So after the last blog when I enjoyed my coffee outdoors it snowed the next day. And since then we have enjoyed back and forth weather here at home, while the mountains here are getting dumped on. We are guessing this is what the big deal is about spring snowing in Utah. Since we are not skiers then this is an assumption on our part. But when you get over 40 inches of NEW snow up at the resorts, you know that's something!
For us NON skiers, it means the water tables should hold up for the next summer and we won't suffer needless drought like weather. Who knows? We are definitely assuming. ; - )
On another note, we completed another small project. Our master bedroom closet is sort of a small square walk in. clothes hung all on the same level in a U shape. It was tight but it was a closet. Today we emptied the entire closet took down the hangy thingy that was there and reconfigured it higher and in an L shape and added a bottom rod along the long side of the L. Now you can stand there and see your clothes and not get mugged by them. Novel thought. The short part of the L is for long stuff. We aren't exactly clothes hogs but we increased the usable space considerably. It's actually a nice closet. TOTAL COST = $21.00 and change. WOW. I'm so not used to projects you can begin late afternoon and finish the same day including a trip to the store. Pretty much without planning even.
Our house in AK was a three day OR MORE project house no matter what you tried to do. This is the difference between a really shittily (is that a word?) built house in the mid 70's to a cheaply built house done in 2001.
Tomorrow we will finish up laying pavers along the shed and the front edge of our patio outside. Weather is supposed to be mid 50's so should be a really nice days project. How cool is that? And the flowers keep blooming around town and our yard almost is ready to mow. ; - )
AND to update on the kitty fabric being sent back and forth . . . Our Daughters cats sniffed at the fabric for like 10 minutes and one of them started to lick it. (big scare there) I just got the fabric today and while Hobbes sniffed, Suzie totally ignored. Another big scare there. HAHAHAHA Hobbes is WAY more interested in the box. someplace to sit. I think having an extra couple of kitties will be just fine.
ME
Friday, March 27, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Morning glory
This morning I was able to enjoy my coffee out doors on the patio and while just a little chilly yet so I had to wear a flannel lined canvas shirt it was extremely enjoyable. I had several cups of coffee, read my book and didn't get bitten by a single mosquito. This is something I could not have done in AK. I couldn't even sit for half a cup of coffee before the bothersome bugs would drive me indoors.
And to this we add the forsythia bush is just beginning to bloom it's yellow flowers, and there are deep purple buds showing on the lilacs. I'm figuring on some cuttings and forcing them inside to enjoy. We are expecting some nasty rain and snow for the next few days.
Our daughter will be joining us shortly and with her will come her two cats we are fostering for a year. In order to help the transition I have sent to her a small blanket our cats liked to lay on, and she will be sending me a couple of towels that her cats like to lay on. The plan is to give each set of cats a chance to smell the others before they get here with great hopes of easing the transition. The plan is to place the towels and or blanket near the food dishes cause food = good and the smell will be associated with that. Now, mind you if this backfires, we'll have cats that refuse to eat cause there are terrorists cats hiding somewhere near their dishes and they can't find them and when the two foreboding cats actually show their faces they will be attacked. LOL.
I think the cats will do fine. Each and of themselves will find their own space in the house and they will exist in harmony if not grudging respect for each others space.
If the flowers bloom indoors I'll have to post pictures of them. I haven't had forsythia since I lived in Ohio. There the bushes would thrive and grow in great flowing stretches and were absolutely beautiful with bright yellow flowers. Then after blooming the bushes would have a nice green leaf for the rest of the year. I only have one small bush, but it will be beautiful.
Down the street one of our neighbors has daffodils and hyacinths. I haven't seen too many iris's here but I bet they would do very well. People even have those cute little solar lights riming their walkways and flowers. LOL, in AK you only had the sun, and in the winter the little lights didn't get any sun and were covered with snow so I'm sure they didn't sell many there.
so it's been a wonderful morning and I just wanted to share some of it with you all.!
ME
And to this we add the forsythia bush is just beginning to bloom it's yellow flowers, and there are deep purple buds showing on the lilacs. I'm figuring on some cuttings and forcing them inside to enjoy. We are expecting some nasty rain and snow for the next few days.
Our daughter will be joining us shortly and with her will come her two cats we are fostering for a year. In order to help the transition I have sent to her a small blanket our cats liked to lay on, and she will be sending me a couple of towels that her cats like to lay on. The plan is to give each set of cats a chance to smell the others before they get here with great hopes of easing the transition. The plan is to place the towels and or blanket near the food dishes cause food = good and the smell will be associated with that. Now, mind you if this backfires, we'll have cats that refuse to eat cause there are terrorists cats hiding somewhere near their dishes and they can't find them and when the two foreboding cats actually show their faces they will be attacked. LOL.
I think the cats will do fine. Each and of themselves will find their own space in the house and they will exist in harmony if not grudging respect for each others space.
If the flowers bloom indoors I'll have to post pictures of them. I haven't had forsythia since I lived in Ohio. There the bushes would thrive and grow in great flowing stretches and were absolutely beautiful with bright yellow flowers. Then after blooming the bushes would have a nice green leaf for the rest of the year. I only have one small bush, but it will be beautiful.
Down the street one of our neighbors has daffodils and hyacinths. I haven't seen too many iris's here but I bet they would do very well. People even have those cute little solar lights riming their walkways and flowers. LOL, in AK you only had the sun, and in the winter the little lights didn't get any sun and were covered with snow so I'm sure they didn't sell many there.
so it's been a wonderful morning and I just wanted to share some of it with you all.!
ME
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Coincidence??
Today I just happened to ck to see what the length of day and minutes gained were for Chugiak AK and Payson UT. Now this won't happen again for a while and seriously what are the chances of catching this today. Funny!!
Chugiak: 12h 04m
Tomorrow will be 5m 48s longer.
Payson: 12h 04m
Tomorrow will be 2m 40s longer.
ME
Chugiak: 12h 04m
Tomorrow will be 5m 48s longer.
Payson: 12h 04m
Tomorrow will be 2m 40s longer.
ME
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Currently in Payson
So far we have successfully registered the Ford and now it has dandy new UT plates on it. AND the good news, we both passed our drivers test and are now licensed to drive in UT. Luckily it's an open book test for those of us who have driven and come with a current license from another state. Worst part was the monitors you sat at to take your test. They were very hard to see with the lights from the ceiling. But we only had 25 questions to answer and each missed one. We could have missed up to 5.
We have a skiff of snow hanging around from the last storm. The roads and walkways are clear and part of the grass, but it's not been quite warm enough to just melt the snow. We are expecting another spring storm this weekend so we just wait and see what it will bring.
We also bought a new piano. I am so absolutely excited about this I can't tell you. It's just a little one, considered a starter piano, but for me it's just perfect. Officially it's a Cable Nelson, by Yamaha and has a dark walnut finish. I am so impressed with the sound and the touch of the keys. It's amazing. Now I have no excuse not to get back to it and learn how to play the darn thing better. I actually could play OK for a hobby back in high school but times change, and when you don't diligently practice you just don't hang on to the skill. I'm sure in high school it was the best therapy. I would sit after school and pile up the sheet music and pound my way through it till I could play the selections normally. A great way to work out the tensions that high school brings.
So we sit watching the changes happening with spring pushing in. The baby cows being born all along the area are too precious for words. The buds are starting to color the ends of the tree branches and this week we are expecting highs in the 50 degree area and next week under clear skies the highs are expected to 70. YIKES.
Our middle daughter is moving to Washington DC for a year (can any one say ROAD TRIP) and will be visiting us before she goes. Along with that we have agreed to be foster parents to her two kitties. I am very sure we will have a transition period here as our present two kitties are like 14 years old but it hasn't been so long that we had 4 of our own so they should adjust to the expansion.
I am on the job hunt now. (nuff said) ok, well looking for work is the suckiest thing in the world. All of a sudden you are totally inept, can't hardly function in this modern world and all the other applicants (especially here) are young enough to be my children. But, there will be something out there for me, it will just take some digging. ; - )
so just a little note (tra la la) to update you all!
ME
We have a skiff of snow hanging around from the last storm. The roads and walkways are clear and part of the grass, but it's not been quite warm enough to just melt the snow. We are expecting another spring storm this weekend so we just wait and see what it will bring.
We also bought a new piano. I am so absolutely excited about this I can't tell you. It's just a little one, considered a starter piano, but for me it's just perfect. Officially it's a Cable Nelson, by Yamaha and has a dark walnut finish. I am so impressed with the sound and the touch of the keys. It's amazing. Now I have no excuse not to get back to it and learn how to play the darn thing better. I actually could play OK for a hobby back in high school but times change, and when you don't diligently practice you just don't hang on to the skill. I'm sure in high school it was the best therapy. I would sit after school and pile up the sheet music and pound my way through it till I could play the selections normally. A great way to work out the tensions that high school brings.
So we sit watching the changes happening with spring pushing in. The baby cows being born all along the area are too precious for words. The buds are starting to color the ends of the tree branches and this week we are expecting highs in the 50 degree area and next week under clear skies the highs are expected to 70. YIKES.
Our middle daughter is moving to Washington DC for a year (can any one say ROAD TRIP) and will be visiting us before she goes. Along with that we have agreed to be foster parents to her two kitties. I am very sure we will have a transition period here as our present two kitties are like 14 years old but it hasn't been so long that we had 4 of our own so they should adjust to the expansion.
I am on the job hunt now. (nuff said) ok, well looking for work is the suckiest thing in the world. All of a sudden you are totally inept, can't hardly function in this modern world and all the other applicants (especially here) are young enough to be my children. But, there will be something out there for me, it will just take some digging. ; - )
so just a little note (tra la la) to update you all!
ME
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Today is Good Bye, and the Future is before me.
Today marks the first day of the rest of my life. My life NOT working at the office I worked at.
This comes somewhat bittersweet as at least a few of the people I worked with were great. The problem was the overall picture. It wasn't worth the exposure to contaminated biological waste, it wasn't worth regressing to a point of the dark ages for office practices, programs, and functions. And it really wasn't worth trying to work with people not willing to work with other people.
The first two points speak volumes already and need no further flushing out. But lastly the customer service aspect of work in America is a major factor. I have learned in my short and humble life that there are basically two kinds of people. These may over lap, but it still boils down to two. You either provide service, or you receive service. Both are honorable and depends on which side you are on at any given time.
My customer service beliefs are very strong and where I used (YEA) to work were not. Overall the attitude did not center on the customer. So sad. They centered on themselves. It is not progressive, it is not positive, and is it not productive.
It is a good day to have said good bye.
ME
This comes somewhat bittersweet as at least a few of the people I worked with were great. The problem was the overall picture. It wasn't worth the exposure to contaminated biological waste, it wasn't worth regressing to a point of the dark ages for office practices, programs, and functions. And it really wasn't worth trying to work with people not willing to work with other people.
The first two points speak volumes already and need no further flushing out. But lastly the customer service aspect of work in America is a major factor. I have learned in my short and humble life that there are basically two kinds of people. These may over lap, but it still boils down to two. You either provide service, or you receive service. Both are honorable and depends on which side you are on at any given time.
My customer service beliefs are very strong and where I used (YEA) to work were not. Overall the attitude did not center on the customer. So sad. They centered on themselves. It is not progressive, it is not positive, and is it not productive.
It is a good day to have said good bye.
ME
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Such a fun visit back to AK
We recently had the opportunity to head back to Alaska for a visit. Terry was responsible for a training session and was sent up about 5 days before I went up. Since we have mileage I was able to head up on a cheap mileage ticket last Wednesday.
In order to make this happen I had to drive Terry to the SLC airport some 65 or so miles north on I-15 and get home by myself. Then after work on Wednesday I had to drive myself all by myself and park at the airport. It still boggles my mind that at times we drive on 6 lane highway. The trip went without a hitch and the roads were great so no worries and it worked out real well.
In fact, while we have some honest to goodness concrete spaghetti out there, I-15 is one major highway that works. We have driven a few places and some of the worst offenders include (and I am sure not limited to) the Dallas FT Worth area, Denver, and Calgary. While I-15 gets busy, you can literally drive the entire length of the state and never reach a surface road. You stay on the controlled highway the entire way. That to me works. The signs are great and there are no tricks like short notice left hand exits. You just motor along and pay attention. It's about an hour and a half to the airport from Payson. And well, OK, I have never driven in New York, Chicago, San Francisco or LA. But the day ain't over yet! LOL
Now, the weather before I got there was quite frigid. It was pretty much -13 or colder and they had just received a good shot of fresh snow. I got there and it warmed up to above freezing (yea) and we got and additional few inches of snow blow in while we were there.
It was such a treat to visit with Jared and Azure, and Mel, Denise, Aspen, Willow, and Savanna. Family is very hard to replace. Everyone is doing real well and that was great to see also. I finally got to see first hand the finished remodel project Mel had started and pictures do not do it justice. Man, it's beautiful. He added on some 16 feet to the house and it has been integrated and flows now beautifully. You would never know it's an addition. Such a great job!
I had the opportunity to return to my previous employer and see some very special folks there as well. Man, I miss what I did there for work but times change and we have moved on to new adventures. I really did learn the right way to do things for the right reasons. These are lessons that I will carry always, so a bit of AFOC will continue to live on no matter where I go. ; - )
We of course drove past the old house and were actually ok with that. No tears or anything. I'm glad that I wasn't the one spending the extremely cold winter there. That house sat in a cold spot anyway and the wicked winter they have had in AK would have been severely cold there. While we did everything we could to improve the house there is only so much you can do with 2 x 4 walls. We hope the new owners were warm and toasty. It was a good visit, and if felt like a visit. I think the move to the states was a good one and neither one of us regrets our decision.
So it was back to work here on Monday. Terry managed to catch a wicked cold but is on the mend. I am hoping to NOT catch a wicked cold. I had that on the drive down and it wasn't pretty.
We are practicing our Spanish and will be back in class on Thursday. This is a community schools conversational Spanish. (very begining level) We better learn how to say mucho frijo. (much cold?) to satisfy the Utahans that think we were Loco to go to AK in February. Ya know, it wasn't that cold, and it didn't even feel odd. I hope I never loose that. I know, wait till summer when I wilt completely.
Till we meet again . . . . . .
ME
In order to make this happen I had to drive Terry to the SLC airport some 65 or so miles north on I-15 and get home by myself. Then after work on Wednesday I had to drive myself all by myself and park at the airport. It still boggles my mind that at times we drive on 6 lane highway. The trip went without a hitch and the roads were great so no worries and it worked out real well.
In fact, while we have some honest to goodness concrete spaghetti out there, I-15 is one major highway that works. We have driven a few places and some of the worst offenders include (and I am sure not limited to) the Dallas FT Worth area, Denver, and Calgary. While I-15 gets busy, you can literally drive the entire length of the state and never reach a surface road. You stay on the controlled highway the entire way. That to me works. The signs are great and there are no tricks like short notice left hand exits. You just motor along and pay attention. It's about an hour and a half to the airport from Payson. And well, OK, I have never driven in New York, Chicago, San Francisco or LA. But the day ain't over yet! LOL
Now, the weather before I got there was quite frigid. It was pretty much -13 or colder and they had just received a good shot of fresh snow. I got there and it warmed up to above freezing (yea) and we got and additional few inches of snow blow in while we were there.
It was such a treat to visit with Jared and Azure, and Mel, Denise, Aspen, Willow, and Savanna. Family is very hard to replace. Everyone is doing real well and that was great to see also. I finally got to see first hand the finished remodel project Mel had started and pictures do not do it justice. Man, it's beautiful. He added on some 16 feet to the house and it has been integrated and flows now beautifully. You would never know it's an addition. Such a great job!
I had the opportunity to return to my previous employer and see some very special folks there as well. Man, I miss what I did there for work but times change and we have moved on to new adventures. I really did learn the right way to do things for the right reasons. These are lessons that I will carry always, so a bit of AFOC will continue to live on no matter where I go. ; - )
We of course drove past the old house and were actually ok with that. No tears or anything. I'm glad that I wasn't the one spending the extremely cold winter there. That house sat in a cold spot anyway and the wicked winter they have had in AK would have been severely cold there. While we did everything we could to improve the house there is only so much you can do with 2 x 4 walls. We hope the new owners were warm and toasty. It was a good visit, and if felt like a visit. I think the move to the states was a good one and neither one of us regrets our decision.
So it was back to work here on Monday. Terry managed to catch a wicked cold but is on the mend. I am hoping to NOT catch a wicked cold. I had that on the drive down and it wasn't pretty.
We are practicing our Spanish and will be back in class on Thursday. This is a community schools conversational Spanish. (very begining level) We better learn how to say mucho frijo. (much cold?) to satisfy the Utahans that think we were Loco to go to AK in February. Ya know, it wasn't that cold, and it didn't even feel odd. I hope I never loose that. I know, wait till summer when I wilt completely.
Till we meet again . . . . . .
ME
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Life's little lessons
So, it's not like this is the first I have ever lived away from home. It's not like I haven't stayed at home alone with Terry traveling before. It's not like I do not have a clue, BUT . . . .
When you are home alone you tend to make sure all the doors are locked. When you do this and have new door hardware to boot, you must also remember to check your doors before you close one behind you.
When you are stepping out to the attached garage to put away something and you close the door behind you so the cats do not escape and as soon as the door latches closed . . . YOU KNOW . . . you are SCREWED.
Just like that you must go into survival mode. I was out in the garage, had at least slipped on some scuffs so I wasn't barefoot, had my phone in my pocket (OF MY FREAKIN HOUSE COAT) and that was it. It's 20 degrees out, I live in a neighborhood of Mormons and it's Sunday morning. Not to mention Terry is out of town, my coat is locked in Terry's car and any others are in the house and we live 15 miles from Provo the closest locksmiths that would have charged an arm, leg and probably black mailed me. Not to mention I was only going to get colder waiting for them.
Now one might ask ones self, how could you be so freaking stupid not to have a key outside. It's not like you have lived ANY WHERE that you didn't have a key outside in case you locked yourself out. In fact, locking ones self out is fairly common for me anyway.
I was able to find the shed key in the tool chest and thought just maybe I'll get lucky but no, there is no key in the shed for the house.
So, bite the bullet, I found my old work vest (thank GOD for good old AFOC, polar fleece vest) in my car and put it on and zipped it up and swallowed my pride and bet on the first neighbor being up and home. (did I mention its about 8:30 in the morning.)
Thankfully, neighbor was home and the kids were up. They have a young son small and agile enough to get boosted in a bedroom window that was unlocked. So it took some maneuvering and a ladder to span the window well and suddenly I was In the house profusely thanking them.
These are the best neighbors!
And the extra key you might wonder?? It's now out in the garage in the tool chest so I won't do this again. And we'll change the lock out on the shed to a combo lock so we can put one out there as well. Man, it only takes one small moment in time to make you wake up! I got extremely lucky, and blessed.
The other life's little lesson . . . . is to get dressed sooner in the morning. No more hanging out in the ol housecoat. And oh goodness yes, it could have been WAY worse.
; - )
ME
When you are home alone you tend to make sure all the doors are locked. When you do this and have new door hardware to boot, you must also remember to check your doors before you close one behind you.
When you are stepping out to the attached garage to put away something and you close the door behind you so the cats do not escape and as soon as the door latches closed . . . YOU KNOW . . . you are SCREWED.
Just like that you must go into survival mode. I was out in the garage, had at least slipped on some scuffs so I wasn't barefoot, had my phone in my pocket (OF MY FREAKIN HOUSE COAT) and that was it. It's 20 degrees out, I live in a neighborhood of Mormons and it's Sunday morning. Not to mention Terry is out of town, my coat is locked in Terry's car and any others are in the house and we live 15 miles from Provo the closest locksmiths that would have charged an arm, leg and probably black mailed me. Not to mention I was only going to get colder waiting for them.
Now one might ask ones self, how could you be so freaking stupid not to have a key outside. It's not like you have lived ANY WHERE that you didn't have a key outside in case you locked yourself out. In fact, locking ones self out is fairly common for me anyway.
I was able to find the shed key in the tool chest and thought just maybe I'll get lucky but no, there is no key in the shed for the house.
So, bite the bullet, I found my old work vest (thank GOD for good old AFOC, polar fleece vest) in my car and put it on and zipped it up and swallowed my pride and bet on the first neighbor being up and home. (did I mention its about 8:30 in the morning.)
Thankfully, neighbor was home and the kids were up. They have a young son small and agile enough to get boosted in a bedroom window that was unlocked. So it took some maneuvering and a ladder to span the window well and suddenly I was In the house profusely thanking them.
These are the best neighbors!
And the extra key you might wonder?? It's now out in the garage in the tool chest so I won't do this again. And we'll change the lock out on the shed to a combo lock so we can put one out there as well. Man, it only takes one small moment in time to make you wake up! I got extremely lucky, and blessed.
The other life's little lesson . . . . is to get dressed sooner in the morning. No more hanging out in the ol housecoat. And oh goodness yes, it could have been WAY worse.
; - )
ME
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