golden oasis

observations

2012-01-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Nugget had a funny habit when we first moved into this home. We have the same linoleum in both the kitchen and 'dining room' as you see in the photo. I say 'quote' dining room because it's probably 8 x 8 space. With the hutch and table, a quarter of the table is on carpet not exactly fitting in that space. (this is without the leaf and with only four chairs not six) Anyway, where was I? Oh, Nugget...at first she was unsure of the kitchen for some reason and when I was making coffee, getting her kibbles in her bowl, pouring fresh water into her bowl, she would stay just around the corner-peeking around. Then she would enter and eat her meal. Needless to say, she is back to her usual self lying in the middle of the kitchen floor stretched out like a golden rug!

Now, to the problem. I'm realizing I will be the whitest person in Guam! 'White' may not even be the proper word, perhaps that word should be... opaque! Excuse the bruises...when we moved in I kept hitting things!

+charter school appt.

+ vet appt.

+my Dr. appt for overseas

+get new base ID's (electric out so reschedule)

+ID's

+passport photos

+passport application

+dental appt. for overseas

__permission letter from finance co. for taking vehicle to Guam

__my final overseas screening

__my son's appt for overseas

__my son's final overseas screening

There's a lot more, but that pretty much covers January! I'm a visual type person, so nice to see I'm over half way through with the above list!

okay, let's get this blog going...

2012-01-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

As the box dust settles (although they don't disappear), I feel a great tendency to hibernate. My DH is 'home' now...mulling through all the things he brought out of his truck (it is a big truck!)Basically, it's all the stuff out of our fifth-wheel while he lived here in San Diego during the first part of this scenario and later the single barracks he lived in while in Mississippi. Total time? One year, nine months, ten days.... seems a lot longer!

:A tree in the side yard for a total of three small trees:
I like trees. As you see, Nugget the Golden Retriever is investigating the 'new' yard...or chewing on random blades of grass that is sticking through the fence! It's funny how she does that....I guess it's the animals innate instinct for the 'grass is always greener on the other side'! ....or is it -side!' (apostrophe within the quotation?)

:This is my view out my living room window:
I haven't run into too many New Year Resolutions this year. I actually haven't had time to even ponder the past year as we entered this one. One thing that stands out in my mind is that I would like to concentrate on the 'act of writing'...I've said that before, but have treated this blog like Facebook sadly. Writing on a whim...writing as if I was writing in my personal journal. (horrors) I like my blog and should take better care of it!

:So, what is this?: This is outside the kitchen window.(zoomed in)
After all, I am moving to an island in the Pacific! I need to take care of my blog for my readers!
Meanwhile, hibernation has simply come over me. I need to read my favorite blogs, pick up the books I was reading before the move, and enjoy many cups of coffee!
~Some may say that is 'doing nothing', but, gosh darn, that is exactly what I need!!~

up for air this 2012

2012-01-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

This would have been a great place for 3 years or more!

One thing I don't get used to...the upside down feeling. Like all the puzzle pieces on the table, you finish the 'nose/eyes' but in this case...it's the kitchen-first!

"Books" .....*blushing* there are probably about 8-9 of such boxes!

Ahhh, the little moving numbers on every box and every piece of furniture/random items-this time they were green and white..................but guess what?

As a wonderful crew was off loading my 10 crates & 12,120 lbs of 'stuff' that was in storage here in San Diego for four months....that very day we have a 'PACK OUT' date of March 22nd!!!!
** WE ARE MOVING TO GUAM!!**
So, as I'm unpacked the essential items that are necessary for two months, I am getting the ball rolling to prepare for the Golden Retriever to be accepted in Guam. (a rabies-free US territory) Since she has been always seen my military vets and everything is up-to-date...an appt. for blood work will be sent to TX for the Dept. of Agriculture of Guam...we are hoping, praying, crossing our fingers and toes that her quarantine will only be 5 days and the remaining 120 days be a 'home quarantine'.
Oh, and as well as getting our 'overseas' screening appointments made. The 'only' downside is...the dog is our responsibility- financially. It's amazing how expensive 'cargo' is going there and the cost of all the hoops to go through....and that little fine print of Approval to Guam form has to be sent 90 days ahead of time... we are a little short on that so hopefully the 5 day thing can still happen...but 'GOLDEN is going to GUAM'!
.....as well as, the "Golden Oasis"!
Nice talking to you ...as I slip back into the water of details and boxes.

San Diego!

2011-12-27T11:27:00.005-07:00

I"M HERE! :) very nice(after the third time living here- it looks 'different' each time I come) I guess with all the rain they have received things looks 'cleaner' this time! I'm very tired. We came here a couple days early, so have a couple of days waiting to get keys for housing, but at a nice hotel that is OK because-I can regroup! Get some rest and clear my mind and then be ready to focus on the next segment-moving truck arrival! So, then that work begins.... As I said, my daughter traveled with on her own Navy orders, so lots of unanswered things at her end. She is on leave for now, but after check-in she will be awaiting word on how to get to her ship that is already deployed.....(they will fly her to a port/ship at some point)
My husband? Still in MS with his ship.
There IS a twist to this whole story, but not yet at liberty to share just yet...

Day before we left Colorado!

This morning!

(sorry for the willy wanka text background...really don't know what went on....but that's kind of the story of my life right at this moment ;)

merry christmas 2011

2011-12-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter made it here from Florida...driving on Navy orders to San Diego...we will travel together from this point on to CA.

This is an old photo from last storm...this time we got around 5". Not only that, but coming back from 'Grandma & Grandpa's house' (we were driving separately because we met down there) we experienced icy La Veta Pass & blizzard in Walsenburg...--it was a very long day-- then I-25 closed because of this storm that dumped 13" in that area... we shouldn't have been on the road.

My husband was missed, but at least I had my birdies safe in my temporary nest. Many different things are happening in the next three days, but I wanted to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas!
****
Goodbye, Colorado, you have been wonderful...I dreamed a dream and lived it...but must move on for Golden Oasis still has places to go! In the meantime, Nugget is going 'home' to where she was born. (my daughter, too ;)
Until then, everyone be safe if you are traveling...and give your loved ones an extra hug!
****
Next time 'Golden Oasis' will be blogging from where Golden Oasis started.... San Diego, California

do you hear what I here?

2011-12-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's that moment when the sun falls behind....no clouds...no sunset...the sky so bright at the mountains crest-moment of certainty....moment of possibility....moment of opportunity...

Some times I wish I was Nugget...seemingly not a care in the world...as long as she has her 'Mo-Mo'...
****
This next week will be hard, yet the good thing is I GET TO SEE MY DAUGHTER SUNDAY! She has orders to a ship in San Diego as well....so we are travelling together. The visit to my folks will be hard.
I'd like to say my San Diego stay would be long, but there is something in the works even as I type this...at this point I'm not at liberty to share just what. So, stay tuned....
****
...A Song, a Song high above the trees...With a voice as big as the Sea....With a voice...as...big as the Sea...

next step

2011-12-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

I've never used the English Paper Piece Method, but boy is it addicting!!! I've realized I can only work on it during the bright daylight! SO, in the meantime.....

this was Nugget's response after she was told, "No"........gee, I don't even remember what it was over-I just remember having to capture her sulking look. I mean, oh my goodness...think someone is spoiled....don't worry, she got over it ;)

cozy evening

2011-12-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

We don't have much.....I keep forgetting to share this- I bought a cute little tree for $4, $3 strand of lights, $2 box of ornaments, and used my knitted scarf as a tree skirt (there's that improvisational thinking I was talking about before)....it makes me smile.
I was planning to take it, but I thought...maybe I will put it outside the dumpster area on the 23rd when we move and someone lucky person can have it. BEST of all my talented son brought home a project from Wood Shop Class....a beautiful bird house. Fit's there nicely- It's going with us!!

Chicken with a peach jelly/garlic/lemon juice/pepper glaze. Fresh chopped up carrots and celery....and added some left over rice from a lemon chicken helper meal. .....my son announced when it was cooking.... 'smell good!...like thanksgiving dinner' It really was good for this self-declared hibernating day.

As we ate, this was the view from the couch....if you look closely, I enjoy our Christmas tree lights reflecting.
It was a good day.

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I'll be completely honest, I am 29 *cough* ok...let me try this again...
I. am. ...happy for many things today... er....ok, ok...

I'm 41 today!

THERE I said it....

This was last years photo, but I don't think I've changed....my grey hair is always screaming out because my hair grows so fast. I do color frequently...

With everything going on...I do have a project going on...wonder what it is? I am smitten with my pink seam ripper!

Well, as usual...Nuggets favorite position...I love her cute back paws...they are starting to have the troll look with the tuffs again. (I usually trim them)
Today was a very nice blustery, cold day. A few snow flurries ordered just for my birthday. I just don't think we see enough snow here in Colorado Springs to my liking, so ...I guess I'll just move to San Diego!
I thank a few blog friends (and friends and family )that wished me well on Facebook It really made my day. My son had bought me a cake and three holiday earrings :)
Today my mom was accepted for the help of "Hospice De Valle"..the meeting went well today and I'm so very happy. It rests my heart...they are angels sent from God. It's a very good thing. Family can do a lot, but there are resources from Medicare that sometimes you can't get unless you go through hospice. We can't live in a vacuum and, although, you lovingly try~ it's important for families to ask for outside help.
It was a good day.

UFO?

2011-11-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

The clouds were fun tonight....as we are dropping in temperature and expecting a little snow tomorrow.

ooowww, I'm trying to soak it all in! I'm gonna miss my mountains. Yep, they are all mine ;) Tonight was just spectacular.The 36% waxing crescent is south above the Spanish Peaks.

Gratitude

2011-11-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

On Thanksgiving morn at my normal early rise...this scene was outside my bedroom window at my parents house.

Facing down (an decline of a green ski slope) their driveway....notice the dryness on the sunny side. They only have a handful of hours on their side of the mountain.

Ham it was...

My son baked the pies. I did the rest. My father kept up with the dishes (very important part) and took care of mom.

Backside of their home. Note the build up of snow from what comes off the roof...
Grateful. Thankfulness. My mom was in the hospital for three days only a few days before this day. She has some serious health issues. (note the oxygen sign by the door) Dad is doing it all. ...and I do mean all
.....and I am moving to San Diego in 25 days. I will be down again within those days. This time I was able to dust the house, take care of the bathrooms, cook (with lots of leftovers), clean kitchen....if I can't get here every three months as I have for the past two years....looking into options...learning terms, learning exactly what my mother is dealing with, they are isolated, yes, by choice, but....thresholds are being reached. Dad has acknowledged that.

I falter between future needs and present needs of my husband and son. ( I need to sign for a house on Dec. 29, 2011 in San Diego, receive my household goods on the 30th, and then set-up house) I'm afraid I will be on the road on Christmas day. Will there be 'room at the inn' for me?
My feelings are not unique...many women have experienced this stage in life. I have hope...and faith.
I also know, though, I have thoughts I've never had in my lifetime.
As John Adams remarked in his diary...."I wander alone, and ponder. I muse, I mope, I ruminate...I feel unutterable anxiety."

Food Police: Please Don't Read

2011-11-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

What is wrong with this picture? ....bowl, tin pan, milk, pie mix...what is missing?

***************
It's a myth people!!!! A MYTH!!!!

...you don't need a mixer!! Pure fork power and I'm glad....it was a little late until I realized I didn't have one -- as half my life is...it's in storage!

Sunday Morning Solitude

2011-11-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

A knitting project I can now show you! A FINISHED project!

It's a golf club sock for my husband's birthday! I tried to do some Navy colors-blue & gold

I don't know where he came from (well...actually, we all do), but I loved watching this 'lil' guy at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo last summer-just thought I'd put him in here :)

(Dog Yoga...position held? 'Claim Spot between Two Couches' She holds that for a very long time!) The Fluff Muffin is a piece of work!...and try to move her? Amazing how 65 lbs. goes limp and feels like 80 lbs!

Even though I don't have to wake up for the wee morning hours anymore, somehow it's sweeter than ever waking up at 5am anyways! quiet. contemplative.

Hope

2011-11-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Somehow this gives me hope---^

On Another Thought....

2011-11-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever started a post and half-way through delete it all...even though you feel strongly about the crap, you just want to take another path? ..because seriously, who wants to watch THIS? and then rant over it? I want to read his book, but certainly it would have to be from the library (none of my money would leave my hand for it)....what I really missed was Andy Rooney's simple thoughts on a everyday wonder at the end.

SO, instead I had a thought today:

1. Special Collection Card in drawer, 2. Rod Detail in Card Catalog Drawer, 3. Rod and Shelf in Card Catalog, 4. Two Drawers in Use, 5. One Quarter of the Card Catalog Cabinets, 6. Working Drawers, 7. Card Catalog Overview, 8. Symbolism Catalog Cards, 9. Busy Drawers

I miss them. I actually can remember the smell of them. The last time I saw one was here...in year 2000 (after looking at their site, I can see it was moved into a new building...change of times- of course, the big old southern pillar building it used to be in was very -authentic! I probably looked a little odd at the time...being amazed and groping the wood- pulling out the drawers, filing my finger through the cards as if I was looking for a book. ahhhhh, the thought of using my alphabetical ability!!! ..at that time the two children in tow were 8 & 4. Perhaps a child born in 1996 were the last to experience these!
SO, my original rant changed into a little gentler one instead.....so, where can I get one?

Good Sunday to You

2011-11-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story of an amazing trip Nicholas and his brother took. At first I thought -'another travel journal', but the way Sparks weaves their life into the travel tales and that completely moves the story along. It's been awhile, but this book made me laugh and cry! Saying any more would give it away, but the struggles their family have gone through tests faith, love, and hope were indeed hard! This 'trip' was more than just visiting amazing places around the world...it was a time to get away from the stresses of life we ALL get caught up in...a need to reflect! If you are a Nicholas Sparks fan (movie or book) this book will give insight to where the sensitive/driven/emotional comes from. The story also prompted me to go online to research some of the places they visited...I say a good read!

View all my reviews

Something a little different here! I've joined Goodreads while I've been living in the apartment with my limited library! Most all my books are on shown at Shelfari (on my side bar) I recently finished the book above and just wanted to share....for any Nicholas Sparks fans out there :)

Nugget's eyelashes ;)

Overlooking Colorado Springs from Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun last summer.

A Difference a Day makes!

2011-10-27T09:22:00.000-06:00

The Rockies had a big snow storm....

We only received around 6" on the lawn...as the cement areas were too warm from yesterday's record warmth of 76 degrees. This was a 50 degree DROP yesterday!

Nugget had better things to do than worry about a storm!

Trees were heavy with wet snow

THEN this morning happened!!!!

This morning's view...the colorful thing on the corner we finally know to be a 'Kid's dentist'. The whole building just doesn't match buildings in the area...but somehow they didn't ask me ;}

Like I have said a thousand times before...I never get tired of this view.

Apartment Fall Photos of 2011

2011-10-26T09:55:00.000-06:00

The view coming back after dropping my son off at school. Again, this mountain (Pikes Peak) is the exact one that inspired '..purple mountain majesties' in the song- America the Beautiful. There is only a ten minute amount of time that you can 'catch' this every morning!

Home Sweet Home...for now.

The path Nugget and I walk on...

In full color....

...even the bushes!

In my opinion, when these apartments were built, the landscape was well planned out...depending on water needs, style, placement, colors, and deciduous vs non-deciduous trees . Many military wives have this motto in their head- "Bloom Where Planted"- I'm starting to feel just a few tiny roots digging in the ground right at this moment.

Please sit down!

2011-10-23T20:58:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess you would be sitting down already, but *SHOCK* I have a FINISHED knitting project! A snowboarder's hat for my son! The best compliment I received was from him- 'That looks just like the ones at Dick's' (local sporting goods store) He loves it and wears it everywhere!

One thing I don't think I've ever shared....my Dad is quite creative as well! He has made all the railings around 1/2 the cabin! This photo was of my son helping him in this last part of the construction. My son was able to do most of the cutting...they both worked on the placement.

This part took a better part of about 5 hours...(this is unstained) and it wasn't exactly warm that day!

October's Full Moon...at my parents home (view off front porch)

Well, Tues. night into Wed. we are suppose to get a true snow storm (vs. the little flaky thing we had earlier this month) We are looking forward to that...so the 'batten down the hatches' feeling is arising within !!

not really...I don't even have a snow shovel!! (in storage- San Diego!) I guess I don't need one living in an apartment ;)

Improvision

2011-10-17T19:13:00.002-06:00

{Last week's visit to my parents house}

{It started to snow...yes, that is the true incline their house is on!}

{...and isn't this just the cutest??? Makes my heart melt! Go ahead..just click on it!}

I'm enjoying my minimalist way lately. Before the packers came, after the sale of my home, I knew I would be displaced for a certain number of months. That range of months have gone from 9 months to now 4 months-which can certainly be a post for a later time! Either way, I knew before things were packed that I needed key items to live, although, most of my household goods were shipped to storage in San Diego.

I literally, from my carefully planned out list, threw everything in the car and drove it to the new apartment. I knew full well what was on that list should be (a) used up or (b)given away. This contractual thought in my head has led me to living a minimalist way. Through minimalism- improvident behavior has arose!

In this nice, new apartment came squeaky doors!
(a) go buy a $3 can of WD40...which I would have to give away if I wasn't willing to fit in my over-packed lil' black car -or-
(b) use olive oil (that the movers couldn't pack and that I was to 'use up')
Worked like a charm!

Napkins! ...ok, how expensive could that be? BUT- I have two rolls of paper towels that I had brought over from the house. Fold over each sheet and cut neatly in half -wa-la- cute little paper napkins!

It's 'MR. Fox' to you

2011-10-16T12:50:00.000-06:00

{a little twisted in the photo}

Above is Nugget's birthday gift that I promised to take a photo of. I know- I'm about two months LATE sharing. Just trying to catch up on things. I might even have some KNITTING content for my next posting!!!

Anyway, she absolutely loves him! Nugget is not a chewer at all...even a rawhide lasts weeks! So, the fluff is not a issue, but I just loved the FLAT look. After her walks, she will POUNCE on him, pick in up and SHAKE him, throw him up in the air, grab him like roadkill, roll over and over ON TOP of him...back and forth. I've actually found Mr. Fox laying ON TOP of HER while she slept!!!! MR. FOX is a WINNER!!!!

I suppose the Crazy Critter could be thrown in the wash!

Question (?)

2011-10-03T21:37:00.000-06:00

I have a question for all my succulent friends out there! I have owned these poor little things for about four years, and I have never seen the 'root' little things come out of the top between the leaves. (...and, yes, that is a feather I found on our walk stuck into the dirt)

Here is a closer look!

I have four more days with the district until Fall Break and my self-set termination date.(that word sounds so...ending)
It's been great and it's gonna be a bittersweet day this Friday. After five school-year starts...you can't help but feel the intensity of such a job...the commitment....the dose of diesel fuel on a cold morning when everyone is out there doing their start-ups and pre-trips....the Falcon wind that maintains its self at 25 (consistently) mph in the winter....the 10 below mornings...the bus that creaks it's so cold until the heaters actual feel warm...the days nothing works, but you know you did it safely...the days that an impatient driver 'flips' you off because they think you are goofing off while off loading at a stop, but little do they know urgent matter had to be handled...but their impatient life is more important than waiting for a child's....the speeding through while red lights are flashing/stop-arm is out-while children wait to be crossed (thank-goodness looking for me to cross them)...the going to sleep at 8pm because 4:15 comes mighty early... yep.....it all melts away when MANY children from another bus route misses you so...that they make a point to come give you a hug and visit you in front of a school. For the life of me- I couldn't figure out- HOW to drive two buses at a time.

Knitting and Crochet Thoughts

2011-09-24T21:58:00.000-06:00

Have you ever written a post and left it in 'draft'? I found this one from last Summer...

I'm knitting a 'bee stitch' washcloth. I'm sitting here wondering what goes through other people's mind's as they knit. I wanted to share what goes through my sometimes OCD, spatial minded, concept-mapping way of thinking!

"knit one, knit one below... simple concept...why do I keep forgetting which one I'm on and have to actually LOOK at the last stitch?' "darn it did I just finish a regular knit stitch?"
"ok, the pattern is of four rows repeated....two of which are the 'easy ones' knit across..if I could just get to the third one now..." "ok, I'm going to finish two batches of the pattern...if I can just get to the last one I will go get my cup of coffee refill" "40 stitches go fast on the more 'difficult' row...it actually goes slower on the 'easy row' 'it's like on a bus route..especially in the afternoon...along the second time on Peterson is when the energy level move UP...if I can just get to Dee's (not real name) stop...it will go down...like the quick row to the slow row...it's the next bump to avoid the jerking around...compartmentalizing every move..."

no wonder knitting isn't exactly relaxing to me! I can knit and 'like' to knit, but it's not my forte! Now, get a crochet hook in my hand and all these thoughts go out the window. It's relaxing, but I don't want to be perceived to be making folk-y type crafts...you know the type...the toilet paper covers. Yet, I DO have some cotton ready for a BATH MAT ;} I don't want to make crocheted sweaters...I've only made one knitted one...complete chore. (and was too big...I'm too big...I wouldn't be seen out in one!) Of course, I have about three afghans (crochet) in the queue...now, I'm not saying that knitting cannot have the same results...but in my mind it can't..maybe it's the using the right and left hand at the same time thing...

I feel like I've come out of the 'yarn drawer' with all this. I love all small projects. My favorite tend to be the ones that have personality. My point? ...don' know...just sayin'...give me an intricate thread doily...AH-HA!!! That's what it is....something about working in the round. Circles. Pi. Topology. Seven Bridges of Konigsberg...........ever play with a two horseshoes chained together? Could you get the ring off and on? It all comes down to natures perfect fractals!!!

I think I'll go get another cup of coffee....

Need a Change

2011-09-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

One of Pikes Peaks Lake (North Slope)

....so peaceful......

As Fall is coming upon us....it reminds me I need a change! HA...certainly there is change in the upcoming weeks. I felt like a Fall background, but not sure if I like it. Perhaps it will grow on me. Please excuse my indecisive changes that there may be coming on my blog!

Pensacola Pier in the Gulf of Mexico....peaceful...

When I get stressed I yearn for nature.

Random cloud photo...the hazy of color was beautiful...I wish I had a de-compressing place at the moment. As nice as the apartment is...it is not 'mentally comfortable' Too close to the road...maybe some feng shui issues...I do not practice that, but I DO feel there is a balance in stuff....and I'm not feeling it, unfortunately, in too many places of my life right now. Even my crafts are feeling like red-headed step children! (whoever came up with that saying, I don't know...I think truly red hair is pretty!) Kind of like 'easy as pie'...is pie easy?

To Anyone that works with other people's kiddos! (warning: involved post)

2011-09-17T12:31:00.000-06:00

This post I dedicate to dedicated teachers out there! My own thought on it is this...if you do it right, it's hard hard work!! (I feel the same about parenting and even bus-driving) ....and some have the talent and some don't. (period)

I got this video from Dispatch from LA....(her care, pondering, and photos are awesome!)

This reminds me of what I do with busing- in support of education. Not everyone can do it. There are many doing it...but when you can get a nice dynamic it works... BUT in the end when there are budget constraints, bottom lines.... looking at the people that are worthy and doing it right-rarely taking sick days, many factors over-run that and ,sadly, in the end it really doesn't matter.

As my job is coming to an end...there is a lot of pondering going on! Unfortunately, prematurely, before I was able to make my strategic move the opponent made theirs. My route was taken away from me... it was said 'with new exciting stuff ahead..' (more like- left over work...may have weeks of not having a route!) hmmm...what does that mean? 'new and exciting stuff ahead'

Correction, 'what is new and exciting stuff ahead' is moving back to San Diego! ...is meeting my husband as he comes around in his new ship!....is going to a first ever commissioning ceremony of a US NAVAL VESSEL!...is seeing my daughters navy career begin and possibly be stationed in San Diego as well!

...really makes what occurred above - is SMALL. ....but my dream was never small and it was a good one..I will miss many good people. I learned a lot: regarding myself and others on so many levels! I'm absolutely blessed to be able to walk away...some are not going to be so lucky. This school district is an example of what is happening in America today on all levels....and it's a sad-sad thing.... it IS over for me in my head (sure I have a 'job' to go to on monday), and hopefully I will hold out until just after Fall break! We will be staying here until Christmas break for my son. I'm coming around to the thought, I will have blog and crochet time after all :) ....it's all good. They just won't take care of my kids like I do...just sayin' HA!...or just maybe....I got a little too attached! After all, it is just busing. But I cannot help but think that quiet shy little boy that told me yesterday morning that he was going to be Captain America for Halloween...he was heard...he was cared for...he was not tossed around like the rest of us.

Our district got rid of 50 teachers end of last year...
http://www.gazette.com/articles/area-112930-cuts-deep.html
you know, 'innovation to education' I just love that buzz word- 'innovation' IE.. Race to the Top REFORM. [look it up] What happens to the states that don't win the grants?...oh, wait....it's governmental conformity..they will be 'forced' to.

I would like to think whenever I have grand kids, I can look back at it and go 'oh, that really worked!' Not to be negative, but somehow I just don't think that's gonna happen.
SO, in the meantime for all the educators that are doing it right...with that hazy target above them. It's for the kiddos... after all, that Captain America that just got off my bus might be the next president!
*cough*

Crochet?

2011-09-10T20:10:00.000-06:00

I picked up something that is very challenging a few weeks ago. Paint-doku...or Griddler puzzle book! (Nonogram)

It dawned on me today it resembles Filet Crochet!

My first two nonograms are not going well....

What a month August was...but now it's September

2011-09-06T10:44:00.000-06:00

Nugget was a tad depressed with the move.... but soon she has turned around. She is especially enjoying all the walks. There is a park nearby that I take her too in the morning after my route and we have 'bubble time' (she loves chasing bubble I blow) and today I brought the ball....so she got her rolling in the grass time! (now that we don't have a yard)

I STILL have a mountain view...of course, a lot more traffic noise though :(

..and, no, we don't know what that corner store is going to be?

Good-bye house...many great memories...you were a good house to us and we loved you. We closed on it August 26th..................must move on.

...my new bedroom view. (looking south)

All our belongings are safely waiting in storage in San Diego now! So, in the meantime, we have our rented furniture and some Goodwill kitchen items. I did have to buy a new toaster! This simple time is allowing me to realize how much we don't NEED what we have..... BUT you have to have Mr. Fox ;) Nuggets favorite toy that is laying on the floor that looks like roadkill!

One Day

2011-08-16T20:58:00.000-06:00

Details-details-details! I figure in eight days I can breathe...the moving to an apartment, the packers, the moving company truck, and then the closing. OH, and guess who is coming 'home' for a short while? SO very happy about that! I feel so out of the loop...of course, work has started back as well....and in a very different manner than ever before, so the details with that continue on and on. One day- I will breathe. One day- I will read my favorite blogs. One day- I will connect with every one's fur-babies, lives, & crafts. In the meantime, please know I miss our connections!
Side note: after a rain storm today...a quick peek at the peak- there was a light covering of SNOW!

Exhibit A

2011-08-05T13:01:00.001-06:00

ah-HA!!! SOMEONE had something in her mouth!!!! She was so embarrassed she 'dropped it' when I commanded.....then pretended that she didn't see it. Now, the ONLY way to get such a thing was to get 'into' the tree and grab one! George Washington may not have cut down the cherry tree, but Nugget does steal Apples!

OK, I need help. I have been a forever love of classic literature and have many in my library...many are older copies. Long story short, I have The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas that is a very heavy book and with a move...I wanted a lighter weight book. So, go to my local used book store and found it in a smaller (still thick) lighter weight book. Come home...look at the chapter I was on...NO!... condensed version! How can I tell it is either abridged or unabridged...if it doesn't say so anywhere in the book? Even my online search on the matter is not getting me anywhere.

She wouldn't look me in the eye!

...as I have nothing else to do or worry about! I'm SO glad this week is almost over...this first week at work has been a mess with the routes, but I see a lot of faces I know that have moved on to middle school-they were happy to see me and that made me feel good! :) Need to secure my apartment soon. The moving company, that the govt. has decided to use, have already contacted me!!
IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING??? my mind has not wrapped around this yet.....

[YESTERDAY was NUGGET's 7th BIRTHDAY! (I will share the toy we gave her!)]

Sneak Preview!

2011-07-30T16:41:00.002-06:00

It's official.....we are under-contract!

Bottleneck of Summer

2011-07-26T21:03:00.000-06:00

'This is the rug I love to mash, rub, otherwise intertwine my hairs into daily!' says Nugget.

My Mr. Ed Peony this early summer. I planted two years ago...first year there were no blooms, but this year was simply beautiful!

NOTHING like a Wild Rose....the heavenly TRUE rose sent and, Oh, Boy...those thorns!

~Almost ready for work to start back after an inservice and practice-this year will certainly different, but at least most still have a job ...August 1st...just doesn't seem possible.

~Still pondering our visit to Florida

~....and waiting....we've had numerous showings and I believe we may have a taker, but to say anything further I feel I would jinx it all. ....if so, it will not be without pain of a huge payout to get from beneath it.

~So, everything coming to the end of the wire....we were going to take the house off the market Sunday...School is starting....and I feel like I'm coming down with a cold....hadn't been sick all summer or even last school year. Perhaps it's stress
. I have some things to do tomorrow, but afterwards slippers and orange juice may be in order.....

Longing

2011-07-13T21:07:00.000-06:00

My two children ~ shadows long as my want for what was.

Absolutely gorgeous color hibiscus ~ from a state that I was born in.

Pensacola Beach, Florida~ some dunes respected on the sugar white sand

Almost a week for the four of us to be together.....

~My husband went back to MS to be with the brand new naval ship until it comes to San Diego....needless to say, that time period been delayed until April 2011

~My daughter has completed her first year in the Navy...continues in her long schooling in FL

~My son and I got on a couple of airplanes back to CO.
May 20, 2011 is the last day of school next year...as well as my work.

It's been a long time since I went somewhere and the idea of 'going home' wasn't thrilling.....I did miss Nugget, but she had fun....but somehow our 'home' feels like a 'house' and I feel guilty of that.
She hasn't sold (not for a lack of showings..now we've been 'second place' three times...which in reality is last)....trying to believe there is a Reason ~

I wish I could have bottled the 'after a rain, muggy, evening in Florida' smell. Brings back so many memories...I could see myself living in Florida again!

Random Summer Stuff

2011-07-03T11:33:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow we will be the farthest from the Sun...Did you know Phoenix yesterday surpassed it's record at 118 degrees....and 4000 people were without power?

I really try not to embarrass my blonde dog....

[we didn't get rain, but I love when the clouds make our mountain range have the 3D look and you can see all the foothills that are actually there!..clickable to get a closer look]

So, I took this quiz and failed miserably!! It's the National Geographic website, so there was a pop-up that my browsers stopped...just to let you know-otherwise thought provoking. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT GAS PRICES?

{...she was rolling around in the grass and one piece stuck...it just didn't seem to bother her at all!!!}

2011-06-21T10:09:00.001-06:00

You know when emotions and events just bombard your mind from self and others? I call my summer my hibernation...quite opposite of a bear! The warm sun soothes me as I sit out looking at a mountain that actually received a layer of snow yesterday!

Somehow this photo of my Australian Pine resembles exactly how I feel...I wish I could put it into words, but I fall short.

Last time I checked....she is a DOG, but I'm thinking we have a blonde Giraffe! (sorry for the pole-through the window)

Some times this is EXACTLY what you need:

My son's double dipped in egg and garlic breadcrumbs...so juicy and tender! I mean, really, click on it and you will drool!

Comfort food at it's best!!!! ...hey, there's a veggie in there!
Forgive me, my favorite blog writers..I will try to get back to my reading!

Happy Summer!

Here, but not

2011-05-28T20:34:00.000-06:00

"Stay over there!!" I've been watching these swallows at intersections seemingly dive bombing cars....[a Google image shown here-I thought it was funny!]

yet another position Nugget assumes...

...the fuzzy feet prompted up against the table leg! fuzzy troll feet!

my latest love...KALE...shown with an egg, yellow squash, zucchini, bacon, with cheese and Mrs. Dash!!!

Have you ever had a broken garage door spring?
Well, there you have it...and it was LOUD when it POPPED!!! $159 later...problem fixed by a expert door guy who explained to me exactly how this works and "this happens more often than you think!" ...the 'funny' of the whole thing is that it happen AFTER my cute little black car was IN the garage!!!

I guess I've been under a rock all these years, but do you know how difficult it is to get an automatic garage door UP without the power? My son had to struggle to get a board under to have about an inch to lift with both hands and HOLD it up... as I drove my car OUT! You see, when a automatic garage door is down the spring (there's two..so in this case- the good one) is TAUNT.

Stupidest excuse why a person couldn't get to work: 'couldn't get my car out of the garage"

YEP, I've been busy, but, moreover, last day of school was YESTERDAY! ...always a bittersweet day...my fourth school year of 100% incident free transporting the most precious cargo in the world- other people's kids!!!!! -an absolute success-
It's officially SUMMER VACATION!!!!

I Just Can't Get Enough

2011-05-01T06:19:00.002-06:00

For my love of birds, I decided to do a 'bird mosaic' this morning: These were from random things I found on Flickr..very inspiring crochet birds! That one 'flat' crocheted bird...the lady had made many and put them together in an afghan! ...wait a minute- it's so neat, it's worth looking up and sharing...

Nugget approves. We have a robin 'trying' to make a nest under a porch beam...failing miserably. So funny to watch...the bird will continue even with the dog outside and what is so remarkable- Nugget just watches as well!!

enjoying some golden rays!

[ALL PHOTOS ARE CLICKABLE]

I could only hope to blend color as well as these tulips do! I put this picture as my computer screen background!

You can just SEE the flowers smiling in the sun...can't you???

Hello, little Bee...I'm SO glad you stopped by!!!

Just noticed the TOUCH of color on the edges. ahhh, yummy stuff.

.....and I just can't get enough... Perfect for May 1st!
Oh, I found that bird afghan!

Easter Oil Pastel

2011-04-24T20:04:00.000-06:00

I worked on an oil pastel today. Somewhat of an Easter sunrise.... I used watercolor paper and found that it is too grainy. Also, there is a substance out there called Gamsol. I also see it's used with other art. If I get serious, I may have to get some! Moreover, my little picture is on top of a beautiful Tiki carving that my brother made me! It somehow makes my drawing look better :)

A Naked Driveway!

2011-04-23T18:42:00.000-06:00

Knew THAT would get your attention!

Well, today there was a squirt of SNOW and my son spotted a WILD TURKEY just walking through the school property behind us! Just feeling like an odd day.

My driveway rubble

Unfortunately, the big beautiful Blue Spruce tree was causing some problems in the driveway. I do believe that 20 years ago these were planted here when the house was built. In the end-I kind of smile because nature/earth won...strong enough to move cement!

I did feel bad for the tree...looking at that pile of roots! I could feel my trees pain in this! ...my cute lil' black car is like, 'WHAT is the meaning of this? I've never slept out on the street before!"

Ta-Da!

If someone was to bring in a VA loan...this wouldn't pass. If we rent...we'll, it's a liability. I'VE even tripped on it!

This is a few items while I was on blog break! If you would like to schedule a showing please call!

It's a Marathon, not a Sprint

2011-04-10T14:23:00.000-06:00

My blooms leave me speechless....

.....the soft blended color.

It all reminds me that I need a break....

I'm soooo enjoying Cuties......good food for a 'marathon' of life.

April 20th is a round number in more ways than one...Farewell until then.

Golden Oasis and a few other electronic programs adjourns.......

WHEW

2011-04-09T16:37:00.000-06:00

more Nugget sleeping positions....

Just on Flickr clicking things that are on my mind....dreaming!

2011-04-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr. Lamborn,
I'll get right to the point-DO NOT LEAVE MILITARY BEHIND IN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN-
I live in Colorado (trying to sell my house..we WILL NOT let that go sour as many people have...we have high values in this matter)I also work for school DISTRICT 49 (as you know is looking at 9 million dollars of cuts..including MY JOB) I am a veteran, my husband is Senior Chief (SW) Lenord Johnson and has served in the Navy for 20 years we have been separated for 10 months because he is stationed on a PRECOM ship the USS SAN DIEGO. He was in San Diego for 10 months and now will be in Mississippi for about 7 months...you can do the math. Certainly this is the life we have chosen and choose to serve the government for the last 20 years with the NAVY core values: HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT. We only ask that the government serves US with that same HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITTMENT!
Respectfully Yours,
Paula J. Johnson

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml (WRITE YOURS)

Take Over by Nugget the Golden Retriever!!!

2011-04-01T21:42:00.000-06:00

"I wish there was more snow to play in, but Spring is coming! Mama's bulbs are growing..something yellow is comin' out of this one...Mama seems happy that the grass is starting to turn green. She says I 'bring in' too much dead grass into the house. She always frowns when I'm rolling in it, but it feels so good.

for some reason she was takin' all these pictures while I was trying to sleep...but I just put up with it...somethin' about this 'adorable hair on the tip of my ear'. She's weird.

She sometimes calls my back paws 'elf paws' I have no idea what she is talking about.

I was thinking maybe I should get a Facebook account...if I did, I would use this as my profile picture...or maybe I'll just continue to get my beauty sleep without my Mama's camera up my nose-yes, it's long...that's something else she always points out to me. Like I said- she's weird, but when she's happy-I'm happy. April Fool's! I'll let her have her blog back!"

What I hold on to...

2011-03-30T11:25:00.002-06:00

I'm reading three books right now...
DAKOTA HOME by Debbie Macomber
LEE- THE LAST YEARS by Charles Bracelen flood
TWO FROM ONE JELLY ROLL QUILTS by Pam & Nicky Lintott

Have you ever drafted a post, came back to edit it, and completely forgot the reasoning behind it? My life tends to run like this lately. My 'thinking' and my 'doing' aren't aligning as I think it should.

Husband has left back to San Diego...only to turn around in a week and trek his way to Alabama and Mississippi (remember how you learned to spell that word in elementary school?) He is driving...because he is bringing a fellow colleague's boat to him in MS...where their real ship (the USS San Diego scroll down-there are great photos of the progress!) is finishing up. She is in the water and fully made...just have to get the details on and set up. After about five weeks he will than go to Birmingham, AL for a special school that will be an extra plus for his career. After that, he will return to MS and remain on his ship until they bring her around to San Diego. When? Well, if everything is on time -November 2011- hmmm...he left here June 2010-I think you get the picture.

....meanwhile, I'll be trying to sell my (our) house in Colorado, finish up my son's school year...as well as my own year with the district, and move back to San Diego!

Now....this is from the nutshell. The emotions surrounding it all??? Well, you really probably have come to see cute little dog pictures, finished knit/crochet projects, or landscape pictures. The emotions of it all are messy.

Debbie Macomber are easy reads...easy is good especially when millions of ping-pong balls are bouncing around in my mind. 'Lee-The Last Year' is a book I gave my Dad..he took many years to read, but than raved about it and encouraged me to read it...so ten years later from the start of the cycle, it is in my hands. An interesting read. Lastly, a Jelly Roll Quilt book...this is my plan- first thing I will make in San Diego (whenever I get there and unpacked) I want to make one!

...Afterall, it IS Spring!

2011-03-27T09:48:00.001-06:00

My Spring Break, with my husband here until next week, is proving to have a healthy dose of relaxation and creative endeavors!

Tweet met someone while she was away!

Meet Twitter!

Side Note:
Changing colors in the round -I was having trouble getting the side you don't see to have the decrease orange like the side you see. The beginning of the color change no problem...it was at the end of the color change .I'm thinking it has something to do with 'in the round'....(?)

Here's something different out of my sketch book.

I sketched this hummingbird from a jigsaw puzzle picture.

Oil pastels/pen

...just an abstract viewpoint.

This Made my Day

2011-03-24T14:53:00.000-06:00

It's Spring Break..and oh, the things I was thinking of doing, but there is one problem....it's windy and cold! I was going to take Nugget on a walk, but because I'm so sick of wind, I don't want to go outside. So, I thought I would read my favorite blogs that I have in my FeedDemon reader.

THIS (click link) MADE MY DAY!!!! Thank you, Zippianna!

so, Nuggy continues to do what she does best....

Happy Spring

2011-03-21T14:52:00.000-06:00

Gnome is getting ready!

Tweet went a' traveling...and wanted me to post this picture of her!

Almost blooming on this first day of Spring!

There are the huge red tulips.... I can't wait to see them. Hopefully, no April snows to freeze them.

What better way to celebrate Spring than with handmade HATS! Here is a stay-at-home mom to four handsome boys (busy lady) that is selling her beautiful handiwork (her Esty acct)! If you have anyone that may be interested, it would be great if you could link on :) More photos at Cuddlepie Crochet on her Facebook acct. (don't have to have one yourself)...Please take a look...she is starting another one as I type this!
I can't help but think of...'Caps for Sale' ...remember that 1940 classic? They are ADORABLE hats!!

Caps for sale
Caps for sale
Caps upon my head
Caps for sale
Caps for sale
Yellow, blue and red

Spring Forward

2011-03-13T17:42:00.000-06:00

wait. stop it. come on... it's ALREADY 3:10pm??? A least I finished 'Tweet' my cute crocheted bird! Spring is coming!

Cowl for the Cold

2011-03-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

[WARNING: don't fall off your chair- I actually finished a knitted project!!]

What is a 'cowl'? When I had a moment in the bus lounge, I would knit on this cowl. Some people knew exactly what it was...many did not. A cowl is what a monk wears, but in the knitting world it's usually not hooded.

HA! 'the bus lounge'- that could be a subject by itself for a post! ;)

I have a secret...I'm not really a fan of variegated yarn. Don't get me wrong, I like the varied colors, but sometimes when you knit/crochet it up...it just looks...untidy to me. I enjoyed this one, though!

Only the 'ribbed' edges looked messy to me.

I work in Falcon, CO just west of Colorado Springs. My tasks in the morning (5:30am) is to pre-trip a couple of district vans and, of course, my bus. 'Pre-trip' is the extensive inspection we are required to preform by the Dept. of Transportation for commercial vehicles. Majority of the time it is cold. Now there are different 'colds'. Cold is not 25 degrees... believe it or not! My cold is 12 degrees or below that... now one factor that is huge is the WIND. Now 'wind' in Falcon is like a cold fan that someone turns on! 20-30 mph is kind of the norm! When Brandon, the weather man, says it's 'breezy' that is what he means! Now, when he says it's going to be 'windy' that means gusts of 40-50 mph..... guess it's ALL perceptive!

Anyways, the cowl is something I've always wanted to make for myself! I don't know why it took me so long....I did add a black elastic with lock that adjusts. The blue in the variegated yarn reminds me of Colorado blue sky's, the 'rusts' are of the mountains and ground, and 'black' is the highway I drive!

{monkey was pleased}

Blackwork

2011-03-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm so excited! The Redwork on Flickr were beautiful and then I thought of the little known - Blackwork!

The possibilities are endless! I have a thought in my head (imagine that after my last post!) Really...I have a thought I don't want to share just yet....oh, gosh- it's good....this is something that could sustain me if over the move I have everything in storage and I'm waiting on a place. Of course, only if this one sells....

Black embroidery was known in England before 1500. Geoffrey Chaucer in the Canterbury Tales describes the clothing of the miller's wife, Alison: "Of white, too, was the dainty smock she wore, embroidered at the collar all about with coal-black silk, alike within and out."

.....remember....'England'.....I'm off pondering!

You want to know what is honey to my heart? When a student says, "I wish you were my bus driver in the morning!" (he takes a different bus to school in the morning...) aaahhhh, I told him I wish I was, too!

...Just Thinking

2011-02-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

As I was reading my favorite blogs, I was enjoying a view. A room with a view. It's getting darker outside this morning and wind is present. Before I could capture it with my camera, I sketched it. One day I want to put watercolors to my sketches.The texture-less white clouds are coming in quickly, yet at the mountain horizon was this beautiful clear baby blue strip of sky.

A few minutes too late. My blue strip being occupied. I have three levels of my home. I usually open blinds and get all areas tidy first thing on a weekend morning. Lately, I've been hanging out on the top level-this was from my dining room chair. As you know my house is 'for sale'...which means...tidy rooms, cleanliness, going through things....do I really need something that I haven't used/looked at in the past four, six, ten years or so?... how many moves have I had this stuff move with me? Should it be packed for the next move?
Now, I don't think I have extraordinary amount of stuff (I've seen some!), but now that one birdy has left the nest and only three years from the next one doing the same, it has occurred to me, I'm enjoying my minimal thoughts lately!
I'm moving into a place that is, depending on floorplan, 1200-1330 sq. ft.! I'm beginning to like this idea!

I have to chuckle when watching those 'home buying' shows on television- 'We're looking for a 5,000 sq. ft....' Oooo-kay.... WHY? Then my overthinking -mind goes to the realm of ...this is what is wrong with America...

Speaking of which, MIND MAPPING ! I've sketched like that before and didn't even know it had a name! Works of art! The more I think about it, I don't over-think, I just think about too many things at once! HA

2011-02-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm still seeing red! Of course, it's still February...my most favorite month. I have been married 21 years this month. As I reflect...it seems only yesterday that I got married to my soul mate. We were young, but somehow we knew. It's that knowing..the teamwork...the equal-ness. Perhaps many years ago people would have judged (I'm sure they still do...) but we have what a lot people don't! I'm not talking material things, but our deepness of love and vision for ourselves. Of course, with DH being there and I'm here (this time it isn't the Navy's fault!) it's a choice we made and then the Navy made the continuing choice that we believe will be best for us. I think next month is a key month. A home just like ours- just around the block- is under contract. I think it shows a little older than ours, but their price is more market friendly.

So, my mind wonders. Rest assured, I have a few yarn projects going, but sometimes my mind is not still enough to make any headway. Red Work came into my mind today..what better way that to highlight what is on Flickr!

I'm Seeing Heart Everywhere

2011-02-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that?

Home is where the heart is....

Seriously? Do you see it?

Hearts hearts everywhere at Golden Oasis! ---<--@ Happy Valentines Day <3

2011-02-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is how my day started. There is that 3-5 minutes when the mountains are purple mountain majesty's! Today it was around 6 am. That time of day is my perfect time of day for me..not too early, but not too late.

What better way to have chicken...but with a potato chip in heart shape! Speaking of hearts, may I present MY FUZZY HEART! ..everyone needs one of these!

...and this is how my day ended. One of those peacefully, productive, placid, prolific....days. At this time..approx. 6pm, the stark contrast when the mountains touch the sky...absolutely takes my breathe away.

2011-02-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

My morning drawing....this is what I need on this SNOW DAY!

Trust me....you might get addicted here!

2011-02-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

It's just one of those days that the EDGE of the blanket will do! Once more I need to clear my head. With the buzz at work (the board has passed to do away with transportation dept. as we know it) you know what they are aiming for.... independent contractors!!! Talk about 93 people out of a job at the end of the year...... confirms my moving plans, but that's not what I wanted to leave behind....next step is to see in March whether the Board agrees to pay-for-service...Anyway, a lot more to it...the master plan in place (voting in outsiders...to put the plan in action) the famous buzz word has hit us.... Innovation to Education. don't worry, I'm not going political in my blog....but does anyone reading have a positive experience with this plan/type of charter schools? Seriously, I'm open to hear about....

Only thing I have to say...if in theory this is to work change our education in this country.... the closed door board meeting kept in secret (because all the support identities are to be contracted out...amazing how the diff. departments were not invited...) votes on something that was a surprise...people 'put in place'...district forced into corners (losing millions every year) only to HAVE to vote for for 'Innovation to Education' and then like a miracle ...*give me a heaven like * AAAHH.....states have money!!!! Here is Colorado!! When you research where these grants are coming from...just click. !!!

Now, let me say...it may very well be a very good thing maybe REALLY!.......BUT....it feels like something out of 1984...or Fahrenheit 451.....takeover....and if families/tax payers of the district disagree? TOO BAD...the power of the people have absolutely disappeared.........
POOF

It's February!!

2011-02-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

I know we all wish we saw the last of FUN FUR, however, it's February and I want to make a FUZZY HEART pillow! I was reading my Talking Crochet newsletter and A New Year of Crochet spoke to me...my hands are itching to do some thread crochet! ...and I've been negligent with my blog, so what better way to remedy that!

One thing I have been doing in secret is pondering these wonderful books! One tool I use is a journal that I glue my favorite magazine pictures in.... no rules...rip, cut, paste..write something if I chose...just ponder colors, textures, cute things I like...

Here is my morning posting on Facebook:

IT'S FEBRUARY!!! My most favorite month...not only because hearts and chocolate are involved, but this month I will have been married to my soulmate for 21 years! ...and better yet, 1st day of Feb. and I have OFF because of a 'Snow' Day..more like 'COLD' Day! (it's -12...with the windchill that is negative THIRTY ONE!!) that is colder than a witches t....oooohhhh never mind ;)

Cycle

2011-01-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

I really think it’s something…my cycles…cyles of the month, cycles of my mind, cycles of up and down. I came home in a fog and took some time…drank some coffee …calm my mind.. Flashes of thoughts…creative thoughts..different not less. I’m totally loving Temple Grandin (DVD)!!! I think it’s something I may want to buy. My organization or should I say compartmentalization…not sure if that is the proper ‘term’, but it’s the term I use when my mind goes this way. Is it a simple drop of estrogen? When the balance gets ‘off’. A Nancy Drew computer game is calling, but no time. A friend at the bus-barn said something like ‘Paula Time’ for the future after the move. What will I chose to fill that time? I was thinking of actually buying something from the ‘Great Courses’ catalog. ...could I cont. with math education? Could I cont. with some special needs individuals? Images…. Perhaps work on the Art of Reading…
Time is going away…I must get back to my -job- of course, something I will miss, but I must put titles on other things as a -job- and it will sustain me in San Diego.
Just thoughts I’m having (these may not make any sense, Dear Reader...just 'stepping out' by posting them)
***********
Today while I was washing my bus door windows in front of a middle school, a special needs person (that doesn't ride my bus, but another) appeared very close to my side presenting a shiny red apple. "Oh, what a nice red apple!" I replied..at first startled, but recognized him. The apple stayed at my eye level, "For you" the student replied. What a nice surprise. If only people were as lucky as I to have yet another year (however different)...I have learned so much...about others and, most of all, myself.

There's no picture with THIS one!

2011-01-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

THIS is an
absolute FEAST for the eyes!!! .....those small things listed in paragraph #3!!! ~~HUGE~~...I mean HUGE...
Many times I have trouble posting my thoughts in my blog...that's why we have other bloggers that inspire us!! Those are the PERFECT things in life..that IS life! I wish those things on a whole were what Americans would cherish (an over generalization indeed, but more on the truer side more and more!) 'We' are too busy..too busy with 'stuff'...whether it's for keeping up with the Jones or making ends meet.....those domestic feelings, small treasures MUST be revisited ...if nothing else- for our kids! ...'our' activities, our goals, our focus, our thoughts seem mostly externally from our HOMES! Is this a judgement? Yes. I have my reasons for making this judgement. Far reaching what I can skillfully communicate in my blog, I have learned SO much from driving a school bus!
Today I had one of those days :: enjoyed my fire, my coffee, my view...even going through my 'stuff' to make the load lighter when summer gets here :: my house, the creak in the floor half-way down the hallway, my soft pillow, the smell of my home, enjoyed not looking at the clock.....

Over Yonder

2011-01-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

I know in blog-land there are images of skies...but recently we have had some fantastic winter sunsets!

Everyday I marvel at the ever changing play of light... it's like a different 'show' put on daily...hourly....by the minute. It feeds my inner compass. Some things in life you find if you have a little too much of it-- it gets old. But March will be four years...and I never seem to find this old!!

Homes

2011-01-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

Houses are on my mind.

So, I thought I would do something different- make a mosaic of some favorite homes from Flickr. This year I think I will use my account more! I added many of my blog readers as contacts this morning. Make use of the technologies and enjoy others photos as well!..and play :)
I lifted my coffee cup and there was nothing... don't you hate that? I made Starbucks Breakfast Blend this morning...if you are wondering.

Officially, our HOME is on the market!

I'm going back to play at Big Huge Labs, drinking coffee, and settle in for a Sunday night snow storm. Locally they are looking for 3-5" and 7-10" in north part of the county..... THAT may be a recipe for a.....SNOW DAY???? ...and oh, how many favorite blogs are awaiting!!!!

1111

2011-01-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

The storm was starting!

More wind than snow!

Fluff Muffin somehow always find her way into the shot!

Then all of a sudden there is this 'puppy crazy' (although 6 yrs old) Blur of Fur....

Nugget says... she doesn't know what I was talking about!

I wouldn't let this day go past without making a record of it on my blog :) Happy New Year everyone! Resolutions? I don't have any per se.... maybe more walks for Nugget, maybe more finished projects, maybe more books read.....maybe sell a house....(of course, I cannot control that one)

2011- the year itself...stands out to me for some reason!! I like the Google image today...did you see it?

I know it seems cliche to say...I straighten out today, but I did a lot today as I'm meeting with the Realtor on Wednesday! ...but seriously, we will be downsizing with the summer move....so, I'm really looking at stuff...because it really is just that -stuff-

My DH is safely where he belongs...my DD is safely where she belongs...Christmas down...back to work on Monday. I've simply loved my Christmas break! I don't look forward to the cold, the outdoor effect, the very early times, but I'm ready to get back....have two new students aboard that day from yet a third school, so I think my times will be late in the afternoon...also a mention that both can be challenging.

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my International Coffee- Vanilla Caramel Latte....

May 2011 be all that I think it is going to be!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T17:37:00.002-07:00

Crisscrossing the sky still this Christmas night! Many people still working this special day...my thoughts with them and their families...our thoughts are especially with our sailors, soldiers, airman, marines either here on duty or overseas away from their families....
Golden Oasis Christmas Sunset!
The view from my porch still takes my breathe away. Although we had no snow this Christmas season, it was a gorgeous day! My husband right by my side, my daughter able to come after her Navy adventure start...a friend of my daughter's able to visit from San Diego... ahhh, afterall this is what Christmas is all about.
Of course, I can't help but love my new PUPPY SLIPPERS ;)

Merry Christmas from Golden Oasis to my dear readers.

Christmas Eve :: 2010

2010-12-24T21:25:00.002-07:00

'Twas the night before Christmas ...and all through the house...not a creature was stirring....

Our Guest Named Jack

2010-12-23T17:52:00.003-07:00

Mr. Frost, this morning you were beautiful!

It was well worth the blanket of thick fog that lasted all day. Sadly, yesterday two people died trying to fly a little plane into our local airport ...
Nugget had that awkward look like, 'Hey, I didn't know you were taking pictures' Don't you just love her 6 yr old grey moustache?

The look only lasted maybe an hour.
Our *uncut* Christmas tree that is in our front yard! My husband says he is still waiting for the White House to call...

Not Again Until 2094

2010-12-21T15:10:00.003-07:00

My wonderful daughter got GREAT photos! (who is on leave this Christmas period from Pensacola, FL)

The Total Lunar Eclipse on our Winter Solstice

look at that edge...the blue hue

no words...just enjoy

Happy Winter!

All I Want for Christmas is...

2010-12-19T08:04:00.002-07:00

SNOW!

There are some parts of the country that wish they had a little less, but....this is COLORADO... my daughter and friend flew in last night. The above is all the snow we have had so far this season.....
After a 'storm', the mountains were covered with clouds for three days...I was ready for something a little more than the above (?)

Books of Many Kinds

2010-12-12T06:22:00.003-07:00

I have kept journals for as long as I can remember. It started when I was nine years old. You know the type, the one with the lock and a tiny key. I would talk about school and how my best friend would copy me and OH, how it frustrated me...and whether the CHiPs TV show was good that day.....

It again started after I got out of the Navy.

We began a family...for many years I was a stay-at-home mom... the most noble and hardest thing to do. Let's face it, in many respects...it's easier to work! But to do the everyday routines...that's hard, that's lonely..oh, and add in there- ship deployments, various times finishing up a degree, being pregnant with second child, taking care of the house, etc.....blah, blah, blah....not glamorous.

Recently, after my first born spread her wings and flew from the nest, another Naval situational circumstance (I just made that up!..I like that) with my husband, and now a time where my son and I are together... I've been REFLECTING.

I pulled out all my journals and began reading them like books!! wow, I mean, WOW! The good, the bad, and the ugly....I'm not going to sugar coat, I have a right to feel the years! Maybe I should write a book! I do know this, I'm not unique, women have been doing this for years. I can't lie, at times I have those sinful martyr feelings, but as I'm getting older, it's giving me a powerful strength. After I see what I have 'worked' so hard for....blossom... in both my son and daughter! The PEOPLE they are becoming! It's hard to believe that 20 years is represented above! I have to cringe when I here the new mothers of today talk about 'me time'. Hey, we all need it, but I mean the ones that 'get away' when the kids need you the most.

I am coming up on my 'me time'!!!

SO, while my son was snowboarding for the first time yesterday at Keystone -very successful-came home with all body parts in one piece ;) ...on my 'ME TIME' I went to my local used book store! .....but guess what? I only bought MYSELF one book... one for my dad, a gift for someone who may be reading, and various books for my school bus! ;)

It was a lonely day...I need to get the hang of this... 'me time.'

Song of the Season

2010-12-10T21:05:00.003-07:00

This song has stood out for me this year for some reason!

Well, although, we have not a speck of snow where I live, the mountains around I-70 are getting it right now...and presently the interstate is closed! Tomorrow is suppose to be my son's first snowboard adventure!!! (with his school) I've rented the items tonight and I hope tomorrow isn't a 'dressed up nowhere to go' type day! They are suppose to be leaving at 5:45 am!

Another song I'm enjoying this season is All I Want for Christmas is YOU and Josh Groban's

O Holy Night .....So, what is your favorite music of the season? Thank you all for my birthday wishes...they mean so much :)

Some Cleaning

2010-12-05T15:16:00.003-07:00

I have finally completed some cleaning out...in many areas! I went through my hoarded yarn boxes and analyzed what I needed/wanted...for projects that I'm still interested in. I put my yarn on a spreadsheet... accountability! The rest? I put in a large bag and off to Goodwill it went. Surprisingly, I had no feelings. Kind of a cleansing feeling.
The major project looming is to put a binding on the queen quilt!

Lastly, I finally dumped Internet Explorer and am enjoying Chrome 5! (browser cleansing!)

It's that 40 thing... if I want to give something up, I will! I want to thank you for your wonderful comments- they meant a lot! I know 'forty' isn't necessarily 'old' or anything, but it's all perspective. I've always been a person that felt 'older' than most... I've many times have friends that are 10 years older. For some reason, I've never 'fit in' with people my own age... although, I'm starting to! ha! I think, perhaps, our military lifestyle can be very advancing...esp. 20 years of it. (not to mention...there is 6 more years of it!)

SO, in 10 days DH will fly in and soon after DD....then DM & DF should arrive for Christmas, although, that will be challenging after the year of mild stroke, operation, & chemo and a couple of missed Christmas's... all is clear for now and travel (even in a car) will be a ...'process', for a lack of a better word.

....BUT summer 2011 we will be moving back to where my husband is stationed...whether we are able to sell our house or rent it out. I say that so glibly, but it is an absolute heavy thing on my mind.

I WISH it would snow...after all, it IS Colorado in December. So, hope it doesn't cause problems for viewing, but I added some snow to my blog! Back to finishing some magazines, so I can actually start looking at my DECEMBER ones!

Today is Special

2010-12-01T13:07:00.003-07:00

today i am 40.

The big 4-0. It is a special birthday and I actually really feel that. I AM having a great day. All the everyday things are simply blessings. ....I feel a new 'freedom' at 40.

I AM 40!

The Feast

2010-11-25T17:59:00.003-07:00

...not a creature was stirring....all clean counter tops...

Then came a pie........or two!!!The turkey was roasted in a Reynolds roasting bag (soooo moist).......

....a few nice accompaniments...

...AND EVEN SOME QUILTING COMPLETED ON A QUEEN QUILT!!!!

My son and I enjoyed our feast. With my daughter gone for the first time ...she had some 'leave' time and was with family in GA. My husband was with some friends in San Diego..and he even made them his famous pie! It was a different holiday for sure, but I'm most thankful for DH not going to Afghanistan. Although, it is still difficult at this time to have everyone scattered around America! Rest assured, Christmas- everyone will be here! ~HOME~ home...for now anyways.

There IS a Husband!

2010-11-13T11:50:00.003-07:00

There he is! A much needed time from the emotional roller-coaster of the past few months! I want to thank each and everyone of my readers..for their comments, care, and thoughts for me! It means more than you know! This beautiful tiki was from an artist that is my BROTHER! He makes wonderful tikis...this particular one is for my husband with a Navy Chief's skull...there are so many details...every time you look at it, you see something else!

So, onward we go- this morning DH left to drive back to San Diego to continue his duties as Senior Chief on the PCS SAN DIEGO....(not to training then Afghanistan) so that is a great feeling. However...it's that 'leaving'....alone once more.

I'm trying not to mope around the house. Got the menu together for a grocery trip on Monday (incl. some vittles for Thanksgiving for my son and I) and then finished up some little chores. It is not reaching more than 37 degrees out, I have the 'fire' on, reading my blogs...don't you love when you have your notebook at hand and write down some blogs you want to come back to and really study?

So, as I wallow in my feelings...it's Home Alone II, cozy fire, computer....

a book Three Weeks with my Brother
enjoying the toys in the catalog The Vermont Country Store
loving the look in The Country House catalog
considering this Dose of Diversity

I think this will all buffer my feelings this chilly November day!

Your Extra Hour?

2010-11-06T10:09:00.010-06:00

[this was written Saturday]
What can you really do with an 'extra' hour? I suppose the first thing I think of is -sleep-. That little five letter word. This morning I awoke at 5:07am. Sleeping in by 27 minutes! It wasn't planned...I was thinking that 7:07am would have been nice. (that would have been 'late' for me) So, what did I do? Well, I cuddled under the covers until about 5:50am and decided to start the day. Truly I am a morning person. I like to be up when the world is still sleeping. My son was still asleep. My husband was probably already on the road...to arrive sometime TODAY! (the true reason I didn't sleep in) Anyhow, I did something I normally would not have done. I OPENED the blinds as if the sun was shining bright.

(notice the irregularity/color of the 550pcs. turned out to be a very difficult puzzle!)

When I let Nugget out, I went out as well...and looked back. Now, in the past, I had bus routes that I was out and about before the sun came up. I would see windows open. Not that I'm a peeping Tom or anything, but I can't help but glance in...what do they have on the walls? Why are they up? Getting ready for school or work themselves? Do they have the same thoughts of there spaces of their homes as I do? So, I peered back into my own house this morning. Home. Yes, home is where your planted....especially in my life....but, this has been something different. After 20 years of military lifestyle, I had let my 'where your planted' go....my roots were firmly in the soil. This past year I have had to realize my salty sailor husband is not done. I've been detached in my thinking, detached from doing things I love (reading, crocheting, knitting, quilting, blogging...) not only because of the last 6 months, but the last year with my mom's battle with colon cancer. By the way, after a year all the scans are negative! Just trying to get strength back. I noticed I am only blogging when I feel something negative. This is not my intent...

(this one is gonna be glued!)

I was pleased looking back from the shadows into my house. It looked homey, it looked comfortable... it looked like a place I would want to be in. Unfortunately, it reminded me why I don't want to leave it. Can I replicate it? Of course. I always have. I feel like I've come to a huge speed bump in the bus. As I slowly try to go over it, there is a second that you might roll forward over it or roll backward and not get over it. My mind is going forward, but my heart is rolling backwards!

My simple joys are still there. I quietly made some coffee, worked on a jigsaw puzzle, and gathered some catalogs & magazines and my mindless, yet comforting, afghan I've been working on during the past months. I prepared a place on the couch where I would go after some chores. Meanwhile, the darkness of the sky slowly showed the shadow of the mountain range. I thoroughly enjoyed the hour and half you have to watch 'America the Beautiful' peak turn from black to grey to pink to purple!

To have missed that hour for sleep, well..... it would have been a waste!

Never Ending Roller Coaster!

2010-11-05T11:16:00.004-06:00

(Blanca Peak, Little Bear, & Mt. Lindsey view from Ft. Garland, CO San Luis Valley)

Today this is what I posted on my Facebook:

OK....breathe....revamp.....thinking about what we are doing....my hubby is almost home- for 7 days- thank God. The Afghanistan thing: CANCELLED!

It's a roller coaster of emotions...DH was had started his travels! RV packed, final bill paid, about 200 miles into it. He was heading home! They called him on the road at around 7pm! Of course, this is good news....but after 18 days of getting mentally prepared, full medical screenings, setting things up, a plane ticket back...etc. etc. Definitely out a few pennies!

Thanks Navy.

Of course, the reverse is wonderful news. But please stop the roller coaster- I need to catch my breathe a sec! Anyhow, at about 8pm he got off an exit and drove back to get his SPOT back....Decided we needed this Leave time (more than ever) and continued back HOME with just his truck. Well, 'home' for a little bit. We'll see what occurs in the next 6 months!

BOO!

2010-10-31T09:10:00.002-06:00

my grim reaper from Creepy Cute crochet book Oct 09

I scared 'ya...didn't I? Happy Halloween to all you goblins out there!
I have the 'good' candy this year, so any kids that may rap on my door will be getting ONE piece vs. the 'junk' candy that you can get more of, but truly my kids end up throwing away! ...I mean, who really likes 'laughy taffy' vs. Baby ruth, Crunch, or Butterfinger?
my kids... hmmm.... I catch myself doing that. One is on her own and the other is 14. Where are the days when they were something like 5 and 9? :( It's that HALF-empty nest syndrome that I have going on!!!
Anyhow, I'm just so surprised we haven't received snow yet! Either we are going to get nailed this winter or be a long dry cold one..... I think I'm off to make myself a DEVIL!

I Cannot Help Myself!

2010-10-29T20:34:00.002-06:00

My husbands ring-tone is getting quite a few laughs!!!!

Lately, we need to laugh. Either laugh or I will cry.

I can't help but think of my metal roller skates that went over my shoes! At the 'black top' at the play ground in elementary school, I would take one off and give the other to my very best friend JoAnn...and we'd scoot around with just one...of course, the one with the right-footed one was enjoying it more! Love how the commercials nowadays are entertaining....now, WHAT WAS THAT LAST COMMERCIAL FOR?

on a serious note...for those of us that dislike Google Reader and will miss Bloglines...try FeedDemon... I love it! Software to download is safe and click right from your desktop!

What Honor, Courage, and Committment really means

2010-10-22T15:29:00.005-06:00

It's official... My husband is 'going IA'.

Individual Augmentation- it's kind of like borrowing military personnel from other branches to fill some Army jobs. There are approximately 10,000 Navy involved with IA DUTY-many senior enlistees.

-my husband is going to Afghanistan for a year-

(after 20 years in the US Navy...so much for bring a brand new ship into fruition... he had even reenlisted for it....) no whining though- my husband will do his duty to his fullest and I will continue to hold the 'fort' down...as I always have. He leaves from San Diego for 'Army' training in NJ in November. In about 20 days.....

"Be strong and safe, Honey, fair winds and following seas..." well...we'll see how that salt works on land ;)

(I have a feeling my blog is going to be very important to me in the next year...those of you that are 'with me' this long...I truly feel you are my friends..it was great had a reader find me on facebook that was a treat- thanks Susan!)

I must hold strong- I found this wonderful US NAVY tribute!

Fall, Autumn, End or Beginning?

2010-10-17T16:23:00.002-06:00

However you want to look at it...I tend to see it as the end. I'm a spring person. I would hope it's not because it's the 'end of the calendar year'- that seems too shallow. It's the end of the various lifeforms that enjoyed the season. Packing up...going into one's hole. I trust the other side will occur. Ground squirrels will stretch, trees will bud, we will tilt once more for the sun to be higher.

I do know this: for some reason I have not taken one single picture on this San Diego trip. Actually, it's a shame because although it's been very grey..the light is correct....the leaves are on the wet ground..the colors of fall is everywhere. May not be as flamboyant as Colorado or back East, it's there! There are reason's for this. There are reason's for this post. At this point not comfortable to share.

Some blogs have daily poems. May sound odd, but I'm not usually a poem type of gal, but today I must post this poem:

Then summer fades and passes and October comes. We'll smell smoke then, and feel an unexpected sharpness, a thrill of nervousness, swift elation, a sense of sadness and departure.

-Thomas Wolfe

There are so many layers.

Yesterday was Yesterday

2010-10-13T15:45:00.004-06:00

It's kind of ironic that three or four posts ago I was sharing some California pics! Now I'm back there once more! I have a 'Fall Break' with the school district (my son's and my work) so back on the road to San Diego to visit my DH! Don't worry, I haven't lost it...I have been doing some travel this year and I DO know this is of Chicago from the Hancock Building during our last break ;)

For some, this may entice feelings of excitement. For me it raises feelings of stress within me. No particular reason- other than the idea of the pure NUMBER of people within the square miles. Being back in San Diego just reminds me of this as well. A kind of preparing my mind is going through. If/when our house sells....I will be back here. (San Diego behind my shoulder)

On a sadder note, Remy the Rat has passed away last night. The rat sitter (who I trust) was sadden to have to tell me, but I wasn't surprised as Remy was aging- I'm just glad it was fast. Of course, then I had to call my daughter to tell her. I had taken a cute picture before I left, but of course, that is on my computer at home! So, in tribute to our small fur baby I thought this wonderful inflight sunset I captured after taking off from Denver would be appropriate.

"Remy"

... rest in peace dear little one...

May 2008-October 12, 2010

Other things on my mind today:

*USS Cole Tribute

*Miner's and their families

*Happy Birthday US Navy

for less intense...

*Cozies...of all kinds

*felt houses

*my conceptual space... OK, that's a little deep, but enjoying the article. I'm thinking of sending it to my email so I have it back at home.

Fall in Colorado!

2010-10-08T10:54:00.005-06:00

Not too many words to say to this...just sit back and enjoy! (as always, all are clickable!) This is all near my parents home near La Veta Pass, Colorado.

Today is today

2010-09-28T11:46:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much for your help...I was definitely thinking Google reader. Couple things I found, although, I may be doing things wrong. First, how do I comment on my favorite blogs? and second, it just reads it and shows the photos...I don't get to see the colors of their blogs :(
I have found that putting all my favorite blogs on my Blogger Dashboard....then that clears up my two issues! I want to make sure I have everyone caught on it I don't want to drop anyone!

Question for my Readers!

2010-09-25T20:16:00.004-06:00

(a dream house for me...a Lindal Cedar home)

As of October 1st Bloglines will shutdown.... what RSS aggregator do you use?

Hello Everyone

2010-09-18T19:23:00.004-06:00

Sorry it's been awhile-at the end will explain. This is a JOSHUA TREE in California!

This is a rare look (no cars) on the I-15 freeway going into Los Angeles! I couldn't help but think of my Colorado AIR!
...but then there is San Diego!! While the deserts and even city of El Cajon were reaching 113 degrees... it was 74 by the water!
OK, a coffee pot and two cups in the RV. The significance of this photo is tremendous to me. Our coffee cups were together!! The way it needs to be.
wind energy....caught a little sun energy in the photo ;) ... if anyone cares to read a little more on the project -it's here.

My husband is in San Diego for his next duty station, although, his ship is still in Mississippi. The USS San Diego It's kind of a long story and I see that look of convusion when I try to describe what is happening. Next year sometime he will go to MS and ride the ship around to it's home port 'San Diego'.

He left for the ship for 2-3 years and then he was to retire. My son and I were to stay back here with the house...let him finish school and I continue what I love. He wanted to experience bringing in a new ship to the Navy before he said adios. (he's at 20yr mark early next year)

However, in July he made Senior Chief (E-8)....which gives him the ability to serve for 25 years (thus more %$ for retirement). So our plans have changed-he's not coming back to Colorado anytime soon to live. So, our house must be sold....and then we will meet him back in San Diego and continue to serve the US Navy! The truth? he's aiming for Master Chief....and retirement? hmmmm.... lets say 30 years. Who knows.

These past months have allowed me to wrap my mind around all this- shift my gears....which have been hard I must admit.... I allowed myself to feel 'settled'! Perhaps only a military family would understand exactly what I mean. Of course, these months have helped with, what I call: 1/2 empty nest syndrome that I never expected to have, but did! My (our) daughter is done with basic training and is in Pensacola, FL for her extended schools in the Navy. I certainly feel pleased!

SO, our own ships course must go on... back to San Diego. We will put our house on the market in the next few months....and the saga will continue.

...................

2010-09-10T21:16:00.002-06:00

When a Picture says it All!

2010-09-06T19:16:00.003-06:00

Navy Pier Chicago...my daughter is officially an United States Sailor!!!!

First thing she said to 'Daddy'?

"Good morning, Senior Chief!" ....then hugged him ;}

I wonder how many father/daughters are in the US Navy at the same time right now?

It's Sunday as I continue...

2010-08-22T09:27:00.003-06:00

Driving into Utah, you immediately see the difference! It was great to see people still stop for state signs!...however, we were on a mission and it was our goal to capture everything through the windshield...bugs, cracks, and all!

Too bad this was blurry, but the beauty in the rocks are just gorgeous in Utah!

Now, they say a picture is worth a thousand words.....EXCEPT for a very isty-bitsy minor detail!!

IT"S 119 DEGREES!!!!!!!! 'oh, but, it's a drrrryyy heat.....' ahhhh, excuse me, but if there was some humidity in the air WE COULD POSSIBLY BREATHE!!!!!! (That is my son with a beautiful clenched smile....if you don't take that picture soon...I may not be reasonable for my reactions)
(You have never seen a dog do their business so fast as Nugget did that day.... poor baby's paws!)

....but....it's beautiful. Not a soul for miles...(no wonder) the MARS ROVER is probably out here somewhere!

At this point, your praying you don't have a flat tire....

We did stop....by the time we did it had chilled down to a mere 112 degrees....

Next morning...bright in early... Arizona! Just waiting for the Immigration check....but from this side going south on Interstate 15-there are no checks. hmmm...maybe I shouldn't express that? Last time I checked, though, it was America. It's only 29 miles long- as you are clipping the corner. A pretty corner, but then again...absolutely no one around. Except for a beautiful canyon......

Virgin River Gorge

We almost missed it...... Nevada sign! Again, forgive my crack that I acquired 12 hours before my trip (left to right) then the BUG SMEAR (up and down)! Now, most state borders have neat signs...spread OUT....but Nevada? Well, you are driving 75 MPH (we are going *clearing throat* 80!) and you better read all the state signs in a split second because they disappear fast! messy I say...

Here We GOooo!

2010-08-14T15:32:00.005-06:00

I'm SO tempted to turn off the comments because I'm so sick of spam. I have all my readers emails- I'm thinking they have mine? Since 'replying' to comments are hard because of the 'no-reply' address, I just forward my reply to their emails. Am I the only one that replies to peoples comments?

anyway, got side tracked there for a moment. That is very easy to do at the moment. Work started back and I'm loving the job I love. Sounds odd, but it's pretty simple without going into too much details!

I will say this before we get started.... one of the Navy's advertising motto used to be 'Let the Journey begin...' should have been the post title, but anyways... keep what I just said IN MIND for future reference!!!

oh, by the way, I'm smitten with my new look- if I may so myself!!

*******************************************

{all photos are clickable}

Going west...this is a favorite areas in Colorado- South Park area west of Wilkerson Pass (9507 elev.)....and there in the middle of nowhere USA there was a hot air balloon! I wasn't the only one enjoying the sights at 6:30 in the morning! If you look closing you see the Mosquito Range.
We are fresh and ready to go...little car packed down and ready to roll!

We went the 'back way' to Interstate 70. Through wonderful little tow Alma, over Hoosier Pass (11,539 elev.) a lovely switchback road into Breckenridge. Now jumping ahead to I-70, I muss tell you the feat it was for this highway to be 'put in'.... a must read !

when you are driving through this area and ponder the thought there are around 49 mountain passes..... you begin to realize why our licence plates are so expensive! compared to other states! I found an awesome site to fully round up all the passes!

Now coming the back way we missed Eisenhower Tunnel, but there are a few more!

Heading into Glenwood Canyon.

Now, just to let you know, while we are rolling along....many times it is the DRIVER taking pictures...I am watching the road not necessarily the image...so there will be angles are off, glares on the windshield and even a crack! horror...coming from Denver after saying goodbye to my daughter I got, not one, but TWO rocks...so a trip to a mobile place that seals right before this trip. He did a good job and it didn't run any further...whew...no need for a new windshield..yet.

..now the angle on this IS correct! the road and the view... here is a nice link to really show you what the road looks like!

Keep in mind....the goal is always to keep this road open in the winter. (majority of the ski areas are reached from this road!)

...then it's like you run into an area that is COMPLETELY different. I believe this was near Rifle. Book Cliffs! The geology along I-70 is magnificent. If you want to get deeper visually see this and this ! I think I want to be a geologist in my next lifetime! It fascinates me....

Coming soon

2010-07-29T21:53:00.002-06:00

Hello my dear readers!
I have been away....I have been pondering.....I have been deciding what to do....I have been wanting to travel to my Golden Oasis to share with you.....

It will be soon.....I want you to prepare for a Road Trip!!! What would you take? Remember, it's a little car....you don't want to weigh it down too much.....and YOUR driving...I really was thinking of bringing out the crochet hook, but....safety came to mind.

So, what special things do you take on a road trip?

heart hurting at the moment, but swelling with pride...

2010-07-11T12:14:00.006-06:00

Our baby bird has just flown from the edge of the nest. I know her wings are strong enough....at the moment, my heart isn't.

Today the Navy recruiter took her to Denver for the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station)...she will be staying there and tomorrow we will go to Denver and see her 'Swearing In' (Oath of Office) before she flies to Chicago. I know it will be a surreal experience as I stood in the very same place (Denver) 21 years ago and did the very same thing.

..and following in her Daddy's footsteps...hard to believe they will BOTH be in the Navy at the same time....

I FOUND IT!

2010-07-06T09:25:00.005-06:00

[WARNING: a very hyperlinked post..I do hope there is something for everyone to enjoy!]

Back east with total TREES, you don't have this unique situation, but it's an absolutely intriguing thing out west. This lone tree along Hwy. 160 going west towards La Veta Pass has captured my attention for many, many years! It signifies resilience ... loniness ...strength ...vulnerablity ... endurance ... I feel like this tree. I am this tree.

Lone trees, lighthouses (although they are man-made), views, rocks, clouds, even that lone weed that somehow grows strong and green through a crack where nothing else lives...

then a smack of modern things about made me cry...on the other side of the same road - where a lone wooden WINDMILL once stood...is a solar panel!! wind energy vs. sun energy... but there is just something romantic about the lone western windmill. gone...forgotten...replaced...
perhaps Tree enjoyed the movement, sound (?) of his swirling friend across the way? Before I forget, in the background is Goemmer Butte (photo version)....for those of you who want a more geology base explanation please click here, if I'm not mistaken, this area is a 'failed' rift! Of course, that left interesting outcroppings- not a failure in my eyes ;) I have a RIFT facinaction! I will show you another when we start our ROADTRIP soon!

Up La Veta Pass we go and look what we see? Herbie goes camping??

adorable. cute. leads to my vintage camper fascination. Think I found one here!

ah, well...our home away from home is definitely just that.
Back to 'what I found'!!! I am a list maker. I love lists. I even have a book list and a 'to do' list on my Yahoo home page! I have a list in my journal, a menu list, list of projects... Bubba Gump of lists! I have found Tuex Duex! Aside from the catchy name...it works just like a real list! Guess what? I found a LIST of all the Colorado mountain passes! (I've been over most esp. as a child- I loved them back then, too.) The photos of the passes that he linked are just breathtaking....reminds me why yearly Colorado license plates are expensive...a lot of these passes are -open- during the winter. I'm guessing it's not cheap to maintain all these roads. Look at I-70-of course, that gets federal money as well....the beginning of our ROADTRIP will soon take us over the Continential Divide along I-70. We do 'cheat' by going through the Eisenhower Tunnel!

The view from a gas station in Fort Garland. (May 2010)

Another thing I found was Grooveshark....a great user-friendly music interface!

Of course, it led to a long post with numerous hyperlinks ;) I'm putting my lone tree shot as my desktop background...have a wonderful day!

Nature had the Last Word

2010-07-04T21:50:00.003-06:00

Happy 4th of July America!

My son is great with the grill!

Even though we live in Colorado Springs...our neighborhood is specifically in 'the County'...so fireworks are legal. I have to admit..I'm not a firework person unless it's a professionally done or a show at Disney World. Otherwise, they make me nervous. We have some neighbors that spend hundreds...even driving to Wyoming for some that aren't for sale in Colorado. Again, maybe I'm missing the point-I don't get it. So, I take a shower enjoying my 'quietness' in there and then I hear heavy rain, lightening, and thunder. Now, it hasn't rained in about three months! As I'm about to do a little dance or something...then I hear HAIL...in Colorado -hail is no joke- We move some stuff aside and get my daughters car inside the garage...thankfully.

My crop of spinach didn't do so well... it's amazing how sad this makes me. Oh, and my first blooms for my lilies was today.
:(

Here is a piece of hail with a cell phone! But as quick as it came through, the storm moved out and we are back to the continuous hard, deep popping of these major fireworks...that resemble bomb noises.
Somehow, I enjoy nature noises better....uh...I here some more rain!

Cloud Shadows

2010-07-01T10:48:00.004-06:00

I could see owning some land/home and called my 'ranch'- Cloud Shadows! Probably not unique, but such views conjures up special feelings. Kind of like seeing a plane's shadow going over you and think that is a 'dragon shadow'!

Knitting and reading! This is a project that, for whatever reason, took 5 tries to get going! Of course, it was yours truly, that read the instructions incorrectly! Can't see it yet, but it's a series of cable twists.

One thing I am getting correct is a very small plot of SPINACH!

OK, I know we are a Navy family and I am married to Popeye, but this is one vegetable that I love to eat raw...or steamed...yum! I don't know why it took me so long to try my green thumb at growing this stuff for myself, but ...I'm quite proud of my 'crop'!

Have you ever written a post and get thoroughly involved with what you are looking up?

...the good 'ol days of real CARTOONS!!!!

Rat Days of Summer

2010-06-28T14:03:00.002-06:00

Ok, it looks like Remy the Rat isn't giving up the Purple Converse without a fight! nooo, just kidding, there is not an aggressive bone in his body!

It's estimated that it's his birthday week- Happy 2nd BD little ratty!

This, That, and the Other

2010-06-24T09:35:00.007-06:00

1924 Chevy- $480

So, I have plans for a late Father's Day gift...knitted version of something I can't say- in case my DH is reading ;) It's late because I want my son and I to hand it to him! That's right- we are going on a ROAD TRIP! I have a little car which I use for mainly around town and work. It really hasn't gone longer than 150 one-way! I'm enjoying pondering how to pack and pack light! So, sometime in July it's OUR turn to go to San Diego.

2008 -$way too much

SO, the 'Cute Little Black Car' gets to go on a TRIP! ..she's smiling...can't ya tell?

My ever growing 'Summer Project' list is being squelched by the summer days going too fast.

Lately, my TV interests have included Property V*, Holmes on Homes, Unsellable, International House Hunters...I think you get the picture. I'm enjoying my days of wandering around not paying attention to time.

Today is cooler and with not a cloud in the sky I really should be outside fiddling around the OUTSIDE of the house! Which ends up putting me further from my 'project to do list' :/

Because of another pondering, I found this link satisfying!

Happy Summer!

2010-06-21T16:22:00.004-06:00

Banana-Bread Cake...more cake than bread. The color was a slight mistake, but I think it came out FUN!

I enjoy more nuts than others! My butter cream frosting is from a recipe from a good friend of mine. (...you know who you are)

...don't you love the little banana specs within the cake?

It was soooo tasty! The altitude corrections I made were a couple more Tbsp. of flour, decreased the baking soda and power each by 1/4 tsp., and decreased the sugar by 1/3 cup. It came out so00 moist and fluffy! In high altitude, if you don't make adjustments, it can be hard and flatter. We are at 6300 ft.-which isn't super high, but I still feel making the adjustments helps.
I'm still laughing just looking at the color of that icing though!!! Happy Summer!

Monday

2010-06-14T14:26:00.003-06:00

Talk about feeling on edge! Our yearly trip up Pikes Peak....love it up there! (14, 110 ft. elevation)

Our first try at.... FUNNEL CAKES!

This is one of the best buy! It's a pet travel hammock by Top Paw.... When we travel, it's usually in my husbands truck. I usually don't have Nugget in my car...but, now I have no choice. Her HAIR gets really overwhelming and my nice soft leather seats...

This absolutely solved it! A good test was a recent visit to my parents..rain that morning, muddy paws, etc. It totally kept the car clean and hair contained until I got home -an easy unsnap and shake off!
Amazing how small of ball she can make of herself!

Two Posts in one Day!!

2010-06-04T19:20:00.003-06:00

Look what my neighbor cut for me!!!! Beautiful peonies that smell absolutely beautiful!

After dinner, looking forward to a cup of..... ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS???? I MEAN REALLY!?

the thing was doing the back stroke!!!!!!!!! I mean, 1994 sq. ft. and it has to find
this INCH of the house?????

A New Day

2010-06-04T11:04:00.003-06:00

Might be a simple thing, but I've never taken my net-book outside to compose a post...plein-aire posting! So, while the porch is in the shade...
Well, my husband got off nicely yesterday and is traveling through Tucson right now. My daughter is enjoying being the 'co-pilot'. It was hard saying good-bye because it felt so sudden and permanent, but as life proves...things are not permanent. We are planning a trip out to San Diego mid-July!
Choices...this is a difficult choice for us-husband to finish up his career without us moving with him. It's called 'geo-bachelor' in the military. My son and I are staying here. Of course, the reality is (hey, a cottonwood fluff landed on my keyboard) is that selling our home is out of the question right now in today's market, stability for my son staying in the same high school, and, of course, I have the type of job that I'm off at great times! SO! Although this will be difficult at times..... it's for the greater good.
I still can't get over that this bird is a female red winged black bird!

*admin note* I keep getting a Japanese spam comment even with the little code at the end when you comment, so I've taken that off and went to comment moderation.

What did we do Memorial Day Weekend?

2010-06-01T18:45:00.005-06:00

First, a trip to Denver to pick up our niece came from GA -this was a surprise for my daughter(my niece is going to Macon State....and just heard news she was accepted in the nursing program!!! WOO-HOO! (she is a junior)

Second, we had four of the cutest kids come (my friend from Loveland, CO)

Then off to ......our daughters high school graduation!!!!! (can't see it, but she had Converse on!) Let's please review ....who needed the tissue more!? (uh-um.....my husband)

The proud 'little' brother...

Then last, but not least....my daughter's 18th birthday! Then another trip to Denver to say goodbye to our niece today....we already missed you!!!!! (Nugget even looked for you tonight)

Whew! An awesome emtional tireness, but I think I could crash right now.............

Through it all-we did not forget those that gave their lives for us all!

So!....how was your weekend?

An Amazing Young Lady

2010-05-19T20:11:00.005-06:00

My Dear Daughter...days are coming down to the wire. Through the busy times...of getting your brother set up for the summer -try-out for high-school baseball...he made it as catcher! Also, getting ready for summer marching band for his freshman year. WHAT? His middle school years are over? So between all the 'lasts'- last concerts, last fun school activities, the last visit to World Arena- this time in CAP & GOWN... Your going out as your brother is going in. Even though you may not realize it, you have been a great role model for your 'baby brother'! On top of this, with Daddy going to San Diego to finish his great Naval career, you are going to carry forth this pride with your choice to join the Navy! Words can not express how proud I am of you. In July when I witness your swearing-in to serve your country, a place I stood about 20 years ago, I will be so proud. You are a smart, beautiful, and very independent young lady with an important milestone that will pass in a few days. I may be a mess...as I already am writing this. I'm sooo proud of you and will miss you sooooooo much... our talks, our craft store visits, our lunches, our book outings...you are such a neat person. Of course, sometimes I have that imagine when I let you go to Kindergarten...you didn't look back, but as you embark on being a young adult...don't you look back! You got a hold on this world and I'll be wherever you are!

So, Happy Graduation and Happy 18th Birthday, my little girl.

I saw a Western Kingbird yesterday morning (photo taken from Google Images)