Independence Day

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Wow! What a great way to start summer. We went to parades two weeks in a row! The first parade was last Sunday for Seattle Pride. J and I enjoyed the festivities and then had a most fabulous time at a great restaurant, the Brooklyn, and luxuriated in a stay at the Hotel Monaco. Monday we ate at a restaurant on the waterfront and acted as tourists. It was a most excellent mini-vacation.
Today we made it to our own downtown for the annual Fourth of July parade. We watched the parade, saw a few familiar folks and had a quick treat at the Brown. Since J is working graves and I had a headache we skipped the patriotic program at the park and came home. After a nap, we tackled the teenager's room, trying to see the floor before she returns from Dallas, Texas tomorrow.
Tonight, J is dealing with the people who think the no fireworks law doesn't apply to them. I am watching old episodes of "News Radio" and shuffling papers. It may not seem all that exciting, but it is our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
Happy Independence Day!

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic

Ah, our lovely little town. The weather has been warm and sunny with a little breeze and it feels like paradise on our little island. J bought our family a two-person hammock as one of our anniversary gifts and we have enjoyed it, along with the two dogs. Though one dog is not too fond of the other so it doesn't last long that we have them both on at the same time... A hot afternoon, hammock in the shade with the ones I love and a cold beer - or a book and a bowl of ice cream - I'm lovin' it.

Took a trip to a couple of thrift stores to unload another Fred-ful of decluttered stuff. Rounded off with a trip to the dump, and, lo, there is room in the garage, even with the motorbikle parked in there. I did some decluttering at work today and took four boxes of used binders and about 55 mugs to the thrift shop. I'm not a gardener, but I think I understand the pleasure it brings. I think it is similar to the way I feel about de-cluttering. There's before, with planning and dreaming, during, with dirt and hard work, and after, when the benefits appear. J gardens, I declutter. Outside, inside. I feel it is a comfortable balance. She occasionally gets me to help her, but I admit she helps me more than I help her.

After a year of going out and six months or so of living together, we are growing accustomed to each other. This doesn't mean we know everything about each other - I'm looking forward to still discovering more after forty years - but we can anticipate some responses and know some buttons to push or not. I like this. I like J. I like the teenager. Of course I love them too, but I really like them.
Earlier this week, the teenager performed with her choir class. It was the last performance of the school year and the final high school performance for the seniors. I particularly liked the choices of two pieces from "Wicked" and there was a fun number with full body stuff going on. My daughter looked fabulous with her black hair (highlights of aqua, purple, pink). She appears to have comfortable stage presence. I feel a sort of satisfying envy, I think, of her. I think it's what parents feel when their child's accomplishments has passed them in some way. It is mixed up with pride and awe, I think.

Anyway, the temperature is dropping after our mini heat wave so I think I'll change into something a little warmer and see what my sweetheart is doing on her computer.
Think good thoughts.

PS RIP Cody, the dog. Bark at Thermo and Waldo or me!

Haircut

The teenager is out so I have access to her laptop.
My mother's brother recently died, and he most thoughtfully and generously left each of my mother's daughters a sum of money. I was moved to know that he thought of us. In my mind, I composed a posthumous letter to him, telling him that I always thought well of him, and remembered him as an outspoken, sharp, gruff-voiced man. I remember when he and my cousin came to San Francisco to participate in the Peace March. I so much wanted to join them! But I must have been eight or nine, and safety was not guaranteed. My uncle was an English Lit professor. He had many published books and articles and frequently wrote about Utopian societies. He had come to California, as had my mother, in the early fifties, I believe, escaping Minnesota winters and a dysfunctional family. I'm sorry to say I only know the vague outline of his life as relayed to me through my mother's stories. But I believe he had had a full, satisfying, interesting life and I hope he died with little remorse or regret.
The money he bequeathed would have been enough to purchase a new computer for me. It would not have been an impulsive purchase as I have been thinking about it since my desktop died some months back. But I have credit card debt and I had recently talked to J about my ongoing desire to be as debt-free as I could be. The money would not pay off the debt, but it would contribute towards that goal. I felt much more satisfaction in using the money in a way that benefits me by helping to relieve me of the discomfort of debt than the fun of having a new toy (however useful).
So I am patting my own back and sending out gratitude to my uncle, J Kingsley Widmer, wherever he is (and because he was a staunch atheist, I shall assume for his sake that he is no where).
Think good thoughts. Show love. Do something that will benefit your soul and psyche.

Love Makes the World

Home sick. As opposed to homesick. Queasy. Made a snarky comment to my boss. Inappropriate. Hoping it doesn't make my work life uncomfortable. Sent apologetic e-mail. Sigh. I blame it on a poor filter due to rolling stomach.
The above picture was taken at the northwesternmost point of the continental United States, Cape Flattery. Not a flattering picture, but the rose-coloured love lens makes it beautiful.
We are off on another trip, though it's not exactly a vacation. We are visiting my side of the family. I hope to get in visits with friends as well. Yeah, well, I guess it is a vacation. I won't be at work so that's a plus.
Did I mention I feel crappy?
I'm considering doing some cognitive reconditioning. I have been in denial about it but I'm pretty sure I have a tendency towards pessimism. It may not be as bad as my sibs', but I can see that I get some payoff from spinning a negative curve on my life. I love and admire J's optimism. I want to catch it! I want to spread it! I feel as if I am an optimist trapped in a pessimist's mindset.
Too tired to ride that thought train. Other thoughts are jumbling around in my grey matter filled cranium. My honey just climbed in next to me, so I'll wrap this up.
Think optimistic thoughts.

What's New Pussycat?

Twitter, Facebook and my many iPhone apps keep me entertained and connected. No plans to eradicate the blog however. I have been without my own computer for a few months which certainly inhibits blog posting, especially since I don't know how to add photos form the iPhone. Posting loads of photos today though. They are in no particluar order but all from our vacation weekend.
Last weekend, J and I left all behind - teenager, dogs, computer, TV, phones - for a weekend on the Olympic Peninsula. A visit to historic Port Townsend, hiking, breathtaking views (or is that breathtaking hiking?), a romantic cabin on the beach... It was a delicious three days. The forest meets the shoreline in this area. We saw many trees with their roots upturned, large piles of bleached driftwood, incredible land/rock formations just off shore. We also cruised through Twilight town - Forks, Washington. Our cabin was located on the reservation where the Cullens do not enter, hence the sign at the restaurant/gas station.
Unfortunatley it was followed with a week of J being sick with the not-swine flu.
Today J is better, though still sleeping, and the sun is out. I have many windows and doors open to let the good air in and the bad air out. Iced coffee and the teenager's computer for now, then on to more active pursuits - housework, more unpacking, flirting with my sweetheart.
Living it up in the Pacific Northwest. Think good thoughts!

I Can Dream About You

Still in my Facebook phase. I have "friended" my fifth grade crush, my first boyfriend, my prom date, my sister's first husband and a host of others. And dammit, it feels good! Socially awkward is no barrier on Facebook. I'm an exhibitionist, a voyeur, an eavesdropper, a gossip. I like to connect, to observe, to play, to share. Blog has a place, DAS, but it isn't doing it for me right now. I'll continue the occasional post and may eventually resume more frequent entries, but for now - you can find me on Facebook.
Tra la!

Gold Mine in the Sky

Here is a picture J took on her trip to Paris - I mean, Las Vegas.
Despite the sunny skies, many of us long to escape to warmer climes. I'm still feeling generally apathetic in life so would rather wait until I get some verve before I go on a trip for fun. Hate to waste a warm sunny place feeling grey inside. Started a new medication and am now on the "wait and see" or "wait and feel" plan. The drug has one major possible side effect of a potentially fatal skin rash. Not a drug you would want to take casually.
Back to trip talk. We've been considering the coast for a quick trip. Not a warm place, but the ocean has it's appeal in all seasons. When I first moved to the glorious Northwest, I thought the ocean was right here, like it was in the Bay Area. I live by the water, it's cold and salty, there are ships here - how far could the ocean be? Far. If I had a boat and could take it as the crow flies, maybe it wouldn't take too long, but to drive to the ocean from our little island is like a three or four hour drive. Not exactly a day trip. So we are thinking of making a long weekend and touring the coastal area of our fair state. Or maybe we'll just get on a plane and go to the American Southwest where temperatures are currently 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
In other news, I will be taking another family ob trip to California. States continue to deteriorate, mental and physical. Middle sister carrying a heavy load which I am bound to share. We are each thankfully and gratefully blessed with wonderful partners so the load is eased a bit. J knowingly entered into this relationship knowing I was schlepping a set of luggage and she has most generously and thoughtfully helped to carry it. God bless her and her curly hair.
The Citizen's Academy has been fun and informative. The three hours have run over both nights so far and I was still eager for more. Class is also way better when you're not working for a grade.
Hope you are comfortable wherever you are. Keep on keeping on!

Hanging on the Telephone

I spend a lot of time on my iPhone, with very little of that time using it as a telephone. I have started downloading applications: games, gadgets, news. Even J is addicted to one of them games (reMovem) and missed my iPhone when she had to wait at the airport last week. My most used apps are a couple of the games, Facebook and Twitter. I'm still a major newbie on Twitter, so am not yet using it to its fullest potential. For now I am just enjoying the frequent tweets from an actor I am following. It's one way of fulfilling my craving for connection, even if it's somewhat contrived and superficial.
This week I start the Citizen's Academy offered by our local police department. It's a six week survey of police work, with lectures, guest speakers and tours. It's starting in the nick of time because I am desperately in need of an activity. Since ukulele fell by the wayside I have a space to fill and the iPhone, with all of it's wonders, just doesn't cut it.
All work week I look forward to the weekend but I've been so down that the weekends aren't much fun. Yesterday I spent some time straightening J's desk (while I use her computer as mine is still in a coma). Decluttering is about the only hobby I'm enjoying right now. I am supposed to be starting new meds soon and hope that will help ignite a spark in me. This flat feeling doesn't spur activity. I am happy, life is very good, but I really don't feel much of it.
Part of my job lets me see how many town residents are selling, losing through foreclosure and re-financing their homes. Sadly, foreclosure are gaining while sales have nearly stalled. Re-fis, however, are skyrocketing. Many people are taking advantage of the historically low interest rates. I didn't know how much a lower rate would improve my cash flow, but I got a good faith estimate and submitted the paperwork and as of Friday the rates would give me a much reduced monthly payment, even with all the added fees for the re-fi. Now the fun part - watching the market and rates to try to catch them while they are low. They have gone down and up and now are heading down again. I hope to lock in a good rate tomorrow. If they continue to decline, which is the forecast, I can always re-fi again later on. The lower mortgage payment means a lot as the teenager's dad gave up contributing anything for her care because of his own financial woes.
The sun is out there and I'm thinking I should take advantage of it and not stay in front of the computer all day. And with that I will sign off.

Just Got Started Lovin' You

Happy Valentine's Day!
It may be a commercially sponsored reminder of our relationship shortcomings (not being in one, not "coming through" gift-wise, cultural pressure to perform) but since I am currently in a bliss-functional relationship I say HAPPY Valentine's day.
J returned from a business with pleasure trip to Las Vegas. I felt envious and jealous for no good reason (okay, it may have been triggered by the 2:15 AM drunk dial) but I'm over it now. She did point out that we would each have fun with other people, that's who we are. It's so grown-up, of course, to be confident and comfortable enough to not be fazed by distance and doings. She travels without me; I travel without her. I guess it would be slightly different if I travelled for fun instead of family obligation. Even with the pleasant family visits, I feel sick with responsibility and disappointment. It is nice to have J to call and vent to and get words of support and love from. (I have to tell you that it's really bothering me to end sentences with prepositions). I don't want to be a glass half empty kind of person. Change your thoughts, change the world.
What was my point?
New topic - Facebook. I get why some people don't care for it. But for me it's been fun. Connected with my fifth grade crush, my high school boyfriend, my senior prom date. Reconnecting with my sister and my cousin. Getting to know new friends and people who I noticed on the periphery of my life. I get to check in with everyone and check on them and make comments and share pictures And my musings there are shorter.
Which reminds me - one of my favourite ideas is one presented by Smith Magazine. Creating a six-word memoir. Legend is that Ernest Hemingway was challenged to create a story of six words and came up with "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." So much said in so few words. Smith Magazine offers the same challenge and 70,000 of these succinct stories have been submitted. I wish I could remember some of my favourites, but here are some samples:
Hired me. Fired me. Married Me.
Tried men, tried women, like cats.
Fabulous June wedding, then Prop. 8.
For sale: wedding dress, worn twice.
There is a published collection of these memoirs called "Not Quite What I Was Planning" (an excellent example). Think on that. See what you come up with for your own story.
And have a happy day, no matter what you mark down as your relationship status.

By the way - new blog layout. Though you probably noticed. I sometimes like change for change's sake.

Up, Up and Away

I haven't been spending much time on the blog. A few reasons:
1) using the iPhone and don't know how to - or if -I can load pictures to the blog.
2) using Facebook - I like interaction! I don't really want to just talk to myself. Although the blog is good if I have a lot to say.
3) who reads it besides J D T and possibly R? J D & R are on Facebook. T - sign up on facebook! You have lots of relatives on there :-)
Just joined twitter but don't know much about it yet.
Good weekend considering it was spent with the California family. The weather was (is) sunny and that alone cheers me. Plus sari and peter are so fun, when we aren't stressing about folks and such.
At the airport now. Plugged in, starbucks coffee and breakfast, watching purple and orange planes on the runway, and on the 'net. Doesn't get much better---
EXCEPT I miss my Anacortes family and having a friend with me would be nice.
I'm moving to facebook and twitter now. Maybe I'll see you there?

Sinking Feeling

Today marks the eight month anniversary for me and my sweetheart. Eight months of loving and it keeps getting better.
The skies turned sunny earlier in the week and J took advantage of the weather to do some work in the garden. Unfortunately her back was still in winter mode and she tweaked it. She is now off for a week and restricted from most of her usual activities. It will be a test for her as she is a project person and it's hard to resist doing tasks when one is at home for an extended period. We'll see how she takes care of herself. We'll also see what the tension level is like after a few days of this. I'm happy to have her home and plan to do whatever I can to help.
J took a trip to her mom's and helped her de-clutter by bringing home old school papers, baby clothes and miscellaneous memory boxes and "stuff". They also distributed giveaway and garbage. Now the task is for J to sort and re-pack the keepers. But she's limited to not lifting anything over three pounds, so we'll see how that goes too.
In other news, the teenager came home from a recent DECA competition with a neckload of medals. She is busy with homework, clubs, ballet and friends. I thank those lucky stars of mine for her - talented, kind, funny, smart, beautiful, sarcastic - she is a wonderful person.
The dog is fat and happy. J's housemate doles out treats like there's not tomorrow and Zip doesn't want to offend him so eats them all. She lost four teeth at her last vet visit but it hasn't slowed her down.
I'm happy it's Friday. I have my W-2 and still qualify for the free tax file program so will be spending some time with that in the coming week. Looking forward to spending time with my favourite girls this weekend.
Hope you enjoy your day!

Make 'em Laugh

One of the best gifts we got this holiday was a pair of marshmallow spitters - pipes modified to blow marshmallows. Lots o' laughs and not much chance of putting an eye out with a mini-marshmallow.
Living without another adult for the past 13 years has let me develop a lot of my own idiosyncrasies about how things "should" be at home. Some of my preferences are based on efficiency; some are based on my years of examining simple living options, de-cluttering. Some are just lazy or comfortable. It all seems arbitrary when I look at it objectively but it certainly has the potential to cause some head butting. As long as we can maintain a sense of humour we should be able to adapt. Communication, compromise and comedy - those are the keys.
Storage space is tricky. We can designate our personal drawers, shelves, closets, but there are still those shared spaces. If the linen closet can't hold all the towels and sheets, do we: find another place for the sheets? Get rid of the excess towels? How many sets of sheets, how many towels? Which towels? What about beach towels, dog towels? I've spent years developing a theory of towel and sheet storage that makes sense to me in terms of living simply. I haven't always been able to incorporate it into actual life, and just because this house is a new start for me, it isn't a new start for the present occupant who has everything the way it is for her own reasons. That's just an example. But as I said, communication, compromise and comedy (and, if all else fails, cuddling ;-)
Have to go out into the world tonight to pick up the teenager. I'd rather stay and comfort the little dog who just had a tooth pulled. Bigger little dog had four teeth pulled last week.
Looking forward to overcoming the next obstacle. Think good thoughts!

Baby I Love Your Way

As I posted on my Facebook status, I'm dreaming about bridges, which means my brain is dealing with transitions once again. Even when I've thought it's over, it ain't over. I fell again - and it's not a bad thing, just unexpected. I think the last time was preparation for this time. Okay, all the other times were leading to this - just like the job I have. Let me elaborate on that job thing. In the past I've had quite a few different jobs - from McDonald's to the frame shop. And I believe that each job has taught me something about work, people and myself. And the sum total of what I've gained can be applied in my present job. So I'm comparing that phenomena with my relationships. I've learned a lot (been burned a lot - and done my share of burning) and now I can apply those lessons learned. I am infinitely more patient (believe it or not) and more tolerant. I am still obsessive and fairly demanding, but I've found someone who can put up with me, who complements me - and compliments me - and we seem to fit so well together. We've discussed my tendency to bulldoze and be impulsive, but she is strong enough not to be run over and level-headed enough to counter my impulsivity. Every day is revealed some aspect of our relationship that works so well; I am marveled by it. And the most marvelous part of it is that the love is reciprocated and we can talk about all of this. I haven't scared her (well, maybe a little), bored her, turned her off, chased her away.
Is there a down side? Well, there are challenges and the fact of being in a relationship at all is complicated, even a good one (a wonderful one). Compromises, irritants, obligations. It's easier to be alone and to make up my own rules and routines. Just like laying on the couch watching TV is easier than socializing - but infinitely less satisfying. Easy does it does not mean do what's easy. Life only grows when we put ourselves to the test, take risks, push ourselves, learn, fail, move forward.
Okay, this all sounds trite again. My writing is melodramatic and that is part of what keeps me from writing. I have said before that whatever I want to say someone has said it before and better than I could. It's part of why I like to read quotations. Once again it's about words. Our thoughts, our worldview, who we are is influenced by the words we have, the words we use to describe, to express, to connect.
Time to meet the electrician. Hope the words you hear today are kind, and your thoughts good ones.

I Love Babies

That's 'mi holding Dash, two weeks old. I love the little babies! We've had a few at the City since I've started there. Of course some of them are no longer babies. Allison, Jacob, Emmett, Grace, Ryker, Owen - to name a few. I love to play with names - I was picking out baby names long before I ever thought of actually having one. I would pick out new names for myself as far back as first grade. Rosemary, Daisy, Larkey, Nicki, Ducky. And last names too: Ryder, Trombley, Twilight (long before the book!). I still play that game. I also like to anagram my name and see how many words/names I can find. I enjoy word games and just added a word game app to my iPhone - Word Wrap. Love Scrabble, Scattergories, Fictionary (not the same as Pictionary), crosswords and other word puzzles.
I like the meanings of names as well. Both the historical and etymological meanings - my daughter's name means Faithful and Consecrated to God, and she is named for two of her grandmothers and her godmother.
I have to go so my sweetie can check her e-mail. Leave a comment so I know you're out there!

Baby, What a Big Surprise

The weather cleared and all forces came together, making it possible for the teenager to finally receive her Christmas present from cousin TJ and 'mi. She was surprised and, as shown above, quite happy with it.
We all went to neice Sydney's second birthday party yesterday, then to see "Milk" at the Egyptian Theatre on Capitol Hill in Seattle. A very good movie and the events were ones I had been around for (living in the Bay Area in the the late '70's). I remember vividly the day Dianne Feinstein announced the City Hall killings. Ivey felt motivated by the film and we discussed the parallels between what was happening then (Prop 6) and now (Prop 8). This country seems to be treading water when it comes to progress in civil/human rights. Progress made, yet attitudes still remain. But with the changes in process, I'll keep the attitudes of Hope and Change.
Winter break is over; school is back in session, the roads are clear (for today) and no more days scheduled off for 'mi for a while.
The last two weeks were spent mostly at the skyline house for a variety of reasons. There were some bumps and compromises but all went well. Took a Fred-load to Value Village on Saturday - some of 'mi stuff, some of the teenager's and lots of J's. I'll say it again - I *love* decluttering! This week I plan to go through more of 'mi stuff and see what I can pare down.
Lots of family events in the past couple of weeks, but not California family. We'll have to work that in soon.
Back to work. Have a lovely January day.

Gnome Sweet Gnome

Happy New Year!

Snow Bound

Due to the "severe weather" we have postponed our trip to see friends and family in California. Disappointing but we are making the most of being indoors and cozy. Having trouble getting on to Facebook, but still have Internet access so can post here and watch Hulu.com. Watching one of my favourite television episodes - NewsRadio "Smoking". We have TV as well, and movies and music and games. And lights and heat and lots o' food. And the best company - J, I, Z, C, Q, M and unnamed fish.
Hope you're enjoying the winter wonderland wherever you are.

O Tannenbaum

If you live around here then you know the word of the day is "ice". We had a lovely snow on Saturday, a nice complement to the Nutcracker performance. But today it's mostly ice - on the streets, sidewalks, parking lots. I feel fortunate to have driven through town without incident.
Jimi and George came from eastern Washington to see Ivey in the ballet. We went out for a delish meal, watched the Nutcracker, enjoyed a nice chat by the tree at J's (see the photo) and finished off the visit with breakfast out Sunday morning.
J and I finally had time alone but it didn't last nearly long enough. That is a wonderful part of our requited love; we both want to be together - we like each other so.
Vacation is right around the corner, but honestly I'm not looking forward to the drive to California. I'll pull a Scarlett O'Hara and think about that tomorrow. Tonight it's laundry and wrapping gifts and watching Heroes on Hulu.com.
Huge pile of clean laundry between me and a good night's sleep in my bed. Hey! There's a dog snuggled in the warm laundry!

Waltz of the Snowflakes

Good morning! It is such a good morning - even though I hear it is windy and pouring rain outside. In my windowless cubicle I am oblivious to the weather, except for the variation in building temperature. It's Nutcracker weekend here and my beautiful daughter is dancing as one of the Snowflakes and in a pas-de-trois of Dance of the Reed Flutes.

J's dad and step-mom are planning to come watch, but may be prevented by the weather since they have to travel over a mountain pass to get here. J and I are continuing to plan our trip to California and get ready for Christmas. I've finished my two week stint of overtime at work and am looking forward to being home (mine or J's) for a few days).
This bit of Christmas cheered me this morning. Take a listen; it's the music more than the video that I like, but both might make you smile too.
Have a lovely day!

A Foggy Day in London Town

Photo by Frederic Larson - Chronicle

Foghorn woke me. Fog thick as sea poop.
It is the first day of a new calendar month; one month left of 2008.
What a year it has been. I started out harbouring a scalded heart and now I have a love as beautiful and reassuring as a winter sunrise.
The fog horn reminds me of home. I have often said I prefer to live by the water; there are so many sensual aspects of it. A fog horn conjures up thoughts of caution and mystery and danger. I see the light house in "Captain January", the dark streets of Sherlock Holmes' London, the terrifying 'Mist' of Stephen King. I remember foggy Christmas mornings in Berkeley, when I was still young enough to think Christmas was fun. I pray for the boats out there, for the fishers and ferry crews working on the water.
My love is driving the streets, being the trained observer, looking out like the reassuring beam of a light house.
Back to sleep, with a fog horn lullaby.

That's How Love Moves

Photos by Ann.
Thanksgiving was a wonderful day - mostly spent lolling about at home, but ending with a great dinner and uke session at Ann & David's. The dinner, a traditional feast of delectables, was complemented by a table of desserts - we had five (?) pies, an eclair cake, and fresh whipped cream. My fave was the raspberry rhubarb pie with a lattice crust. Mm mmm!
After dinner, we pulled "crackers" (a traditional Christmas game),played music and took photos. It was such a good time and a blessing to with so many people I not only love, but really like. The teenager has an interest in learning to play the flute, and Ann was kind enough to let her use her instrument and try a few notes. I still have my flute from the 1980's, purchased on lay-away. Ivey is looking into lessons.
The rest of the weekend has been equally laid back, with one post-Black Friday jaunt over the bridge to buy new outdoor Christmas lights for J. No real crowds when we arrived in the city. Timing or a sign of the economic downturn?
Today J will install the lights. We may make it over to my house to put her old lights up there. Right now, J, Ivey and the dogs are all sleeping. I talked with my dad DA this AM and that was a good chat - 50 minutes. I remember that DAS (Ann's Dave) talked with his papa by phone every day. I admired that. I, like a lot of Americans, feel a lot of conflicting feelings about my family, but I know they love me and I'm lucky to still have my folks around.
I have been in the de-cluttering mode since recovering from pneumonia. Unfortunately it isn't conducive to hanging out at J's house! Till everyone wakes up I'll just play on the computer to keep myself from getting into de-cluttering mischief.
The teenager's laptop, a generous gift from R, is having new problems, as is my iRritating iPhone. A visit to the Apple store is in the works, between rehearsals, performances, family visits, et cetera.
Taking it one day at a time here. Thinking of you and hoping today is a good one for you.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Happy Turkey (or Tofurkey) Day to You!
Here is today's gratitude list (not necessarily in order and by no means complete):
Ivey
Janet
Zip
Quaffle
Family (folks, sisters, in-laws, cousins, etc)
Friends (you know who you are!)
Job (and paycheck!)
Warm house
Comfy bed
Fred the van
lower gas prices
Full tummy
Christmas lights
Starbucks barristas
coffee
co-workers
Anacortes
Obama elected
Harvey Milk & George Moscone
Gardens and trees
sunshine
storms
Bill of rights
Comedy
kind strangers
glass christmas ornaments
Internet
text messaging
possibilities
hope
faith
joy
generosity
bravery
The protectors (law enforcement, soldiers, etc)
blue glass
and most of all -
LOVE

Have a grateful day!

Over the River and Through the Woods

At the lake for an early Thanksgiving celebration. Meeting more of J's family so I'll make this a quick entry.
Today is six-months for me and J. A wonderful, joyous six months of love and laughter. Brimming with gratitude, I am.
More later. For now, think good thoughts and happy moments to you!

Electric Avenue

No comments? Either nobody is reading or no one has anything to say.
Yesterday was a perfect day. J and I slept late (well. early for her, late for me) then walked downtown. We stopped by the Mercantile, the dance studio, the Cat's Meow, the holiday craft fair at the Depot and then to the gym. After the gym, we worked in my yard, mowing, weeding, putting the rest of the outside stuff into our shed. VERY productive, lots of exercise and a whole day with my true love. Perfect.
Today has been less so. J worked six hours overtime and I spent a lot of time of this machine, getting very little done. I did take down the old porch light hoping to install a motion sensor light, but discovered the connection is too old so more work is needed than I could do today.
So if you're handy with electrical stuff, I have a few projects...

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

Yes, I know Veteran's Day just passed, but we are getting in the holiday spirit. Started Xmas shopping tonight. Listening to Christmas tunes (Rhonda the Lesbo Reindeer). Searching for the perfect stocking holders. Now home to hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.
Ho ho ho.

My Country 'Tis of Thee

To you veterans - thank you.

Come Rain or Come Shine

Now this is rain. When I first talked about moving to Washington State and told people (mostly players on the games I dealt at the casino) they would say "it rains all the time" and I would say "I like the rain". It's true, I do like this kind of rain. It is pouring. Streams in the gutters. Puddles in the potholes. Real rain. Not a shower or sprinkle or mist. And it doesn't happen all that often here. I like it. I know there are people worried about flooding and I appreciate that concern (never build on a flood plain) but this is that visceral satisfaction of weather - mother nature and her many moods. Of course it also makes me grateful I have a a roof over my head (and walls around me) and all the comforts to come in from the rain to.
Feeling better - the gurgling in my chest seems to be gone - but not well yet. I do need to show up at work to get some billing done (got to generate that revenue) but I'll make it a short day. This eats up my vacation days, of which I have few, but them's the breaks. I'm lucky to have a job at all.
J comes back to town this afternoon. Spent a lot of time thinking about her (as usual) and relationships. We have differences, as any two people do. Every couple seems to struggle with the superficial ones that seem insurmountable further on down the relationship road. I'm thinking of the classic battle of which to hang the toilet paper, as petty an issue as they come yet one that has been known to drive people to near screaming fury (my sister). J and I have different approaches to a lot of the mundane daily choices. I try to make myself aware of them and make a conscious effort to accept whatever it is or at least have a sense of humour about it. The reason it's worth the compromising or tolerance of those differences is that we are so alike. We laugh at the same dumb jokes and both analyze (or over-analyze) things. We also complement each other with our differences. It feels like a good fit. Plus she's darn cute.
Time to get to it - shower, dress, drive to work. Or maybe I'll put it off a little longer. Sigh. Yay! No cough when I sighed!

We Shall Overcome

I am still sick - feeling worse after two and a half days of meds and rest. Tonight the teenager and I are watching Bones (DVD). J is still away. Good thing she left her dog with me, so I know she'll be back.
That's it for now. Take care.

Rockin' Pneumonia

(Unable to upload photo at this time)
Regarding the pistol marksmanship class last night - if I have a pistol in my hand, you're safe as long as I'm aiming at you. The class was fun and I did improve after shooting 70 rounds, but more practice is definitely necessary if I want to actually hit the target.
Today I am going nowhere. J and Ivey set me up in my bed - meds, computer, oj - and the dogs are keeping me company. J is heading to training for three days. I miss her already. We have a fun weekend planned so I am extra motivated to get well. Staying home from work sucks up my vacation days, but I don't want to end up sicker or have this linger for another month.
It's election day. I almost forgot since I've already mailed in my ballot. Starbucks and Ben and Jerry's are having election day promotions (if I don't get up for a free cup o' Starbucks then you *know* I'm sick!), Vote - use it or lose it.
I can hear gurgling in my chest. Think I'll surf a while and see if I come up with anything to write about.
Take care of yourself and those you love.

Waltzing Matilda

Substitute "Waltzing Matilda" with "walking pneumonia".
Yesterday, J and I took the dogs to Bowman Bay. We walked along the beach in the rain and then hiked to a lookout where we caught a glimpse of the Deception Pass bridge. During the hike down, little Chance got too close to the edge of the trail and rolled down the cliff, stopping in time to avoid a terrifying plummet. I'll just say that we know how lucky we are and I'm going with the "all's well that ends well" school of thought.
We had pouring rain and hints of sun, walked among trees and seaweed, I slipped in mud and Zip rolled in stinky stuff - it was a good time. Although I was a bit winded - there were a few steep sections - I felt okay. When we got home, however, I knew I was sicker than I wanted to admit. J has spoiled me rotten, as usual (and for which I am extremely grateful), and I hope antibiotics and three days at home will knock it out of me.

I do have a class tonight which I am not going to postpone. Ann & I are taking Pistol Marksmanship. She has been shooting quite a bit, but I have done nothing since my gun safety class.
This weekend, J, the teenager and I are heading to Seattle to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. We'll spend the night and do a little early Christmas shopping in the big city on Sunday.
So all is well and life is good and I'm thinking good thoughts. Hope the same is true for you.

The Worms Crawl In

This was one of the grossest pumpkins I've ever seen. Those are slugs. Live slugs. Blech!
Hallowe'en came and went without major incident - two of the three pumpkins were smashed, but I'm okay with that. They would have ended up in the bin anyway..J is on graves now, so we're doing some adjusting to our routine. Today I'm taking advantage of her sleep time to clean my house, but I'd rather join her.
The teenager is as busy as ever.
Nothing else to report for now.
Don't forget to fall back tonight - change your clock from 9 PM to 8 PM when you go to bed ;-)