Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive.
-Sir Walter Scott
When I left off yesterday, I was living in the White Mountains of Arizona with my Grandparents. This was a very peaceful time.My Grandmother taught me to knit so I spent my days knitting and watching TV. Also, I had friends who were stationed in Viet Nam so I baked cookies, made fudge and sent care Packages to them.
Now for the hard part. Like I said before, being a pregnant teenager in the 60's was kept hush hushed. Girls were sent away to special schools to keep the SECRET. My mother, and grandmother, concocted so many lies to keep the SECRET that I had a hard time keeping track of them.
A few-
1. I had Valley Fever--that is why I was not in school.
2. I was recuperating in the White Mountains.
3. They bought me a little wedding band--I was married to a man
stationed in Viet Nam.
4. I kept the secret about the NIGHT--my Dad had a very bad temper
if someone crossed his family-He might have gone on a manhunt!
Oh what a tangled web.
Here is the most amazing thing..my brother, Kevin, never knew I had a baby until Wendy came into my life. He wanted to know if I have any other skeletons in my closet! Actually, he and Debbie, my sister-in-law, have been very supportive. Hopefully, Wendy and The Davis Clan will be able to meet soon.
I had told my daughters years ago that I had a baby when I was sixteen. When I told them about the Search Angel, they were surprised, loving and very supportive too. I can not answer for the three girls, but I am sure they have gone through many emotions. I know for myself, this has lifted a huge weight from my shoulders. I did not realize the magnitude of the guilt and sorrow I have held for all these years! I wondered if my baby was OK, if she had a good life, if she was loved and treated well. Now these questions have been answered. With the answers, I have found an inner peace.
-to be continued
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
18 days and counting
I will soon be going to Phoenix to meet my daughter ,Wendy, and her family. Since Memorial Day weekend, when I received a message from the Search Angel that my birth daughter was looking for me, my life has been an exciting roller coaster.
Forty two years ago I was sixteen and pregnant. Now, back in those days nobody talked about teenage pregnancy, girls did not go to school pregnant. Back then there were homes for Unwed Mothers..how different it is today. I was sent away to my Grandparents house to continue my pregnancy, deliver the baby, then the baby would go up for adoption..no ifs ands or buts. I did not have any say in what would happen to the dear baby that I had dreamt about for so many months. I had planned out where a crib would go in my bedroom, I would get a part time job to help support the baby and take correspondence school courses at home. Well, none of that would ever happen because when my Mother found out the first words out of her mouth were "What will the neighbors think" and the second was " You will give the baby up for adoption..I will not help raise a baby". It is amazing to me that some of my memories are cloudy but those words from my mother I will never forget. I will not fault my Mother..it is just the way it was.
Off I went to Show Low, Arizona to spend the rest of my pregnancy with my Grandparents. I loved them so much and always felt total, unconditional love from them. I felt so bad that I had disappointed them but they never made me feel unloved, their support was amazing. Between them and my Aunt and Uncle I felt the love that I did not feel at home.
Every summer, since I was about seven until Wendy( I had named her Deanna.but love Wendy) was born, I spent with my grandparents in the White Mountains, I only wish that they had lived closer so I could have spent more time with them. They cherished me as I cherish my Grand Children!
Forty two years ago I was sixteen and pregnant. Now, back in those days nobody talked about teenage pregnancy, girls did not go to school pregnant. Back then there were homes for Unwed Mothers..how different it is today. I was sent away to my Grandparents house to continue my pregnancy, deliver the baby, then the baby would go up for adoption..no ifs ands or buts. I did not have any say in what would happen to the dear baby that I had dreamt about for so many months. I had planned out where a crib would go in my bedroom, I would get a part time job to help support the baby and take correspondence school courses at home. Well, none of that would ever happen because when my Mother found out the first words out of her mouth were "What will the neighbors think" and the second was " You will give the baby up for adoption..I will not help raise a baby". It is amazing to me that some of my memories are cloudy but those words from my mother I will never forget. I will not fault my Mother..it is just the way it was.
Off I went to Show Low, Arizona to spend the rest of my pregnancy with my Grandparents. I loved them so much and always felt total, unconditional love from them. I felt so bad that I had disappointed them but they never made me feel unloved, their support was amazing. Between them and my Aunt and Uncle I felt the love that I did not feel at home.
Every summer, since I was about seven until Wendy( I had named her Deanna.but love Wendy) was born, I spent with my grandparents in the White Mountains, I only wish that they had lived closer so I could have spent more time with them. They cherished me as I cherish my Grand Children!
I will end at this point and continue another day.....
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Cecil
OK, I had this bright idea that I would give the kitties a bath. I had been thinking about it for a while, they have been shedding and I thought it would get rid of some of the loose hair. I was at the grocery store today and on a special pet display....there it was...... one, lonely bottle of Cat Shampoo! It was fate..I had to buy the shampoo!
After putting the groceries away, I picked out my first victim..Cecil. ,
Cecil. a 6 1/2 pound Burmese, is my sweet little guy with a beautiful, sleek coat that looks like Mink.
I warmed the water. put a mat in the sink, and slowly got my little guy wet. He protested ,with some pretty loud MEOWS, while I was lathering him up but I tried to massage him so he would calm down. He was extremely tolerant until I started to rinse him off with the sprayer..then.. all Hell broke loose. He kept jumping up on me trying to get on my shoulder, he never scratched but I was definitely wetter than he was! I knew I had to get all the shampoo out or it might irritate his skin so this was a battle I had to WIN. I tried to hold him by the scuff of the neck but was having a hard time holding him and the sprayer and I sprayed myself right in the face. Me and my bright ideas!
By the time the shampoo was rinsed, we were both soaked. I got a towel and started drying my little drowned rat! Oh my gosh, what had I done..his hair was curly! I kept drying with the towel but the more I dried the curlier it got! I took him to the bathroom, plugged in the hair dryer and went to work. He really did not like this and the Meows turned to screatches! Back to the towel drying. now the curls were going away but the hairs were standing straight out like he had put his paw in a light socket! I tried to comb his hair but it was not smooth like had been before the shampoo. Had I ruined that beautiful silky coat?
I called Bill and told him I had ruined the Kittie. Bill is so logical and said that the shampoo had washed the oil out of his hair and that is why it did not look silky. My next thought was to rub some Olive Oil in his coat but Bill said "NO..just wait a week and it will look like it used to". Well, I hope so..time will tell!
Chloe...you are lucky..no bath for you!
After putting the groceries away, I picked out my first victim..Cecil. ,
Cecil. a 6 1/2 pound Burmese, is my sweet little guy with a beautiful, sleek coat that looks like Mink.
 |
| Cecil and Chloe |
I warmed the water. put a mat in the sink, and slowly got my little guy wet. He protested ,with some pretty loud MEOWS, while I was lathering him up but I tried to massage him so he would calm down. He was extremely tolerant until I started to rinse him off with the sprayer..then.. all Hell broke loose. He kept jumping up on me trying to get on my shoulder, he never scratched but I was definitely wetter than he was! I knew I had to get all the shampoo out or it might irritate his skin so this was a battle I had to WIN. I tried to hold him by the scuff of the neck but was having a hard time holding him and the sprayer and I sprayed myself right in the face. Me and my bright ideas!
By the time the shampoo was rinsed, we were both soaked. I got a towel and started drying my little drowned rat! Oh my gosh, what had I done..his hair was curly! I kept drying with the towel but the more I dried the curlier it got! I took him to the bathroom, plugged in the hair dryer and went to work. He really did not like this and the Meows turned to screatches! Back to the towel drying. now the curls were going away but the hairs were standing straight out like he had put his paw in a light socket! I tried to comb his hair but it was not smooth like had been before the shampoo. Had I ruined that beautiful silky coat?
I called Bill and told him I had ruined the Kittie. Bill is so logical and said that the shampoo had washed the oil out of his hair and that is why it did not look silky. My next thought was to rub some Olive Oil in his coat but Bill said "NO..just wait a week and it will look like it used to". Well, I hope so..time will tell!
Chloe...you are lucky..no bath for you!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Fun Times with the Colorado Grand kids!
Each summer I enjoy extra time with my grand children. This started several years ago when my kids were trying to figure out day care for their children during the summer months. At that time, I offered to have the little ones when I got off work on Wednesday nights through Thursday afternoon. Over the years, the schedule has changed to accommodate those that needed a sitter but the one thing that has not changed is; during the summer I have set days with my little angels and we all look forward to our time together.
Of course, when the children were younger it was a lot harder watching them in the pool and taking them places, but as they have gotten older it is so much easier to just load them in the car and away we go! Thank goodness, we do not have anymore car seats. When I have little Sarah, who is four and still needs a booster, I have too many kids to get in my car so we stay at the house and swim in the pool.
It is now the middle of July and we only have one more month before the kids go back to school. Everyone has enjoyed fun days at the pool, we went to the movies and had a field trip to Hammond's Candy Factory.
July 21-22, 2010
Since I had all seven kids we had to stay around the Condo and swim in the pool. What a great time they had jumping in to their rings and having races! They even played ring toss Unfortunately, some of the other kids in the pool used their rings and surf board and we ended up with holes in most of them. That was easy, off to Wallmart where we picked up some new pool toys at a wonderful price. I love end of summer sales!
July 28-29
Jonah was not able to join us this week because he was playing in a Golf Tournament. The good news is that he took 5th place! Erin brought Jaycie, Evan and Daylee over and I would pick up Emma from dance lessons at 8 pm. While waiting for Emma, the three decided to have a puppet show, Tiffany had made the stage using curtain rods which fit perfectly between my dinning room and the hallway. The show was great, the lines were so funny that I could not quit laughing..Jaycie was trying to film for UTUBE and my laughing was drowning out the sound of the play.
At eight I picked up Emma and we had spaghetti, Daylee's request, for dinner then we watched So You Think You Can Dance. This program has become one of our favorites...I can see Emma on the program in 10 years! The next day Jaycie and I went to pick up Ryan and Sarah and it was off to the pool for another fun day.
August 4-5
Time is flying and the summer is drawing to an end. Daylee has started volleyball and Evan's football practice is on Wednesday nights..those two are the first to leave Nana's Wednesday Nights. We miss them but we know that it is almost time for school to start and we only have a few more weeks left. Oh, by the way, Evan made Quarterback for his team!
Amber dropped Emma, Jonah and Jaycie off at the Surgery Center which saved her about 30min in driving time. I had some work to finish and by the time we were ready to leave a big rain storm started. It looked like a hurricane, the wind was blowing sideways and the rain was coming down in sheets! I wanted to wait it out but the kids wanted to make a run for the car..Guess Who Won! By the time we got to the car, we were all soaked, cold and laughing. Emma turned the heater up in the car and away we went. We had only driven a few miles when it started to clear up, the sun came out and the clouds cleared. Go figure that is Colorado weather.
Jaycie's Birthday is August 7th so I decided to celebrate with her on the 5th. I had bought ingredients to make vanilla cupcakes with whip cream and strawberry frosting. After breakfast the girls decided they wanted to make the cupcakes before we went out to the pool.
I have a great picture of Emma, hiding in the kitchen, licking the beater but I will get her permission before I post it since she is in her bikini.
After the cupcakes were finished baking, Jonah asked me to take a few pictures of him lifting a boulder he had found in our complex.
After Jonah lifted this huge boulder, we spent the rest of our time together at the pool. The kids love to have their pictures taken.
We had a great time at the pool but unfortunately our time was cut short because...well I am sure the kids will remember....but What Happens at Nana's Stays at Nana's!!!! Lets just say Jonah was the police and protector of our group today.
After we went in, had lunch and ate the yummy cupcakes, it was time for the kids to get ready to leave. Emma decided to show us one last stretch and Jaycie and I tried to follow.
Ok, now I know you can not imagine me doing this pose, but I did give it my all and did not fall down...nor did I even come close to the pose! Jaycie gave it her all too.
Summer is now drawing to an end and I will miss these special times. It has been so much fun watching, and listening to these seven wonderful young souls. They have laughed, cried, fought, made up,.....
.............and just been normal, very well behaved, young individuals.
They amaze me with their insight, their knowledge about science (just have a talk with Evan), their compassion for all living creatures ( all of them), their thoughts on social or political views ( Jaycie and Jonah), their creativity (Daylee) and their love for the arts (Emma, who's progress in dancing is outstanding), for her beautiful red hair and sweet disposition (Miss Sarah) and for reminding me most of his parent (Ryan, you are the spitting image of your Dad).
I love all of you and am so lucky to be your NANA. I hope we have many more fun days in the sun!
Of course, when the children were younger it was a lot harder watching them in the pool and taking them places, but as they have gotten older it is so much easier to just load them in the car and away we go! Thank goodness, we do not have anymore car seats. When I have little Sarah, who is four and still needs a booster, I have too many kids to get in my car so we stay at the house and swim in the pool.
One of the most wonderful things about having the grand kiddos is the one-on-one time that you do not get when their parents are around. I can not monetarily spoil them, but hopefully, when they are adults, they will have many memories of times with Nana. I only wish I would have know about the blogging when they were younger because so many funny things happened and because I did not write things down I do not remember everything only bits and pieces. Well, better late than never. Now is the time to jot down what we have done this summer and even though this is in my blog it will be a journal for the grand kids to read.
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| Nana's Angels!!! Top to bottom |
Emma 13, Jaycie 12, Jonah 11, Daylee 10, Evan 8, Ryan 8 and Sarah 4.
Summer 2010
Summer 2010
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| KIDS IN A CANDY STORE!!!! |
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| Jaycie and Daylee..the smiles on their faces was Priceless! |
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| Emma and Jonah deciding what they want to buy. |
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| Evan could not believe the size of this Jaw Breaker..of course he wanted this more than any other candy at the store! |
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| We were able to watch the workers making Candy Canes..Yummy! |
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| Antique candy making machines |
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| At the check out |
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| Purchasing the LOOT! |
July 21-22, 2010
Last night Erin brought over the first batch of kids..Jonah, Jaycie, Evan and Daylee. Shawn soon followed with Ryan and Sarah, then I picked up Emma from dancing at 8 PM. The kids were great, they were all laughing and getting along well. We had sloppy joe's and tater tots for dinner followed by Popsicle's for dessert. Knowing these kids eat frequently, especially Little Miss Sarah, I decided to cut up apples in wedges, put them in baggies (one baggie for each child) and sprinkle cinnamon on the slices. I then stuck them in fridge for them to have as a late night snack. Yes, late night is the right word..as some were still awake at 1 AM. They played, laughed and watched Shrek 2 before finally falling asleep.
Jonah had said he wanted to go on a run with me so around 7 AM I tried to wake him up. Believe me, he was having no part of the waking up! WE having been planning this run for several weeks and either he forgot his running shoes or there was some other excuse! Sometime this summer I am going to get him on the running path..even though I know he will put me to shame
Since I had all seven kids we had to stay around the Condo and swim in the pool. What a great time they had jumping in to their rings and having races! They even played ring toss Unfortunately, some of the other kids in the pool used their rings and surf board and we ended up with holes in most of them. That was easy, off to Wallmart where we picked up some new pool toys at a wonderful price. I love end of summer sales!
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| Emma, Daylee, Jonah, Evan, Sarah, Jaycie and bringing up the rear..Ryan |
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| Jaycie and Daylee |
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Playing a game of Ring Toss |
The kids have a great time getting ready for bed at Nana's house. They move the coffee table and throw quilts and blankets on the floor, then curl up and watch movies until they fall asleep..
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| Ok, maybe they don't curl up right away! |
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| This picture is a little dark but they are getting ready to do stretching exercises. |
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| 1st Place to Emma! |
Jonah was not able to join us this week because he was playing in a Golf Tournament. The good news is that he took 5th place! Erin brought Jaycie, Evan and Daylee over and I would pick up Emma from dance lessons at 8 pm. While waiting for Emma, the three decided to have a puppet show, Tiffany had made the stage using curtain rods which fit perfectly between my dinning room and the hallway. The show was great, the lines were so funny that I could not quit laughing..Jaycie was trying to film for UTUBE and my laughing was drowning out the sound of the play.
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| This is their puppet stage that Tiffany made. |
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| The whole cast of characters during the final bow! Jaycie's hand trying to video tape. |
At eight I picked up Emma and we had spaghetti, Daylee's request, for dinner then we watched So You Think You Can Dance. This program has become one of our favorites...I can see Emma on the program in 10 years! The next day Jaycie and I went to pick up Ryan and Sarah and it was off to the pool for another fun day.
August 4-5
Time is flying and the summer is drawing to an end. Daylee has started volleyball and Evan's football practice is on Wednesday nights..those two are the first to leave Nana's Wednesday Nights. We miss them but we know that it is almost time for school to start and we only have a few more weeks left. Oh, by the way, Evan made Quarterback for his team!
Amber dropped Emma, Jonah and Jaycie off at the Surgery Center which saved her about 30min in driving time. I had some work to finish and by the time we were ready to leave a big rain storm started. It looked like a hurricane, the wind was blowing sideways and the rain was coming down in sheets! I wanted to wait it out but the kids wanted to make a run for the car..Guess Who Won! By the time we got to the car, we were all soaked, cold and laughing. Emma turned the heater up in the car and away we went. We had only driven a few miles when it started to clear up, the sun came out and the clouds cleared. Go figure that is Colorado weather.
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| Just a picture of Sarah touching her tongue to her nose!! This is a talent she is very proud of! |
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| The Birthday Girl! |
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| Jaycie making her Birthday Cupcakes! |
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| Sarah licking the beater..her favorite thing to do! |
After the cupcakes were finished baking, Jonah asked me to take a few pictures of him lifting a boulder he had found in our complex.
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| "Nana, look at my muscles" |
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| "UGH!" |
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| "I DID IT" |
After Jonah lifted this huge boulder, we spent the rest of our time together at the pool. The kids love to have their pictures taken.  |
| Emma with one of the pool toys from Wallmart. |
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| Ryan playing with a ball |
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| "Nana, take a picture of me diving!" Emma |
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| "ME TOO!!!" Jonah |
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| "Now take this picture!" Emma, Jaycie and Jonah |
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| Jaycie and Sarah. Sarah's bangs are always in her eyes! |
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| Emma and Sarah. The oldest cousin with the youngest! |
After we went in, had lunch and ate the yummy cupcakes, it was time for the kids to get ready to leave. Emma decided to show us one last stretch and Jaycie and I tried to follow.
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Summer is now drawing to an end and I will miss these special times. It has been so much fun watching, and listening to these seven wonderful young souls. They have laughed, cried, fought, made up,.....
 |
| Hugged |
They amaze me with their insight, their knowledge about science (just have a talk with Evan), their compassion for all living creatures ( all of them), their thoughts on social or political views ( Jaycie and Jonah), their creativity (Daylee) and their love for the arts (Emma, who's progress in dancing is outstanding), for her beautiful red hair and sweet disposition (Miss Sarah) and for reminding me most of his parent (Ryan, you are the spitting image of your Dad).
I love all of you and am so lucky to be your NANA. I hope we have many more fun days in the sun!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Week of Staycation in Loveland.
I just drove back to Thornton after a wonderful week in Loveland. It was so nice waking up in the morning listening to the birds chirping, having coffee on the deck while reading the newspaper, then walking around the gardens enjoying our Crops.
OK, the gardens are still a work in progress after all these years but some parts are looking much better this year. The main crop we can grow, without any problem, is OREGANO!! That stuff is growing everywhere and has almost completely taken over one of the raised gardens and we are finding it all over the yard. The good things are; it is green and lush, smells divine and has pretty purple flowers. Of course, with the flowers comes the bees! Maybe we should get some hives and harvest honey.....NO I THINK NOT!
The herbs are looking great this year. Bill cut back the Sage and it looks strong and healthy. The Lemon Thyme is large and so fragrant but I admit I have not used it this season. Actually, it does taste good in tea or on salads. We planted Thai Basil this year and it has such a wonderful smell but the leaves are so small I have not figured out what to do with it..use in salad or maybe a stir fry. Since I do not have a Wok I may need to take another trip to the thrift store. I picked our first jalepeno and fried it with scrambled eggs..yummy.
Back to the Staycation. We really had a great time last week. One of the hikes we went on turned into a big adventure! Thursday morning we started out at Bobcat Ridge. I told Bill I would run the 1.4 mile to the cabin and meet him there, then we would decide our next path. While waiting for Bill, I decided to eat some of my trail mix and drink some of the water that I had in my fuel belt. Believe me, I was not conserving because I thought we would be out just about an hour or two. Also, it was hot so I decided to pour a little water on my head to cool off. After Bill got to the cabin we decided to take one of the paths that was called the Power Line Loop. This LOOP was quite a climb..a few times I ran up the path (building my endurance!!) and quickly wore myself out! Well, we hiked and hiked and finally came to a sign post with arrows pointing in two different directions. We picked one ( can't remember the name of the path..it was in the 90's about 11:30 at this time and I had drank most of my water) and started on that path. Again. we hiked and hiked and were not making any progress going down the mountain. We would make a little downward motion and then the path would go up and around the next area taking us further and further from where we knew the car was parked!
Finally, Bill said we needed to turn around and go back to where the sign post was..OH MY GOSH ARE YOU KIDDING..that is two hours back to the car!! Logically, I knew he was right, but emotionally, I could not stand the thought of turning around and facing two more hours on that path. After thinking about it for a few minutes I put on my Big Girl Panties and started the trip back, head phones on walking as fast as I could. Something amazing happened on the last part of the hike. We were in this beautiful area looking down into a meadow with the ridge on the left of us, beautiful blue sky when a song by Il Divo started playing on my I pod.... the song was Hallelujah (Aleluya)! It was the most amazing song in such a spiritual place. I think I hit the repeat button three times and it put me into the right mental space to continue the journey. Bill conserved his water and was such a savior making sure that I was drinking enough. What started as a little hike turned into 4 1/2 hours. Luckily, the trail head is fifteen minutes from our house so when we finally found the car it was a quick ride home. I think we both crashed on the couch and between the two of us drank a whole jug of ice tea!
Friday night we went to the concert at Centerra. I made a picnic dinner with sandwiches, fruit and ice tea, we packed the camp chairs in the car and drove to Centerra. It was a beautiful evening, not too hot, and the band was great! There is a mini hill covered in grass and the little kids were rolling down the hill, laughing and having a great time! One of my favorite places at the Mall was there selling Gelato. Of course, that was the first thing I wanted after dinner..heck with the fruit, bring on the ice cream! The band was great and played old Rock music. It was so nice being at a concert and knowing all the words to the songs!
One other note about Bobcat Ridge: the first day we went hiking there, I think it was Tuesday, we came upon a young man in his 30's who was walking a large, hairy dog on the graveled path. At first I felt sorry for the dog because it was so hot and he was panting pretty hard. Then I looked down at the feet of the man and he was BARE FOOT. This man did not have any shoes on..I asked him how in the world he could walk on the gravel path without shoes and he said that he started slowly and now the soles of his feet are like the pads on dogs feet. I could not believe it. I had not seen anyone without shoes, on a gravel path, since I was a little kid and went to the Indian Reservation with my Grandparents..none of the children wore shoes ( and most of the boys did not wear clothes) at that time of my life that really bothered me. I could not imagine how they ran around the desert without shoes!
All-in-all we had a great week. We had lazy mornings on the porch, hiked, went to Farmers Markets, attended a party at the Griff's, went to Loveland's Summerfest where we enjoyed the exhibits and concerts. I was going to add some pictures of our adventures but I do not have the cable to download from my camera to the computer. As always, when I am in Thornton what I need is in Loveland and when I am in Loveland everything I need is in Thornton!
I will end for now and add the pictures ( if I figure out how) as soon as possible.
OK, the gardens are still a work in progress after all these years but some parts are looking much better this year. The main crop we can grow, without any problem, is OREGANO!! That stuff is growing everywhere and has almost completely taken over one of the raised gardens and we are finding it all over the yard. The good things are; it is green and lush, smells divine and has pretty purple flowers. Of course, with the flowers comes the bees! Maybe we should get some hives and harvest honey.....NO I THINK NOT!
The herbs are looking great this year. Bill cut back the Sage and it looks strong and healthy. The Lemon Thyme is large and so fragrant but I admit I have not used it this season. Actually, it does taste good in tea or on salads. We planted Thai Basil this year and it has such a wonderful smell but the leaves are so small I have not figured out what to do with it..use in salad or maybe a stir fry. Since I do not have a Wok I may need to take another trip to the thrift store. I picked our first jalepeno and fried it with scrambled eggs..yummy.
Back to the Staycation. We really had a great time last week. One of the hikes we went on turned into a big adventure! Thursday morning we started out at Bobcat Ridge. I told Bill I would run the 1.4 mile to the cabin and meet him there, then we would decide our next path. While waiting for Bill, I decided to eat some of my trail mix and drink some of the water that I had in my fuel belt. Believe me, I was not conserving because I thought we would be out just about an hour or two. Also, it was hot so I decided to pour a little water on my head to cool off. After Bill got to the cabin we decided to take one of the paths that was called the Power Line Loop. This LOOP was quite a climb..a few times I ran up the path (building my endurance!!) and quickly wore myself out! Well, we hiked and hiked and finally came to a sign post with arrows pointing in two different directions. We picked one ( can't remember the name of the path..it was in the 90's about 11:30 at this time and I had drank most of my water) and started on that path. Again. we hiked and hiked and were not making any progress going down the mountain. We would make a little downward motion and then the path would go up and around the next area taking us further and further from where we knew the car was parked!
Finally, Bill said we needed to turn around and go back to where the sign post was..OH MY GOSH ARE YOU KIDDING..that is two hours back to the car!! Logically, I knew he was right, but emotionally, I could not stand the thought of turning around and facing two more hours on that path. After thinking about it for a few minutes I put on my Big Girl Panties and started the trip back, head phones on walking as fast as I could. Something amazing happened on the last part of the hike. We were in this beautiful area looking down into a meadow with the ridge on the left of us, beautiful blue sky when a song by Il Divo started playing on my I pod.... the song was Hallelujah (Aleluya)! It was the most amazing song in such a spiritual place. I think I hit the repeat button three times and it put me into the right mental space to continue the journey. Bill conserved his water and was such a savior making sure that I was drinking enough. What started as a little hike turned into 4 1/2 hours. Luckily, the trail head is fifteen minutes from our house so when we finally found the car it was a quick ride home. I think we both crashed on the couch and between the two of us drank a whole jug of ice tea!
Friday night we went to the concert at Centerra. I made a picnic dinner with sandwiches, fruit and ice tea, we packed the camp chairs in the car and drove to Centerra. It was a beautiful evening, not too hot, and the band was great! There is a mini hill covered in grass and the little kids were rolling down the hill, laughing and having a great time! One of my favorite places at the Mall was there selling Gelato. Of course, that was the first thing I wanted after dinner..heck with the fruit, bring on the ice cream! The band was great and played old Rock music. It was so nice being at a concert and knowing all the words to the songs!
One other note about Bobcat Ridge: the first day we went hiking there, I think it was Tuesday, we came upon a young man in his 30's who was walking a large, hairy dog on the graveled path. At first I felt sorry for the dog because it was so hot and he was panting pretty hard. Then I looked down at the feet of the man and he was BARE FOOT. This man did not have any shoes on..I asked him how in the world he could walk on the gravel path without shoes and he said that he started slowly and now the soles of his feet are like the pads on dogs feet. I could not believe it. I had not seen anyone without shoes, on a gravel path, since I was a little kid and went to the Indian Reservation with my Grandparents..none of the children wore shoes ( and most of the boys did not wear clothes) at that time of my life that really bothered me. I could not imagine how they ran around the desert without shoes!
All-in-all we had a great week. We had lazy mornings on the porch, hiked, went to Farmers Markets, attended a party at the Griff's, went to Loveland's Summerfest where we enjoyed the exhibits and concerts. I was going to add some pictures of our adventures but I do not have the cable to download from my camera to the computer. As always, when I am in Thornton what I need is in Loveland and when I am in Loveland everything I need is in Thornton!
I will end for now and add the pictures ( if I figure out how) as soon as possible.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bill's Side of the Family!
When we were married, nine years ago, I gained three daughters and a son. Along with this new family came TEN grandchildren. Unfortunately, we seldom see seven of these grand kids because they do not live in Colorado.
Debbie, and her daughter Whitney, are wonderful strong women. Debbie has been a single Mom for many years. Whitney is now living in Grand Junction and from FB it seems like her life is going well and she is having the time of her life! Debbie has a good job with the State of Colorado and we love, and cherish, our visits with her.
Thomas lives in Washington and is raising his three daughters. Although we have not seen them in a few years, they are always in our hearts! Meadow, Chunsi ( I always need to look up the spelling of this one..may have to edit), and Mignon are beautiful, sweet, young women and I am so proud to be their Nana Shawn. One of my favorite memories is when they were trying to teach me how to use chop sticks!!
Lisa, and her family, live in California. Luckily we were able to visit last summer after Aaron and Kelly's wedding. What a great time we had with them! Lisa is also a very strong woman. It amazes me the things she can do: from working on a car to her new hobby making jewelry. Lenaea, her oldest daughter, is an amazing,compassionate, thoughtful woman. I have loved my visits with her in California and when she came to Colorado to visit us. Nile, the next in line, dances to the beat of a different drummer, and we would not have it any other way! I remember being at Boulder Creek with Nile and he was walking by the creek picking up , and disposing, the trash others left behind. At the time, I marveled at how thoughtful he was. Yma, the second daughter, is now a Teen. She is a beautiful young woman and as any teen FB , the phone and friends are very important aspects of her life. Mesa, the youngest, is one of the most artistic little guys I have ever met. He makes wonderful objects out of the Twisty Ties his mother "borrows" from the grocery store. It is amazing the boxes of art work that he has made.
Bill's youngest daughter, along with her husband and two children, has a home just a few miles from us in Berthoud but she has chosen not to be a part of our life. We have made the effort but there has been no response on her part. Sadly for us, we do not have a relatioship with these grand kids.
Well, I think that sums it up. I was so lucky to have such support from his family when we were married. They all welcomed me with open arms and I felt so much love from all of them. I love each and everyone of them. I truly am a LUCKY woman!
Debbie, and her daughter Whitney, are wonderful strong women. Debbie has been a single Mom for many years. Whitney is now living in Grand Junction and from FB it seems like her life is going well and she is having the time of her life! Debbie has a good job with the State of Colorado and we love, and cherish, our visits with her.
Thomas lives in Washington and is raising his three daughters. Although we have not seen them in a few years, they are always in our hearts! Meadow, Chunsi ( I always need to look up the spelling of this one..may have to edit), and Mignon are beautiful, sweet, young women and I am so proud to be their Nana Shawn. One of my favorite memories is when they were trying to teach me how to use chop sticks!!
Lisa, and her family, live in California. Luckily we were able to visit last summer after Aaron and Kelly's wedding. What a great time we had with them! Lisa is also a very strong woman. It amazes me the things she can do: from working on a car to her new hobby making jewelry. Lenaea, her oldest daughter, is an amazing,compassionate, thoughtful woman. I have loved my visits with her in California and when she came to Colorado to visit us. Nile, the next in line, dances to the beat of a different drummer, and we would not have it any other way! I remember being at Boulder Creek with Nile and he was walking by the creek picking up , and disposing, the trash others left behind. At the time, I marveled at how thoughtful he was. Yma, the second daughter, is now a Teen. She is a beautiful young woman and as any teen FB , the phone and friends are very important aspects of her life. Mesa, the youngest, is one of the most artistic little guys I have ever met. He makes wonderful objects out of the Twisty Ties his mother "borrows" from the grocery store. It is amazing the boxes of art work that he has made.
Bill's youngest daughter, along with her husband and two children, has a home just a few miles from us in Berthoud but she has chosen not to be a part of our life. We have made the effort but there has been no response on her part. Sadly for us, we do not have a relatioship with these grand kids.
Well, I think that sums it up. I was so lucky to have such support from his family when we were married. They all welcomed me with open arms and I felt so much love from all of them. I love each and everyone of them. I truly am a LUCKY woman!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Anniversary
It is hard to believe that we have been married for nine years! Where has the time gone? Our family has seen so many changes..marriage, divorces, births of grandchildren, deaths of my parents and grandmother, the addition of a whole new family; one thing that never changes is the love and support well all have for each other.
For some unknown reason Bill has put up with all my *#?! for the last years. Like any couple, we have our issues, but we have made it this far! It will be interesting to see what the next years will bring. Hopefully, all will stay healthy, ( none of us are wealthy $$$) but wealth comes in different ways, and wise.
For some unknown reason Bill has put up with all my *#?! for the last years. Like any couple, we have our issues, but we have made it this far! It will be interesting to see what the next years will bring. Hopefully, all will stay healthy, ( none of us are wealthy $$$) but wealth comes in different ways, and wise.
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