Kitty on Pot

Couldn't resist this one....picture says it all!

Continental Congress

I know this post is a little out of sequence…but what a delightful few days in Washington DC. What a trip this turned out to be...spent Monday night at the airport in Phoenix.  Just didn't make the midnight flight and the next plane leaves at six am...so logically I decided to stay at the airport, with all the back and forth travel time, it would only leave me three hours at home.  Instead I got to watch a few drug dogs being trained, TV news and the chance to take a short nap before being awakened by the new arrivals.  Luckily I did get on the flight and thought wow...I am on the way...right...no it was wrong. The plane had problems, we left four hours later, had to wait for a part to be flown in from LA.  Made it to Chicago, yeah!... needed to fly into Chicago to be able to get into Reagan Airport that is only ten minutes from the hotel.  With forty-five minutes between the next flight, I was cautiously worried about making this connection, but I did. And thought lucky me! 

Well this time it was bad weather over DC, that held us on the tarmac for ninety minutes...oh well, we were finally up, up and away.  Missed my dinner with friends but got to the hotel at eight thirty, had a small dinner in the bar and off to bed, the convention started at eight am. 

And lucky me I got to walk by the White House each day...back side..what a view. It was only a ten-minute walk from the hotel to the DAR Buildings.  Told Omaha each day what I thought...great feeling, I know he didn't listen. Met some wonderful people there...learned more about DAR, things that you can only learn and feel by attending the conference. More on this later. Only regret, didn't stay long enough.  Should have stayed for the 4th of July parade and ceremonies,  will plan better next year.

The Chair from?

The pattern...the pattern.  I should have known better. This is driving me mad and crazy trying to match the pattern on so many pieces.  After awhile...its hard to remember which way is up. Think I will put it aside for today. Need to sand the legs...will wait til it cools off a bit.  Just taking longer than I wanted.

New Project

And here it is!  This wing back chair is now all apart, staples removed and pieces and parts numbered and indentified.  There was around 500 staples in this chair holding the various fabric pieces and the entire chair I believe together.  Fingers are sore today. Tomorrow?  I will refinish the legs...want them a few shades darker and then on to cut the new pieces.  The new fabric was bought for a dollar a yard at the local fabric store...every Wedsday they have bolts for sale...$1 a yard. So far this chair redo has cost $13 and it will be a bargain.  Wish me luck...I took lots of pictures and am hoping I can get it back together.

Memories of the Cat House and thoughts of John

Photo of the Cat House built for Tabatha and Einstien. Both cats were strays and found a home with us...at our Gilbert home.  Found this is a book that Melanie had brought to work...a Mary E...book. Just love her things. George built it and the cats lived there ...was thier security and place of shelter for many years.  Time took its toil on the little cat house and the cats.  Einstien was with us for two years and Tabbie for around fifteen.We had a prankster of a neighbor...John was his name...he put up signs in the front yard about George's Cat House...this one I will let you use your imagination. Sweet Memories...

Here's to Buddy, one fine gentleman of a dog.  Have never enjoyed a dog coming into my life as much as buddy...that beautiful golden retriever.  He's been here a month now and what a joy and treasurer he is.
I think I must thank this young lady ....his previous owner for his good manners.  He actually waits for me to go in and out of the door. Heels...and does it with out a fuss.  Its now me and my shadow...Buddy.
I am the lucky one.

My Friend

And this is my best friend...can't you see by her face.  Without her at times, my life would be not be right...we talk each day...actually she is my sister by choice...aren't I the lucky one!

Back!

A break from life was needed and I took it. Almost became a hermit...but I am back.  Just keeping some things to a minimum and enjoying the rest. Why I choose this picture? Who knows!

Angel and Fozie

The Goats

These little sweeties are now living across the street. What a delight they are...the antics they do...jousting, chasing each other, trying to butt heads and the calls.  Not sure what you would call their baying, but  everytime I go out front or walk to the mail box, there they are...calling and calling for guess what.  Orange tree leaves...that's their favorite or should I say after the real thing, an orange. Lucky for them they live in an orchard.  Never in my life would I have thought that goats would eat an orange...they do and love it.
I enjoy them...just like a bunch of childer playing in a school yard.  Thanks God...its amazing.

The burning

the beginning

the end

A cleansing, a burning and a release...it took me about 4 hours to burn all of my work papers, design guidelines, correspondence and related materials.  It is great looking at the ashes now, I didn't think so then, just wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do.

Looking back, yes it was..all gone! And the release, cleansing, letting go is great.  There are not any physical reminders...just what is left in my heart.  Any one for a burning?

A Wild Five Days in LA

Sitting here nursing a cold and reflecting on what a crazy life I have at times...just spent five days in LA at a seminar.  It was a  WOW...and a whole lot crazy.  Fun as you can see from the photos.  It wore me out...up at 5:30 and to be at 2:00.  We were busy...busy.  Took bus tours of LA...I know one thing for sure...I will never move there!  Just to much traffic and grid lock.
We had tickets to watch a portion of the Jay Leno show being filmed..what a hoot.  Loved being in the studio and then we were off to visit an old friend and his family. Great times.

Tree Art

Recieved a gift a couple of years ago from a dear friend, that I never was able to use...you can see it on this tree stump.  Knew I would be moving and didn't want to put it up and have to leave it there.  So today while trying to organize the garage the gift was found again and this time attached to this wonderful old citrus tree.  Though long dead... the eyes, nose and mouth fit this tree...perhaps a bird will actually get a meal...the mouth is a bird feeder. Love it!  Another addition that makes this place a home.  Come and visit some time. And thanks again for the gift!

80th Birthday

A celebration of live!  My father in law turned 80 last Friday and we did celebrate at the Olive Garden.

The attendees and the honored guest enjoyed a wonderful meal, music and companionship. We toasted, talked about life experiences and wished Wally a happy, happy birthday.  The cake shown was made by a family friend, a pastry chef, and it was as good and delicious as it looks. Chocolate leaves and sugarcoated raspberries covered the top. I believe that Wally was touched (saw some small tears) and had a wonderful day.  And that is what life is about...wonderful days.

Home for a Cat

Another cat?  No, oh No! I seem to attract cats...all kinds and sizes. This has been a reoccurring theme through out my life.  And guess what I am a dog person.... these critters just some how enter my life.  Here is the newest addition...a white male that has adopted us and especially Mattie May.  They do the walk about together around the property each morning.  Stretch as I am calling him now (that's what he does a lot of.... fitting) is a cute guy who was abandoned and has been on his own since last June. He is just a friendly boy, loves to be petted, stroked and loved.  Spice, my other cat is not a happy girl; she does not like him around.  Have you ever seen two cats fight thru a sliding glass door...squeals, scratching and posturing...what a scream?  So we now have an outside cat...and I am sure a new cathouse will need to be built. Got to love it!

Tostada Bowl, A Flag Day

One thing that I was able to do and never will forget the wonderful, almost floating experience happened at the Tostada Bowl this year.  I got to be part of the volunteers to open the flag on the field.  We arrived at the stadium in Glendale around 2:30 to meet and be oriented on the procedures of unfolding, running the flag and actually keeping it off the ground during the pre game ceremonies. What fun we had, though the wait for 45 seconds of fame was trying.  That’s how long the song was played and we had to unfurl it and refold in that time frame. Meet lots of wonderful people from Alabama and Oregon.  It was a feast for the eyes or should I say imagination...seeing some of the costumes and outfits.  And I must say I love those southern ladies attitudes, makes me smile just thinking of them. If I come back to another life on earth...please I would love to be one, a southern lady.

This flag is the size of the football field and we had 200 volunteers helping with it. I was under the flag helping to keep it afloat.... what a feeling!  I will never be able to describe it...seeing the flag above and the grass below...almost like a dance. Next year...hope I get to do it again.  It was a WOW! 

Little Dog with a Big Attitude

Barkley is his name. He is a Miniature Pincher that we adopted about 10 years ago and dearly love. This little dog has been such a great pal and pet.  Last summer he developed diabetics unfortunately it took a while for us to realize he was sick.  A trip to our vet and he knew just by looking at his eye what the problem was. Several test later and days spent measuring his glucoses levels, he is now somewhat under control.

He has lost seven pounds in the last few months and now has a cataract brought on by this disease. His life now revolves around a special diet, shoots (this is the worst part for me) and a quest for walks. We are hoping that we can keep it under control to avoid more side effects (loss of his vision) and other problems.  Though along with his allergies, some days it’s one or the other of these afflictions are bothering him.  My hope is that Mr. Longlegs as I affectionately call him is with us for a long time. This is his favorite poise and chair....so cute.

The Last? Yucky Project

Powered soap scum

 Finally started attacking the master shower stall today and what a mess.  Moldy caulk and soap scum are abundant in this shower.  I have rinsed it with bleach and soaked some of the caulk with no success at removing the mold. So now its straight edge blades and box cutters to the rescue...not really a rescue just more hard work.  I have always wanted a walk in shower and more than ever wish I had it.  No cleaning of shower doors and the metal fabricated frames that have lots of small cervices full of old moldy caulk, just waiting for me to remove...and its a nuisance and hard work.  But this is it for now on the inside of the house..the last gross item to be cleaned.

Removed caulk and scum

Last night the smoke alarms kept making that sharp annoying wail every five minutes...and guess what it started at 2 o clock in the morning...had to disconnect the thing...close the 12 foot high ceiling. Imagine finding a ladder and opening my eyes wide enough to figure out how to disconnect it.  First thing this morning four of the seven smoke alarms were replaced...the rest perhaps tomorrow.  Have you ever seen fly poop on a smoke alarm...these alarms were covered.  Hopefully the last of the items covered in poop.  Cannot imagine how many flies must have made this house their home.

On the war front with the pigeons...we are winning.  I shake a broom in the air at them and they leave, now George has a silly little gun that shoots yellow balls...and they leave.  One day soon, they will not visit our roof, leave thier deposits  and not lay any more eggs.  I have to say...Oh Happy Day.  And no more poop...is there a theme here?

Time? Where did it go?

Just opened my blog and its been almost a month since I have opened it. Where did the time go?
Holidays, cookie exchanges, dinners out, company from out of state, holiday parties, and just things we normally do.  One other item...working on the new house.  Fixing and cleaning the master shower stall, full of scum and mold in the caulk.  Yuck!  Finding the rubber gasket for the bottom of the door was the hardest....but done.
Christmas I must say was great here in Queen Creek, lots of homes were decorated, cold weather, frost on the lawn and rain.  What a treat!  Will update more tomorrow.