Jan's Place...

LOOK! Mariachi Serenades a Beluga Whale!

2011-11-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

Anyone out there? Take a look at this special Corn Maze!

2011-09-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Do you like the corn mazes' that are popping up at the farms at this time of year?

It appears that now there are maze's grown for the Blonde's only!!

‘Jesus, what have I done?’: rock star Steve Tyler’s traumatic encounter with abortion | LifeSiteNews.com

2011-05-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

‘Jesus, what have I done?’: rock star Steve Tyler’s traumatic encounter with abortion | LifeSiteNews.com

Everyone who has watched American Idol this year has had a renewed exposure to Steven Tyler, the lead singer with Aerosmith.

I was not an Aerosmith fan in those days, and did not know much about him. I personally felt that he did a good job as a judge on American Idol, certainly better then Simon. When I did see the shows, it appeared that he made an effort to point out the best in the different singers with his comments.

I was at the blog for OPUS #6, and found this article which talks about Steven Tyler, and his statements about the effect of watching his own son's abortion while he was in his late 20's with his young girlfriend Julia Holcomb....and the trauma it caused him afterwords...

Also, to read Julia's side of the abortion story click her for it at http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/the-light-of-the-world-the-steve-tyler-and-julia-holcomb-story

This is the picture Julia referenced in her article, as she was trying to get out of the burning apartment, while she was 5 months pregnant with Stevens child.

Take a moment to read the two articles...

For Sunday Stills...Looking High, Looking Low..

2011-05-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

A view as we were leaving for dinner one night, while in Puerto Vallarta, about a week ago.

Looking up at the church from the Malachan in old town part of Puerto Vallarta...

And the last shot is one of my favorites, the sun was red as it went down this particular evening.

For Sunday Stills...

Hola from Puerto Vallarta and San Sebastian Mexico....

2011-05-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hola!

This is what it looks like, once we were able to access the locked blue door, I mentioned in my blog last week..what a difference a working key can make!

We stayed for an additional 6 days in the old town district of Puerto Vallarta and have to say, it was warm and muggy...and wonderful!

The people were friendly and fun, the restaurants were eager for our business and had offers to come and eat at their place, over the next one up the street.

We ate, we walked, we shopped from the vendors, and did our best (within our shoestring budget ) to help stimulate the Mexico economy.

We went on a 7 hour excursion to San Sebastian on one of the days, which was full of the history of the region, and the silver mining in that area. It was lovely, and entertaining.

We went to a coffee factory, were the owner was the youngest of 21 children born to a woman whose face now adorns the packaging the coffee they produce called

Cafe de Altura "La Quinta Mary". This is where we saw the parrots, and also the sad looking donkey.

Donkey at Coffee Factory

We were offered the use of the bathrooms as well...

Table where they package the coffee at Coffee Factory.

Looking down the cobblestone street into San Sebastian


This looks into the jail... which was empty. It was all concrete inside, and dark and cold.

Inside the church at San Sebastian

Yes, they have 24 hour service at the local funeral home in San Sebastian


A home along the narrow cobblestone street.

So, this was just one day while my sister and I were on our short holiday... yet it left a deep appreciation for what we saw, and what we learned about the people of this area of Mexico.

This kind of trip makes me very thankful, and less whiny about the fact that I can't retire yet...what do I have to complain about, as we have so much here in the US to be thankful for.

A Colorful Friend from Mexico....for Camera Critters

2011-05-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

As you can see, we finally got in to our room in Mexico..and I will cover that later..

I just thought I would show you this great looking parrot we saw on a coffee farm in the mountains near San Sebastian in Mexico...(for Camera Critters)

The Blue Door...

2011-05-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

My sister and I are in Pto Vallarta Mexico and after 3 nights away from the downtown area have come down to the "old town" part of PV for some new adventure...we found some new adventure on our first evening here!

We got to our rented condo, which is a quaint small apartment overlooking a cobblestone street across from the Tropicana Hotel.

We were told that we must always lock the big blue door,which is the street door. When we arrived, the door was not shut, so we just came on in..and of course shut the door behind us.

After going up the cobblestone steps to our cozy casa, we unpacked and left with just our small purses to explore.

We arrived back at the blue door around 11:00 pm...and the big key for the big blue door did not work. Not good...

I had thrown my cell phone in my bag, thank goodness. When we got back we could not get the door to unlock.

The bad news is, all the numbers for our local contacts were in the casa..and we were not!
So here we sit on a small cobblestone street, and a giant locked door, late at night...

to be continued...

"Alex & Me"... one amazing bird

2011-04-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was at my favorite "thrift" store, and ran across a book that looked interesting. It was titled "Alex & Me" by Irene M Pepperberg.

After just starting to read the book, all I could think was how did I not hear about this amazing bird, and wanted to see some of the things he was able to do before he died suddenly while only 31 years old.

Are you concerned that I may have not made the right choice with the move of Betsy and Zoe?

2011-03-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

My life as
a horse owner all came to and end yesterday, as my two girls got into that shiny silver slant load trailer, and headed down the road to their new home...Equine Life Solutions.

They left with a signed contract agreement between both parties in my hands, to start the process of their new life.

It is true I still have the antique pony, who is 40, but that is a rescue/quality end of life mission we are giving him, so that is different in my mind.

Let me kind of bring you through the process that got us here. My second chapter as an adult with horses started with Ken and I getting a horse, after we got together in 1989. I had had many horses over the years, previous to my divorce and had thought that they were no longer an option in my life.

Ken and I had gone together in high school..and after high school had gone separate ways in life ending up married to others, had children...and divorced. We ran into each other in 1989, each of us divorced and single. The rest is history there.

Ken had loved being around my horse when we dated in our teens, and now encouraged me to get one again. That "one" led to 15 more (including foals) over the years.

We were involved with a Paint Horse Club in our area, raised some foals, had some horses shown, and sold some good young horses to some good homes.

We had one foal leave Washington to a new home in Florida, and another (our favorite, Zoe's first foal "Robin Fort Knox", aka Bailey) go to Wisconsin where he was the most loved youth horse in the barn he was in and did very well as a youth Western Pleasure horse.

Now to the current situation, which is the two horses we have had long after the others have found new homes long ago.

We found Zoe, a palomino APHA mare, in Oregon in 1993 when she was two. We bought Betsy, also APHA , as a weanling when she was 6 months old in 1995.

Zoe will be 20 on 6/9/2011. Betsy will be 15 soon, on 4/5/2011.

So, Zoe has been my "girl" for 18 years, and Betsy almost all of her 15 years. They are very bonded, as you can imagine, and that was what made the re-homing option very challenging. I was not willing to sell or give either or both of them to anyone I did not feel extremely good about, and know how they took care of the horses they were responsible for.

It was a comment my husband made to his brother and sister in law, that started this whole thing. Ken mentioned that we were hoping to find safe good homes for the horses, and my sister in law mentioned her cousin volunteers for a barn that may be interested. The networking started, and it was this person we did not even know, who told Robyn at Equine Life Solutions, (ELS) about our mares.

As all of us have stepped into this agreement, we are all on the same page as our number one concern is the horses and their future. We have been honest about the mares, their personalities, quirks, and abilities.

Did I mention previously that Zoe is deaf? They is actually something they are excited about. She will help kids who have disabilities to see how well she does with hers. She is also one of the most honest horses I have had, and (don't tell Betsy) but one of the most loved one's we have had. Everyone seems to be drawn to her. She is bred to be a reining horse, so her 14.1 size is ideal for kids.

Betsy is sired by a well known Paint who has sired champion youth horses, known for their good minds. She also is a kind mare, with no meanness in her, though she can be kind of tricky. For example she will open stall doors, and considers herself alpha, at least over Zoe.

So fast forward to today. I do not want to be that person that later hears a horror story of the horse I released in good faith to someone.

I look back and think of the stories I know personally of some horses I have known that were owned by friends, and the outcomes of these horses. I have seen horses I knew that ended up at the local horse auction in Enumclaw, Wa.

I myself saw horses that had at one time been owned by my 4-H friends, and sold at some point to end up at this auction later. One horse I know went to the slaughter buyer, and I was horrified to think what my friends family would of thought if they knew this was her end.

Another horse who was called Belle Star, was a wonderful little gaming mare when owned by my 4-H friend Bill. I saw her at the auction years later, being sold by a local horse trader I somehow doubted Bill's family had sold her to. I contacted Bill's folks, who said they actually never sold her as she had been pastured at a friend of Bill's and just disappeared. They followed up with the auction to find out the new owners name and follow up to make sure she was in good hands.

I also have a friend who had two very nice high quality Paint horses, that were less then sound, and needed expensive foot care to keep them as sound as possible. She didn't feel anyone would care for them as they needed, and did not want to risk their potential outcome by releasing them to others who may not really spend the money required to keep them as sound as they could be, and comfortable.

After years of expensive maintenance of their feet and health, they were both humanely put down at their home. It broke her heart, but she felt that after exhausting all her options, this was the only solution for them.

Another Paint breeder I know of made the blog "Fugly Horse of the Day" when they took many of their older well bred broodmares to the local horse auction. I understand that the Canada slaughter buyers come to our auctions.

Unbelievable, that after these mares with world champion bloodlines, were just cast aside when the owner did not even offer them a humane ending to their lives. The blog Fugly Horse of the Day, which is vocal watchdog for horse related cruelty, did a blog on them last August. They work with an Auction Horse Message Board to catch this type of neglect.

So, to give you all as well as myself, peace of mind for the future of these two mares, I think we did our homework as best we could.

We checked the references, our vet knows they are going to ELS and gave them a good reference. We have gone through the facility. We observed the lesson program in action, with the clients and employees.

We saw their feeding program, the feed rooms and special need feeds and records. We saw their new stalls, and paddocks, as well as outdoor field areas.

Our own farrier is now their farrier.

We have a signed contract with a holding period for final release.

Their philosophy for the program is a nice match to ours..don't know what else we could of done.

These are good horses, and they need a job that is appropriate for them. They need more attention and "loving" on them, than we have been able to provide due to our schedules. With all the youth in this barn, I think they will get all the attention they could hope for!

On top of all of this, we will be coming by to see them, as my granddaughters want to take riding lessons here as well.

Both parties are viewing this as an open adoption!

I feel good about this..look at their website, and tell me what you think?

New home update for the horses....

2011-03-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the facility where the two mares will be going... and to say the least, I am very pleased!

It is a very well run barn, that teaches natural horsemanship to individuals from young to old. The horses are not pushed into the program, and go through a holistic heath check to make sure they are in perfect health before they start their schooling. They use bit-less bridles, and treeless saddles in the program.

The facility is extremely clean, and the people are wonderful. The mares will share a paddock to start with adjacent stalls, and they all have outdoor time every day, and lots of people time with them as well.

I honestly cannot believe this solution fell into our lap, through some networking of family members. The facilitator told me she has turned away 100 horses which I believe is true.

This is a dream home for a horse. No abuse, kind loving caring people running the program. The people who work with and handle the horses understand the horse, and if there is something going on causing the horse to be irritated or act out, they realize something is causing this and it is addressed.

The best part is that the person who is the barn/program facilitator and oversees the program is a strong Christian, whose desire and commitment is to apply the principles of scripture to both man and animal in her program, and it is working very well.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Now, how could this be anything but good for both the horses and the people working with them?

We think the move should only be weeks away... my gosh, the horses will finally have a job!

Horse changes ahead...

2011-03-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have had my two Paint "pasture ornaments" almost since they were born.

Zoe is the palomino, and will be 20 in June. We have had her since she was 2.

Betsy is a Strawberry Roan Sabino, and will be 16 this year. We have had her since she was 6 months old.

I know that some of you do not have kids this old...so as you can imagine, they are really part of our family and we are very serious about what happens to them.

My daughters almost consider them "sisters"!

So this is where we are. My husband and I are making decisions as to our future, and know that the horses really need to be somewhere where they actually are being loved on more (and often) and have a good horse life...

We rarely ride the horses, and know that they are very expensive pets! We also think we are ready to size down as we prepare for retirement in the hopefully not to far off future.

They are great horses and were started with professional trainers when they were 3. I think they probably had about 3-6 months professional training, so are broke to ride with no buck in them. They are broke to ride sweet horse's, and easy to be around.

It is important that they are not split up if at all possible, as they are each of the family.

They are both healthy and sound and had not been abused or pushed hard when they were young, which is why I think they are still sound.

We think we have found the perfect place...

The future home we have found is an answer to prayer, and a "God " thing we think!

It is very difficult to know that the home you are sending your horse to, will be a good home. The home is more important then selling them to just anyone.

Many folks would jump at the chance to take a horse, that is being given to them...but I would not consider that to someone I do not know, or cannot confirm that they will do as they say.

Having a horse now days is not an inexpensive venture, even if you have your own property. Also, keep in mind a nice big grassy field is an invitation to trouble if you do not schedule their time on the fields... to much rich grass can lead to many health issues, some that will be lifetime (laminitis for one..and you want to avoid this at all cost..)

The cost for upkeep (feed being a really expensive cost) as well as trims/shoes, vet upkeep, etc is more then many can commit to. The decision to own a horse is a serious and expensive commitment.

So before I share our decision for my two girls (horse girls of course) I ask you..what would you do?

I am curious what others would do in my situation...

Tablets ..and some of their many uses...

2011-02-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

I bit the bullet, and ordered a new Motorola Xoom Tablet, which was voted best in show at the recent Electronic show in Vegas. I am looking forward to having it upgraded to 4G data speed, soon.

So while I wait for it's arrival, I wanted to bring myself up to date on some of the many functions and uses for these marvelous devices.

I had not considered some of the optional uses for my animals enjoyments....

....now all I will need is a cat!

Time..please slow down...

2011-02-24T23:55:00.001-08:00

Man, where does the time go and why cant time just slow down?

Loved ones grow old and die, my children grow up... and become my age...wait I got older too? I don't feel older, do you?

My mom said she didn't feel older, and yet she couldn't keep death at bay any longer.

Last Sunday my firstborn turned 40, can that even be possible? Didn't I just turn 40, or does it just seem like I did?

My grand kids, are getting so big so fast, and one will be able to drive in a short while. It seems like not that long ago when he was born...

The time factor for this period on earth is going faster and faster. The older I get, the faster time goes by.
Do you know that even though a year is a year, it feels like it takes 6 months to get through it, gone...like that!

I guess I need to focus on loving those around me...

To be thankful for what I have been blessed with... family, friends and yes, the critters.

I think there is really something to the saying "Don't sweat the small stuff, it s all small stuff"

What do you think?

Oh my, my neighbor saw the cougar!

2011-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Yep, here it is 3 months after Milli's demise, and I received an update on the villain cougar who took our little Milli.

So you have an idea of our area, we actually are not that far off the beaten track. Every one of the seven families on our road has 5 acre parcels. The neighbors around us have anywhere from 1 acre to 10 acres as a rule. Still, not the feel of isolation from society.

The neighbor directly across the street told me they saw the cougar out their back window, 3 weeks ago. It was their teenage son who saw it, and they said it was a big cat, much bigger then he had expected.

Guess what, they also said the deer have bedded down under the tree's in their back yard in the past as well. I mention this, as the wildlife agent said the cougars love deer, and not as a friend.

Cougars have there own territory they cover, and he seems to be showing up regularly. I continue to stay on alert to keep the other dogs from meeting the same visitor as Milli did. I also make lots of noise when I go to the barn at night!

What was really confusing at the time of the attack, was that we also had a bear in the neighborhood at the same time, who was enjoying the fruits of the neighbors garbage cans. He was helping himself to the cans and the fillings as well. He was carrying off the cans and then after getting the garbage out, eating and rolling in the refuge...yuck!

Oh my how a little house in town can be so appealing to me at times like this....(sigh)

Milli, a small brave Corgi with a big heart.

2011-02-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Milli..my first Corgi and a very special little dog.

She was a Craigslist find, and I thought I was so fortunate to find her. The owner was very careful to place her in a home that was a perfect match..I believe we certainly were that!!!

She quickly became our little "Queen Milli" dog, and she ruled our terrier Randy as her royal servant (he seemed content with this arrangement) .

We did not declare her queen, she self proclaimed her position!

We found her "partner in crime",
Oscar, about a year later on Craigslist as well.
He was the standard size
Corgi and the same black tri-color as our Milli.

Because Milli was so small, people who would see her thought she was a miniature Corgi. Well, since Corgi's do not come as miniature breeds, she was just a very petite little dog.

My Milli was attacked in my front yard in the evening of November 16th, by a Cougar.This was just 10 days after my mother passed away.

After coming back from the barn that evening she was attacked, and taken to the wooded acreage behind our property. I had left the dogs out for just a few extra minutes after coming back after the evening feeding.

With the help of Oscar, who was the hero who helped me find where she was, I cannot believe we found her. I called and called with flashlight in hand, pointing in the direction I thought she was.
While Oscar barked ferociously, I saw her little body come slowly out of the underbrush.

If she had not been in shock, there would of been no way that she could of come to the calls from me and Oscar. She was hurt so badly I cannot describe it. I was horrified by what this animal did to her. We rushed her to Pilchuck Emergency vet, who after trying to save her, said the claws of the large cat has penetrated her body so badly, and actually come out the other side. The damage was to severe to save her.

I still cry when I think of what my brave Milli went through to come to me when I called, and am thankful I at least got to have her in my arms and assure her of what a wonderful and brave dog she was before loosing her forever.

She is buried in my flower garden, next to my little Delilah cat.

My Oscar really was a hero, as I had no way of knowing which way Milli had been taken, and he kept looking down to the backside of the property, which made me go that direction. He was truly calling her as his barks escalated while I called her, and I am sure made the cat release her and let her go.

It used to be that when going to the barn for morning or evening horse feedings, Milli would run out the door, and turn to the other dogs barking non stop, as if to say "Come on!". She would always bark and yap, and Randy and Oscar would run after her, they did not bark, only Milli.

Now, when going to the barn, Oscar has carried on Milli's tradition, and when asked if he wants to go to the barn, he will look at me and bark as he runs beside me, as we go to the barn...as if to say..this is for Milli!

I had the State Department of Wildlife out after this happened, and they sent out a cougar warning to the schools as a precaution. We have lots of deer around hear, and the Wildlife agent said this is the meal of choice for a cougar.

I wanted to share this as a tribute to a wonderful little dog, that truly will walk all over my heart forever.

Pony grooms cat by www.worthashotfarm.com

2011-02-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

We will celebrate her life...

2010-11-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

It is two weeks now since Gloria, my mom, left this earth for Eternity.

Sunday the 21st, we are having a celebration of her life.

I have spent more hours then I can count, making a movie video of her life with her favorite "Big Band" music embedded in it.

And after scanning hundreds of old, and not so old pictures, I have her 'life' embedded in my mind via these pictures. I have viewed them for hours on end, and I am so glad I had the honor of doing this for her.

As someone who has loved to blog, I have not done much blogging in the last 11 and a half months...as all of our lives changed after Christmas 2009.

As much as my life as well as my sisters life changed while we played "tag" to cover stopping by her residence in assisted living , it was Mom's life which changed the most. And such a hard year it was for her. She fought to recover, but her body was just not able to rebound as she wanted so badly.

I wrote a tribute to my mother on Mothers Day, May 7th, 2009. I would like to include it here, as I don't think I can find any other words to describe this strong, classy, independent, and very smart woman that I was fortunate to call "Mom" for the 6 decades God has given me to share with her on this earth...

I am thankful for my Mom. She is the Matriarch in our Family...and I can honestly say, she is an amazing woman.

She lives here in Washington part of the year, and she lives in Henderson, Nevada the other part of the year. We tease her, telling her that she is bored here in Washington, where 4 of her 5 kids live. This is because her life in Nevada is full of active friends, and many soirees.. as well as her friend George (who I must say, treats her like an Angel)!

She is smart, and sharp and savvy, and kind of strong willed! My mother is in her 80's and a mother of 5, and loved by all of us, and our families.

I honestly think she could of done anything she wanted to, as she is a natural business woman. Like most women of her generation..she did not work outside the home when we were young. She did have a small business at one time, she had a darling Consignment Shop in the "little" town of Issaquah Washington and she later got her Real Estate License, which was a great opportunity to find great deals on houses.

She and my father did very well with finding houses, and they would do a little work on, and than add the new purchase to their little string of rentals.

My parents did not believe in using credit, something their generation learned from the real depression, and my generation and my kids generation can still learn a lot from them.

Mom is a blessings to her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. When my first child was born, Mom said she was to young to be a Gramma, and said the grand kids could call her GG (short for .. Gramma Gloria)..poor Mom, she was immediately named "Gramma GG" ... and has been so ever since!

So.. as I always tell her, I love you Mom!

She enjoyed her piano...we enjoyed it when she played.

Me with her, when I was about 16...

Goodbye to my Mom

2010-11-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

The last eleven and a half months have been the hardest period of my mom's long life.

I am one of five kids who had the honor of calling Gloria
"Mom".

I can honestly say, she was one very classy lady who lived life with zest, to it's fullest!

She was a mom; a wife, a world traveler, an entrepreneur, a realtor, and she was a great friend to so many.

She honored this earth with her presence for 86 years, 11 months, and 4 days. We were all thankful for being part of her life.

After breaking her hip late Christmas Eve last year, her life changed dramatically. She was not able to be independent, and could not go back to her lovely Condo on the water of Lake Washington.

She never complained.

We are so thankful we were able to get her back to her home, surrounded by her family, friends, and memories... for the last two weeks of her life.

She passed away on Nov 6th, 2010.

"I Love You Mom...."

Have you every seen a Munchkin cat?

2010-10-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

OK, I vowed not to get another cat, and I think I will hold to this for a while.

Maybe when we downsize...

But when I do, this is the cat I want. I have never seen one before, nor even heard of them.
My mom is in a interim care facility, after a stay in the hospital. When she was admitted this cat that lives at the facility, decided her bed was his bed. When I got there he was all cozy, laying on her bed.

When he was ready to leave... well let s just say this is kitty "low-rider" (they have super short front legs)..I had to follow him out the door trying to get a picture of him.. low in the front, high in the back!

They are not bred to be this way, but have a mutant gene...whatever it is, this is my next cat!

Am I the only one who had not heard of a Munchkin cat?

Goodbye to Delilah...

2010-09-26T21:13:00.001-07:00

My Manx cat Delilah, crossed the "rainbow bridge" today.
She was our only cat, and lived in the garage. She was a great mouser, and also got a few scoldings for bringing bird sacrifices as well. She loved her paradise and kitty jungle, which was my flower garden, near the bird feeders of course!

She drove the poor birds crazy, stalking them under the bird feeders. Sometimes when outside, you would see her jump straight up in the air. She would be trying to catch a bird in flight or about to feed.

She was also notorious for trying to race under the garage door, when it was being shut, like a game of Russian roulette. Yes, that is where we are going with this...

Late this morning, I had left the house and shut the garage door, as always. Usually I would stop the door about 5 inches from the ground, so she had a way in and out.

I forgot this morning...

My husband found her when he went out later. All I can say is that I feel horrible, just horrible.

I buried her under her bird feeders, in her own "private kitty jungle" which she loved so much.

We will miss you dear Delilah..

Real Cowboys..(I promise.. I will stop after this one!)..

2010-09-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Please humor me...I love the Budwesier Donkey!

2010-09-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

What can I say.. this makes me want to go get myself a donkey!

Have you seen this yet? The amazing dancing Dog...

2010-09-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

You may have seen this pooch.

Wow.. she does the whole dance..what an amazing dog... I hate to say it but it makes my pooch's seem kind of ..well.. lame in the talent department.

Any country folk out there...with limited internet access like me?

2010-09-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Just a little rant...

We just made the change to Wild Blue Satellite Internet (I like the sound of that.. Wild Blue).

Anyway, we finally found that Clearwire was just not working for us. I am hoping we did not make a mistake with Wild Blue, as the speeds seem slowwwwww.

We do not have Comcast, or any kind of FIOs.. darn. I suppose most of you do, and am thinking that is high on the 'must have' list when we move someday.

I just hate that we are surrounded by homes that would pay for good internet if we could just get it,....urrrrr!

I do have a Palm Pre Smart-phone which has 5G of free "Hotspot" to use each month. Get this, it actually is the fastest of all! I just feel limited with 5 Gigs..

It is very frustrating to know how dependent I am on the internet...

So, any feedback from you all, did I make a mistake?

Thanks for letting me vent for a moment.. !

Going to the Gym...?

2010-06-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Do you go to the gym?

I don't know if it is just me, or if there really is some truth to what I am noticing. More people are going to the gym.

I joined a gym about 4-5 years ago. I had worked with someone who was going to 24 Hour Fitness. She started looking different. She dropped weight, and was toning up.

For myself, the fight against weight was ongoing. As I get older, it was getting harder and harder to loose weight. I was doing Weight Watchers (sort of), yet fighting with yo-yo weight gain/loss.

Now I have an even better solution, so I do not have to drive to the gym and stop on the way home...

My company opened an on campus gym about a year ago, for only $15.00 per month membership.For this $15.00 charge we get high end treadmill's, elliptical, spinning bikes, gym machines, weights of all sorts, TV to watch while working out, classes as well as personal trainers. All of this for $15.00 per month!

Now we also have this incentive that if you do not take sick days, you get paid for them the following year. The company has added another bonus, if you go to the gym 12 days a month, and do not have sick time from June through December, you will get an additional $120.00 at the end of the year.

What is very cool is how may people use the gym, and many in my age group!

Because I usually need to plan to stop on my way home by the Assisted Living place where Mom is, I have had a hard time going to the gym for an hour after work. Knowing I had to fight worse traffic as the afternoon/evening progresses makes for one long day.

So fast forward to now.

So, with a new shift bid I did something I have not done in a long time, took a shift with an hour lunch. Because my shift starts at 6:30AM, my lunch is at 10:30 AM. I grab my gym bag, and walk over to the gym for a quick change, and at least 45 minutes of work out (OK, yes I look a bit different after working out, for the last half of my day..to bad!)

I plan on 30 minutes cardio at least 3 days a week, then remaining with free weights or machines...and this last week was my first week doing this. I went 5 days, and each day got back just in time to eat a bit of my lunch too! The kind of work I do also allows me to eat bites of my lunch when I am back to work, which helps.

I must say, this seems to be the best solution for my challenge to go to the gym. I have already seen some weight loss... as I have found that if I do nothing, the weight does something, goes up!

I have some other things that keep me motivated. I have a great application on my HTC Incredible cell phone called "FatSecret" Calorie Counter. It lets me track all calories and exercise on my phone. I can even scan the bar-code's on what I eat (Lean Cuisine anyone?).

There are many of these very helpful applications, I happen to like this one. I can also access the same information I put on my phone, on my computer.

I also keep motivated by watching shows like Biggest Loser, and also Jillian's new show Losing it with Jillian.

How about you?

Anyone out there finding a creative solution for your need to exercise? I would love to hear, as it will keep me inspired!

Memorial Day... lets honor those who have paid a high price for our Freedom!

2010-05-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Do you have your flags (yes multiple) flying? We do...

I am so proud of our Nation, and the people who have volunteered to protect us, and have given their own lives for us at home.

It is very sad to me, to ask someone if they have their flag out, and they say.."I don't have a flag"..like oh well.

We should all have the flag to fly.

I don't care which side of the American fence you stand on, we all should still honor those who have served and died for our freedom. What a small price for us to pay back to them...to honor them.

We get to have our picnics, take our vacations, go camping, shop the sales, or enjoy a day off as a Holiday....

They served, and gave their lives for this seemingly normal benefit. So if you don't have a flag, get one.

If you are liberal or conservative, or somewhere in the middle... fly your flag!!!

And thank you to all our Military people out there!!!

Did someone say.. virtual party?

2010-05-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

My... I seem to have fallen off the side of the earth!

But, I climbed, and pushed, and grabbed every piece of rock I could find to get back UP!

So.. where else would I start, then with a Virtual Night Out with my friends!

My candy bar name...Sugar Sweet Chunk Honey!

Happy Weekend :)

Brea's new puppy... Zuka

2010-02-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

Dogue de Bordeaux

Have you seen Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks? Well this is my daughters new dog. What a cool dog, she is a Hooch dog.. really a Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as a French mastiff.
She is so MELLOW. My kind of dog!

I just had to share some of her cute pictures, from last weekend. Brea is taking her to puppy class, and they said she has to get out and meet ..like 50 people. So she came to our house, and knocked about 7 off the list!

To busy to post?

2010-02-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

Because of all that is going on, the opportunity to sit down and put together a post is becoming more difficult.

Also I am feeling like I am in a slump... maybe due to the ongoing list that is time consuming, and energy consuming. I think that big birthday I had last year has made me feel old...and tired!

Lets see.... a 40 hour work week, plus my lunch period. With an added commuting time of 1 hour and 45 minutes a day to do said job.

Because I have to be at work at 6:30 am, I do not get enough sleep which adds to the stress because I am so tired most of the time.

My mom is on the way home from work, and if I don't have time to stop I feel guilty. I stop as often as I can. I am already feeling guilty that my poor sister is handling most of the overseeing of Mom, since she is currently on a work furlough from the airlines.

OK, then we have 7 animals at home. One is my horse Betsy, who has an abscess that is requiring soaking daily with Epsom Salts. This takes time and effort.

I also feel guilty if I take to long to get home, as that is a long time for the dogs to not have their people.

At this time we are preparing for a trip to California for 6 days. I hate getting ready for trips! I never know what I should bring, and always bring the wrong stuff, and too much.

In most peoples eyes, maybe it would not seem like my "list" should cause a slump. But we all have our own level...where we know we have hit the stress bar. Mine may be lower than others.

We will be heading to California the middle of next week, for 6 days. It will be hectic, as we have functions 3-4 days of that time. All in different locations; Orange, Yucaipa and Palm Desert..so it will be go go go!

On this trip we will stop in Orange to catch up with some of his old office friends, as that Friday they are closing the corporate office in Orange.

My husband lived in Orange for a couple years, while I stayed home here in Washington. This was over 5 years ago, but oh do I still remember that period of my life.

I did not know that I was depressed during that time, I just slid into it and did my routine. It was only later that it was clear to me that I had been depressed during this period.

Depression just comes in like the gray Seattle weather and it is just there, day after day. You just think this is normal. I am so glad that period of my life is over, it was awful.

Ken had been transferred to corporate headquarters in Orange, for a major hearth product company whom he had worked for in Washington. We did not plan on it being that long.

I was home with the horses and chores, which meant all of the care included for them. Daily feeding before and after work, cleaning stalls, watering, all care with no help... on top of my job and commuting.

One of those winter's we had a terrible ice storm in January. I was without power here and cold, very cold. I had to hand carry water to the horses and could not get off the property due to fallen trees on our road. I also could not get the generator to start.

Can you imagine how I felt, while I was freezing, and so burned out... and when I called him he tells me that ...he was in his shorts golfing....(ahhhhhh!!!) That was not what I had wanted to hear.

Also on this trip, we are going to Amy's wedding Sunday on Valentines day in Yucaipa. She is Ken's daughter, and we are all excited that she and Jeremy are combining their family's for a new chapter in her and Miracle's ( our granddaugher) life!

Also we will be out at my husbands sisters place in the desert some of the time as well...hmmm.. golfing?

While we are gone this week, I feel terrible that the animal care will fall on my daughter, who already has a full load on her plate.

Because the old pony has a special diet, she will need to make multiple trips to soak beets, come back and feed beets, and the regular feedings as well. Oh yes, then we have the dogs. They go out and are fed in the morning, then back in. Out in the afternoon, and hopefully some kid play time with the grand kids. And finally, fed and in and out again at night.

I also feel guilty doing this to our dogs. It would be ideal if we had a pet sitter, but that is not in this tight budget.

And, of course I won't be able to see Mom, so even more responsibility falls on my sis, who truly already has earned the angel of all angel's on earth award! She is amazing, and I feel bad I cannot help her more.

So.. I will do my best to put everything in perspective..and try to think and work smart. One thing I know, it always turns out OK in the end.

I have a little calligraphy sign that I have had for years that says:

"What doesn't kill me will make me strong"

So.. to look at it another way....

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength!
Phil 4:13

OK, I can do this!

Happy new week to all!

Tether....

2010-01-30T23:02:00.000-08:00

I have a backup solution for my Internet woes.

Because I use my Netbook sometimes, I reactivated my Mobile Broadband as my backup due to the recent instability of my Clear Internet connections. I really did not want to pay for the occasional Internet use, with a monthly charge, on top of my regular data for my Smartphone.

While helping someone else resolve an issue along the same line as mine, I found an application called "Tether" that is offered through Blackberry App World, which works with my Blackberry phone. This application allows me to tether my phone for unlimited Internet access, for a one time charge under $50.00! How come I didn't know this?!!

I use the 3G wireless internet network, with my phone as my modem...have I mentioned how much more I love my Blackberry now?!

Can you envision Snoopy from Charlie Brown, doing that happy little dance he does? Just put my face on him...that is me right now!! And I got it hooked up, all by myself!

I am happy to say..(unless I run into a glitch)... I am back online!

So, now the test is on, to see if this may even allow us to drop Clear? Maybe this problem can end up being a blessing?

So, I am going to see if I can leave comments, and all that stuff..yeah!!

Have a great Sunday everyone ;)

Clarification:

To explain how this application works:
I purchased a "third party" application that is available on most "Smartphone's" (which is a phones that has a required data package, such as Blackberry's and Palms, etc). I download the purchased third party application into my phone, and also on to my computer.

When I connect my phone with either Bluetooth, or a USB plug to my computer, the data access is via the cell phone. My phone has become my Internet connection.

There are thousands of 3rd party applications out there, that do all sorts of things, and plenty more to come!!!

Still hanging in there with on and off Internet!

2010-01-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

I came home sick today.. man, I have not had a cold like this for a long time.

Because I already had a Dr appointment, my Dr recommended some med's to help with the cold. Boy, that Sudefed stuff works great!

Oh, and the reason for the Dr visit, is my Mom has developed shingles.... and I was not sure if I had Chicken Pox at any time...

So I got Inoculated for Chicken Pox today... because they are connected...oh my!

Let me tell you, watching my Mom deal with the pain of Shingles is awful! She is a trooper, and it is a painful hard thing to deal with as it effects the nerve endings, and open sores.

Due to a slow recovery from the Shingles as well as dealing with the long recovery from her fall and hip surgery, she feels like she is getting hit from all sides.

Life changes overnight after these moments, in an elderly persons life. It sucks to see it happen.

To see a strong fairly independent person, have their choices change in a moment of time, due to a fall... the change effects everyone in the family, and especially Mom.

She is dealing with it all with a positive attitude, or at lease as positive as she can be while going through the slow recovery and rehab process.

So.. my doc als0 said for me and you: make sure you are getting enough calcium and do weight bearing exercise!

With the limited time to access the Internet, as well as the issues we are having with our on again/off again Internet, I really am sorry I have not been able to come by to say hello...but as time passes..I will come by and say hello!

(OK..lets see if this will post!)

Thanks to all of you, my friends in the land of blog...for coming on by to check in on me, and...

Happy Friday.. and have a great weekend!!

Jan : )

Major internet issues with Clear!

2010-01-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

We are being effected by a change in our ability to use our Internet, since Clear "updated" their modems.

As you may have noticed...this has effected my ability to blog, and especially to comment. The little icon just spins and spins!

Does anyone out in the land of blog use either Hughes Satellite Internet or Wildblue? If so, please provide us with your feedback!

Clear sent out their tech person, who said we will not see improvements, and that those of us on the "fringe area" of their coverage are seeing a negative effect to the changes they have made. Gee, really? We do not have any other options such as Comcast, or Verizon FiOs. Living in the "country" has some challenges for sure!

This is so frustrating, try paying your online bills, with no online to pay them from! So... I miss my blogging friends for now, and will be back as soon as we have something that will work! Jan :)

Betsy in Camouflage

2010-01-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

For project 2010 365 #5...I have a strange shot of Betsy through the skinny branches of my Butterfly bush.. kind of camouflaged!

2010 Project 364 #4..Zoe

2010-01-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

A gloomy day for sure, but I had to let the horses out to stretch their legs yesterday.. Zoe stopped eating long enough to smile for me.. she could of swallowed first!

I am bouncing my entries for Project 365 back and forth between my 2 blogs, so hopefully I won't confuse you as you come on by!

If you want to see the other shots, they will be on Mt Forest Pictures.

Yeah... and Happy New ...what a night!

2010-01-01T14:05:00.001-08:00

The 'kids" came to our house with their kiddlings, after an afternoon of bowling and pizza.
I was able to sneak a visit to Mom's earlier as well, boy has she improved! She is off the heavy duty drugs, and says she will work hard with her PT to get better fast!

At home, the other half had a large burn pile he was saving for a bonfire, so this was the night...

And fireworks as well, which Cory (our son in law) brought.

The horses were bothered, at least Betsy and Buddy were. Zoe is deaf, so she doesn't understand why Betsy gets herself in a tizzy. All the neighbors were setting bombs off, or at least it sounded like it, there were some pretty big bangs going on! I had to go to the barn to assure Betsy her world had not come to an end.

The kids played games, we talked, laughed and ate popcorn and cheesecake.

We also put on Harry and the Henderson's. My 5 year old granddaughter Avery thought for sure there were monsters in the movie, despite our encouragement on how Harry is not a monster! She loved Harry in the end with all of us. I was delighted the kids had not seen it before, so it was new to all of them.

Get this, I sat on hold earlier in the day with Linksys for 3 hours...( I am not kidding.. 3 hours!) waiting for technical help to get my new wireless router working with my Mac. I had it on speakerphone, while I searched for assistance online on our wired computer. I took a shower, dried my hair, got ready to go bowling with the family..all on hold. I finally hung up!

When the kids came in the evening, my daughter Brea did her magic, and got my new wireless router working on my Mac.

Thumbs up for Brea, thumbs down for Linksys.

I took this shot of the moon, and had to tweak it a bit.. but, it really did not look like a blue moon to me...the tweaking added a nice blue blaze though!

Taken shortly after midnight on 1-1-2010.. from our house to yours...on a wet 1st day of January...my first shots for the year!

I hope this really is a great year for all.

Goodbye 2009....Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T23:14:00.000-08:00

What a year!

I had a post that I had put together yesterday, and pulled it after reading it. I felt I was seeing a lot of negativeness in it. A lot of what I had said had to do with how last year ... (whew..I can say that now!)... went.

I read it to my girls last night...and was advised that yes, it did sound negative.

So rather then look back, and possibly sound like I am whining about 2009... I will look forward.

After all, I want to be the person with the glass half full...and hope 2010 will help that glass get filled a tad bit more!!!

I wish this for all of you as well.

Happy New Year!!!!

Broken Bones...and turns in the road...

2009-12-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

Ahh... you know that they say things happen in three's. Dang, I sure don't like that feeling that the other foot is about to fall, after two incidents are already under our belt.

As I previously mentioned, we did have two mishaps on Christmas Eve... and thought we were going to dodge a bullet for the infamous 3rd incident... not the case.

As I mentioned in the previous post, we counted ourselves fortunate to have one more Christmas Eve with Mom and our rather large clan. So after everyone left her house, my Mom and sister Jill were able to finally go to bed.

I think I need to mention, my Mom lives in Vegas most of the year, and is here at her home in Washington during the summer months from June to August. She had planned on being here for Christmas, and going back to Vegas for New Years, and some parties with her friends.

OK, back to the story. Mom who is 86, got up around 2AM to go to the bathroom...yes, you know where I am going with this, don't you...

Ah huh, yes... she fell and broke her hip, dare I say..Oh crap!

So on Christmas day she has surgery and gets 3 screws in her hip. We chucked our Christmas day plans and hung around the hospital. After a long day, my brother and his wife, and my husband and I felt like we were living the "Christmas Story" movie scene...at the end of Christmas day we were at a authentic Chinese restaurant, eating duck, though ours came headless!

Today Mom left the hospital to go to rehab. We have had daily phone calls and visits between 5 siblings, and even had a family meeting. We are fortunate that 4 of the 5 of us live in the area, and that my sister Jill was here from Vegas for Christmas, and was staying at Mom's when it happened. Jill lives in Vegas, where she is a teacher.

On top of all of this, my sister Jill is getting married in Las Vegas at our Mom's house on January 10th... Oh yeah, now double crap.

A wedding just about 2 weeks away, and most of us have plane tickets, the wedding is planned.. and the family Matriarch is not going anywhere any time soon, especially not to Vegas....

After much discussion it was decided.. the Wedding will go on. So.. we will have a wedding, and it is so unfortunate Mom can't be there. She will be in rehab for weeks, and we pray she works hard to get on the mend fast..(Prayers asked for and appreciated!!!)

So, that was our family Christmas....how was your Christmas????

Recent changes, and update as of 12-29-2009

A private wedding is on for Jill and Douglas in January.
The party will follow some time in the spring, so Mom can be there.
We all feel better, knowing she will have a reason to get better fast!

My tickets are canceled.

Merry Christmas to all...

2009-12-24T23:31:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful family get together on Christmas Eve.

All my siblings were there, with almost all of our kids, and grand kids. Even my ex and his wife come every year (life is to short to hold grudges).

My mother hosted the party, and seemed to enjoy the clan her and my father produced, coming together again in her home. We never know how many of these gatherings we will get to enjoy...and are thankful whenever we get another one with her.

We had our traditional crazy family gift exchange. This year 13 participants who bring a wrapped package. We draw numbers and take turns either opening a package, or "steal"from someone else who already opened one. One year my nephew brought an Alligator head, we still talk about how that thing was stolen over and over again..who would of guessed!

I had hoped to get to a Christmas Eve service, but our timing just didn't work out. First my 8 year old granddaughter was playing with my grandson at the party, and crashed into the wall, cutting her head. Once she is cleaned up, and the blood washed away to see that it was not as serious as it first appeared, my other granddaughter was carrying a glass plate to the car, and somehow dropped it, cutting her hand. They were still picking the glass out of her hand an hour later. It sure is a good thing her mother ( my daughter) is a nurse!

These will be the crazy memories we will all remember for years to come.

This being said...it is so easy to be so busy with Christmas...to not have a Christ-mas. After all, it is all about Jesus Christ, and the miracle of his birth. As a believer I cannot think of words to express my thankfulness for Jesus, and what he came to earth and did for me...and you.

So, as you enjoy your Christmas day, I hope that the real reason for Christmas doesn't get lost in the festivities of the day....

Dear Blogger friends...

Merry Christmas !

Jan

It is almost that time.. 1 week to go, are you ready?

2009-12-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

One week away, how are you doing... are you ready?

Shopping done?
Tree Up?
Christmas Music playing?
Packages wrapped?
Packages mailed?
Cards mailed?
Decorations all up?
Any Holiday memories made so far?
Stayed on budget?
Made Christmas Cookies?
Grocery shopping done?
Cleaned up for company?
Staying stress free??????

Could you check all of them?

I can't...

Oh well...

I do want to at least achieve the stress free one!

Merry Christmas, and carry on!!!!

Daughter does Jury duty.. read her blog

2009-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

My youngest daughter Brea is also a blogger... unfortunately not posting enough!

She has just posted the first of a series on a recent Jury Duty trial she was called on for a murder case..

If you want to read about it please go on over and visit her at And the Story Goes... maybe she will start blogging more! She is an excellent writer, and great story teller!

Going to see Santa... Memories

2009-12-11T17:45:00.001-08:00

As I shared on the previous post, I had 2 brothers and 1 sister when I was little. I say this, because later...much later ... we got a surprise new sibling, Jill. But that is a story for another day.

We grew up in the Midwest, so you had to bundle up in layers anytime you went out in the cold winter. Mom says she would spend an hour getting everyone's clothes on to go outside.
Out comes all the snow gear; snow overalls, sweaters, winter coats, mittens, hats, scarves.. and finally send the four of us out to play in the snow.

In 10 or 15 minutes one of us would be back in the house... gotta go to the bathroom. So... take it all off, only to put it all back on again.
I am sure we drove her batty.

OK, so this is the one and only picture of the four of us, going to visit Santa.
My brother Ron had recently crashed on his face, and has the sore nose to show for it.

My sister Chris was pretty small and was frightened by Santa. Now that I look again at that Santa's kinda mean, stern and scary face... well, I wonder why we were not all crying!

Yep, looking at the picture now I'm thinking that he was flat out scary for a Santa, no wonder we never went to see him again...

How bout you, how are your memories for visiting the Big Jolly Guy?
Hope they were better then mine!

Remember when you were little and....Todays one little Memory

2009-12-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

Oh, I bet there are a lot of stories out there...of Christmas at your house.. I would love to hear them!
I was thinking back, and realized I do have some different memories of different Christmas'. I decided to reminisce a little bit as the big day draws near!

I was a huge sucker for Santa for many years, just plain gullible! When we first moved to Washington, I remember a Christmas Eve we (4 kids) were commanded to walk around the block. Hey, it is dark and cold and we are not that old..but my big brother Dale lead us on our Journey in the Wilderness.... around and around we marched... oh wait, wrong story.

OK, so we trek around the block, and can you believe... Santa came while we were gone? How in the heck did he do that?

When we came back, we found out we had just missed him. I was really bummed out, as I needed to have a talk with him.

I was sure a pony would be delivered and left under the tree, but alas this was not in my cards for a few more years of trekking in the horseless wilderness...

What memory just popped into your head... from when you were young?

Guess What? I have done most of my Christmas Shopping!

2009-12-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

You heard me.. almost all of my CHRISTMAS shopping is done! This is an absolute first for me. Of course I suppose I should provide "clear disclosure" and also admit, I have cut back substantially on my shopping this year as well. I am hoping my family follows suit, as I have some commitments :

Remember what the Season is really all about.
Do not buy anything with credit!
And, do we all really need more stuff?

So, who have I shopped for... yes, pretty much the Grandkids.
I did not go overboard. After all, they have more grandparents then most, and plenty of cousins, and Aunts, and Uncles to spare. This means plenty of stuff!

Every year we ( in my family) all say the same thing, stop the shopping madness! And then, as the big day comes closer and closer ... panic sets in, and the very clever marketing of the holiday sales sucks you in.
When it is all over, it is like waking up from a dream and you just want to say...what happened?

So.. I am going to try to make a very conscious effort to stop the madness... and hope my loved ones do the same.
This has been a tough year financially for us, as small business owners.
But hey...maybe someday we will look back and see that maybe we learned something out of this year of stress...

And to the original question you may have ,which is "How did you get that much shopping done so quickly?"
Cyber Monday ! How easy was that, I had Monday off, and didn't even leave my home office to get it done! Plus, it did not take as long as I thought it would either!

Now the tree is going up, and I am going to enjoy my December with Family memories (I hope), more pleasant Christmas music, and less stress.

And..yes I guess I am a bit early for the Christmas templates.
This gives me time to try several fun Christmas themes on my blog during the month. Please bear with me, I am getting into the spirit of the Holidays, my way!
HO, HO HO!

My 1 year Anniversary and why do we blog?

2009-11-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

I had no idea what blogging was, last year at this time. I wasn't sure how to access blogs..and once I found out how to do so, I had to figure out how to find people with like interests. My world opened up! So here I am, 222 posts later, who would of guessed!

Initially it started because my daughters blogged. I really didn't think I had anything to say that anyone else may care to read about, but the challenge was there.

I guess I may be a closet " kinda, sorta, wanna be writer" (of what I don't know!) Maybe you are too!

The ironic part is I write for a living..sorta crazy I guess.
I write all day long, and then come home and (time permitting)
either write or read some more.

I have found new friends, and read about your lives and families (both two legged and four legged). Many of you I can so relate too, either because you are in a place I was in when I was younger, or you are in a place in this time of your life I am in now!

I have talked about my faith, my politics, my family, my critters, my roadtrips and the weather with our wet & gray Pacific NW.

I have rambled about miscellaneous nothing, and about personal loss. I have been encouraged and comforted by you, people who I don't know, but who have taken the time to hit the "comment" button to say something to me.

Blogging is huge, it is a means to communicate and have contact with others. Did you know we were created to need others? No wonder this blogging stuff is so huge.

People who feel lonely, or low, who feel something is missing in their lives...blog.

People who are outgoing and have so much to say, who are naturally like a magnet to other people, they blog as an extension of their outgoing nature.

People who have strong feelings about their faith, their politics, and their hobbies and interests...they blog.

People who are shy, can blog as if they are not.

If you have a lot or a little, no worries...we are all on the same playing field in the Blog-sphere.

I don't have to know what your house looks like, if it is big or small, new or old. I don't need to know how it is furnished, if it is clean, or a mess. I don't have to know if you shop at the mall, or at the second hand store...it doesn't matter... ( I will say it can make for a fun blog though to hear about your bargain finds!).

So, as my 1 year Anniversary is technically coming upon me, I want to say ...

Thank You, to all of you.

Thanks for coming by, and for letting me come visit you.
Thanks for having the faith to add yourself as a follower on my Blog, and for leaving comments to encourage me and make me smile.

I have had a fun year, and more then anything have enjoyed your Blogs during this time..
Thank You!
Jan

Giving Thanks..with an Attitude of Gratitude.

2009-11-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

To all of you in the Blogger-sphere...I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Dinner time...winter, spring, summer, or fall...

2009-11-19T18:12:00.001-08:00

Some things do not change...

Even as I sit here and share Betsy's dinner time look, I know that when I get up in a few minutes and go down to the barn, this is who will be waiting for me.

Hello mom, where is our dinner????

When I was horseless after years of having horses and my kids were small, I would wake up feeling panic...

I forgot to feed the horse!

Oh wait, I don't have a horse...

That was not just once or twice, but many many times.
I suspect that the day will come when I may again not have horses, as they really are pretty expensive pasture ornaments.

There was a time when I was young, I could never imagine being without horses. As I get older..I understand how life brings change, and this may also be a change in my life someday, to again be horseless.

When that time happens, I suspect it will be like losing a part of who I am.
You know, we have "O Heavens To Betsy" who is 14 and have had her since she was 6 months old.

We also have Zoe (Nugget A Gold) who is 18, and we have had her since she was 2. Some of you folks don't have kids that old!

So, no matter what, I will always be a horse woman...with or without a horse.
It is who I am.

Heathcare Reform..gotta love this Van.. wish there were more like it....

2009-11-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

I received an email recently, and could not pass up the opportunity to share this one.
I have asked this same question...shouldn't it make you skeptical of this government plan?

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress.

--John Adams

Give the people the same health care as their elected officials!!!

Fight organized crime: Re-elect no one...

Veterns Day.. Thanks to all you Vet's!

2009-11-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

What a great day to remember those who are serving our Country and those who have already served our Country. Especially those who have given their lives for us to live in this amazing free Country.

God Bless them, and their families, and I mean that in the most sincere sense. My prayers are with you.

When I got married in my early 20's my husband Mike was drafted into the Army shortly after we got married. I had two brothers who signed up for the Navy at the time, and my (current) husband Ken, was part of our High School group who also signed up for the Navy.

While we lived off base, my first husband was fortunate to be assigned duty at Ft Lewis here in Washington, for 1 of the 2 years he served.

The second year of his duty he went to Nam. He came home safe and sound, as my brothers did, and Ken did, and many of our friends did. We had very close friends who did not come home safe and alive.

I was in 4-H as a teenager, and we had a club member named Johnny Wolf. Johnny had a little palomino mare, named Cindy. We all loved Johnny Wolf, he was funny, and cute, and the life of the party... well our 4-H party!

He was the only son in a family with 5 sisters. Johnny was also drafted and went to Viet Nam.

He was not there long, before he came back home.

His name is one of those names on the Viet Nam wall. I will never forget Johnny Wolf, and in my mind and heart I see a 18 year old tall thin teenage boy with blond hair, riding his little palomino mare, Cindy.

My father is buried at the National Cemetery in Auburn Washington. He had been a member of the Army Air Corps during WWII. He told us of losing his closest friends in that war, and I know he never forgot them to the day he died.

One of my greatest fears is that our young people may forget what hero's were born and lived in the previous generations, as well as this generation.

My fathers generation is sometimes called the Greatest Generation... I don't doubt that at all, when hearing those amazing stories of WWII.

I fly the American flag in honor of all of them, and feel tingles when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. I really do love America.

Is it only me, or do others feel we are loosing what our Country was founded on.

Like a lobster in a pot turned on to boil... it seems like many are oblivious that our rights are being taken from us a little at a time (maybe not so little at this point).

So, back to the theme of this post. If you have a Veteran in your house, or a member of the Armed Forces... tell them Thank You from Jan. And give them a hug!

Hello..I am back! Just general rambling,while medicated!

2009-11-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Jumping and skipping, yep that is me !

I am hopping and skipping.. well not really... but compared to 5 days ago, much better. It was the "flu" yes.. my Doc said since the only flu going around is the "Swine Flu", we assume that was it.

I worked yesterday and part of today.. decided not to push it and left early today.
Doc said, as long as temp was gone for 24 hours, not contagious, just do smart stuff like cover your mouth when you cough (DAH!)

So on to the post. We got a new printer recently, and while I was down and out I spent 2 hours on the phone with HP getting the scanner to work with my Mac..that HP guy was a patient jewel, and he got me up and running. I had him on speaker phone, and he would tell me to get myself some water, or medicine or whatever...what a guy!
I give HP a A+ on Customer Service!

So, once that was done while on "down" time, I have found that if I am sitting, I can be scanning old pictures...

My oh my.. I should show you some, don't you think????

You are so going to get so tired of my old pictures ...go ahead, roll your eyes!

I understand (remember they say I am OCD!)...
OK, here we go...

My mom, young and very good looking all dressed up for... I have no idea what!

Below, a picture of me, Tamis (of A Day in the Life) , and my sister Chrys. I think Tamis was about 3.

We had several ponies, and I think this particular one was "Pony Face"

As I recall, he was a bugger, Tamis gets to hold him for the picture and Brea is just enjoying the ride :)
I actually used a feature on the new copier that let me scan this from an old negative. That is why the color isn't there, the negative is so old (sorry Tamis and Brea, I guess that dates you as well !)

And, I love this picture...this was our last pony..and the most wonderful pony ever. Her name was Misty . This was the perfect pony, and I wish I had one just like her now...

She was getting a bath, Brea is scrubbing, you can see Tamis's shoes..she must be holding the pony...again!

This picture below is my ex husbands grandmother, her name was Severina, and she would come to our house and spend hours with Tamis.
Tamis was 5 years older then her sister, so Gramma was her best friend for those 5 years. I believe this is why Tamis is so patient with old folks (like me).

Notice our little parakeet Peppy, he was wonderful, and Gramma did not seem to mind him hanging out with her.

OK.. had to include one of the old guy, er, my other half. This was at our family cabin some years back, on a friends jet sky...

Thanks for hanging in to the end here!!!

So...I sure hope everyone has a healthy fun weekend, I know mine will be better then last weekend!

PS... for all of you party girls from VGNO from over at Ann Again and Again.....I raise my toast of Cough Medicine with you all. Happy VGNO!

The dreaded H1N1.. , do I have a really bad cold... or the Flu?

2009-11-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

It came on over the weekend.. and at first I thought, dang.. I caught a cold.

So I canceled all weekend fun, did pretty much zero. I did make that trip to the feed store Saturday. I was feeling worse as the day progressed, and that was pretty much it.

By Saturday night... bad sore throat, cough coming on that made me hurt, and a headache. Still thinking, bad cold. I have not had a cold or flu for a long time, so thought that it was my turn I guess.

Today, worse cough, chills and so tired. So after talking to "Nurse" daughter...I was told this sounds more like the dreaded flu. Oh double crap, not fun.

I took my temperature, 100.6, dang this sucks.

So thank goodness for the Internet, time to do some research. You know, most people who get this flu, have it like any other flu, in other words survive it!

I have read that you may not have all the symptoms, such as vomiting (I have dodged that bullet so far)...

So per the Mayo Clinic:

"Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Swine flu symptoms in humans are similar to those of infection with other flu strains:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Swine flu symptoms develop three to five days after you're exposed to the virus and continue for about eight days, starting one day before you get sick and continuing until you've recovered.

When to see a doctor
It's not necessary to call a doctor if you're generally healthy and you develop swine flu symptoms, such as fever, cough and body aches. Do call your doctor, however, if you have flu symptoms and you're pregnant or you have a chronic disease, such as emphysema or a heart condition"

I have called my boss, who I think is happy I am not bringing my little bug to work.. though, I am not happy about using sick days. Oh well. I am sick...and cant wait to be "normal".

So for the rest of you, keep doing this:

And use this ....

Scary Halloween'ers!

2009-11-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

Really, they are very sweet children.. they really do not look like this normally.

Thank goodness it is just one time a year...
Maybe Elise will want to be a princess next year, or an Angel, yes, I vote Angel!

Bob's Corn.. Pumpkins, Hayrides and Corn Maze, family fun!

2009-10-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful local farm that has been around forever..and despite the economy, and the challenges local farmers face just to keep the farm going.. Bob of Bob's Corn has found his way through the "maze" of progress.

In the summer, the sweetest corn you ever want to eat is at Bob's.
He now also has a complete Country Store with so many other fun items, sauces, mustard's, honey, baskets, cheeses, ice cream...

In the fall the Corn Maze opens up, and has become a favorite for our family. We have had the whole family show up to go through Bob's Corn Maze.

He has hayrides, pony rides, a corn cannon (yep, a cannon to shoot corn!)and rides for the little ones.

And pumpkins, of course!

And because he truly invites you to take your time, and have fun.. you may want to get a snack at Sarah's snack bar!

When we first moved out here in 1994, he had cows, now the cows are pretty much gone, and he has horses in the field, so possibly boards some.

I linked to him above, so if you are out this way...go see Bob!

Barn Sale

2009-10-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well, if you know me at all, you know that I do like to go to those out of the way places. To go to someone's old barn and snoop around..well almost heaven on earth!

The town of Snohomish Washington is known for it's antique stores, and even in the valley at a farm that specializes in roses.. they have a way of filling those antique collectors needs.

While coming home from the feed store, we saw a "Barn Sale" sign for this particular farm business... and I really am glad I went, if nothing else but to take pictures.

I used to collect antiques.. now taking a picture will work just fine for me. I can't justify buying things I don't have the room for anymore.

I can say... I am partial to Kitchen Queen's and have had several. I still have one.
They actually had 3 at this barn sale...

The one I am showing above with the glass doors was one that really caught my eye. If the price was lower, I could of talked myself into it!

I think spinning wheels are so cool...

I also thought the little display of Gnomes was kind of cute!

The garden shed had some fun stuff too....

And so did I grow weak, and buy something?

Yes I did...

The red sign...
It is now hanging above a window in my kitchen.

Is Old Fashioned Romance still alive?

2009-10-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you have heard of someone getting proposed to by a "suitor" on bended knee?

Maybe I am just getting to old to remember... but I have got to tell you, I am sure it would make any girl feel like she really is very special.

I have a sister, lets just say a much young sister ( did I just say that?).. like 16 years younger. She has had some challenges, and some discouragements, and I would imagine if she admitted it, some depression due to all of these things that have been huge obstacles in her life.

Without going into details, lets just say that life has happened to her, and for whatever reasons... she has not gotten married.

She really hasn't been involved in any serious relationship either. She got a great college education at the University of Washington, and then worked for a Washington State Government agency for longer than she would like to admit. A job that she hated.

She decided to go back to school and get additional advanced training with some specialties.. and become a teacher. That took a few more years of her life.

After some other major life changes took place, she headed to Las Vegas to except a teaching job there. The cool thing is our Mom lives in Vegas part of the year, so at least she was not totally without family nearby.

Personally, I think she has the perfect teacher's job now. She teaches 1st grade girls... yes girls!

At the school she works at( which is a nice new school) they separate the little boys and girls, as they have found they learn better... interesting huh?

So back to the story... well she has been dating a guy, a really nice guy... from how we are seeing it...

and last night....

he took her out to dinner...a very special dinner ...

and on bended knee...

asked her to marry him!

So, for you women who think it will never happen to you..or your Mom's to be, who are afraid you will never get to be a mom...don't loose faith, and don't stop believing in yourself....

Oh, I also believe that you don't stop trusting in God!

And ...

Congratulations to my sister Jill!

The rainy Pacific Northwest, and flooding...

2009-10-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

I know many of you all love it when summer ends, and Fall rolls in.

Well, around here the foliage changes, like most everywhere else, which is lovely for a short while. It is the rain that I don't like. It seems like it just rains all the time, and the sky is gray, a lot!

Yesterday we had a crazy storm come through, and for a short period of time, we has standing water in my walkway, like an inch or so...crazy!

Man, I think it was raining so hard and the wind was blowing hard as well, that the rain was raining sideways!

Now, because it rained so hard, the driveway to the barn and arena has huge rain ruts, and my horses paddocks are muddy and ugly! UGH..this sucks!

The good news is that where we live, flooding will probably not be an issue like elsewhere in this region.

Down in the south part of King County ( Seattle is in King County), they are giving business's and residents a heads up that they will be flooded this year...isn't that a lovely message to receive.

They are actually telling people to get Flood Insurance, because they can guarantee that the Howard Hanson Dam is not going to do it's job, and they will have to release water from it this winter to prevent further damage that was done previously.

My husbands business is in Kent, which has areas of the city that are in this flood zone. He thinks they will be OK, as the shop is higher due to the loading dock. The old building they had been in, is in the flood zone.

The government agencies have had public meetings regarding the flood area, for those residents and business folks to come and find out more. I cannot imagine how awful this is, to those who KNOW they will be effected.

The information I read about the dam says they do not have the funding to complete the repair work... to quote the information posted at the City of Auburn website...

"Issues surround the ability of local jurisdictions to remove debris from the river, dredging and shoring up levees. In order to do any of these activities, there is an extensive review and permitting process that must take place that often take months or years to complete. Due to the current pool restriction at the Howard Hanson Dam, local entities would like to see exemptions made to the current permitting process in order to work on the rivers and levees to protect citizens from potential flooding.

The Army Corps of Engineers is currently seeking funding for the necessary repairs at the Howard Hanson Dam. At this point, there appears to be little funding for these repairs."

Hello out there..where is all this 'help' that my grand kids are going to be paying for? It seems to me fixing a dam should qualify for something?

So here comes the rain, and here comes the flooding for so many folks and business's, who cannot count on help... and can only hope and pray, and buy Flood Insurance at a huge premium.

Then again, these are opportunities for entrepreneurs to create new companies...

My Family thinks I am OCD...

2009-10-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have always felt strongly about something I am interested in. It may be a compassion for a political viewpoint...or an interest in something specific.

If this thing has grabbed me..it really grabs me! I think it is a good thing..they may not!
My horses and dogs have held a lot of this kind of outside interest in my life, my faith as well.

Well, since I bought my new camera.. this is the new OCD interest, or so they think. I just know, I love the art aspect of photography...and photo editing.

The difference is, I have always loved art, wanted to study art (did at college for a while), love many kinds of art, and many funky art type stuff.

When I was in high school, to get involved in photography, meant developing your own film, big turn off to me. With Digital technology, the whole ball game has changed for the amateur photographer.

Now I am playing with photo editing...now this is a really fun challenge, as there is a learning curve for sure as I move up the photo edit food chain!

I will post much of what I do on Mt Forest Pictures, but the stories really are here, as this is Jan's Place!

So, I just got done playing with some tweaky kind of edit options.. what do you think?

I call this...Funky Burro!
Click on picture...to get more funky effect!

I am going to be doing some strange edits..to see what I can do. They say it is good for an old mind to be stretched!

Hang in there, and let me know if you think I am going overboard!

End of summer.. and one more "wish", checked off the picture checklist

2009-10-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

I mentioned this story on my other blog Mt Forest Pictures, which is more photography related.

We live in an area where in the summer time the hot air balloon come over the valley in the evenings.

I have seen them from afar all summer, and either never had time to go find one close up, or was just not fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. Bummer!

Recently we were heading out the door, and I almost did not take my camera...if you are my family members, you know that is not often!

So, my husband made me go back in the house and grab it.

I am so glad I did! I didn't get just one balloon, but two that day. I was just happy as could be...isn't it funny how it is small things like that, that really can bring pleasure to you and a smile inside!

A while back I got this shot, at the last moment, with my old camera..on my own property..
I am waiting to get this chance again, as I hope to be more prepared and know where my camera is to get the shot sooner.

Also these things move pretty fast..so it was gone... like that!

The balloon was so close that the noise of the hot air being released scared my horses (at least the one that is not deaf...Zoe could not hear it). Also the sight of this huge round ball flying over their heads really freaked them out!

Happy VGNO.. you wonderful Blog ladies!

2009-10-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well...it is Friday's Virtual Girls Night Out...hosted by Ann Again and Again...

I have not been able to participate in such a long time....

I rented a Pink Virtual Limo for some blog hopping ..with room for all of us!

So...all I can say is ...

Party On Ladies, and Happy VGNO!

Remembering Jimi Hendrix...

2009-10-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

We were at the cemetery with the family on Friday. We all got to say a final goodbye..for now, to my sister in law Karen, as the new gravestone was laid for her.

It was really a good thing, and actually we were all upbeat, as we all believe we will see her again in heaven because she loved the Lord.

So that being said, on too my post....

Someone else is at this particular cemetery, and gets a lot of traffic to his memorial.

Jimi Hendrix... yes, he used to be a "stones throw" as they say, from where Karen and her parents, my in laws, are.

The Hendrix family moved him down a ways, and put up a memorial with room for his family members. In fact some are already there.

We had to mosey on over and get some shots, as I thought someone out there may be interested in this information.

The original stone from his first grave, has been built into the memorial

Do you realize he would be 67? While we were there, some people were coming in to look at it... and calling someone on their cell saying "guess where I am?!" ...

For all of us locals on Seattle's eastside, well, we have known Jimi was here since the beginning. After all he was really from south Seattle, not far from Renton where he is now.

The man who runs the Cemetery said he came in from lunch recently, and a huge coach was in the parking lot...Motley Crue was stopping by to see Jimi...

I think that this Cemetery has a great marketing person... because if you turn around after looking at Jimi's memorial this is what you see...

Find Me Friday..did anyone see some little ponies?

2009-10-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

We were hunting down a garage sale, and ran across this mini pony farm.

The little guys were pretty feisty, and did not want any part of us.

Look, they are running up to join their friends...

This old boy below must be their mascot, as the only big critter on the place!

Please visit Ali for Find Me Friday...better yet, join in!

Remember Cicely Alaska..from Northern Exposure?

2009-09-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Roslyn Washington, is famous as "Cicely Alaska" for the TV show Northern Exposure.

Yes it is true, the Northern Exposure's Cicely Alaska was filmed in Roslyn Washington, and not in Alaska.

It is a small old mining town, just 90 miles east of Seattle. You will find it just as you go over the top of Snoqualmie Pass on I90, and drop over the other side of the mountain.

Does this lower picture look a bit familiar? Just envision a moose walking in front of it...

I don't know what I was thinking, I should of got a picture of the" Brick Tavern" from Northern Exposure, as I am told it is still there. Next time...
The real history for Roslyn, other then those who come by to get pictures of the Northern Exposures spots of interest, is that of an old mining town.

This little town has lots of history..not related to Northern Exposure. The deadliest mining accident in Washington State history happened here. In 1892 there was a mine explosion that killed 92 miners, and because the mine tunnels were under the town, the hot oil that spewed out of the tunnels actually caused 20 roof fires as well. You can read more here. It is an interesting piece of local history.

At this time, you find this wall art in the most unexpected places in Roslyn... my header picture was taken in Roslyn!

Marlon Brando( below), was also in Roslyn, at least on the side of a building...

Now.. it is time for another road trip to Roslyn... I will have to find "The Brick", after all I love any excuse I can find to go to fun places like this to take pictures!

Do you like Dancing with the Stars? Wait til you see this! A 93 Year Old Woman Salsa Dancer ..

2009-09-26T10:01:00.003-07:00

A 93 Year Old Woman Is A Hell Of A Salsa Dancer :: Vidmax.com

(click on the above link)

I do not include video's often.. but this was amazing. She dances two dances, the second is the Salsa.

I love the music on the first one..."Stand By Me" by Sam E Cook, is an all time favorite song of mine.

The second dance will knock your socks off!

To be this agile at 93!

And a poem I found..that is so appropriate with this, by Sharon Scull...

OLD IS IN YOUR HEAD!

So nice to realize
That those friends
Who are about my age
Are also NOT my age

So I CAN’T be old!

They are vibrant
Here, there, everywhere
Physically active
Their days filled with fun activities

So attractive they are
Alive, exciting
Pursuing new interests
New endeavors
Learning new things

I am as young
as my friends
who are much, much younger

Age is a state of mind
Sharon Scull

Find Me Friday..

2009-09-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here it is time for some hiding and finding...

It appears Miss Delilah is hogging the shots..
Notice that the picture next to "peaking in the window" Delilah is...Delilah!

And is that the antique pony having a nice roll over there?

Please join in with Ali over at Find Me Friday!

Thank You... to She Who Rides Many Ponies..

2009-09-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

One of the most delightful things about blogging, is never knowing what wonderful blessing may come your way!

Little did I know, that by leaving a comment over at Cousin B's blog "She Who Rides Many Ponies", that I was going to be treated to a wonderful handmade quilt.. in the colors that are perfect for ME! I was just fortunate to be the 100th comment left..and I am so glad I did!

Notice how the colors are perfect in my living room.. this quilt is to lovely to hide in a bedroom.. I think I will be snuggling up in it on the couch this winter!

Honestly, you absolutely must go visit her, she will be back from Vegas with stories soon, I am sure about that. I know I can' t wait to hear what all happened!

Thank You to Cousin 'B' of the Pony Cousin's!!

Dry Falls ..the Worlds Greatest Waterfall without water...and the Wild Hogs

2009-09-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

As you all know, we do love our road trips.

While over near Sun Lakes and Blue Lake in Eastern Washington we stopped to see Dry Falls. I am sure you know all about it, after all they say it is the worlds greatest waterfall...without water. Yes, that must of jogged your memory, as it did mine.

Rather then repeat what is listed on the detailed park sign, I am including it, for your reading pleasure..just double click the picture's to take it all in...

While admiring the amazing views, some other sightseers showed up.

Oh my, it was the "Wild Hogs" plus 10.
My husband will watch that movie over and over again, it does not get old!

They were so cute on their bikes, and polite as all get out. They took pictures of each other like they were hanging on for their lives from the rocks.

They asked me to take a shot of them with one of their Nikon's, and of course I was more then happy to do so. I asked if I could also get one on my camera as well.. and being polite as the Wild Hogs are.. they all smiled and posed for my camera as well!

Find Me Friday...wild horses ..

2009-09-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

How often do you see this? We were on our road trip last week in the wide open dry area of Eastern Washington.
And there they were, up on the ridge...out in the wild.

No fences...

My husband thinks they were wild horses.

I don't know...

but they were a cool sight.
(click on the picture for a better look)

Find Me Friday.

Wordless Wednesday(Almost) Seeing Spots...

2009-09-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

The pictures really almost tell the story.

This was the coolest Appy mare we saw while we were wandering around the backside of Coulee City .. I was seeing spots!!!

She saw us, and came on over to say hello, I wanted to take her home... she is such a cool horse!

What do you think..should the other half and I open a diner?

2009-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you, if the other half had his way...well lets just say he really would like to live in Eastern Washington.

We happened upon this opportunity to transfer to the other side of the Mountains...
we could sell a little gas, and have a nice little diner...

It appears to be equipped with an outdoor stove, as well as an indoor stove and kitchen sink

I love the rustic appeal of the blue steps...

We could be the local "Mom and Pop" eatery...oh I guess one of us will surely need to learn to cook...that may be a problem...

What do you think?

Nah.. me neither!

A Pony Fix..one of my own

2009-09-10T00:16:00.000-07:00

I just had to show off my old girl Zoe, as she is still one good looking blonde!
She is getting sun bleached.. as she is still golden, but not as much as she was earlier in the summer.

Like the sunflowers, this horse just makes you feel happy when you are around her. I guess that is why they say the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man....

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

A boy and a tree...they go together

Pigs and Pink Boots...at the Fair

2009-09-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

No..the little pigs in the petting zoo were not wearing pink boots...but they sure liked my granddaughters pink boots! This one little pig was trying to eat the little grippy thing on her boot, and would not leave her alone..he was pretty cute!

PONIES FROM THE COUNTY FAIR...

2009-09-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

Trick Ponies

Play Ponies

And if you ask me..I kept the best for last......real Cow Ponies

Nice...

Find Me Friday..

2009-09-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Please go visit Ali on Friday at Find Me Friday.. and join in with a hidden something..such as bees and spiders and birds, oh my!

You should really click the picture, to get the best view!

Wordless Wednesday..More Girl Fun.. a Hat and a Camera and a 10 year old..

2009-09-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

I did not have to do much.. just keep clicking and enjoy the fun!

Girl Fun!

For Sale on Craigslist...

2009-08-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

You know, I was just thinking, as I was scrolling through my almost 8000 pictures, what a great thing Craigslist is. I saw pictures of items that I could delete because, well... I don't have them anymore!

Craigslist has certainly helped the collapse of the newspaper want ad's. Do you look at the paper want ad's? No, you go online!

While viewing my stored pictures online, I was seeing items I have sold or given away via Craigslist. After all, it is FREE, easy to use, easy to access, and until you respond to the person, you are anonymous.

So.. looking back I show I have sold 2 cars and 1 pickup truck. For prices that range from $8500 to $9400 each. I also sold my horse trailer on Craigslist, boy that got a lot of response!

We also sold the tool chest and the fifth wheel hitch that were on the previous pickup, for about $500.00 all together.

I sold some horse paraphernalia for $120.00, and a really nice Dressage Saddle for $850.00. Also a nice glass hutch for $175.00..and two recliner chairs for... I don't remember how much.

Alas, due to my limited "now I am an old person" memory, I am sure I have used it for other items as well!

They are great if you are giving something away, and want it gone! I have used the free ad's to give away a computer monitor, and a kids basketball hoop. They were both gone within an hour of the ad being published.

I did have some flops that did not sell. Why I don't know, as they were good quality items like an oak office desk with a hutch, and an oak file cabinet. I ended up donating them to the "Village", as I just did not want to store bigger items while trying to sell them.

OK, now the flip side. I have also taken ownership of items via Craigs List as well. For one, the antique pony..yes, Buddy was a Craigslist rescue.

I also bought my first Saab Convertible off Craigslist, and we found my husbands HHR on Craigslist.

There are a few ad's I relist every so often, as they just need to catch the right persons eye. One is a silver show halter, and the other is a light yellow antique Monarch wood cook stove.. Hmm, maybe I should re list those today?

Sometimes, just to dream of retiring in Italy or Mexico, I go to Craigslist and look at the Real Estate for that country...fun little dreams and a picture view of what you can get in those lovely areas.

How bout you, do you use Craigslist? What have you used it for, buying, selling, comparison shopping, dreaming?

Virtual Girls Night Out..summer is coming to a end..

2009-08-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am so sad..as I will miss the long days, the warm sun..and the tank tops!

I guess we will just have to join in with Ann of Ann Again and Again.. to have a virtual party!

I am at work at the moment..but like Arnold..I will be back!

Party On!!~!

So here is the scoop, today was my 24th anniversary.. pretty cool huh?

Oh, not THAT Anniversary..silly you ( that is on 7-2 and will be 14 years)correction ..scratch that... it is 9-2.. Thanks Tamis!
Today's anniversary is my employment anniversary...you bet, 24 years with one company that has had 5 names in those 24 years!

Yes.. they have been teasing me with that carrot called retirement for years...for now it is work a little longer .. you will get to retire someday.. (if I am not dead first :)

So you see, I really do need a party.. as I am not going to retire any time soon!

Find Me Friday...

2009-08-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

Please visit our friend Ali at Find Me Friday.. and join in!

Some peekaboo shots from the little side trip Megan Elise and I took last weekend, while at a family get together.

And.. can you see the white bird, in the cage that was on the farm porch?

Wordless Wednesday...Girls just want to have fun...!

2009-08-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Some Funky Dancing..

Some Moon Walking...

Some running...

Some Girl Dancing...

Some Fun!

Monday Memories....Oh how I wish I could go back to Mexico...soon

2009-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my pictures (of which I have MANY)...and realized how much I miss Mexico..

The view from our room, last time we were there, with a cruise ship coming around the corner...

And the shops in old Cabo... which I love to take my time to browse through...

I can only dream...and look forward to the next time I can go there!

Find Me Friday.. on Saturday!

2009-08-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Zoe was having a little dinner.. and this peacock has a hard time hiding..no matter how hard he tries..his colors show his whereabouts!

"Click" on the picture to really get the best view!

Wordless Wednesday...Things you were not expecting to see in this Leavenworth

2009-08-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Yep...the bikers seem to like this quaint little town as well!

All I wanted for my Birthday was to go to Leavenworth...no, not the prison!

2009-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

If you have not visited Leavenworth ( which is a lovely Bavarian Village in Washington State) well, you must work it into a road trip when you are up in our neck of the woods!

There is something about this small touristy village that I love. For one thing the weather is wonderful... in the summer the warmth is perfect, and the flowers just thrive.

In the winter it is a whole different place, perfect for those who love the snow, with the mountains that surround it being absolutely breathtaking.

The town center has a wonderful gathering area, and the art exhibits are lovely...

The German theme is obvious!

We actually got married here, and maybe that is part of my attraction.

The village has more than one means of travel to see the quaint shops...

When you venture outside of the village, you find there is an array of activities for everyone. River rafting, hiking, riding, birdwatching... and wine tasting! Like many areas of Eastern Washington State, the city of Leavenworth even has several winery's to boast of.

So we took the short one and a half hour drive on Saturday over the mountain, and had a wonderful afternoon. We were home by 9:30 and had time to watch a movie!

Come on, admit it....you want to go to Leavenworth too, don't you?

Virtual Girls Night Out..It's my (Birthday)Party and I'll cry if I want to...cuz I am OLD!!!

2009-08-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

I am not going to let the number of candles that should be on my cake get me down, as it is VGNO...which means Ann over at Ann Again and Again has agreed to again, have us all to her house and party with her..virtually!

And since it really is my Birthday today I will have one of those Birthday Tequila Sunrises Ann had suggested!

Here is tonight's game, and since the high school year options did not include my year of entering high school, I created my own answers!

Dear Diary,

My best friend Sue and I went shopping for tight jeans. We wanted to show them off when we went to hang out at the Lake Hills roller rink when Paul Revere and the Raiders were playing. You won't BELIEVE who we saw at the store! Elvis! We screamed so loud they had to call Security. It was the best day ever!

Ok.. now go visit at Ann's and party on my dear girlfriends!

Ok.. you were right..it is Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-08-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I was going to post this.. then not. Then you guys busted me, so I will!

Can it be true, this flat out seems impossible? This Birthday is one of the big ones, lets just say some may consider me eligible for a senior discount, God forbid. Well wait, I guess I can handle a discount.. I just don't like the senior part.

As far as I am concerned, I am not old. If you ask my grandchildren...in their perspective they may say yes, Gramma is old. Honestly I do not "feel" old, after all, they age fine wine, right? And the longer they age it, the finer it is, right???

The good news is they ( the grandkids) still love being with me, and laughing with me, and getting silly around me. I love doing the same with them, as well as with my own girls, their mothers.

The older I have gotten, the more this Birthday number becomes just that, a number.

I just want those of you who are so far away from this "number" to know, that every day between the "number" you are at, and the "number" I am at, is an opportunity to live a day you did not have before, and will not have again. And these days go by even faster as time goes on, how can that be so?

I have more advice for those who are still young.. being old and all, I can now dish this stuff out, bare with me...

If I could go back and do some things different, you bet I would. I would worry less about stuff, and love more.

Yep, my advice is to be who you really are, love your family and the things that are your passion in life. Laugh often, and smile :). As my mother says, do what you love now, don't wait.

Remember the glass is half full, not half empty. I also always liked that saying "don't sweat the small stuff, it is all small stuff", you know you get less wrinkles this way! I had a gramma who did not worry, she also had the most beautiful complexion you ever saw, right up to when she died at a very old age.

Say your prayers, and remember, that when this time runs out here... well, there is an eternity to be prepared for, so prepare!

So there you go, pearls of wisdom from an official old woman!

And if you hear about a fire in my neck of the woods today, it is just the candles on my cake! Don't worry, I will get some help to blow them out!

Find Me Friday..who is that raiding the feeder????

2009-08-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

This was the raider of the bird feed last spring...
He was almost hidden, with his color, but was having a hay day eating the birdfood, and would squawk at us when we got close to him!

Please join in with Ali for Find Me Friday..

Thankful Thursday..we did it..we actually had "food garden" stuff this year!!

2009-08-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

Brought to us by The Blessed Country Mom...please join in, "it is a good thing"!

An old Pony and his Girls go for a ride in the arena...

2009-08-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this 37 year old pony, with Cushings (think of horsey Diabetes)
who has been badly foundered ( which is a very bad thing), who appears sound without shoes (no limping or favoring)...
is out for a ride with his girls!

Here is Buddy (lovingly referred to as the Antique Pony), taking the girls for a walk around the arena. Or I guess you could say they are taking each other for a walk in the arena!

This is the first time in the two years we have had Buddy, that we put our pony saddle on him, he looks quite handsome I think!

The girls have ridden him with a bareback pad in the past. He was having so many issues for such a long time, I honestly thought he would never be ridden again, let alone saddled up, this is amazing!

We bridled him with a horse size bridle (he is a large pony, not a Shetland) , which fit him fine. The girls took turns leading each other around the arena. It was such a wonderful thing to see.

I was very proud of all of them!

We recently found a site called EquineCushings@yahoogroups.com which has so much information on diet and managing Cushings. Since we made some changes in his diet, he has improved dramatically in so many ways.

Our farrier was shocked at how well he is doing, when he came to trim his feet 2 weeks ago. He told us he did not expect him to even be here, as he could barely stand on his feet in order to be trimmed just 5 weeks previously.

In fact, the pony was making such a ruckus back in his stall banging on his door (as if to say..hello, will someone feed me!!!), my farrier asked if we had a stallion back there!

Dog Sitting ...aka... Throw the ball, Throw the ball, Throw the ball..

2009-08-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

While Tamis and her family were in lovely LakeTahoe..during our record breaking 100 plus degree weather, we were Dog Watching..

It became obvious that it would be less stressful on her two dogs, and my three...if we just went to her house ...a lot... and took care of Remo and Tessa there.

This meant wearing the dogs out and then coming back later to wear them out some more. Wiht these dogs, that is not to hard to do!

Oh.. is that your ball you want me to throw for you????

Can you tell what Remo's favorite thing in the whole world is???? He is obsessed with chasing the ball...as many labs are.

Tessa is happy chasing Remo, and trying to get the ball and make him chase her with it.

Remo has a second favorite thing to do...

Yep.. he is either chasing the ball, or cooling off in his own little tub, usually with his ball floating in the water with him!

For my Sunday Stills entry..

2009-08-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

This weeks (very challenging ) Sunday Stills is to provide a picture showing as many of the "4 elements", with maybe even the 5th...
Please jump on over to my Picture blog at Mt Forest Pictures, to see my Sunday Stills entry!

I would love to hear what you think, and wish you a wonderful Sunday :)

VGNO ..August evening

2009-08-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my, it is time for the ladies of the night to party... no not THOSE ladies!!!

Happy VGNO to all those wonderful ladies that have found their way to Ann's, at
Ann Again and Again...toast to one and all!

Find Me Friday...

2009-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is such a fun challenge to do... it keeps you looking for the not so obvious, like this gold finch blending in with his tree...

This little bird who blended in with the stone walkway, when we hit that 100 degree weather at the end of July , he bathed in the water from the pressure washer.. just feet away from Ken.

And this is my favorite, it is the coolest shot of Delilah hiding in her jungle... I hope you have an opportunity to go over to The Blessed Country Mom, and sing in to participate in this Find Me Friday challenge!

Sagelands Winery...Yakima Valley

2009-08-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

When on a road trip in Eastern Washington, there are many Vineyards along the way... we did make a stop at Sagelands Vineyards and were pleased with the wines we tasted, which we also felt was very affordable

We have often considered the thought of retiring in Eastern Washington... in an area with Vineyards. We think that would be a wonderful laid back atmosphere... as no one is in a hurry...

Yes, that would be me!

Most of them have area's that you can take a glass of wine out, and just sit and enjoy the view..

And of course, they will try to tempt you with the miscellaneous goods that go with wine...as well!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T11:27:00.001-07:00

Brought to you by two of my granddaughters , a potato head family.. minus an arm or two :)

Encouragement..

2009-08-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Encouragement challenge, my post is late, the encouragement can never be late...

Because some special people I know have recently lost some very special pets, and I mean VERY SPECIAL pets.

I want to remind you all of something Billy Graham said...

God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.

Now, who am I, to argue with Mr Graham?!

Things You see when on a Roadtrip...

2009-08-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

With my new camera, nothing is off limits as material to shoot, even at 70-80 miles an hour!

In farm country.. well you must be able to move those large sprinkler systems.. I think they looked very art like on the truck!

Come on.. is this not cool or what?

Who would think a truckload of cardboard would have art appeal, well I did :)

And these giant tires, I could not pass this picture up!

The other half enjoyed seeing this "Pinto" race car in tow...just staring us down as we were behind it.

And when we RV'd we would put our bike, on the back.. but in Orchard Country, you may need a ladder when you decide to pick some apples..

And when your Hydroplane breaks down...you have got to get it home somehow from the races on the Columbia River.. I wish I had seen it sooner, that would of been a great shot!

And I had to show you this one...

Sunday Stills.. Fences

2009-08-02T00:53:00.001-07:00

Weekend Roadtrip's...various signage

2009-08-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

This 5 MPH sign was for a walkway in Sequim...

Well, those Harley folks, they do "live to ride"....

We stopped at the Winery, and what other kinds of signs would you expect?

And... Yakima Washington wants you to know, this is Wine Country!

And, our favorite political statement signage along I 5.. has freely used their freedom of speech for years...good for them!

Find Me Friday.. who is that?

2009-07-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

Isn't that Ken?
Isn't this a 37 year old pony's nose? Yes, that is the antique pony Buddy's nose!

Oh, did I mention that Oscar did not like the fireworks over the 4th?

Ali at The Blessed Country Mom brings us this fun Friday happening...Find Me Friday..come join in!

Fort Walla Walla Cemetery established 1856

2009-07-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

While we were wandering around the outskirts of Walla Walla last weekend, we had to stop at Fort Walla Walla, as this was a place of history in the 1800's. Many Christian Missionaries, and later settlers as well as Calvary Soldiers came and went from the protection of this Fort.

Also at Fort Walla Walla, is the Cemetery of Fort Walla Walla....

To read the headstones, and the information regarding the Indian battles that the soldiers died in, brought the true history of the west alive and real.

Click on the pictures to get a better view of the words on the headstones.

As we walked in, there was an older man sitting in his chair. I asked him if he was the caretaker.. he said no, he just liked to come and sit under these "small" trees...

I am a visual learner, and this kind of history lesson works for me... it just makes you wonder about the people, what they were possibly like, and how hard it was to do what they were doing. How they gave it all up, to go somewhere else and make their dreams come true.. and the price they paid to follow their dreams.

Eye Candy.. Bling!!!

2009-07-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

We took a short 3 day road trip to Walla Walla, and than to Portland for my Aunt Carol's Memorial Service last weekend.

While in Walla Walla I could not pass up this beautiful "cowgirl" leather purse... with major Bling!

My husband was so funny.. as his only question was.. "What is Bling?"

Of course I also found some cool sandals as well. :)

Walla Walla Washington is home to the State Penitentiary, as well as to Whitman Collage and many wonderful winerery's.

No, I do not have any family members in the Penitentiary that we were visiting.. though we did visit the wineries!!!