Today Green Mountain announced a new long-term strategic and commercial collaboration agreement with Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, to develop and globally launch their Keurig Cold™ at home beverage system. Keurig they play hard ball. Since Greg started they have done nothing but go big.
Also speaking of Greg and work... He stepped down Saturday night from his position at the Chamber of Commerce. He was not able to pay it as much attention as it required. And I would think not! Jae (his wonderful assistant) mentioned to me that he took 16 trips last year alone. How can he possibly attend to the chamber business from his lengthy drawn out meetings on the East Coast? Green Mountain however will continue to be represented on the board as Jae has stepped up to the plate in his stead. Congrats Jae! Greg and I and some others from the plant celebrated her instatement at the annual county crabfeed this past weekend. I am still stuffed!!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The countdown to the countdown
The flu has been an ever present and unwelcomed guest in my home since mid dec. viciously cycling through most of us. Greg and aden have brushed aside it's most peristant advances with relative ease but even they have not gone totally unmolested by its grimy presence. Irie is home fighting what little remains of the germ now that the rest of us have finally stood up and kicked the living shit out of it. I feel as though I have done nothing but sleep for the last three or so weeks. Even while greg was gone which is almost unheard of.
I am Flabbergasted....how fast time passes. Overwhelmed by work that has piled up. What work? A complete overhaul on the Surfrider website is in order for starts. Why? Because I'm still the listed all over it as the main contact! That has to change and ASAP. Along with some other items. Anyway.. It's a priority .. And taxes! But they can wait because it's time to get my valentines day gift created.. That's right.. I have not even created it yet.... but my drafting is well underway and I'm quite pleased with what is forming ...Let along mass produce and distribute!!! I need a few long nights. And I need them now. Time to get productive! The Almighty knows I've not liked being out of commission this long. But it was necessary. I am now rested enough to burn some midnight oil.
How's the zen doodling in the mornings going? Not really going. No more than I have been doing planks.. I need to practice some personal discipline. ( one side of me giggles at that thought and wonders if I need to get some rope!) Anyway.. I digress.
Willow has not been doing much with her bass but she and Irie have been getting to know thier way around the old ivories! I'll have to record some of that soon for you.
What else? Connors bloodwork is being analyzed. He didn't like it. Almost passed out at the sight of his blood. The kid is so sensitive. He dissected a fish in class and it was traumatizing .. This week they are looking at pigs hearts..
Lots of field trip for school coming up. I need to seriously attend to my calendar! When is spring break? When and who all are coming to visit? Eeks! Fun lies just ahead! Just need to put some things in order.. Ah yes.. I'll begin that tonight!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Snapshot
Greg is in Vermont battling the icy cold. We are at home fighting colds .. Or is it the flu? I don't know. All I know is that I am tired of being tired. Willow is tired of the huge pounding sinus headache and dizziness. Connor is tired of the body aches. Soup bed and books have been out order of business for some time. With the exception of willow and I making a turn around trip to donner to visit the meuseum, monument and cabin sites for that ill fated group. Willow is covering the donner party with her history day project. This years theme is "rights and responsibilities". Her angle is that there are times when canabolism should be a right. Anyway at that point neither of us where feeling very bad so we went up Friday night and came back Saturday. I had a very weird experience that night. At 1:30 in the morning emergency dispatch called to make sure we were ok. Apparently 911 was called from my phone across our locked hotel room while we slept. Weird. We were on the waters edge at the docks. Many have died in those waters. Maybe it was a phantom call? Anyway, Sunday I took to bed. And by Monday night we were all out of commission. We are heading for the Dr.s today. See if we can't get things mended up. That and take another stab at finding the source of Connors tremors. Could it be his thyroid? We will see. In the meantime enjoy the slideshop of pics I have uploaded this month.. (We are still trying to figure out how I can access Greg's!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxiTv3eIjZc
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Well what do you know?! ... or... As the tides flow
Its been a crazy few .. has it been 2 weeks or only one week?.. I don't know how long its been since I sat at the keyboard to send you a few strokes.. but I know it has been too dang long! Anyway.. We have been immersed in life and setting some courses.
First things first. There was Connors Mindcraft birthday party. I created a pretty cool snack table and "cake" (jello and rice crispy bars and cake). Greg has the pictures and someday Ill get them downloaded. There was a huge bounce house. Connor has never had one and has always begged and I don't expect he will ever get one again.. he's getting to old for them... and soooo .. eh.. what the heck.. a little indulgence! :) The boys were interesting to watch but we occasionally had to intervene when one's Bruce/Hulk began to met another's jykle/hyde. We didn't want blood drawn at the party! But anyway.. it was interesting to see how quickly boys can flip from passive to aggressive. All told it was a very pleasant party. Everyone had fun and there were no real injuries. Whew!
Now in the midst of planning and executing Connors Party, we have been chasing down our High School options for Willow (and possible school courses for Con as well). This meant that the morning of Connors party I took them both to a private college prep school to the north of us for placement testing and then we returned Wednesday morning for entrance interviews. Here is the link mom.. The school boasts the number one choir in the state. There is horse riding in PE. Students uniforms are as follows.. anything as long as it is crisp clean and modest. Much of the reading and homework is done on Ipads and they are planning to begin to integrate Google glass into the classroom soon. If a time should come when we would have to move.. she could board there and get a continual HS experience.. If doing so was the right option anyway. And undoubtedly the curriculum and education she will get there will prepare her for college and a career in the sciences which is what she aspires for. Our interviews went well. Willow was easily recommended for admissions. The existing 8th grades have priority for seats in the HS until the end of January. So by mid February Willows seat should be secure! WOOT! She will be able to take a bus to and from school from a stop just 4 blocks from Gregs work. Nice.
Now on to Connor... As wonderful as this school is.. it may not be the best fit for him. At least not right now. He has the character for the school, he is motivated to do and be his best, but he would be quite outpaced in the college prep atmosphere. I think that kind of pressure would be negative and weighs heavier than the good that can come from switching his schools at this point. So the plan is that next year he will continue at his existing school. This will also be good for him as he is such a social creature and he has a good little group of friends there that I would not mind him growing up a bit more with. His only sorrow that comes with this decision is in the knowledge that he will be separating from "Sissy farts a lot." But it would happen sooner than later and as she is going off to High school.. now is a good time.. as hard as it might be.
And I have been in the midst of a cleaning/rearranging frenzy. Dervish winds ablowing... and speaking of winds.. I hear there is some incredible surf out there (Mavericks this weekend I hear).. Drool!
But first work.. A surfrider blast to put out, a Tardis to Build (belated Christmas gift!! Really need to finish it!), some geese to water, Appts to make, a sick kid to watch, and an overnight research trip to Donner for homework. Sunday I need to make a much deserved play date with Asilimar! ~:)~
First things first. There was Connors Mindcraft birthday party. I created a pretty cool snack table and "cake" (jello and rice crispy bars and cake). Greg has the pictures and someday Ill get them downloaded. There was a huge bounce house. Connor has never had one and has always begged and I don't expect he will ever get one again.. he's getting to old for them... and soooo .. eh.. what the heck.. a little indulgence! :) The boys were interesting to watch but we occasionally had to intervene when one's Bruce/Hulk began to met another's jykle/hyde. We didn't want blood drawn at the party! But anyway.. it was interesting to see how quickly boys can flip from passive to aggressive. All told it was a very pleasant party. Everyone had fun and there were no real injuries. Whew!
Now in the midst of planning and executing Connors Party, we have been chasing down our High School options for Willow (and possible school courses for Con as well). This meant that the morning of Connors party I took them both to a private college prep school to the north of us for placement testing and then we returned Wednesday morning for entrance interviews. Here is the link mom.. The school boasts the number one choir in the state. There is horse riding in PE. Students uniforms are as follows.. anything as long as it is crisp clean and modest. Much of the reading and homework is done on Ipads and they are planning to begin to integrate Google glass into the classroom soon. If a time should come when we would have to move.. she could board there and get a continual HS experience.. If doing so was the right option anyway. And undoubtedly the curriculum and education she will get there will prepare her for college and a career in the sciences which is what she aspires for. Our interviews went well. Willow was easily recommended for admissions. The existing 8th grades have priority for seats in the HS until the end of January. So by mid February Willows seat should be secure! WOOT! She will be able to take a bus to and from school from a stop just 4 blocks from Gregs work. Nice.
Now on to Connor... As wonderful as this school is.. it may not be the best fit for him. At least not right now. He has the character for the school, he is motivated to do and be his best, but he would be quite outpaced in the college prep atmosphere. I think that kind of pressure would be negative and weighs heavier than the good that can come from switching his schools at this point. So the plan is that next year he will continue at his existing school. This will also be good for him as he is such a social creature and he has a good little group of friends there that I would not mind him growing up a bit more with. His only sorrow that comes with this decision is in the knowledge that he will be separating from "Sissy farts a lot." But it would happen sooner than later and as she is going off to High school.. now is a good time.. as hard as it might be.
And I have been in the midst of a cleaning/rearranging frenzy. Dervish winds ablowing... and speaking of winds.. I hear there is some incredible surf out there (Mavericks this weekend I hear).. Drool!
But first work.. A surfrider blast to put out, a Tardis to Build (belated Christmas gift!! Really need to finish it!), some geese to water, Appts to make, a sick kid to watch, and an overnight research trip to Donner for homework. Sunday I need to make a much deserved play date with Asilimar! ~:)~
Friday, January 17, 2014
Here enters a Young Man
Today is my sons 11th birthday. Crazy right?! (Yes I bought me a present too. which Ill show off when it arrives! :) Anyway.. he asked me to bring in my zuchinni bread to share with the class. It proved a wonderful snack which no one was allergic to or turned down. Happy this school allows homemade snacks. Happy he'd request that recipe. And overall just thrilled at what a courteous young man he is becoming. The currents are shifting.. the rapids of puberty approach.. Fun times ahead to be sure.. but still.. let us be blessed through this passage!! Hormones rage passion and heartbreak.. egads! I think we are ready to take the challenges in good stride. That's my boy!
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Tuesday, January 14, 2014
brakes squeal
Car stops. Dust Swirls.
I started downshifting on Friday.
Whew. Finally on the other side of the holidays.
Finally I can stop.
House clean
Bills paid
Kids all off to school.
Its been a busy couple of months. And it would appear that my only down time has been the occasional pit stop. Im afraid I did not really have much time to write home from the throne. Did you miss me?
By in large the holidays were good to us. Greg got a nifty little bonus that let us splurge and also resulted in a longer vacation than we had been initially planning. Our turn around weekender turned into a somewhat impromptu week road long trip which allowed us to pay a visit and celebrate the season with about 50 "local" (Meaning all of us in a 100 miles) AFA'ers. We had timing and energy conflicts all year which had prevented us meeting up prior (with the very wyrd exception of running into Steve and Sheila at the Nugget when I was in Reno catching up with Dave during his visit stateside). Anyway.. I ramble.. longer story told shorter.. we were happy to be able to get together for an afternoon of reconnections with one another and with our deepest roots. Greg contentedly played chess for hours as he was unable to carry on much conversation having just had oral surgery that reestablished his gum-line. Painful.
The next morning we hit one of the most amazing brunch places we have ever found.. a place called Midtown Creperie or something like that. Its located on the Miracle Mile in Stockton. Everyone of us thoroughly enjoyed our Louisiana style meal.
From there we were off to visit a good percentage of my cousins in foresthill along with my Lovely Aunt and Uncle. Even if I have not seen them for a million years there is no doubt they are family. It was a warm and cozy reunion. Except for stargazing which wasn't that warm but boy it was worth it.. The sky was so clear and you could see so deep into the heavens. The milky way stretched its spill across a broad expanse. It was breathtaking. Expansive. And I had thought we had a good view from our home! bah! Magnificent. The kids were all of similar age and got along perfectly. It was wonderful. One of my cousins spoke of an off the grid comunitee that she had her eye on. I really want to hear more about that and am looking forward to a good sit down visit when they come down in March.
Off to truckee for couple of days with no one but ourselves to answer to. Which is a spot on sentence considering that we didn't have much in the way of cell reception. Not to mention a lost charger cord somewhere along the way. We filled our time with the hot tub, movies in bed (including Heathers!), wrestling (thin walls..oops) wandering the town, strolling the river bank looking for rocks, mani's Pedi's and facials, off roading around the dams, picture taking, and the watching people play hockey near where my three played on the ice.
New Years eve day we headed to Zephyr Cove for lunch before heading to moms. We were surprised and disappointed that the restaurant no longer served milkshakes. It was one of the places I used to go with my pops on the rare get away take the car for a ride trip. Fries and a malt. No more. Now its more haughty taughty. Decent... Looks the same... But not the same.
And NO SNOW! The lack of snow and rain this year is daunting.. heartbreaking even. I pray for rain!
Then off to moms. We settled in and then took in the desolation of smaug. I'm not going to give it great marks as I find such movies dizzy making. I will say that its action packed and everything one would expect given the earlier films and the story. Personally with this series Id rather read the story.
After the movie, Greg and I stopped in on some friends to wish them a happy new year. We laughed and Greg took rather kindly to a bottle of Glen Fiddich. We chatted it up and caught up before leaving before the strike of 12. Actually we walked into moms two minutes before with a bottle of sparkling juice to celebrate with the kids. They were happily watching Labyrinth and the first sound I heard while opening the door was "Dance baby dance" which made me happy. David Bowie singing a magic song in magic pants. Now that's how to kick of the new year!
Anyway, we stayed a few quiet days in Carson, the kids played happily with their cousin and we did a lot of coloring. Mom got the kids these really cool coloring books and introduced us to the art of zendoodle. What is zen doodle? Its sort of like all the doodling I have ever done only on a much more structured basis. Separate sections are created on the page and then they are filled in with various patterns. It is rather meditative and is something I need to return to. This year I intend to work harder at my art and my passions. Which is perfect given my 2014 horoscope, which reads..
The citizens of Iceland love literature, but many are not content to simply read. One out of every ten Icelanders writes and publishes a book at sometime in his or her life. I know it's unrealistic, but I would love to see at least one in ten of all my Libra readers do the same in 2014. I think you're ready to make a big statement -- to express yourself in a more complete and dramatic way than ever before. If you're not ready to write a book, I hope you will attempt an equivalent accomplishment.
I started downshifting on Friday.
Whew. Finally on the other side of the holidays.
Finally I can stop.
House clean
Bills paid
Kids all off to school.
Its been a busy couple of months. And it would appear that my only down time has been the occasional pit stop. Im afraid I did not really have much time to write home from the throne. Did you miss me?
By in large the holidays were good to us. Greg got a nifty little bonus that let us splurge and also resulted in a longer vacation than we had been initially planning. Our turn around weekender turned into a somewhat impromptu week road long trip which allowed us to pay a visit and celebrate the season with about 50 "local" (Meaning all of us in a 100 miles) AFA'ers. We had timing and energy conflicts all year which had prevented us meeting up prior (with the very wyrd exception of running into Steve and Sheila at the Nugget when I was in Reno catching up with Dave during his visit stateside). Anyway.. I ramble.. longer story told shorter.. we were happy to be able to get together for an afternoon of reconnections with one another and with our deepest roots. Greg contentedly played chess for hours as he was unable to carry on much conversation having just had oral surgery that reestablished his gum-line. Painful.
The next morning we hit one of the most amazing brunch places we have ever found.. a place called Midtown Creperie or something like that. Its located on the Miracle Mile in Stockton. Everyone of us thoroughly enjoyed our Louisiana style meal.
From there we were off to visit a good percentage of my cousins in foresthill along with my Lovely Aunt and Uncle. Even if I have not seen them for a million years there is no doubt they are family. It was a warm and cozy reunion. Except for stargazing which wasn't that warm but boy it was worth it.. The sky was so clear and you could see so deep into the heavens. The milky way stretched its spill across a broad expanse. It was breathtaking. Expansive. And I had thought we had a good view from our home! bah! Magnificent. The kids were all of similar age and got along perfectly. It was wonderful. One of my cousins spoke of an off the grid comunitee that she had her eye on. I really want to hear more about that and am looking forward to a good sit down visit when they come down in March.
Off to truckee for couple of days with no one but ourselves to answer to. Which is a spot on sentence considering that we didn't have much in the way of cell reception. Not to mention a lost charger cord somewhere along the way. We filled our time with the hot tub, movies in bed (including Heathers!), wrestling (thin walls..oops) wandering the town, strolling the river bank looking for rocks, mani's Pedi's and facials, off roading around the dams, picture taking, and the watching people play hockey near where my three played on the ice.
New Years eve day we headed to Zephyr Cove for lunch before heading to moms. We were surprised and disappointed that the restaurant no longer served milkshakes. It was one of the places I used to go with my pops on the rare get away take the car for a ride trip. Fries and a malt. No more. Now its more haughty taughty. Decent... Looks the same... But not the same.
And NO SNOW! The lack of snow and rain this year is daunting.. heartbreaking even. I pray for rain!
Then off to moms. We settled in and then took in the desolation of smaug. I'm not going to give it great marks as I find such movies dizzy making. I will say that its action packed and everything one would expect given the earlier films and the story. Personally with this series Id rather read the story.
After the movie, Greg and I stopped in on some friends to wish them a happy new year. We laughed and Greg took rather kindly to a bottle of Glen Fiddich. We chatted it up and caught up before leaving before the strike of 12. Actually we walked into moms two minutes before with a bottle of sparkling juice to celebrate with the kids. They were happily watching Labyrinth and the first sound I heard while opening the door was "Dance baby dance" which made me happy. David Bowie singing a magic song in magic pants. Now that's how to kick of the new year!
Anyway, we stayed a few quiet days in Carson, the kids played happily with their cousin and we did a lot of coloring. Mom got the kids these really cool coloring books and introduced us to the art of zendoodle. What is zen doodle? Its sort of like all the doodling I have ever done only on a much more structured basis. Separate sections are created on the page and then they are filled in with various patterns. It is rather meditative and is something I need to return to. This year I intend to work harder at my art and my passions. Which is perfect given my 2014 horoscope, which reads..
The citizens of Iceland love literature, but many are not content to simply read. One out of every ten Icelanders writes and publishes a book at sometime in his or her life. I know it's unrealistic, but I would love to see at least one in ten of all my Libra readers do the same in 2014. I think you're ready to make a big statement -- to express yourself in a more complete and dramatic way than ever before. If you're not ready to write a book, I hope you will attempt an equivalent accomplishment.
Now my next big question is where to fit this work in. I work best when the house is quiet. So I suspect early morning will be my time. Need to set the alarm!
Anyway, back at moms, Greg and I ducked out for a bit to watch American Hustle. This movie is one that I will brag about. A very well put together flick.. from the story to the quality of acting to the costumes and soundtrack. Nice bit of work.
I might as well interject a side note about another movie while I am at it. RIPD. It extremely men in blackish but it stars Jeff Bridges who can make any so-so movie a winner just by the way he sits. Such the Dude!!And the frosty comments.. The movie wasn't bust a gut funny but I did laugh quite a bit.
So we left moms and returned home to a call announcing unexpected but dearly welcomed company. Denise! She needed some refuge. It was a nice visit and she helped us get our greenhouse started.
This last weekend was geeky good. We got in a visit with Nell and David in Palo Alto while taking in the Bay Area Lego Clubs annual winter display. Pretty cool. And I need to stop here and take a minute to praise Nell for her knitting. I recieved a most beuatiful scarf that she spun and knitted herself. I love it! We discussed thier work. They are studing or attempting to find the science to reveal that a far more major factor in stream polution (as compared with brake and tire dust) is the degridation of asphalt. Its made of oil.. Soo.. No Duh. Right?! They are out to scientifically prove it in order to change laws to prohibit or make asphalt usage more ecologically friendly. Right on.. Nell and David Rock! Speaking of rock.. we need to go concerting with them this year.. can you say Motorhead?! :P
All the while and during all our activities, we have been fighting this damn flu. Add to it Asthma induced by our new down comforter.. Im over it and oh so happy to be returning to the groove.. Time to stop looking back and start looking forward. Out with the old and in with the new! Wonder what wonders are in store?! It will be a great year! I may or may not get pics up anytime soon. Its not a priority. Connors Birthday preperations are taking precidence at the moment. It is going to be a minecraft themed event. Anyway... Off I go to settle happily back in.
So we left moms and returned home to a call announcing unexpected but dearly welcomed company. Denise! She needed some refuge. It was a nice visit and she helped us get our greenhouse started.
This last weekend was geeky good. We got in a visit with Nell and David in Palo Alto while taking in the Bay Area Lego Clubs annual winter display. Pretty cool. And I need to stop here and take a minute to praise Nell for her knitting. I recieved a most beuatiful scarf that she spun and knitted herself. I love it! We discussed thier work. They are studing or attempting to find the science to reveal that a far more major factor in stream polution (as compared with brake and tire dust) is the degridation of asphalt. Its made of oil.. Soo.. No Duh. Right?! They are out to scientifically prove it in order to change laws to prohibit or make asphalt usage more ecologically friendly. Right on.. Nell and David Rock! Speaking of rock.. we need to go concerting with them this year.. can you say Motorhead?! :P
All the while and during all our activities, we have been fighting this damn flu. Add to it Asthma induced by our new down comforter.. Im over it and oh so happy to be returning to the groove.. Time to stop looking back and start looking forward. Out with the old and in with the new! Wonder what wonders are in store?! It will be a great year! I may or may not get pics up anytime soon. Its not a priority. Connors Birthday preperations are taking precidence at the moment. It is going to be a minecraft themed event. Anyway... Off I go to settle happily back in.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Double Rainbow Awesome
12 am the cold floor of my moms kitchen greets my feet. I am on vacation and wide awake. I enjoy writing when I travel.. though usually I do it sitting in a bathroom in a hotel so I don't wake anyone. This feels so much like being at home and I am inclined to stay in bed but has been a long time (feels like forever even though it has only been a few weeks) since my fingers dedicated themselves to the vocal styling of keyboard klicking.
Much has been going on. Willows Birthday was pretty dang awesome. I rented a huge van and gathered a group of girls up from school and, after dinner, we all attended opening night of catching fire (#2 in the hunger games series ). After which it was homemade cupcakes and presents and movies into the night. The following morning I took the lot of them to a local college campus so they could attend an young womens science conference. Willow has acquired a wonderful group of friends this year. All strong willed, intelligent and quirky in ways that bring out Willows confidence in her own geeky goodness. They remind me a lot of my first real group of girl friends. Friends that I might not interact with often but who remain an important part of my life to this day. Anyway.. It was a great time.
With the arrival of Thanksgiving we found ourselves in route to the old hometown. It has been an unusual trip. My mom was gone for the most part. Off to see my brother and his family who sound like they are doing as well as can be. How strange to be in her house without her. We spent the better part of our time visiting a wide variety of people that we have not seen in quiet a while.
Upon our arrival we were quickly joined by Jimmy Jim Jim. I met him in college when he played bass for my ex's band. We share a love of reading, writing, music and movement. Hes one of the few people I am confident sharing my rough drafts with and I know he is always there to bounce ideas off of. Anyway, we talked of our passions and he expanded our knowledge of physical therapy.. (He is a physical therapist to the US Olympic Rugby teams.) .. and introduced us some guy.. who as I go to look up his name find that I can not find it.. (A little help here Jim?! I want to share!) anyway this guy does amazing things with his body. Nothing bad mom! Just in terms of flexibility and movement. Anyway, Jims trip over was not just limited to catching up but he also bearing Willows Birthday gift. I had given her a riddle clue to its identity a few weeks before her birthday. "Iben sez its not a fish" She stumbled over it for quite a while. And one day about 3 days before her birthday she began pestering me about it again. This time as I was sitting by the computer. She didn't have a clue as to how to decipher my code speak. So I googled "fish" just to play along. We quickly stumbled upon a site that had a "match the fish with its sound" game. Three pictures of unnamed fish are presented along with a aquatic serenade ..no it didn't sound like Under the Sea.. more like glurp glurp.. anyway we had no clue and upon clicking the pictures learned that this VERY FIRST SOUND came from a spotted bass. I had not intended for her to figure it out so easily. But she was stoked. Jim asked her what music she listened to so maybe he could find a riff for her to practice and she came up with the Duck Song. Yes. The Duck Song. She is my girl alright. Anyway, It was a great visit, shared some air and drank some brews.. but it was cut short by the fact that we were quite road weary and all had a long few days ahead of us.
Thursday was dedicated to family of course. We gathered at my cousins beautiful home and gorgeously set table with my Grandparents and other extended family and friends. Great food, company and conversation all around... the triptophan kicking in and a happy drowsy contentedness settled upon us. Still weird my mom wasn't there. It just wasn't the same. But it was wonderful none the less. Willow and Connor got to visit and play with their cousin. I however was slightly out of commission with a major sinus headache which dampened my spirits a bit, but not enough to stop me from appreciating the fine qualities of everyone there, Nina Simone playing quietly in the background and adding a soulful ambiance, the laughter of children and the passion of the story tellers. I am not a big fan of Thanksgiving.. or rather the myth of the happy pilgrims and Indians. but I respect the day as one of recognizing the bounty of labors, the warmth of friendship and the love of family. And all these things were in full measure this Thanksgiving. My love to all of them!
Friday we met up for a slightly early lunch with Sid, One of my first girlfriends whose reflection I see in Willow's Friends, and her husband and son. Sid and I are worlds apart these days, its been about 5 years since I last saw her. But she is someone I can and always will pick right up with no matter who or where we are. Shes the one I turn to these days for questions about ranching and live stock. Drawing on her youthful experiences. How she laughed when I proudly displayed the butt of my wrangler jeans and told her how I now do my clothes shopping at the feed store. Connor and her son Jaime got along like the best of friends as well. We are looking forward to a visit from them in the Spring.
After Lunch we went over to Greg's Grandmother and Aunt's. Beautiful, heartwarming women both. Grandma was feeling particularly well which is a blessing. We chatted for a couple of hours. Reminisced about grandmas youth (she almost became a nun) and history. She has some amazing stories. And we tackled the present and spun our tales. It was a very enjoyable visit and, as always, I left wishing we lived somewhat closer.
Next up it was dinner with Jon and his family where I learned to make pot pie.. which will come in handy when I take out the rogue roosters this week! (And coming back in for a late edit as it is no longer 12 am in my mothers kitchen but several weeks later at home).. Anyway.. Jon and I go back to Jr. High.and he once held this young girls heart. Now however he and his lovely family reside in this old mothers bosom. Oh my goodness to they have a houseful! 3 five year olds and an eight year old... repeat... 3 five year olds and an eight year old! Jon is driving semi's and hauling mining debris.. its a job but its hard and hes on the road for a week at a time. Its a better living then when he was working the oil fields in North Dakota (If I am not mistaken). Then there was the time he was one of the Ice Truckers up North. He has quite a story but then don't we all? Anyway.. the atmosphere was super charged with the activities of the children ... I remember those days and how stretched you are as a parent .. I can totally feel for Jon and Alison. There was wine and whiskey and the making of pot pies, not to mention the experiencing the thump. They bring the Bass for sure. After the young ones were tucked in we sat comfortable and exhausted and watched Thor. A movie I want to pick apart while watching due to its inaccuracy but not wanting to upset the viewing and so just sat back and enjoyed a mindless moment of merriment. And with that we were back on the wind and soon riding the dream stream.
Saturday Morning we headed back to reno to have brunch and bloody mary's with Melissa after which she took us on a tour of the warehouse where some of the art for next years Burning Man is being created. The communal work space was quite impressive. An artist dream which contained a wood shop, a metal shop, a fabric arts studio, a fully functioning kitchen and just about everything one would need on hand to make.. well.. anything. Heavenly. And the work being done.. magnificent. There are of course aspects to burning man that don't appeal to me (mostly dealing with some of the idiots that attend) but the dedication and vision of the people behind the scenes is utterly inspiring.
And then we picked up mom and spent the remainder of the trip visiting with her, Grandma Nor and GG. We drove home Sunday and the traffic was horrible for half of it but we arrived safe and sound. The following morning Greg and I were up at 4 and on our way to San Jose where I dropped him off at the airport for a week in Vermont and returned just in time to wake the kids for school. They were cranky and tired but they made it through the day.
The week was packed with school work. There were parent teacher conferences ( long story short there are areas both the kids are struggling in like Spanish but they are both giving and recognized for giving thier best).
The teen age chickens have begun laying eggs. Turns out we have a breed which lays blue eggs!
One of the roosters met his end.
I think I may become a vegetarian.
And in the world of the weird the girls detected a Ghost in the Barn. Even I will say that it was sort if creepy.
Much has been going on. Willows Birthday was pretty dang awesome. I rented a huge van and gathered a group of girls up from school and, after dinner, we all attended opening night of catching fire (#2 in the hunger games series ). After which it was homemade cupcakes and presents and movies into the night. The following morning I took the lot of them to a local college campus so they could attend an young womens science conference. Willow has acquired a wonderful group of friends this year. All strong willed, intelligent and quirky in ways that bring out Willows confidence in her own geeky goodness. They remind me a lot of my first real group of girl friends. Friends that I might not interact with often but who remain an important part of my life to this day. Anyway.. It was a great time.
With the arrival of Thanksgiving we found ourselves in route to the old hometown. It has been an unusual trip. My mom was gone for the most part. Off to see my brother and his family who sound like they are doing as well as can be. How strange to be in her house without her. We spent the better part of our time visiting a wide variety of people that we have not seen in quiet a while.
Upon our arrival we were quickly joined by Jimmy Jim Jim. I met him in college when he played bass for my ex's band. We share a love of reading, writing, music and movement. Hes one of the few people I am confident sharing my rough drafts with and I know he is always there to bounce ideas off of. Anyway, we talked of our passions and he expanded our knowledge of physical therapy.. (He is a physical therapist to the US Olympic Rugby teams.) .. and introduced us some guy.. who as I go to look up his name find that I can not find it.. (A little help here Jim?! I want to share!) anyway this guy does amazing things with his body. Nothing bad mom! Just in terms of flexibility and movement. Anyway, Jims trip over was not just limited to catching up but he also bearing Willows Birthday gift. I had given her a riddle clue to its identity a few weeks before her birthday. "Iben sez its not a fish" She stumbled over it for quite a while. And one day about 3 days before her birthday she began pestering me about it again. This time as I was sitting by the computer. She didn't have a clue as to how to decipher my code speak. So I googled "fish" just to play along. We quickly stumbled upon a site that had a "match the fish with its sound" game. Three pictures of unnamed fish are presented along with a aquatic serenade ..no it didn't sound like Under the Sea.. more like glurp glurp.. anyway we had no clue and upon clicking the pictures learned that this VERY FIRST SOUND came from a spotted bass. I had not intended for her to figure it out so easily. But she was stoked. Jim asked her what music she listened to so maybe he could find a riff for her to practice and she came up with the Duck Song. Yes. The Duck Song. She is my girl alright. Anyway, It was a great visit, shared some air and drank some brews.. but it was cut short by the fact that we were quite road weary and all had a long few days ahead of us.
Thursday was dedicated to family of course. We gathered at my cousins beautiful home and gorgeously set table with my Grandparents and other extended family and friends. Great food, company and conversation all around... the triptophan kicking in and a happy drowsy contentedness settled upon us. Still weird my mom wasn't there. It just wasn't the same. But it was wonderful none the less. Willow and Connor got to visit and play with their cousin. I however was slightly out of commission with a major sinus headache which dampened my spirits a bit, but not enough to stop me from appreciating the fine qualities of everyone there, Nina Simone playing quietly in the background and adding a soulful ambiance, the laughter of children and the passion of the story tellers. I am not a big fan of Thanksgiving.. or rather the myth of the happy pilgrims and Indians. but I respect the day as one of recognizing the bounty of labors, the warmth of friendship and the love of family. And all these things were in full measure this Thanksgiving. My love to all of them!
Friday we met up for a slightly early lunch with Sid, One of my first girlfriends whose reflection I see in Willow's Friends, and her husband and son. Sid and I are worlds apart these days, its been about 5 years since I last saw her. But she is someone I can and always will pick right up with no matter who or where we are. Shes the one I turn to these days for questions about ranching and live stock. Drawing on her youthful experiences. How she laughed when I proudly displayed the butt of my wrangler jeans and told her how I now do my clothes shopping at the feed store. Connor and her son Jaime got along like the best of friends as well. We are looking forward to a visit from them in the Spring.
After Lunch we went over to Greg's Grandmother and Aunt's. Beautiful, heartwarming women both. Grandma was feeling particularly well which is a blessing. We chatted for a couple of hours. Reminisced about grandmas youth (she almost became a nun) and history. She has some amazing stories. And we tackled the present and spun our tales. It was a very enjoyable visit and, as always, I left wishing we lived somewhat closer.
Next up it was dinner with Jon and his family where I learned to make pot pie.. which will come in handy when I take out the rogue roosters this week! (And coming back in for a late edit as it is no longer 12 am in my mothers kitchen but several weeks later at home).. Anyway.. Jon and I go back to Jr. High.and he once held this young girls heart. Now however he and his lovely family reside in this old mothers bosom. Oh my goodness to they have a houseful! 3 five year olds and an eight year old... repeat... 3 five year olds and an eight year old! Jon is driving semi's and hauling mining debris.. its a job but its hard and hes on the road for a week at a time. Its a better living then when he was working the oil fields in North Dakota (If I am not mistaken). Then there was the time he was one of the Ice Truckers up North. He has quite a story but then don't we all? Anyway.. the atmosphere was super charged with the activities of the children ... I remember those days and how stretched you are as a parent .. I can totally feel for Jon and Alison. There was wine and whiskey and the making of pot pies, not to mention the experiencing the thump. They bring the Bass for sure. After the young ones were tucked in we sat comfortable and exhausted and watched Thor. A movie I want to pick apart while watching due to its inaccuracy but not wanting to upset the viewing and so just sat back and enjoyed a mindless moment of merriment. And with that we were back on the wind and soon riding the dream stream.
Saturday Morning we headed back to reno to have brunch and bloody mary's with Melissa after which she took us on a tour of the warehouse where some of the art for next years Burning Man is being created. The communal work space was quite impressive. An artist dream which contained a wood shop, a metal shop, a fabric arts studio, a fully functioning kitchen and just about everything one would need on hand to make.. well.. anything. Heavenly. And the work being done.. magnificent. There are of course aspects to burning man that don't appeal to me (mostly dealing with some of the idiots that attend) but the dedication and vision of the people behind the scenes is utterly inspiring.
And then we picked up mom and spent the remainder of the trip visiting with her, Grandma Nor and GG. We drove home Sunday and the traffic was horrible for half of it but we arrived safe and sound. The following morning Greg and I were up at 4 and on our way to San Jose where I dropped him off at the airport for a week in Vermont and returned just in time to wake the kids for school. They were cranky and tired but they made it through the day.
The week was packed with school work. There were parent teacher conferences ( long story short there are areas both the kids are struggling in like Spanish but they are both giving and recognized for giving thier best).
The teen age chickens have begun laying eggs. Turns out we have a breed which lays blue eggs!
One of the roosters met his end.
I think I may become a vegetarian.
And in the world of the weird the girls detected a Ghost in the Barn. Even I will say that it was sort if creepy.
That Friday I was up early and on my way once more to the airport. Only this time I was catching a plane to meet Greg in Chicago for a weekend get away. Greg met me at my gate as he was flying in from his meetings and we caught a taxi to our hotel which was located in the "south loop." We tucked into the hotel and then took a stroll to find dinner. We supped in a little Thia café around a hub of university campus's.. which are built up into sky scrapers as opposed to the sprawling of buildings around. The architecture and the details... I have always loved stone construction.. and the way the rail rumbles over head. The air was clean .. not like phoenix.. ick. The place I always base my concept of "City" on. This is done in error because some cities really are Beautiful. It was chilly. Not going to lie. It reminded me of the frigid cold when the cuz's and I went to Sundance. After dinner we caught a taxi to the arena and enjoyed a Blackhawks game. Did I mention that everywhere I looked were my colors? The hotel.. the colors people dressed in.. The restaurants.. EVERY WHERE! And the FOOD! Saturday Night we went Uptown for Dinner at this Sushi place. HOLY TUNA! That is an exclamation not the name of the restaurant. It was a mighty fine time. Walked toward the hotel... Oh the Hotel... THE ABSOLUTE MOST COMFORTABLE BED IN THE WORLD!! any way walked toward it after the game( I felt I was shaking hands with the surface of the city.) Taxi's don't stop near the stadium so you have to go a ways to catch one.. sooo many taxi's zooming around... but not right after the game or where we were. So we walked. -10 with windchill... they call it the windy city for a reason. We were bundled and managing but it was a fair distance to the hotel... 5 miles.. and we wondered into a whisky bar to warm up. OMG the Whisky!! Tasty! We managed to get a cab after that. The next morning we wandered about 2 miles to a corner pub and restaurant for brunch... Think cheers.. I had a perch sandwich from the lake and bloody marys. yum! We wandered back and took a nap.. until 6. Then caught a cab uptown to a restaurant that came highly recommended. And .. yeah.. Wow. Then more sleep and a mile walk the next morning for breakfast. It was worth it. It was just beginning to snow as we packed up. We then walked through swirling flakes for another mile with our luggage to the blue line train so we might get in that experience before leaving. I could just ride it around all day. So.. we got to the airport.. Our flight was scheduled to leave on time. Things were looking good. But we sat on the run way for a long time and were finally de-iced. Then we faced headwinds. Long story short we missed our connection in Phoenix. The only way we could both make it home that night was if we split up. Greg took the keys and flew into San Jose. I flew into Monterey and got a ride home from Angele. I arrived home just in time to get a call from Greg who needs the ticket to leave the parking garage which is in my purse. So I bundle up and get into gregs little sports car. Ive got my driving gloves and my scarf.. he doesn't have a heater in his car at the moment.. or a radio.. and drive to San Jose at 11:30 at night. Greg is due at the office early as he has a host of Japanese Business men to convene with. whew!
And that just about brings us up to speed. Pictures.. I have to figure out how to make then available. It seems that technology has advanced and Im fumbling with how to adjust.
And that just about brings us up to speed. Pictures.. I have to figure out how to make then available. It seems that technology has advanced and Im fumbling with how to adjust.
The tree is up and the house is decorated for Yule. Thursday the kids have a school play. Anyway... time for me to get back on the road. I have a lot to catch up on.
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