I know I promised resolutions and they will come...but I have to share this. If I could do one thing for the rest of my life...I would love to do this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4&feature=player_embedded

I am constantly amazed by animals and the abilities that they have.

New Years Resolutions

I have never been one to make resolutions. I think that will change this year. I have grand hopes for 2010. After having spent the last 8 years of my life being a caretaker for Dear Aunt Myrna I am free to concentrate on other things. Stay tuned...I'll be posting what I have planned for a New Year!

I Know...

That this may come as a huge shock to a few of you but, I am obsessed with getting a few chickens. I have been talking about this for quite a while now and have done nothing about it.

So, this Saturday there is a self guided tour of backyard chicken coops in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert. And, the clencher is the name "Tour de Coops"! That little french spin makes it irresistible.


How could I resist. Now, I need people to go with. I am directionally challenged. I can drive, but finding these backyards will be a big problem. Who's up for it? Let me know and I'll get the tickets.

Things I've Learned About California...

They are very upscale. Arizona has Tent City they have Men's Colonies. Do the women have Spas?




There's still abeach that you can drive your truck on. Doesn't my truck look happy?

Buck loved this beach. I think The Peddler did too!
Doesn't he look like a happy beach dog?
And what's this? Hoof prints in the sand?

A beach you can ride your horse on. How about it Sam? Are you ready?

Riding off into the sunset. Pismo is a fabulous beach. I can only imagine what it's like in the summer. I may just need to find out!

Update!!!!

Mason is awake and groggy. Tests are done and now they will wait until Dec. 8th for the results. He even got to pick his flavor of gas...his choice, Skittles. Flavored gas, who would have thought!

Mason's First Day Of Preschool

Yesterday was Mason's first day of preschool. He was a little nervous at first but had a great time!

Today he is in a Denver hospital getting a scope put into his stomach to see why he has so many tummy issues. Something he has had done before, but still nothing we want this little guy to go through. They will also do a biopsy of his esophagus to see if any damage has been done. Mason has had tummy trouble since he was born. It will more than likely take a surgery to correct, but we hope not. Please keep our little man in your thoughts and prayers today.

Grammy and Papa love you Mason! xoxo

One Of Our Favorite Places

This is for you Judy B. You love antiquing in Cambria and we love Moonstone Beach!
We were on our way back down from San Simeon. Believe it or not there is a really nice Motel 6 there right across the highway from the beach. The back of the motel backs up to Hearst Castle land. Got to see all of the Zebras that are still there. Too far away for a picture but there were lots of them.

This quite possibly could be our favorite beach spot ever.

And this is where we go every time we are here, which isn't often enough. It's been at least 10 years. We were happy to see them still in business.

The view from the outdoor patio.

Hmmm, I wonder who these are for?

Calimari and Steamers anyone? The steamers were mouthwatering!

Buck finally got to play on the beach!

Proof that I am really here!

So, here's some pictures from the first leg of our camping adventure.

The first big campfire at Carpenteria State Beach.

Sunset...I think I posted one of these already.

This is the campground after it has sort of emptied out. They really pack you in like sardines. And it's not a pull through park. It's all back in. I was pretty impressed with The Peddler!

It seems to me that when I was young and we lived in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara when we would make the trip to L.A. the rolling hills were full of cattle and huge oak trees. Now, it's full of vineyards! Apparently there's more money in wine than cattle. Acres and acres look just like this. Beautiful bit kinda sad. It's been at least 12 years since I've made this trip. Big changes.


Say good bye to Carpenteria State Beach. It was nice to camp so close to the ocean but there were no dogs allowed on the beach, so no fun for Buck.

This is where we ended up last night right at dusk. Morro Bay. This is beautiful. I've only seen Morro Rock from the highway. Never came out to the actual town. Can't wait to go explore and get some pictures of this beautiful park. So, that's what Buck and I are going to do now! Here's to a great day! But it is chilly.

We Are Crossing This Dream Off Of The List!

Here we are pulling out...

The Peddler....happy happy

Buck happy happy...

Getting close...

almost there...

Our first sunset of the trip.! Here's to lots of sunsets!

My Hopes For Posting.....

May be dashed. We brought the wrong disc to load the wireless internet and the campground doesn't have wi-fi. The Peddler has run off to Verizon to see if he can get a disc. I hope they will have one. I've got stories to tell. So much has happened andwe aren't even at the beach yet. Here's a little tease. Today has already involved a dog attack and a broken finger. Let's hope we get connected so I can tell you the rest of the story and post pictures! Cross your fingers..haha

I'm posting from a friend of Rick's computer or I would put the pictures on right now. I don't think Dave would appreciate my pictures on his computer!

Watch Out California...Here We Come!

We're hitched up and ready to head out. I promise to post a picture a day (if all of the technical items in my life work right!) Wish me luck.

Let's see if they're reading!


It's Veterans day and I would like to thank my son-in-law Gale. Not only for serving our Country but for being a wonderful husband and father. And my daughter, Cristine for being a supportive military wife and a great mother!

Love all of you!
And thank you to all of the wonderful men and women that have served and are serving our Country!

Busy Day!

So this is what it feels like to be retired...I love it. Went to Bliss Fest and saw lots of friends that I have not seen in quite some time. Fun to catch up! From there to the Rubber Stamp Convention. Again, more friends. All of this of course, with my good friend Judy, and then off to lunch. Back to Mystic Paper for a great class with Ericka and then home. I think the dog missed me!

Tomorrow is The Peddler's birthday and he is AWOL. Working out of town and working on his birthday. Oh yeah, that's what I did on my birthday! We're insane. Retirement here we come!

So, I see that my partner in crime has let the cat out of the bag!

And, yes it's true that I am retiring in a weird sort of way. I have decided that it is time for me. Time for me to go see my grandkids more often, time to travel with The Peddler, and time to take classes and learn how to use all of this product that you have bought from us over the last five years.

Now, there's no need to panic because Jennifer is keeping Mystic Paper open. She has hired more employees (very talented employees I might add). So it will be business as usual at Mystic Paper minus me. Ohh, that stung a little!

I have made so many great friends at Mystic Paper and hope that we can stay in touch. I promise to blog more and you can always find me farming on Face Book. And you'll find me taking classes at Mystic Paper. My first one is this weekend. And smack me if you see me at the cash register.

Jennifer, thanks for the great learning experience this has been. And the laughs, temper tantrums (mine), and learning to appreciate oversized scissors! And, by the way, whens the party? Love you!

Another Highlight Of My Colorado Vacation

I got to take a little side trip to the Lipstick Ranch Studio of KC Willis. It's in a beautiful little town that is just as quaint as KC's Studio.

Just look at this cute victorian house!

This is one of her fanstastic collages that greet you at the front door.

And here is KC and her side kick Fiona.

KC working away at her sewing machine.

The piece that just had to come home with us. Her husband Logan makes all of her frames. He's quite the talented guy!

Alot of you know that I took KC's online Collage Camp class. It was well worth taking and visiting her in person was the icing on the cake. What a doll! I highly recommend her classes as well as a visit to her studio. And she is doing retreat classes at her studio now as well as online classes. I hope that Judy and I get to take a road trip to Colorado for a class in her studio next year!

A few more days with the kids and grandkids. What a great time we have had. School, karate, guitar, batting cages, miniature golf, playing bingo ( 1953 Bingo, nothing electronic) every evening after dinner. We've chopped wood, had some snow, big fires in the fireplace, and great meals. What more could you ask for? Pictures soon!

I lost my girl Abi today...

08-23-1999 to 09-17-09...miss you girl. xoxo

If You Love Horses Like I Do...

Check out this web site. http://mustangdiaries.blogspot.com/ . These horses are magnificent. They are in danger, and if I could save just one I would.

I have been reading this web site for a while now. These wild horses need to be saved.

http://www.nickolesphotography.com/Images/Stallion-Foal/index.htm

Just look at these pictures and tell me it doesn't break your heart.

Never Forget

Thank you to all of the men and women who serve our Country.

Why Is It???

I have done this before. I have made funeral arrangements. I have made a few trips to the Mortuary to sign papers, deliver papers, pick out urns and every time I walk in to this Mortuary I feel like they are going to walk Myrna out from a room and tell me to take her home. It's not wishful thinking, trust me, I know she is in a better place. Maybe it's because when you walk in you are surrounded by doors that everyone is behind. Kind of an odd arrangement if you ask me. That's it, it's the floor plan that bothers me. Yup, that's it! Too many doors bother me.

The Journey Is Over...

Dear Aunt Myrna passed away early this morning. It was peaceful and really a blessing. No one should have to live with the pain that she did. Granted, it was her choice, but still no way to live.

In My Mind This Is Where I Am...

In reality, this is where I am...

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transistion that's troublesome. Isaac Asmiov

It's been quite the journey with Dear Aunt Myrna (DAM). And, who knows, she could stay in transistion for a long time. That is what is troublesome. It's not where anyone should be.
I'll keep you posted.

First Day Of School

Third grade. Something The Peddler and I have not done for a long time...get the boy off to school. Jennifer is somewhere in Oklahoma and she has trusted us to get Tucker off to his first day of school. What the heck was she thinking? Breakfast...done.

Teeth brushed...lunch packed...backpack packed.

Hair done (sort of) Sorry Jennifer. He'll look much more put together when you get home.


Now let's hope The Peddler doesn't forget to pick him up!

So, The Peddler and I have been in charge of this guy...

while his mother is on a sister/sister bonding trip all the way from South Carolina. I will admit that I was freaked out. What was I going to do with an 8 year old boy? What do they eat (especially Tucker), what do they do, how do you control them? O.K. got the picture...I freaked. I spent the week before Jennifer left asking questions. And then I found out...he's a kid, a very well behaved kid. Sure he has his mischievous times, but all in all a great kid.
He helped The Peddler mow his lawn today. As in Tuckers backyard and front yard. Not our yard.

He pushed, and he sweated. After all it was 100 degrees and humid for us Arizona people.

And eventually, this little boy got the job done. Tomorrow is another big jog. Tucker starts 3rd grade. And, The Peddler and I are taking him to school, taking pictures, packing a lunch, and hoping for the best!...and...we're loving it!

In case you've been wondering...

I have been spending alot of time with Dear Aunt Myrna (DMA) she has developed gangrene which is not a good thing. This is going to be a very trying time since I am the one and only person that is here to deal with it. Thank God for Hospice of The Valley!

Where have I been...

I kind of jumped ship and went over to facebook. Seems I'm addicted to a little mindless game called Farmtown. The fun part is that you can play with your friends, many of which I haven't talked to in years. I'm having fun just chatting away. I can even chat with my step son in Hanoi providing we're awake at the same time.

Today is Buck and Scarlett's BIG ADVENTURE!!

Scarlett is our new next door neighbor, as in, Jennifer's new cat. They are both getting fixed today. Not fixed because they're broken but fixed so we don't add to the over population problem. Buck was none to happy about it. Hopefully he will behave himself. They had to be there at 6:30 A.M. so needless to say I forgot to take pictures. We took them to a relatively new Spay and Neuter Clinic in the east valley called Niki's Place. They've got great prices and I think their concept is good. Separate dog and kitty entrances. Big waiting room. Nice and clean. It's a bit of a wait since they have everyone arrive at 6:30 A.M. Great friendly staff (that's always a plus). The owner named it after her Rottweiler Niki. You can tell they really love animals.

While we're on the subject of our furry friends here is a link to buy green, organic, pet shampoo. This is the same company that I get cleaning supplies from. I love this shampoo! It's a low lather shampoo which made rinsing a snap.

Wow, today's blog is like one big advertisement! But I love my pets and I know so many of you that do also. Carlene, Maija, Marissa, Mike and Lesley. You all know who you are!

So, here's to Buck and Scarlett's quick recovery!

Guess what my new neighbor found in her driveway this morning? Did we have a storm that I didn't hear? I knew my new neighbor was good blog fodder!