Eddie the Dog

Rough day for me here.... my throat is scratchy, and nothing I ate or drank seemed to cure it.  But then again, the more I drank and ate, the worse I felt, and feeling worse as it went on.  Ugh.

Sadie and I took a really long walk, we played in her pool today, and watched a few episodes of Frasier.  I think she has a secret crush on Eddie, the dog.  When the closing credits music comes on, she runs over to the TV, stands on her hind legs, her paws on the entertainment center, and whines.... then looks back at me and whines again.   That's when I know we have to see one more episode.   *laughs*

Don't know what I did, but both of my hips are sore today, too.

Happy Weekend!

Saturday morning after a very busy week!  There is a trip in the future, am driving my kids home to see my folks in June.  That will be a very fun trip!  We looked into flying, because that can be so much easier, but between $100 for the dog each way, and $300 per person, well, driving is more economical, for sure.  And I know there will come a time in the future when we'll have to fly up .....  *sigh*  but that's a thought for a different day.

Plenty of things need to be done before we can leave.

• My car needs tires.  And a good cleaning on the inside!
• With the heat of the valley setting in, some work in the yard needs to be done.  I usually rearrange my potted plants so they're shaded more often now.
• Sadie needs her toenails clipped -- and hates it. Ugh.
• House cleaning is always an ongoing thing.
• and tons of work hours ahead, as my BigBox store heads toward its annual inventory

That's the short list.  Among all of that is a myriad of details that eat up so much of my time.  And yet, here I am, taking a moment to drop a short note here.

Sadie and I were up and walking before 6am at Riparian, our fav place to wander.  We walked for 44 mins, an estimated 2.2 miles.  (we use MapMyWalk).  Then breakfast which on the weekends is Peanut Butter toast...  love it!  This is my last full weekend off, next weekend I'll work Sunday, and have Friday off.  Then I'll work the next full weekend, preparing for inventory.

Which means not enough down time, so I need to make the best of this weekend, getting as much done as possible.   Sounds like I better get off my butt and get busy!   Happy weekend, all!

Yogi & Boo Boo

Cooperstown Bears - Yogi and Boo Boo carrying a pic-a-nic basket, of course!  With original box.

Back in the 90s, I was given this set.  Only 1000 were made world wide.  Its been difficult finding information as to what their current value is.  I found on eBay where just the Boo Boo was sold for $69.  Boo Boo is 8" tall, Yogi is 15.5".  They are jointed, and made of mohair.  Each is numbered 398/1000.

Data from the Cooperstown website reads:  Two of the world's favorite bears come to life with our version of Yogi Bear and Boo Boo. Ready to steal some food, Yogi carries a wicker picnic basket and wears his famous green hat and necktie. Yogi stands 15.5 inches tall and his buddy, Boo Boo is 8.5 inches tall. Both are made of genuine mohair fur. Limited Edition of 1000 sets worldwide.

"Yogi Bear & Boo Boo" has been retired!

Model:  6201YOGIBOO

(I know they came with a certificate, it's around here somewhere!)

Tanya---- this is your legacy!
Hope it makes you rich one day :)
*grins*

Reading Stories

It's Sunday.  It's noon.  My laundry is whirling around in the washer, most of my housecleaning was done yesterday, this is my day to relax.  Until its time to get some groceries, that is.

So I've been doing a lot of reading today.  I get a subscription to the reader's digest book thing, one book, two stories, every other month. This time, they were both wonderful stories that I couldn't put down.  Beach House Memories is where a woman with cancer relives her greatest memory at her beach house... learning about life and love, of course.  It has a shockingly expected ending, and I hated for the story to end.  The second book, Lost December, is a story of a boy who comes of age, and chooses a different path for his life.  In the long run, he loses it all, but gains so much more.

Both books seem to have a similar theme about life lessons, and how our choices affect our futures.  When we're young, we don't often see our path very clearly - and sometimes what we see isn't what we think we want.  For me, I didn't go to college.  And I should have.  Maybe I shouldn't have gotten married so young, but would that have affected the children I have?  So many things we don't know, can't see or predict, but they have a way of affecting what our future holds so many decades down the road.

I could easily relate to both of the main characters in the book.  In the first, a story of a woman who marries because it's expected, has children, is the woman behind the successful husband.  And yet her life isn't happy until she meets "the one" - a love so true, she feels they're meant to be together.  But chooses her original life path, because of the ripple effect it would have on so many others around her.  Just like the mother in Bridges of Madison County, who chooses to stay to raise her kids, putting their needs above her own.  I'm sure many women can relate to that scenario!

In the second story, Luke decides he doesn't want to take the reins of the company his father built, so off he goes, living on his trust fund, and trusting friends who aren't true friends.  He finds himself down and out, having to start all over again rebuilding his life.  Sometimes I think its the daily little struggles that make our lives worthwhile.  If things, money, or an easy way is handed to a person, there's no real sense of ownership of that life.  Starting over may be one of the hardest risks a person ever has to take, but its sure worth it in the long run.

For me, I thought I was starting over when I left Calif for Ohio - but that turned out to be just replacing one set of issues for another.  When I left Ohio for Arizona, and had to start again with apt deposits, and the goal to buy my own house -- that was truly starting over.  Every dime was scrapped and saved.  My son and I never went hungry, but we didn't indulge in extras.  When you set your mind to something, you can achieve great things -- with perseverance and hard work!!

Blathering on

This blog has become more like a personal journal than it is about raising consciousness on topics that need addressing, or anything else world shattering.  It's become my place to blather on randomly on topics that concern mostly me, or my world.  

In trying to find a place in this world, I find that I do not fit in.  I am like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, it almost will go, if only I can change my corners. And I have found that I can't.  Or I don't want to.  Or both.  And now that self awareness has hit, I am ok with it, and know that the rest of my life is mine to do with however I please.

As long as I include Sadie in all that I do.  lol

Yes, she's my crazy pug, and life sort of revolves around her.  She lets me do as I need to do, but always reminds me that she holds an important place in life, and I should cater to her whims on occasion as well!  (and being the good pug mommy, I do that!  lol )

I had started a rant a week or so ago about logging on to a place I used to go to a lot, about how it hasn't changed, and about how it doesn't hold the same appeal any more.  Ok. that sentence summed up about 30 sentences of the rant.  But there it is in a nutshell.  I don't spend hours talking to people from all over the world, and frankly, don't miss it.  There are a few certain folks I wish I connected with more often, but the occasional chats and exchange of emails works as well.   :)  

Its the other folks that I don't miss - the ones who have the same conversations over and over.  Its funny how you get into a convo with someone about a certain topic, and you share a lot, but that person always wants to bring every subsequent convo back to that topic.  And, um, sorry, but that was two summers ago, and frankly, I'm not interested in the topic. At All.

Maybe that's why I stopped the chat scene -- because I'm too nice and really don't like to say 'no' to people I consider a friend.  But then again, they're just a "chat friend" - no one in my real world, and I shouldn't feel obligated or worry about hurting feelings when its clearly not an interest.  Ohhh well.

I'm done complaining.  and explaining.
I better post this before my netbook locks up my blog yet again.
hey... enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend :)

700 Miles

I started tracking

mileage on my

Spark People page

in 2013.



Today, I achieved

700 lifetime miles!!

Dreams

I had one of those crazy dreams last night....

I was with a group of people, we traveled in a van, The people are vague to me, I don't recall them being anyone in my social or family circle.  I was wearing dress pants and a sweater.  It was some kind of ... retreat perhaps?  I had a room with a bed, a narrow closet.  Put my suitcase on the floor, hung up my pants and sweater, slipped into jeans and a sweatshirt.  We were on or near a beach.  Skip to next scene, its the last day, we're going home later.  Last event of the trip is learning to surf.  (whoa, where did that come from?)  I am still wearing my jeans and sweatshirt, I have my camera in my purple kindle case and tuck it under my sweatshirt where it won't get wet. (lol as if!)  I lay on the board, and paddle out along with everyone else, there must be 20 of us.  Most of them are waiting for a wave.  I sit up and straddle the board, paddling toward shore, thinking just a small wave to take me in would be fine enough for me.   A white seal swims up next to me and I think Oh gosh! I need a picture of this.  I reach under my sweatshirt for my camera then think I better not pull it out, the saltwater will ruin my camera.  (as if its not already soaking wet!)  I go back to paddling again, the ocean pushing me toward shore, and there's a rush as I coast my way in.  I step out of the water, stand my board in the sand and walk toward the building.  (There are so many details I remember... looking to the right and left, I can see others on surfboards, everyone seems joyful.  I don't recognize the beach as one I've been to before).  By the time I reach this building, my jeans and my sweatshirt are totally dry.  I pass another girl in a hallway and mention this, she says isn't it great this time of year when everything dries so quick like that?   There's some kind of end-party, there are drinks and a buffet set up.  I dash back to my room to change into my slacks and sweater for the drive home. 

the only elusive thing has to do with something on the table, something that was going to be shared .... maybe it will come to me later.  but surfing???  me??  hardly!  lol 

altho.... I've always like the water, never feared it. 

there must be significance in the white seal, it was very vivid.

i felt as if I'd been in the room with the closet before, but can't name the place.

Anyway, was just sitting here with breakfast, reading a book, and the dream jumped into my brain, so I had to write it down.  Then research some dream interpretations.

Seals are (obviously) sea mammals, and are highly symbolic of our feeling, sensual selves. The seal helps us to remember our connection to our deep inner rhythms, feelings, and knowing, as represented by the sea. As humans generally believe themselves to be apart from ‘animals’, when really we are a-part of them, we often fight giving in to these deep rhythms and are afraid of ‘losing’ what we consider to be ourselves. When we are afraid of drowning in these depths, Seal being a good swimmer and knowing how to flow with the ever changing current, reminds us how to swim with the current. When we do this the negative feelings we have created such as worry, fear and anxiety are released from our minds. If seal enters your life, you are being asked to review the ebb and flow of your thoughts and emotions and find and keep up a point of balance. 

Water is a creative element and symbolises the feminine imagination and intuition. If the seal appears in your life, pay close attention to your imagination and insight - in the waking state and in dreamtime. A lot of what you imagine generally has a strong basis in reality, no matter how far-off it may seem. People with seal as a power animal are generally highly imaginative and very creative. They will need activities that channel and direct this. The Seal/Sea Lion can show you how to develop and focus your imagination. 

My Boys

Every year, I take a moment to think about my boys.  Usually in May, because that's when my stepson, Dougie, was taken from Earth.  He was a wonderful soul, so caring, so giving.  He had a way with nature, and I always imagined he'd be some kind of Forest Ranger.

Here are all three of my boys:  Brian, Dougie and Michael.  It seems they all got guns for Christmas.  There were so many happy memories in our years together.  We went many places, discovered many things as a family.  Natural History Museum, Mammoth Caves, a long driving trek to Minnesota and back.  Many many trips to Houston Woods.  Backyard BBQ's and jam sessions.  Even the simple task of family together around the table for dinner, sharing our stories, thoughts and feelings each and every day.

So many memories!
And so many more memories that weren't possible,
because Dougie was taken from us too soon.
I know that he's watching over his family.
I just wanted to let him know that I think of him often, and miss him terribly.

I love you, son!

Back Yard, Left Side

From this to that!

In 4 years, the backyard has been transformed.

It didn't happen overnight.

There was a lot of "trial and error"

trying to find the right combination of plants, brick, rock, etc

But with a little imagination, 

some ingenuity,

and plain old hard work - 

Much better, don't you think??

(right side tomorrow! )

May Challenges

May's Challenges:  Today is Cinco de Mayo --- day five of the month of May.  My two challenges for this month are 1) a mile a day and 2) eradicating my sugar addiction.  Neither of them is an easy thing to do, but nevertheless, the effort will have big payoffs.

Somewhere along the line, I've gotten off track, and have struggled for some time to get back on track again. This time, I am hoping it will be different.  No.  I am not hoping, I am making sure it is.

So far, for the month of May, I have accumulated just a shade
over 9 miles -- woo hoo!

The breaking sugar addiction challenge has a goal this week to be aware of your sugar cravings, jot them down, and make note how you conquered them.  I did well today, only twice did I crave sugar - just after lunch, and instead I reached for a KIND coconut almond bar.  (If you've never tried them, they're delish!)  And then again just a few minutes ago --- I so wanted to delve into the candy bar my son has stashed in the back of the fridge.   *sigh*   Instead, I dished up a half cup of fresh cut fruit.  Not quite the same, but .... a step in the right direction!

I also cut back on my caffeine, and boy do I have a headache!!!   yikes


I made it to the gym today, with a personal goal of a 14 minute mile on the treadmill.  Reality was 14:30.  But this is just another goal to shoot for, something else to make me aim for the stars!

Or in my case, aim for lower numbers on the scale,
but ... you get the idea :)

Weekends

Saturday was a very accomplished day!  Got in my mile early this morning for the May challenge on Spark People.  Then I worked on the backyard, getting things ready for rock.  Its a process because things you want to plant, and stepping stones and other assorted stuff needs to be in place -- moving them after rock is laid down is more difficult!  You'd think after 4 years, however, that I'd have everything in place!   hahaha.... I'm a typical female who rearranges furniture on a whim, only mine is in the backyard, and its my plants, planters and rocks that I rearrange!  *snicker*

Did a little R & R for me, while watching some Frasier reruns.  I should have done some more house cleaning beyond the kitchen, but running the vacuum didn't sound like fun!  Then in the afternoon I had to pick up my son from work, and head for the grocery store.  Ahh the weekly shopping, such a chore to get done!

And here it is Sunday morning.  I didn't post yesterday because I hopped on IRC and allowed myself to get a little distracted -- but only just a little.  There are old friends there, and I enjoy catching up.  But there are also men who .... lets just say they have an agenda and I've moved on from getting caught up in all of that. Sometimes its sad to realize that so many are stuck in the same rut they were a few years back.  Although I'm sure the same could be said for me!   So I guess I shouldn't point fingers.  However, I did speak up and mention that my interests have changed, that life has become very busy lately.

Continuing with the #MayMile #Challenge , Sadie and I zipped over to Riparian Preserve to get in a long walk - 2 miles, 50 minutes -- yay us!!  At the end of our walk, the reward is a quick dip in the creek, then home.  Where 20 mins later, yes, she is snoring. hahahaha

The rest of the day will be spent doing household chores, getting things ready for another week of working hard, playing hard, and getting through the mundane everyday-ness.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Shopping Spree!

I'v e been telling myself "I will get around to it" and that time never seems to come.... there's always something that needs to be improved in the back yard, but gosh.... that will always be the case, I'm sure.

So in a spur of the moment with my brain screaming "I can't stand it any longer" I zipped into our local landscaping company and placed an order for some Santa Fe Brown rock -- 7 tons of it to be exact! They said they could deliver on Saturday... but I opted for next Thurs when I'm off work -- and when the forecast predicts only the 80s instead of high 90s for this weekend.   So..... yes, I will be a busy gal!  I think I outta start taking my vitamins now, get something in the reserve tank for next weekend.  But it's gonna be great!

When I bought my house, the backyard was bare, except for one palm tree, one slab of cement, and a bunch of weeds.  From there, I found that when it rained, water sluiced down from the back of the yard toward the house, creating a huge puddle on top of my covered patio.  I didn't like this one bit, and experimented from time to time with digging up parts of the yard to make room for some natural water flow, but water doesn't flow on an upgrade very well.  So .. next idea!  I slid a piece... ok, so I hammered a piece of PVC pipe under the walkway so water will have a place to drain. Attached to the PVC I stuck on some special PVC drainage pipe that has holes in it.  Unless we get more than 1.5" of rain in one shot, the water all goes where its supposed to... down the drain and into the ground without leaving puddles behind.

I also worked hard on the yard, creating a cactus corner, raking all the loose river rock from the yard into the section around the palm tree, edging it in with some brick.  Then with some wall blocks, created a planter box along the fence line, painted one wall of the fence that was a different color (now its rainbow stripes!) and planted a bunch of different cacti in places... all fun stuff for me!!!

But now ... the biggest major steps are done.  I think.
Even if they aren't, I've had all I can take and we're putting in some rock!
Thursday is going to be one busy day!