MaRee

YES I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!

2011-08-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

We have set the date for December 17 and if you are reading this you are invited. That means 3 less invitations... Angelee, of course, is doing the invitations so you can look forward to that work of art in the ensuing weeks. I have chosen a theme for the party (we are not referring to it as a reception...it is more of an open house) and we are leaning toward having it at my house. Why? Because I really want it at my house.

I have a dress. I wanted to wear a black dress, but I just can't picture me having my wedding picture in front of the temple in a black dress. So it is... oh you will just have to be surprised, because I certainly am. But it is tight... too tight. So its the "black pants" drama all over again. The reason that I even started this blasted diet was to get into the nicest black pants you have ever seen but I could not zip them up. By the cruise I was in them and they were actually comfortable. So I have a wedding dress to get into... Do you know that wedding dresses run small... oh yes they do! I learned that when we were buying for Angelee... and it still applies.

Well, here we are... the happy couple. We are here in Yosemite... three days before those poor unfortunate souls went over the Vernal Falls. There have been at least 16 deaths at the park this year alone. I had never been to Yosemite before and it is simply amazing! Man has done some pretty amazing things... but so has nature. Yosemite is a testimony to the power of water... frozen state such as glaciers or simply running in a stream for countless years.

Oh Angelee, please don't roll your eyes. I am simply an old and aged woman who has no idea how to turn this photo the right way. I have looked here and i think I missed the chance a while back. Oh well, we are at Point Montara Light House watching the ocean on a frosty July day. Oh yes, it is always frosty on the coast.
I think this is the day we fell in love.

Is she in love?

2011-06-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Who knows what love really is... does anyone really know? Well, I certainly do not, but none the less, I have met a very nice man and we are friends. How can someone who is 63 (yes, 63) years old have a boyfriend? But what else can you say... "Oh this is my significant other"... how stupid is that. "This is my guy". Stupid again. "This is my man..." yuk... So I guess he is my boyfriend. His name is John and he lives in Danville.

This picture is in San Francisco where we had our first date... just me, John, Jo and Angelee. Oh yes, we all went.
Jo, Darryl, John and I recently went camping to Lake Almanor. Fun was had by all. It was so quiet... with no children, grandchildren, grand dogs, friends of children, friends of grandchildren, etc. In fact, sometimes it was too quiet.

It was also my birthday. When we returned on Sunday everybody came to Oroville and surprised me with a b'b'que birthday party. It was so nice.

Here are the four of us. We went to Susanville and saw Green Lantern. I don't care what the reviews said, I liked it.
Guess what the largest State Park in Oregon is...? Can you guess? Ok... you are right... it is Silver Falls State Park. I have never seen xmas tree farms for as far as the eye can see. They went on and on and on... no wonder there are so many trees in the lots at xmas. I always felt bad because I thought the forests were being depleted, but not so... only the tree farms are being depleted... and that is ok by me!

So... Silver Falls State Park has 11 water falls. We walked down to the biggest one which is called South Falls. It was quite a walk for a 63 year old senior citizen... but she was a trouper. Too bad I was wearing salt water sandals... too bad I didn't have on walking shoes... too bad the battery on my camera was dead...
This is my friend Jan and I with the falls in the background. I go to her house in Oregon every year. She lives in Cocquille which is a hop, skip and a jump from Bandon and Coos Bay. We have a lot of fun on my Oregon run and I look forward to it every year. I am not much help as a house guest... I don't want to get in the way. :) Larry cooks and cleans and I finally realized, this year, that every time I go in the bathroom the toilet lid is down. I never noticed before.

Okay... back to the boyfriend thing. We met on LDS Planet... and conversed on line and then talked on the phone and then met in San Francisco. I didn't especially like him but Jo and Angelee did so I decided to not toss him out immediately but try to get to know him. We met next at a Singles Conference, which happened to be the same day that we made 3000 egg rolls for the Hmong Branch. I invited him to Oroville that night and went to the special conference the next day... the one with D. Todd Christofferson. Don't worry people, he stayed at Susan's. I still didn't really like him that much (he seemed kind of nerdy... but I don't exactly have the best track record when it comes to picking men, so I told H.F. that he could choose the next one. So with that in mind, I didn't dare toss him out if this was really his choice. And the little voice kept saying, "You don't know him, you don't know him, you don't know him...". OKAY, I shouted back!!!!!!!!! I will get to know him.)

We started talking on the phone every night... and haven't stopped. We text all day. He is very smitten with me... can you believe such a thing? And I really like him. It is true... I really didn't know him. Susan pointed out that he is the exact opposite of Angelo, in every way... (except that they are both only children and they both like to eat). He has only been a member of the church for a couple of years and his new calling is that of sac. meeting chorister. He has no idea how to lead music and does not know the church hymns that well... should be interesting.

As for his job? I am embarrassed to say that I have no idea what he does. Okay... he is a technical writer... but what the heck is that? He took me to his place of employment and introduced me around, but I still don't know what the heck it is all about. I saw his office and it is nice and neat. That's all I can say about that...

And his family? Oh yes, I have met them all... and her name is Sarah. I have not met his son who is back east. And he has met Jo, Angelee, Nick, Darryl, Sam, Booker, Joshua, Charlee, and he will soon be meeting Ben, Cyndi, Kate, Mike, Shannon, Chris and Stevie... not to mention Buddy and Ellie. We are just a little over whelming... I am not referring to sheer numbers... he thinks our family is like a sit-com...

Anyway... that should answer most of your questions. He is gentle, kind, smart and devoted to God... and to me. How lucky am I?

We'll be back before we know it...

2011-03-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

It's true... we're back...

But as soon as I got back I had to get to school to get the next week ready AND GET READY TO GO TO LA ON WEDNESDAY. Oh my gosh... I have been in 5 airports in the last two weeks. And I am now one of those people who say... "...OMG... have you been in the airport in Puerto Rico? It is sooooooo busy... It is nothing like San Francisco"... anyway, for real, have you been to the Long Beach airport? It is sooooooo Chico.... (I have become one of those people after all.)

Anyway... for the record

I did not need a little blanket for the airport

Bronze sandals do go with everything

"Smart casual" means don't go looking like you do in Oroville

A hat was appreciated on the trip

A change of clothes (ship clothes) was good to have in the carry-on

I needed a purse... I needed to have close access to my passport, sea-pass card, money, camera and so I had to improvise quickly

You do need a buddy on the trip, whether husband or "other"

You need to have respect for the caribbean sun... you WILL tan wearing sunscreen... you will fry without it.

Snorkeling is so much fun

Salt water tastes yukky and swallowing big mouthfuls is even yukkier.

One MUST put the snorkel thing in your mouth before trying to breathe under water. (I repeat... salt water tastes yukky)

Dinner takes 2 hours... but well worth the wait

A buffet is a buffet

There is a big gap between the "haves" and "have nots". By the way, we are the "haves", even on the ship

We all know about the "large and spacious building" referred to in the BoM. I was uncomfortable being on the "large and spacious" ship that looked down on the poverty of the islands. I was careful not to laugh and point.

I do not like money belts... but I do like money.

Everyone wore a swim suit and everyone looked great in them... pretty much... all that talk about "just wearing shorts and a shirt" was nonsense. (We all wanted a tan)

Helmets protect heads... as it turns out. I am glad they didn't give me a choice about that.

God loves his people no matter where they live.

Doing your hair everyday sucks

A lot can be squeezed into one day.

tomorrow

2011-02-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow is the day! And I about froze today... by the time I left my classroom this evening it was a frigid 64 degrees... in the classroom! I can hardly wait to warm up. But there in lies the problem... getting on the plane in cold weather and getting off in hot weather. So what to wear ??? so that one does not freeze to death on one coast or end up sweating bullets on the other. Well, I have decided to freeze on this side.

I have listened and tried to learn from everyone. For instance...

from Susan I learned to take a hat and bring a little neck pillow and socks on the plane

from Natalie (Jo's friend) I learned to take a little quilt

from Dee I learned to have 'rock star' toes and get a pre-tanned

from Laura I learned to take little money... not big bills and to wear skirts

while Pat Bisson wears the neck thing, Judy Rotar advised a money belt and escargo

and simply 'everyone' snorkels' and so me too!

Dee wears sundresses so I now have a sundress

Becky wears shirts and shorts over her swim suit so I too have shorts and a shirt

And when I saw Walt at the meeting in his Hawaiian shirt, I knew I needed tropical clothing

Susan went on pre-cruise diet and so that meant I had too as well.

Laura said to take a change of clothes and a swimsuit in my carry-on and so I am

I am trying to follow all instructions

I have never worked so hard for 7 days of "fun". It had better be worth what I have gone through...

THE Cruise...5 DAYS AND COUNTING

2011-02-13T22:47:00.000-08:00

Well, 5 days to go... I will be back before I know it.

Its taken a lot of "think time" to figure out what to take. I never thought I would spend so much time thinking about clothing. I have not bought much... no clothing, except for the sundress that Jo made for me. And it is sooooo cute.

I have taken advice from many people. As a result I am now tanning (with very minimal results), am the proud owner of snorkel gear, have my cash in small bills, have my swimsuit and a change of clothing in my carry-on, have a little pillow for the long night on the plane, etc. I feel pretty much ready... and so now I have to get my classroom ready for my departure. My report cards are almost done and I am dutifully working to eliminate the many items on my lengthy list. I don't think most people have to work as hard as me just to be gone for 7 days. Poor me... cursed cruise!

Anyone interested in the much discussed black pants? Well, they button but they are still snug. But I am wearing them...

Sam told me that i have become a true "Orovillan" because of my tooth dilemma (or should I say lack of teeth). But oh the miracle of living in this day and age and having Keith for a dentist. Miracles still happen... my oh so beautiful smile is evidence of that. I am lucky and need to suck up my aversion and fear of the dentist office and face it like a big girl (yes, I know, but I am trying to be a smaller version of a "big girl".)

Anyway,,, my next post will be the annoying pictures of someone who has just returned from vacation in the caribbean.

Big Ed

2011-01-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

And so... Big Ed has flirted with me again... a flirt "kiss". Oh boy... and so since he cannot take a hint, perhaps I should get the message with Roseville man, and perhaps I too cannot take a hint. Sigh......... but I do not have a mustache from one ear to the other. Plus, he has SOME high school and he "sometimes attends church". Heavenly Father must have a really good plan for me... because this certainly is not working well....

In case you were wondering about the progress with the aforementioned black pants... they will now button and I COULD wear them, but they are far from comfortable. Thank goodness I still have 18 days. I just need a little less tummy... the legs are fine.

FRUSTRATION, continued...

2011-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well, there is this nice looking man in Roseville. He is like the closest to my area and so I am thinking... here is at least one possibility... not anything real... but a tiny little possibility. And so, with my common sense put aside, I actually messaged him. I could tell that he looked at my profile that same day... so i am assuming he looked at my profile after my message... but did he message back? Ah.... no. And so I thought I would try one more time and so I told him about our b'day lunch at BJ's in Roseville... blah, blah, blah. And so we will see, since I feel as if i am throwing myself at him... And so if I receive nothing again I am going to send him a "smart-ass" goodbye message. Maybe I will rethink this...

the Cruise

2011-01-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that I am going on a cruise... with 44 of my closest friends. We are having a little pre cruise meeting tomorrow night to discuss clothing and stuff. This is my first cruise... all the others are seasoned in the cruising world. I just hope the airplane doesn't crash.

Anyway... here's the deal. I know basically what I have to take but I really don't want to be one of those who take too much... what does it really matter. Well, apparently it does matter at dinner time. Two nights are dressy or more and the rest are dressy-casual. I have no idea what that even means. So... I have these nice black slacks that I have had for several years... and they are sooooo nice. They are lined and have a little ribbon stitched on the waistband. And so I want to wear them. But do you think they fit me? Wellllllll, I think you know the answer. And so... that sort of made me think that maybe they could fit, IF I COULD GET ON A PLAN (I am not using the "d" word anymore). And so I am professing in black and white that I AM wearing those pants one of those nights.

Frustration

2011-01-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for frustration, disappointment and a walk down "going nowhere street", just sign up for LDS Planet. Oh, by the way, you probably shouldn't do this unless you are NOT married. For those of you who are wondering how my new "walk on the online wild side" is going, please don't ask. The one word answer is FRUSTRATING. You may say to me, then why are you doing this???? One must remember, "If you continue to do what you are doing, you will continue to get what you get..."

So... there you are... I am at least trying.

Back to the subject... I have had at least 44 flirts, a few messages and I have been listed as a "favorite" to an 80 year old man. So you may think this is progress. Not so. I cannot tell one from another... i get them all mixed up. What am i supposed to do? Keep notes? So, someone sends me a flirt. I think, who is that? So I look at his profile. I read. But he knows when I have looked at his profile and so he thinks i am looking at him. I send him a message... I have decided flirts are a waste of time", just a little harmless hi... hows the weather sort of mindless, meaningless message just to get things started. He doesn't respond but I get another flirt from him. What's going on. Get with the program. And then i check my inbox again and I have more flirts and i think who is BigED... (yes... big ED... ????????) and I look him up and he's the one with the mustache that goes from ear to ear... I kid you not. But now he sees me looking at him again. AGGGGGGGGGGGGG! So he flirts back and all I did was look at his profile because i am too stupid to remember that Big Ed has an emormous mustache (and probably ego to match). Its a good thing i have jo to help me with this project. I probably need site managers... like Susan, for instance. She makes the replies on Mon, Laura on Tues, Angelee on Wed... Jo can be the "site manager" and just call me with an likely candidates. I will be accepting applications... please apply on line....

If you continue to do what you are doing...

2011-01-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

Weldon told us teachers years ago that if you continue to do what you are doing you will continue to get what you get. Good advice... I think about it often. It was intended to motivate us to change things up so we would do a better job at teaching, but it had the opposite effect with me. It made me realize that in order to continue to get the good results I was getting, I would need to continue what I was doing. And I try everyday to continue to do a good job.

BUT, and it is a big but, there are other areas in my life that perhaps I need to change it up a bit. For example, perhaps it is time to re-enter the HORRIBLE DATING ARENA VIA THE INTERNET. Yes, I played that stupid game in my pre-Seminary life but found out you cannot do anything but work, study and sleep if you are a Seminary teacher. But now I have entered my post Seminary years and think that perhaps it is time again. And what has caused this renewed interest in something I truly detest. Well, it is embarrassing to admit. I could erase this and not devulge this shallow part of me. In fact, I should not even admit to such a flimsy reason for spending a whole $18.90 for a month of horror. But here goes... Holly Torricelli's sister met a man on line and is now engaged. Can you believe that I am being swayed by such a thing. For one thing... I love being single. I love sleeping alone. I love not cooking. I love doing only my laundry every other week or so. I love watching my own TV shows. I love stinking up the bathroom and not worrying about it. I love spending my money on me. I love going where I want to go. I love visiting my family when ever I want to. I love only having to worry about my own health. Yes... I am a happy camper. And so here I go again on a perilous journey... a journey to look for someone to mess up my perfect life.

And for those of you who are wondering how this journey is going... yes I have had some people send me some "stupid flirts" but I have not returned any. I know, I know...

TEA PARTY

2010-07-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Angelee and the kids came to Oroville the other day and Josh mentioned "tea party". So like any good "bah-ree" would do, I cleared off a little table, got out cups, plates, a big cup as a pitcher and had a real, live, ghetto, Oroville style tea party. Since then, however, I am now prepared. I have a real teapot, appropriate cups and plates, a new table and chairs and NOW I AM READY.

"Oroville" tea party...

Its a good thing they had no idea what a real tea party is like. Nae had a cookie in each hand... she saw they were going fast and she is no fool. She ended up ABSOLUTELY SOAKING WET. Oh if you could have seen Angelee's face. She had no clothes to change into so all we could find were some jammies of Josh's. She loved them. And then Josh (who would stay in jammies all day long if he was allowed) wanted to change into jammies. The jams we found for him were about size 2T so they were like a second skin and barely below his knees. They were in second heaven, but those of you who know Angelee, should have seen her face. She was agast... I wish I had a picture of that scene...

KATE IS GROWING UP IN LAKE TAHOE

2010-07-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

Kate, Cyndi and Ben are doing well in Lake Tahoe. I spent a few days with them as the dutiful grandma on summer vacation. It is hard to visit during the year because of their snow and my blasted schedule. I am a California driver. If you don't believe me, just ask Susan.

Kate and Ben at Tahoe Childrens Foundation. Guess who's the only child without a cute little lunch box for snack. Guess who takes their snack in a brown paper sack with her name on it. Guess who makes the snack...

Circle time. Guess who knows all the words (and it isn't Kate)

Isn't she beautiful?

Kate is a happy little girl who is adored by her parents.

OREGON

2010-07-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have returned from my annual trip to Oregon. Every year I travel to Coquille, OR where my friends Jan and Larry Payne have retired to. They are very close to Coos Bay and Bandon (by the sea). ha ha Anyway, we always have a day trip that some times lasts two days but this year we visited the smallest harbor on the biggest ocean... Depoe Bay. (Did I spell that right?) Anyway, we went whale watching out on the Pacific Ocean. And we saw a gray whale just swimming around. We had fun. And it wasn't windy or cold.

Me on an Oregon beach.

Jan and Larry on the boat

Depoe Bay Harbor

Seminary... done!

2010-06-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

I have taught Seminary for 4 years and I am retiring this year. Everyone is wondering if I am going to miss it. The answer is NO! All four years have been difficult because my day job is hard and adding a morning job makes it harder. I don't think anyone who has not taught Seminary understands that the hour in the morning is the fun part... that the other 23 hours are the torture. Anyway... it is like grandchildren. Glad that Seminary was in my life... but glad that it is gone.

Here is Cindy... the drama queen.

and here we all are...doesn't katie look good?

73 days of bliss...

2010-06-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, it summer vacation. And in case you are wondering how I know it is a 73 day vacation, it is because one of my first graders wanted to know how many days we had off. In fact she kept asking until we stopped, found a calendar and counted them. And 73 it was. But now... oh no, it is now only 68 days. I definately need a vacation...and to stop counting the days.

THE BIRTHDAY WEEK

2010-06-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have always had such chagrin over my children's multiple birthday parties when, in fact, there is only ONE real birth day. I admit it is my fault, of course. I always say "We don't let the day go by"... in case we ended up having the party on the weekend because of family work schedules. And it began with maybe going to Taco Bell on the actual day and having the big party on the weekend. It has evolved into going out to dinner twice in the week with everyone going. We used to have the real party at one of our houses with home cooked meal. But not any more. No one wants to cook the meal, much less eat it. We ALL seem to want to go out.

And now, much to my embarrassment, I have done nothing but celebrate my birthday this entire week. We are going camping on Thursday, which is my actual birthday. And so Sam and Angelee took me out to lunch yesterday, today I am going to dinner and a movie with Laura, Chris and Susan. And who knows what tomorrow, the real birthday, will bring. Chris managed to buy my lunch, not to mention the huge pot and azalea for my front corner on Monday. I seem to be having a birthday, this year, that keeps going on and on and on... I am happy that so many people seem to love me. I will be glad when all this "celebrating" is over. But I am glad that we have "occasion" to celebrate... in other words, I am still here to celebrate.

10 DAYS OF BLISSSSSSSSSSS

2010-04-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the end of Spring Break... Easter vacation. How can 10 days go so fast is what I want to know. But I have accomplished everything on my list EXCEPT I never made it to Lake Tahoe but I am going as soon as this weather clears up. I feel bad that I am not a braver driver but I am California Valley driver... not a winter mountain driver. And so... is everyone so surprised at the weather. I thought that we were into spring... but remember, the groundhog did see his shadow...

We had a very nice Easter dinner today. Everyone who could come, came. The food turned out good... SURPRISE! It was nice to have a house full of family and friends.

Hey... another earthquake. You all know what this means... and it is getting closer to home... 9000 tweets a minute.

FYI...47 days of school (and Seminary) left, but who is counting?

A LADIES LUNCH

2010-02-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

I was invited to a "ladies lunch" which turned out to be a 70th birthday party for a lady who worked in my classroom last year as a volunteer. I met her through Laura and since she was also invited we went together. We both had a very good time. The lunch was catered by "Lots--java and so the food was excellent. Wine was offered to Laura and she declined (probably because I was there). They told her it would be okay for her to have wine "since no men were there". Laura still declined the gracious, thoughtful offer.

This is my new friend but I don't remember her name. The music was provided by a "live" (barely) band called "Just Us".

Laura and I took flowers and of course they were lovely. This is Fran... the birthday girl. She is really a lot of fun... the rest of the attendees were not as lively as Fran. Maybe they got a late start on the wine.

Anyway... Laura and I are available to attend any birthday lunch (catered) if needed. Just call us and we will check our schedules.

Angelee.. I blame you for this stupid blog. Why are the pictures like this?

Sick Day

2010-02-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

I am home sick today. My head is pounding and I am so tired. Thanks to Angelee who is taking her life in her hands by subbing my first graders. Most people think... "oh, first grade, how fun!" But those people have not taken THEIR life in THEIR hands by visiting room 1 at Bird Street School. But those people are mostly correct. Generally speaking, first grade is very fun... but sometimes the sun and the planets line up to create a most unnatural force in the atmosphere that causes some phenonomens here on earth and my class is one of them. I have several groups... the Baby Boys, the Bossy Girls, the Yakkity Yakkers, the Blessed Ones and the Psychos. I spend my days trying to motivate these various groups to bring their behaviors closer to what is expected in public education these days. With 25 children in the classroom the various groups need to bend to the direction of the teacher so that learning can take place. I don't merely want to survive... I want to see that every child in my classroom is ready for second grade. And herein lies the problem. Most of the children that I have don't want to listen... oh I shouldn't say that. They DO want to listen, if they have time after doing what they are consumed with, at that moment. The bossy girls are telling everyone what to do, the Baby boys are rolling on the floor or playing "I'll poke you and then you poke me", the Yakkers are having conversations with everyone around them, the Blessed are sitting there ready to learn (thank Goodness for them... all 6 of them) and you don't even want to know what the Psychos are doing... (who knows what they are thinking)

Anyway... why am I discussing this on my sick day!!!!? All I wanted to really say was, "Thank you Angelee... and Becky" (who babysat)

And since I have a blog that noone reads... except for Angelee... and maybe Sam... and maybe Ben... but surely noone else... I would like to say that I love my Seminary class. I love teaching the Book of Mormon... but in the midst of all this gooey love and tenderness... I am feeling a tad of nonsupport from some of the parents of the students in my class. At least 3 weeks ago I mailed a letter to each of them (which I am very proud of doing because I am notorious for having good ideas but doing nothing with that good idea) but I actually wrote the letters, made copies, addressed them, stamped them, put in a self-addressed stamped envelope, went home to get them when I forgot them, turned around at school when i forgot to mail them and actually MAILED them. WOW! Yay for me. I asked in this letter for a letter from them to their son or daughter... kinda like what Alma said to his sons... Helaman, Shiblom and Corianton. And yes, I have most of the letters at this point... but guess whose letters I don't have... my FRIENDS letters. Yes, that would be Jagodas, Robertson's and Hancocks. Oh well... maybe they have been on a cruise or maybe they ran out of paper or maybe they are more busy than any of the other parents who have dutifully returned their letters to me. It is not up to me to judge... Each time I have talked to Annette she says, (hopefully), "Am I too late?" Oh no, you are not too late. (I wish I had a letter from my mother.)

Hey... I found my camera!!! I had lost my red camera, my new red glasses and my new grandchildren necklace from Christmas. Angelee found the glasses and the necklace and I found the camera this morning. I am not publishing where I found it.

Birthdays

2009-10-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

This is Kate and Cyndi in Lake Tahoe. Kate turned one... and it was so fun to see her.

This is MaRee, Charlee and Joshua sitting on the lawn at Angelees house. We had just returned from a shopping trip to Costco so we were all eating cookies. This is a landmark picture because Joshua is actually sitting on my lap VOLUNTARILY... (probably because I brought the cookies. :) )

Angelee... I definately need blogging help.

A good time was had by all at Casa Lupe on Thursday night. We were all there for Nick's b'day. Of course we weren't ALL there. We were missing the Sacramento Acebos and Darryl and the Lake Tahoe Acebos are rarely at our functions. But we managed without them. No one got drunk and disorderly... so it was all good.

My first grade class is difficult. It is taking a toll on me.

My Seminary class is fun. They are good kids who are actually ALMOST on time.

My teacher peers are worried about me. I guess I look bad.

I need more $$$ but who doesn't?

I love to sit in my tan chair and do nothing.

Walt volunteered to teach Seminary for me on Friday. I was greatful. Any other takers?

It is almost November. Wow!

Things could be worse. The balloon boy idea could have been my bright idea.

America's Top Model is my favorite show... How stupid is that!

Nephi is an amazing man. I wonder what he thinks of the events of 2009

I love the weekends...

A Funeral in Salt Lake City

2009-10-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Well... we have lost another mortal to the spirit world. Yes... my sister Bonnie has left her mortal body here on Earth and has decided to live painlessly in Paradise. And yes, we know she is in Paradise. She spent the last 3 years of her life making amends and getting ready for her entry into the next stage of her journey.

The funeral was very nice, as expected. She has been talking about her funeral for the last 40

years. She always talked about her beautiful blue dress. She was very excited and proud of the fact that everything was paid for. It was not that she didn't trust her kids... but at that time only she was in the position to pay for a funeral and so she arranged it the way she wanted.

I feel truly blessed to have met Bonnie. She was 17 years older than me. I was so surprised to find out... at the funeral... that she was only 1 year younger than my mom when she died. My mom seemed old... and Bonnie didn't so I guess this means that I am old and don't know it.

Anyway, Bonnie was a force of nature... like a hurricane or a tornado... nothing to be reckoned with. Pete, Jo and I just stood back and watched, and listened to her in action. Oh, the stories she could tell. We were from the little town of Oroville, under the thumb of Paul Budd Rose. He had already abandoned the little family in which Bonnie was born and so she had the genes of my dad but was not at all influenced by him. She was amazing. Her raucous laugh and flowery language mesmerized us.

One amazing story was of her buying a brand new Buick from a dealership in Salt Lake. EVerything went amazingly well. She walked in... picked out her car... (oh did I mention this was in the 1970's) and then the time came for the signitures. She signed and then they wanted to know when her husband would be in to sign. She looked them in the eye and explained that her husband would not be signing. SHE was buying the car. They explained that they needed her husband's signature. She explained that he would NOT be signing. They had to make several phone calls. She ended up driving the car home. Oh she was so proud of that.

Anyway, no one was more self centered than Bonnie. It was always about her and we loved it. She told us amazing stories. She had heart break and lost a favored grandson is a drug sale gone wrong gang shooting. But everything about her was larger than life and we were like little kids with big eyes watching an "R" rated movie.

My brother was a pall bearer.

This is me, Pete and Jo. This other man is the Bishop who gave a very nice talk. You could tell he actually knew her. It was very nice.

The flowers were actually very nice. I always notice the flowers.

Anyway, I came home sick. Really sick. And I also had dead battery. And a hair appointment. And a doctor's appointment. And I had to make sub plans.

Every day has been better since then.

Bye Bonnie. I will see you later. And I will miss you.

Seminary, 2009

2009-09-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

I love my new Seminary class... not that I didn't love all the others... but fear grips the heart of all Seminary teachers as they approach the new year. The questions just pop up in my mind. Will they like me? Ans; of course not, it is Seminary, Stupid. Will they listen? Ans: of course not, it is Seminary, Stupid. Will they be on time? Ans: of course not, it is Seminary, Stupid. Will I make it through the year? Ans: of course, you always do. So with all those questions now answered I can tell you that this is going to be a great year. I will just settle in with my customary schedule... teach Seminary, teach first grade, study, go to bed, teach Seminary... and so it goes.

I have decided I like to teach Seminary. I have feared it for three years and this is the year I am going to enjoy it. For some reason I am no longer fearful. Oh my class this year would tell me with confidence that it is because of my wonderful students this year. But I have to admit I have had wonderful students every year and some of them are either on or are going on missions... Anthony, Bruce, Sean, Hardwick. Of course, none of them write to me, but then again I don't write to them. One of them is married... Kara. One has marriage plans... Becca. Many are at college...

Anyway... here are this years Seniors... 2009. They have already had their last "first day" of Seminary... (thankfully).

Janne and Jorge both go to Butte for College Connections. We all envy them as they walk out the door 10 minutes early.

Jimmy... a nice, quiet boy. He definately belonged in last years "quiet class".

The cutest boy in my class... Chue (who happens to be Thao's little bro)... doesn't like his picture taken. How ridiculous... he is very photogenic.

Dennis... one of the brothers

Charlie... the other brother... and also very photogenic. Both work at Taco Bell. One works at the one by the movie and the other works at the good one. I can't remember who goes with which...

Cody and Katie... more on Cody at a later date when I have more dirt on him...

.the 3 musketeers... and carpoolers... Katie, Kelsey, and Kelsey. Their strength is CHATTING. I wonder if one can major in that at college because they would do very well in that field. The career choices would be teaching, president of the USA, greeter at the Walmart, sales of some sort, blog masters, office managers, Dentists, lawyers and car salesmen. Good Luck, ladies.

My home teacher, Brandon and Janne, again. She is in College Connections and so she has the added pressure to look good every day because of all those older men she is around...

MaiKue... this is her first year at Seminary because she is a new member of the Church. She is a friend of Kimberly, who is attending BYU, Idaho and rooming with Shannon (both of whom are former students of mine.) MaiKue brings a light, an excitement and a wonderful spirit to Seminary every day. If I had favorites, she would definately be nominated, but since I don't, oh well...

I apologize to my class for all the misspelled names. I sometimes get better later on. And sometimes I don't...

Hell on Earth!!

2009-08-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true. There truly is a Hell on Earth. If you would like to see this phenomenon for yourself, come to Bird Street School, Room 1. I will be there, but I probably will not be available for chatting because I am like a rat in a cage, running, running, running, running, talking, begging, threatening, helping, dragging, pulling, sweating, sweating, sweating, etc. I am sure you think you understand, but until you have walked a day in these Keenes of mine, you do not know.!!! I look like I am smiling in this picture, but there is a crazy gleam in my eye and spittle dripping from my lip.

Fortunately, God loves me and has taken pity on me. In addition to the miraculous infection of the Monte Vista building which delayed Seminary, the powers that think they are in charge, are hiring a new kindergarten teacher and so all my kinders will be in ANOTHER ROOM... THE ONE NEXT DOOR... ROOM 2... OUT OF ROOM 1. I, however, know who the real POWER is and I am so thankful for his tender mercies. You may think I am making light of sacred things, but I assure you, I am not. Anyone who has been to Hell and survived, knows who to thank for their escape!

By the way, do you think that looks like a lot of 4, 5 and 6 year olds? 4 are absent...

Shopping at the Walmart

2009-08-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here we all are on our daily trip to Walmart... at least it seems like daily. I suppose everyone has seen those double carts, called the "family cart". Well, how many of you have ridden in one? This could very well be Sam's claim to fame. Here we have Josh and Sam riding side by side on the bench portion of the cart, with Charlee in her bucket riding in the basket. I guess you can guess who would rather take the picture than be seen with this motley group.

Can you see the barrettes in Charlee's hair? Oh yes, she is now a "clip girl".

I don't think the length of the Walmart shopping trip was the reason for Joshie's quick 40 winks. We might have been there during nap time. And the bench seats are so much more comfie without Sam.

What a fun trip!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELEE!!

2009-08-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

Twenty nine years ago... a baby girl was born

And now my baby is having babies...

She is a great daughter, sister, mother and auntie.

And she has found a wonderful man to be part of the family.

Thank you Nick for taking her off my hands.

HELP, HELP, HELP

2009-08-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

I need help from all you seminary grads.

You all remember the good ol' days of Seminary. Well, guess what? It is still going on. There are a number of LDS youth, ages 13-17 , and teachers (mostly old), who continue to get up at the crack of dawn and and attend a morning meeting that ranges from highly spiritual to exhaustingly boring (depending on who you talk to).

Most of you are glad that it is still happening. It is kinda like some awful kind of initiation. "If I had to go, then so should everyone else." "If I had to go through that kind of daily pain, torture and boredom, then SO SHOULD YOU!!! Shut up and go."

But now that you have it out of your system, just think. What could have made it better, (besides having 3 days off a week)? Help this teacher avoid mistakes that are so obvious to you but may be not so obvious to me. What would have made it better, what is the best and what is the worst thing a teacher can do.

Help me, please.

10 more days...

2009-08-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well.... this is my farewell address. I have to start getting mentally ready to give up my life as I know it and go back to the life of a droid... seminary, school, study, sleep. (Hey, did you notice that my droid activities all start with "s".)

Anyway, so long sleeping til 10:30 AM. So long, Dave (Letterman). So long, blogging. So long beautiful house. So long Chico, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Oregon... So long trashy novels. So long Priests. So long shopping with Angelee and Jo. So long weedless yard. Hello weeds.

Anyway, I have to start getting mentally prepared. Summer is almost over. I have a mere 10 days of hazy, lazy days. I will not be depressed about having 30 kids in my classroom this year... because I am grateful to have a job. I will not complain about Seminary... because this is my last year and I am teaching Book of Mormon.

I have a blessed life... and who would even like summer if it lasted all year long!!!

THE NEW ROOM

2009-07-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not really a new room, its an old room. But it is now BEAUTIFUL!!! (Thank you Sam)

Cleaned up, vacuumed, dusted, and 2 pieces of furniture gone. Angelee says I am not to line every wall with furniture. Witch!

Jo says, " I didn't know that room could look good." High praise from Jo

New paint, new baseboards...

New floor

Old oak furniture on new cherry floors.

Are those lovely flowers real or fake? And how many remotes does one old television need?

Sam is the miracle worker. I was in Lake Tahoe visiting Kate when this serious miracle happened. What a surprise!! I can't wait for Ben to come and see everything that has happened to my mom's house and yard. I have the best family in the world. Sam was the project manager but everyone else has a hand (and an arm and a leg and another hand) in this transformation. Nick, Sam, Angelee and Jo painted, D and Sam put down the floor and Darryl has done more stuff to this house than I have time to mention but includes the kitchen and deck.

Mike and Shannon are the yard miracle workers.

Thank you, my family!!

NOT ANOTHER PATIO!!!!

2009-07-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

OH YES... WE ARE HAVING ANOTHER PATIO IN OUR FAMILY AND WE ARE SO PROUD AND HAPPY TO SHARE OUR SPECIAL NEWS WITH ALL OF YOU.

OF course this is backwards... this is supposed to be the last picture. Oh well... the almost finished patio of Jo and Darryl. This is the third patio this summer. And all of them are different. We will be having a patio showing of all three patios at a future date. Check this blog for further info on this oh so interesting feature.

The almost finished patio. What is that pattern? I can hear you asking. Oh, that would be "planned random".

So nice...

Darryl had the easy part and the fun part... ok...not really easy but sorta fun.

The grunt labor... D on the rototillar...not much fun!

More grunt labor...Sam replaces a sprinkler...

I have learned a lot this summer about patios. The most important part is that the prep work is the hardest and takes the longest time. It is not fun but it is so important to the finished product. Shortcuts are not tolerated. But nobody appreciates the work or the worker of this under appreciated slave labor. There are many unsung heros out there who have sweat gallons of liquid and have drank, drunk gallons of liquid so they could then sweat more gallons... you get the point... So a high five to all you slave laborists out there. Just so you know... there is one person in this world who appreciates you. That would be me. You're welcome.

Kate in the buff...

2009-07-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

So... I am back in Lake Tahoe visiting with Ben and his family...

Kate is not picking her nose... she is cute in her nightie nights.

We can almost see her 7 teeth... and look at those flowing blonde locks.

Oh my! Is that a bug?

I am so cute... and I love my daddy!

Is that another bug? My mom does not like them but I do...

Playboy called and I only pose for "tasteful" nude shots...

Who is that baby in the mirror? I would like to meet her...

The Patio... done!

2009-07-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

So... its done...

I think this is the most beautiful patio ever (sorry Angelee, yours is nice, but...) If any of you were watching news yesterday about Elizabeth Edwards you could have seen her entrance to her house and it was almost as beautiful as my patio... but I digress.

Anyway... how lovely is this. And to think that Sam was foreman, supervisor, laborer, chief of the union and designer.

Derek was the right hand man... #2 in command... necessary for all projects... and quality control

JG was laborer

Each stone was selected individually, placed lovingly, carefully leveled, and named (just kidding)

My favorite stone is in the middle... named tiger stripe. Okay, we named some of them.

The walk way to the NEW GATE.

Do you see "California"?

Another important job... "the sweeper of sand ".

The first stone. (You know what they say about 'he who casts the first stone'. It wasn't me, this time)

My Smile

2009-07-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Wannabees

Eat your collective hearts out... it takes years to get this smile and to think it is the subject of serious ridicule among my supposed loved ones. Yes, they make fun of it to the point that at Cyndi's b'day lunch at Cheesecake Factory they ALL DID THEIR BEST IMITATION. Yes, this is what we do when we get together in public. I used to be embarrassed by them but I have developed unconditional love for them.

So... here they all are doing their best rendition of "The Smile". Actually they are all jealous and I consider it my best feature... in addition to my lovely hair. :)

Charlee gives it a good try...

Shannon does good when the camera is not on her... but is camera shy. I always tell her, "Be one with the camera".

Jo definately has the most fun. I actually think it was Jo who started all this commotion.

And as you will see, they all need some practice.

Sam

Ben... not his best effort. He too, does not love the camera.

Angelee... giving it her best try. You have a long way to go, girl!!

Cyndi... the winner (and I am trying not to be offended. It occurs to me that my daughter-in-laws are actually making fun of their MOTHER-IN-LAW. That takes guts.)

And... ta dah... the one and only!

Rock Day

2009-07-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

More boring work... the rock base.

They certainly don't make rakes like they used to. In case you can't see this, the rake is in two pieces.

And the rock base.

There is not much to say... it is just a lot of work but not as hard as digging dirt... so they say. They were dirty and sweaty so it still looked like work.

Friday will be the fun day. We will be placing the stones. I have already been uninvited to the event.

There is controversy about the big air conditioning unit right smack in the middle of this project. Angelee (of course) wants to move it. And to think I could have had it on the side of the house when they first put it in but I didn't care where they put it back then. And I still don't really care where it is. After all, this is just my backyard. Better Homes and Gardens will pass me by for sure with this big eyesore right THERE. Oh well, I don't need the pressure...

Cute boys available for the picking...

2009-07-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Every man needs a good woman to help him stay on the track, stay focused on what is important and to help him spend his money. If it was left up to men they would spend all their money on toys or the like... not on what is seriously important. Every woman knows how to best help their man. The following is a partial list of some available men... for the field is white and ready to harvest...

This is a seriously cute young man. He spent the day at my house, working on my new patio with D and Sam. I don't know a lot about him except that he wants to get into the fire academy at Butte... so that means that he has good potential. He worked hard all day long and he loves

peanut butter cookies. He is quite young and so needs some more time to ripen.

Derek

"D"...more commonly known as Derek. This boy would make some girl a good husband as he has many skills in the home building and repairing category. He is a "handy man" to have around. Besides being cute and cuddly, he is a hard worker and has the capability to make some serious money. What he needs is the motivation... and this is another example of why every man needs a good woman at his side.

Sam

Now this boy comes with a word of warning. Be careful... unless you are up for a walk on the wild side. He is as dangerous as he is cute. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Don't let the fact that he is a nursing student deceive you. Oh yes, he is smart and career minded... sensitive and extremely loyal. But he is more... as many broken hearted women can attest.

The New Project

2009-07-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

"What now?" I can hear you saying.

By the time "we" are done my backyard will be a showplace. Oh, not nearly as beautiful as the Robertsons or the Harris' (remember them?) And not nearly as beautiful as my front yard and not nearly so fun as Walt's backyard. But, still, a yard that will not be embarrassing. And it will be suitable and fun for the preschool set. And oh yes, once again, way too expensive.

The sand and rock for the base... of a new patio right outside my picture window.

I guess everyone knows that a patio of any worth has to have a base of rock and then sand.

This is not the expensive part... this is cheap. And Jordon Garrett was a really good rock and sand man.

Do you see all this dirt? It used to be lawn. But the workers spent the whole day prepping the ground for the expensive part. A lot of sweat went into this part... the hard part.

The extremely hard workers... "D", JG, and Sam.

Workers working...

The fence is done...

2009-07-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Even the hired help deserve a break... now that the fence is done.

Sam and "D" spent the morning working on the gate. And it is beautiful!!

The beautiful new gate.. finished!!

A view from the gate.

The new play area... still in the thinking and planning stages. We put the old chain link on Craig's list and it was gone in 15 minutes flat.

I have gained 10 feet to my yard with my new wooden fence... not to mention new found privacy and a move from "chainlink trash" to "wooden loveliness". "D" reminded me that I can now get a full body tan if I should so desire.

Camping before the 4th

2009-07-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Holiday camping... never again!

Those of you who camp over the fourth (or any other holiday) are aware of what I am saying. Our family has had its last "Dodge City" experience where the natives, locals and newcomers are having the time of their respective lives at the expense of all of us plain ol' campers who go to bed at 10:30 expecting to sleep. No more "MY NAME IS STANLEY" shouted thru the trees at 2 AM. No more port-a-potties drug thru the campground. No more rifle shots (fire crackers are for kids) at assundry times thru the night. No more cops driving thru the camp with sirens blaring. No more... we say! So we went home on Friday... the 3rd and slept well on the 4th.

Lake Almanor

Darryl, Jo, Angelee and Charlee on the rented pontoon... eating Hot Tamales and having a great time.

Sam with his new camera.

My baby boy is so cute, don't you think? The water at Lake Almanor was kinda cold... so I was told. I wouldn't actually know. We all had to wear life jackets so Joshie would wear his.

Before and after

2009-07-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Finally!

Only because Sam is here that I am finally able to get my 'before" and "after" pictures of my house. So... here they are. It takes a village (Angelee, Sam, Jo) to help me to do the most simple computer maneuverings. And I would like to thank the village for their patience with me... And I love this Mac... not much different from the big babooshka in the other room. A big thank you to Sam for his help with this laptop and another big kiss to Angelee for her help and pushy encouragement to me for my newfound blogster abilities.

Did you notice the lovely little wall... that was all Sam. Who knew?

The design plan was all Shannon.

The planting and the following of the plan? All Mike and Sam.

I am still mad that the city had the gall to "cite" me for my yard at this point. Can they not see that we were in the middle of a "redo"? And it is hard to believe that there is $800 worth of dirt in this little project. I won't even mention further cost... but it is moooooorrrrrrre... lots more. But it is way worth it.

A big thank you to Shannon, Mike and Sam. Sam was the actual force that started the whole darn thing.

(The back yard has begun with the construction of "the fence".

One Side Done

2009-07-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Half of one side done

One half done... beautiful!

Keith's fence was the first so this is technically his second.

The Fence

2009-07-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

My yard is not beautiful enough...

oh no... not nearly. Now we (Sam) is putting up a wooden fence along the sides of my back yard so it will match the back fence put up by the "richies" behind me. (And by the way, can you believe they called me up one night and asked me to turn off my backyard lights because it was messing with their TV... but I am not still thinking about that).

Anyway, I am reclaiming 10 feet of yard... 5 feet on each side. I am sorry Angelee but I don't remember how to get this picture turned right side up.

These are the worker bees... slaving in the hot Oroville sun.

Sam, Aaron and Jessie (Sam's roommate)

Before shot... putting in the fence posts

Either Aaron is holding up the post or the post is holding up Aaron.

We have a lot more work for this guy.. he is excellent slave labor.

This is a secret confession... but this is my garden area that Chris Avila came over and rototilled for me a couple of months ago. But I did not put in a garden... it just grew back... only worse... if that is even possible. So now... instead of a garden, I (Sam) is putting in a fence.

Then and now...

2009-06-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have looked everywhere for my "then" picture but I can only find "now"

This is my yard in all of its beauty. Shannon designed it and Mike and Sam put it in. And it is growing... not dying. I have a before shot... when I received my arrest warrant from the city... well it wasn't exactly an arrest warrant, but it was a warning to attend to the problems in my yard: the high weeds and the dust. Who doesn't have dust and weeds when you are in the middle of an improvement project. I was so mad... but at least I am not still thinking about it!! Anyway... I cannot find the before picture but at least I have now. My mom would be so proud!

Final images from my visit to Oregon

2009-06-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Day 2... back in California

I drove about 7 hours back to California on Thursday. And now on Friday I have a few more images that I want to remember from my trip.

This is a very private spot on Jan's property... so private that I could not make there because of the horrible steps down to the river. Oh, did I not mention that they have a river running through their property. Anyway, the river is way high in the winter and way low in summer. Since this is the beginning of summer there are still waterfalls and a low, but still babbling river. So, this is a picture of Jan's "fairy grotto" (or whatever the heck her daughter Amanda named it). Jan had to take the picture because she does not care if she falls and breaks her leg

This is a picture of my best purchase in Oregon. It is in place in Oroville... ready for any cat to come looking for his favorite bathroom spot. It is called a Scarecrow and does not discern between cats, people, cars going by or nothing in particular. I am sure many of you coming to my house will meet the scarecrow first hand.

Jan sent me home with a baby cactus. This is a beautiful blossom from the mother plant. Just look at this blossom and imagine this at my house someday... because you know it will never actually appear. Jan can grow anything... its so annoying.

These are Jan and Larry's children who are still at home... Ellie, Gus and Max.

This is Bill and Rosie, good friends and close neighbors of Jan and Larry. I really like visiting them. They are a way cool couple. I especially like Bill. I always said that if Bill were not married to Rosie and about 20 (or so) years younger, he would be the man for me. He is so much fun. And I admire Rosie for being so patient!! They travel, crab, feed hummingbirds, have a cat that catches hummingbirds for sport, have a garden that the deer eat, can tuna or salmon (or some kind of fish), have a yard that is beautiful, can grow anything... they are simply amazing. Rosie is a nurse and a good cook while Bill is a character. Jan has lots of friends in Oregon but these guys are the best!!

10 year low tide at Bandon

2009-06-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Day 5, June 24, 2009

So... today just happens to be my temple anniversary...33 years... but I degress from the interesting part of my vacation.

Anyway... our adventure for today was to go to the South Jetty at Bandon to see the ten year low tide. Jan had never seen the tide so far out. Anyway, we were there to see a ship that had sunk there in 1950 somthin' so we were there for "ship wreck" high adventure. But alas, even though we made the effort to actually be there on time which happened to be 7:45 AM... there was no ship wreck to be seen. So we had to comfort ourselves by shopping in Bandon. Don't believe for one minute that the economy in Oregon is bad... I alone have made my contribution and I am sure we will be reading about Oregon doing much better soon.

Here is Jan looking for the elusive "ship wreck".

Look at the low tide. This is usually all under ocean.

Do you see the Coquille River lighthouse in the distance?

And yes, I am coming home on Thursday. I have no more money. My friends are sick of me. I have gained enough weight for one vacation. My car is full of gifts, plants, yard art, chocolate, Oregon tuna, a new Bandon jacket for moi, wall art, earrings, bracelets, fudge, a vase for Cyndi for her b'day, shirts and THREE HATS...

Great fun for all. California, HERE I COME!!

CRATER LAKE

2009-06-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Day # 4... June 23, 2009

Who among you have not been to Crater Lake? Me and Larry. It is the prettiest lake I have ever seen. It is indeed a crater that has filled with rain and snow water. The evaporation is the same as the input each year and so it stays the same level. It used to be a volcano thousands of years ago. The volcano collapsed on itself and left a perfectly round, 6 mile across hole in the ground, that has filled with water that is now a bright blue lake. (I even know why it is such a brilliant blue, but you will have to ask me before I bore you with the details.)

I don't know if any of you have ever seen "rock star" toes in flip flops in the snow. Oh yes, the elevation is 7000 ft. so there is still snow in June.

The lake is really this blue and Jan and I are really this beautiful.

This photo shows the snow, the little volcano sticking up out of the water, and the caldera. You can actually see what the inside of a volcano looks like. Amazing!

You can see the caldera really well from here.

And this is the famous Jan and Larry. And yes, Larry is a real life cowboy. Any of you who happen to be in the area are more than welcome to come to their house to stay for a few days. They are excellent hosts. I do not hesitate to recommend them. But you should probably call first... :)

The Ocean

2009-06-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Day 3... June 22, 2009

Here I am on a beach on the Oregon Coast. This is yours truly at Bastendorf Beach. As you can see it is absolutely beautiful. The day is windy and the ocean is rough. We had a glorious day shopping and exploring the coastal cities of Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston. Jan and I skipped out by ourselves and did only what we wanted to do with no regulations, rules or timetables.

Jan and I are at the Coast Guard Station at Chicken Point.

Harbor side at Charleston boat docks.

A view of Charleston Bay.

Tomorrow look for more exciting adventures from Crater Lake.

Oh... the most exciting news of all. You will all have to come to my house and view my new yard art. And yes, I did buy it. And yes, I love it. And no, I did not get it at the dump. And no, you will never find one like it unless you too go to Charley Town in Charleston.

Heaven... a mere 7 hours away!

2009-06-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Every year when I go to Oregon, this is what it looks like... green, green and more green. It is so fun to leave the lovely Oroville (cough, cough) and come here to where it is either green and lush or sandy with an ocean view. Oh, I know, it rains a lot and the weather is not hot enough to grow tomatoes yet. How awful!!! As for me, 65 -80 degree days are perfectly wonderful and they grow enough tomatoes for me in Mexico. So... this is Jan's view from her deck.

They live in a small town called Coquille which is about 45 minutes from Coos Bay and the ocean. The drive from the ocean to their house looks like this... all year long. If we are green from Feb. to April we consider ourselves lucky. The rest of the time we are "golden".

This is the garden. I can't believe I have a friend who LOVES to work in her garden. And no, that love of gardening is not contagious, because I have not caught any of it.

The red front door. Why does everyone love a red front door?

Look at these flowers. They are everywhere around her house.

Tomorrow we are going to have chowder at the High Tide restaurant that looks over the Cocquille light house. Sound like fun?

CHAINSAW CARVING IN REEDSPORT, OREGON

2009-06-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am in Oregon... Coosbay, Bandon on the coast. I am visiting my good friends, Jan and Larry Payne. I met Jan the year I had cancer... 1999. Jan took me to chemo every Friday after school. She was a teacher at Bird Street and he was the principal at OHS. We have remained friends and I try to visit their home in Oregon. I think it is very convenient (for me) for them to retire to such a lovely vacation spot.

First Day. It was a very interesting day. It began with watching an international chain saw carving event in Reedsport.
I watched a carver from Japan. This is his finished product (bench) of the "quick carve". He did this in one hour and fifteen minutes. Since I am such a novice at this blog stuff, I accidentally put this in the wrong order. I wanted it from start to finish, but alas, here it is, from finish to start. Oh well.

The wing is done and he is now doing the eagle head.

This is the slab from which he carved the wing you see above.

There were many carvers... at least thirty and all the carvings were different and unique. The carvings were auctioned off at the end of the day... we weren't there for that BUT they didn't go cheap. Even the littlest carvings were at least $25. So... too rich for my blood

Here's how it all began.

Ken Means... Master Carver

2009-06-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Ken Means is a master carver of carousel animals. His plan is build a full size, real, working merry-go-round... more formally referred to as a carousel. By day he is a bus driver, but after that the transformation begins. He is a real life artist. July 6th is the first day of his 3 week class at which he teaches people from all over the world to carve and paint the animals.

Chicken in the early stages

Check out the detail. These animals are absolutely beautiful.

And here he is... standing between two of his favorites.

This is part of what will ultimately be a dragon bench seat... although he had a fancy name for it.

Ken's studio is in Myrtle Point, Oregon. Today I witnessed something very unique and definitely out out of the ordinary. I met a "real artist".

Happy Birfday to Me!!

2009-06-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't my cake beautiful? All you millions of cyber geeks out there reading this most interesting blog should have seen last years. A cake that only a mother could love!! This one looks like it came from Raleys. And it tasted good. In case you people out there don't know our little secret, the best recipe in the world is on the back of the cocoa can. And the biggest surprise of all, ANGELEE MADE IT... ALL BY HER LONE.

The party began at Shakeys, but ended at my house. Part of the festivities was looking and screaming at the stick bugs. They are so scary you know.

Next was the tree fun. Once Sam heaved himself into the tree he then challenged Eric to do the same. Soon these two grown boys were having pull-up contests in the tree. It's a miracle no one got hurt. And yes, the tree is still standing. With so much fun happening, the two little boys wanted in on the fun. So here they all are, up in the tree. The smart ones (the girls) were content on simply watching the tree fun from the deck.

Next came the sun glass fun. Eli found Joshua's Valentine sunglasses and wore them around saying, "I'm looking good". He continued to wear them through the sprinkler fun. (sorry no pictures of that)
Samers: Sam and Bolo in their new summer hats.

Goodbye Kate

2009-06-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

How presumptuous to visit someone on your birthday because they're then obligated to get you a present. Works well for the visitor, but not so well for the visitee. And I did get a very nice present. Thanks Kate. It was so fun seeing you.

The Price Is Right

2009-06-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am still in Lake Tahoe. Cyndi works in the morning so Kate and Ben hang out during the day and when Cyndi gets home, then Ben goes to work. So Kate has her programs and Ben has his program but they both love The Price is Right. Here they are watching their favorite morning program.

What a mess!!

2009-06-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

And so there I was, just having arrived in Lake Tahoe. Ben was helping me carry all my stuff in the house, including the 9X13 pan of macaroni and cheese. That is when I heard the BIG CRASH! Oh no, not the mac and cheese. Oh yes, the mac and cheese pan hit the floor and broke into many shards of glass. What you see here is Ben after having cleaned up the mess but still wearing his yellow gloves. Oh yes, they are Ben's... Cyndi's are purple. Do you know anyone else who actually wear gloves to do the dishes (and cleaning up mac and cheese)The culprit... and in the doghouse.
The culprit... tried to dash out the door as Ben was coming in. Could you believe that such an innocent looking face could possibly be responsible for such a mess!!!

Miss Kate

2009-06-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Here she is... the reason I am in Lake Tahoe (and I have no idea why my typing is coming up linked... but I am a novice at blogging.) Anyway, the weather is beautiful and so is Miss Kate. She is so happy that her grandma is visiting.

Jill

2009-06-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is definately not her best picture, but since she can barely turn on her computer I am not worried that she will see this and shudder. She has been a good kindergarten teacher. She is loving, kind, sweet, gentle, ditzy, soft spoken and really loves the children. She is pretty much the opposite of me. When the kids come from her class in kinder to mine in first grade, they are pretty much in shock for the first month. This is pivotal for me. Its like when all the women before you have their babies and then you know you're next. Well, this means that I am next to retire from Bird Street School. BUT NOBODY ASK ME WHEN BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW!!!

Bag Lady

2009-06-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Friday was our last day of school and since it was just a workday and not a school day we had lunch at Applebees. It was Jill Prouty's last day, since she is retiring. This is not Jill... this is Linda Chollet who is our secretary at Bird Street School. In honor of Jill's retirement, Linda gave a dramatic rendition of what Jill's future life could be like as a "bag lady". Last year she did the phone lady... "one ring-dingy", snorting and all. Fun was had by all... especially those who had Margaritas.

ME AND MY BABY

2009-06-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is my baby boy. This photo was snapped at an awards dinner that Sam invited me to. We had a lovely time on our date.

A further note about Sam. As most of you know, he is very clever and things usually work in his favor. As further evidence of this amazing quality of his, I am now typing on my new laptop. Oh, its not really new, Sam gave it to me. Oh yes, I now remember, I DID buy it for him a couple of years ago, but he agreed to give it to me if I would buy him the new one he wanted... I mean needed. Oh yes, he got a very good deal on the new one... Thank you Sam.

GRAND DAUGHTERS

2009-06-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

After 14 years of grandsons, I finally have two granddaughters. One is blonde and the other is brunette but it looks at this point as if they both have blue eyes. One is Kate Rose and the other is Charlee Rose. (The kids are getting busy... )

THE BEST CLASS IN THE WORLD

2009-06-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

This may look like an ordinary class to all of you. But what you don't know is that this is not an ordinary class... it is in fact a remarkable class. Why? you may ask. It is simple... there are 18 smart kids in this picture... and 3... well, you know, we can't all be blessed with brains.

Easter 2008

2008-03-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful woman in the world... so, which one is it?
me and my kids...
Who loves Sam so much?

It may look to those of you who weren't there, that Joshie is climbing up the slide. But we know better... that is his only means of going down...

The new yard... a work in progress...

2008-03-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Why am I standing on this mound of dirt? This is the way I have been living for the last few months. Mike, Shannon and Sam are making me a new yard... personally I like the "mountain of dirt" look... at least I don't have to mow.
Two beautiful boys...

Early 2008

2008-03-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

How we love this little monster!
This baby's bathtub looks waaaaayy different than my kid's tub. Who needs all those toys... well, Joshie does love his bath.
Jo's birthday cake... not my best effort. It looks crooked because it is crooked. (Who says Jo and I look alike? We've never looked more different!)
Jo's birthday in Sam's new appartment. We worked on this picture for 15 minutes and this is the best of the lot. Pathetic...

Disnleyland 2007

2008-03-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

Jo and me having fun
Joshie loved being loose and on his own...who is holding the leash?
Me and my kids. Scary. Proof that babies don't stay babies!
twins
Aren't we cute?

Angel buddies!

2007-11-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Aren't we cute? These ridiculous costumes have come in handy a number of times. I wonder when they will get retired?

The angels are "advising" Carlota (wonderful staff member at Bird Street). Don't we all wish we had "angel help"?

My New Car

2007-10-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

2005 Toyota Avalon. This car is very opinionated. It tells me what to do.

I love my new car!!!

This is fun

2007-10-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is my blog.