Empty Nesting with Kirt and Lorrie

Noah Turns One!

2011-08-14T16:19:00.008-06:00

The Big Blue-Eyed Birthday Boy

Pa, what are you doing?

I'm so excited!

Ga, you tell funny jokes!

I know I need to open my present, but there is an airplane.

Why can't I eat chocolate cake with my hands everyday?

I love to swim!

Kicking is the key to good swimming technique.

Great Grandpa, you have big blue eyes like me.

summer fun...

2011-07-02T18:10:00.015-06:00

Our week of fun started when Mal, Jon, and Theo arrived. Theo was happy to see us, and let us hold him right away!

Theo's birthday was June 21st, but we had another little party for him on June 26th here in Boise.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday found us in Utah for Cousin Stef's wedding. We made a quick trip to Provo/BYU relive past wonderful memories and start showing grandkids where they would be going to college in about 15 years! Reese is ready!

Here's Lindsay, Lorrie, Jake (and Noah), Mal and Theo on one of the quads. Kirt is taking the photo, and Jon is off visiting! Summer is great at BYU, there's not a ton of students around. I doubt we could have gotten either of these shots in fall or winter!

Great shot of Reese at the "Tree of Learning" sculpture.

Reese and Ga check out the big stone ball of "unknown origin" right outside the JSB. We had another funny incident in the Museum of Art (MOA) at the "Matter of Words" exhibit, an exhibit all about the written word. I was looking at a modern art display which consisted of millions of little pasta alphabet letters spray painted black, then just put onto the floor of a little alcove, all nicely raked flat and in a straight little line at the front edge of the display. A foot in front of the display was a line on the floor and the words "Do Not Cross". I heard footsteps behind me, and turned around just in time to see Reese running full speed for me. I put my hands out to swoop her up, but not in time--she crossed the line, and slid right into the pasta! I glanced quickly around for MOA security (we had already gotten into trouble once for taking photos inside the museum, which is forbidden, and seeing none, I pulled Reese up, brushed all the pasta off her pants, and tried my best to smooth and straighten the line. I was not fast enough. A security guard approached me, and asked what happened. I told him, apologizing over and over. He just nodded, then said, "It's not the first time, I'll get someone to come fix it." Yikes! Crisis averted. We also went downstairs to the African-American Quilters from Alabama display, only to find it closed, being readied for opening the next day. The curator noticed us peering around the corner, and asked if we were quilt enthusiasts. We assured him we were, and he told the workers to take a little break, invited us in and gave a private tour of the exhibit, which was amazing and inspiring!

No trip to Provo is complete without a trip to the Brick Oven, our favorite place for pizza. We also had to visit the Creamery for ice cream. Theo is enjoying some root beer.

The handsome Wagner boys at the wedding Wednesday evening. They are second cousins my kids' kids.

Cousins Noah and Theo

Cousins Kallie, Reese and Ella. These darling girls are all three years old. Kallie and Ella are 1st cousins, Reese is a second cousin to them.

Cousins Theo (with Jon), Ethan (with Jake M.), Jones (with Kyle) and Noah (with Jake N.) Theo and Ethan are one, with Jones and Noah having their first birthday within a month. Theo and Noah are 1st cousins, Ethan and Jones are 1st cousins, Theo and Noah are second cousins to Ethan and Jones. It can get confusing!

This amusing photo shows Ga and Pa trying to get all our grandkids ready for a family shot. Theo is more interested in the rope holding the swing, Noah has just suceeded in grabbing the bow out of Reese's hair. Ga is trying her best to pry the bow out of Noah's little fingers!

Doesn't get much better than this!

At my brother Steve's home the next day--Reese and Ella help each other on the swing.

Theo is having a great time!

Nanalee (Janalee) and Jones with Ga (Lorrie) and Noah

Happy cousins Jones, Kallie, Ethan, Ella, Reese, Noah, and Theo. I don't think we'll get a better shot of seven kids.

It was a wonderful week!

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-24T22:37:00.002-06:00

Reese has a new "fort" like the ones we used to make as kids on Mom's clothesline with blankets. Noah is just a smiling thing, and he loves to play with your hair with his tiny fingers (even Pa's few hairs). Loving this grandparenting!

Stavanger Norway: Flea Market

2011-05-29T21:30:00.001-06:00

2011-03-27T17:41:00.000-06:00

Name Your Link

Fun with Ga!

2011-01-16T22:01:00.002-07:00

The other night, Jake and Lindsay went to dinner for Lindsay's birthday. Noah was getting a little hungry, and Jake told me I could try some rice cereal. Sounded like fun to me, so I tried it out!

Noah wasn't quite sure if he liked it, but then he started slurping it up!

He likes it! And tonight, Lindsay tried it again, and he ate 2 ounces! Hooray for Noah!

It's been awhile

2011-01-16T18:41:00.003-07:00

A lot has happened, and we've had some fun. Here are some photos of the latest:

Great Grandpa with Noah

Just as the tears flowed with the "Theo" book.

Reese and Mom with Mr. Snowman!

Summer 2010 book

2010-11-21T16:00:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Half Marathon!!!

2010-10-31T20:16:00.007-06:00

For a while now I've been training for a half marathon--13.1 miles! I ran the High Speed Pursuit at the Prison, a Half Marathon/10K/5K race that starts at the prison, and then winds around some back roads in the desert. Meet my new friend, Karrie! We've never run together before the race, but I'm sure glad she was there!

Before the race, the National Anthem was sung, then a cool fly over...

...followed by the swat team! We ran around the prison (the inmates were running within, we were running without!

Here we are at the start.

All along the way, we met up with Kirt and Aaron, Karrie's husband. They would yell, clap, honk, and I was always so glad to see them! At about mile 8, some college girls just behind us asked, "Do you know those guys?"

Here we are, just passing mile 3--only 10.1 more to go! Luckily, I never had to use one of those little tan buildings right behind me!

And off we go for a few more miles!

Running west now, still smiling!

Mile 12, and someone else is waiting for us along with Kirt and Aaron!

Reesie, Jake, Linds, Noah, and the McBrides--by the way, thanks, Kristi the great signs!

Baby Noah holds the sign!

Mile 13, only .1 to go!

Reese want to run in with me!

I came in at my goal time (although my garmin said I came in at 2:35)

I don't think I look half bad!

Here we are at end, medals AND still alive! WE DID IT!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:13:00.004-06:00

For Halloween, I usually make lots of sugar cookies. The frosting and decorating can be time consuming! When I was in Portland last, I came across some great sugars in orange and black, which makes it a lot easier and faster! Yum!

Reese doesn't seem to mind the pumpkin guts at all!

I, on the other hand, am not so thrilled by it! Hopefully, Jake and Linds will post some pics of the finished product, as well as Princess Presto.

Boat Owners!

2010-10-03T11:36:00.004-06:00

Every once in a while, we surprise our kids. We told Jake we just bought a tandem kayak, and his response was, "You bought a what?" Granted, it isn't a speed boat, but it is just the right speed for us. I sit in the back seat, and provide the muscle, and Lorrie steers and paddles now and again. We make a great team. Lorrie said, "We're outdoor people now!" and I told her I don't think we would ever be REAL outdoor people. Our idea of camping is dutch oven cooking from the garage of our home in McCall. But still, we're expanding our horizons. Who would have thought!

Milk is so much better...

2010-09-24T20:18:00.008-06:00

...when it's in glass bottles! I love beautiful, useful things. When I saw these milk bottles in Kenzie and Tyler's frig in State College, I loved them. And it's the perfect memento of our trip--there are so many beautiful farms, it says "State College, PA", they ARE useful, AND no dusting!

When I told Kirt I wanted to bring two bottles home and start using them instead of ugly plastic milk bottles, he didn't even blink.

This dairy is up the street. One night we got a half gallon of chocolate milk, and pretty much drank the whole thing that night.

We'll tell you more about our trip in the next blog!

Penn's Cave, PA

2010-09-24T20:11:00.001-06:00

We spent last weekend in State College, Pennsylvania with Tyler and Kenzie. Ty is at Penn State. We saw the Amish experience, ate great food cooked by K, and went to the tourist attraction Penn's Cave. It is a cavern 75-100 ft underground, and you tour on boats floating through with a tour guide. A once in a life time event!

Oh, Here is the Hair

2010-08-11T22:10:00.005-06:00

Sorry, I forgot to post the picture of his hair!

Yet another miracle this summer!

2010-08-11T21:32:00.003-06:00

THIS IS NOAH JACOB NAYLOR, who arrived August 11, 2010 weighing in at a scant 8 lb 15 oz and stretching to a mere 22 inches! And check out that hair! AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE LONG FINGERS! Ga and Pa couldn't be prouder. Lindsay was a trooper, and Reese is excited for her baby brudder.

Plumpy is Good?

2010-07-31T20:25:00.002-06:00

Candy Land is that wonderful first board game that is easy to play, and fun for those who don't understand the concept of Plumpy.
2 1/2 year-old Reese playing with her great-grandpa here. Having fun!
Pa and Reese played earlier. She has no concept of how evil Plumpy is. For those of you unfamiliar with the ways of Candyland, if you draw a card with one of the characters, you go directly to where that character is on the board. Most will advance you. But Plumpy is at the beginning, and so, no matter when you draw Plumpy, you go back. Our daughters couldn't handle the trauma of this character, and would burst into tears whenever they drew him. So, we had to take the Plumpy Card out of the game to maintain peace and happiness.
Plumpy never made a comeback until the grandchild arrived. We'll see how long that lasts.

THEO HAS ARRIVED

2010-06-27T18:35:00.003-06:00

Theodore Andrew Hall
8 lbs, 6 oz; 20 in.
Born June 21, 2010 at 5:57 am

YES, THAT I HAIR! That didn't come from our side of the family.

Oh, Theo!

2010-06-27T17:01:00.011-06:00

It's been a week, and I'm still amazed at all that has happened. Mal called us at 6am-ish on Sunday, June 20st,telling us she was having contractions. I had everything ready to go, so Kirt packed my car while I got ready and drove to Portland. I arrived about 4pm, and it was a long night. Theo didn't arrive til 5:57am June 21st. She had asked me to be with her and Jon, and it was a privilege to be there. Malorie and Jon were absolutely astounding. Mal was strong, and breathed through the contractions. Jon was patient and attending. (I just stood in the background, ready if they needed anything, and taking a few pictures.) Here we are at OHSU, in a delivery room. Mal opted for a natural water birth, and here Theo is just moments after his arrival. After the birth, one of the nurses told me that she would remember this night for a long time. Malorie was in control, and was amazingly strong and courageous. She moaned a few times, but no screaming or yelling!

Theo is the cutest thing. We came home on Tuesday, and it's just been fun to hang out and watch him. I've been sleeping in Theo's room, and to help Mal and Jon get a little more sleep, (Jon was in the MIDDLE of FINALS this week), so I get Theo up when he's hungry, get Mal, and we meet in the living room. After he eats, I take him back to his room and get him settled. No matter what time I go in to get her, (and one night it was every two hours) Malorie always greets me with a smile.

Theo is alert and strong, and the most adorable face!

The best way to spend a Sunday afternoon, (or any time, really!) is with Theo on your shoulder!

Cutest little feet and legs! His feet are a little flaky, still, but they're darling!

We know his eyes will be blue, but will they be Mal's dark blue, or Jon's lighter blue? Maybe somewhere in between!

I could sit and look at him all day!

It's 11 in the morning, but he's tuckered out for now! Tomorrow's another day!

When the Cat is away, the Mouse. . . WORKS!

2010-06-26T17:27:00.006-06:00

My lovely bride is visiting our first grandson in Portland. That is another story, but I'll let her tell that one. I couldn't join her yet, as I am just finishing a nearly 4 week jury trial. Let me tell you how much I love my wife: I don't love raspberry jam, but she does, and I love her. This is the time when the raspberries are coming on strong, and she worried that I would ignore them while she was away, playing with little Theo. I've now picked them twice. I admit I do love the strawberry jam, so picking strawberries wouldn't normally be an effort. . . .

However, the strawberries right now are about the size of raspberries. (See the comparison below. The strawberry is on the left, and the raspberry is on the right.) Not much difference!

I picked, washed, cut off all those little stems, smashed the strawberries for jam, and still had time to weed, mow the lawn and fix the sprinklers. I'm ready for a vacation . . . . and to come see the grandson!!!!

Blogworthy!

2010-06-17T20:27:00.002-06:00

My strawberry girl is in Wisconsin for a bit. Without her to eat the berry-berries, I have enough to make jam! This is the first time I've made jam from my own berries! And my new favorite pectin? Ball's instant fruit pectin! It has a 4 cups berries to 1 1/2 cups sugar ratio, which I really like, and it's seriously the easiest jam I've ever made. And it sets up with no problem!

Peonies! I have a friend that hates to cut hers for a bouquet, but I have no problem doing that. This is my second bouquet, in fact. BUT for M's sake, I will tell you that I have 4 plants, and all the blooms from this bouquet comes from one that is pretty much hidden behind Jake the Tree. They are lovely, aren't they?

Roses are next, and I never have a problem making a bouquet from them--the more you deadhead, the more you get!

strawberry girl

2010-06-17T20:10:00.003-06:00

Did you ever read the Newbery Award Novel Strawberry Girl? I have my own little Strawberry Girl! (In case you're wondering, this IS a different day than last time I posted, she's just wearing the same shirt!) And instead of just picking one, we got a whole bowlful!

Tastes great!

That is one big berry! Usually, she eats a strawberry in one bite, but this time, it's taking her a few bites!

I love the book. Maybe I just loved Dad reading it aloud to the kids with all the funny accents and words. My favorite word from the whole book? Chapter 4--first line--"Hogses!"

First Berry Berry

2010-05-29T22:49:00.002-06:00

It's berry-berry time! We've been watching this big one pretty closely, hoping to get it before the birds do! It's perfectly ripe, just waiting to be picked by my gardening pal!

It's a big strawberry, and you can see R is pretty happy about picking it...

...but even happier to be eating it!
(Did you notice R's hair? It's her first back-of-the-head ponytail!)
The strawberry plants are loaded, as is my raspberry bramble!
It's going to be a great summer!

When the Cat's Away...

2010-05-22T17:16:00.003-06:00

J & L are in Portland/Salem, OR, visiting JAM for a few days, so guess what? We have R!!!! It's always lots of fun! Yesterday, we read, played, cooked, and had Taco Time for dinner. Today, we started by going to the library. R has no problem with technology--she's checking out her books, like she told me she could last time!

Outside the library--she loves this place!

Now she's playing foozball with 'Pa!

She scores!!!!
More fun tomorrow!

Finchy Friends Feeding! (Select photos to zoom in!)

2010-05-09T19:47:00.006-06:00

I haven't had a pet dog for a while now, so these finchy friends are about the closest I'll get--at least until Gingie comes to visit! The finchy friends are always fun to watch. K's dad got us the yellow finch feeder. Did you know that yellow finches are the only ones that feed upside down and eat thistle seed? The other finches have to go to the other feeder. We have several different species.

Not a finch, but I'm delighted that my lilac has bloomed for a second year. It didn't bloom for the longest time--the but would just shrivel up. I gave it another talking to this year, and it's done well!

Posted by Lorrie, photos by Kirt

Look Who's Crafty Now...

2010-05-09T08:51:00.003-06:00

Last week, K told that he was getting ready to recognize his graduates in YM, but wanted to do something special for them. I offhandedly said he could make the little mortarboard hats out of peanut butter cups and chocolate covered graham crackers, figuring that he would roll his eyes because that's such a YW or RS thing to do! No response. So I added that ice cream bars would also be good. I looked over at him (I had been drying some dishes) and could tell by the look on his face he was thinking about something. Then he said, "I kind of like the idea of the hats. How could we make them?" I was stunned. This, from the man who poo-poos tablecloths, centerpieces, and all the effort the sisters take.

So he looked on the internet for ideas, and yesterday, he got to work. I have to say that I unwrapped cups, and cut the little tassles, but other than that, he did all the work. I took photos--there is no way I'll ever let this moment get away!

After putting a dot of peanut butter frosting (my idea, btw, but a bad one--it might of worked if we would of had creamy peanut butter!, sorry, K!) He's putting the tops on..

then adding the tassels and the m&m button...

He's so intent!

And here's the finished product!

Let me add that I have an extra tablecloth in my YW closet should he ever feel the need!, But, GOOD JOB, K!

We also had our crafty bracelet-making night in YW this week. Jake had brought back these cute little people for me from his mission in Argentina. I wore them on a necklace for a long time, then the chain broke, and I never got a new one. I had this bracelet that I made a while back with M&M when they were in high school, but it also broke, so I took the opportunity to repair it, and while I was restringing, I added my people as charms, and I love how it looks. Now I have the best of two things--a bracelet I made with my two daughters, and the charms from my son!
Happy Mother's Day to me!

Wanted: Cute 2 Year Old to Eat Lunch With

2010-05-08T10:18:00.003-06:00

While at IKEA in Portland with JAM, I came across this adorable little table and chairs. They were unfinished wood, but I had big plans! I brought them home, and spend a day staining, then another day putting varathane on them so they would stand up to all some cute grandkids could dish out! I love how they turned out. Now I'm just looking forward to eating lunch with R, and eventually T and N, too! (the chairs are sturdy enough for a Ga!)

Last Day With R

2010-05-08T09:48:00.006-06:00

Okay, we're a little late with this blog--it happened April 14! This was my last day with little R. We ran some errands, (R helped me pick out colors for a sewing project), then we went to the Pawwwrk. Here she is in the swing. Funny, last summer she wouldn't even consider swinging, now she loves it. But she's very particular about the swing she's in. Her mom mentioned that in her blog as well. She'll just point and say "That swing!" In our neighborhood park, it's the south swing. The north swing will NOT do!

In this picture, we're actually in the north swing, because someone was in the south swing. The minute that swing became vacant, she wanted to change.

Coming down the slide...

You think she's going to go down the slide, but she mostly just hung there, and swung a little, then would run over the walkway to the big slide, then run back and hang out some more!

R and A

When R wants to go down the slide, she also climbs up it to get to the top. Not a problem for me, as long as no one is trying to come down!

Almost to the top!

Here she is in the little crawly tunnel. You think Ga would have done a better job of getting the dead leaves out of there first!

She's pretty good at climbing, too.

After her nap, we went out to the back yard to play a little. She loves the shed. Come to think of it, most kids do.

She loves to run...

...and run...

...and run! We had such a good time!

Ga Time!

2010-04-13T21:14:00.003-06:00

I'm back from a fun, fast trip to Portland to spend time with JAM, but now I'm back in Boise, 'Pa is back at work, and it's Ga Time! Here's a few of the fun things we did today, starting with R's hair. It's so much longer, and has so much curl. It's fun to do, and R loves having it done!

Next we're off to the library, where we listened to stories about dogs today, then made a dog puppet. We also checked out books. On our way out, we ran into R's new friends Avery and Owen.

After the library, we visited R's third cousin, twice removed, aka Great-Aunt Kristie (according to a google search!) at DB. R was a little concerned at first, but GAK quickly won her heart with awintergreen lifesaver, a book, a little bag of candy, and a little balloon that amused her all afternoon.

When we got home, R wanted "2 minutes to drive"--a direct quote from her. She was begging for the keys--I don't think so. Interestingly enough, when I got back into my little Subaru tonight, every single button that could be pushed had been!

After driving, we got the mail, another of her favorite activities. She carefully opens our mailbox and checks, closes it, then looks in our neighbor's mailbox as well.

One thing that I wish I could have taken a picture of happened at Fred Meyer. We had just been to Albertson's, and when I was checking out, R insisted that "I do it myself!" I replied, "No, this is something Ga does." At Fred Meyer, she said the same thing, and while I was punching in my rewards number, she grabbed one of the things I was purchasing, and scanned it. When she heard the beep, she dropped it in the bag, so I let her do the rest. Amazing. I should have listened to her at Al's, AND the library, where 'Pa said she had checked out all her own books on Friday.

Tomorrow will be another fun day! Hopefully, we'll get to go to the Pawwwrk, but it's been raining on and off since Monday.

Pa's Report: Day Three, FINALE

2010-04-11T16:53:00.003-06:00

Pa not only dressed her in coordinating clothes (laid out by her mother previously), but did her HAIR and BOW!! I did add a sweater for accent. Shocking!

The McBride family was a huge help at church since I was playing the organ today. They helped keep Reese pacified. She made it fine in Nursery, until the second hour, which is when they must have had singing time. Reese got really teary, and wanted her mama! (Lindsay does the music for their home ward, and that might have triggered it.) A mint lifesaver truly was a life saver, and Reese spent Priesthood hour with the Priest Quorum and had fun.

I have loved every minute of our time together. I must say that anyone who thinks "stay at home" moms just "stay at home" need to spend a day in their shoes. There is never a quiet moment. When the child naps, the care provider prepares all those things you can't do with small child running around.

We'll be glad when Ga comes home tonight!

Pa's Report: Day Two, part tres

2010-04-10T19:39:00.006-06:00

Reese loves the Foosball table, but just can't quite see over the top. When she tried standing on that little stool behind her, I got nervous. So, I brought down the bench from the kitchen and she stood on that and worked the men and the balls!

Pa's Report: Day Two, part deux

2010-04-10T19:24:00.003-06:00

This evening, Reese was in one of her many "reading modes" where she will read books out loud to her self. This book, "Apple Tree! Apple Tree!" is a Naylor household treasure that I would read with funny voices to our kids. Now, Reese loves it and reads along with what she knows.

Pa's Report: Day Two

2010-04-10T17:51:00.005-06:00

Today, we played at home, read books, Pa "swing me" and did the somersault to my shoulders trick. Pa threw her on the love sack. Then, she wanted to play Foosball, but couldn't see over the side.

Then we walked to the park in the red wagon that Great Grandpa Naylor gave her. She loves her wagon.

And I like it better than the tiny umbrella stroller wheels. We stopped by our good friends the McBrides, and after a moment of shyness she rattled off all their names and said good-bye.

Then off to the park where she wanted to swing for no less than 15 minutes straight. Then off to the big blue slide, and the stairs "all by myself."

Home for a long, long nap (and Pa took a short one after mowing the lawn). Now it's time for Pa's spaghetti and more fun tonight. She misses everyone!

So far, no injuries. . . :)

December 2009

2010-04-10T11:11:00.002-06:00

Pa's Report: Day One

2010-04-10T09:43:00.012-06:00

So, this is Pa's blog on the solo weekend with 2 year-old Reese. All the women folk are out of town, and we're having a great time. Friday, we went to "Music in Motion" at the library. Reese walked the balance beam (2 inches off the ground), and shook her egg filled with rice. She danced and danced. (There were lots of other kids, and of course, R was the cutest one.)

We then went to the "pawwrk" and she went down the big slide herself. She loved to swing just before going down.

We ate lunch, and she was so excited, she couldn't take a nap. But when it came time for bed, she was tired. After prayers, books and songs, she lay down and said, "Bye Pa," and fell asleep without a peep.

We had lots of fun, and tomorrow
we'll do even more!

MY NEW DOG!!!

2010-03-26T20:08:00.003-06:00

This is Nellie. She's not really our new dog. We're just watching her for the weekend. She's cute, isn't she? Nellie reminds me a lot of Max., except she's a shiz-tzu/poodle mix.

I'm trying to get her to come over to me so we can take a close up photo.

She won't come.

Hmmm. Am I ready for a new dog?

Race Day!

2010-03-13T17:49:00.004-07:00

Today was the morning of my very first race--a 5K/5M run through some downtown parks. This is what we woke up to--a couple of inches of snow, and a very brisk breeze!

Nevertheless, I went anyway. The race started at the Julia Davis Bandshell. The line you see there is the timing chip line--I'm in it somewhere!

I signed up with my long-time friend, Lisa. Fall of 1977 found us roommates in our freshman year at BYU, where we took a class called "Fit for Life", which emphasized lifelong sports that would keep us fit. Part of the class was a timed run at the beginning and end of the semester. Lisa and I ran a lot together then, but haven't run together since. I started running again two years ago, Lisa, last summer. Unfortunately, I signed up for the 5 Mile, Lisa, the 5K, and it turned out the courses were completely different!

This is the start of the 5 Mile run. The die-hards are in front. Don't those two guys in front know it's 36 degrees outside, with a wind chill making it feel colder?

I'm started closer to the back of the field. I wasn't the first, but I wasn't the last, either.

This is the start of the 5K race, which began 5 minutes after the 5 Mile run. The couple right in the middle are Matt and Lisa, a couple from our ward. Lisa and I run with a few others women on Monday mornings together. But don't you love the Leprechaun Lady? K didn't get a picture of the lady with the green tutu and green knee high socks, regrettably!

This is Lisa's group, running the 5 K. Even though we weren't running together, it was nice to know she was out there somewhere...

As the 5 K was starting, the 5 Milers were making their first loop around the park before hitting the greenbelt on our way to Municipal Park. By this time, I've passed a few people, and am about in the middle of the pack.

41 minutes later, Lisa crosses the finish line!

About 15 minutes later, here I come! There are people behind me. My biggest fear for this race was that I would come in dead last, but I didn't! My goal was to finish with a respectable time, and to run the entire way. I ran the entire distance, at a steady pace. Even though I was basically running this alone, because Lisa,Brooke, Sue, Matt and Lisa had finished earlier, they were there, cheering for me, along with Kirt and Ron, Lisa's husband. I was a ways from the finish when I heard Kirt yell my name. When I saw him, I almost cried!

The clock says 56.19, but I may have finished 5 seconds sooner, given the fact that I started in near the back. But ever at 56.19, that made it 11.22 minute miles, which is faster than I've run before! Here we all are at the finish! It was a great race day!

Lamp Shade Resurrection

2010-02-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

Is this better?

This new shade has some great benefits--the old one was a bit garish, and truly didn't show off the coolness of the base. This shade is an inch and a half shorter, which lets all the wood show. Before, the shade hid most of the wood column at the bottom. It's a nice, clean look.

And it's the shade K liked best.

sorry, kenz!

2010-02-17T13:11:00.001-07:00

When everyone was here during the holidays, it came to my attention that one of the bedrooms was missing a reading lamp. So one day in January, I stopped by one of my favorite downtown second hand stores, Renewal. It's a cool store where I've found some great things. I spotted this lamp and thought it would go great in the bedroom. I loved the simple line of the pottery base, the overall color, but that shade would have to go.

the two pieces of wood at the top of the base and the shade are awesome.

The color is an overall greenish tone, but is made up zillions of tiny green and black dots on the beige base.

The signature at the bottom is one of the best parts.

As I walking past the front hall on the way to Kenz's bedroom, I glanced at the front hall, and it struck me that this would actually be the perfect place for this particular lamp. Honestly, I tried it in the bedroom to be fair, but it looked better in the front hall. So I'll keep looking for another lamp for the bedroom.

And the shade? It's growing on me. Should I keep it or replace it?

experiments in cooking

2010-02-17T12:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I came across a recipe for lemon curd. I love lemony things, and this looked easy. I had made K a strawberry pie for Valentine's Day, and had a little crust left over, which would be a perfect way to try the lemon curd. The recipe was easy, but I had a hard time knowing how long to cook it. When chilled, it had a great taste, but was a little grainy. Oddly, though, the graininess disappeared once it was in my mouth, leading me to believe that the butter hadn't gotten all the way melted, which was impossible, since little bubbles were forming. I mentioned to to Kenz, one of my daughters who is very adventuresome when it comes to cooking and baking. She has also never made lemon curd, but wanted to try it. In some reading last night, she came across a recipe for lemon cream, which is similar to curd, and her recipe gave some solutions for problems. She told me that I would need to re-emulsify the mix in a double boiler while constantly whisking. I did it, and it turned out perfectly!

How did it taste? Absolutely delicious!

On Being Ga

2010-02-07T14:15:00.004-07:00

When I started having kids, I sort of wanted to be done by the time I was 30 so I could be a "young" grandma. I wanted to be able to roll around on the floor with my grandkids, play with them, and make some great memories. My own dear mother was 60 when my oldest was born, and 62 when the twins were born. I can't imagine her ever being able to do this! Little R and I have just finished a ride. Love that skull in the background!

We're just walking back up the hill!

Here's the fun! We're heading down!

I hope this is etched in R's memory, I know it is in mine!

This is just the cutest photo--we're at an ice sculpture--this is a hedgehog, I love R's dubious little expression! We had a great weekend!

McCall: The Winter Wonderland

2010-02-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Miscellaneous

2010-02-02T20:58:00.005-07:00

These are some miscellaneous shots that have been languishing on my phone--now they're free! The one above is a shot taken from above Boise while hiking Camel's Back in November.

In late August, JAM and K and I were in Moscow with J, L and little R. I love the expressions on the faces.

Can you see just the hint of those dimples?

little R and Pa.

Whilst in McCall with JAM, we heard the sound of feet on the sidewalk one evening. Kids running to the pool! No! We looked out to see...

...this mom and her fawn, just wandering through Hearthstone. I'm always amazed.

My Trailblazer!

2010-02-02T20:25:00.003-07:00

Today we're snowshoeing! It snowed nearly all day Sunday, so there's lots of nice powder out there! K is the trailblazer! Sometimes we're side by side, but I like walking behind and making him do all the work--I just enjoy the scenery! Thanks, K!

These wonders let us walk on top of the snow instead of sinking like stones!

I spotted this cute little pine tree just trying to stay ahead of the snow.

Ga and Paw

2010-01-31T13:46:00.003-07:00

Here is a peaceful picture of Lorrie with Tyler and Kenzie's dog, Gigi from Christmas. Notice how this dog is not only a lap dog (which Lorrie has always wanted), but there is an eerie familiarity with they way they are sleeping the same. (Check out head position, ear position, and nose direction.)

See more similarities in the post below (Dec. 27)

McCall Winter Carnival 2010

2010-01-31T12:29:00.006-07:00

McCall Winter Carnival in Idaho is a wonderful event. We were lucky to have our friends with us to check out the snow sculptures (see the owl?) . . .
And we celebrated Peggy's birthday as she started a new year of going backward in time calculations.

And the fireworks! They shot them off from the beach, and we were about 100 yards away, looking straight up in the air. We saw the rockets go off as they ignited the fireworks, and then they exploded right over us. We were showered with the fireworks debris, including what looked like baseball skins or exploded tennis balls. It was a long and spectacular fireworks show. . .

The only thing missing was Neal Diamond songs in the background. . . .

The parade was attended by millions (maybe thousands) and was a fun spectator sport as they tossed candy, t-shirts, Frisbees, mardi gras beeds, (and more) to the crowd. Christina was a magnet for all things airborne, so we're glad she came.

With the Governor's budget cuts, the BSU Marching Band replaced their trip to Disneyland with the Winter Carnival.

We really enjoyed sharing some time with friends, nature, and great food!! (not sure in that order)

look who loves the desks!

2010-01-22T11:58:00.002-07:00

When Little R came downstairs for the first time this Christmas, one of the first things she found was the newly-refinished desks. She climbed right up, and she loves them. It didn't take her long to figure out how to put books in and take them out again!

Happy New Year! Great family photos

2010-01-10T17:42:00.003-07:00

We were blessed to have all our children/grandchildren/dog here for Christmas. So, we managed to gather them all for a family picture. A friend took them, and she did a great job. You can see all the photos at Maren's website HERE (we're family #17)

new best friend

2009-12-27T20:29:00.002-07:00

This is my new best friend, Ginger. She's an 11-year-old long hair chihuahua belonging to M and T. They brought her with them for Christmas from Pennsylvania. Gigi is a quiet little thing that loves to cuddle and be held.

I think she's smiling at me!
Having Ginger here has almost convinced me that I need another dog in my life.

New Old Desks

2009-11-28T14:48:00.008-07:00

before picture

It's finally time to pull down my vintage desks from the attic. I've checked different sources--it's hard to tell exactly how old these are--everthing says 1900-1950. My parents bought three of these desks from someone else when I was four or five. One of my favorites pastimes was to play school. These were set up in the basement, and my dad mounted a little chalkboard on the wall, even. When they moved from their big house, I grabbed these. My sis has the other one. They're interesting to look at--one has an inkwell hole, the other does not, but they're exactly the same in all other ways, so I think they're the same age.

I took them over to Grandpa, after washing them down. I agonized over whether to take the old finish off, and you can see from the "before" pictures that they're pretty hacked. I went to an antique dealer, who told me that sometimes the value of an item can be diminished when you refinish it, but on the other hand, no one will buy it when it's in such rough shape. So in the end, knowing I'll never sell these beauties, Grandpa took off just the old finish, leaving a gouge or two, so everything else pretty much as they were. The desks are absolutely solid, so no repair had to be made that way, other than to find two old bolts for one of the seats, which Grandpa just happened to have on hand. The "after" desks are absolutely beautiful. Originally, the back "striped" desk was my favorite, just because of the colors of the wood. But underneath the cracked, yellowed laquer of the plain desk--

was an incredibly beautiful grain. And it, too, has a bit of a striped effect, where the pieces of wood were joined together.

The desktops also have an awesome grain on them, although I would have never known had I not refinished them.

Here's a little chair I found at a yard sale this past summer. J & L had found an amazing mid-century modern dresser for $22 (see my earlier post (Mid Century Madness), and this little chair was marked $5. We offered $20 for the both, and our offer was immediately accepted with no hesitation. I pretty much know the age of the chair--I sat in one exactly like this in first grade in 1964. Only my first grade chair wasn't as cool. I elected to refinish this, as well. First, Grandpa again worked his magic, taking off just the cracked, yellowed finish. He hit a few places on the frame, where the paint was chipped, and smoothed them. I spray painted the frame, from chipped gray to dazzling red.

I stained and polyurethaned (it that a verb?) the seat and back, again, revealing a gorgeous grain. I love the little silver feet, too. Though they don't match up in age, I'll use this chair behind the second desk.

And the result of all those years of playing school? I love to read, and was (and hopefully still am) very good at it. When Mrs. Anderson (my beloved first grade teacher who wore the fluffiest skirts EVER) needed to leave the classroom for whatever reason (it didn't happen often), she would call me up, and I would sit at her round table, in her chair, and listen to other kids read in reading circle. If only math would have been an easy!

Leek Soup

2009-11-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

This past summer I grew leeks in my garden. I thought that sometime I had heard K say he liked leeks. As it turns out, K never said that, so I have no idea WHY I planted leeks, but I did--lots of them. I had to pull them all up so I could till the garden in preparation for spring planting, so I needed to figure out what to make with them. I asked Grandpa N., thinking that is where I got the idea for the leeks. He grew them once, but doesn't have any particular use or longing for them. I turned to a trusted site, "Epicurious" to browse for recipes, and found this one! It uses 3 pounds of leeks, plus a lot of other tasty ingredients. Today is a rainy day, so it seemed a perfect time to try a new soup recipe for lunch. With a piece of toast, it was perfect!

If you're interested in the recipe, go to epicurious.com and search for "creamy leek soup". The recipe notes that you should make this a day or two ahead "to allow flavors to develop", but I ate it pretty much right as it came out of the blender, and I can't imagine the flavors being any better developed than what they were, but I'll find out tomorrow at lunch.

October Garden

2009-10-19T09:29:00.007-06:00

Sigh...gardening season is over for this year. It's a mixed sigh of happiness that I'm done, and sadness--no more fresh tomatoes, except for the few I've got in my kitchen, ripening. My main garden has been cleared out, had compost and manure added to it, and has been raked and tilled. I planted the garlic for next year last Saturday!

Here's K, Sunday afternoon, about 2pm on October 17. It's so nice out we're eating outside. The night before, we also dined outdoors in the dark at 7pm. It's about 70 degrees.

One little green strawberry, hoping it will be warm enough to turn red, and wishing little R could pick it!

There are still a few raspberries in the bramble!

We spent a fair amount of Saturday, unloading and wheelbarrowing 2 truckloads of horse manure onto the gardens. Actually, that's pretty unfair of me to say "we". It was K and Grandpa N that did all the dirty work. I just raked, once it was had been dumped into the gardens. After it was dumped and raked, K tilled it in. This is the side garden, where the tomatoes were, and where they'll probably be for one more year. The strawberries and the raspberries are also here.

Here is a gorgeous view of the pin oak, just turning yellow, in front of the burning bush, just turning red!

I've cut back the peony and the daylily, and dumped a load of you know what onto the flower gardens as well.

Here's a close up Jake the Tree, our white pine. The needles in the middle turn yellow and drop off, just leaving the green ones on the end for the winter. It's quite striking in all kinds of weather.

The roses and zinna are toast, but the mums are in full bloom!

Here's another view of the pin oak against the burning bush.

There trees are not in my garden, but I can see them from my porch. I like the green, red and orange all together in a line.

The First SNOW!

2009-10-04T09:33:00.003-06:00

These are cool shoes Malorie & Mackenzie gave Reese, and she loves them!!

Today, we awoke in McCall to SNOW!! Jake and I went golfing Friday in the sunshine . . .

. . . and today, we could go cross-country skiing on the golf course! There is about 2 inches in the city, and more at the ski resort. It is supposed to get up to 54 degrees Tuesday, so I'm sure it will not last long. We have been up here for the last week, and enjoyed swimming in a warm pool, riding bikes around the lake, golfing, watching a hockey game, experiencing the joys of grandparenting, conference, and now SNOW! A little of everything. (And, I can work from here, too.)

September Garden

2009-09-06T21:44:00.005-06:00

After a few weeks off, the roses are back!

The basil has been fabulous in spaghetti sauce and salad!

If only my gardening pal were here to eat the new berry-berries!

Red celebrity tomatoes, with plenty of green still to ripen!

Raspberries! There were more, but I confess, I ate them!

Jalepeno peppers--awesome in salsa!

The zucchini is looking a little worse for the wear, but still producing. After being in McCall last week for 6 days, we came home to 6 arm-sized zucchini. But I found good homes for them all!

Butternut squash--not quite ready, but close!

Victoria grape tomatoes--perfect for popping in your mouth!

Grapes are close, too. They look great on one side, but the other is still green. A few more weeks ought to do it!

The zinnia are as tall, or taller than I am!

The new white peach tree had a single peach on it. We picked it tonight and ate it--it was delicious!
I also still have some green beans, but by September, they're not a pretty picture!

September is always a bittersweet month in the garden. In some ways, I'm ready for it to be over so I can move inside to other projects, like quiltmaking. In other ways, it's tough. I won't have another decent tomato til next July. No more fresh green beans or zucchini! But it's not over til the frost hits, or at least til I forget to cover everything one night. It's been a great gardening year!

Sunday in Moscow

2009-09-06T21:37:00.003-06:00

a little reesie hug is always worth it!
Last week when we were up in McCall with JAM, we figured it would be worth the 3 hour one way drive to Moscow to see little R and her parents. We got there about 11:45, so we rescued R from the last 15 minutes of church and took her home. So much fun!

Here's a little dress I made for her. It's a little big, but soon it will fit.

in praise of warm water

2009-08-29T17:54:00.003-06:00

I love warm water in pools! This pool in McCall is easily (but rarely) 90 degrees. I love it! I love it! It's a rarity to see me with my head in the water, so I had a photo taken for posterity. Today, the outside temp was 64 degrees, but the water was toasty. I spent 2 1/2 hours in the pool!

Sunday Dinner

2009-08-23T17:50:00.000-06:00

This is today's dinner! Looks good, doesn't it? It's mostly from my garden! Steamed Comstock green beans, Juliet grape tomatoes, bow tie pasta (okay, not from my garden), parmesean chicken (the sauce is from my garden, the chicken and mozzarella cheese are not), and zucchini! It was definitely delectable.

For the sauce, I just started tossing whatever was in my garden in a pot--tomatoes, a couple of onions, a shredded zucchini, a shredded carrot, fresh basil, oregano, chives, and parsley. I let that simmer all day without a lid, to reduce it to a wonderful chunky sauce.

Heavenly!

Hello?

2009-08-09T20:17:00.003-06:00

Here's little R talking to "pa" (Grandpa) on the phone...she's finally graduated from just smiling and breathing hard, and actually saying something! Here's the conversation..."Ha (hi) Pa! (grandpa!) Ah uh u! (I love you!) Bah! (bye)"

This picture has absolutely NOTHING to do with phone calls, but those little feet are so adorable!

August Garden

2009-08-09T19:49:00.004-06:00

It's August--time for a garden update...The zinnia are amazing!
I love gathering bouquets of these gorgeous flowers.

Walla Walla sweet onions...

Jalepeno peppers...

Green peppers...

Zucchini! We were gone for a week, and when we came back, we gathered several arm-sized zucchinis! Fortunately, we have a friend who really likes the big ones!

Victoria grape tomatoes--there were more ripe ones, but they got picked yesterday.

Candace red grapes are starting to turn...

Beans are interesting right now. I've picked a ton, and pretty much finished my canning for the year. Right now, they're in a regenerating period, so I'll have more soon...I hope!

Amish paste tomatoes. I'm canning tomorrow.

Super-Fantastic tomatoes. They are super fantastic!

Raspberry bramble--you can see where I just picked one that little R promptly ate! More are on the way!

All in all, it's been a great gardening year, and August is always great, since it cools down a little. See you next month for another update!

Huckleberries 2009

2009-08-09T19:36:00.002-06:00

HUCKLEBERRIES! Now that we know what we're looking for, and what we've missed all these years, we're hooked on finding and picking these little beauties!There's one now!
Here's L, she is the fastest picker!

Yummmm! Here's K's fabulous peach/huckleberry cobbler!

We just took the lid off...can you just taste it?

Here's how we ate them the first night--just a handful on vanilla ice cream. Add a little homemake granola, and you're officially in heaven!

This little girl loves them!

Here's our first day's picking. All in all, K, L, and I picked three times, getting a little over 2 pounds each time, for a total of about 6 and a half pounds!

mid century madness

2009-07-10T16:52:00.003-06:00

If you've been following K's blogs, you'll see that she's really loving the mid-century modern pieces. M and L like them, too. Here's a piece J & L just picked up at a garage sale. J & L were at the garage sale, and I met them there, so that L and I could go look at some fabric. J wondered if I thought this would be a good thing. One look at the clean mid-century lines, the hardware (alone, worth more than what they were asking, easily!), and the dovetailed drawers convinced me. "If you don't buy it, I will." said I. The hesitation was the top of the piece--really dried out, with water marks--not a pretty sight. But I knew Grandpa could probably work his magic. We took it right over to him, and in a week, had it back, looking this beautiful. The best part? The asking price was $22 or best offer. J offered them $20 for the dresser and a little school chair that would be perfect with my antique desk. (I'll be working on that soon--pictures to follow.) The next best part? J & L have another year left in a small apartment, so til then, I get to store this beauty in my front hall.

Durkee, Oregon

2009-07-07T10:00:00.003-06:00

For many, many years, my family would travel to Walla Walla, Washington, where my parents' families were from. We could travel through eastern Oregon, up to near Pendleton, where we would cut off on the Indian reservation to go to Walla Walla. Just before Baker City, we would go past Lime, Oregon, which was a big factory, and this little community of Durkee. I was always charmed by the little church we could see off in the distance. When I was little, it was painted pink, then a little later, in my teenage years, a mustard color. On the trip to Portland, I asked K if we could stop for a closer look. We tried to stop on the way, but missed it--"I thought there were TWO exits...". We stopped on the way back, where the church is now painted a sand color.

I have to honestly say that Durkee looked a lot better from far away. There's hardly any information available for Durkee. Wickipedia says its "an unincorprated community in Oregon. It has a post office..." but doesn't even list population. There were a couple of trailer homes and one bigger home, and the post office, and a restaurant nearby, the Long Redneck Cafe, but we never saw it.

It was little on the sad side.

Portland, Oregon

2009-07-06T14:49:00.009-06:00

We just returned from Portland, Oregon, home of cool things--excepting the weather this week. According to the news, Portland gets about 14 days of 90+degree weather a year, and we just happened to hit three of those days. It was great to spend three days with JAM, though. This picture above shows a cedar branch in an art park--the photo was taken by J.
Another cool thing in Portland. This happens to be a tile in the bathroom at The Chart House.

I don't love shopping, but if there's a Crate and Barrel anywhere close, I'm there. Honestly, where else can you find a dish brush THAT cool?

Friday morning found us in Boring, Oregon, for berry picking. I had been thinking that raspberries in Oregon were so plentiful, they would just jump off the bushes into your bucket. Not so. We had to do some searching, but they were there if you looked hard. The blueberries were another story. We picked 4 pounds in 15 minutes.

12 pounds of raspberries, 4 pounds of blueberries--all at $1 per pound!

This is a really big raspberry!

And a hugemongous blueberry!

Saturday morning found us downtown, for a bike ride along the river.

Then we hit the farmer's market.

Time for a mini-cookie break!

It's jam making time. M didn't have a potato masher, and we wanted the jam chunky, so we improvised, using a zip lock bag and gently squeezing.

Exact measurements are important!

One of my favorite pictures!
Here we are, at the Chart House for dinner, with a natural looking picture.

The view was spectacular!

After dinner, we visited an art park. There are several installations of "natural" art, none of which we took pictures of, but I do like this picture of K, M, and J.

What are we all looking at?This.

After fireworks, we celebrated with a cool red, white and blue dessert--vanilla bean ice cream topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries--and some granola. A celebration in every bite!We had a great time!

July 1 Garden

2009-07-01T14:56:00.010-06:00

Here is my favorite gardening pal checking for strawberries (or berry-berries, as she calls them)--she looks left...
she looks right...

a little closer to see if we've missed anything...

she's very good to check under the foilage.

Sadly, she ate her last berry-berry for a few weeks on Monday. In the month of June, we would check, and she would eat 4 or 5 every day. Every time I would pop one into her mouth, she would say, "ummmmmmmm....!" She's so appreciative!

Here is a Celebrity tomato, with loads right behind. The Super-Fantastic is fantastic, the Amish Paste, Health Kick, and Victoria Grape tomatoes are all looking good.

My new raspberry bramble has four bushes. Only one will give us a few berries this year, but wait til next year!

Here are my beans. There are lots of them! (Sunflowers are in the background)

The bean plants are LOADED with blossoms. Yum!

Red grapes are promising a good harvest come September!

Here's an overall shot of the garden, with my pal helping me check things out.

She's busy--back and forth, back and forth!

The garlic has scapes on it--you can take the scape (the top) and peel away the white outside, and saute or roast the inside. I used some the other night in my pizza sauce.

We moved the compost pile to a more accessable place, too. I think it likes it.

Here we have green onions, Walla Walla Sweet onion, and leeks. This is the first time I've ever tried leeks.

If you look closely down towards the bottom of the pepper plant, you'll see one of four peppers growing.

A tiny cucumber...

A little zucchini...

The zucchini overall is kind of going crazy.

Here's K's beets. They should be ready next week. We'll try roasting them.

My flower pot overfloweth.

This is my new white peach tree, with ONE peach on it. Unfortunately, we learned too late that you should NEVER prune a peach tree, except for branches that cross. Hence, the new peach tree. The old one bit the dust.

The roses can hardly contain themselves.

Need I say more?

The zinnia are coming along nicely. I took these pictures last night, the first zinnia popped open this morning.

The lavendar is...lavendar. Really, it smells terrific.

Here's my little pal, taking a break. You just missed us sharing an otter pop.

The most beautiful flower in the garden!

Here's the first of two new additions to the front gardens. A lovely, lightweight sandstone rock to grace the garden closest to the house. This one weighs in at 194 pounds. I love the coloring and the stripes.

His big brother (two views here), out in the garden nearer the street, weighs in at 1040 pounds. You should have seen the two guys trying to wrestle this bad boy off the truck! The garden itself needs a little overhauling. We had two guys that needed jobs yank out the junipers, for starters. That was not a fun job.

That's it for now. I hope you've enjoyed the tour of my garden. I'll show you more on August 1.

Father's Day Feast

2009-06-29T22:34:00.003-06:00

L and I have been alternating making dinner while they're here for the summer. It's great! For Father's Day, we collaborated, using L's recipes for a chinese feast. We made (bottom to top) jasmine rice, the meat mixture for lettuce wraps, spring rolls (okay, they're from Costco!), the special sauce for lettuce wraps, beef with broccoli, and the lettuce for the wraps. It was delectable, and when you share the cooking, easy!

Second in "Quilting Green"

2009-06-29T22:13:00.002-06:00

Here's the second quilt. This one is bound, though, and finished. I think it looks charming hanging on my clothes line.

I love that tiny purple polka-dot one in the middle.

The middle fabric on this one is wonderful!

I like the black.

I love the analogus colors in this block.

So much fun!

Quilting Green

2009-06-29T21:52:00.002-06:00

Here's a picture of a recent quilt. It's made entirely of scraps. It all started when I got sick of looking at my scrap basket, overflowing with pieces of this and that. I started cutting for six quilts. This is the first of them--a mini-whistle stop quilt. I love the final effect--so much that I made a second quilt for an ecological-minded friend who is having a baby soon--maybe today! Everything is from my stash--I didn't purchase a thing!
These are a few of my favorite blocks. The middle fabric is from a skort I made for one of my girls, many, many years ago. The outside fabric is from my friend, D.

The tiny block in the middle started as a 1" scrap, and ended up being a 1/2" square in the center. I used the last bit of the outside fabric, a favorite of mine, but I found another yard at a recent garage sale!

I've never had so much fun putting fabric together. Mostly, I just put it in piles, and took what came off. Only did I change it if it was the same color as the fabric it was next to.

Dinner Tonight!

2009-06-29T21:37:00.004-06:00

Little R is not for dinner, but it's always fun to take a picture of her. Any picture is adorable!

Tonight we're grilling pizza! I made pizza dough, we patted it out thin, then grilled it on one side. We took that off, and put toppings on the side we just grilled, then the pizza went back on the grill to melt the mozzerella cheese and get all the toppings (sauce, onion, green pepper, sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms) hot. Here's pizza ready for toppings, and pizza ready to go back on the grill.

The finished product was fantastic! We were so hungry we ate them without taking a picture of them! But trust me, they were great! And they were easy, and didn't heat up the kitchen.

Something new for little R!

2009-06-01T20:57:00.002-06:00

I was watching R one afternoon. All the sudden, it was very quiet. I found her, in an empty cubby where Grandpa's briefcase goes at night! Good thing the camera was close! What a cutie!

June 1st Garden

2009-06-01T20:29:00.003-06:00

It's June 1st, and the garden is doing great! Here's a little tour...these are butternut squash.

Here's the zucchini. Kirt planted them. He put 8 seeds in one hill, of course, they all came up. He wouldn't let me get rid of any. Unbelievably, we have another hill, with another four plants. Let me know if you need any zucchini this summer. I'll have plenty.

This (from left to right) is garlic, planted last fall, spinach, what's left of the radishes, Walla Walla sweet onions, leeks (something new this year, you can hardly see them, though!) and finally, beets.

Here's my flowerpot. Charming!

Here's my side garden, where seven of my tomatoes are--I have 2 Health Kick, 1 Amish Paste Tomato, 2 Super Fantastic, and 2 Celebrity tomato plants. Most already have blossoms on them. They were planted the end of March in walls of water. You're not seeing the Victoria Grape tomato in the other garden...

Here's my newest addition to the garden--raspberries! (Thanks, Kristie!) There's one other plant that didn't fit into the picture. Kirt love me lots, he put four posts in to build a barrier, into our hard clay soil. He doesn't even like raspberries, but he knows I do.

Cucumber is looking awesome. It needs to be trained onto a cage though, so my cukes will grow long and straight.

That's it for now. We've been eating lettuce, spinach and radishes, and I can hardly wait for the rest. Yum!

This is for you, Kenzie!

2009-06-01T20:27:00.000-06:00

Peonies! I love them, so does Kenzie. If only I could gather you a bouquet!

another perfect lunch!

2009-05-21T18:37:00.000-06:00

Last summer I posted a picture of a BLT--my favorite summertime lunch. Here's another new favorite--Cream of Aspargus soup--made even more perfect when served in my Buffalo china cup! (I have green Buffalo china cups, but the greens together just weren't right!) The recipe is from Everyday Foods. I will tell you right now I halved it, and there was plenty! I had to call Mal once to find out what shallots are--they're green onions. I didn't have green onions, so I just used onion, and it tasted great.

Cream of Aspargus Soup
3 T. Butter
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped shallots (about 6 large)
1/2 t. dried thyme
3 T. flour
3# asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
coarse salt
1/3 c. heavy cream
2-3 T fresh lemon juice
*3 cups chicken broth (the recipe just says to cook asparagus in water, I used broth instead)

In a large 4-qt. saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and thyme, cook until shallots are soft, about 5 minutes. Add flour, cook until incorporated, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add aparagus and 6 cups of water*, season generously with salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until aparagus is bright green and just tender, 2-4 minutes.

Working in batches, puree soup in a blender til very smooth. To prevent splattering, fill blender only halfway, and allow heat to escape: remove can from hole in lid, and cover lid with a dish towel. If serving right away, stir in cream and lemon juice.

To freeze, leave out cream and lemon juice. Cool to room temp before dividing amoung airtight containers, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator, reheat over low heat. Stir in cream and lemon juice before serving.

Delish!

Saving the Environment one ride at a time

2009-05-17T20:15:00.005-06:00

This is a mo-ped/bicycle that Bart's family has. We were out there, and Lorrie just had to ride this new mode of transportation. She is the adventurer. She giggled the whole time. So, Tyler and Mackenzie enjoyed it too. I'm thinking that maybe this will be Lorrie's new way to get around. I mean, there is a basket to carry groceries from Costco! You can shut off the motor and pedal it like a bike, or use the motor and pretend you are cycling.

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T09:14:00.000-06:00

On May 10 I actually had one of my kids home--but just for a couple of hours. I'm wearing heels, by the way, because I'm not taller than Kenzie in real life. We had a great 2 and a half weeks, with all our kids but one in and out in McCall and Boise. I really like being a mom and now a grandma. A lot of moms love it when their kids are young, some like it when they're older. It would be hard for me to say what period of life I liked best, because I loved them all. It was so much fun when the kids were young, listening to the little phrases they used at that time (Sunday, at dinner, I caught myself saying "Them are good!"--a phrase the twins used a lot. They grew out of it, we did not. I DO know it's improper English, though). I loved the teen years, with all the busyness. I loved the BYU/mission years, watching my kids grow and learn in ways they hadn't before, and I'm a little sad to see that at an end. I love the young adult years. I can talk to my kids about adult things, and it's fun to have them as our children, and at the same time, our friends. And don't even get me started on being a grandma. You can probably tell from past blogs how much I LOVE that experience. There have been tough times, and good times, but no matter what, it's all been worth it!

Tough Love

2009-05-02T13:27:00.002-06:00

While we were in McCall for a week with our kids, everything bloomed! This is our Profusion Crabapple tree.

I love it's hot pink buds that turn a softer pink. This morning, a hummingbird was flitting in and out. Delightful!
We planted the lilac 8 years ago, and have waited in vain for blossoms. Every year, the same thing happened--lots of green leaves, and buds, but then they would shrivel and die before blooming. Last fall, Kirt's dad came and put some magical concoction on it's roots. On line, I read about possible problems--too much nitrogen, (Kirt may have gotten too close with lawn fertilizer, so he was extra careful this past year) too young a bush, (maybe the first year, but definitely not year 7!) not enough water, (never a problem in this particular garden) then THIS...

not TALKING to your lilac. After reading that one, I went out, and my lilac and I had a little chat. I did most of the talking. The conversation went pretty much like this: "Look, I love you a lot, but you're disappointing me. I have nurtured you for seven years, only asking for some purple flowers in return only once a year, and I'm not getting that from you. I need to tell you that if you don't start producing, A LOT, then you're out of here. It would hurt me to do that, and definitely hurt you, so don't make do it! Bloom this year! Please! I love you!" The lilac rustled it's leaves a little, and I believed it would try it's hardest. The result? For the first year ever, we got lilac blooms, lots of them! It's been wonderful. And my lilac can stay! We're both relieved!

Running on the Greenbelt

2009-04-05T13:03:00.005-06:00

This week, while JAM were here, we went for a run on the Greenbelt, something I haven't done yet. It was cold and windy, but beautiful and inspiring. Here are a few sights along the way... Here's the Boise River
a fun tunnel to run through, just one of several, actually

I only had to run 6 miles, while JAM had to run 10. I turned around after 3, so here are two of my running companions on the way back...

another view of the river

another pal to keep me company--he's on the run, too!

We started at Julia Davis Park, near the bandshell.

Here come JAM now, after 10 miles!

(I was reading in my warm, cozy car)

M looks a little done in, J looks like he could go another 10!

Winter or Spring?

2009-03-29T18:18:00.002-06:00

Here's a photo I took March 4, 3 1/2 weeks ago. These crocuses are right outside my front door, and they're doing their best to brave the snow. Three days later, on March 7, it warmed up, and I put up my Walls of Water in hopes of planting tomatos soon. Then it got cold again. Yesterday, I planted two kinds of lettuce, radishes, and green onions in my shirtsleeves, and last night at 1:45am, a storm blew in that was so loud that it woke me up. This morning, it is cold AGAIN, with winds still blowing hard! Spring yesterday, winter today--I can't keep up!

Final Four!

2009-03-29T18:02:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, MS einvited us to pick brackets for March Madness. I didn't want to seem unsupportive, so I picked. I haven't followed college basketball at all for YEARS. K, J, and L told me the rankings would help me, and they did, but I made some other picks, too. I really liked the names "Xavier" and "Villanova", but I figured #1 Pittsburg would beat #4 Xavier, so I went with Pittsburg on that round. I stuck with #3 Villanova over #2 Duke, just because it's such a cool name. I picked #2 Oklahoma over #3 Syracuse because I dated a guy from Oklahoma, but then picked #1 North Carolina over #2 Oklahoma because that relationship ended badly. I missed on picking Louisville, however! So I've picked 3 out of four of the Final Four, and in the bracket standings today, I find myself in first place! Who knew?

Spring Break in McCall

2009-03-29T17:39:00.008-06:00

We headed to McCall on March 13 to meet J, L and R! We had a wonderful time. J and L went ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing, and we played with R! We even kept the monitor down with us at night, and all was great until the one morning that R decided she wanted to wake up and play at 3am! R, K and L all went back to sleep at 6am, but it was still fun. It was just amusing to watch little R, play games with J, L & K, and just enjoy the snow. It did start snowing on Sunday morning, and didn't stop until Tuesday afternoon. Here are just a few pictures---

Here a profile shot of little R--the longest eyelashes, the cutest little nose and smile!

Little R giving K a kiss, it's a little sloppy, but worth it!

L, R, and J in front the Jr. Olympic torch at Brundage.

The stairs provided NO END of entertainment for R, or us, because one of us was always one step behind her...
It simply doesn't get any better than this!

We had a fabulous Spring Break!

It's All in the Marketing . . .

2009-03-18T16:26:00.009-06:00

Today, while in McCall we all went to the Thrift Store. Now, you have to admit that presentation is everything to encourage a purchase. This store owner was most inventive in her presentation.

Check it out: From our viewpoint looking down on the carpeted floor, we see what is advertised as "3 PIECE FOOTSTOOL" for $25 (now marked down on sale for $15).

Upon closer investigation, viewing it from the floor, we see that it is really, in fact, just 3 couch cushions stacked loosely on top of each other to MAKE A FOOTSTOOL.

Caveat Emptor ("Buyer Beware")

If I only would have had a camera...

2009-03-11T12:45:00.002-06:00

Today, while running 5 miles (in 60 minutes, I might add--about 12 minutes per mile!) I watched the moon set in the west, and the sun rise in the east, all in the space of about an hour. The moon was full, and absolutely gorgeous, and the sunrise was magnificent. Then add to that some mourning doves on the sidewalk in front of me, some geese sleeping beside the little creek, birds singing, and some crocus blooming...it doesn't get much better than that!

GROOVY

2009-03-01T20:18:00.001-07:00

Several months ago, after working with some humanitarian quilts made of some crazy polyesters, I got it into my head that I wanted to make a polyester quilt. Problem was, I couldn't really find any of those crazy patterned polys from the seventies, I wasonly finding solid colors. While the rest of my quilting group was making this quilt from batik prints, which I'm absolutely sure will be stunning, I was trying the same thing with my solid polyester fabrics. Can I say the same about my quilt?

What do you think of it? Tell me the truth, you can't hurt my feelings on this one.

Polyester wears like iron and never fades, so it will make any excellent car quilt, great for those impromptu picnics or changing a flat tire. (a few weeks ago, Kirt was called upon to help a friend's unfortunate wife who had gotten a flat on the freeway on the way to Eagle. When we got there, he asked me, "do we have an old blanket or quilt in the car?" The best I could do was a towel. If only I would have had a polyester quilt!)

The good news is, after putting this beauty together, it seems like I have enough blocks for an entire second quilt. Or maybe that's bad news.

Skiing with Grandma!

2009-01-26T16:14:00.003-07:00

Today was a cold (7 degrees, brrrr!), but glorious day at Bogus Basin. I went alone (yes, alone, but it's fine. I like it. Not as much as when I'm skiing with Kirt, but I like it.). As I was riding up, alone, on the ski lift, I heard a little voice calling, "Grandma? Grandma!" I looked down, and watched a little girl in a purple coat skiing towards her grandma's outstretched arms. I smiled. That's you and me in a few years, Reesie!

I also rode up the lift with an older, talkative gentleman. He told me he's been skiing Bogus since 1943. He graduated from Boise High in 1948. I had to ask. "Does that mean you're...78?" "Yep," he replied. "I tell all my friends that this (Bogus Basin) is the fountain of youth."

Let's see...when I'm 78, I'll be skiing with Reese, who will be 19 by then.

Look Who's Back on the Mountain!

2009-01-16T19:09:00.002-07:00

It's Kirt, and he's looking great! Since that fateful day last April, I've wondered if this would ever happen again! We skiied together today, and it was so much fun! No falls, great turns, decent snow! An amazing thing happened today...

...at the end of our skiing day, Kirt said he was ready to go back to the car, and I said, for once, "I'm going to take one more run!" (Usually it's me that goes for the car!)

I'm not looking too bad. Can you see the whooshes of snow behind my skiis?

Skiing was marvelous today. Boise has been locked in an inversion all week, (that's Boise you can't see underneath all those clouds!) with a high of about 32 degrees. Bogus was 39 degrees! When we hit the treeline today, the fog was gone, and we saw the sun! The SUN! We actually had to unzip our coats!

cool runnings...

2009-01-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

this is a view of my street, and my shoveled sidewalk.

this is a view of another home, not shoveled at all, and garbage cans placed smack in the middle of the sidewalk.

Another view of my nicely shoveled sidewalk, with recycling placed nicely to the egde, allowing pedestrians a place to actually walk.

Today was a running day. And garbage day. As you can tell, we've had snow in Boise. It was supposed to get warmer yesterday, and the snow did turn to rain, but not enough to melt anything, so running today was a bit of a challenge. I only fell once, and had a nice core workout trying to stay upright. Even with the challenges, it beats going to the gym. Despite the various badly placed trash recepticles, garbage day is one of the most interesting days to run. It's fascinating to see what others have put outside, and the amount. Even with a houseful this past summer, we typically put out just one can, and that's not even full. The single person living near to me, who sometimes has a child visiting, puts out three every single week. My recycling represents two weeks worth, and that after a major cleaning out.

My thanks to all of you who shovel your snowy sidewalks and put your trash to the edge, allowing others to USE the sidewalk.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAKE!

2009-01-01T19:59:00.003-07:00

January 2nd is Jake's 26th Birthday! We want to wish him a Happy Birthday!

We are so proud of him.

The tree pictured is a white pine tree; a type Lorrie found somewhere in its mature state, and loved it because it has soft needles and is open and airy. So, she had Jacob dig a large hole in 2002 to plant it before he left on his mission. That way, she could watch the tree grow, knowing her son was also growing in so many ways down in another country where she could not hug him for two years. Instead, she nurtured the tree, which has become known affectionately by the family as "JAKE, THE TREE." Not to be confused with "Jake, the person." In its early years, the tree looked rather pathetic, and spindly; not quite unlike what we all think of as Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. But, as you can see, "Jake, the Tree" has begun to take shape, grow tall, and fill in with maturity and wisdom. It is somewhat representative of "Jake, the person," as we celebrate his birth. Son and tree will only get better with age.

(Sorry, this turned out more "sappy" than I had planned.)

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-01T19:42:00.006-07:00

Lorrie and I spent our time off for New Years, cleaning and organizing and sending things to Deseret Industries. After 10 years in this house, we felt the need to simplify. Note the before and after shots of our pantry and mud room. We have hung more artwork, and next: The Dreaded Freezer!

A Christmas Surprise!

2008-12-28T19:07:00.003-07:00

Sometimes, it is hard to surprise Lorrie for Christmas. Not this year! She hinted that she wanted 6 green Buffalo mugs (Buffalo China is unique, but not manufactured any longer). Mackenzie told Lorrie back in November she found the 6GBMs at an estate sale, and it would be nice if I got them for her for her birthday. But, when I found out Kenzie was planning to give Lorrie 2 white BMs, I bought the green ones, but told Lorrie nothing. They showed up on M&M's website as sold, so Lorrie was bummed I didn't move fast enough. She was surprised when she got the white ones, and loved them. But everytime we used them this past month, I would bemoan the fact everytime when they were in the dishwasher that we couldn't have hot chocolate in our mugs, because they were dirty. Lorrie would then give me a hard time about missing the opportunity to buy the 6 GBMs, and I just snickered to myself like Snoopy. Needless to say, the foundation was laid for the mother of all surprises, when she opened her final present on Christmas morning. (See above.) This was better (and cheaper) than those commercials with the new cars with ribbons on them in the driveway.

Flamethrower!

2008-12-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you got a chuckle out of reading our Christmas family newsletter (WHAT? you didn't read the newsletter? Too bad if you didn't, it was written by Malorie this year, it was short and amusing!). I'll refer specifically to the line that read, "Kirt and Lorrie are now half a century old. They celebrated their golden birthday by taking a trip for McCall and purchasing a vacuum."

Normally, that wouldn't be a newsworthy item...NORMALLY! But this wasn't a normal situation. Here what happened. On November 8, I was vacuuming the downstairs, getting it ready for the 30 people we were having over for a little social. We have a central vac, and for years, the power in the powerhead just cuts out, but then starts right back up again, because the little plug in thingy isn't QUITE making the connection. On this particular day, right as I was finishing, a ONE FOOT FLAME shot out, scaring me and causing the damage you see in the above pictures. I had the presence of mind NOT to drop the powerhead on the carpet, although I will admit that I blew on it twice.

So, on our way to McCall, we stopped to see if this one could be repaired. Our friends at Coltrin Central Vac got quite the kick out of seeing it, and talked us into buying a new one, instead, which we did, happily. That's the story.

Christmas Quilt

2008-12-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of the Christmas Quilt I finished in November. It was designed by my friend and neighbor, Carol, who is also a member of my quilting group. Several of us made the quilt, and, as always, it's fun to see the individual interpretation of the blocks making up the quilt. Mine is made up entirely of green and red scraps, none of them "Christmas" fabrics. (and for you Old Town Pewter fans, that is my soup tureen doing double duty as a pot for my poinsettia!)

There are five different trees, and these are two of my favorites.

This is a paper-pieced quilt (VERY small pieces of fabric!), and worth every stitch in the fabric! This quilt is currently gracing my front hallway, and bring Christmas cheer to me every time I come up the stairs or in the door! Merry Christmas to you!

Half Century Mark . . . the rest of the story!

2008-12-15T17:34:00.004-07:00

There are so many accomplishments that one could point to at arriving the half century mark. Lost hair, found wisdom and calming tempermant all seem to arrive with age. But the most important stepping stone and badge of honor is . . . The Colonoscopy! Columnist Dave Barry says it best here, but he did leave a few details and advice out.

For those of you too embarrassed to enjoy this post, just wait. The time will come when it will be meaningful to you. More importantly, you might be related to someone over 50 who, like Dave Barry was procrastinating the prognosticator and may need a shove. To put it simply, it isn't all that bad.

First, you set aside a day of your life to lose 5 lbs by not eating anything that requires teeth (good for preparing for the toothless times in 30 years). Your liquid diet must not include anything red in color (reason for that is explained below). So, I chose a bonus fast Sunday to do this. The program is to clean out the plumbing from all normal "waste" so the camera that winds through your inner casing is not obstructed by dark colors. It starts like you just ate food your birthday week in McCall that results in food poisoning (minus the projectile vomit). When that has pretty much cleaned you out normally, you draw upon the magical potion you received from your local pharmacist: Halflytely. In the old days, you drank a gallon of a thick, milky substance that resembled a salty milk shake. Now, the drink is light and only 1/2 gallon; hence Halflytely! This new product, when mixed with a packet of Crystal Light lemonade (not included with the batteries in this product, and don't use the flavors provided), and after chilling in the fridge for 24 hours, makes this drink almost taste like Gaterorade. Not too bad.

You drink a glass every 10 minutes, until you're done. Now, normally after a set of tennis in 98 degree weather, I have no problem downing that much liquid. Try it when you're looking forward to this event. Soon, the magical potion does its magic and, like Draino, flushes out your system. After a short while, it is like whatever you drink flows directly through you. Now, the reason you can't intake red Jello or red popcicles: This instant liquid voiding soon takes on the color of the intake. So, yes, first lemonade, then green Jello exited that portal in liquid form. If you like variety, eat green Jello, blue popcicles and Crystal Light lemonade! Then, you'll enjoy a rainbow of fun.

Really, this all wasn't so bad. And by the time I have to do it again in "about 5 years" (translated 8-10 years) according to my doctor who found everything fine, the prep-process might even be less intimidating. By then, you might just take a pill and read a book on the Throne and be done.

Now, for the process: except for the embarassing backless gown, and the nurse asking me to turn on my side and make sure I'm not resting on my gown when I am put out (so there is easy access), there is nothing else to remember. They give you a drug that puts you to sleep and makes you happy, and the next thing you know, you're trying to dress yourself in a slightly drunken stupor with your wife laughing as she watches. Perhaps the most traumatizing part is your wife having to drive you home (for her and you), with you in a drugged out state of mind.

So, if you have been putting it off, and you are "due," don't wait. You'll be glad you did. And I think I'll send away for my tacky certificate from Dave Barry.

Cookies Galore!

2008-12-14T18:40:00.001-07:00

This week was the week to bake sugar cookies...16 dozen of the delectable darlings. I've been making sugar cookies forever, and always delivered a plate to wherever Kirt has been working at the holiday season. On November 1, 2000, Kirt started his own firm. He wanted to give a gift to two of his biggest clients, but alas, money was a little tight, so he asked if I could make a platterful of cookies for each of them, which I was more than happy to do. Since then, things have gotten A LOT better, but these two particular clients always inquire "if they're going to get cookies this year." Of course! So I start with a triple batch, baked in a convection oven...

(this is always my favorite cookie, the tiniest scrap, too small to make anything but an artsy blob)

...and here is the finished product. These are only 9 dozen, frosted. I make a triple batch of frosting, too. Over the years, I've learned that less is more, so I've simplified, and gone with only one shape. The rest are tucked away in the freezer, awaiting their turn.

Remnants of Reese

2008-12-03T21:21:00.001-07:00

This is what is left of Reese after she left on Sunday. This is a little card she crumpled in her tiny hand...

little Reesie crumbs under her chair...

Reesie smudges on the mirror...

empty baby food jars that Reesie ate. Reese also ate Grandma's good good good green beans, peaches and applesauce. I miss her little sounds. I miss holding her.

When I married Kirt, I didn't think there could be anyone I could love as much, then we had Jake, Kenzie and Malorie. I never thought there could be an equal to these three, but then they married Lindsay, Tyler and Jonathan. Then came Reese! I can't even describe the emotions that this little girl brings out in me. It was just great to spend time with her. Malorie commented that our home was a little messy, but I didn't seem to mind. I didn't. It was more important to spend time with my kids and Reese!

1st Annual Naylor Turkey Trot--2008

2008-12-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

On Thanksgiving Day, around 9:30 AM, we had our first annual Naylor Family Turkey Trot. Our motto: "We don't walk!" Jake, Lindsay, Malorie and Jon all run, (so do Tyler and Kenzie, but they were in Virginia!) and I started running in September. I'm obviously the weak link. Our goal--run three miles without stopping to walk. I would have stopped to walk several times, but my kids faithfully stayed by my side, and wouldn't let me! I did it! Thanks to Grandpa Naylor for staying home with Reese!

I went running again this morning, alone. It's nice running in cold weather. It was great UNTIL about half a mile into the run, I missed a curb and went down. I skinned my knee, made a hole in my sweats, and walked a few steps so I could ascertain my injuries, which were minimal. A little blood and a hole, and my hands stung a little, but broke my fall. Thankfully, the sun hadn't quite come up, so no one saw me fall. THEN, about a half mile from home, on the little path leading from Rose Creek to Charleston Place, I came across a very big black lab, with no owner in sight. He stood still and stared at me. I again slowed to a walk (so he wouldn't chase me down), and didn't make eye contact, and started running again once I was off the path. I didn't look back, I hope he was gone. What should I have done? I made it home, showed my skinned knee and hole and whined about the dog a little to Kirt, who showed appropriate sympathy. The sunrise this morning made it all worth it, though.

Happy Birthday to Us!

2008-11-29T09:43:00.001-07:00

Lorrie and I turned the big 50! Yes, our birthdays are the same day (I'm hours older). We escaped to McCall and had a relaxed time. Friends joined us for dinner and we traveled to Moscow on Sunday to visit Jake, Lindsay and Reese!

Reese loves the fruit

2008-11-29T09:30:00.004-07:00

Reese is very curious. She will investigate everything around her. This was a Clementine orange she wanted to eat before peeled. I love the expressions on her face.

You're Welcome!

2008-11-02T09:03:00.006-07:00

That's right. All our kids can say thank you for us cleaning out the attic and going through all our historical artifacts. Exhibit A is the plaque attached, that I made (painting the shield and Bear/Wolf heads) as a Cub project. Imagine what kind of pressure you all would feel being required to decide if this Shield has such historical value to the Naylor Clan that you should keep it or throw it out upon our demise. We have made the decision for you . . . we'll throw out the shield, but keep the picture of it. Don't you all feel relieved. Likewise, we are going through everything in the attic, and when you come home to visit, you get to as well. We will save old t-shirts and anything we find that you might be interested in, we'll take a picture and give you a last chance to have it.

Guess Who Called ME Today?

2008-10-30T16:39:00.001-06:00

Governor Mitt Romney--from his private number, 202-495-7115.

Now You See It, Now You Don't

2008-10-19T23:05:00.006-06:00

Remember my beautiful garden? This is a picture of it in August, and it looked like this up until October 8, when it was rumored we would have our first frost. I worked in my garden, and cut a fresh bouquet of zinnia on Ocober 8. It was 70 degrees.

This is my garden now. It did frost early in the morning on October 9, and it was looking sad that morning as right before I left for Buffalo. While we were in Buffalo, Boise has it's earliest recordable snowfall EVER--an inch and a half fell on Friday night, October 10. That totally did my garden in. So I came home to find this! The good news is that the grapes benefit from a frost--it makes them sweeter, and it hardens the squash off, so that's good. My only survivor was a pumpkin, in my southern garden. He still wasn't orange, so I put a little tent over him. He's still green, but getting less so each day.

It's always a bittersweet time, when the frost comes. I love fall, and everything about it, but I know in a couple of weeks I'll be longing for a fresh tomato or zucchini. Oh well, I guess it's time to move indoors and start quilting!

Grandpa in Moscow

2008-10-19T22:52:00.007-06:00

Grandpa got to go to Moscow the past week and see Reese (and Jake and Lindsay). I was in Couer d'Alene for some depositions, and couldn't fly out Friday, so drove down and spent the night in Moscow. Lorrie was very jealous, but it didn't bother me. She spent a whole week with Reese shortly after birth. So, Grandpa got to do all these fun things with Reese. I changed diapers, got up with her Saturday morning, read her a book, played car-car-c-a-r with her, fed her Cherios, and just hung out with her. It was GREAT!!!! She is growing up so quickly.

Here I am acting like a bird, so she would eat her oats. I don't know if that really helps, but it is almost an involuntary thing to do what you want Reese to do. She only kicked the bowl out my hand once from excitement.

This is a Grandpa thing. Lindsay watched on with reasonable concern, knowing what was next, but not saying anything out loud. I'm sure her prayer was answered (see below).

And look how happy Reese is!

"Look, Mom, No HANDS!!"

Tagged by Lindsay!

2008-10-17T16:29:00.003-06:00

Lindsay tagged me to answer these questions--the catch is you can only answer them with one word! Before you start reading my answers, I have to comment on #31--I was peeling onions!
AND I tag Malorie, Mackenzie, Kirt, Jake, and Erin.

1. Where is your cell phone? UPSTAIRS
2. Where is your significant other? MOSCOW
3. Your hair color? BROWN
4. Your mother? LOVING
5. Your father? ADORABLE
6. Your favorite thing? FABRIC
7. Your dream last night? WEIRD
8. Your dream/goal? ALMOST
9. The room you're in? FAMILY
10. Your hobby? QUILTMAKING
11. Your fear? SPIDERS
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? TRAVELING
13. Where were you last night? HYNMSOFTHANKSGIVINGPRACTICE
14. What you're not? UNRELIABLE
15. One of your wish-list items? WORLDPEACE
16. Where you grew up? BOISE
17. The last thing you did? VACUUM
18. What are you wearing? CASUAL
19. Your TV? OFF
20. Your pet? DEAD
21. Your computer? FRUSTRATING
22. Your mood? CONTENT
23. Missing someone? KIRT (see #2!)
24. Your car? CUTE
25. Something you're not wearing? SHOES
26. Favorite store? CRATEANDBARREL
27. Your summer?AWESOME
28. Love someone? FAMILY
30. When is the last time you laughed? YESTERDAY (see #2--I have no one to laugh with!)
31. Last time you cried? TODAY