Friday, May 6, 2011
What a great day! Had family over tonite to celebrate two generations of birthdays. May 2nd was my nephew Branden's 15th birthday, May 3rd was my nephew Justin's 27th birthday, and May 5th was my dad Junior's 90th birthday. Wow! 90 years old. He still gets around pretty good and even drives occasionally.
We all got together for homemade potato salad (it was very good, and all eaten), sub style sandwiches, and for dessert (of course) cake and ice cream! Yummy! My hubby's kids and grandkids were here, nieces, nephews, great nieces, one aunt, two dogs, my brother Jeff and his fiance Kelly were all accounted for. The pool got some use, even if the water is ice cold. Two of the granddaughters got so cold their lips were blue, but no, they weren't cold and "no, I don't want to get out!" Ha!
Busy day and I'm exhausted so this will be short and sweet. It's now 12:43 am and I'm off to bed!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
I'm so bad. It's been quite a while since I have posted a new story, but life is really boring sometimes. Nothing has been going on exciting enough to write about. Take tonight for example; sitting here watching Beetlejuice on TV. It's really a great movie from 1988! How exciting is that for a saturday night.
Tomorrow is Easter. I hope everyone has a good time hunting all those eggs.
Tomorrow is Easter. I hope everyone has a good time hunting all those eggs.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Saturday-April 9, 2011
My best dog Izzy and I spent a few days in Atascadero and Pismo visiting my dad and two aunts. Weather was beautiful, warm and sunny. We went over on Saturday and came home on Thursday. It was nice to see everyone.
My aunt Clem has a 6 month old puppy named Princess. She was not happy about having another dog in her house. It's a good thing that Izaboo is just happy to see anyone because Princess took every opportunity to run after her and show her teeth. Izzy did her best to just ignore the whole situation, but there comes a time when even the best tempered dog, or human, just gets tired of being harassed. Izaboo reached her limit on Monday. The two dogs were in the backyard doing their "business" when Princess made a run at Izzy. Well, Izzy turned to her, barked, and started chasing Princess. I could read the look on Princess's face, "oh no, she makes noise, and uh oh, here she comes!" It was priceless. From that moment on Izzy and Princess both decided they could play and have fun. My cousin Jessica's daughter Ericka, she's 7, saw some of the jewelry I've been working on and asked if I could make her a necklace.
On Wednesday it seemed like a good idea to go to Pismo and spend the night. I had made a reservation on Tuesday at the Sandcastle Inn. This hotel is right on the beach and I REALLY splurged and got an ocean front room! Ground floor, balcony about 100 yards from the sand; beautiful! The best part was the welcome notice in the lobby telling everyone about special guests. It was a poster that indicated Mr. and Mrs. (so and so) were celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary, and, welcome to our special "furry" guest, Miss Izaboo! I don't think Izzy saw the sign or there would have been no living with her!!!!!
We had a great time walking on the beach, digging in the sand, running from the water, and especially meeting new people. Everyone told Izzy how cute she was, and she was eating up all the attention.
Meanwhile, back in Atascadero, Ericka thought I had gone home and was sad thinking I had not made her necklace. Of course, not the case.
Thursday we checked out of the room, boo hoo, and I went to all three bead stores in Grover Beach. Of course I had to spend money at all three, I couldn't very well not. All three were different and had really nice things. Oh, it was also pouring down rain! So much for sunny and warm. After stopping back in Atascadero at dad's house, getting in more visiting, and giving Ericka her necklace (of course I made her one), Izzy and I took off for home. Rain, hail, lightning, and thunder. We had every kind of weather on the way home, but made really good time. I always like traveling and visiting people and places but I'm also always really glad to be back in my own house.
Rory was surprised but happy that we came home early. Our other dog Sassy, and both of the cats (Lucy Liu and Munchkin) were glad to have us back. The best part of being home of course is the comfort of my own bed!
All in all it was a good trip and I'm looking forward to next time. That will be in the next month or so. Until then, back to the normal routine.
My aunt Clem has a 6 month old puppy named Princess. She was not happy about having another dog in her house. It's a good thing that Izaboo is just happy to see anyone because Princess took every opportunity to run after her and show her teeth. Izzy did her best to just ignore the whole situation, but there comes a time when even the best tempered dog, or human, just gets tired of being harassed. Izaboo reached her limit on Monday. The two dogs were in the backyard doing their "business" when Princess made a run at Izzy. Well, Izzy turned to her, barked, and started chasing Princess. I could read the look on Princess's face, "oh no, she makes noise, and uh oh, here she comes!" It was priceless. From that moment on Izzy and Princess both decided they could play and have fun. My cousin Jessica's daughter Ericka, she's 7, saw some of the jewelry I've been working on and asked if I could make her a necklace.
On Wednesday it seemed like a good idea to go to Pismo and spend the night. I had made a reservation on Tuesday at the Sandcastle Inn. This hotel is right on the beach and I REALLY splurged and got an ocean front room! Ground floor, balcony about 100 yards from the sand; beautiful! The best part was the welcome notice in the lobby telling everyone about special guests. It was a poster that indicated Mr. and Mrs. (so and so) were celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary, and, welcome to our special "furry" guest, Miss Izaboo! I don't think Izzy saw the sign or there would have been no living with her!!!!!
We had a great time walking on the beach, digging in the sand, running from the water, and especially meeting new people. Everyone told Izzy how cute she was, and she was eating up all the attention.
Meanwhile, back in Atascadero, Ericka thought I had gone home and was sad thinking I had not made her necklace. Of course, not the case.
Thursday we checked out of the room, boo hoo, and I went to all three bead stores in Grover Beach. Of course I had to spend money at all three, I couldn't very well not. All three were different and had really nice things. Oh, it was also pouring down rain! So much for sunny and warm. After stopping back in Atascadero at dad's house, getting in more visiting, and giving Ericka her necklace (of course I made her one), Izzy and I took off for home. Rain, hail, lightning, and thunder. We had every kind of weather on the way home, but made really good time. I always like traveling and visiting people and places but I'm also always really glad to be back in my own house.
Rory was surprised but happy that we came home early. Our other dog Sassy, and both of the cats (Lucy Liu and Munchkin) were glad to have us back. The best part of being home of course is the comfort of my own bed!
All in all it was a good trip and I'm looking forward to next time. That will be in the next month or so. Until then, back to the normal routine.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday-March 31, 2011
Klutz. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am a klutz! Yesterday was "let's make a really pretty necklace day", and out came all my beading equipment and supplies.
I chose my beads wisely, purple glass chips. I measured the beading wire and hopefully one size fits all. With everything in place I begin my project. Now the holes in these beads are really, really tiny. The wire just fits through and I'm using a lighted magnifier to assist me. The project is moving along quite well, it's beginning to look very pretty. My eyes are starting to cross, but that's part of the experience. Deciding which of the two holes the wire goes in is fun, NOT.
A couple of hours go by and I have not spilled or dropped a single thing onto the floor. That is my usual thing, but today no.
I'm done! One end of the wire is crimped together with the wire guard and 1/2 of the clasp in place. So far so good! The second part of the crimping, and placing the clasp on the other end of the wire goes quickly (for a change), and lo and behold, a beautiful necklace! Sometimes I surprise myself with my craftiness.
Only one more step to go. I pull extra wire through a couple of the beads and pick up the wire cutters to trim off the excess. . . . . . . . Wait for it . . . . . . wait for it . . . . . .!
While cutting off the excess wire, I blink for one second, one, and it happens. I have just cut the wire the necklace is beaded on instead of the excess wire!!!!! The necklace drops to the table, a few of the beads fall off (but not on the floor, ha ha), and the first word I say is . . . .
KLUTZ!!!!!!! (well, not the first word, but the first word that can be published).
I made a good recovery however, my beautiful necklace is now a beautiful bracelet! Sometimes a change of plans is a necessity even if it is unplanned.
I chose my beads wisely, purple glass chips. I measured the beading wire and hopefully one size fits all. With everything in place I begin my project. Now the holes in these beads are really, really tiny. The wire just fits through and I'm using a lighted magnifier to assist me. The project is moving along quite well, it's beginning to look very pretty. My eyes are starting to cross, but that's part of the experience. Deciding which of the two holes the wire goes in is fun, NOT.
A couple of hours go by and I have not spilled or dropped a single thing onto the floor. That is my usual thing, but today no.
I'm done! One end of the wire is crimped together with the wire guard and 1/2 of the clasp in place. So far so good! The second part of the crimping, and placing the clasp on the other end of the wire goes quickly (for a change), and lo and behold, a beautiful necklace! Sometimes I surprise myself with my craftiness.
Only one more step to go. I pull extra wire through a couple of the beads and pick up the wire cutters to trim off the excess. . . . . . . . Wait for it . . . . . . wait for it . . . . . .!
While cutting off the excess wire, I blink for one second, one, and it happens. I have just cut the wire the necklace is beaded on instead of the excess wire!!!!! The necklace drops to the table, a few of the beads fall off (but not on the floor, ha ha), and the first word I say is . . . .
KLUTZ!!!!!!! (well, not the first word, but the first word that can be published).
I made a good recovery however, my beautiful necklace is now a beautiful bracelet! Sometimes a change of plans is a necessity even if it is unplanned.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday-March 27, 2011
"Of course you can do this. It's easy." That's what 'they' said about putting a dash cover on the dashboard in my car. Well today was the day for the job to be done. Rory and I, with great hope, went out to the car with my new dash cover. The velcro tabs were included, directions were pretty clear. We cleaned the dash, stuck the tabs on along the windshield, and proceeded to lay the dash cover over the velcro next to the windshield. "Oh, yeah, this is going to look great," said Rory. I'm thinking it will really protect the dashboard of my car during the summer heat. Unfortunately as soon as we lifted up the dash cover to put more velcro tabs to secure it, the ones next to the windshield lifted right up. THEY DIDN'T STICK! Not the first, second, or third time we tried. Crap, what now?
Rory says, "I have some double-sided tape that will stick to anything." Ok, so go get it. Well, it was really sticky so maybe this will work. Once again, stick on the double-sided tape, put the dash cover on and, it came right off! What is the deal? We kept trying, and trying.
About an hour later, by mutual decision, we have put off installing the dash cover in my car. We are going to try and find something that will actually stick. I'm not going to hold my breath!
Moral of this story: Nothing is ever as easy as 'they' tell you it will be. Live and learn!!
Rory says, "I have some double-sided tape that will stick to anything." Ok, so go get it. Well, it was really sticky so maybe this will work. Once again, stick on the double-sided tape, put the dash cover on and, it came right off! What is the deal? We kept trying, and trying.
About an hour later, by mutual decision, we have put off installing the dash cover in my car. We are going to try and find something that will actually stick. I'm not going to hold my breath!
Moral of this story: Nothing is ever as easy as 'they' tell you it will be. Live and learn!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Well, hello to all my friends. Today there was stuff happening! Join me now for "Adventures in Jewelrymaking".
Trying to make a bracelet to wear out to dinner tonight with friends. Everything started out pretty well. I chose nice glass beads, had a really good design in mind, and was looking forward to being creative. As I'm looking around at all the stuff I have, and I have a lot, there were no tools in sight. Dang I thought, where are my tools? I can't crimp the "crimp beads" without a crimper! I go into my room, which is not the neatest place in the world, and I'm looking in all the usual places; floor, under the bed, etc. Not there! So I sit down and think, where would I be if I was a plastic container of beading tools? Just then the tools spoke to me and said, "over here dummy." Behold, there they were, other side of the room on top of another plastic container. Now, I wonder how they got way over there. Finally, I'm ready to start my masterpiece.
Then the 3 year old granddaughter, who is here with us today wants to know what I'm doing and can she help. NO I say! She says, "can I watch. I'll be good." Sure, I've heard that before! NO, just watch cartoons, ok?
Tragedy averted, this time. Now, I am really ready to get started. I cut the beading wire to the length I want, attach the clasp, crimp bead, and a wire guard. With that done the beads will not fall off one end while I add beads onto the other end. (Voice of experience speaking.) Things are going to go very smoothly, I can feel it. Suddenly, while reaching for the beads to start beading, they get a life of their own and start rolling off the table, after all, they are round. "Stop," I say, but they just keep rolling down onto the floor. They scatter like bugs do when a light is turned on. Shoot!
As I am on the floor, which just happens to be made of rocks, my hands and knees getting scraped up, looking for dark beads on a dark floor I hear, "Grandma, what happened?" Nothing I say, just watch cartoons, ok? After a few minutes of looking, with no success, I get out more beads. There has to be an easier way; maybe sideboards on the table!?
About two hours later, all the beads are on the wire. I have learned a couple of lessons. 1) Figure out how to put "sideboards" on the table; 2) When using crimp beads, make sure the hole in the bead next to the crimp bead is smaller than the crimp bead. (That is a whole other story.) Finally, the bracelet is complete, and it only took 2 1/2 hours. But it's beautiful, and I will wear it to dinner.
Moral of this story: Nothing ever goes as planned. I know I will be finding beads for the next few days, but, you know; "Stuff Happens".
Trying to make a bracelet to wear out to dinner tonight with friends. Everything started out pretty well. I chose nice glass beads, had a really good design in mind, and was looking forward to being creative. As I'm looking around at all the stuff I have, and I have a lot, there were no tools in sight. Dang I thought, where are my tools? I can't crimp the "crimp beads" without a crimper! I go into my room, which is not the neatest place in the world, and I'm looking in all the usual places; floor, under the bed, etc. Not there! So I sit down and think, where would I be if I was a plastic container of beading tools? Just then the tools spoke to me and said, "over here dummy." Behold, there they were, other side of the room on top of another plastic container. Now, I wonder how they got way over there. Finally, I'm ready to start my masterpiece.
Then the 3 year old granddaughter, who is here with us today wants to know what I'm doing and can she help. NO I say! She says, "can I watch. I'll be good." Sure, I've heard that before! NO, just watch cartoons, ok?
Tragedy averted, this time. Now, I am really ready to get started. I cut the beading wire to the length I want, attach the clasp, crimp bead, and a wire guard. With that done the beads will not fall off one end while I add beads onto the other end. (Voice of experience speaking.) Things are going to go very smoothly, I can feel it. Suddenly, while reaching for the beads to start beading, they get a life of their own and start rolling off the table, after all, they are round. "Stop," I say, but they just keep rolling down onto the floor. They scatter like bugs do when a light is turned on. Shoot!
As I am on the floor, which just happens to be made of rocks, my hands and knees getting scraped up, looking for dark beads on a dark floor I hear, "Grandma, what happened?" Nothing I say, just watch cartoons, ok? After a few minutes of looking, with no success, I get out more beads. There has to be an easier way; maybe sideboards on the table!?
About two hours later, all the beads are on the wire. I have learned a couple of lessons. 1) Figure out how to put "sideboards" on the table; 2) When using crimp beads, make sure the hole in the bead next to the crimp bead is smaller than the crimp bead. (That is a whole other story.) Finally, the bracelet is complete, and it only took 2 1/2 hours. But it's beautiful, and I will wear it to dinner.
Moral of this story: Nothing ever goes as planned. I know I will be finding beads for the next few days, but, you know; "Stuff Happens".
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
What is the deal people? What part of using turn signals, stopping at red lights, and not causing accidents do you not understand?
Got really lucky today and did not get in an accident. The way some people drive is really scary. When they are going to turn, they don't give a signal. When they aren't going to turn, they give a signal that they are. . .! Another thing; when the red light is lit up on traffic signals, it means stop! While sitting at the signal on Walnut at Mooney, my light turned green and four (count 'em FOUR) cars went through the red light. It could have been really ugly, but like myself, no one else moved through the intersection.
I think all drivers should not be in such a hurry. Just follow the traffic laws, smell the roses, or something, go get coffee and sit for a while. Don't be the cause of some "stuff happening".
I'm going to call it a day. I'm exhausted from driving everyone else's vehicle!
Got really lucky today and did not get in an accident. The way some people drive is really scary. When they are going to turn, they don't give a signal. When they aren't going to turn, they give a signal that they are. . .! Another thing; when the red light is lit up on traffic signals, it means stop! While sitting at the signal on Walnut at Mooney, my light turned green and four (count 'em FOUR) cars went through the red light. It could have been really ugly, but like myself, no one else moved through the intersection.
I think all drivers should not be in such a hurry. Just follow the traffic laws, smell the roses, or something, go get coffee and sit for a while. Don't be the cause of some "stuff happening".
I'm going to call it a day. I'm exhausted from driving everyone else's vehicle!
Monday, March 21, 2011
First Post-March 20, 2011
So, my first post. I've had this idea for blogging for quite some time now. I look at it as sort of a journal, one that anyone can read. Note to self: don't reveal any family secrets in the first post.
I was chatting with my cousin Vicki today. Even though I don't see her very often, hardly ever actually, she has always been the one closest to my heart. We're very much alike she and I. Some people would say that's a good thing but some would probably be very afraid. Neither one of us has ever been afraid to say what's on our minds. In my case I often speak before I think, sometimes to the point of having to apologize, a lot. Hopefully Vicki has learned to control that trait.
Anyway, getting back to the chat; Vicki is the one who made me decide to do this blog. She has one and, of course, I had to copy her! She explained where to go and what to do, so here I am.
She writes about horseback riding in Northern California and some of the funny things that happen on the ranch. She had one post that talked about a friend getting her feet stuck in mud, poop, and horse pee while feeding the animals. I laughed so hard while reading because having had a horse at one point in my life I can totally relate to the poop and horse pee reference. Although my horse is no longer with me I have many, many stories to share. Look for those in future posts.
Now that I have started this, I'm kind of looking forward to reliving and sharing all the stories in my life, and other people's lives, in "Stuff Happens". I hope all my friends and family will join me.
I was chatting with my cousin Vicki today. Even though I don't see her very often, hardly ever actually, she has always been the one closest to my heart. We're very much alike she and I. Some people would say that's a good thing but some would probably be very afraid. Neither one of us has ever been afraid to say what's on our minds. In my case I often speak before I think, sometimes to the point of having to apologize, a lot. Hopefully Vicki has learned to control that trait.
Anyway, getting back to the chat; Vicki is the one who made me decide to do this blog. She has one and, of course, I had to copy her! She explained where to go and what to do, so here I am.
She writes about horseback riding in Northern California and some of the funny things that happen on the ranch. She had one post that talked about a friend getting her feet stuck in mud, poop, and horse pee while feeding the animals. I laughed so hard while reading because having had a horse at one point in my life I can totally relate to the poop and horse pee reference. Although my horse is no longer with me I have many, many stories to share. Look for those in future posts.
Now that I have started this, I'm kind of looking forward to reliving and sharing all the stories in my life, and other people's lives, in "Stuff Happens". I hope all my friends and family will join me.
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