be in that waiting room breathing the germs. TV news showed hospitals setting up tents in their parking lots because they are seeing so many extra patients. I'll step out of the way today and make a new appointment for next month when, hopefully, things will settle down. Dr. Oz on Oprah was educating us on MRSA and flesh-eating bacteria - kinda makes you not want to leave the house these days. Make it a good clean day today.

Getting My Blog On

I am having trouble "getting my blog on" this week; hence - no postings for a while. We helped Peggy get more settled in her new digs on Saturday and spent some time at her house seeing if there was anything we wanted before her estate sale. We brought home Peggy & Russ' 30th anniversary plate - seemed perfect since we just celebrated our 30th as well. Dan tripped and pulled his hamstring on Sunday, so he's been laid up ever since. Five to six weeks recovery! Poor guy. The good thing is that he had already planted a bunch of very pretty spring flowers - he and Scott found double impatiens after their monthly breakfast date, which are my favorite for summer planting. Ash got some positive news about her application to Cal Poly Pomona - they goofed up recording her latest transcript and will review her case again and she will hear in three weeks if she got in for fall. Please, God, let them accept her for fall.

30th Anniversary

Today is our 30th wedding anniversary! May I just say, "where have the years gone?" It flew by as we lived our lives, raising two daughters, moving several times, buying two houses, having multiple cars, owning two dogs and three cats (poor Peaches who met her tragic end with the garage door), and through it all, loving and depending on God. We are older and wiser and have weathered many seasons. The key to marriage is commitment, screaming on the down hills, cuddling in the valleys and appreciating each other's differences. The commitment part is the glue. Here's to the next 30, honey!

What Color Are You?

Your rainbow is strongly shaded blue.

What is says about you: You are a tranquil person. You appreciate friends who get along with one another. You share hobbies with friends and like trying to fit into their routines.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Ouch!

So, my back was getting better day by day until I moved the wrong way this morning and apparently threw it out again. Back to pain and moving slowly. Dan is being very patient with me and doing many things today. We went to Lowe's and bought an array of lovely spring flowering plants and he spent the afternoon planting them. It looks so nice. Now if we could only get started on our bare hill in the front!! Side bar: a woman on Focus on the Family this week spoke about men and advised that men think asking their wife to accompany them on a trip to Home Depot is romantic. So when Dan asked if I wanted to go to Lowe's with him, of course I jumped up (well, sort of more of a moan/smile as I carefully hoisted myself out of my chair) and got in the car! Then, I got my haircut and caught up on all of Robin's news - Tyler is engaged and getting married at the Belaggio on August 8 when the average temperature there is 120. Note to my children: please don't get married in summer when it is hot! Tomorrow we are going to visit Peggy and see her new digs and have lunch "with the old people" as the kids say.

We're Back

We returned from sunny Palm Desert to a misty, cold Oceanside this afternoon. Sniff - if only we could have stayed a few extra days in that delightful, lovely place! Oh, well. We are already planning to go again and maybe even buy a timeshare there sometime. We really like it there. Carrie drove back to her apartment in San Dimas as she has class tonight. I managed to put my back out and have been in pain for the past two days. Ouch. Now on to tackle the mounds of laundry before work tomorrow. It was worth it.

Packing Up

We are packing and headed tomorrow for Palm Desert to celebrate Ashley's 21st birthday at Aunt Coni's timeshare. Carrie will meet us there. Looking forward to lazy days, swimming, reading, sewing, puzzles and playing cards through Tuesday. Packing up the Easter stuff so we are sure the Easter Bunny finds us as well. But, let's not forget the real meaning of Easter - Jesus rose from the dead! Hallelujah! He is risen - He is risen indeed! Happy Easter everyone.

Chocolate Bunny!

Yay, the fourth block in Anne Sutton's "A Tiskit, A Tasket" is out and it is a chocolate bunny so cute you just want to bite his ears off. I do love "Bunny Hill Designs!"

A long day today with going to visit Dan's mom at the rehab hospital. We took the laptop and showed her furniture options at JC Penney's and promptly purchased it online. Now that's shopping! She looks so much better and can get around more, so that is very good news. She is planning to move next weekend. Let's hope her new headboard, nightstand and dresser arrive in time for a smooth move.

She asked us to make up a moving announcement for her and Ashley got inspired:

She fell on her butt and we all thought "now what?"

She got a new hip and now she can skip!

After time in rehab, she's ready to gab.

She has a new room, you can all visit soon!

Ice cream, bingo, and visits galore; here's

her new address, come see what's in store:

new address goes here, etc.

(Well, maybe we'll work on that a little bit more.) Anyway, glad she is feeling better.

Ashley's turning 21 on Wednesday . . . woo hoo!

TGIF!!!

Friday night and it's been a good week. No stress pain - that is good news. Dan's coming home from New York this evening, Ashley and I went to CPK for pizza and she treated! Am shopping online for a headboard, nightstand and dresser for Dan's mom as she is moving to an assisted living place. We'll drive up on Sunday to see her and show her the pictures before we buy. Have a great weekend!!

Dr. Update

Saw the dr. yesterday and she was very encouraging and sort of agreed with me that it was stress. So, am doing a couple of things to be sure and to get through this rough patch that is my job. I am grateful that I have it and will continue on with a more "detached" point of view. And, I will stop thinking about it 24/7. That alone will be a huge help. Spent some fun time last night with Mrs. Callahan at the Love Boat, then at home watching Oprah's show from yesterday with the diet mavens of the month: Valerie Bertinelli, Marie Osmond and Star Jones. Mrs. C. is just plain good fun and I love spending time with her. She took a bunch of my magazines (Dan will be so happy) and I found someone else who is a magazine-aholic like me. Who knew?!?

Hitting the Wall

I am zonked and it is only 7:55 p.m. according to Miss Ashley from her room. I am going to bed right after I post this. My heart hasn't been hurting, which is good. And, am seeing my dr. tomorrow just to be sure. Two EKGs in an envelope in my purse to show her. Check out Anne Sutton's web site for Bunny Hill Designs (click at left) to see her new fabric line. It has several fabrics in it with BUNNIES! I want it! I came across an interesting pattern made with nine fat quarters, so may order nine of the fabrics and make that quilt! It is red and brown, though, which aren't my fav colors, but did I mention it had BUNNIES in it???? Gotta love that. Sister Sue sent me the templates for the March "Tisket a Tasket" block of the month and I am ever so grateful. It links us together somehow and I like that. We made chicken lettuce wraps for dinner. Tomorrow am seeing an old friend, Susan, for dinner. Just started "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy and it is quite good. Thank you, Carrie. She has been supplying me with books of late. Sleep tight, ya'll.

Into the Weekend

I have been very stressed at work. Super, crazy, busy, stressed. And, this week I began feeling pain in my heart area. Thursday I went to urgent care on my way to work. They did an EKG, which turned out fine; in fact, it matched the EKG I had pre-op when I had my hysterectomy in 2006. So, that told me the pain was stress-related. They wanted to transport me to the hospital to run further tests, but I refused. I know it is stress. Now, what to do about it. Even as I was lying on the bed in urgent care, getting electrodes stuck to various and sundry parts of my body, I knew this was crazy. No job it worth this. I have to step back and not let it get to me. So will be working on how to do this and am open to suggestions. Quitting is not an option, but that would sure feel good. The thing is, I know in my heart of hearts that God moved me into that position. I didn't know about it, didn't apply for it, didn't pray to get it - none of that. So, it was totally a God thing. I am in the desert, waiting to see what God will do next. God's waiting room can be a lonely place at times, but what He wants is faith. Big, huge, never-ending faith. And, definitely not chest pain and doubt. So, pray that I will hang in there, trust God, develop bigger and deeper faith and wait it out. He has a plan for me - plans for hope and a future. Oh, I am so glad that is the case.

The Dress

Here is Natalie's dress from the wedding - it was fabulous. She looked amazing!

I'm Back!

Well, I couldn't log in to update my blog until Carrie explained how to do it. Hmmm, good thing my kids are smarter than me. We had a great time in Texas and the wedding was beautiful. Will add some pictures as soon as I can. I loved Natalie's dress and her pink shoes. Little great-niece, Ainsley, was so adorable and sweet. We all had a great time holding her and staring at her. Wish we lived closer to watch her grow up. She's coming to CA in July, so will count the days until we can see her again. Dan's mom broke her hip and had surgery this week. She is in a convalescent hospital and not too much of a happy camper, but hopefully she can get out soon. Those places are so dismal. Now on to another week of crazy work. Make it a great week.

My Roots

My roots are El Dorado Hills,
reading in a tree,
swimming at the neighborhood pool,
swim team,
listening for the whistle to come home for dinner,
cute teachers working as lifeguards during the summer,
skiing with Diane and Barbara,
teaching swimming lessons,
being a camp counselor,
working the paddle boat rental window,
Mojave High School, Jordan High School, Wilson High School (oh, my),
Baskin Robbins,
LBCC and TNT sorority,
walks on the beach,
working at Macy’s during Christmas rush and spending everything I earned there.

My roots are oyster stew,
Chocolate turkeys from Sees,
San Francisco bread,
chicken noodle soup,
peanut butter sandwiches,
mac ‘n cheese,
guacamole,
making ravioli from scratch (once),
burgers every Saturday (what’s for dinner tonight, Mom? Mom: what night is it?),
Swanson TV dinners when the folks went out,
Christmas cookies,
Mexican wedding ring cookies,
and fudge.

My roots are don’t leave without your orange stick (when we lived in the desert),
write to your mother if you get married,
that’s a lot of girl there,
Laugh-In’s on,
one giant step for man – one giant step for mankind,
where were you when Kennedy was shot,
did you write your thank you notes.

My roots are Grandad and Jo, Rose, Grandma Del,
Grandma and Grandpa,
Aunt Dorie and Uncle Joe, Tom and Chuck,
Mom and Dad, Karen and Susan
and later, Steve, Joseph and Stephanie.
Then, Keith, Vanessa, Natalie and Whitney.
Dan, Carrie and Ashley.
Peggy, Dianna, Tiffany, Connie and George.
Best friends Barbara, Nancy and Scott, Marti, Joyce and Bill,
and, the man responsible for it all . . . God.

It is a wonderful life.

Ah, The Weekend

The gift that comes at the end of every busy, exasperating, frustrating, overwhelming work week is a weekend. I finished my Friday, missing three people and trying to keep up with the work flow, by working until 5:30. Then, I walked out of my office and immediately set off the building alarm. Didn't they know I was still in there?!?!? Guess not. Note to self: don't work late on Friday nights. THAT was embarassing. But, since then have been having some fun. Amy is in town visiting from Chicago for her birthday, Carrie came home to see her, we are celebrating Carrie's birthday today with lunch out. Ash and I went to Robin the wonder girl and have fresh cuts and more of those natural blonde highlights. We found clothes for both girls for the big Texas wedding coming up next weekend. So, short week this week and on to TX for some down-home kind of fun with family. All best wishes to Natalie and Josh as they are married on Saturday.

March Block!

Oh, joy; oh, rapture . . . the Anne Sutton March mystery block is out! Yes, I know I need to get a life, but isn't it too cute? And, it has a bunny. My favorite. And, look, the ears are "down."

Quietly, Quietly

Both kids are gone this weekend and, boy, is it quiet here. Dan and I are finding our way; we went to church, ran errands, etc. and were fine. But, it sure is quiet! Carrie's 23rd birthday is tomorrow and she is spending it with her roomies and having fun. Ashley is with her BF and they had a fun day shopping in Pasadena, visiting his family who live very near Carrie, seeing his new hotel and new room and having dinner here locally at their favorite restaurant. I am working on my log cabin quilt. Pastor Larry gave a great message tonight on worry. I learned a lot and will focus less on worry going forward. And guilt! No more guilt! Those who know me know I am frequently "packed for a guilt trip." Hmmm . . .

Friday Night

So, it's a weekend without the family and, wow, is it different! Lucy is quite beside herself that Dan isn't here to take her out front for her nightly sniff, etc. Guess I'll have to break down and go out with her. Ended a very rough week at work with the guy from Transport getting into my face because I let a client come in after we were to be closed because they came here from Idaho and got stuck in traffic. Not very "client-friendly" now is he? Trying to forget him. We reduced our workforce by another 100 or so staff on Wed. Very rough time for all. And, my team now has to take one day off a week without pay. That makes it very tough to cover the phones and the walk in clients. But the worst of it was that my counterpart in NY, Kathy, was laid off. What a loss. Can't think about it without shaking my head. But, tomorrow is a quilt class with Nancy and Joyce, so am going to really enjoy that. Scott had his surgery on Thursday, so fingers crossed that he is well enough for Nancy to be gone for a bit on Saturday. Glad he's through it and pray that he heals well and the pain is GONE. Please God, let the pain be gone.

Presidents Day

Ah, how lovely it is to have a three-day weekend. Been running around like a mad woman for two days and decided to take it very easy today. Am going to work on my Feb. block of Tisket a Tasket plus pick out my lights and darks for my log cabin quilt. Our class is next Saturday and I want to be ready! Am sending a recipe for Natalie's bridal shower next weekend; so sad I don't live in TX and can't be part of all the festivities. But, we will be there soon for the big event. Carrie is back in Azusa; she had to work today - she was off on Friday. Ashley is out shopping with Christopher. Dan is dozing on the couch. That's OK; he fixed the heater today, so he can do anything he wants the rest of his day off, too. He and Scott went to breakfast at the Broken Yolk this morning. I finished the PBS version of "Jane Eyre" this morning. Thank you, Ilise, for loaning it to us. It was amazing; kudos to PBS for their remakes of some of our Jane Austin faves. Happy Presidents Day to all!

"Sew" Happy!

I had a great weekend: breakfast with my new growth group ladies, shopping for quilting fabric with Nancy, then having a party with the Heltons, Chrissie and Matthew, Ashley and Chris and Miss Violet. We hit Costco and figured out dinner, amidst about 1,000 other shoppers - it was Saturday and we should have known - then came back to our house and cooked it. We had ham, mashed potatoes, salad and Dan's delicious chocolate chip cookies. And, then we played baseball - our current favorite card game. Today I was able to begin my first square in Anne Sutton's Tisket a Tasket mystery square of the month program. I cut the background out wrong, so had to order another half yard. Love my new Moda "Hartfield" fabric for my log cabin quilt class at Quilt in a Day and can't wait to begin. Looks like Eleanor Burns has an interesting way to sew the "logs" together; that will be tricky to learn I bet. But, fun as Nancy and Joyce will be learning it, too. Looking forward to a great new week, because I am "sew" happy!

TGIF

It's Friday; thank heaven I made it through the week. It was tough work-wise, but the days flew by and I am thankful for that. I learn more and become more confident every day. One thing I know for sure: I do enjoy helping the clients and providing "superior customer service." It is truly rewarding. Tonight is the night of the big dinner/dance/auction in Tucson. I have been there this night for the past six years and it just feels weird not to be a part of it. I hope everything went well and that it was a big success. Amanda wasn't there this year either, so that helped as she was my buddy walking the show and having the celebratory drink and dancing when all the hard part was over. I am looking forward to hearing all about it on Monday. Tomorrow is breakfast with my new Growth Group lady friends, then I pick up Nancy and we are going to Quilt in a Day to buy fabric for our log cabin quilt class coming up later this month. I am getting the new Moda line with pretty fabrics named after Jane Austin characters. Joyce is in Tucson, so we will miss her as she is always up for a fabric jaunt. And, a big woo-hoo to Anne Sutton for the February mystery "Tisket a Taskit" quilt block for 2009. I spoke with Sue and she is going to make it and send me her patterns; now that is a good sister! (Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters!!!)

iLove

OK, so maybe I'm not the greatest technologically-gifted woman on the planet. I can manage this blog and send email, but can't seem to update my position at work on Linked In and, apparently, sent an inappropriate gesture last week to one of my friends on Facebook without realizing it. (And, waiting for one of the kids to fix it.) But, this week I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and bought an iPhone. iLove it! It totally pulled me from the depths of my very difficult week and I suddenly have new hope and new joy again. Amazing what a small electronic device can do for a woman. Now if I can just get my contacts (all 1,100 of them) moved over to it; sigh. iLove; it's a good thing.

Snowmen

I am making aprons with hearts and snowmen on them using two pre-printed panels that I bought several years ago. Step one in my 2009 resolution to make all my uncompleted projects. I am zig zagging the edges and they really are cute. It may be past Christmas, but with the cold weather these days, snowmen are still in. Even one of the magazines in my stack (does everyone have a magazine stack or is it just me?) has a whole feature about how to make various themed snowmen. There is even one you can fashion to recline in a lawn chair and give a frosty drink with a little umbrella in it! So, what is it about snowmen? Maybe it's their coal black eyes? Or, maybe as a "woman of a certain age," an icy cool guy is just what I'm searching for when those dreaded hot flashes occur.

Saturdays

Saturdays are good for sleeping in, catching up on magazines - some still have Christmas trees on their covers - going to the post office, getting a haircut and SEWING! Hope I get done with my errands in time to sew a bit before church tonight. Carrie up at her apartment, Ashley has gone to the bookstore to get a book for one of her classes; she started her semester this past week. Dan is fixing the cupboard in Ashley's room because one of the doors fell off. He had coffee this morning at Starbucks with the new growth group guys and really enjoyed it. I'll see Robin for my haircut and all the latest news. Quiet weekend, but - hey - quiet can be good. Take a few moments today to be quiet yourself.

Lazy Weekend

Took a little time off yesterday afternoon to have lunch with Joyce, then we met Nancy to visit the Quilt in a Day store. Their classes were 1/2 off yesterday, but we ended up signing up for a free class. It will be a log cabin class and I am really looking foward to it. I found new Moda fabric that I love and will use that for my lob cabin lessons. I have a log cabin quilt pattern that I want to make for my sister in law, I pulled her name for Christmas 09, so this way I can learn and then make hers. Seeing all the quilts at Quilt in a Day is very inspiring. I came away with new resolutions to finish all my projects! Hmmmm, just put the directions for how to make a headboard on hubby's table - wonder if we could work together on this project? Maybe I should have waited until after he's had his coffee . . . Situation normal: too many things planned and not enough time. But, it is only January and all of 2009 is ahead; I have optimism and isn't that really all you need?

Sneaking Away

The kids and I snuck away for a girls-only overnight in Newport Beach yesterday. Football games dominated the weekend and we thought, "why not?!?" We had a great time and may consider this an annual event for the weekend of the football playoffs. At home, Dan was glued to the TV and Scott came over to watch the Chargers go down in defeat. When I heard they had to play in snowy, cold Pittsburgh, I knew it was over. Pottery Barn was closing their store at Fashion Island and everything was 70% off. I bought a black iron quilt stand for quite a steal. It is placed in Dan's room with my first quilt draped over it and looks quite nice. Now, have to get back to reality - and the first 4 a.m. teleconference with India for 2009. Better get to bed early tonight!