Thursday Thoughts v.3.29.12

Linking up with Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts.

Here's what's on my mind this week:

[one]

Saw my orthopedic surgeon yesterday for the six week post-op checkup, and he said that my recovery from hip replacement surgery is going remarkably well. All that PT certainly has made a difference, and the walking is doing wonders. I'm walking about a mile each day, and I hope to start more challenging walks soon. The doctor removed all my restrictions and limitations and told me to come see him in a year. Woo Hoo!

[two]

Speaking of walking, the family is entering the 5K Color Run Seattle this May. Wally and I will be walking, and my adult children Sarah and Scott will be running. What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day! If you haven't heard about it, check it out here. Participants start the run/walk in a white T-shirt and by the end are splashed with a rainbow of colors. Can't wait!

[three]

I'm a huge fan of March Madness because I love to see the college teams play with their entire season on the line every game. We were watching a game the other night when two players were injured on the same play. I didn't mind the blood spurting from one player's nose, but it was kinda gross when the closeup showed him shooting free throws...with tissue shoved up both nostrils. Even worse, the camera zoomed in tight on a charley horse in the other player's calf muscle. Every time the player tried to move to get off the court, the muscle cramped again. By the time they got him off the court, MY calf muscles hurt!

[four]

My faithful cats are literally sleeping on the job. Found very suspicious bite marks on a loaf of bread and also on cracker packages in the bread drawer. Husband has set a couple of traps to no avail. Both cats are acting hinky in the kitchen, but have yet to flush out the culprit. Don't they understand they have to earn their kibble?

[five]

Excited for baseball season! Bought tickets for two Seattle Mariner games, and hope to see more games as well. Love to watch the games early in the season before all playoff hopes are dashed. Go M's!

[six]

I've had the same cookie jar for 25 years or so, and it definitely is showing its age. I've been thinking about buying a new one, but can't seem to find one that is fun, colorful, funky, and big enough without spending the big bucks. Much to my surprise, Scott and GF Sandra surprised me with a new cookie jar! It's just the right size and will work very well in my kitchen...isn't this a wonderful surprise? Thanks, kids!

And how is your week going?

 

Thursday Thoughts v.3.22.12

Linking up with Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts.

Here's what's on my mind this week.

[one]

My daughter has the most wonderful friends in the world, and I can't thank them enough for rallying around her! This includes blog friends she has never met in person, old friends who still stay in touch, coffee friends, work friends, school friends, family friends and especially the great friends who make a point of reaching out in a personal way even though she is "fine". Love all of you, and all you do for my baby. 💙💙💙💙💙

[two]

It's officially spring so Wally mowed the lawn for the first time this year. Don't be fooled, the green you see is mostly good old Pacific NW lawn moss. On the plus side, it appears to be a very good year for moss! On the down side, if/when we remove the moss the grass will be pretty darn threadbare. What to do, what to do?

[three]

Took my first walk sans cane this week! This is a huge step, and feels pretty darn good as I'm just five weeks post-op. I haven't been able to dump the cane entirely since I'm still stiff in the morning and occasionally in the evenings. But I can see a cane-free life is just on the horizon and can't wait!

[four]

Husband and I went to a fundraiser dinner this week for a local shooting victim (she's only 9!). We weren't sure what to expect, but really enjoyed ourselves. Due to the large crowd, we sat at a table with another pair, and we had much fun once we realized we had acquaintances in common with both the woman and her daughter. The comics ranged from just OK to really funny, and the food was delicious as usual. Hope the event raised a lot of money for the little girl and her family.

[five]

Finally able to get outside for a little while yesterday and work on my plants! Spent about an hour cleaning up winter's gunk and clipping back some plants that may make it through to another year. Also found my first daffodil of the season! Now if it would just quit snowing...

So what's on your mind this week?

 

Dear Monday v.3.19.12

Linking up with Megan for another episode of Dear Monday.

Dear Monday, Enough already! Spring starts tomorrow and we just saw snow showers yesterday. Thank goodness it didn't stick at our house, but come on now, we are ready for better weather!

Dear March Madness, Love you tons! Even when my favorite teams don't win, I still enjoy the "one and done" flavor of NCAA basketball tournament time. Then again, both the men's and women's Baylor Bears are still winning, so life is good! Sic 'em, bears.

Dearest daughter, I promise not to bore you with platitudes. Just know that Mom and Dad have your back...always and in every way. We'd have your plane ticket, too, if only I could find a decent price! If we can't find anything cheaper, I say you should just make it a longer visit. Dang, that might be fun!

Dear spouse, you are still my hero! Thanks for the cooking, cleaning, coffee making, pill scheduling, shoe tying, leg massaging and every other way you assist in facilitating my rehab. In particular, thanks for being my walking companion and your words of encouragement. When my rehab is over, let's continue the walking program...I am enjoying our time together!

Dear Dash, Thanks for coming to my rescue! We have two kitties, alpha cat Trooper and his shy big sister Dash. The other day I was on the floor doing my exercises when spouse decided to pretend to "attack" me. We were both pleasantly surprised when Dash came to my rescue; Trooper was more frightened and would not come near. Must be Dash's maternal instinct coming through!

Dear Family, Today is the start of another hectic birthday season. Let's see, we start with Kayden on March 19; Ava on April 2; Sarah on April 10; Sandra on April 11; Wally on May 22; and Scott on June 1. I'm the only one with a birthday in the off-season, so you guys have plenty of time to plan my celebration. Just sayin'.

And how is your week going?

Thursday Thoughts v.3_8_12

Linking up with my famous daughter Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts

Here's what's on my mind this week...

[one]

I am having SO much fun playing Words With Friends with my 86 year old aunt in California! She routinely kicks my butt, but I enjoy reconnecting and chatting with her on a regular basis. I'm hoping to become a better player just by playing her!

[two]

Favorite new app of the week: SoundHound! I've just started using the basic version of this app, which is free. How often do you hear a song on the radio, but can't quite remember the name of the song or the lyrics? Trust me, it gets worse every year. The SoundHound app identifies any song playing on the radio and also provides the complete lyrics! Husband and I are having way too much fun discovering how many lyrics we thought we knew, but in reality did not. This great app also identifies the album or CD where the song appeared, the artist, the songwriter, and provides links to videos and even where to buy the song. Way too much fun!

[three]

I've really been enjoying taking regular walks with the husband. The weather has been nice enough to get outside, but we've also taken advantage of the mall when weather does not cooperate. Yes, that means we are mall walkers (don't judge). Once I get a good rhythm going with the walking cane, it feels wonderful. I have been very careful not to walk too much or too far, but already can tell that the walks are helping with the hip rehab. Watch out cane, you are on the way out!

[four]

My lovely sister visited on Monday. She brought the makings for a delicious meal, a couple of hardback books for me to borrow, and several travel books so husband and I can start planning our trip to Europe. After she left, husband took the meat out of the fridge and acted a little irritated as he asked me what he was supposed to do with it now. Huh!?! I thought she left sauce and directions? Nope, he says, all she left was meat. Well, thanks a lot, sis! Come to find out, husband took food out of her cooler, but didn't know he was supposed to take the sauce out, too. Needless to say, hilarity ensued on all sides once the confusion was resolved. So, to my thoughtful sister...thanks for the meat, Heide!

And how is your week going?

 

Dear Monday v.8

Linking up with Megan for another round of Dear Monday.

Dear Monday, It's a gorgeous, blustery day and I couldn't be happier for another week to start. My rehab is going very well, and every week means more progress...yea!

Dear Shower, I really shouldn't take you for granted. The recent ten days of sponge baths was a great reminder of how fortunate I am to have hot water available any time I want it. Growing up, my childhood home only had one bathtub with no shower (for six kids) and I didn't even realize showers existed. I promise to appreciate you every day!

Dear Pete, Thanks so much for lending me the cooling jacket for my hip! This is one slick unit...you fill a small cooler with ice and water, attach hoses between the cooler and the cooling pad, velcro the cooling pad in place wherever you want it, and then turn on the quiet water pump attached to the cooler lid. The pump circulates ice water from the cooler to and from the pad. No need for messy ice bags, and it stays cool for quite some time. Heaven! Highly recommended for anyone undergoing surgical rehab.

Dear Cane, I appreciate all the assistance you provide, but don't get too comfortable. You are only here temporarily and I'm already looking forward to walking without you. No offense, but can't wait to dump you!

Dear Washington Huskies, You break my heart over and over again but I still keep coming back for more. Just when I think you blew your big chance to win the men's basketball Pac 12 title outright, you backdoor your way into the championship. Here's hoping you get to experience a little March madness!

Dear Sarah, I still can't get used to the fact that you are so far away, but I guess I can live with it! I love that you call me almost every day, and it makes me happy that you share so much of your life with me. I absolutely do not take our relationship for granted, and thank God every day that you are in my life. I love you unconditionally!

Dear Wally, Thanks for your continued patience in my rehab. You are always willing to massage my sore leg, take me for a walk, rearrange my support pillows, carry my extraneous junk, fetch medications, cook meals, do laundry, go shopping and pretty much take care of any thing that needs to be done. You have let me concentrate on getting better, and I appreciate that more than you know!

And how is your week going?

 

Dear Monday v.7

Linking up with Megan for another edition of Dear Monday.

Here are a few little letters to start the week.

Dear Monday, Woke up to a beautiful clear morning but it's only 28 degrees! What in the heck is it with this cold weather? We got a little spoiled last week with the warmer weather, and all the spring bulbs are pushing up. Come on spring...we're ready for you!

Dear Oscars, Thanks for an enjoyable evening! Billy Crystal was a great host, and it's always fun to critique the fashion choices of the stars. Favorite dress? Sandra Bullock! Classy and sexy. I was rooting for George Clooney, more on his body of work rather than his nominated role. Still haven't seen The Artist, but may need to break down and watch it. And absolutely love Emma Stone!

Dear (Junior) Walker, You helped me through the most difficult days, but it's time to transition to the cane. Woo Hoo for progress! New left hip is cooperating with the rehabilitation regimen, and I'm much further along than I had expected. I'm really anxious to get moving outside! (P.S. You know you're REALLY short when they fit you for a child's junior walker!)

Dear Wally, I appreciate you more than you know! Thanks for all the support you've provided the last two weeks. I've been impressed how you stepped up to the plate and assumed responsibility for housework, laundry, shopping and meal planning. I've gotten used to your quick response every time I need assistance, and can't thank you enough. I would, however, appreciate more leg and foot rubs to alleviate this deep ache!

Dear Friends and Family, Thanks for the gorgeous flowers and plants! You are all so thoughtful, and the beautiful blooms really do cheer me up.

And how is your week?

Thursday Thoughts v.4

Linking up with Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts.

{One}

Our little corner of the world does not feel so safe anymore. All the following occurred within a 17 mile radius of our home recently: a Washington State Patrol trooper was shot and killed last night during a traffic stop; a third-grader was shot at school yesterday by a classmate; three recent attacks are now considered "connected" with the possibility a serial killer is on the loose; a man was murdered in his apartment by a friend of 20 years; and, a man who fired in a gun in a tire store was shot and killed by law enforcement officers. What in the world is going on? Take a moment and give the people you love a big hug!

{Two}

My big sister celebrates her birthday today! I won't say how old she is, but suffice it to say she is MUCH older than I. I'm so glad that we enjoy a great relationship, but it absolutely tickles me pink that she and my daughter have a special relationship as well. Except, of course, when they use their superior intellects to gang up on me!

{Three}

I love this unseasonably warm weather, and can't wait to get back outside working in my flower beds. Unfortunately, the sun pouring in the house really highlights the dirt and streaks on my windows. I attempted to clean the windows after our recent kitchen remodel, but obviously just moved the dirt around. I'm in no rush to clean them however, which is in accordance with Liz's rule of housekeeping #1 - Windows are for looking through, not at.

{Four}

Husband does not realize it, but he has set a dangerous precedent by doing all the cooking and cleaning this past week. Who knew he was so capable? I think he needs to keep practicing to keep those skills sharp!

How is your week going?

Dear Monday v.6

Linking up with Megan for another edition of Dear Monday.

Here are a few little letters to start the week!

Dear Monday, Woke up this morning to a gorgeous early spring day. I love this time of year when the evenings are crisp, the days start to lengthen and the bulbs begin to pop up. Maybe I'm just appreciating the little things a bit more on this particular Monday!

Dear Nicky Tony, Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you! We enjoy hearing the reports about each and every one of your med school interviews, and can't wait to see what life has in store for you next. Isn't life exciting?!?

Dear New Left Hip, Welcome! I have been looking forward to meeting you for many, many months. Let me know what I can do to make this transition a bit easier for both of us!

Dear Overlake Hospital Nursing Staff, Thanks so much for the wonderful experience! Every nurse, technician, assistant, PT, OT and aide was eager to make sure all my needs were met both day and night. As an added bonus, the night nurse and I discovered we attended rival high schools and enjoyed some great memories of the old days. The fantastic care provided by these professionals is the reason I needed only two nights in the hospital.

Dear Wally, Who knew you had the nursing gene? Your mama was an LPN, so maybe it really is genetic! Thank you for massaging my feet, cooking my meals, managing my meds, keeping my ice fresh, washing my hair, and making me feel cared for and loved! On a side note, I think you enjoyed that sponge bath a little too much! I can't thank you enough for all the things you do to make sure I'm comfortable.

So that's what is on my mind this week....how is your week going?

 

 

The First Last Project

Much to my husband's chagrin, I love watching HGTV. So when I say "Honey, I have an idea...", he groans because he knows whatever is coming usually means more work for him! But he's a good sport about it and will let me throw my ideas around before he shoots them down for one reason or another. Then again, if I can get him excited about a project, he is more than willing to tackle just about anything.

So when husband returned home after a long weekend out of town, and found blue tape spread out all over the kitchen floor, he knew I was waiting to show him another "great" idea. This time, though, he agreed!

We moved into our circa-1969 split level house about 14 years ago. Before you cringe, understand that we absolutely love our house and, more importantly, its location. As you might have guessed, we've done a lot of updating. But one thing that has always bugged me was that I was not able enjoy our fantastic view from the room where I spend a lot of time...my kitchen. I've come up with a couple of different plans to change this over the years, but finally had an inspiration that worked!

This is the "before" picture as taken from my dining room looking into the kitchen. You can see my original blue tape plan on the kitchen floor. We used the table visible in the kitchen for many, many years, but it always ended pushed up against the wall because there was not enough room to get around it otherwise. I actually painted that dark "treatment" on the dining room walls a long time ago, and I did love it for about ten years. But it was time for it to go! There were also heavy valances on all three windows in the dining room. I didn't know what color I wanted, but had a bunch of paint samples so tried them all!


Here are the "after" photos. Didn't it turn out great?

 

We continued the existing kitchen green paint color (Valspar Eddie Bauer Moss EB9-3) into the dining room above the chair rail, with a light tan (Valspar Eddie Bauer Sesame EB24-4) below the rail. I initially considered recovering the box valances, but decided to eliminate them instead. We added crisp white bead board on both sides below the built-in table, and installed new drop lights that coordinate with the existing dining room light. One thing we did not anticipate was having to reroute a water line running from the attic through the old wall to an outdoor spigot, but that was just a minor detail (according to the person who did not have to do the plumbing!).

We absolutely love the new table top. It's a 1½" thick piece of John Boos walnut butcher block with a Varnique finish that we bought online from Old World Butcher Block. Note that you can't see the four brackets on each side that hold the table in place. Husband found the Freedom Hidden Countertop Brackets on line from Federal Brace, and they are installed behind the drywall so you don't have to worry about hitting your knees! Keeps the lines looking clean, too.

This project has totally changed the way both our dining room and kitchen feel. The rooms are much more open and inviting, and my plants absolutely love all the natural light! I find myself lingering more in the kitchen just to enjoy the view. I am extremely proud of the work my husband did on this project, and so pleased with how it turned out. Not bad for what he calls "the last project in the house"! Then again, I have this idea.....

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The True Love Story of the Great Lakes

Linking up with From Mrs. to Mama for a Valentine's Day special!

Most of the love stories I've read involve new or young love. But finding a love that lasts beyond those first few years is much more rare. My husband and I recently celebrated our 30th anniversary, and the fact that our love has withstood the tests of time speaks for itself. But that's not to say that it has been easy! We've weathered a storm or two (or five or ten), but those times that were less than stellar have only made us appreciate the good times even more. So here's our story.

How long have you and your significant other been together? 

My valentine and I have been together 30 yrs. and seven months. The math is easy...we met and were married within seven months. When you know, you know!

How did you meet?

It was 1981, and I had just been hired as the first female nuclear inspector at our naval shipyard. Other than the clerical staff, I was the only woman in the department, so the women working in the office took a particular interest in me. One woman kept telling me about this handsome man who worked in another building, and how she thought we would make the perfect couple, even though I insisted I was not interested. Then one day during lunch, I heard a wolf whistle. As I turned to glare at the offending person, I realized it was the handsome fellow my friend had mentioned, and couldn't help myself as I smiled instead. Later that week, he asked me out to lunch. Silly me, I expected food! To this day he insists that he really invited me "out to walk at lunch". Let the miscommunication begin!

How long have you been married?

Exactly 30 years and five weeks.

Where did you get married? Big or small wedding?

We were married in a simple ceremony on the lava rocks on the beach at Kona, Hawaii. We found a woman who planned small weddings, and she arranged for the location, found the minister and provided flower leis. The planner and her friend even served as our witnesses and our photographer! I wore a simple sun dress (still have, almost fits), and my groom wore a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. My 93 yr. old grandmother was shocked that she could "...see his knees!" in the wedding pictures.

Do you have any nicknames that you call one another?

When we're in a crowd, he calls me by our last name, Lake. I usually call him sweetheart. 

Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

His love for his children, his sense of humor, his incredible work ethic.

Tell us how he proposed?

This is a hard question, because neither of us remembers the exact moment we became engaged! We had been dating a short while, and at some point it just became a given. We were both in the right stages of our lives and knew it was inevitable that we would get married and start a life together.

Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for V day or strawberries, champagne and rose petals?

Let's just say he usually gives me a mushy, sentimental card, and then cooks us a delicious lobster dinner. Sweet AND practical!

Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Definitely pop a Netflix movie in and relax on the couch.

Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your husband one day? If you could do anything?Go anywhere?

We'd like to go to Europe together...soon.

Tell us what you plan on doing this Valentine's Day.

We have no special plans this year, but I expect we'll do a late lunch at a local restaurant in order to beat the evening rush.

Are you asking for anything this Valentine's Day?

No, we don't usually exchange gifts, just cards. But this year I am getting the gift of good health...I get my new hip the day after Valentine's Day!

Give us one piece of advice on keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Remember that you and your spouse are a team. You may each have different strengths, but you should be working together toward the same goals. It's vital for the team to be on the same page when it comes to financial accountability, parenting style and long-term goals.

Show us a picture of what love means to you.

 

Thursday Thoughts v.3

 Linking up with Sarah for Thursday Thoughts. Here's what's on my mind today:

[1] I bought three airline tickets this week, but none were for me! Something is wrong with this picture. Looks like this will be a quiet air travel year for me, which is not a bad thing after such a crazy schedule last year.

[2] New dishwasher arrives today! Just a little anticlimactic since I thought it was supposed to arrive yesterday. As my retired friends say, it's hard to keep track of the days of the week when every day is Saturday and every night is Friday night!

[3] All the hype for Valentine's Day is just a little too much. To all my friends and family, I love you all regardless of the day of the year. Hope I display that affection on a regular basis!

[4] Even though I just blasted Valentine's Day, there is an upside. This is the only time of the year that Tootsie Rolls come in a special package of all cherry flavor!!! I might have bought a bag or two (or four).

[5] Countdown to new hip = six days! Starting to panic just a bit as the big day approaches, but absolutely can not wait to be pain free. Just got my new walker....hoorah!

What's on your mind this week?

 

Dear Monday v.5

Linking up with Megan for another episode of Dear Monday.

 Dear Monday, Nothing says Monday like starting my day off with a latte! Needed that kick of caffeine to get me through a long day of doctor appointments and hospital visits. On the plus side, I'll get my bionic hip in nine days!

Dear Pick-Quick, So happy that my favorite burger joint is open again after your much too long traditional winter break. A deluxe burger and marshmallow shake never tasted so good!

Dear Great Work Friends, Thanks so much for your company at our home this weekend. I love keeping in touch with the women who remind how wonderful my work life was, how much I miss my work friends, and how little I miss the workplace!

Dear Internet, Thanks for coming to my rescue this weekend...I found a fantastic way to keep barbecued flank steak hot without using the oven! First, preheat a well insulated cooler. I put my cooler in the bathtub and filled it with hot tap water, but you could also use sunlight or a heating pad. Just get the cooler as warm as you possibly can, and then make sure it's dry inside. Then, while the meat is on the grill, preheat three or four big fluffy old towels in the dryer on high. The minute you pull the meat off the grill, wrap it in heavy aluminum foil. Then immediately wrap your foil package(s) in the preheated towels and place in the preheated cooler. Don't open until you are ready to eat! After 3 1/2 hours, my steaks were still moist and the packages so hot I almost needed potholders. 

Dear Super Bowl, I actually enjoyed the game this year! I love a good, close football game, regardless of the eventual winner. Better yet, it's alway fun to watch and critique the over-hyped commercials. Overall, I'd give this year's event a solid "A" (an "A+" is only possible if the Seattle Seahawks are involved).

So much for my Monday thoughts...what's on your mind?

 

  

Baby Buy, Buy, Buy

 Best acquisitions of the week

I ran into Costco for a minute to buy one thing (right!) and came across a great find...a fantastic set of makeup brushes! I'm normally too cheap thrifty to buy high quality makeup brushes. I occasionally splurge on one decent brush, and then end up using it until it literally falls apart. No more! Have used these brushes only for a few days, but already am in love them. They are a great value, as well. Heaven!

I recently downloaded the ShopSavvy app for my iPhone, and used is this week for the first time. It is so easy! Simply scan an item's barcode, and the app will search for the best prices both on line and in your area. My favorite face cream is Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, in either the 30 or 20 SPF (I'm a pale girl from the Pacific NW), but it's not always easy to find. ShopSavvy shows that Sears sells it online for $8.70, at Target for $11.67 and at Walmart for $12.27. Of course, you need to factor in shipping and handling costs, and it appears that not all stores are searched. But I'll definitely use this free app when I'm shopping for more expensive or hard-to-find items. Happy shopping!

I needed new slippers, and could only find expensive ones in the style I like. There was a big sale at the sheepskin store in the mall, but not on the ones I want, of course. I was willing to settle for less, but really was just looking for lined slippers that are not clogs or mules and with a hard sole so I can walk on our patio in them. I was able to find a great pair of Clark slippers online at Sierra Trading Post! That's really not the point of my story, though. I was able to find an online coupon for free shipping. Here's the point: If you don't already know it, ALWAYS check for an online coupon before you buy online. It really pays off!

That's the story of my week, hope your week was full of fun!

 

Dear Monday v.4

 Another episode of Dear Monday

Dear Monday, I would certainly have an easier time facing you if I were sleeping better at night. Maybe I should start taking naps, but that's not really in my nature. Can't we just get along?!?

Dear Sandra, Thanks for the gorgeous flowers to start my week! I love how thoughtful you are and am thankful you are in my life. It's always fun to have your little ones under foot, but have to admit I do appreciate the quiet when they go home.

Dear Washington State, I love the fact that you have become a strong player in the wine business and have visited many of the wineries across the state. One of my favorite wine tasting areas is the Rattlesnake Hills region of the Yakima Valley. My wine racks are looking a little bare, so I'm thinking we are due for another wine excursion this spring or summer.

Dear Kitsap Regional Library, I am having so much fun browsing and borrowing ebooks for my iPad. Even though your selection is not huge, I am discovering new authors and enjoying the ebook experience. Who knew?

Dear Sears, Come on, where is our new dishwasher? We've been waiting patiently since we placed the order, but never dreamed it would take this long.Then again, we got an excellent price, so I can wait a little longer before I toss our ancient unit in the trash. I am so ready for a new dishwasher!

How is your week shaping up?

 

Thursday Thoughts v.2

Linking up with Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts. Here's what on my mind this week.

[1] My week started with a broken coffee pot. Who knew it would be so hard to find a replacement? No, I don't want a coffee maker that makes one expensive cup at a time. No, I don't want a coffee maker that grinds the beans first. And no, I don't want want a coffee maker that hooks right up to my water line for an automatic fill (or automatic spill). Our needs are simple: 12 cup capacity with a thermal carafe in a reputable brand. We shopped everywhere, and finally found one at an electronics store, of all places! So here's our brand new Cuisinart coffee maker courtesy of Fry's Electronics. Love it!

[2] I discovered The Container Store! Holy cow, I think my husband thought I got lost in there. How did I not know this store existed? I definitely need to go back sans hubby for more serious shopping. Must remember to do a little window shopping on-line and make a shopping list before I go back. 

[3] Still counting down the days to my new and improved hip...20 days until the big day! Just heard Obama is planning a visit in Seattle two days later. Wonder how he heard about my surgery?

 [4] When the weather turns dreary, there is nothing better than cuddling up with a little furry friend. We have two cats, but I really think Trooper was a dog in a previous life. He follows me everywhere I go, loves to chase after treats, and wants to lay next to or on top of me whenever I sit down. He is definitely our Alpha cat, and has a tendencity to be mean to his sister Dash if I pay too much attention to her. Regardless, he loves to be with his Mom, and it warms my heart.

 So much for my deep thoughts...what's on your mind this week?

Monday, January 23, 2012

Dear Monday v.3

Linking up with Megan for another episode of Dear Monday

Little letters to start the week

Dear Monday, I had a hard time facing you today after my coffee maker broke this weekend. Hopefully we will find a new coffee maker tomorrow in Seattle.

Dear Sweet Aunt Heide, I was pleasantly surprised to get a letter from you, and even more surprised at the items you sent. One was a postcard I mailed from Hawaii on the day Wally and I were married. The other item I hadn't seen before...it was a Western Union Storkgram that my Dad had sent on the day I was born!  You made my day...thanks!

Dear Wally, Thank you for making an early latte run this morning. You know my day needs caffeine to get off to a good start, and you are always willing to enable my "fix"! Love your thoughtfulness.

Dear Sister-In-Law Barb, We loved your visit today! We are so glad you often come to our town to visit your son, because then we get to see you, too. Always great to catch up with you.

Dear Group Health, Thanks for the speedy service today when I came in for lab tests. I don't think I've ever made it in and out quite so quickly. 

Dear Toyota Camry, We thought a major repair was imminent when you started making a horrendous noise. Fortunately, the noise was due to a loose engine splash shield. We bought two new fasteners, the fix was easy and you are now back to your quiet self.

Hope your Monday was full of fun and love! 

 

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Wedding Whoops Link Up Party

 Joining a Wedding Whoops link up party with Jena @ Recently Roached!

Just this morning I made myself a promise that I would quit tweeting, blogging & FB'ing about our recent anniversary, but I couldn't resist sharing our Wedding Whoops from a l-o-n-g time ago.

Wally and I married in Hawaii during the first part of January. Just the two of us on a ten-day vacation to paradise in the middle of winter. What could go wrong? As it turns out, plenty!

Our flight home landed in Seattle in the dark, just after a small snowstorm. That alone was relatively exciting. Then, our car had a flat tire, and Wally had to change the tire...in the dark...in the slushy long-term parking lot. The fun begins and we hadn't even gotten home yet! After the tire was changed, we still had a 90 min. drive home. Our honeymoon was officially over and we were both scheduled to return to work the following morning.

The minute we entered our home, at the end of that extremely long day, we knew we had been had. You might call it vandalized, or a practical joke, or merely being mischievous. Some person or persons unknown had taken advantage of our absence and performed a wide variety of nefarious acts on our belongings.  To wit, the criminals:

• Moved Wally's motorcycle from the basement garage into our kitchen.
  
• Short-sheeted our bed, then moved it into the living room.
  
• Rearranged record albums so the album covers did not match the records inside.
  
• Rearranged furniture from three rooms to three different rooms.
  
• Placed a gazillion little static beads in our bathtub.
  
• Removed every label from every piece of canned goods in the house.
  
• Strung Cling-Wrap across the toilet bowl.
  
• Filled (I mean filled) the bathroom with crumpled newspapers
  
• Left stinky tuna fish in the garbage disposal. 
  
• Hid confetti everywhere..I mean everywhere: every drawer, every shoe, in the pockets of old coats, between the pages of books. Everywhere.
  

The worst part was that Wally could not stop laughing hysterically as we discovered each new atrocity. My anger increased at an exponential rate, while he simply thought this situation was the funniest thing he had ever seen. Suffice it to say our first married night in our own home did not go well.

The next day we found we had been the victims of three of Wally's friends. When they couldn't figure out how to break into our house, the next-door neighbor brought over beer and offered to show them the way in. Apparently they had a very good time, and the rest is history. Needless to say, we did not go to work the following day. In fact, we spent many, many days trying to get our house back to normal. I continued to find telltale pieces of confetti in unexpected places right up until we moved from that house 16 years later.

This sad tale of woe is not really a Wedding Whoops, but pretty darn close. I wouldn't recommend starting a marriage the way we did, but it obviously worked for us as we just celebrated our 30th anniversary. 

Looking forward to reading more stories!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Thursday Thoughts v1

Linking up with Sarah for Thursday Thoughts. Here's what on my mind this week.

[1] I am just a little tired of being house-bound. Today is Day 2 of what people are calling Snowpocalypse or Snowmageddon. All the schools are closed for the second day in a row. We only received 2"-3" of snow at our house, but some areas of Western Washington have see a foot or more of snow. That's a lot of snow for an area that usually only gets a few inches in a bad year. Freezing temperatures after the snowfall have just made everything an icy mess. Weather report for tomorrow is warmer weather...hurrah!

[2] Countdown to my new hip is finally in days (27!) rather than in months. Can't wait! This cold weather has me wondering if my new implant will be affected by the cold? Maybe I'll be one of those old people who can predict the weather via my aching joints!

[3] Our lights just blinked (twice). Heard this morning that 70,000 people in the area are without power, mostly in places with much more snow we have. Historically, we've been most affected when the melting snow and ice causes trees to fall across power lines. So the only thing worse than being house-bound...being house-bound with no power. Fingers are crossed!

[4] I've read quite a few eBooks on my iPad, and actually enjoyed it despite my initial misgivings. Not quite ready to give up pleasure of the tactile sensation of actually reading a book, but it's not a bad alternative. Now if I can just remember to charge up my iPad every night.

[5] I've noticed that some of my Facebook friends are starting to either limit their FB usage or drop off entirely. On the contrary, I'm considering making a new FB group for my siblings and their families so we can better keep in touch. Not a fan of the FB games or quizzes, but enjoy being able to reach out, and be reached, by familiar faces both new and old. FB is just a tool, nothing more.

So those are my deep thoughts for Thursday. Not much, huh?

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Songs In My Heart

I've always enjoyed listening to music, whether it's rock 'n' roll, country or what is now called classic rock. So I thought it would be fun to note some of the songs that hold a particular place in my heart, and why they are memorable to me. To prevent the list from getting too long, I limited it to songs from my youth, i.e. before I married Wally in 1982.  Here they are:

"El Paso" sung by Marty Robbins - Heard circa 1960 on the AM radio in our family car. Memorable because it was one of my Dad's favorite songs.

"Please, Please Me" sung by The Beatles - Heard circa 1964 on the second-hand juke box in the basement of my childhood home. Memorable because my best friend and I replayed it endlessly just to listen to (and swoon over) Paul's background vocals

"Tell Her No" sung by The Zombies - Heard circa 1965 on a record player with drop-down turntable and detachable speakers, in the bedroom I shared with my two sisters. Memorable because it was the first 45 RPM record I ever bought.

"Build Me Up Buttercup" sung by The Foundations - Heard circa 1968 on the hand-held transistor radio, with "real" leather case, I had received as a present. Memorable because I spent many hours during the summer sitting under a fruit tree in our back yard listening to that radio.

"Wedding Bell Blues" sung by The Fifth Dimension - Heard circa 1970 during high school girls' tennis practice. Memorable because the coach let us listen to the radio during practice!

"I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)" sung by Grand Funk Railroad - Heard circa 1972 on a state-of-the-art 8-track player in a friend's car. Memorable for the big clunk about 3/4 of the way through the song as the track changed.

"Stairway To Heaven" sung by Led Zeppelin - First heard circa 1973 on any radio or stereo as long as it could be played extremely loud. Memorable because it's one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Still love the song and have been known to crank it up.

"Runaway" sung by Bonnie Raitt - Heard in 1978 on an LP record. Memorable because it was played on the first component stereo I owned. Stereo consisted of a Pioneer tuner, Kenwood turntable and Infinity Qa speakers.  I still have all the components, but only the tuner is still used (in the garage).

"Sweet Emotion" sung by Aerosmith - Heard in 1981 on the radio of Wally's green Ford Granada that had a white landau roof. Memorable because my future husband had just picked me up on our first date.

"Video Killed the Radio Star" sung by The Buggles. Seen and heard circa 1981 on my huge Sears console TV. Memorable because of all the hype leading up to the debut of a brand new music channel on TV. This was the first video played on MTV.

Do you have any songs that hold a particular place in your heart? What songs and why?

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, January 16, 2012

Dear Monday v2

Linking up with Megan for another

Dear Monday, Thanks for the cool, crisp and icy morning. And since it's a holiday there are fewer people, and problems, on the roads. Bring on the snow!

Dear Golden Globes, Thanks for the opportunity to see all the glamorous stars in their beautiful gowns. The only star I really wanted to see...George Clooney. Delicious! He just looks better each year.

Dear Kitties, Thanks Trooper and Dash for not holding a grudge after bath day yesterday. Then, to add insult to injury, you both had to suffer the indignity of monthly topical flea control. Glad your brains are pea-sized so you can't stay mad for long!

Dear Zagg Keyboard, I love to use you with my iPad, but why in the heck does your "V" key keep coming loose? Good thing I use that letter infrequently, but it certainly is annoying. Now if I can just find the purchase invoice so I can send for a replacement.

Dear Boxes of "Junk", When I started this clean/sort/organize effort, I didn't realize how much stuff we had accumulated. Where did all these "treasures" come from? And do I donate the pile I've gathered so far, or find someplace to save it all and have a garage sale this spring? Decisions, decisions!

Dear Football, I have always enjoy watching my beloved Seahawks, as well as a couple of my favorite college teams (go Huskies!; sic 'em Bears!). The NFL playoffs are sometimes interesting and, let's face it, the Super Bowl commercials can be better than the game. But seriously, enough already! I'm ready for football to be over and done.

Dear Wally, Thanks for helping me rearrange furniture as part of my clean-up effort. I know you think I'm crazy, but thanks for not giving me too much grief about it. I promise not to move that heavy, awkward couch up or down any stairs ever again!

So, how it your Monday going? Any exciting adventures on tap for this week?

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