Golf, in January--

We did it !! We got out and golfed for the first time in 2009. Good lord the conditions were deplorable, our shoes are wrecked, our feet are sore but oh my what a fun time !! We went to Sumner Meadows one of my fav places to play--they were closed last week-end due to flooding, and I've got to say, they should have paid us to play... Our tee time was for 11:04. When we got there, we found that the entire clubhouse had been flooded and they were working out of the cart barn, with only 1 computer, so it was backed up already. No biggie. We got signed in and headed off to #1, we already knew that there would be someone with us, his name was Matt. 2 groups in front, so we tried to warm-up, seriously, it was still in what I think was the upper 30's. We had layers on. I had mentioned to Melina that on hole number 1 as long as you stayed to the left you would be fine; when we tee'd off I proceed to put 1 all the way to the right over the water to the 9th fairway, 2nd ball, right into the water, just further up, took another drop and moved on and took and 8, which frankly, I was happy with. Man it was really soggy out there, took a while to get through the front 9--I got my first ball back, it was still lying there (who's going to pick up a pink ladies ball), and Melina had an amazing shot out of the bunker smack into the hole, we screamed. In the end, I ended up with 2 pars and 1 birdie and lost I don't know how many balls--I developed a slice like I've never seen today, gotta fix that quick. And I don't think that the temperature ever got much above 42, maybe...Man we had a good time...(Matt took our pic, but had to take his first :)

Flat Stanley is ok

A few years (more than a few ?) a person I worked with introduced me to Flat Stanley. At the time, he was a figure cut out of a piece of regular old 8x10 white paper. The child doing the project would mail him to friends or relatives out of town and the recipient would take Flat Stanley on a journey. During his time with me, my Flat Stanley was probably scarred for life; his visit with another one of my work com padre's was just as troubling; I wish I still had pictures of Flat Stanley's whole vacation to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, they were awe inspiring. I guess Flat Stanley has recovered from his trip down the Green River and up I-5 ---

Work it

I walk, I ride my bike, I do yard work, I golf, I try to stay active, but I am not flexible. And as much as I try to ignore it, I'm stressed. I find myself driving or sitting and just clenching, for no apparent reason... So, one of the things I've decided to be better at this year, is to try and relax, stretch more and tone. I didn't want to go all warrior, that is sure way to fail. So I looked on the internet for stretching DVD's and there really wasn't a lot to choose from. I finally picked 10 Minute Solution, Target Toning for Beginners; I placed my order and *boom* back-ordered, so I looked around and found Power Walk for Weight Loss *boom* it was back-ordered too, dang, I put them on my wish list and within 2 weeks, they were available and shipped, but under 7 dollars each and free shipping... they arrived yesterday. I decided to try 1 feature a day. Today was thighs, 10 minutes, and oh my gawd !! I can't wait until I can do them all without looking !! Indoor walking should be great for the rainy days.

Rest In Peace

RIP Jordan You'll be missed...

Paint and plants

I love all the plants and planters in my yard. But, I realized early on that although it's not terrible, I don't really care for the standard green, white and tan resin planters and chairs and tables that you find at your local hardware stores. So, I decided to paint them, you're already at the hardware store, they sell spray paint, what the heck...I started small...5 resin chairs and 3 tables. We've expanded to include planters now, oh and rocks too. This spring I plan on painting at least 1 item found in the shed to look like a rock. I know, nut-bag ;) I absolutely cannot wait to get outside again full time. But, back to this week-end, I did a little painting, the process is funny, I dangle pots over stakes, or line them up on garbage bags. The goal this week-end was to try and get 3 done. I needed to get some plants transplanted from the holiday's; I had bought a gorgeous center piece for our table, it included a poinsettia, and 4 house plants. But, they were getting weary of being cramped. The best temperature is between 60 and 70 degree's F, but it was barely 50 this week-end, so it took a little longer to go on and dry. Finally tonight, fighting the kittens off, on the kitchen floor, I transplanted them. Just makes me want spring that much more...

oh, we started on a wicker waste basket too, what's old is new again ~

January Weather

January in Washington -- golf ?? All last week, the kind weather people on KING 5 promised low 50's and sun for Saturday. So excited -- we were going to go golfing !! Wednesday, even though the fog never cleared and it was cold,

I had faith, I tried getting an on-line tee-time at one of my favorite local courses, Sumner Meadows, but I came to find out that the were affected by the floods (the ponds and clubhouse). Our next choice, Auburn, had a tournament that had been postponed due to the flooding the week before and the best time we could get was 2:22, yuck. We thought of several other places, that were having really good deals, but by Friday a.m., we had had 3 days where the fog never lifted and it was just a little too cold for golf, so regrettably, we decided to hold out -- today, is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous, and we didn't have a tee-time, anywhere. More on the accomplishments of today later...

Back to New Year's Day

So, as you may recall the weather outside was frightful, and driving not so delightful, so Christmas was moved to New Year's Day. My CRS kicked in and once we were on the road and made a quick to call to Anacortes it was determined that we were in fact running late (and come to find out, forgot 2 gifts). Traffic wasn't too bad and we made pretty good time--without pit stops.

Once there, I needed to walk a bit, and get some of the road stiffness out, so I asked the cutest baby in the house if he wanted to go outside for a bit--dang, he's a good boy. There's nothing sweeter than feeling the warmth of a 15 month old hand grasping your finger while you walk.

We had great meal with lots of tasty vegies (and the rolls of course) and ham. After dinner we sat at the table and ate See's Candies.

Opening gifts was a blast !! We drew names this year and I think that everyone got some interesting gifts. I know that I was very pleased with mine; thank you Cody, you did good and your thank you card will be in the mail shortly.

Next came something that we've never done, take a family picture. Brother number 3 and his family couldn't make it over (have I mentioned the weather), so they weren't there, nor was my sister, (we missed you all) but we still filled the room.

What an amazing day, I hope that we can all get together again soon... the zoo anyone ?? HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Why do Parent's do it ?

Why do some parent's think that it's perfectly OK to let their child scream so loud, that they can be heard clear on the other side of the store--now I'm not so mean that I'm talking about little babies that just naturally cry when then need something, I'm talking about your toddler who's using perfectly good words in between the incessant screaming. Really, if you parent's can hear me, please remove them from the store. Shopping really isn't something that I 'love' to do, but when I'm out, I like to try and enjoy it, and your seemingly lack of parenting skills is inexcusable. You peruse the aisle as if there's nothing wrong, while those around you try to remember what they're looking for amid the insane noise. Never have I let my child get away with that. So please, the next time you child is having a screaming fit, either sit out in the car where only YOU can hear them, or leave them at home...

Back Tracking

Let's go back a week, it was Christmas Day, we were still living the snow that wouldn't go away and we were getting more still. My Mom calls bright and early, not so much to wish us a Merry Christmas, but to regrettably let us know that brother number 2 and his family were still stuck and let's postpone. It was disappointing and relaxing at the same time.

So, I poured another cup of coffee (and proceeded to spill it, oh well) and sit back to watch the wrapping paper come off. It seems as my child gets older she takes more time to open and comment on each gift, no need to mention those comments.

I think that she enjoyed most of her gifts, she got enough of them -- I suppose that there are 1 or 2 she's not totally enamored with, but who doesn't get something that that giver thinks you'll love, and well, they just say 'thanks' :)

Since we had planned on eating all of Grandma's food, we really didn't have anything for a proper (as we know it) Christmas meal. Off to the store we went, where we were very much surprised to find it as busy as the day before Thanksgiving. This it seems, was much to the chagrin of our not so happy to be there checker. In an instant I decided that just because he had to deal with way more people than maybe everyone thought, he should be in a little better mood. So I just chattered and clucked my way through the whole check-out process and by they time he was handing me my receipt, I think that he was in a little better mood. He only had an hour left and I hope that he then got to go home to a wonderful holiday.

We spent the rest of the day eating, lounging, eating, watching the Devil Wears Prada, eating-- you get the picture.