Gardening Muscles

I finally was able to till the garden after all the rain we've been getting.  Then it was a finding time to hit the greenhouse for tomato plants and etc.  

Tuesday, finally I headed out and probably bought more plants than were necessary, but I did it.  

Then yesterday I did it!  I got in there and played in the dirt. 

Plotted out where I wanted it all to go.  Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash a few herbs, I was ready to make it happen!

All done!  OUCH...this morning I got up and realized I activated the gardening muscles.  

Little Rio is now just about 7-1/2 months old and growing like a weed. 

She is teething, eating a few fruits and veggies and is Miss Personality.  She will be crawling before we know it and walking is just around the corner.  What a joy, yet sometimes a headache for her sweet mama and daddy as sleep is sometimes elusive.   

Obsessed

I'm obsessed with this video of this young boy singing...amazing.

Launched

Okay people...the girl has launched.  The girl in question is our youngest, Afton.  She has launched her Pledge Music project Sangster:  Human Becoming.  If you please take a look and if so possibly inclined you can PLEDGE!!!!!  It's so exciting.  Be sure to watch the video at the beginning.  Thanks everyone for being here and sharing my world!

Carla

Vacation In Review

We arrived in LA  for our long visit with Afton and Nick.  First on the things to do list was to fill our tummy and relax after the flight with the "kiddo's".  

The next day was a fabulous brunch with their friends Carla and Marcie at their beautiful home in the backyard.  The brunch lasted well until the evening hour because we were having such a wonderful visit.

Their gardens gave me tons of photo opportunities to add to my growing collection of painting subjects.  The most exciting thing was seeing oranges and lemons growing in their backyard!

We also spent some time in Afton and Nick's little apartment with their resident felines, Frieda and Zig.  

We got to go to a community college to watch Nick practice for an upcoming performance with an orchestra (he's a Vibraphone player);  played pool in Santa Monica after dinner of which The Hubby left his drivers license and we didn't discover until the night before we were to fly home.  That was a 4 hour drive back and forth to get it.  We also sat in on one of their music classes that they both teach at a Montessori school.  One evening we went to one of their haunts to listen to a group of people play some David Bowie music in I think his black days.  It was so very loud that we actually LEFT!  All of us were not impressed but it was interesting.  On Thursday evening we went with them to a venue called Curve Line Space, an art gallery in Eagle Rock, CA.  Nick produces a continuing program called Elastic Hour.  He brings in different musicians to preform and just this last week was written up in the LA Weekly.  It is quite impressive.  So the week was a lot, a LOT of music, but of course that is what they do.  

One day we drove up to Solvang, California, to some wine country.  The drive was just beautiful and the orchards and orchards of oranges, lemons, limes and olive trees was breathtaking.  Unfortunately we didn't stop to take pictures off of the freeway.   

We did however enjoy a lot of wine and pack our bags with five bottles of the yummy stuff with not one broken for the flight home and a 6th for Nick for his upcoming birthday present!

Coquelicot Vineyard 

Back home after a long, long drive we ate some delicious Indian food at Clay Oven.  I think there was a bit too much tiredness going on so she played with her rice... 

and time in the car found me braiding her hair from the backseat.

Friday night before we were to leave was Nick's birthday so a PARTY was planned at their favorite hangout Left Coast Wine Bar.  

What a great venue!  The food was great, the entertainment awesome and the walls are covered in some great art.  They have open mic nights often and Afton has played there many times.  That evening we met tons of their friends which I must say made my heart strings happy.  To see our girl finding her life there and getting plugged into her world was great and the friends could not gush enough about both of them.  We are so very proud of how her life is going and to see her glowing with happiness is awesome.  She has taken a path in her life that makes her very happy and content.

Yes, yes it was Nick's birthday and boy did he bank on the wine for gifts.  They may have to invest in a wine fridge.

I have to say it was a wonderful visit but I am glad to be home.  We missed that little Rio so much and our Clayton and our BED!  

Travel Time

Just a quick note to let all know that I'm still here.  We are traveling and will be heading home tomorrow morning.  Hope to have some nice pics, mainly of flowers, but pictures from our time away.  We jetted off to see Afton in kind of sunny LA.  Really it has been nice but a bit cool.  We even had a bit of rain when we went to Solang, a wonderful little wine area for the day.  Lot's of fabulous music and time with Afton and her guy Nick.  I'm a bit nervous to fly tomorrow with the delays and all but looks like the Congress may have taken care of that little problem just before we board tomorrow.  Don't mind flying but the process, security, boarding, flights on time, that is what makes me antsy.  We only have an hour layover for the next flight in Vegas and I DON'T want to be late.  We are getting a bit desparate to see our little guy Clayton and the precious face of our little RIO!  We have missed home so very much.  Later gators...

Baby, Baby, Baby

First Kiss

Have you ever reconnected with your first kiss?  I did!  Since I do the high school reunions I'm in touch with most everyone, which is very odd if you know me.  I've been in touch with Carry for many years via Facebook and email but in the nearly 40 years since high school have only seen him once, at the 15 year reunion, with his lovely wife.  Since we are friends out of high school I invited him and his wife to come to dinner sometime and guess what, on this past Monday night he came to dinner with The Hubby and I.  His wife was with her family and Carry decided to come to town to visit his mother, so he called.  We grilled a wonderful steak and sat on our new patio, had dinner and some wonderful conversation.  I knew The Hubby and he would get along because they both love history stuff and I was right.  It's kind of weird but in prospective I was only 13 years old when I got that first kiss and we really didn't know each other. We are forging a new friendship, 40 years later.  What is weird is that I had that wide-eyed young love giddy still burning for that first kiss guy for many, many years but since I have gotten to know him as a grown-up and met him again, well, it's gone.  I used to get that little flutter when he emailed pictures of his family and grandchildren or the thought of seeing him again but the giddy and flutter is GONE!  He's just a guy from my childhood and all of that stuff is burned out.  I've got another kind of giddy and flutter that takes its place and he's called The Hubby!  Sometimes visiting the past is a bit healing, don't you think.  It's puts all of that kind of stuff in perspective for me.  I have much better memories of meeting The Hubby and our first kiss, our first touch...lots of first.  I choose to remember the first kiss from the guy that changed my life forever, The Hubby, now that's a first kiss!

Stuff is a Happening...

So much has happened this past week and weekend I had to share.  First of all was seeing my art actually hanging on Thursday at The Beauty Loft.  Oh my goodness it is does so much for my ego and confidence you can't imagine.  

Then on Friday after our usual Thai lunch buffet at Bangkok Buffet we grabbed our fortune cookies and this is what was on our fortunes.  The first one is mine and the second is The Hubby's.  I was taken by surprise by both of them said something about Friday and it was Friday.  So much is going on for us right now this doesn't surprise me but for me should have been Saturday... 

We went to the cabin for the weekend and Saturday while The Hubby went to the gun show I went we four other ladies to The Canebrake for lunch.  The Canebrake is a destination spa in northeastern Oklahoma and a wonderful place to visit.  Anyway, when we walked in the door we saw on the walls art, lots of art adorning the place.  Then they started talking about a friend of one of them that had a show for an entire month in March.  Then the encouragement started about my art.  They saw it on my phone and went on and on and talked to the owner who informed us that the only month left open this year was October if I was interested....YES....HELL YES!  So, in October I will have a month long show and hopefully a reception for my art!  I'm so very excited but I really NEED to get some more stuff painted ASAP!  So my Saturday was my fortune cookie come true!

Now on to the rest of the weekend.  The Hubby decided that it was time that the dead tree in front of our porch at the cabin had to go.  I was not happy because that dead was what my beautiful clematis climbed on but he would not be detered.  

He tried to pull it down with the truck but he was fooled to think it was totally rotten, it was not.  So a chain saw had to be used.

Now we have a lot of baby tree logs all over the place and he will have to rent a splitter and I will have to try and find something to fill the void and save my clematis. 

 

One fun thing is that while I was sitting on the porch I saw a bluebird fly into the box that has been up for a couple of years with nest making stuff in her beak!  YEAH..baby bluebirds.

I also filled the other feeders and have purple finches and gold finches flocking in. 

A quick ride around and I found all the rain has started the dam to really have some water flowing. 

Then a sweet picture of our little boy sunning...ohhhhh Clayton...we love you little guy. 

How Was Your Easter!

Good morning all.  Thought I would stop by and share a bit.  Life here has been pretty busy with work, babysitting and just life in general.  My world seems to be full of work and baby as I watch little Rio at work.    It reminds me of having our girls at the office when they were babies.  They were both raised in the office.  When B was born we had our business in the house and the business phone, so when it rang sometimes it was a challenge to not have a crying baby on hand.  When she was about 4 or 5 we built the shop and then began my travel to the office to do my work.  I didn't go in every day as we had an answering service and there just wasn't something for me to do everyday, much like today really.  I remember when I had A and was in the office on that Friday doing payroll (it was weekly back then) and was having labor pains.  I had her that next day and was back at the office that next Friday doing payroll.  Yes, life rolls on.  Now Rio is continuing the tradition.

Friday evening I also kept the little bugger for the first all-nighter.   

(the night before)

 I was definitely a bit scared but we weathered it and I can proudly say it was a rousing success.

(the next morning...see I didn't break her)

Our Easter was so wonderful.  I invited my family and The Hubby's side for a meal of ham and the sides, of which everyone contributed.  Everyone was able to come less one of the nephew's and his family and A.  The weather cooperated fully and we even had a small fire in the firepit.  

Fart Girl

Tuesday morning, a very cold Tuesday morning.  My goodness I think winter has decided it needed to stay around a bit longer.  The Hubby went out of town to hang with some buddies for a few days at a lodge somewhere in Arkansas to return today.  He texted me that it has been almost non-stop snow and COLD.  They are quite miserable but one of the guys is a fantastic cook so they've been eating like kings.  He so needed a get-away of some kind.  I needed a get-away too but mines just a stay-at-home kind.  It's been kind of nice to have a couple of days of just me and Clayton.  Of course I still had to work yesterday but that brings time with the little princess, Miss Rio.  

I got to spend some time Sunday with the drama queen as they went out to celebrate B2's birthday.  I may get to try the overnight thing again on Friday night as they celebrate 5 years of marriage.  I'm a little scared because she's still not sleeping all night.  We tried when she was very young and that did not work but now that she is almost 6 months old it might work.  

Funny thing about this little beauty is that I had not heard her laugh in person yet.  I just could not get her to giggle for me, then on Sunday while watching her I took her to the changing table to change her diaper.  Just as I took the wet one off and leaned over to toss in the trash she farted.  She farted a whistle kind of one that must have tickled because she belted out a belly laugh at herself.  Then she was on a roll and I was laughing so hard at her I had tears.  Oh, how I love to hear babies laugh.  My world is complete to hear sweet Rio laugh!  

Wednesday night I'm entertaining my old Jazzercise group of girls here.  They haven't seen the new bathroom addition or the outdoor kitchen addition so I'm pretty excited.  I have to clean up a bit to prepare then on Sunday I've extended the invite to family for dinner.  So that means more cleanup, buy a ham, deviled eggs and lots of fun time with people I love.  I love to entertain.  

Dreams and Nightmares

Sunday morning, early, EARLY and I'm awake.  Actually, I've been awake since 4 am.   I had a bad dream and can't even remember what it was but it jolted me awake and here I am still awake at 5:36.  Oh well, it gives me a chance to catch up on blog reading and commenting, of which I am very far behind and to actually BLOG!  I'm trying to get some stuff out there but the words have just not been there, and people are asking where I've been.  I've been playing with little Rio, working and trying to be creative with the painting.

We did manage to scurry off to the cabin on Friday evening, just for the night.  A nice bowl of tortilla soup and a warm fire with friends and I was happy.  This dreary weather is taking a toll on me and tonight they are predicting SNOW!   What in the world has happened to our wonderful spring.  I'm ready to plant some goodness!  I did get a few photos of the hint of spring.

The Carolina Jasmine is blooming ...

and tons of daffodils...

so spring has got to be here soon, the calendar says so.

Shoot The Groundhog

I heard someone say last night that the stupid groundhog should be shot!  How funny!  Then this morning there was actually a story on my news feed that a Ohio prosecutor seeks the death penalty for the groundhog.  Since spring has obviously NOT been early I can understand all of this.  I mean last Saturday I was sitting outside in my air chair, barefoot and in shorts, but by Sunday evening it was BRrrrrrrrr.  What in the world and by Sunday evening this weekend they are even saying a winter mix is possible.  I'm not a person of violence but I'm about to that point myself Mr. Groundhog.  Little Rio and I are so ready for spring.  My Burpee order is in route to be delivered any day now and I am ready to get my hands dirty.

Rio and her momma have been a bit sick with a cold but didn't stop her from enjoying a bit of sun pulling some weeds with her daddy!

Good Monday Morning

Good early Monday morning everyone.  It is 5:51 am right now and I've been up since 4:50 am!  Yes, that's right.  It is the usual early morning for me but I don't mind.  My body is so used to getting up that early that I just wake up, a lot like our little Clayton who wants his breakfast at 5 am.

Saturday I seemed to be on fire at the easel.  I'm not sure where this comes from because I'm not much of fan or admirer of modern or abstract art but I seem to get going and create some that people LOVE, including me.  I have got to figure out how I do this ad keep it up because the last one I did is sold and this one may not be far behind.

Paintings for "SALE"...maybe

Exciting news in a way.  I was asked last week by my pedicure lady if I would be interested in hanging some of my paintings in their salon.  What!  It's a very nice salon and has a great clientele.  I was so excited for sure.  So the past week I've gathered my flower paintings and a few others to put on display to SELL!  How exciting, don't you think!

I've been so blah that painting hasn't been something I've enjoyed or wanted to do lately...but today with the sun streaming through my window I'm off to paint. 

Have a great Saturday one and all today.  

Spring Is In The Air

Last night I went to Broken Arrow to Main Street Tavern to meet some of my fellow high school classmates to continue the planning stages of our 40th class reunion.  WHAT!  I can't believe it has been nearly 40 years.  The place was packed but they set up a table outside and the evening was just absolutely perfect, and quiet.  There was a light jazz band inside which made it a bit difficult to chat.  It was kind of surreal to be sitting on Main Street eating salad.  The last time I ate food on Main Street was at probably a Rooster Day and it was more than likely a corn dog as we walked, meandering through the crowds.  Anyway, we have a date, Sept 20, 2014, let the party planning begin!

The weather yesterday made it into the 70's and today will be pushing 80!!!!!!  Boy, I'm so very excited for the warmer temps and SUNSHINE!  Tomorrow I "plan" on tilling my small garden space in preparation for onions and potatoes...I have to go get onions!  WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO  it's garden time!  I seem to be in better spirits, don't you agree!

A Bit of Catch-Up

I know I'm not posting as much lately but hopefully when I do it will be worth your while to read my words.  

Lots of things are happening this week, sad stuff for sure. 

B&B2 lost one of their furry friends, Pimmy.  She started going downhill a couple of months ago and early this week she took her last little breaths with them holding her.  She had a wonderful life after B adopted her several years ago.  I have to paint her hopefully!

My job as caregiver for sweet Rio also means that Grandpa gets a turn too.  Monday The Hubby had a meeting with an architect and builder in the office and I JUST HAD to visit the little girls room so Rio got to sit in on the proceedings at work.  She seemed to have an opinion about something here.  What a good little girl she is.  Yesterday she finally laughed at me.  I was thrilled!

Sadly, one of our long time employees and friend has been going through hell.  His wife, Jamie, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and went through two grueling surgeries on Tuesday.  The cancer had spread so then ended up taking part of her large intestine, colon, appendix and a complete hysterectomy.  While in recovery she had a bleed so they had to go back in to fix that and found another tumor.  The doctor told them that they got 95-98% of it out and the chemo will take care of the rest.  I hope they are so right.  They are such great people and I hate they have to deal with this. 

Last night I also spent time with some friends celebrating a birthday!  What a great group of friends.  Lots of laughter and bonding.  

On a good note, I got the Burpee catalogs out and ordered the seed for my garden this year.  I am so READY to play in the dirt.  I think a bit of sunshine and warmth to the air is helping my depression and do-nothing attitude.  I actually painted a bit and loved it and was was inspired again.   

Speaking of painting, yesterday while getting my pedicure I was thrilled when the place I go to asked if I would be interested in hanging my art to sell!!!!!! YES, YES, YES!!!!!  Now I have to get the paintings I want to hang ready.  I also sold a print this week!  Things are looking up.  

Life and Death

Yesterday was my relax day, or so I thought.  I had a fabulous massage and facial but all I could do was think and be tense.  Lots of stuff rolling around in my noggin that caused me to not enjoy as much.  B&B2 are having so much trouble with little Rio this past week.  Today she is 5 months old and all of a sudden the sleeping thing is a problem.  She naps just fine but when they go to put her in her crib she wakes shortly and starts SCREAMING!  They can't figure it out, except I suspect the little bugger has discovered that if she screams she gets picked up and taken to her parents bed to sleep very nice and snuggily.  I have always said they are smarter than we are and my best guess is just that.  I feel so bad for them but hey, we've all gone through this stuff with the little ones, haven't we.  They will get through.  I can't wait to call them this morning because they were going to try to employ a bit of tough love to break this cycle before it becomes a huge monster.  Good luck!

With all the baby goings on they are also dealing with one of their beloved kitty's Pimmy dying.  Pimmy has some kind of kidney disease or cancer and she is just on the edge of leaving her happy little home forever.  B&B2 have given her a wonderful life being as she was a rescue from Street Cats, where B has volunteered since she was out of college.  I think Pimmy is 12 or 13 years old and is a real sweetie.  So there they are dealing with a 5 month old that won't sleep and a dying cat.   The stress is making them a puddle of tears and stress lately.  Luckily, they know it will all be a temporary phase and Rio will sleep and Pimmy will be at peace soon.

On top of all of this we get the news yesterday that our right hand man, Ben, his wife Jamie has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  We knew that they had been going to tons of doctors visits and they had suspected this but the confirmation was yesterday and it is very bad.  She has it in both ovaries and it has moved to her stomach, so far.  Tuesday they will do surgery to remove the ovaries and to see where else it has moved to then she will start chemo.  This just breaks my heart because Jamie is the nicest person in the world and so is Ben.  They are real jewels and I can't make heads or tails out of them having to deal with this.  Yesterday when Ben leaned over the desk area to tell B and myself then walked outside, I turned to B to see tears just rolling.  She is on the edge with all of this and lack of sleep is taking a toll.  I remember when my little ones put me through this, B in particular, my momma was there to help, to let me sleep.  Thank goodness the other half, B2 has been a wonderful, a great partner to understand and be there.  I try to be there too.  They will survive and sleep will again be a part of their lives, someday!  At least Rio is not sick, she is just wanting her momma.

I'm not much of a prayer kind of person at all but I do pass all of this on to our old church prayer chain, just in case.  There are others much better at sending out the goodness to those in need than I am.  I also send out to my friends here to pray, meditate, just send out the goodness for Ben and Jamie in the horrible time of need in their lives.  My heart is breaking for them.  We have here the beginnings of a wonderful life in little Rio and the end of a sweet little furry life in Pimmy and then the unknown of a life future in sweet Jamie.