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.

Christmas Eve

If you are from the Northwest, you poopoo everyone that says it rains a lot here-- it rains, but that's what helps make us so beautee-full the rest of the year. That's not to say that I like the rain, but right now I'm wishing and hoping for enough to melt off this freaking SNOW !!! Yes, that's right, the snow that won't go away. Now I don't really like snow and ice, unless it's in the mountains and I make no bones about absolutely not liking driving in it, but right now it's bordering on silly. I really feel for the people in Seattle that can't even get down their hills. I can get out of my neighborhood, it's nasty, icy and doing a number on my suspension, but I can get out (after digging the drive for over an hour and a little help from the neighbor, thank you)

I'm glad that I've pretty much finished my holiday shopping, today will be for stocking stuffers, of course we're going to try and get out again. The list of things I've forgotten is longer than the things I've remembered. We'll see how it goes.