Happy 10th Birthday Joe!  You will always be my gift from God

Oh this is a good one.  With dh I've owned 2 houses.  We're hoping to be buying a house in the Fall.  Instead of describing my perfect house, I'm going to describe what elements I'd want in my perfect house.  Of course, these won't ever all be in one house, but it is a "dream" right?

One story
central air
new windows
tankless water heater
new gas furnace
new-ish roof
soaking tub in the master bathroom
toilets like the toilets at Laura M's parents' condo. 
hardwood or Pergo throughout the whole house
nice sized laundry room with a utility sink
gas stove
electric wall oven
good solid dishwasher
freezer on the bottom fridge
built in bookshelves
solid wood doors
wood cabinets
rain barrel
fenced back yard with dog feet resistant grass
nice deck
a patio off the deck that has an arbor that is full of wisteria
automatic sprinklers
2 car garage, attached to the house, but enter from the side or back of the house


That's a good start.  Those that have been in either of my old houses will see familar things on this list.  There were things I loved and things I hated about each of the houses. 

One of my fondest memories of Memorial Day weekend is gardening with my Mom.  In southern Idaho the traditional "safe" day to start planting your garden is Memorial Day weekend.   One Memorial Day, when I was about 15 or so, my Mom was planting her flower garden.   By that time in our lives, it was just my Mom and me at home-my parents were divorced, my brothers were long gone and my sister had moved out.  Anyway, my Mom decided she needed help planting, which of course she didn't-but she made me get up early (I'm sure it was at the unGodly hour of 8:00 a.m., horrors to a teenager)and help her.  She wanted to plant the bed by the garage full of geraniums.  I was cranky and surly, I'm certain.  But-the one concession she made was she let me blare my radio in the back yard.  She was partially deaf, plus any music I played was pure vanilla compared to the stuff my brothers played when they were teenagers.  So, my boombox is blaring, and "Our House" by Madness comes on.   I said something to my Mom about how this song made me think of her, with the references to the Mom and her house, etc.  She smiled and said something like "oh yeah"  while I'm sure she was thinking "what did she say? something about this song that is blaring..what? "


Move forward 25 or so years-its Memorial Day weekend, many of my friends IRL and online are talking about their gardens and I'm wistful, but know that I too will plant in my garden next Memorial Day-and "Our House" just came on the radio.  And I know, I just know my Mom was behind that.  I know she was.

You know what?  I have-I've had my apology not recognized and it was even on elJay.  And, it pissed me off-becaus it was an honest mistake on my part, but I knew what I had said hurt the person's feelings,  but my apology was ignored and  I finally gave up on that person.  Done.

First Mothers Day without my Mom, and it sucks major ass

I had one just recently.   I knew I was in desperate need of new jeans.  The ones I had were worn out, but still functional, I thought.   I had changed into these jeans after work.  I noticed a small hole in the front, but didn't think it was that noticable, plus I thought my shirt would cover it.  Went about my afternoon duties, which included taking Joe to his OT appointment.   That office is right by John's office, so we always stop there before heading home.  After a while, John said, "I can see you're wearing purple underwear today."  I said, "what?"  And then...the hole!  It was much bigger than I imagined.  So I left Joe with John and went emergency jeans shopping.  As it turned out, I'm glad I had to.  The store didn't have the size I normally wear, so I tried on another color (red for those that know Lame Giants jeans)and they fit much better than the size I'd been wearing before. 

I don't know how many people saw my purple underwear-but only one of them was gracious enough to tell me, and hearing it from him was okay.

This will surprise everyone who knows me IRL, but I would LOVE to go on a silent retreat.  Sometimes I can get overwhelmed with all the noise of every day life.  I could totally go for a weekend retreat of silence.

What an incredibly thought provoking and tough question to answer.

At first though, of course isn cancer.  All forms of cancer. 

But then I started thinking about what diseases have touched my life more.   Well, it's not cancer, but auto-immune diseases.  My Father's body was ravenged by diabetes and it eventually killed him.  One of my best friends has adjusted her life to her rhumitoid arthritis, I worked for a while with the National Mulitple Scelrosis Soceity, people with that disease will always be close to  my heart, and on a very moderate level I deal with auto immune issues because I have psroriasis.

If the scientist could find a cure for one of these, they'll soon find a cure for all of them-they are all connected.

Cure for cancer AND a cure for auto-immune diseases is what I want.
 

(spell checker doesn't seem to be working, so please excuse all the spelling errors)

It's been a weird week.   

Joe has been sick.  Sick enough to stay home from school.  He stayed home on Wednesday, Thursday, and today.  He probably could have stayed home on Tuesday.  This afternoon he complianed  about being dizzy.  Uh oh-dizzy Joe often equals Joe with a sinus infection.  Luckily his doctor was able to get him in.  No, not a sinus infection.  Joe has bronchitis.  Poor guy!  He's on Zythromax and slamming down all the liquids he can hold.

John and I had to juggle our schedules around to accomidate Mr. Sickie.  This is the first time we've had to do that for mulitple days since I went back to work last year.   We managed just fine.  I took Wednesday off, we split schedules Thursday, and John stayed with Joe today. 

Last weekend we went to The Great Wolf Lodge.  Usually it is quite expensive. However, our credit union sponsored a group rate, and we split the room charge with angstmama and her family.  So it was really quite reasonable.  The main attraction at GWL is a huge indoor water park.  There is also various game rooms, arcades, food, etc.  Lots and lots of ways to spend money!  Joe was completely overwhelmed by the water park the first time we went in there.    One of the "extras" was a searching game. You buy a wand and enterence into the game, and then wander around 4 floors pointing the wand at special things and figure out the "adventures" or "quests"  Right.up.Joe's.ally.  He spent more time in the water park the next day.  I made the big mistake of not getting back into my suit for that, as I didn't think he'd stay long at all.  I should have, because he had a good time in the wave pool and forts, etc.  Oh well, next time.  I do believe if we can get a good deal again, there will be a next time.
http://www.greatwolf.com/grandmound/waterpark

A couple of weeks ago Joe had an inservice day, so I took the day off and we went to Seattle.  We did the Underground Tour http://www.undergroundtour.com/  We had a great time.  It was very interesting.  It was loaded with bathroom humor, which Joe loved.  We had a great tour guide.  Joe was the only kid in our group, and the tour guide was really good dealing with the whole prositution aspect-which were "sewing circles."  After the tour we went to the toy store in Pioneer Square.  A early dinner at Old Spaghetti Factor, which is a Hansen favorite.  Then, just enough light to be able to show Joe the Freemont Troll.


We finished our Seattle day with cupcakes at Trophy Cupcake.  SOOOO much better (in my opinion, I know others disagree)than Cupcake Royale.  Joe ate his lemondrop cupcake with the joy.



My heart is heavy with sorrow for my friendcarisis.  Her beautiful 11 year old daughter died suddenly last Friday.  My child doesn't know why, but he's been snuggled with and hugged a lot more this week than in weeks past.  Never take your babies for granted, hold them tight.   Keep Carrie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  I wish I could take away some of their pain, but I can't.  

And, that's all I'm going to say about that.

 

 

I am way more verbose online than I am in person.  I'm much more of an observer in a group rather than being the life of the party.  I'm much more animated and gregarious online.

Funny, huh?

Ok, here it is, the 26 questions for all you married people...answer these questions about your engagement, marriage, wedding, etc. For some of you, it might take some really hard thinking to remember some of the answers.

1. When did you get married? February 18, 1995.

2. What day of the week was it? Saturday.

3. Was this your first marriage? Yes.

4. How many guests were invited to your wedding? Probably somewhere around 150, and about 120 attended.

5. How long were you and your significant other together before getting married? 5 years.

6. How did you meet your significant other? John and my brother Frank were buddies at law school.  When they graduated many of them moved to Boise.  I was going to Boise State.  I spent a hella time at my brother's house-because I adore my brother, my nephew was adorable, and his house was uber cool compared to my square hotbox of an apartment.  John hung out there too. 

7. How did your engagement happen? At a wonderful, very romantic restaurant called The Renaissance on New Years Eve.  

8. How long was the engagement? a little bit over a year

9. Did he ask the parents? yeah, I don't know.  I think John talked to my Dad soon after we were engaged, but I'm not sure. 

10. Was the ring a surprise?  Sorta kinda, but not really.  John knew what he wanted to get me an Irish Claddaugh, but didn't get a chance to purchase one prior to seeing me on NYE.

11. Where was your wedding ceremony and/or reception? The wedding was at St. Edwards Catholic Church, and the reception was at the Parish Hall.   It was a very traditional big Catholic family wedding.  St. Eds is the church I was baptised in, married in, and our son was baptised there too. Oh, this was in Twin Falls, Idaho 

12. What were your wedding colors?  Cream and periwinkle.  Our invitations were really cool.  They had a picture of the Kiss at the Hotel Deville on the front, in a sepia purple.

13. Did your father walk you down the aisle? Oh sure, and he was happy to do it.  My Dad was the consonant showman. 

14. What was the weather like on your big day? Spectacular.  It really was.  It was a clear crisp not too cold Idaho winter day.

15. Where did you go for pictures? At the church and reception.

16. Did either of you get drunk? Nah, but most of my bridal party, and many guest did.  The wine and beer, it did flow freely

17. What type of wedding gown/tux did you two wear?  I had a beautiful Jessica McClintock  cream colored weddng dress.  It had lace arms and a fitted bodice, a nice full skirt and a cute little trane that hooked in the back for dancing.  John wore a nice new blue suit. 

18. What was your wedding song? We didnt have one. John's best friend Dan was(is)a talented organist.  He was in charge of all the music.  I have no idea what any of it was, but I do know that I walked down the aisle to the same piece of music that Princess Diana did

19. What was your wedding favor/gift? I don't think we had any

20. Did you smash the cake? No, but we did feed each other in a very respectful way.

21. Wedding night? Jackpot Nevada, which if you know the area...there is just....something about spending your wedding night in Jackpot.

22. Favorite part of your wedding day? All of it really.  It's been one of the best days of my life.

23. Least favorite part? Worrying if the food was going to get there in time for the reception.  It did, I need not have worried

24. Would you do it all again? Oh sure 

25. Where did you go on your honeymoon?  Later that Spring we drove the coast of Oregon to San Fransico.

26. How long have you been married? Just a smidge over 14 years.

I've met a few celebrities-mostly politicians.  I think I met them all in Sun Valley.

My Dad introduced me to Senator Edward Kennedy and his son, Teddy at the Roundhouse on Baldy Mountain.  We didn't ski with them, but were later on the same runs as they were.  You can't really miss Teddy Jr., he's the one skiing with one leg.

My Dad introduced me to Rep. Tip O'Neil at a golf tournament in Sun Valley.  He was as gregarious in real life as he was on television.

Caroline, Abby and I met Artie Johnson at that same golf tournament. He was a riot!

I've skiied on the same run at the same time with Jean Claude Kiley.  At the time that was an absolute thrill for me-he was well known in the skiing world.  We skiied on Lower College together....ahhhh...

I've talked with, and then met (years later)Carole King.   She was great.

Hmmm, that's it, I think

Only 5? 

The Sound of Music
When Harry Met Sally
Moonstruck
Love, Actually

Hmmm, which of my collection will join the group in the coveted 5th spot.  It could be
Ulee's Gold
Singles
Bobby

Caught!
John just snapped this picture. The cats are absolutly not allowed in Joe's room, according to him. And, of course they are always trying to get in there, and he's always asking us to come get them, or call them. So when I passed by his room tonight I had to call John as soon as I noticed the kitty Al decided he would just wait until Joe was asleep and then be able to snuggle with him. :-) Cats are such funny creatures!

I played this while sitting in the room with Joe(reminder-he's 9)and while I can very faintly hear the noise, it damn near sent Joe out of the room. And, I didn't tell him I was going to play it beforehand.

Created by Train Horn

I just had a bit of  a scare with my kitty Alex.  But, he is well and safe, and about to curl up on the sofa.  Little bugger is too much of a wanderer.
 
We took our doggys to a dog park today.  They loved the freedom of running.  But-Annie the German cowdog is limping.  I'm hoping she just used some hip muscles today she hasn't used in a while.  I gave her one coated asprin-but she's still limping.  Poor dear, it is a reminder that the dogs are 8+ years old. 

I am facinated by the phenom that is Facebook.  My high school class has a page. Which means many of my classmates are there.  And, many of them have friended me.  Which is fine. But it is odd when the person who wants to be my friend now never wanted to be my friend then. 

John was sick all weekend, so our Valentine's Day was pretty low key.  He gave me a beautiful strand of fresh water pearls.  I gave  him candy from See's.  I always make a heart shaped cake on Valentine's Day.  It's a tradition I started for our very first V-Day in 1990.  John even gave me a heart shaped cake pan a few years ago-its a gift that is right up there in sentiment with the first candy thermometer and  the KitchenAid stand mixer he gave me  Well, this year I didn't do it.  The poor guy, he's been in bed a majority of the weekend.   Our 14th wedding anniversary is on Wednesday, and I'm going to do it then.  I cannot decide  what cake to make.  I swore off box mixes a long time ago.  My standard recipe is the recipe on the back of the Hershey's Cocoa can.  It's good, moist, very chocolately-so so good.  However, I recently made a yellow cake with chocolate frosting and OH MY GOD was it good.  It can't be my "go to" recipe, because it takes too long to prepare.  But, if I have the time, this recipe is worth it.  I think I'll have to ask John which cake he would prefer

You know what is really good?  Trader Joe's Sparkling Pom juice.  Almost as good as the Sparkling Blueberry juice-almost but not quite.

This is a cute meme I found on Facebook.  I did it, but I didn't tag anyone.  So, to read it my friends have to kinda look for it.  It's in honor of Valentine's Day, and it's about John and me.

I don't understand. I don't understand why some people have the virulent opinion that people in same sex relationships shouldn't marry. I always want to ask them, "what do you care? It's not harming you. It's not "threatening" your marriage. What do you care?" I just don't get it. Watch this, it's beautiful

There are a couple of days I'd like to live over

The first one is my wedding day.  It was the most amazing day.   Almost all of our loved ones were there.  Our Priest performed a beautiful ceremony, John and I had added little bits and Fr. Robb incorpurated them beautifully.  Our Wedding Vows weren't the tradtional "American" version.  They were from the United Church of Canada.  John looked handsome in his blue suit, my wedding dress was beautiful.  The two people who read at our wedding were a couple, Tom was one of my best friends, and his wife Lois was one of John's best friends.    We had a great reception.  My Dad was an old fashioned country lawyer, and one of his clients owned a Mexican restuarant.  The client had an oustanding balance for some work my Dad did for them.  So-they paid it by catering our reception.  The food was <i>so</i> good.   My older brother bought all the wine for the party as a wedding gift for us.  We had free flowing beer-both Rolling Rock-which is my favorite trash beer, and a keg from Harrison Hollow, a brewpub in Boise that no longer exists.  The cake was beautiful.  It was chocolate soaked in Baileys, with a Baileys laced frosting.   In the words of Sally Albright, it was, it really was a lovely day.

On February 18th, we're going to celebrate our 14th Anniversary. 

The second day I'd repeat would be in the Fall of 1999.  My Dad had to go to Hailey for some work.  Joe was about 4 months old. I wasn't working, so Joe and I drove my Dad up there.    He did the work he needed to do, and then we visited relatives, and showed off Joe.  It was such a nice day.

My Dad died 4 months later.